Local news includes parking issues, a council resignation, retirements, and gnome surprises.
Tinker Taylor quit the Downham council, protesting the council’s new HQ plan. He thinks it’s an “ego trip” costing £180,500. Taylor said other options weren’t considered, like West Norfolk’s offer of rooms for £4,000 yearly. Somerfield paid £110,000 towards the costs.
Rose Allen retired from Littlewoods after 27 years of service. Colleagues gave her a china cabinet and a Portmeirion jug at her farewell lunch. Friends and family joined the celebration.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital changed visiting hours to 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm for surgical and other wards. This started in March as part of their plan for a quiet recovery environment. The changes balance family visits with patient needs.
Speedway’s new season is coming soon, and Buster Chapman is confident about the start. He almost has control of the team and expects to sign papers quickly. Volunteers will improve stadium facilities, and two Czech riders have already joined the team.
David Bradd had a gnome-filled birthday. Sixty gnomes appeared on his lawn, along with a gnome jigsaw puzzle. It happened overnight, a complete surprise, and though he doesn’t know who put them there, he has a good idea.
Lynn Arts Centre staff are unhappy and dislike the merger proposal that involves the Corn Exchange theatre and the Princess Theatre. They sent a letter to Alan Pask, fearing they might lose artistic independence.
The Dersingham Girls Venture Corps needs help; both leaders and members are urgently needed. With only four members remaining and the current leader also leaving, cadets are joining Lynn’s unit temporarily. They meet Mondays at the Drill Hall.
Norfolk College students raised £450 for charity through Rag week events. These included a drag parade and a spaghetti-eating contest. Students are deciding who gets the money. The student union called it great.