Residents of Back Street and Church Street have also raised concerns about a possible increase in noise and traffic if the nursery were to relocate to the town hall, in addition to the loss of the building as a community facility.

However, others have supported the nursery’s proposal, saying that Reepham needs decent nursery provision, and that Stimpson’s Piece pavilion could be more widely utilised, including public use of the toilets and the provision of refreshments.

Addressing this week’s meeting of Reepham Town Council, town hall users said that while they recognise the nursery needs suitable premises, any decision should not have a negative effect on other groups, especially those with older members who live in the town centre and can easily walk to the venue.

Rebecca Henman of the Dereham-based Centre Stage Performing Arts School, who runs a dance class on Saturday, added that the sprung wood floor in the town hall is “hugely invaluable”.

However, councillors pointed out that the town hall has no parking, unlike Stimpson’s Piece, which could encourage more users if the nursery moved out.

It might also be possible to install new flooring in the pavilion that would suit user groups’ needs, as well as relocate the audio-visual facilities currently in place at the town hall.

Reepham Nursery School manager Rachael Jones told the meeting that the nursery is currently not sustainable in the long term.

She said working parents want to drop their children off earlier and pick them up later five days a week and the nursery at present cannot meet such demands operating in a shared space, especially when Covid regulations require extensive cleaning between user groups, as well as various safeguarding issues.

Responding to criticism that the clubs using the town hall had not been consulted, town council chairman Paul Mitchell pointed out that no decision had been made and said a public meeting would be held if the council decided to move forward with the proposal.

He noted that the town hall is currently running at a loss with only 15 hours of use a week. Stimpson’s Piece pavilion is also loss-making and is “a hugely underused resource” that some residents have described as “looking like a working men’s club”.

See our earlier story:

• Nursery school outlines plans to relocate

The post User groups’ concerns over loss of town hall appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The proposal, which has been presented to Reepham Town Council, the trustee of the Stimpson’s Piece Charity, would see the nursery move from its current location in the pavilion on the town’s recreation ground, ultimately to a dedicated space in the town centre.

It has also been suggested that the town council office, currently located at the rear of the town hall, where it does not fully meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, is moved to Stimpson’s Piece.

This follows the decision by Reepham Town Football Club not to renew its alcohol licence at the pavilion, where the bar area could be removed, and the adjacent store room converted into an office.

Reepham Nursery School currently operates three days a week, Tuesday–Thursday. However, it has been unable to extend its opening hours because of the needs of other users of the pavilion, with toys and equipment often having to be moved and stored after each session.

Speaking at the Stimpson’s Piece trustee meeting on 9 June, nursery school manager Rachael Jones said the pavilion, where the nursery is currently based, is not fit for purpose: “It is not a nurturing space,” she told councillors.

She said Reepham’s nursery school needed to find a location where it can expand and offer more facilities, such as a breakfast club, which would be a lifeline for working parents, particularly in a town that is expanding with more houses in the planning pipeline.

“Many nurseries are going to the wall,” she pointed out. “This is the time [to relocate] now. We need to make [the nursery] more accessible to the whole community.”

Although some councillors expressed concerns about increased traffic issues in the town centre, the nursery said it would adjust its opening times to coincide with the other schools in Reepham.

The town council plans to explore the nursery’s plans further, such as ensuring a change of use of the town hall is viable; there are also accessibility issues to be considered.

Ideally, the nursery school would have sole use of the building in Church Street, where there is a potential play area at the rear, noted town council chairman Paul Mitchell.

A further aim would be to make Stimpson’s Piece pavilion a proper community centre.

History

The current town hall building in Church Street was previously a school.

In 1827, Rev. Holley established a school in the old Hackford Poorhouse, which was demolished and rebuilt in 1860–62. This was a school for boys and girls of the parishioners of Hackford and Whitwell (children of Reepham parish attended St Mary’s School in Norwich Road).

The Hackford & Whitwell Parochial School was transferred to the Board of Education in 1890 and new brick school buildings were opened in School Road in 1893, which became Reepham Primary School as it is today.

The former school building in Church Street later became Reepham Town Hall, which came into the ownership of the parish council (now town council) in 1912.

The post Nursery school outlines plans to relocate appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The nursery has been operating in the community for more than 20 years, offering a safe and secure environment for children aged two to four years.

Operating from the pavilion at Stimpson’s Piece recreation ground, Bartle Court, off Station Road, the nursery school has a large, light space inside providing opportunities for various activities. Outside, there is a large garden area, sand and water play, and a mud kitchen.

The experienced, qualified and friendly staff will help the children grow and develop their confidence and independence.

From September the nursery will be open on Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, and on Wednesday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.

Hopefully, as the number of children attending increases, the nursery will be able to offer more sessions as the year progresses.

The children attending on these days will form one bubble, while additional measures will be in place following government guidance for Covid-19.

Reepham Nursery School follows the Early Years Foundation Stage and accepts government funding where eligible.

For further information, telephone 01603 871586 or email to arrange a visit or discuss requirements.

The post Nursery school places available for September appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Nursery supervisor Rachael Jones said: “The nursery school is very grateful to Butler & Castell for donating the proceeds of their Easter Raffle to us.

“As a charity, we often rely upon donations and fundraising to buy new resources and equipment. We intend to buy a new water play table to replace a very old one we have in the setting.”

The post Golden egg raffle helps raise funds for nursery school appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Miss Waters intends to stay on the committee as it remains her wish to help the nursery find new premises, but at present she does not have the time to commit to being chairperson, and “it’s probably about time to let someone else have a go. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the team and helping to organise many successful events in the community,” she said.

“The nursery has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and is now enjoying many full sessions, as well as a huge range of new equipment that we have been able to buy through generous donations from the Reepham Festival and members of the community.”

As a charity Reepham Nursery School has to be run by a management committee comprising a chairperson, secretary, treasurer and other members, all of whom do not necessarily have to be parents – grandparents, carers and members of the community are equally welcome.

Are you retired but feel you would like to help out? Could you give up an evening roughly every 4-6 weeks for committee meetings? Maybe you have had involvement working with children before or you would like to try something new?

“No experience is necessary and it might seem quite daunting when first joining the committee (it is technically the employer of the nursery staff), but it is supported by the staff themselves and the early years advisors, who help with all the technical and legal duties,” said Miss Waters.

“Being on a committee allows you to meet new people and be out in the community. It also looks good on a CV to say that you have committed to a voluntary activity, as well as gaining experience should you wish to work in the early years settings.

“We do organise lots of fundraising events throughout the year, but the committee is more important than this; we work together with the staff to ensure the safe and creative running of the nursery,” she continued.

“We look at the nursery’s policies to ensure they’re up to date, and lately Norfolk County Council have started running courses on what it means to be on the committee, which have proved invaluable.

“Please get in touch if this is something you might consider. By law, the nursery cannot run without all three officers (chair, secretary and treasurer) and two other members making up the committee.”

Contact: Fritha Waters 01603 873007 or frithawaters@hotmail.com

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Supervisor Rachael Jones stated that Stimpson’s Piece is the Nursery School’s “home” and there are “no plans to go anywhere else. That’s our position.”

However, after admitting that the facilities at the pavilion have their limitations and that the nursery school would “love to have a purpose-built building”, it was later revealed that discussions had taken place with the primary school about the possibilities of relocating there.

“But this won’t happen overnight,” said Ms Jones. “We are here for the foreseeable future.”

After the meeting, she clarified her comments, saying that while the nursery school does need a new building and that it does have long-term plans for the future, “as yet nothing is confirmed. Stimpson’s Piece is the nursery’s home until this happens.

“Until our plans are confirmed, we will remain at Stimpson’s Piece. We have no further news on a new building; this is, however, subject to change.”

Reepham Nursery School has been operating for many years in the pavilion on Stimpson’s Piece, although the facilities do not meet the demands of a modern nursery, particularly with regard to Ofsted requirements.

Last year, Fritha Waters, chairperson of the nursery school management committee, stated the desire to find a purpose-built building: “The pavilion at Stimpson’s Piece serves a purpose, but is not ideal,” she said. “It is now clearer than ever that Reepham Nursery School needs its own premises.”

In February, Reepham Life reported that the nursery school had been in discussions about relocating nearer the primary school, which could mean the nursery moving within a few years.

However, it was stated at last week’s meeting that Norfolk County Council has no money to build a new nursery at the primary school. While it might be possible to acquire a piece of land on which to run a self-financing charity nursery, building costs alone could amount to up to £400,000.

See our earlier news story:

• Reepham Nursery School needs its own purpose-built building

The post Reepham Nursery School has no plans to move’ in the near future appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Reepham Town Council is currently considering the viability of Stimpson’s Piece pavilion, which is located on the recreation ground. It recently sent out a questionnaire that outlined six options following an appraisal in autumn 2013 by Ingham Pinnock Associates. However, this survey attracted only 154 responses, of which 42% want to see the pavilion refurbished, 15% said do nothing and 13% want the building replaced.

The trustees have made several attempts in recent years to resurrect a management group to run Stimpson’s Piece, which would include hall users and members of the public. Such a group would be tasked with examining the various options and seeking funding as appropriate.

A public meeting will be held at Stimpson’s Piece on Thursday 20 November at 7.30 pm. This will give members of the public the opportunity to have a look around the pavilion, ask the trustees questions and make suggestions.

According to Recreational Reepham, the Stimpson family offered land to provide a sports field for Reepham in 1945 as part of thanksgiving for victory at the end of World War 2. In 1987, the Stimpsons gifted the freehold of the land to Reepham to be held in trust. There were restrictions on the land, including that:

• it must be used and enjoyed as a recreation ground and park in the interests of the social welfare and with the object of improving the conditions of life of the inhabitants of the parish of Reepham and the neighbourhood thereof;
• no house or building or other erection shall be erected or put upon Stimpson’s Piece other than pavilions, refreshment rooms, community centre, or similar.

A further seven acres were purchased by the Town Council. The pavilion was constructed in 1995 and has been used by sports groups within Reepham ever since, including the football club, ladies hockey club and cricket club.

Currently, the pavilion is the home of Reepham Town Football Club, which has grown to include three adult teams and three youth teams. There are regular exercise classes, such as Zumba and tai chi, and bowls during winter.

The pavilion also houses Reepham Nursery School, and the grounds are the training place of Reepham Runners, which has doubled its membership this year and is looking for the pavilion to be its future headquarters. Jenni Egmore, secretary of Reepham Runners, said: “Stimpson’s Piece is such an asset for Reepham now and in the future and we need to ensure it is fit for purpose and used.”

Recreational Reepham added: “In an age where more and more people are undertaking exercise and with the current clubs based there, this should be encouraged. With the planned increase in housing in Reepham it is important there are suitable facilities for residents.

“The current hall does not necessarily meet the needs of the future of Reepham and with refurbishment could be more flexible and generate more income, as well as meet the needs of the local community.

“However, unless enough support is shown for Stimpson’s Piece we are in danger of losing this important asset. Although Reepham has other halls and centres, no other has advantages, such as car parking and outside space, that Stimpson’s Piece offers the community. Let us ensure the legacy that the Stimpson family left Reepham continues to grow and does not fall at the first sign of problems.”

View the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/997/451/455/recreational-reepham-save-stimpsons-piece/#

View the Stimpson's Piece consultation report: http://www.reephamtowncouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Stimpsons-Piece-consultation-final-report.pdf

The post Online petition to save’ Stimpson’s Piece appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

But most importantly, the nursery cannot run without a committee. The charity legislation states that we have to have at least five committee members (including officers) at every meeting. We only just have that number at each meeting, and have had to cancel in the past if not everyone can make it, so we desperately need more members.

You don’t have to be a parent; you could be a grandparent, carer or simply a member of the community willing to lend a hand.

Are you retired but feel you would like to help out within the community? Could you give up an evening roughly every 4-6 weeks or help with fundraising events? If so, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Fritha Waters 01603 873007 or frithawaters@hotmail.com or Reepham Nursery School 01603 871586 or reephamnurseryschool@btconnect.com

See our earlier news story:

• Reepham Nursery School needs its own purpose-built building

The post Reepham Nursery School needs committee members appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Stimpson’s Piece pavilion, Reepham. Photo: John Tym www.tympix.com

According to Reepham Town Council, who are the trustees of Stimpson’s Piece, the current annual income from renting/hiring the pavilion roughly covers the direct operating costs, such as lighting/ power, heating, water and insurance.

What are not covered are one-off costs for essential maintenance, which can amount to £20,000 in any one year.

There has been heavy expenditure on the building over the past two years, with last year being “exceptional”. Moreover, the roof and guttering may need to be repaired/replaced within the next 5-10 years.

Given in trust to the town in the 1980s, Stimpson’s Piece comprises a recreation ground with a multi-sports pitch, football pitches, children’s play area, skate-park and woodlands. The pavilion features a large hall with bar and kitchen facilities. There are also sports facilities, including changing rooms.

Constructed in the mid-1990s, the multi- purpose pavilion is currently the home of Reepham Town Football Club and Reepham Nursery School, and is used by other community groups including Surestart, the baby clinic and the indoor bowls club. It is also being hired for private functions and for Zumba, Chilsong, slimming and keep-fit classes.

However, many users argue the outdated building is no longer fit for purpose and lacks appropriate amenities. For example, the Nursery School management committee has made it clear the facilities do not meet the needs of a modern nursery, particularly with regard to Ofsted requirements, and it is currently investigating a new purpose-built building.

It is understood that plans are well under way to create such a space, which would most likely be situated away from Stimpson’s Piece and logically nearer the Primary School; this could mean the Nursery School moving within the next couple of years.

This would have serious financial consequences as, according to the Town Council, the Nursery School, which uses the pavilion every weekday during term, is the major source of user income financing the pavilion.

This would leave the Football Club as the main tenant and user of Stimpson’s Piece. However, its programme sometimes restricts the ability to hire out the facility to other users.

The patterns of use of Stimpson’s Piece have changed over the years and so the original ambition of having all sports facilities in the one location has faded: the cricket club has moved to Salle, the tennis club now has its own facilities elsewhere on Stimpson’s Piece, the women’s hockey club plays home matches at Taverham and the bowls club seems content at Townsend Court.

Situated away from the town centre, the pavilion has tried to be many different things. However, alternative uses are made more difficult because Reepham is awash with public and other buildings that offer space for community activities and are more central.

The reality of reduced income against increasing maintenance and improvement costs at Stimpson’s Piece has become a matter of concern to the Town Council. It is, as one councillor described it, “the elephant in the room”. No one wants to talk about it, but many people would be up in arms if drastic changes were made.

A major stumbling block to improving the situation is the severe legal restrictions of the trust deed that requires the pavilion to be for the use of all the community. Consequently, no extension to the existing building or separate building can be built to meet the specific needs of one part of the community.

The trustees are now actively looking for opportunities to increase the use of the facilities, particularly by local community groups, and are also seeking ways in which the existing facilities can be improved to meet more modern requirements.

An initial study by Ingham Pinnock Associates has identified the following options for Stimpson’s Piece:

• do nothing;
• increase hiring rates and increase use;
• create a capital endowment, for example, by selling off any other local assets to create a fund for future maintenance;
• refurbish the pavilion;
• replace the pavilion;
• remove the pavilion.

The Town Council has undertaken a building condition survey and is currently investigating these initial options.

Town Council chairman Les Paterson said: “We have the resources to keep the building going as it is for the next 2-3 years. Any longer and there would need to be additional contingency funds for Stimpson’s Piece.

“The community as a whole needs to know what the current and future situation is; ultimately it is their decision. There are lots of questions to be answered, in particular, how to make the best use of taxpayers’ money.”

However, so far Stimpson’s Piece has yet to form its own management committee and there has been little interest shown from most sections of the community.

“We are looking for more input,” said Mr Paterson. “We want people to take an interest, and to come along and use the facility and get involved in running the place.”

What should the trustees, Reepham Town Council, do with the pavilion on Stimpson’s Piece? Email Reepham Life, contact us or answer our poll (above right)

See our earlier news story:

• Reepham Nursery School needs its own purpose-built building

The post Future options outlined for Stimpson’s Piece pavilion appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

At present, we rent the building from Reepham Town Council, but with growing demands made by Ofsted, as well as more flexible, purpose-built nurseries nearby, such as Cawston, Attlebridge, Aylsham and Lyng, it is now clearer than ever that Reepham Nursery School needs its own premises.

The pavilion at Stimpson’s Piece serves a purpose, but is not ideal: it lacks many essential elements, such as adequate storage, a staff office for privacy and office work, a separate eating area, child-specific toilet facilities and a cloakroom.

At present, the time spent unpacking and packing away equipment (more than five hours per week) could be spent planning and improving the childcare we provide; a purpose-built building would allow the staff and children to create an exciting, stimulating environment and, more essentially, be a place to call “our own”.

Although we have done everything to improve the space we currently use, there are limitations with hiring the pavilion, which mean we cannot pursue our potential. Nothing can be left out and, although we do have wall displays, we have to consider other users of the building, such as the football club, keep-fit classes and private users.

The children who attend the nursery are unable to make their mark within the building and make it theirs, and the staff are limited as to the extent of creative education they can provide.

A nursery is such an important part of any community. As Reepham Nursery School also runs a toddler group on a Wednesday morning, it provides not only a stepping stone from babyhood to nursery, but also an essential link in the run-up to school. At the moment, reception class teachers from Reepham Primary School come in during the summer term to meet the prospective pupils, introduce themselves and forge a relationship even before the children start school.

Owing to recent developments within Reepham, such as the new housing proposals, there will be more call than ever to provide the best facilities possible. If there are to be more children in the area we would be keen to be the sole and best provider. If Reepham Nursery School was to relocate we would be able to be much more flexible in the service and hours we already offer.

Fritha Waters, Chairperson, Reepham Nursery School Management Committee

• Reepham Nursery also offers a Parents and Toddlers group on a Wednesday morning from 9.15 am – 11.15 am, £2.50 per child (includes snack) and 50p per sibling. Children welcome from newborn until nursery age.

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