The Bawdeswell village sign was designed in 1982 by 15-year-old Mark Fairhurst, who was a student at Reepham High School. The sign depicts the legendary Reeve of Bawdeswell stopping at Balder’s Well.

In November 2011, a new village sign was unveiled to take the place of the original. The old sign, which was deteriorating as a result of dry rot and in need of preservation, was the last of more than 200 Norfolk village signs carved by the legendary Harry Carter of Swaffham, who died in 1983.

The old sign has now been given a new home in the reception area of Bawdeswell Village Hall, whose trustees would like to contact Mr Fairhurst, who would now be around 50.

Despite an appeal made in the EDP and research by locals who knew the family, the village hall trustees have no record of where Mr Fairhurst is now.

• If any one has any information, please contact David Cockburn 01362 688749 or email.

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The purpose-built hall was opened in 2015 and since then has gone on to host a wide variety of clubs, social events, private parties, wedding receptions, meetings and more. Development of the hall has been ongoing and it is now home to some of the best facilities in the area.

James Lilwall, chairman of the management committee, said: “The hall has been phenomenally successful since it first opened. But there are lots of individuals and businesses locally who have no idea what a fantastic facility we have here. We’d love people to pop by and take a look for themselves.”

From the 15-foot projector screen and full surround sound in the main hall and the fully-equipped kitchen, to the detail such as whiteboards and flipcharts in each room and Wi-Fi throughout, the hall is set up for all kinds of uses and is available for hire.

The team that looks after the hall is keen to share their hard work with the wider community. Mr Lilwall continued: “The hall will be open between 10 am and 4 pm on 6 April for anyone to come and take a look. A cuppa and a warm welcome awaits. We’ll have various room layouts demonstrated to help inspire people to host their own events here. It really is worth a visit.”

There is free parking at the hall, which is signposted just off Reepham Road in Bawdeswell. You can pre-register your interest in coming HERE or simply drop in on the day.

Bawdeswell Village Hall provides flexible and convenient spaces for villagers and the wider community.

It was made possible by the residents of Bawdeswell, who have been fundraising and donating for many years, and by grants from the Parish Council, Breckland Council, the Geoffrey Watling Charity, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Fitzmaurice Trust, and a substantial grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

The hall is run by a management committee who are trustees of the charity. For more information, contact: James Lillwall, Chairman 01362 688 499 or email

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During the works, which is expected to take 3-4 weeks to complete, the driveway will be closed off at the east end of the hall leaving access to the recycling area, although that area will also be resurfaced resulting in some short-term loss of access.

A temporary car parking area has been marked out on the playing field. Please drive carefully and slowly on the grass and take note of the signs. The entrance is on the left at the beginning of the playing field, while some spaces nearer to the hall are reserved for anyone with mobility issues.

The car park and driveway work should be completed by September.

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