The fund is now open for the first round of applications. The first phase will offer grants of up to £10,000 from an initial pot of £100,000 for grassroots projects, ranging from transport and connectivity to community facilities, nature and gardens.

In March, the Germany-based energy group completed the purchase of three offshore wind farm development projects from Swedish energy company Vattenfall.

The projects – Norfolk Vanguard West, Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Boreas – each with a planned capacity of 1.4 gigawatts, will be located 47–80 kilometres off the Norfolk coast.

The three projects have already secured seabed rights, grid connections, Development Consent Orders and all other key permits and onshore construction activities are underway.

The onshore cable corridor for the wind farm projects will pass through the Reepham district, to the north and west of the town, en route from Happisburgh to the National Grid substation at Necton.

The Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone will bring £15 million of funding over its 25-year lifetime for communities across rural Norfolk.

The community fund is designed to support a wide range of innovative projects, bringing communities together and having a lasting impact on health, well-being and environmental sustainability.

The focus of the fund has been shaped by a programme of consultation, surveys and workshops with local communities that stretches over eight years, throughout the development of the offshore wind farm projects.

For additional details on applying for the initial funding round, including eligibility criteria and area boundaries, click HERE.

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Above: The areas near Reepham Station that will be cleared of ash dieback-affected trees

Norfolk County Council has also asked that during this work the surface of this stretch of the footpath, bridleway and cycle route is made more accessible to cyclists and wheelchair users by adding a layer of fines and sweeping the loose stones from the granite surface that was installed in March.

Martin Caplin, Norfolk County Council trails officer, said: “We understand that the closure is inconvenient, but hope people will appreciate that this will result in improved safety and accessibility in the long term.”

At the same time, the council intends to close a further section to clear ash dieback-affected trees beyond the allotments.

The planned tree work will commence on 16 November and last for around three weeks.

The contractors doing the work have assured that the access to the allotments will not be affected.

Iestyn Griffith, Norfolk County Council arboricultural and woodland officer, said ash trees on the Marriott’s Way have been susceptible to rapid canopy decline, adding that the areas identified are now in such a condition as to pose a risk to path users and adjacent property.

Timber from the work will be temporarily stored on the nearby development land (with the developers’ agreement) before being removed by a timber haulier.

There is a single ash tree on the allotment edge that will be reduced in height, but not removed, as it has good wildlife potential.

Mr Griffith added: “Although there are a lot of ash trees to be felled (approximately 200 stems), there is a good variety of other tree and shrub species present in this area.

“Felling work carried out in previous years has resulted in rapid natural regeneration occurring.

“We are not planning to carry out any replanting here as it tends to be out-competed by this natural regeneration process.”

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The station building will also be open for the sale of takeaway food and drink, such as crisps, chocolate, bacon rolls, burgers, tea, coffee, cold soft drinks and various alcoholic drinks. Payment by card or exact cash only.

However, there will be no toilet facilities available at this time and no access to any other parts of the station.

The post Limited reopening of Marriott’s Way access at Whitwell Station appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Norfolk County Council’s Marriott’s Way Heritage Trail project is now planning to plant 108 hedge plants, including native fruit trees and wild roses, at Whitwell Station and local residents are invited to come to Platform Two and plant a sapling.

This free family-friendly event will be held on Friday 21 February from 11 am – 3 pm and there will be an opportunity to meet the council’s environment team.

The hedge will be planted to promote greater biodiversity at the location and replace the trees that had been on the bankside running adjacent to the historic M&GN Railway station, which were lost owing to unstable roots and Dutch elm disease.

Register for the event HERE. Children wishing to take part must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Sensible footwear and comfortable clothing should be worn.

You can also hunt for signs of spring along Marriott’s Way or take the three-mile circular route linking Whitwell to Reepham. Remember to drop into the heritage centre and Sidings Bar for refreshments while you visit the station.

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Users can swipe through the 26-mile route, which passes through the Reepham district, discovering the lost history of old railway lines along the way, step by step.

The route’s past is illuminated by fascinating “ghost” photos overlaying old scenes on the present day, facts about the local heritage, plants and wildlife, and audio clips from interviews with train drivers and locals.

Cllr Andrew Jamieson, Norfolk County Council’s Walking and Cycling Member Champion, said: “We’re always looking for exciting and innovative ways of bringing Norfolk’s rich culture and history to life, which is why we’re working with Go Jauntly to not only welcome visitors to our lovely county, but inspire local people to explore all it has to offer.”

The archive material has been provided by the Marriott’s Way Heritage Trail Project, which researches, conserves and educates people about the lost railway lines along the historic route.

App users can get a birds-eye view with the map page, tapping on points to see pictures and descriptions. In addition, routes can be downloaded to be viewed offline and even exported to a GPS device.

Sophie Cabot, senior project officer, Marriott's Way Heritage Trail, at Norfolk County Council, said: “These interactive walks will help people learn about the former Hellesdon Station, which was recently uncovered and enhanced by our volunteers, the remains of the coal crane and engine shed at Norwich City Station in Train Wood, and pillboxes and tank traps from the Second World War.

“We hope they will also be better able to spot and identify the birds, plants and animals that inhabit this 26-mile County Wildlife Site.”

The walks have been launched on the Go Jauntly app as part of the Norfolk County Council’s Walking and Cycling Festival, which has been running throughout October.

Go Jauntly, which has more than 100,000 downloads, allows people try out expertly curated walks as well as create their own to share with the walking community.

Head of technology at Go Jauntly, Allan Weir, said: “The Marriott’s Way project is a fantastic opportunity for us to not only explore Norfolk, but also add features to Go Jauntly that East Anglia’s rural landscape requires.

“Connecting different sections of Marriott’s Way and the adjoined circular routes in the app is one of the most exciting improvements, as well as being able to explore when offline, which has been a hugely requested feature and one that parts of Norfolk’s country lanes and bridleways demand.

“On accompanying portions of the trail we also now have additional layers of information, allowing users to dive deeper into the cultural significance of the routes as well as the local wildlife and plants that call it home.”

The story of the railway spans 1880-1985, and traces of its history visible along the route include platforms, stations, level crossings and other railway infrastructure.

Marriott’s Way is a 26-mile footpath, bridleway and cycle route that follows the routes of two disused railway lines, running between Aylsham and Norwich. The route is named after the chief engineer and manager of the Midland and Great Northern Railway system, William Marriott.

The post Hi-tech interactive experience brings Marriott’s Way to life appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

So far the project has delivered research, conservation and youth education programmes about the railway heritage of the route, and the plants and wildlife that now thrive there since the trains finally stopped running in 1985.

Stories Down the Line was created by Rob John (fEast Theatre) and Simon Floyd (Floyd Performance, The Common Lot) in collaboration with the Norfolk County Council project team and the Norwich-based creative arts organisation Tin House.

Rehearsals and a makers’ weekend have been taking place since May with a 25-person strong cast and crew from Norwich, Aylsham and Reepham. These have been hosted at the Marlpit Community Centre in Hellesdon and Whitwell & Reepham Station, which are both partners in this National Lottery Heritage Fund project.

Mr Floyd describes Stories Down the Line as having “been really well received by the communities so far. The cast have brought so much energy and commitment. It was open to all ages and people, especially those who have a love and a curiosity for their community and heritage. We can’t wait to perform it.”

The production will be staged at four outdoor locations along Marriott’s Way in September, amongst the woodlands, embankments and abandoned railway platforms, paying tribute to the industrial and social heritage of each location in unique arboreal settings.

Performances of Stories Down the Line will be held on:

• Saturday 21 September, Train Wood, Anderson’s Meadow (via Barn Road or Dolphin Bridge), Norwich NR3 2AF, 5 pm
• Sunday 22 September, Hellesdon Station (via Marlpit Lane), Hellesdon NR5 0DA, 3 pm
• Saturday 28 September, Station Road, (via Tesco or Hungate Street Bridge), Aylsham NR11 6BW, 5 pm
• Sunday 29 September, Whitwell & Reepham Station, Whitwell Road, Reepham NR10 4GA, 3 pm

The play is free, family-friendly and open to all – just bring something to sit on.

For more information contact: Alanna Baker alanna.baker@norfolk.gov.uk or visit the website HERE

Marriott’s Way Heritage Trail Project

The Marriott’s Way Heritage Trail Project is overseen by Norfolk County Council, working with local councils, community and history groups, and organisations including: Broadland District Council, Norwich City Council, Norfolk Record Office, Norfolk Railway Heritage Group, Friends of Norwich City Station, Norfolk Local Access Forum, Whitwell & Reepham Railway Preservation Society, Friends of Train Wood & Marriott’s Way, Norwich Access Group and Broads Local Access Forum.

Local schools and groups are also working with the project to provide learning opportunities for young people.

The majority of the funding for the £667,906 project comes from a grant of £455,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the rest coming from developers through planning obligations, Norfolk County Council, fundraising, donations and volunteer time.

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The plans for the former station yard off Cawston Road/Stony Lane include a Co-op convenience store and offices, as well as 35 assisted flats and bungalows.

The application is due to be decided at the next meeting of Broadland’s planning committee on Wednesday 9 January, with officers recommending it for approval.

While Reepham Town Council unanimously agreed to support development of the 2.75-hectare site in accordance with the Development Plan and supports the provision of care facilities in the town, it has raised concerns about access to and from site, as well as the scale of the care home and assisted flats and the impact the development could have on the doctor’s surgery.

Concerns have also been expressed that the care home/village could have an impact on the Marriott’s Way long-distance footpath and heritage trail.

Broadland District Council received more than 45 comments on the plans from members of the public.

However, the council’s case officer for the planning application stated: “It is considered that the development of a care village, food store and offices are appropriate with the settlement limit and will provide significant employment opportunities within the Reepham area.

“It will also enable the development of an unused and undeveloped site, which has a longstanding allocation on it, to be brought forward.

“Whilst it is noted there is some conflict with the site allocation, it is considered on balance that the scheme is acceptable subject to the imposition of conditions and the completion of a Legal Agreement to ensure the care village remains within Use Class C2, residential institution accommodation.”

Download the 9 January 2019 Planning Committee papers (application no. 20180963 starts on page 5).

See our earlier stories:

• Care home/convenience store plans amended
• Town Council downgrades support for care home plans
• Revised plans outlined for station yard development
• Town Council supports old station yard proposal
• Meeting to discuss proposals for Co-op food store and care home
• Plans unveiled for care home and Co-op food store at station yard site

Images: CAM Architects

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Norfolk County Council said the bridge, near Porters Lane, was closed following an inspection by engineers.

Temporary diversions are in place (see below). The car park by the bridge is still open as normal.

Meanwhile, the bridge over Whitwell Road near Whitwell Station is now open at a reduced width.

See our earlier story:

• Marriott’s Way bridge at Whitwell open

Photo: Norfolk Trails

The post Marriott’s Way bridge at Lenwade closed appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The bridge will reopen at a reduced width next week and fully reopen in January 2019.

Photos: Norfolk Trails

The post Marriott’s Way bridge closed appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Oral history recordings are being made as part of the Marriott’s Way Heritage Trail project, which is focused on the former railway route, now a public footpath.

The recordings will be archived and preserved at the Norfolk Record Office and made accessible for everyone.

Marriott’s Way follows two former railway lines: the Midland & Great Northern line, which was completed in 1882 and ran from the Midlands to Norwich via Melton Constable, and the Great Eastern line, completed in 1883, from Aylsham, linking Wroxham to the County School at North Elmham.

The lines closed to passenger traffic in 1959 and 1952, respectively. In 1960, the Themelthorpe Curve was constructed to link the two lines to enable rail transportation of concrete from Lenwade to the Midlands.

The line finally closed to all rail traffic in 1985, and was converted into a long-distance walking and cycling route.

One of the nine long-distance Norfolk Trails, the Marriott’s Way was named after William Marriott, who was the chief engineer and manager of the Midland & Great Northern Railway for 41 years.

The recordings are part of a £670,000, two-year project, with £455,000 coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the rest from developers through planning obligations, from Norfolk County Council, fundraising, donations and volunteer time.

The project will see a host of activities, events and work taking place. These will document and preserve the industrial heritage of the former railway line and encourage more people to use the 26-mile route, which already attracts more than 100,000 cyclists, walkers and horse riders every year.

Not only is there a call for people to share memories of how the railway touched their lives, but also for volunteers to come forward and help record those recollections for current and future generations.

Volunteer training will take place on 10 and 17 October at the Norfolk Record Office.

Cllr Martin Wilby, chairman of Norfolk County Council’s environment, development and transport committee, said: “We’d be particularly keen to hear from potential volunteers who already have experience of working on oral history projects and making these audio recordings as some of the work can start straight away and they’ll be able to hit the ground running.

“And we’d also love to hear from anyone who is new to this type of project and wants to learn a new skill as there’s hopefully going to be plenty to do.

“I’d urge anyone who remembers living or working near the stations, goods yards, track and level crossings where steam and diesel locomotives once ran to get in touch.

“Or if you don’t remember the line yourself, but know someone who does, it would be great if you encourage them to share those vital memories of the line with us.”

• To book a place on the training course or to share memories, email: marriottswayheritagetrail@gmail.com or telephone: 01603 224287.

Pictured above: Great Eastern Railway Station, Reepham. On each weekday the 6 pm from Wroxham and the 6.05 pm from Dereham met briefly at Reepham at 6.38 pm. This photograph probably dates from the early years of the 20th century. Photo: Reepham Archive

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