The meeting will be held on Monday 16 April at 6 pm at Reepham College, Whitwell Road, Reepham.

The Reepham Town Team was founded in 2012, with support from Broadland District Council, for businesses and organisations in the area that wished to pursue economic and social ambitions for the town.

The group now includes representatives from a range of organisations, including Reepham Town Council, Reepham Chamber of Commerce, the Bircham Centre, Reepham High School & College, Reepham Benefice and Reepham Community Press.

The team has created an economic strategy for the area and is now inviting more people to get involved to contribute new ideas and to progress initiatives.

• For more information about the Reepham Town Team and to register your attendance at the open meeting, contact Amy Smith, Economic Development Officer, Broadland District Council 01603 430441 or email

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The Town Team was founded in 2012, with support from Broadland District Council, for businesses and organisations in the area who wished to pursue economic and social ambitions for the town.

The group now includes representatives from a range of organisations such as Reepham Town Council, Reepham Chamber of Commerce, Bircham Centre, Reepham High School & College, Reepham Benefice and Reepham Community Press, to name a few.

The team have worked together to create an economic strategy for the area and are now inviting more people to get involved to contribute new ideas and to progress initiatives.

Anyone who wants to be involved is welcome to attend the monthly meetings to find out more or to become a member of the team.

• For more information about the Reepham Town Team and to request an invitation to the next meeting, contact Amy Smith on 01603 430441 or email

Reepham Town Team

For its first five years, the Town Team was facilitated by Ross Ingham and Kate Pinnock of Cambridge-based Ingham Pinnock Associates (IPA), who helped develop the Reepham Economic Strategy on behalf of Broadland District Council.

Download the Reepham Economic Strategy HERE

IPA was instrumental in a number of projects, including securing a new owner for the Dial House, holding late-night shopping evenings, organising social media courses for local businesses, instigating new branding guidelines and new signage around the town, restarting a Christmas event (Festival of Light), holding an All About Reepham event, improving 3G mobile coverage in the town centre and working with the Heydon Estate to develop an estate strategy.

The Town Team is now led by Amy Smith, Broadland’s economic development projects officer, and tourism officer Chloe Griffin.

See our earlier stories:

• What has the Reepham Town Team achieved so far?
• Good progress with the Reepham Economic Strategy and Town Team
• New signs point to Reepham town centre
• Reepham Economic Strategy moves forward

The post Community groups invited to join Town Team appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The event is being organised by the Reepham Town Team, which comprises representatives from local groups including the Reepham Chamber of Commerce, Reepham Town Council, Broadland District Council and many others.

All About Reepham will show residents from across the Reepham district how to join and get involved in the town’s groups and clubs. The event will include demonstrations, competitions, games, crafts and activities for all ages.

Groups that will be participating include:

• 2nd Reepham Scout Group
• Amphibian Explore Scout Unit
• Bircham Centre
• Busy Fingers Craft Group/Knit & Natter
• Iceni Choir
• Eves Hill Veg Co
• Messy Church
• Reepham & District Day Centre
• Reepham & District Gardening Club
• Reepham & District Photography Club
• Reepham & District Rotary Club
• Reepham & Salle Cricket Club
• Reepham Chamber of Commerce
• Reepham Library
• Reepham Life
• Reepham Nursery School
• Reepham Runners
• Reepham Tennis Club
• Reepham Town Bowls Club
• Reepham Town Council
• Reepham Town Team
• Reepham Village Cinema
• Reepham Young Farmers
• Wensum Valley Cycling
• Whitwell & Reepham Station

Over the past few years the Town Team has been instrumental in various local events and projects, such as establishing the Festival of Light, securing better Vodafone mobile reception, lobbying for a replacement for a town-centre cash machine and holding courses for local businesses.

• For further information about the event, contact: Judy Holland 01603 308158.

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The Town Team comprises representatives from local groups including Reepham Chamber of Commerce, Reepham Town Council, Broadland District Council and many others.

Over the past few years the Town Team has been instrumental in various local events and projects, such as establishing the Festival of Light, securing better Vodafone mobile reception, lobbying for a replacement for a town-centre cash machine and holding courses for local businesses.

The purpose of All About Reepham is for the various clubs and groups in and around Reepham to promote themselves and encourage members of the local community to join. The event will be advertised to all local residents, free to attend and good fun. It is planned to be a vibrant and interesting event, perhaps with local groups putting on “give it a go” sessions, demonstrations, competitions or providing advice.

For example, a similar scheme elsewhere has seen a gardening society provide plant identification advice, the local football club providing taster sessions to sign up to at the event and the cycling club running a competition to see who can cycle the furthest (on an indoor bike) in two minutes.

The idea for the event came from discussions at Reepham Town Team meetings, where members reported that several local groups and societies are struggling to recruit committee members, trustees and general members. Sadly, as a result, a number of groups have now closed and Reepham has lost a small but fundamental part of its social fabric.

The Town Team recognise the vital contribution that all the groups in Reepham make to the vibrancy of the community and the lives of individuals, and would like to support them wherever possible.

• If your club or group would like to participate in the 2017 All About Reepham event, please contact Lynsey Hubbard at lynsey@inghampinnock.com by 10 January.

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In essence, the Town Team is an umbrella group of local organisations and community members that want the best for Reepham. It seeks to pursue the economic and social development of the town to ensure Reepham remains a special and vibrant place in the Norfolk countryside.

Led by Ingham Pinnock Associates, a Cambridge-based economic development and regeneration consultancy, the Town Team includes representatives from the Town Council, Broadland District Council, Reepham Chamber of Commerce, Reepham Society, St Mary’s, Reepham Community Press and Reepham High School & College, to name but a few. Town, District and County Councillors regularly attend, as does the local MP when the situation requires.

The idea for a Town Team was floated in late 2012 by Broadland District Council against a backdrop of a fresh focus on the plight of town centres and high streets driven at that time by Mary Portas.

Many other Town Teams across the UK have been and gone since that time – but not Reepham’s. The Team developed an economic strategy based on a range of economic and social research and consultations.

The strategy identified the key issues affecting Reepham and set out projects and initiatives to mitigate these problems; it is these projects that the Town Team continues to deliver.

While it operates without any significant resource, the collective energy, goodwill and entrepreneurialism of its members is enormous and has helped to develop and deliver a huge number of achievements for the town, many of which may go unnoticed.

Achievements to date include:

• reinvigorating and relaunching Christmas in Reepham as the Festival of Light; after two hugely successful years, plans are already in place for 2016;
• identifying the opportunity, pursuing and securing improved mobile phone reception via the Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal programme;
• preparing new branding, signage and marketing material for the town;
• responding to the loss of the Old Brewery House Hotel and threat of a huge gap in the Market Place by marketing the site and supporting the development of the Dial House;
• engaging with HSBC following its announcement to close its branch in Reepham and pushing them to introduce transitional cover, local business banking and a replacement cash machine in the Market Place (watch this space);
• developing and staging a range of social media courses for local businesses, surveying local shoppers and trialling a number of evening opening events;
• working with Broadland District Council to ensure that Reepham is on the map for major cycling events and ensuring local businesses are well placed to benefit;
• holding a successful drop-in event this week where around 40 local businesses discussed funding opportunities for economic development available through the Wensum and Coast Local Action Group.

Whether these achievements are taken on and led by groups that are members of the Town Team or individuals from the community, the Town Team has been the mechanism for people to come together, discuss ideas, raise concerns, co-ordinate action and collectively deliver.

The group meets monthly throughout the year for a few hours in the evening. If you are interested to find out more or would like to get involved please contact Judy Holland 01603 308158 or jholland@reephamlife.co.uk

See our earlier stories:

• Good progress with the Reepham Economic Strategy and Town Team
• New signs point to Reepham town centre
• Reepham Economic Strategy moves forward
• Economic strategy initiatives take shape
• Work begins on economic strategy for Reepham

The post What has the Reepham Town Team achieved so far? appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Left to right: Dr Rob Matthews, electromagnetic fields (EMF) unit manager, Vodafone UK; Keith Simpson MP; and Jeremy Brockman, Village Champion for Reepham. Photo: John Tym Photography www.tympix.com

In the past, the town has suffered from unreliable mobile coverage and slow network speeds across all mobile networks.

The ROSS programme uses Vodafone’s Sure Signal technology to bring 3G voice services and internet access via mobile devices to communities in some of the UK’s most remote areas. About the size of a cereal box, the Open Sure Signal units connect to existing broadband lines to create 3G coverage, and are installed high up on chimney breasts or the eaves of buildings.

In Reepham, the units have been installed on Bank House in Market Place, Reepham High School in Whitwell Road and Reepham Garage Services on Collers Way Industrial Estate. Each unit has a range of about 200 metres.

The ROSS programme is a national initiative by Vodafone UK to provide reliable mobile access to up to 100 rural communities in mobile not-spot locations. Launched in July 2014, with support from local MPs, councils and rural action groups, the programme received an overwhelming response, with applications from communities across the country.

Vodafone explained that rural and remote locations often miss out on advantages provided by modern communication tools, owing to the complexity of delivering network coverage. This can be due to the geography of the area or difficulties with planning permissions in places of outstanding natural beauty.

The ROSS programme uses innovative “femtocell” technology to provide an alternative solution to bring 3G mobile access in locations where it is not possible for networks to provide coverage through traditional means.

Jorge Fernandes, Vodafone UK chief technology officer, said: “Mobile connectivity is an essential service for communities and businesses to thrive in today’s digital world and support local economies. As part of the Rural Open Sure Signal programme, we are committed to investing in our network to provide access even in remote locations where it is otherwise almost impossible to reach.

“The amount of data passing through the units already shows the significant benefit the technology is making to members of these communities. I am really excited to see the transformation for Reepham and other Norfolk communities that have been successful for this pioneering programme.”

Reepham was one of the first 25 communities to be connected in the programme, said Dr Rob Matthews, electromagnetic fields (EMF) unit manager, Vodafone UK, at the launch of the ROSS programme in Reepham on Friday 20 November. “We are pleased to able to bring 3G coverage to Reepham with the help of the local MP and Village Champion,” he said. “But we could not have achieved this without the support of local people – or without their drive and local knowledge.”

Broadland MP Keith Simpson said: “I am delighted that Reepham residents are now benefiting from improved mobile coverage with the Vodafone Rural Sure Signal Programme. This is a wonderful example of local communities, councils and consumer organisations working together to deliver communications fit for the 21st century and I am pleased to have been able to help in securing this very important milestone for Reepham. With a lot of small businesses that rely on technology and communications, this is really good news for the community.”

Brenda Gostling, chairman of Reepham Chamber of Commerce, said: “In today’s high-tech world, a strong mobile phone signal is a key business requirement. The Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal project has given us an enormous boost and we were delighted to have been selected. This will help to ensure the town’s economic sustainability in the longer term.”

Referring to Chamber member Jeremy Brockman, who took on the role of Village Champion for the project and acted as the liaison between the community, the hosts of the units and Vodafone, Mrs Gostling added: “Jeremy’s untiring determination has been absolutely key to making this project a success. The whole community should be hugely grateful to him and to those who have agreed to host the new signal-boosting equipment.”

‘Four bars in the Market Place’

Mr Brockman, who is also a member of Reepham’s Town Team, noted that although a bright and vibrant community, Reepham has always suffered from a poor mobile phone signal. “The Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal programme will help support local businesses and tourism – and general connectivity,” he said. “I have already heard at least one person say they are thrilled that they can now get ‘four bars in the Market Place’.

“After looking at many potential sites since September 2014 – and around 400 emails later – three Open Sure Signal units have now been installed. This is a great example of a global multinational working together with a rural community. The challenge is now for the other mobile phone providers to improve their coverage.”

As well as using the Rural Open Sure Signal to plug rural “not-spots”, Vodafone is spending around £2 billion on its network and services across the country over 2014 and 2015. This includes the provision of high-definition (HD) voice technology on its 3G network and the extension of its 4G coverage to 690 cities and towns and thousands of smaller communities across the UK.

Dr Matthews added that the speed with which Vodafone takes Reepham forward into 4G coverage and faster services generally will depend on new fibre connections becoming available, but said that this could be “two or three years down the road”.

See our earlier stories:

• Improved Vodafone coverage for Reepham coming soon
• More on Reepham’s successful bid to get improved mobile signal
• Reepham chosen to receive Vodafone 3G mobile coverage
• Reepham Town Team seeks better mobile phone coverage
• Reepham’s businesses frustrated by mobile phone ‘not spot’

The post 3G mobile phone coverage installed at key locations appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Bank House, owned by The Original Cottage Company, is being used to provide coverage in and around the Market Place. Reepham High School & College, the town's largest employer, has another unit and Reepham Garage Services has one that will include coverage for the businesses in and around Collers Way Industrial Estate. The femtocell units are very small and discreetly attached to the outside of these buildings.

Unlike a lot of 2G Vodafone coverage locally, these femto units will provide 3G coverage, which will allow reasonable internet access from mobile phones and other devices that can take advantage of such access using a mobile phone signal. This will improve coverage for people who come to Reepham either for work or leisure, as well as for residents and local businesses.

This programme started in September last year, explained Jeremy Brockman, who co-ordinated the project on behalf of the Reepham Town Team. “Reepham was lucky to win one of the 100 installations as part of a nationwide competition open to rural communities,” he said. “The original brief from Vodafone was that they should be installed at community hubs in the town.”

Mr. Brockman thanked the three sites that “stepped up to allow these units to be installed and all of the other properties who put their names forward for the initial proposal. “I appreciate that this will not provide universal coverage for everyone, but I challenge the other mobile phone providers to improve their coverage for rural communities.”

See our earlier stories:

• More on Reepham’s successful bid to get improved mobile signal
• Reepham chosen to receive Vodafone 3G mobile coverage
• Reepham Town Team seeks better mobile phone coverage
• Reepham’s businesses frustrated by mobile phone ‘not spot’

The post Improved Vodafone coverage for Reepham coming soon appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Like many rural communities, Reepham has suffered from a poor mobile signal, which although can be seen as a quirky charm, has also been the source of frustration over the years.

After a high-profile campaign and the submission of a bid to the Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal 100 programme, the telecommunications company will be rolling out 3G coverage to the centre of Reepham along with other communities in Norfolk, including Salhouse, Saxthorpe and Martham.

The programme is part of a £1 billion investment that Vodafone is spending on its network and services across the UK this year.

With the installation of Vodafone’s innovative sure signal technology, the local community will benefit from high-quality 3G voice services and access to the internet via mobile devices.

While there remain issues with other networks, this is a positive step forward for Reepham which will benefit residents, visitors and local businesses.

Special thanks go to Jeremy Brockman, who managed the project on behalf of the Reepham Town Team, and said that he is “delighted for Reepham. This is a really important step for a rural community. Getting this far has been a real community effort. As a keen advocate of technology I want the best for Reepham.”

Brenda Gostling, chair of the Reepham Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Town Team, said: “We’re delighted to hear that we have been selected. Reepham can now compete with the very best in rural business hubs in the UK and our businesses can make the most of all the mobile telephone technology that is being made available. It’s great news.”

The need to secure mobile reception was one of a number of issues highlighted by the Reepham Economic Strategy, which was commissioned by Broadland District Council and led by Ingham Pinnock Associates, with input and support from the Reepham Town Team.

The success of the Vodafone bid can now be added to a long list of this community group’s achievements, which include resuscitating a major Christmas event as the Festival of Light and securing a new life for the Dial House.

See our earlier news stories:

• Reepham chosen to receive Vodafone 3G mobile coverage
• Reepham Town Team seeks better mobile phone coverage
• Reepham’s businesses frustrated by mobile phone ‘not spot’

The post More on Reepham’s successful bid to get improved mobile signal appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The Open Sure Signal unit uses existing broadband services to deliver the mobile signal needed to provide 3G coverage

The Reepham Town Team, which com prises representatives of the Town Council and local community groups, plans to apply for inclusion in this programme. If successful, this would provide Vodafone 3G mobile coverage across the town, hopefully eliminating some of the “not-spots” that frustrate residents, visitors and businesses alike.

Vodafone’s initial Rural Open Sure Signal trial, which started in 2012, has seen the connection of 12 rural communities across the UK, from Walls in the Shetland Islands to Newton St Cyres in Devon, as well as Blakeney in north Norfolk. Owing to the success of the trial for both consumers and small enterprises, Vodafone has decided to extend the programme to 100 further rural communities across the UK.

In rural and remote locations, the economic case for traditional networks can be challenging. This may be due to the geography of the area or difficulties with siting masts in places such as national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal programme uses “femtocell” technology to provide a Vodafone 3G signal in areas where traditional mobile coverage has been unable to reach. About the size of a domestic broadband box and in a range of colours (white, grey and brown), the units use existing broadband services to deliver the mobile signal needed to provide 3G coverage, where before there was little or none.

Each unit has a range of up to 500 metres. They can be installed on any number of buildings including village halls, pubs, shops and homes across the community to ensure widespread mobile coverage. At least five potential locations in the town will need to be identified and should be located as high as possible to allow the signal to travel as far as possible.

Communities are encouraged to nominate a Village Champion to lead the application process and ensure the community has a number of things in place before submitting their application form. These include ensuring the community has at least a 4 Mbps broadband connection, which is essential as Rural Open Sure Signal units work from a broadband connection, to identifying 5-10 properties across the community, often on buildings on a hill or in a “community hub”, on which to site the boxes.

Applications close on 14 October 2014, and the successful communities will be announced later in the autumn.

Vodafone can’t guarantee the programme will cure all coverage black spots, but says the Open Sure Signal technology is ideal for public meeting places or focal points in small rural areas. For coverage over a large area, a mobile phone mast may still be the best option.

At this stage, the programme will only benefit customers with a Vodafone contract, but at least that will be better than no signal. And if a unit is located in Reepham’s Market Place, which is a conservation area, and/or on listed buildings, there may be planning permission considerations. Further, each property owner, or the community, will need to be prepared to fund around £30 a year in electricity costs for each Open Sure Signal Unit.

• Does Reepham need better mobile telephone coverage for all networks? Tell us what you think and “Like” the Reepham Needs Better Mobile Facebook page

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The Reepham Town Team is keen to see the return of this event, but to make it a success it needs the support, help and expertise of local groups and individuals.

Representatives of local groups and any interested individuals are invited to a meeting to discuss Christmas in Reepham at the Bircham Centre on Tuesday 8 July from 6 – 7 pm.

The meeting will allow the Town Team to gauge the level of support for the event and consider whether it will be possible to host a successful event this year.

All that is being asked at this point is for willing groups/volunteers to support the event in principle.

If you would like to show your support for Christmas in Reepham, please do come along to the meeting or contact Brenda Gostling, Reepham Chamber of Commerce on 07760 458957 or email reephamchamber@gmail.com

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