Residents are invited to drop in and speak with Broadland District Council’s Help Hub team when the Help Hub Van visits Reepham’s Market Place, next to the Bircham Centre, on Monday 30 November from 10 am to 2.30 pm.

The Help Hub offers free advice and guidance for anyone facing challenges with finances, housing, health and well-being, or other day-to-day concerns. The team can help people find the support and services best suited to their needs.

Also attending will be a community development worker, who can provide advice on developing local community services, and representatives from Best Start Family Hub, who will be available to discuss the range of support and services available for children, young people and their families.

Organisers say no one should feel they have to struggle alone and encourage residents to stop by for a friendly chat to find out what help is available.

Photo: Broadland District Council

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

Well Close, Sparham
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804335923KIRM

Grove Lane, Sparham
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804335922KIRM

Fir Lane, Bawdeswell
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804335924KIRM

Foxley Road, Themelthorpe
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344509KIRM

Claypit Road, Foulsham
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804334050KIRM

Church Road, Bintree
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804336045KIRM

Broomhill Lane, Reepham
03 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD01310814031

Reepham Road, Guestwick
03 November – 05 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804365603KIRM

Chapel Road, Guestwick
03 November – 05 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804360139KIRM

Heydon Road, Heydon
04 November
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU801TG12109KISC

Reepham Road, Bawdeswell
04 November – 05 November
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Works reference: BC411NL001WH7JH48Y

Norwich Road, Foxley
04 November – 05 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU10881275375

Norwich Road, Reepham
05 November – 06 November
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU10300053051

Broomhill Lane, Reepham
05 November – 09 November
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: No carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03069210734

Jubilee Close, Cawston
05 November – 09 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU803361279KIPA

Fakenham Road, Lenwade
05 November – 09 November
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D2-NOW-21-PN3-INF02

Saint Faiths Close, Great Witchingham
05 November – 11 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D2-NOW-21-PN3-INF01

Fakenham Road, Great Witchingham
06 November
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG031CF41283-1

Irwin Close, Reepham
06 November – 18 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-09

Norwich Road, Weston Longville
09 November – 11 November
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168909778

Bircham Road, Reepham
10 November – 12 November
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168823472_G

Wood Dalling Road, Reepham
10 November – 12 November
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: No carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168837420

The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 2 November appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

What began as a modest venture with one man and a pile of Christmas trees has grown into a well-loved seasonal fixture for many local families.

A visit to the Salle Christmas Shop has become part of the festive tradition for residents across the area, with the team committed to offering high-quality trees, a wide range of gifts and plenty of friendly assistance throughout the Christmas season.

This year promises to be no different. Customers will be able to browse a large selection of freshly cut, locally grown Christmas trees, including the ever-popular Nordmann fir and the fragrant Norway spruce. Trees will be available in sizes ranging from 3ft to 15ft.

The shop will also stock wreaths from several local makers, mistletoe sourced from the auctions at Tenbury Wells, and an extensive range of festive gifts and decorations. Shoppers can choose from a variety of baubles, felt Christmas tree ornaments, fairy lights, tree stands and many other seasonal gift ideas.

The Salle Christmas Shop will open on Saturday 21 November and remain open daily until Wednesday 23 December, from 9 am to 5 pm. A delivery service is available for customers who need help transporting their tree home.

Visitors also have the option to reserve a tree in advance. Customers can select their preferred tree and leave it with the team until they are ready to collect it for decorating at home.

Further information can be found on the Salle Christmas Shop’s website, including advice on choosing and caring for a Christmas tree.

Photos: Salle Park Estate

The post Trees and gifts from the Salle Christmas Shop appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

This week the planning notice for the proposed cable route from the Pettywell Solar Farm to the Cawston sub-station has been posted (20/10/26) on Smugglers Lane.

The proposed route involves narrow roads in the immediate area, passing the station along Marriotts Way, along the B1145 Cawston Road, then back along Marriotts Way towards Cawston.

The trench required is 800 mm wide by 1.2 metres deep, which gives some indication of the amount of subsoil to be removed and the heavy equipment that will be involved for both this work and laying the cable ductwork.

Reepham should be aware that this will cause significant disruption for a considerable time period.

The question is: will Reepham have any long-term benefit?

Martin Sullivan, Kerdiston Road, Reepham

The post Cable route brings disruption: where is the long-term benefit? appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

One of the great strengths of village or town life is the willingness of neighbours to look out for one another.

Across the Broadland district, there is growing recognition that strong community connections play an important role in supporting mental health and well-being.

Recent initiatives, including the expansion of the Mindful Villages programme (thank you to the Bircham Centre and well done) and increased access to local support services (via Help Hub) are helping residents find practical advice and assistance closer to home.

As a former service user of mental health services, any scheme that helps others in any capacity is strongly encouraged – this is a positive initiative from Broadland District Council.

As your county councillor, I regularly see the difference made by local volunteers, community groups, churches, sports clubs and charities. Often, a friendly conversation, a helping hand or simply knowing where to turn to for support can make a real difference to someone’s well-being.

Whether you are attending a community event, volunteering with a local organisation or checking in on a neighbour, every small act helps strengthen the fabric of our community. Together, we can ensure that Reepham and the surrounding villages remain welcoming, supportive places for everyone to live.

Budget time

The budget at Norfolk County Council for the 1927/28 financial year is £2.31 billion − an extraordinary amount of money, but only 27% of this funding is raised by council tax.

The proposals (not decisions; there will be consultations and debates at different committees then at full council) include cuts to verge cutting (which, if targeted constructively, could be done sensibly), cuts to highways and discussions of reduction in library services (no further details as yet) − overall £36 million worth of cuts (savings?) must be found to balance the books.

There will most likely be a council tax increase of 4.99%, comprising the maximum increase of 2.99% and 2% ring-fenced solely for adult social care.

As soon as I see more information I will share it in this column and on my Facebook page to ensure everyone can have input.

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

Image: Broadland District Council

The post Why community connection matters for rural well‑being appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

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

Broomhill Lane, Reepham
26 October – 30 October
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: No carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: The Electricity Network Company Limited
Works reference: N5004P105099N0025163-R1

Whitwell Common, Whitwell
27 October – 28 October
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03167982416_1

Norwich Road, Reepham
27 October – 29 October
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU10200052861

The Street, Lyng
27 October – 29 October
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168124531_1

School Road, Reepham
28 October – 30 October
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU10200053013

Two Fields Way, Bawdeswell
28 October – 30 October
Roadworks, Delays unlikely
Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD03168993437

Hindolveston Road, Guestwick
29 October
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Works reference: BC411NL001WH5WDW6W

Whitwell Road, Reepham
29 October – 30 October
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD02310810876_2

Irmingland Road, Corpusty
02 November
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU803360519KIPA

Well Close, Sparham
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804335923KIRM

Grove Lane, Sparham
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804335922KIRM

Fir Lane, Bawdeswell
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804335924KIRM

Foxley Road, Themelthorpe
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804344509KIRM

Claypit Road, Foulsham
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804334050KIRM

Church Road, Bintree
02 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU804336045KIRM

Broomhill Lane, Reepham
03 November – 04 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water Business (National)
Works reference: AD01310814031

Irwin Close, Reepham
03 November – 13 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Temporary obstruction (15 minute delay)
Responsibility for works: Cityfibre
Works reference: KG077D1-S2-NOW-22-PN4-09

Heydon Road, Heydon
04 November
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU801TG12109KISC

Reepham Road, Bawdeswell
04 November – 05 November
Roadworks, Delays likely
Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Works reference: BC411NL001WH7JH48Y

Norwich Road, Foxley
04 November – 05 November
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)
Responsibility for works: Norfolk County Council
Works reference: HU10881275375

The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 26 October appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

A festive evening of stalls, food, music and family activities will take place in Reepham town centre on Saturday 5 December, as the annual Christmas in Reepham event returns from 4–7 pm.

Around 30 stalls will be set up across the Market Place and the town hall, offering Christmas gifts, wreaths, trees, cakes and other seasonal items from local makers and traders. Several town‑centre shops will remain open for the evening, with Bread Source also taking part.

A free Santa’s Grotto will operate from the courtyard of the Kings Arms, giving younger visitors the chance to meet Father Christmas.

Food and drink will be available throughout the evening, including fish and chips, a hog roast and mulled wine served by Diane’s Pantry, while Sophie Pinset will lead Christmas carols inside the Kings Arms.

Visitors will also be able to view the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s, while an art stall will be open in St Michael’s. The Bircham Centre will host its Country Market alongside additional stalls.

A Christmas raffle will be held at the Kings Arms, with funds raised to be divided equally between the Little Robins (Reepham Town Youth Football Club) and the Bircham Centre.

The event organisers are seeking additional volunteers to assist with 30-minute or one-hour shifts at locations around the town and in the town hall. Anyone able to help is asked to contact Lynette Armitage at the Kings Arms.

Meanwhile, to ensure public safety, the main road through the town will be closed from 1–9 pm on the day of the event. Residents are thanked in advance for their co-operation.

The organisers also expressed thanks to Gemma Johnson for co-ordinating stallholders, and to the wider team involved in planning and delivering the event, including Lynette Armitage, Brenda Gostling, Paul Wade, Simon and Marie Hunt, Georgie Bramble, Lynda Beck, Emily Price, Terri Harwood, Tina Pashley and Revd Nigel Kinsella.

Photos: submitted

The post Festive market and community events planned for December appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

By Victoria Plum

A packed audience, keen for thrills, were treated to a host of dramatic images illustrating diverse ghost stories with watery Norfolk Broads themes by the famous and knowledgeable Wally Webb in Reepham Town Hall at the October meeting of the Reepham & District Gardening Club. His long career at Radio Norfolk had given him many stories about this area.

I aim to check the veracity of these tales by visiting St Benet’s Abbey on 25 May to hear the Shrieking Monk (there’s another on 2 April) and I’ll watch out for the dragon, only 12−15 feet long, which once terrorised Ludham but then fled to St Benet’s. And on 7 April (and again at Halloween) the blood of the murderer Josiah Burge can be seen in the water at Acle Bridge.

I have now brought all my precious succulents into the conservatory. I have had one of my favourites, an Epiphyllum anguliger, for several years; I love the crazy leaves. But in this hot year it has really grown and must have had a happy summer because it has flowered for the very first time. I enjoy the leaf structures, and the flowers, which are prettily scented, are a real bonus.

More bonuses: a tree peony, now five feet high that grew unannounced from a pot after a Salvia had run its course, and a Kniphofia, 18 flowers this year  that arrived in the garden from nowhere. But this year’s best surprise prizes are a pepper plant growing up in a Photinia pot (eight peppers this year with no effort from me) and an Echium.

A friend gave me a green Aeonium arboreum. His had a glorious flower this year, (hugely busy with bees), and the green sort seem to flower more freely than the dark red sorts, which I already have.

Unfortunately, the stem snapped in transit (they are top heavy and brittle) but I managed to save it by tidying up the stem and some lower leaves, then just sticking it in a new pot of well-drained medium; it survived and is growing well.

I left the original pot with the original root on the off chance that it might regrow. It did not, but a different leaf appeared, then another, and it turns out to be a self-seeded Echium. The task for the winter will be to wrap it up in cotton wool – not too warm, not too cool, not too wet and not too dry.

There are some magnificent examples in the walled garden at Felbrigg, and also near the war memorial in Cromer. Like the Aeonium these Echium flowers attract vast numbers of insects and bees.

Join us next month in Reepham Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham, on Tuesday 17 November at 7.30 pm to hear Ajay Tegala describe Wicken Fen, rewilding and various projects with which he is concerned in his work as a ranger.

The meeting also sees the Bag Sale, when we all bring any spare, surplus plants in a carrier bag to sell for £1 per bag for club funds. Please bring any plant material you think could be useful to another member.

Above: Epiphyllum anguliger. Photo: Tina Sutton

The post A night of Broads myths and autumn surprises appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

A major community effort is under way to secure the future of Whitwell Hall, the long‑standing outdoor education centre near Reepham, after the charity that previously operated the site entered administration last year.

A newly formed organisation, Whitwell Hall 2027, has begun a fundraising campaign aiming to raise £500,000 to buy the Grade II‑listed hall and its 40 acres of grounds from administrators.

The centre has hosted generations of schoolchildren, youth groups and community organisations since 1938, offering residential stays, outdoor learning and nature‑based activities. Its closure in December 2025 left many families, teachers and local groups concerned that the site could be lost to private sale.

Administrators have confirmed that a sale to a third party is currently agreed in principle, but they are willing to consider alternative proposals that preserve the hall’s charitable purpose.

Discussions between Whitwell Hall 2027 and administrators are reported to be ongoing, with the charity preparing a formal plan outlining how the purchase could be funded and how future activities would be delivered.

The new charity’s vision includes restoring outdoor education programmes, expanding nature‑based learning, developing skills training for adults and providing affordable spaces for local charities and community groups.

The campaign argues that saving the site would protect an important part of Norfolk’s countryside while ensuring future generations continue to benefit from outdoor learning opportunities.

Supporters of the hall have highlighted its long history of providing formative experiences for young people, from school residentials to scouting camps. Many families who visited the site over decades have expressed strong backing for efforts to keep it in community use.

The fundraising campaign is seeking donations from individuals, organisations and grant bodies. Early contributions have already been made, and the charity says community support will be essential in demonstrating that a viable alternative to private sale exists.

Residents can follow the campaign and donate via the project page at chuffed.org/project/204076-save-whitwell-hall.

For more information about the charity’s efforts to save Whitwell Hall, visit the Whitwell Hall Continuation Society, and if you would like to get involved as a volunteer send an email.

Reepham Life will continue to report on developments as discussions progress and the future of Whitwell Hall becomes clearer.

See our earlier stories:
Community asset listing explored as Whitwell Hall faces sale
Whitwell Hall Country Centre goes into administration

Image: Whitwell Hall Continuation Society

The post Campaign launched to save Whitwell Hall appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

At its meeting on Wednesday 14 October, Reepham Town Council discussed potential future housing in the town in advance of the development of the current Greater Norwich Local Plan.

It was agreed that Community Action Norfolk will be asked to carry out a housing needs survey, which can help find out what types of housing are really needed in the area and could potentially help shape any future housing plans.

At the meeting, the town council co-opted three new councillors: David Jackson, Niamh Kelly and Ron McArthur (see below). Reports were received from County Councillor Dave Thomas and PC Denis Evans.

A new 50-year tenancy agreement was agreed between the diocese and the town council for the Fiddlers Field allotment site.

It was agreed that the clerk should obtain quotes to replace the fluorescent strip lights in the town hall with low-energy LED lights. Grant funding will be sought to assist with financing this.

The public toilets in Pudding Pie Alley are currently owned by Broadland District Council and managed by the town council on its behalf. The district council is keen to dispose of this asset, and has offered it to the town council, along with a commuted sum for future maintenance. Following discussion, it was agreed that the town council will take on this asset to safeguard it for the future.

Planning applications were discussed, including the cable corridor for the approved solar farm near Whitwell. After hearing concerns from a resident close to the proposed cable route, the town council will contact the developer, Albanwise Synergy, to ascertain the width of the corridor, the potential impact on nearby residents and how long it is expected to be for.

The next meeting of Reepham Town Council is on Wednesday 11 November at 7.30 pm at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham, with the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting following at 8.30 pm. If you want to know more or get involved, just contact the clerk on 01603 873355 or email or check the council website.

There is currently one vacancy on the town council. Anyone interested should contact the clerk for further information and an informal chat.

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

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

Meet Reepham’s new town councillors

Ron McArthur has lived in Reepham for 35 years and has joined the town council with a focus on protecting the area’s dark skies. He aims to promote night‑friendly lighting to support wildlife, reduce energy use and maintain naturally dark conditions. He also hopes to expand public access to Reepham Observatory and its large telescope at Reepham College, encouraging more community use and public events.

David Jackson brings extensive professional experience as a project manager, having spent 31 years at Aviva followed by 11 years overseeing IT infrastructure projects for the Ministry of Defence. He has lived in Reepham with his family since 1988 and says he wants to support the town’s amenities and help ensure Reepham remains a great place to live, work and visit.

Niamh Kelly has recently returned to Reepham after completing a geography degree in Leeds. Having grown up in the town, she now works in the local schools and has previously worked at Flower Folk. She says she is keen to use her skills and knowledge to support the community and help maintain Reepham as a welcoming, safe and attractive place to live.

Photo: gustavorezende/Pixabay

The post Town council to commission survey on future housing needs appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.