Litcham Common Conservation

Our next conservation task with be on Saturday 20th July starting at 10am, when we will continue the work of digging up ragwort. New recruits will be welcome and tools/protective gloves supplied. Please contact Tim Angell on 01328 700045 for more information.

Guided walk on Litcham Common
Monday 8th July: 10am to 12noon

As part of Commons Week Nick Acheson from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust will be leading a “wildlife wander” on Litcham Common showing you the wildlife that makes this site so special. No need to book; just turn-up and join-in.
Meet in the car park on the Dunham Road, PE32 2NT

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LITCHAM JUBILEE HALL

There have been numerous enquiries regarding plans for the hall.  Mary Anderson has kindly produced a chart of our progress which you can see pinned up around the village.

One reason for the delay is that the plans have been in the hands of the council and only recently have they given permission to get quotations, for which we are now waiting.

As it proved popular, there will be another Brunch around September. Watch this space!

June Bevan (01328) 700 274

LITCHAM COMMUNITY FETE & CAR BOOT

Saturday 22nd June from 12noon until 4pm

 As usual this will be held on Litcham School Field, Mileham Rd, PE32 2NZ, parking available in Archers Field.  Attractions to include BBQ, cake stall, bouncy castle, raffle, stall run by groups within our community and trade stalls.  Licensed bar.
For more information, booking car boot stalls or trade stands please contact Alison Briston on 07961370264 or email litchamcommunityfete2019@gmail.com

Changes to Local Bus Services

There will be a number of service changes to local Bus services from April 7th.
Some services are being withdrawn as coach operators like Peelings and Carters after many good years of service have decided they no longer wish to provide bus services when new laws come into place from January 1st 2020 which does not allow coaches to be used on local bus services. As a result of the review passenger will see low floor more accessible vehicles used on many services.

  • Some villages currently serve by the Swaffham area flexibus will now be served by a timetabled service linking passenger to both Swaffham and Kings’s Lynn with no need to either pre book or connect to onward services.
  • The Carters services to both Dereham and Norwich have been amended and merged into one service to each location.
  • The Sanders 24 service to Norwich will change the day of operation to Monday.
  • The West Norfolk Community Transport 22 service has been changed significantly as a result of a commercial registration from Lynxbus who will now be providing an improved service through the Massingham area to both Fakenham and Kings’s Lynn.

All service changes are based upon past usage and passenger feedback through consultations last year.

From April 7th some passengers may not be able to travel exactly like they currently do, however this service change reflects the council procuring contracts from an ever decreasing base of providers, restricted by changes to laws around accessibility and licensing which has limited the outcomes that could be achieved for passengers.
Attached is a list of the new provision by village, and 7 passenger notices for the services changing. I have designed bespoke information for some villages where there will be significant changes which will be sent soon to share, if you like something bespoke for a particular village, or you have any queries around the changes, please ask.

Village List

Links to websites:

 

Golden Cockerel Flies Again

Spire cockerel

On a gloriously sunny day the Litcham All Saints cockerel, looking resplendent in his new coat of gold leaf, was hoisted to the top of the tower.  Te cockerel has been fully restored by S.  Michlmayr & Co in memory of Christopher Hanson-Smith, 1927-2018, through the kind donations of his family and many friends.

LITCHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Annual Parish Meeting
was held attended by six Councillors, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris, District Councillor E Gould and six members of the public.  Reports were received from local organisations, the Chairman of the Parish Council and the County and District Councillors.

Parish Council Meeting
At the March Parish Council meeting which was attended by six Councillors, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris, District Councillor E Gould and two members of the public the following was considered:
Planning: Applications. The Parish Council raised no objection to the application for a proposed two storey extension and porch to front at 23 Church Street. The application for a replacement dwelling and double garage with storage above at 29 Church Street had been withdrawn. Decisions:Approval had been granted by Breckland Council for the proposed demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension and cladding externally to existing house at Coppice Lexham Road. No decision had yet been received from Breckland Council for the 16 houses between Weasenham and Wellingham Roads and the District Councillor will request from the planning department at Breckland a reason for the delay.
Highways: The Parish Council had received a response from Bespoke Construction but as the problem has not been resolved the Parish Council is to write again complaining about the lack of consideration. The members were very disappointed that Norfolk County Council had not enforced BT to repair the ironwork near to the pumping station. The County Councillor informed the meeting that the County Council cannot force BT to repair the road. The culvert under the road on Dunham Road will be repaired as soon as a road closure notice has been completed. The footway outside the school on Church Street and opposite near to the telephone box will be reported as will the potholes on Back Lane. The hydrant signs that have been damaged on the Green and near to the Jubilee Hall will be reported to Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. The County Councillor is to investigate the ownership of the footway between Front and Back streets as this is being damaged by cars driving across it on Back Street.
Litcham Primary School:  A letter had been received from Litcham School to state that the Primary Phase children had raised over £500 over the past few years and the children have suggested that a bench be installed in Manor Drive. The County Councillor is to investigate the ownership of the land so that a decision can be given at the next meeting.
Elections:  Elections for the Parish Council will take place on 2 May at the same time as elections to Breckland Council.
Dog Fouling: There has been a significant increase of dog fouling especially along Lexham Road. The Parish Council is to contact the Dog Warden who if necessary will use covert surveillance to reduce the problem. If you see any person not clearing up after their dog please report them to the Dog Warden on 01362 858500.
Next Meeting – 13 May, which is the Annual Parish Council Meeting following the elections at 7:30pm at the Jubilee Hall. All parishioners are cordially invited to attend and the first part of the meeting is set aside for parishioners to raise issues with the Parish Council. The full minutes are available for viewing by any parishioner by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 or on the Litcham website, www.litcham.org. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP

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As you may have noticed we have a problem with dog fouling in the area again and we need your help to catch whoever is responsible.
If you witness anyone failing to clean up after their dog please report them on:
Call or Text  01362 858500
Dog fouling is not only socially unacceptable; it is also a criminal offence. We are working hard to catch everyone who continues to break the law.
Although we will be utilising covert surveillance and patrols in the area over the next few months, we would also love your help as a local resident. We are trying to get as many people as possible to join our fight against dog fouling.
Together we will get these irresponsible people to clean up their act!

On another note, if you have a dog it may be worth mentioning that bagged dog waste can be disposed of at home. Simply place bagged dog waste in your wheelie bin. Please don’t take it to the small roadside dog bins. These bins are to help you when out walking.

If you have any questions or need help please feel free to call us on 01362 858500

Litcham Drop In

The ‘Drop In’ is held at the Jubilee Hall on Tuesdays in term time.
We are changing our opening times to 10am – 12 noon
The Drop In is for everyone, from all our villages.
Caring for someone with dementia?
Lonely or feeling isolated?
At home with young children?
New to the area?
Looking for information about debt?
Like to knit?
Just would like coffee, cake and a chat.
£1 includes coffee, refills and cake.
Come  and join us, we are a friendly bunch
Heather 700071, ring if you would like to know more.

Remembrance

Although it seems a long time ago the weekend of the 100 years of the First World War was a very busy one.  Following Commemoration at Beeston, on Sunday 11th November there was a very good turn out at Litcham when The Reverend Dennis Ackroyd conducted the Remembrance Service.  That evening, Godwick Barn was the venue for “The Battle’s Over Commemoration” with Guest of Honour, General, the Lord Dannett former head of the Army who spoke movingly of his grandfather, whose medals he wore, as well as touching on his extensive experience of the Army of today and some of the consequences on soldiers and of the debt we owe.  Also present was the Bishop of Lynn and the High Sheriff of Norfolk.
The Remembrance Day Service collection from Litcham All Saints, Beeston St Mary’s and the Fransham Churches together with generous donations for the Appeal from Litcham and Beeston Parish Councils amounted to £708.96.  Grateful thanks to John Jones, RBL who forwarded the collection to the Norfolk County Poppy Appeal 2018.
June Bevan