Wreningham village photo is published

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More than 100 Wreningham residents gathered for a commemorative village photograph on a sunny Sunday afternoon on June 11.

The Parish Council collaborated with the Village Hall Committee, All Saints Church and the Wreningham Heritage Group to stage the group photograph on the village playing field in brilliant sunshine, following a shared lunch in the village hall. The photos have now been published online and are available to download for free.

Organiser Keith Morris said: “The last time a village photograph took place was back in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and we wanted to mark a decade since then, and King Charles’ Coronation, with an updated picture.

“This time we were able to get some aerial pictures from photographer and drone operator Graeme Taplin, and a video as well. I hope everyone likes them.”

The people in the picture were (in no particular order):

Val Keel, Hilary Tinner, Jean & Peter Levis, Anne & David Osborn, Hilary & David Gauthier, Graeme & Helen McAndrew, Christine Minns, Pat and David Tinsley, Michael Hill, Steven, Alison, Elsie, Austin, Sandra, Raymond Turner, Andrew, Elizabeth, Harriet, Ottilie Groat, Ben, Sarah, Connie, Erin Liddiard, Ian Macrae, Sue & Mick Ryder, Keith & Helen O’Neill, Sue & Chris Brighton, Kym, George, Farah, Austin Tufnell, Oliver & Sarah Holgate, Annelies & Barry Hall, Emma Lindop, Lewis & Oakley Knight, John & Jenny Bligh, Lloyd, Katherine, Florence Baxter, Paul Askham, Christine Moss, Alex, Alice, Ophelia Hunton-Wood, Tim & Leesa Groucott, Keith & Nicky Morris, Jill Maidment, Jim Cooper, Dave & Mary Loader, Bill & Masha Smith, Lydia, Leo, Alexander, Peter Grant, Ian & Kim Priestley, Nick & Sue Pink, John & Sue Knight, Cathy & Mason Paul, Allan & Heather Bond, Lis & Mike Whalley, Janet & Stephen Richardson, Karen Nunn, Brenda & Stuart Merchant, Sue & Tony Wright, Claire, Talula, Hermione & Willow  Rennie, Katie, Florence & Beatrice Burrell, Valerie Banham, Jean Lambourne, John & Ann McIlwham, Malcolm & Lynda Craig.

You can download high quality pictures from the Flickr picture gallery here or below. If you would like a higher resolution version of a single picture, please email keith.morris@networknorwich.co.uk

1Wreningham group_1Cropped3

Defibrillator now available

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Update 9 Jan 2023: The Defibrillator has re-appeared in its housing on the Hall wall – sans the torch. It is unaffected by its disappearance and is ready for duty.

5 Jan 2023: The Defibrillator (with its mechanical torch) are no longer in the housing attached to the Village Hall wall facing the larger car park. It is the only one in the village and is unavailable for any emergency.

We are assuming that it is has been deployed for use by someone in the village. Which is what it is there for. However it needs to be returned and made ready for service.

The Ambulance Service has not yet replied to a request to confirm its deployment. If you know where it is please contact me or the Parish Clerk so that we can arrange for its reinstatement with new supplies.

Wreningham needs you!!!

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Council elections are scheduled for May 2023. It is too often the case that there are insufficient numbers of applicants for the parish and town council positions. For us, this means that Wreningham Parish Council often comprises those deemed to be elected instead of having actually been elected following an election.

Having elected Councillors bring benefits. They are good for:

  • the local community,
  • local democracy,
  • public perception of their council, and,
  • the Councillors themselves as they are elected representatives.

So, we invite you to consider becoming a councillor. Do speak to any of our current Councillors (Andrea, Hughie, Jean, Keith, Michael) or the Parish Clerk (Tina) to find out more, and to express your interest.

recruitment-poster-2Download

Pylons from Norwich to Essex

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There are two letters for your information, the first from the Planning Inspectorate and the second from the campaign group “Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons”

The Planning Inspectorate will close their initial consultation on 5th December for the project which proposes to install high-voltage power lines and their associated large pylons across the countryside in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. They have sent the following letter which included links to the extensive documentation submitted by the applicant:

EAGN-Statutory-Consultation-LetterDownload

The Parish Council is one of the statutory bodies to be consulted on this matter. We will consider the matter and respond appropriately.

In the meantime, it is open to residents to contact South Norfolk District Council and Norfolk County Council to make their views known and ask that these be included in the considerations leading to the Council(s) response to the Planning Inspectorate.

The campaign group, “Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons”, has also written to encourage public and council comment about this project. Their letter is here, and promises to provide guidance on making a representation:

pylon-letterDownload

Calling would be councillors

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Council elections are scheduled for May 2023. It is too often the case that there are insufficient numbers of applicants for the parish and town council positions. For us, this means that Wreningham Parish Council often comprises those deemed to be elected instead of having actually been elected following an election.

Having elected Councillors bring benefits. They are good for:

  • the local community,
  • local democracy,
  • public perception of their council, and,
  • the Councillors themselves as they are elected representatives.

So, we invite you to consider becoming a councillor. Do speak to any of our current Councillors (Andrea, Hughie, Jean, Keith, Michael) or the Parish Clerk (Tina) to find out more, and to express your interest.

recruitment-poster-1Download

Help available

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The Norfolk Association of Local Councils (NALC) have written about the idea that many will struggle with their bills because of the rising cost of energy, food, commodities, services, etc. There are many places that people can turn for help and support, however, knowing exactly where to go for the right type of advice can be tricky. 

To help find the best possible advice NALC has complied this document. 

Are-you-worried-about-paying-monthly-bills-longDownload

This and other documents are available on their website https://www.norfolkalc.gov.uk. They will maintain these and keep them up-to-date. Further information will become available on places people can go to get help in the medium and longer term.

For more information, please contact: Pete Strange, Wellbeing, Communications and Engagement Manager, Norfolk Association of Local Councils, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2UF

Tel: 07946 705787, www.norfolkalc.gov.uk

NALC Wellbeing Newletter

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Wellbeing Newsletter     An Autumn Miscellany

In this latest wellbeing newsletter, we offer a range of items: funding to help set up warm places and warm spaces in places that do not currently have them; some to help you save energy; some to persuade you to get out and enjoy the treasures that our county has to offer; and some to be prepared to counter those who would sow dissent and discord among neighbours.

Community Hot-Spots
In our last newsletter we talked about funding that was available to support communities that wanted to set up places for people to go over the winter, where they could meet up, socialise, learn new skills, share experience and expertise etc.

Norfolk Community Foundation (NCF) has just launched a new source of funds to support these types of initiatives. Grants of £2,000 are available to contribute towards the cost of running or establishing a Community Hot-Spot that gives a warm welcome to the whole community, in particular reaching those who are vulnerable or have been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

They are particularly looking to fund areas where there may not be any other warm room type activities and are willing to find projects which may be in an unexpected venue – a pub, a café, a laundrette – you name it!  As usual they will look to fund VCSE groups or parish councils, so a partnership arrangement will need to be in place between an eligible group and a venue (if it is not owned by the group applying).  More details are in the guidance on the website.

NCF Community Hot-Spot Fund

NCF will give support and guidance to any groups that need it, you just need to get in touch.

Energy Advice Sessions from Community Action Norfolk this Winter.
As part of their Big Energy Saving Network partnership with Citizens’ Advice, Community Action Norfolk will be holding free energy advice sessions for consumers and frontline workers. Sessions will last around an hour, and Emily Robertson and Bob Dye from CAN will be on hand to offer advice or assist with referrals to Citizens’ Advice or the Ombudsman.
We understand that the upcoming winter is a time of concern for many, so CAN are looking to offer support to people by hosting training sessions which include the following.

Practical energy saving advice and tips. Local and National support available. Discussions on issues around fuel poverty and poor health in cold homes. Advice and the opportunity for Q&As after the session.

Please contact either:
Emily.robertson@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk or bob.dye@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk via email for more information, or to book your free session.

National Energy Action
National Energy Action (NEA) are the national fuel poverty charity, working to ensure that everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is warm and safe at home.
Available in England and Wales, NEA’s WASH Advice Service is a free support service providing advice to householders in England and Wales on their energy bills and keeping warm and safe in their home. We can also help with benefits advice and income maximisation.
It offers advice workshops direct to householders and training to frontline staff.
They can help you with
Benefits advice and income maximisation
Support with gas and electricity accounts including fuel debt
Switching suppliers
Energy efficiency
Trust fund applications
Water rates
Warm Home Discount and Priority Services Register information
More information
Advice leaflets and videos with BSL interpretation can be found in our Advice Resources section.
Our phonelines are currently operational Monday to Friday 10.00am to 12.00 noon.
We know it is a difficult and worrying time for people at the moment, we are getting extraordinarily high volumes of calls and emails coming through which may mean we can’t answer or get back to you as quick as we would like to. We really appreciate your patience. Take a look at our Additional Help page for details of organisations who may be able to offer assistance.
the above offer includes a BSL Interpreter contact option.
https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/wash-advice/?parent=get-help
Kind regards,

Pathmakers – Walk Norfolk Festival
The inaugural Walk Norfolk Festival launches at the end of September, proceeding a month-long programme of events, walks and talks throughout the region that showcase some of the best of Norfolk’s landscapes, characters and communities.

A celebration of Norfolk countryside, beaches and urban environments, the 27 events in October take place in locations such as Sandringham across to Great Yarmouth, with a number taking place in the region’s city hub, Norwich.  The eclectic festival schedule of wildlife walks, poetry workshops, networking groups and historical discoveries have been designed to be as accessible to as many people as possible.

A first instalment of a new annual event, the Walk Norfolk Festival has been organised by Pathmakers, a charity dedicated to improving access to the Norfolk Countryside for people of all abilities and backgrounds.  Pathmakers primarily works with organisations and communities to help run, facilitate and support walking projects that improve countryside access.

For the festival, Pathmakers worked in partnership with Norfolk County Council to devise a series of unique events that are suitable for all, including those often excluded from accessing the countryside; wheelchair users and those with less mobility, families with pushchairs and those in the community who rely on public transport.

Each week of the festival has a specific theme, with participants encouraged to capture images that bring the chosen topics to life.

The weekly themes are:

  • Theme 1 (1st-6th October) – Walking
  • Theme 2 (7th-13th October) – Autumn
  • Theme 3 (14th-20th October) – Joy
  • Theme 4 (21st-26th October) – Wildlife
  • Theme 5 (27th-31st October) – Skies

Further information about the Walk Norfolk Festival and the photography competition can be found on Pathmakers newly launched website:

Pathmakers

Getting ready for flooding this winter
The Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance working with the Norfolk Resilience Forum would like to make sure that we are all as ready and prepared as we can be for any flooding that might occur this winter.
We are looking to collect as much information as possible about community assets that would be available to deal with any flooding incidents. As part of collecting this information we would like to recruit “community champions” to seek out that information in their area.  If you are interested in taking part contact Pete Strange at Norfolk ALC.

Communities Prepared Online Hub launch
Communities Prepared are holding a launch event for their online community resilience hub – the new learning platform on their website, www.communitiesprepared.org.uk, which will be live from the end of this month (end of Sept).


Prevent and Community Cohesion
Prevent is about safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults from people who may target, groom, and radicalise them into extremist ideologies and ultimately manipulate them into committing terrorist acts.

In Norfolk, authorities and communities work together to deliver the Government’s Prevent strategy through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk. The strategy is set up to challenge all forms of terrorism, including the influence of far-right extremists.

Find out More

On this website you can find more information, access training and download resources to help in the battle against extremism


Webinars
Norfolk ALC are pleased to be hosting 2 fascinating webinars in the coming weeks.

Oct 5thNorfolk’s Treasures by Foot and Cycle
19.00 – 20.30               Discover glorious Norfolk treasures this autumn.

Find out how you and your community can access the best that the Norfolk countryside has to offer this autumn.

REGISTER

Oct 12thGetting on with Numbers
19.00 – 20.30                Discuss Multiply – a scheme to develop number skills             

Discuss with NCC how funding for numeracy improvements could be used in your community to improve people’s skills. 

REGISTER

Big Litter Pick helps tidy up Wreningham

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A dozen or so enthusiastic volunteer litter pickers helped to tidy-up Wreningham, Top Row and Penny Green as part of the Big South Norfolk Litter Pick on Sunday May 15.

The volunteers spread out from the Village Hall to clean verges, paths, playing fields and other public locations across the Wreningham Parish area.

Items including windscreen wipers, clothes, lots of tin cans, plastic and glass bottles and sweet wrappers.

The effort was part of the annual Big South Norfolk Litter Pick, organised by South Norfolk Council, who lent equipment for the event.

If you would like to litter pick in Wreningham, equipment can be loaned at any time from members of Wreningham Parish Council.

Please contact Cllr Keith Morris at keith.morris@networknorwich.co.uk for details or ring 01508 488318.

Pictured above are some of the volunteer litter pickers outside Wreningham Village Hall.

Wreningham community archaeology project

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March 2022 update

Test-pit digging in our community archaeology project returns this Summer. The last set of diggings’ findings are discussed in the Wreningham interim report.

The three sites selected for the second round of test-pitting are:

  • 26th June 2022 Jean will host the dig at Shelley Cottage on Wymondham Rd
  • 3rd July 2022 Val will host the dig at The Old Homestead in Top Row
  • 24th July 2022, Jill will host the dig at Willeys Croft on Church Road

Please register your interest with Steve Hickling (details below) who is co-ordinating the project and the experts who review the findings. There will be a mid-morning start at 10am. Volunteers should bring a shovel / spade / mattock or pickaxe and a trowel or sieve if you have them. Some suggest that bringing a flask of coffee and some lunch also help with motivation!

The contact for interest and question is Steve Hickling, currently working from home, but reachable at:

Historic Environment Officer, Community and Environment Services, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich

Tel: 01362 869285 | Dept: 01362 869278 | Mobile: 07775687817 | email: steve.hickling@norfolk.gov.uk

August 2018 post

The Wreningham Community Archaeology Project got off to a promising start over the weekend of August 11-12 with a total of five test-pits dug in gardens around the village, reports archaeologist Steve Hickling, who is leading the project.

A sunny weekend saw pits being dug in people’s gardens on Wymondham Road, Ashwellthorpe Road, Mill Lane and the B1113 and all the test-pits yielded some interesting results:

Victorian pottery and little bits of tile were unsurprisingly found in all the test-pits and almost all also yielded prehistoric burnt flints (pot-boilers). These are flint pebbles heated in a fire and then thrown into a liquid in order to heat-up that liquid.

In prehistoric times pottery was terrible and would not survive being put on a fire to heat the contents so pot-boilers were used instead. It is thought that they were heating liquid as part of the process of dying cloth or perhaps making beer. A great number were found in Graham’s test-pit on Mill Lane.

Two of the pits yielded medieval pottery. One on Ashwellthorpe Road produced a couple of sherds, and one on Wymondham Road, behind Pear Tree Farmhouse, produced some rather large sherds. This suggests that there is medieval occupation here.

Pear Tree Farm is a lovely c.17th century timber-framed farmhouse. The test pit produced a lot of c.17th century pottery, a posthole and a layer of redeposited yellow clay, which may be spoil from a deep hole dug nearby, or the remains of a demolished clay-lump building. The medieval pottery suggests that the present house may be a rebuilding of a medieval farm.

All the artefacts recovered will be cleaned and passed to an expert for dating and describing.

What Next?

The next step is to excavate a couple more test-pits on Saturday 1st of September. It would be nice if we could have people to help with the two test-pits on the 1st September. Both are in the middle of the village. If anyone else wants to take part, please let me know on 01508481718 or email me on steve.hickling@norfolk.gov.uk.

Ashwellthorpe Road pit

Wymondham Road pit

Mill Lane pit