The work will include removal of the top layer of gravel, crushed concrete and tar, etc. and the laying of two coats of hot tar and chippings.

The trustees believe this will be a longer-term solution to the problem of the deteriorating surface.

It is expected that the parking surface will last a further 5-7 years before further maintenance is required, depending on how much use the area receives.

The work does not include resurfacing the old tennis courts or the car parking area at the Kerdiston Road entrance to Stimpson’s Piece.

Also at its February meeting, the trustees refused the football club’s request to have its bar licence terms renegotiated. Reepham Town FC had asked for removal of the requirement to pay the trustee 5% of the bar takings.

At an earlier meeting, it was reported that the installation of new play equipment in the toddler area had been completed. This comprises a small climbing tower with slide and a play tractor with tunnel. The wooden train has been removed and the picnic benches re-sited.

An event to celebrate the new toddler play equipment is planned for spring.

The post Stimpson’s Piece car park to be resurfaced appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The first home fixture at Stimpson’s Piece is against Acle Utd on Saturday 3 September at 1.30 pm, then Long Stratton at home on Saturday 10 September at 2 pm and away to Attleborough Town in the Norfolk Senior Cup on Wednesday 24 September at 2.30 pm.

Reepham Town Reserves kick off on Saturday 20 August away to Horsford Utd at 4 pm, then away to Bradenham Rovers at 2.30 pm on Saturday 27 August, at home on Saturday 3 September to North Walsham Res at 4 pm and away to Harleston Town Res on Saturday 10 September at 2 pm.

Reepham Town Football Club also has an Under 19 team in the Norwich & District Sunday League, whose first fixture is on Sunday 11 September, and also U16 and U13 sides playing on Sundays in the newly formed Norfolk Combined Youth League.

All upcoming fixtures and results are available to view on the FA Full Time website.

RTFC is holding a Race Night on Saturday 19 November at Stimpson’s Piece pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham, first race 7.30 pm, tickets £2 per person.

The club will also hold a Quiz & Chips (or maybe Burgers) night; date to be confirmed, tickets £7.50 per person.

The post Kick off for Reepham Town appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

At its meeting last week, the Town Council voted to close the facilities, which are principally used by RTFC, saying the club had failed to sign an agreement to take over responsibility for running the changing rooms and showers and undertake a water management programme.

The Council said it was concerned about the possibility of pavilion users contracting serious water-borne diseases, such as Legionnaires.

However, RTFC pointed out that the “report” referred to by the Town Council had been submitted by Mike Graver, a football club committee member with professional knowledge in these matters, following an initial review of the entire water system at Stimpson’s Piece.

This review, Mr Graver explained, was prompted by the football club’s expression of interest and agreement in principle to taking over responsibility for the ongoing water system testing and day-to-day operation of the showers.

At a meeting with the Town Council on 9 October, the club had been given a copy of a legionella risk assessment carried out on behalf of the Council, as the trustee of Stimpson’s Piece, in October 2013.

“Although seriously flawed, the risk assessment did contain a large amount of correct information, which needed to be acted upon for the trustees to fulfil their obligations as duty holder for the water system,” Mr Graver commented.

RTFC said there were a number unsatisfactory statements in the draft agreement, which would leave the football club exposed to financial risk, such as the required capital expenditure for upgrading the showers.

The club maintained that, while it was not in a position to sign the agreement, it did engage with the Town Council and responded proactively “as we recognised potential mutual benefits in terms of future running cost savings”.

The club further understood that, following a meeting with Town Council chairman Les Paterson on 2 December, when the issues with the water system were discussed, a verbal agreement made at that time to move forward with a provisional action plan to keep the showers open meant the decision on the showers would be deferred until the trustees’ meeting in January.

Mr Graver continued: “Essentially, the Town Council gave the football club just two months to agree to taking over a facility with legacy non-compliance issues (and the associated financial cost), of which the Town Council either were or should have been aware, whereas the Town Council had taken no action whatsoever to address identified defects within the previous two years.”

Mr Graver said it was he who advised the trustees that weekly testing and flushing of the water system could not be carried out safely until the plumbing non-compliance issues were corrected.

“The thanks the football club received from the Town Council for being proactive in identifying and reporting defects and recommending means of rectifying them was the decision on 9 December to close down the showers, which in effect ceases to allow the football club to operate, at least in the immediate time,” he said.

Mr Graver further indicated that his review had identified a number of potentially serious non-compliances with the water system as a whole: specifically, the hot water supply temperatures not reaching 50°C within one minute of full flow, which “placed all users at risk, including nursery children, as they related to the washrooms basin and kitchen sinks”.

“It was only subsequent to being advised that the hot water temperatures were too cold did the Town Council take action to increase the set point on the calorifiers,” he added. “It is not known for how long prior to my survey that the hot water supplies had been at insufficient temperature.”

Mr Graver said it had become clear that the football club could not manage the water supply to the showers only; it had to be managed as an entire system.

“It was only after we pointed out the practicalities that the Town Council responded with a follow-up request for the football club to undertake the water temperature testing and flushing of the entire system, including those facilities of which we are not the main hirer.”

RTFC said it is currently seeking legal advice in relation to the draft agreement proposed by the trustees.

Meanwhile, Reepham Town Council has clarified its position concerning the use of the showers at Stimpson’s Piece in a posting (17 December) on its website.

See our earlier story:

• ‘Unsafe’ showers at Stimpson’s Piece closed after report

The post Football club hits back over closure of showers appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The Council said it was forced into the decision as Reepham Town Football Club, which is the main user of the facilities, had failed to formally agree to take over responsibility for the changing rooms and showers in terms of cleaning, maintenance and water management.

A report commissioned by the trustees deemed that weekly testing for Legionnaires’ and other serious water-borne diseases could not be undertaken until certain alterations were made to the shower fittings.

As the Town Council would be liable if someone contracted any of these diseases from the facilities, councillors felt they could not ignore the report and had no option but to suspend use of the showers.

The trustees voted unanimously to close them with immediate effect and until an effective management plan was in place. They further proposed to disable the showers with padlocks and would investigate cutting off the water supply, and would put up signs to that effect.

The football club had been given two months’ notice of the possibility that the showers could be closed if it did not agree to take over their management, but had failed to respond by the 9 December deadline.

Speaking on behalf of the Stimpson’s Piece working group, which represents all users of the recreational facility, David Loxton said there was intent for the football club to take over this responsibility, but the trustees explained that they had not received any commitment from the club to this effect.

The football club was further criticised for failing to clarify all hirings and confirm bookings in writing as had been agreed during a meeting with the trustees on 9 October.

At the trustees meeting later that month it had been agreed that the football club, as with all other users of the pavilion, must confirm all hirings, such as match fixtures and training sessions as well as social events, in writing by 23 October or no longer be allowed to hire the building.

The trustees noted that this deadline had well passed and that the football club had failed to respond to repeated requests to confirm their use of the facility.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria, including the most serious and potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease, as well as the similar but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever.

Legionnaires’ disease was named after an outbreak of a severe pneumonia-like disease that occurred at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, in July 1976, where there was a convention of the American Legion.

The bacterium Legionella pneumophila, the causative organism for most cases of Legionnaires’ disease, was thought to have been present in the hotel’s cooling towers.

Water droplets in the form of an aerosol somehow contaminated the hotel’s air-conditioning systems, which allowed the bacteria to come into contact with the convention guests, a highly susceptible population as the risk of infection increases with age. Of the 182 reported cases (mostly men), 29 died.

The bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease and related bacteria are common found in natural water sources, such as ponds, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, where they do not usually cause problems.

Outbreaks can occur in purpose-built water systems where temperatures are warm enough to encourage growth of the bacteria, for example in cooling towers, evaporative condensers and whirlpool spas, and from water used for domestic purposes in buildings such as hospitals, care homes, hotels, sports centres, office blocks, etc.

The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to those of influenza: mild headaches, muscle pain, high temperature (fever) and chills. Once bacteria begin to infect the lungs, symptoms of pneumonia may be experienced, such as: a persistent cough, which is usually dry at first, but as the infection develops phlegm or, rarely, blood may be coughed up; shortness of breath; and chest pains.

To prevent the occurrence of Legionnaires’ disease, companies and organisations must comply with regulations requiring them to manage, maintain and treat water systems properly. Among other things, this means the water must be treated, and the system tested and cleaned regularly.

The post Unsafe’ showers at Stimpson’s Piece closed after report appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

This was proposed following a well-attended public meeting on 20 November, when around 130 residents and users of Stimpson’s Piece packed the room to discuss the future of the beleaguered community facility, which is facing a serious shortfall of revenue as increasing maintenance costs are forecast over the next few years.

Representing Reepham Town Football Club and Reepham Runners, Ken Ewing said it was vital to keep this facility going and proposed the formation of a committee to run the pavilion, which would report to the Trustee of Stimpson’s Piece (i.e. Reepham Town Council) and provide fundraising ideas.

Praising the efforts of Recreational Reepham, which had helped to secure such an enthusiastic turnout in a short space of time, Mr Ewing pointed out that the pavilion is almost self-financing on a day-to-day running cost basis, which is not a bad return for ratepayers if one-off costs are excluded.

He pointed out that Stimpson’s Piece was gifted by the Stimpson family as a legacy. “As Reepham is expanding with new houses planned to be built, it would be a disaster if such an important asset to the town and surrounding villages was lost.

“We should be expanding and improving recreational facilities, and sincerely hope that Reepham Town Council can see a future for the pavilion.”

Other residents and user groups reiterated their support for Stimpson’s Piece, arguing that the pavilion is a community asset and that “everyone has to work together” to secure its future.

There was some concern expressed about the legal relationship between the Trustee and the Town Council and how this may need to change to allow a newly formed management committee being able to make a positive impact. The original Trust Deed, too, may need to come under further scrutiny.

As one observer commented: “It was good to see so many people come out and be prepared to express their opinions, but this now needs to turn into action – not inaction. People can’t just sit on their hands and bemoan from the sidelines.”

It will now be up to a management committee, if one can be formed and is well led, to define a clear vision that has benefits for the whole town.

The example of how Bawdeswell gained a new, fit-for-purpose and sustainable village hall demonstrates how this can be achieved.

See our earlier news stories:

• Online petition to ‘save’ Stimpson’s Piece
• Football club says Stimpson’s Piece pavilion is ‘adequate’
• Future options outlined for Stimpson’s Piece pavilion
• Stimpson's Piece needs your ideas

The post New management committee proposed for Stimpson’s Piece 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.

Marcus Wilkinson, chairman of Reepham Town FC, said: “There is no other facility for us in Reepham, so we have to stay here if we are to continue playing at a high level in the leagues.

“The building does meet our current requirements and we have invested a lot of money in the facilities. It can be adapted to meet our future needs and it is fit for our purposes – as long as it is maintained.”

With the 1st Team currently lying mid-table in the Anglian Combination Premier Division, Reepham Town FC has played its home fixtures at Stimpson’s Piece since just after the Second World War, when the field off Station Road was leased to the Council by Edward Stimpson.

Mr Wilkinson said he would support a management committee taking over the running of Stimpson’s Piece, adding that local tradespeople and service providers could be utilised to keep costs under control.

“I think there are people in the town who would help out with minor maintenance tasks,” he said. “We could also think about setting up a social club, using the space for conferences or other business uses, and holding car boot sales on the field – although not on the football pitch!”

See our earlier news story:

• Future options outlined for Stimpson’s Piece pavilion

The post Football club says Stimpson’s Piece pavilion is adequate’ 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.