VE and Victory VJ Commemorative Event

Considerate Parking Readers will understand that it is very difficult for the users of wheelchairs and mobility scooters to mount and dismount pavements where drop kerbs are obstructed. Also, drop kerbs are often at the exit to peoples’ drives. Please bear this in mind when you park your vehicles.

Guest Speaker at our Monday May 12th Meeting The Trust has appointed a Catchment Resilience Officer, Ed King. He will introduce himself, and his role. Recent history shows that our village is vulnerable to flooding. If you are interested in developing a Natural Flood Management Project or feel it would help to reduce flooding where you live you may like to come and hear his short talk.

Local Government Reorganisation Councillors would like to make parishioners aware, if they are not already, of changes to local government. What follows is an attempt to provide a simple presentation of a complex subject. Central government is proceeding with the process of reducing the number of tiers of local government. They believe that larger unitary authorities will be more efficient, and more cost-effective, than the present central, county, district and town/parish councils. District Councils will be abolished but Parish Councils will be retained. The process is further complicated because it is happening against the background of devolution and the intention to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas of Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council. The local elections, expected in 2025, are being postponed for at least a year. Norfolk County Council is making the case for one large unitary authority. South Norfolk and Broadland Council, on the other hand favours three smaller unitary authorities. Readers may have opinions about whether bigger is better and about which set up is most likely to be good at responding to communities’ local issues.

There is currently a consultation on the reorganisation. If you would like to know more, you can visit this website: https://www.gov.ukgovernment/consultations/norfolk-and-suffolk-devolution/norfolk-and-suffolk-devolution-consultation or put “Norfolk and Suffolk devolution” in your search engine. The consultation ends on April 13th. If you want to submit your views go to: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/lggc/norfolk-and-suffolk-devolution-consultation/consultation/subpage.2025-02-11.9767972217/ or put “Norfolk and Suffolk devolution consultation” in your search engine.

Public Forum: Mr Mulley will bring war memorabilia to the VE event in May, which councillors agreed this would be a wonderful addition to the event and expressed their gratitude to him. Another parishioner complimented the recent maintenance of the community orchard beside Hollow Hill Road. The Chair expressed thanks for the £2,000 grant from County Councillor Barry Stone to install solar panels at the Village Hall.

Minutes & Co-option: The minutes of the 20th January meeting were approved, and Mr. Neil Humphries was co-opted onto the Council to fill a casual vacancy. He was warmly welcomed, and after signing the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, joined the meeting. The Chair noted that this marked the first time in 11 years the Council had full membership, with no vacancies.

Finance: Councillors reviewed and approved the finance and budget reports, receipts, and payments. Local builders have been approached for quotes regarding the necessary roof repairs to the cemetery lychgate, with responses awaited. Councillors authorised the Clerk to transfer excess general reserves to restricted reserves, if required. The internal audit is scheduled for 14th April 2025, and the Clerk confirmed the £500 application for the Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant Commemoration Fund Grant had been submitted.

Planning & Policies: The Chair gave a planning update, including details of applications and decisions, which can be found on DPC’s website. The Council also approved the annual review of several policies, including the Asset Register, Cemetery Fees, Financial Regulations, and a new Safeguarding Policy.
Community Reports: A sign for the gate has been made for Thwaite Road Play Area BMX track consultation, pending installation by the handyman. Councillors discussed antisocial behaviour at the Thwaite Road Play Area.

Antisocial Behaviour: A parishioner raised concerns about antisocial behaviour at the picnic bench near the skate park, which is deterring children from using the area. The Clerk suggested moving the bench to the site of the former youth shelter, further from the skate park, and the Chair agreed this could be arranged.

Baker Lane Sign: The replacement sign for Baker Lane has been installed, and the handyman is working on minor repairs, including re-staining Thwaite Road Play Area gates and cleaning village benches. Councillors noted that the fence along Cheyne Walk also needs attention.

Upcoming Parish Council Meetings

• Monday 12th May at 7:30 p.m. in Ditchingham village hall.
  Parish Clerk – Sally Chapman
  Tel: 07774 734411 Email: clerk@ditchingham-pc.gov.uk

Further details and full minutes of previous meetings can be found at https://ditchingham-pc.gov.uk

Help Celebrate VE Day in Ditchingham! On Sunday, 11th May, our village will be commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special community celebration hosted by your Parish Council. This free afternoon event will feature historical displays about this momentous day from 80 years ago, entertainment, and a complimentary afternoon tea for all attendees. The celebration will run from 2pm to 5pm at The Village Hall and we’re looking for volunteers who can spare even just an hour to help with:

• Setting up and decorating the venue
• Serving afternoon tea
• Welcoming guests
• Helping with cleanup or
• Contributing a cake, biscuits, or would like to offer anything else related to the 1940’s.

This is a wonderful opportunity to honour the historical significance of VE Day and help create lasting memories for your fellow villagers of all ages. If you would like more information about volunteering, please call Angela Gifford on 01986 892936 or email ablems181818@aol.com.

Let’s come together as a community to commemorate this important historical milestone!

From Keith Weston
Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council