Broomhill Lane in Reepham is set for major traffic calming as Norfolk County Council approves a package of measures linked to the 141‑home Lovell Homes development.

The road next to Reepham High School will see its speed limit cut from 30 mph to 20 mph, with full‑width sinusoidal speed humps installed to reduce vehicle noise.

Double yellow lines will be added along the length of the lane, at the Whitwell Road junction and at the entrance to the new estate, while the southern footpath will be upgraded to a shared pedestrian‑and‑cycle route.

The works will be funded by the developer as part of the planning conditions attached to the scheme.

See the EDP story HERE.

Photo: Richard Taylor

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Traffic restrictions and roadworks starting within the next week for the Reepham district have been issued by one.network.

Wood Dalling Road, Reepham
24 August – 26 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU803369640KIPA

Norwich Road, Booton
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344421KIRM

Heydon Road, Heydon
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344119KIRM

Blackwater Lane, Heydon
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804361224KIRM

Heydon Lane, Heydon
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804333928KIRM

Crow Hill, Wood Dalling
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344236KIRM

Guton Hall Lane, Brandiston
25 August – 27 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344418KIRM

Porters Lane, Lenwade
27 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU8014197KISC

Church Hill, Wood Dalling
28 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Works reference: BC008PLT3164250830032025

Fakenham Road, Great Witchingham
28 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG054IPSUM0173-NR95QS

Bircham Road, Reepham
28 August – 02 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU803381208KIPA

Crown Meadow, Reepham
01 September – 03 September
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-01

Station Road, Reepham
01 September – 08 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-02

Stony Lane, Reepham
01 September – 08 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-03

The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 24 August appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The Greater Norwich authorities have begun work on a new Local Plan for 2045, prompted by national planning reforms and changes to the government’s method for calculating housing need.

As part of the early stages, the GNLP review team has launched its Scoping Consultation, inviting comments from anyone with an interest in the plan area, which covers Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk.

Several Broadland communities – including Cawston, Foulsham, Great Witchingham/Lenwade, Reepham and Weston Longville – feature in the list of proposed sites now under assessment. The results will feed into a full public consultation planned for June/July 2027.

The GNLP 2045 Scoping Consultation runs from 17 August to 28 September, closing at 5 pm, and responses can be submitted online. To respond, click HERE.

An 8.71-hectare area of land north of Dereham Road, Reepham, is proposed for a major housing development. Image: Greater Norwich Plan Local Plan 2045

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The August meeting of Reepham WI, held on the afternoon of Thursday 20 August, took place in the beautiful Bircham Centre gardens, where club president Brenda Gostling welcomed members to a relaxing afternoon tea in aid of Leeway, a Norfolk charity supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Members were able to choose between a glass of Prosecco, Bucks Fizz or a refreshing soft drink, making the afternoon tea a special occasion for everyone.

The weather was kind to us to begin with; however, a sharp downpour meant we relocated into the Bircham Centre. As ever, the WI had a “Plan B”, and everyone was rather pleased to see the rain. It certainly didn’t dampen our spirits, and we continued to enjoy a lovely afternoon together.

Members were encouraged to bring along whatever they wished to eat, resulting in a wonderful array of delicious and colourful food. This also meant that allergies and intolerances could easily be accommodated, ensuring everyone could enjoy the afternoon together.

The interactive quiz provided plenty of laughter and friendly competition, eventually resulting in a tie-breaker. It was lovely to see everyone’s competitive edge coming through as members battled it out for the winning spot.

Reepham WI is a modern group of women who enjoy embracing traditional values while celebrating friendship, community and having fun together. Alongside our monthly meetings, members can also enjoy our active craft group, book club and walking group, all of which meet regularly – there really is something for everyone at Reepham WI.

We meet on the third Thursday of every month at St Michael’s, Reepham, and warmly welcome new women. Whether you’re new to the area or simply fancy coming along, we’d love to meet you.

For more information, check out our website or Facebook page. Alternatively, call Brenda Gostling on 07760 458957 or email.

Jillian Brown

Photos: Reepham WI

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By Victoria Plum

The hall was full and the tables heaving under the weight of entries to last night’s Reepham & District Gardening Club Summer Show. What a range of efforts was to be seen, particularly when you consider the difficult growing conditions we have all suffered this year.

Entries were judged by us all, democratically, carefully and objectively, and the winners were happy with their prizes.

There was an extra award in honour of Tony Myhill, our sadly missed long-term club stalwart – the People’s Prize, for which we awarded a gold star to our chosen entry, which on this occasion featured three lovely vegetables. This was fitting as Tony’s vegetable box entries to the show, as well as his flowers, were always outstanding.

We enjoyed the quiz, a crucial part of the evening, which allows the committee time to add up the coloured stars with which we vote (I don’t think money changed hands as I was watching carefully). There was inevitably fierce argument over the answers to the quiz and fierce competition between the finely matched teams. Our team won!

A gardening club member gave me a wonderful white-flowered hosta a few years ago. It has the most amazing scent and I have it growing by my front door (in a pot to evade the almost inevitable slug damage) and interestingly she won the individual flower stem class with the same flower.

I’m reading a deep and well-researched, fascinating book, Feral by George Monbiot. It puts my feeble attempts at increasing biodiversity in my garden to shame. He has much to say, and you really need to read the book.

I will just mention some items. He makes the case that sheep are not historically native to these islands and therefore no plants have evolved strategies to evade being eaten by them. The consequence is that the uplands where you and I subsidise hill farmers to make a poor living are maintained as a green desert, devoid of trees, birds and anything bar sheep, by continual grazing.

We are used to the idea that rolling green hills are natural and desirable. However, this land should be principally rainforest, and where sheep are excluded it is amazing how trees, and then a variety of wildlife and the crucial biodiversity which follow, will return.

He also details how the absentee landlords, who see vast tracts of Scotland as “investment”, ensure the intensive grazing by red deer to make money from stalking and grouse shooting, which again promotes destructive monocultures. These processes have impact on soil erosion, flooding and eventually on the well-being of us all.

Although we have now had some rain I will continue to use all the grey water I can on my precious plants because it will take ages to properly moisten the soil.

I’m looking forward to the next gardening club meeting on Tuesday 15 September at 7.30 pm in Reepham Town Hall, Church Street, when Kathy Gray will talk to us about four very different gardens and the diversity of plants we can grow.

All are welcome to these meetings. Our expert speakers are always excellent and members always friendly.

Top: Just some of the entries at this year’s Reepham & District Gardening Club Summer Show. Below: White-scented hosta. Photos: Tine Sutton

The post Veg, votes and very fierce quizzers at the summer show appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Reepham & District Rotary Club recently sent a donation of £1,500 to Aquabox, the charity that provides clean water for people displaced after an emergency, to support disaster relief around the world.

Aquabox keeps boxes of water treatment equipment ready to send to any disaster area. Boxes for family or community use contain filtration equipment to ensure clean water – the first essential for healthy survival.

Reepham Rotary has supported this charity for many years, signing more than 500 survival boxes. Last year, boxes were sent to Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Lebanon, Malawi, Uganda, Sri Lanka and Ukraine. Most recently, filters have also been sent to Venezuela after the recent earthquake.

Reepham Rotary funds are raised through a 100 club with a monthly subscription of £2 per ticket; many in the Reepham community already take part.

To join the 100 club, contact organiser Paul Smith by email. Four winning tickets are drawn each month with a rollover bonus to one lucky winner at the end of the year.

Richard Cooke

Photo: Aquabox

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Traffic restrictions and roadworks starting within the next week for the Reepham district have been issued by one.network.

Aubrey Rix Close, Foulsham
17 August – 19 August
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168524544

Foundry Close, Foulsham
17 August – 19 August
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168524253

Church Road, Booton
17 August – 23 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Orsted Hornsea Project Three (Uk) Limited
Works reference: P300106410864

Bircham Road, Reepham
18 August – 20 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU803381208KIPA

The Common, Lyng
18 August – 20 August
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: No carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168531659

Aylsham Road, Cawston
19 August – 21 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU8021808KIGU3

Cawston Road, Cawston
19 August – 21 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU8021808KIGU4

High Street, Cawston
19 August – 21 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU8021908KIGU10

Holt Road, Cawston
19 August – 21 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU8021908KIGU11

Church Lane, Sparham
20 August – 24 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU805S437KIRM1

Well Lane, Sparham
20 August – 24 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU805S437KIRM

Station Road, Foulsham
21 August – 25 August
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168598496

Wood Dalling Road, Reepham
24 August – 26 August
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Current status: Advanced planning
Works reference: HU803369640KIPA

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The life of Lorna Kathleen Gray, who passed away peacefully on Sunday 2 August, aged 97, will be celebrated on Thursday 20 August.

A much‑loved local artist and a resident of Reepham and earlier Booton, Lorna shared her creativity with the community for many decades. Her funeral will take place at St Faith’s Crematorium at 10 am, followed by a wake at St Michael’s, Reepham, from 12.30–2 pm.

The family kindly request no flowers. Those wishing to make a gesture of remembrance can contribute to a collection in Lorna’s name for Hillside Animal Sanctuary, a cause close to her heart.

In honour of Lorna’s lifelong love of colour and art, all who wish to pay their respects are invited to dress in bright colours rather than black.

Photo: submitted

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Cawston Community Choir is opening its doors to new singers next month as it launches its autumn programme with an open “Come and Sing” event at St Agnes, Cawston.

The session takes place at 7.15 pm on Tuesday 8 September, offering anyone curious about joining a choir the chance to try it out in a relaxed, no‑pressure setting. The registered charity‑run choir operates without weekly membership fees, relying instead on donations and grants.

Although not a church choir, the group rehearses weekly in the medieval surroundings of St Agnes, where the building’s acoustics provide a striking backdrop for community singing.

The open evening will introduce a mix of easy‑to‑learn songs designed to ease voices back into the new term and set the tone for preparations ahead of the choir’s Christmas events. The organisers emphasise that no auditions are required, and no ability to read music is needed – just a willingness to join in.

Members say they are looking forward to welcoming returning singers as well as newcomers who may have been inspired by recent television choirs or simply want to try something different this autumn.

Further details are available on the choir’s website, or email Naomi Horrocks.

Photo: Cawston Community Choir

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Twenty-eight members and four visitors attended the July meeting of Reepham WI held at St Michael’s, Reepham, where they enjoyed a fascinating and informative presentation by Belinda Buxton and Sarah Keller from Norwich’s nightlife SOS Bus.

Founded in 2001, this remarkable service may never have existed had it not been for a series of tragic incidents on the River Wensum. Following two deaths in quick succession, the local community came together to establish the SOS Bus as a registered charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable people enjoying Norwich’s nightlife.

Belinda and Sarah were keen to dispel the common misconception that it is simply “the drunk bus”. In reality, only 6% of the incidents the team deal with are directly related to alcohol.

The volunteers help people of all ages in a wide range of situations, including medical emergencies, diabetic episodes, dehydration, minor injuries and practical problems such as providing flip-flops to those who are unable to walk safely. They also offer first aid, emotional support, assistance in contacting friends or family, and a safe place for anyone in need.

The bus operates at least one night each week, usually on a Friday or Saturday, from 9.30 pm until 3.30 am. Each shift is staffed by eight or nine volunteers, including trained paramedics and security personnel, whose shared aim is to keep people safe while reducing pressure on the emergency services.

Since its inception, the service has helped 1,629 people, preventing numerous NHS ambulance call-outs, reducing admissions to accident and emergency departments, and saving valuable police time.

WI members were surprised to learn that, despite its proven success and the invaluable support it provides, funding for the service has been drastically reduced. The charity relies entirely on donations to continue its vital work, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the service. Nevertheless, what shone through during the evening was the dedication, enthusiasm and genuine compassion of the volunteers.

Belinda and Sarah’s inspiring presentation gave everyone a real appreciation of the vital work carried out by the SOS Bus and the significant difference it continues to make to the safety and well-being of Norwich’s nighttime community.

Jillian Brown

Photo: SOS Bus Norwich

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