The Earle Arms has reopened after an eight‑month refurbishment under new owners Heydon Estate, which is now working with Tom Ginn, the owner of Norwich-based Bread Hospitality.

The 16th‑century pub, previously run by Andrew Harrison for 26 years, welcomed large crowds at its launch weekend at the end of July with live music and free tasters.

Renovation work proved more extensive than first planned, but historic features recognised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), including handmade terracotta tiles, remain central to the refreshed look.

See the EDP story HERE.

Photos: Earle Arms

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My word, it’s been hot. For a someone whose hairline had abandoned them several years ago this constant hot weather is dangerous.

Like many of you I am doing what I can for nature, putting out bird food and leaving water out where I can for birds, bees and other animals in the evenings.

A lot is happening this summer and with the county council.

Children under 16 will be able to travel for free on many of the bus routes in Norfolk, allowing families to enjoy journeys together during the summer holidays.

The works on the Millenium Library are now complete; I went there recently with my daughter and loved it, well worth a visit when you next head to Norwich.

Since 13 July, Norfolk’s recycling centres can accept electrical goods again; there was a pause due to a lithium battery fire in Thetford. A reminder also to not put disposable vapes in your rubbish or recycling bins – please use dedicated places like supermarkets, some major retailers or vape shops.

In Reepham, I have been busy reporting smaller issues such as potholes, overgrown weeds and blocked drains.

There is a planning application coming soon for the cable route from the Pettywell Solar Farm. Please do take an opportunity to give your input.

Lastly, there was a further drop-in event in early July for the Reepham Quietway project. Details HERE, where you can see all the other comments on a map. Whether any of these come to fruition is another matter.

As always, if I can help with anything please let me know.

Cllr Dave Thomas
Tel: 07903 820140
Email: dave.broadlandlibdems@gmail.com

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Reepham Primary School is stepping up its commitment to high‑quality play as the Friends of Reepham Primary School prepare for a major fundraising gala at Thursford ahead of Playday, the national day for play on Wednesday 5 August.

The charity is raising money to transform the school’s early‑years outdoor area into a richer, more imaginative and child‑led space, while continuing to improve play opportunities across the whole school.

To support this work, the Friends will host a Playmakers’ Gala at the Thursford Collection on Thursday 10 September, bringing together around 180 guests, local businesses, community supporters and leading voices from the world of play.

Starting at 6 pm, the evening will include a museum reception, carousel rides, entertainment, dinner and a programme of speakers exploring how well‑designed environments can support children’s confidence, development and performance.

The event has been made possible through the support of Thursford and sponsors including Salle Estate, Lovell Homes, Loveday & Partners, King & Co, MJS Projects and Cap.Co.

Funds raised will help deliver a significant upgrade to the early‑years outdoor area and support wider improvements to play spaces and resources across the school.

A small number of tables remain available for businesses wishing to attend, while individuals and organisations can also contribute to the Playmakers’ project without joining the gala.

Donations, sponsorship and offers of fundraising support are welcome. Contributions can be made via the Playmakers’ Appeal or through the PayPal Giving Fund, with Gift Aid available for eligible UK taxpayers.

At Reepham Primary School, play is seen as a vital part of the school day, not just a break between lessons. It is where children take the lead, build friendships, invent games, resolve disagreements and grow in confidence.

The school believes its play environments should reflect the importance of this part of children’s development, but delivering the quality it aspires to requires investment beyond what the school budget can provide.

The aim is not simply to add equipment, but to create thoughtful, well‑designed spaces that offer children more opportunities for movement, imagination, exploration, challenge and self‑directed play.

Images: Reepham Primary School

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The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 3 August appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

A leaking pipe in Cawston has been sending drinking water down a drain for at least a month, despite villagers living under a hosepipe ban.

The fault in Ames Court was first reported to Anglian Water on 29 June – nearly two weeks before restrictions were introduced. Residents say the ongoing loss of treated water is “deeply frustrating”.

Local county councillor Dave Thomas said people were “doing the right thing” by following the ban while “thousands of litres” continued to spill onto the road.

Anglian Water said teams were working around the clock to tackle leaks, adding that hot weather and ground movement had increased the number of burst mains.

See the EDP story HERE.

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By Victoria Plum

Dr Ian Bedford really does know everything about the bug world; I always find his talks fascinating.

At this month’s meeting of the Reepham & District Gardening Club he told us about companion planting to help our own gardens obtain the same balance that occurs in the wild, where the mix of plants enables a mix of creatures that in turn enables a natural balance, where insect pests rarely get out of hand.

He asked: “What do you think if you find a greenfly on your salad? Shock and horror?”. If there are no insects and no nibbled leaves on your plate, it is likely that the food items have been treated with insecticides to make them perfect, clean and tidy for you to eat.

The product that kills the bugs that lay eggs, sup the sap and nibble your lettuce is truly nasty; just because you cannot see it do not be beguiled into thinking it is safe for you to eat. Frighteningly, ingestion of these products is now linked with increased occurrences of Parkinson’s disease.

Ian said aphids are really quite sweet and tasty, and on his advice I have sent for some “cricket flour” to try in a cake mix.

He reiterated several times that we must not resort to chemical “magic” answers because the product you use to kill the pest will also be killing the predator you need.

Ian trusts the clever natural products from Green Gardener, Suffolk; I bought the plant invigorator. It safely copes with all the things you might have problems with, such as aphids and scale.

And don’t use liquid detergent to dilute as a spray against aphids as I often have, because it is now too strong for plant life (you may have seen the adverts for cleaning very greasy dishes).

Next month sees the gardening club’s Summer Flower Show and Social Evening. We have been urged to bring our produce and entries even though the year has been difficult.

Everybody has been in the same boat so it will be interesting to see what members have managed to produce (all entries must be home grown!). Bring your entries from 7–7.30 pm on Tuesday 18 August to the Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham.

We like a coach trip

The gardening club went on a comfy and air-conditioned coach all the way to the other side of Norwich (I had to get my passport renewed specially) to Highway Garden & Leisure nursery and garden centre.

I was impressed with the entire place: plants were in good order, the aquatic department was sparkling, the café was excellent with plenty of choice and there were helpful and knowledgeable staff on hand with all the information you needed to know. In fact, just what you would expect from the owners, Roys of Wroxham.

Bargains were bought, lunch enjoyed and we then drove on to Henstead Exotic Garden, just north of Southwold.

The owner gave us a guided tour of his compact, atmospheric, individualistic bamboo forest and unusual plant collection. There were gorgeous cannas; some of these found their way back to Reepham.

It is always interesting to see how owners cultivate their personalities in a garden. The diarist John Evelyn said something along the lines of “Show me the garden and I’ll show you the man”. This amplifies how we put our personalities, inadvertently, into everything we do.

Above: Dr Ian Bedford at the Reepham & District Gardening Club meeting on Tuesday 21 August. Below: Just leaving the jungle at Henstead Exotic Garden. Photos: Tina Sutton

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High Street, Cawston
28 July – 11 August
Scaffolding, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Current status: Work in progress
Works reference: ARN-2600-01382313

Norwich Road, Booton
03 August – 05 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344421KIRM

Bircham Road, Reepham
03 August – 05 August
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168572630

Cawston Road, Salle
03 August – 07 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Orsted Hornsea Project Three (Uk) Limited
Works reference: P300126174350

Nowhere Lane, Great Witchingham
04 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG031CF41191

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At its meeting on 24 June, Reepham Town Council discussed a range of local improvements, from community assets to road safety. Among them was the longstanding call for a pedestrian crossing outside the Co‑op on Cawston Road, where councillors noted the need for safer access and agreed to seek grant funding for new bus‑stop shelters along the route.

At the meeting, local MP Jerome Mayhew was in attendance and spoke in support for keeping Whitwell Hall as an asset in the town for community use. The town council confirmed it would only pursue this as an Asset of Community Value if a local group comes forward to bid, and agreed to send a letter supporting the group’s charitable aims.

The council approved payments, received the income and expenditure report, renewed membership of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), agreed to join Community Action Norfolk, approved the 2025–26 accounts and governance statements, and decided to subscribe to Scribe Accounting for future bookkeeping.

Other matters discussed included exploring a volunteer caretaker role for allotments, agreeing a partial closure of the Market Place for the Reepham Festival, allowing a lightweight goalpost at the Overton Way play area and progressing grant applications for the skatepark at Stimpson’s Piece.

The clerk Kirsty Cotgrove, the chair Hetty Selwyn and County Councillor Dave Thomas recently met with the Norfolk County Council highways engineer for the area. A number of issues were discussed and financial constraints were noted. As a result of the meeting, a flashing 20 mph sign will be installed on Whitwell Road, just before the high school towards the town.

The need for a crossing outside the Co-op on Cawston Road was noted, and it was agreed that the town council will apply for grant funding for shelters at the bus stops on Cawston Road.

Planning applications were considered, and the town council agreed to a consultation on a specialist resource base at Reepham High School.

There are currently four vacancies on the town council. Anyone interested should contact the clerk for further information and an informal chat.

The next Reepham Town Council meeting is on Wednesday 14 September at 7.30 pm at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham, with the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting straight after at 8.30 pm. If you want to know more or get involved, just contact the clerk or check the council website.

The Town Hall and Stimpson’s Piece Community Hall & Pavilion are available to hire. Please contact the clerk 01603 873355 or email for availability and prices.

Notes supplied by Reepham Town Council. Full minutes can be found on the town council website.

Cartoon by The Norfolk Needler

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The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 20 July appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

It’s been two months since I was elected as county councillor for the Reepham division and in that time, I’ve attended numerous parish meetings, met a lot of new people (names will take me a while to remember – apologies in advance) and in turn gained a large amount of new casework. It’s what the role entails so I won’t complain.

A new administration at County Hall means a new direction, new ideas and some level of engagement. Yet this hasn’t occurred. There have been cuts to pots of money and political assistants without much in the way of consulting other members. It’s frustrating, but as opposition councillors you work within the environment as best you can.

The removal of the local member fund (£11,000 for highways) is one that eliminates a constructive element that county councillors can positively impact local communities. This has been historically used for contributions to traffic regulation orders, bus shelters, double yellow lines, village gates – it’s quite a long list. It will now be a longer, more convoluted route to get some of these actions in the future, if at all. In any event it will make these harder to achieve.

But it’s not all bad news – there is still a huge range of grants and funding options for groups across the community from both Broadland District Council and Norfolk County Council.

Lastly, my next councillor surgeries are:

• Saturday 18 July at the New Frost Hall, Claypit Road, Foulsham;
• Saturday 15 August at the Bircham Centre, Market Place, Reepham;
• Saturday 19th September at Cawston Village Hall, High Street, Cawston;
• Saturday 31 October at the Bircham Centre, Market Place, Reepham;

All run from 10 am – 12 noon and everyone is welcome, whether it’s casework, a complaint or you wish to simply have a chat; I am very approachable.

I have a Facebook page that anyone is welcome to follow where you can see what I am up to.

Please stay safe in this hot weather.

Cllr Dave Thomas
Tel: 07903 820140
Email: dave.broadlandlibdems@gmail.com

Photo: Norfolk County Council

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