DITCHINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

Ditchingham Parish Council is pleased to report that the Council is now at full strength following the co-option of new Councillors Ed Van Dijk and Stephen Young. An Events Organising Working Party has also been established and is busy preparing for the Summer Fete on 14th June.

The Council continues to address local concerns including anti-social behaviour, speeding, vandalism at the skate park and graffiti. Liaison with the police continues and the speed awareness machine remains in regular use.

Following a positive public consultation, plans are progressing for a BMX pump track at the Thwaite Road Play Area, with funding opportunities now being explored.

A number of maintenance projects have also been completed or are underway, including repairs to play equipment, the cemetery lychgate roof and fencing along Cheyne Walk. Bungay Conservation Volunteers continue to provide valuable support at the Community Orchard, where a new bench has recently been installed.

The Council is also continuing to press for improvements to the poorly maintained Amenity Area near The Maltings development.

Wider issues affecting the parish include local government reorganisation, support for a banking hub in Bungay and ongoing planning proposals for housing off Loddon Road and Tunneys Lane.

The Chair thanked all Councillors, staff and volunteers for their continued hard work and commitment to the parish, with particular appreciation expressed to the Clerk for managing the increasingly complex responsibilities of the Council.

Keith Weston

Ditchingham Parish Council is pleased to report that the Council is now at full strength following the co-option of new Councillors Ed Van Dijk and Stephen Young. An Events Organising Working Party has also been established and is busy preparing for the Summer Fete on 14 June.

The Council continues to address local concerns including anti-social behaviour, speeding, vandalism at the skate park and graffiti. Liaison with the police continues and the speed awareness machine remains in regular use.

Following a positive public consultation, plans are progressing for a BMX pump track at the Thwaite Road Play Area, with funding opportunities now being explored.

A number of maintenance projects have also been completed or are underway, including repairs to play equipment, the cemetery lychgate roof and fencing along Cheyne Walk. Bungay Conservation Volunteers continue to provide valuable support at the Community Orchard, where a new bench has recently been installed.

The Council is also continuing to press for improvements to the poorly maintained Amenity Area near The Maltings development.

Wider issues affecting the parish include local government reorganisation, support for a banking hub in Bungay and ongoing planning proposals for housing off Loddon Road and Tunneys Lane.

The Chair thanked all Councillors, staff and volunteers for their continued hard work and commitment to the parish, with particular appreciation expressed to the Clerk for managing the increasingly complex responsibilities of the Council.

For the first time in many years, the Council has its full complement of nine members. A list of their names can be seen on the PC noticeboard opposite the village shop. Amongst the items on the January agenda are the following:

A Working Party, of Councillors and other volunteers, is being set up to arrange village events. We are pleased to tell you that there will be a Village Fete this year. If any readers would like to be involved in planning events please get in touch.

Following last year’s consultation the Council has decided to refurbish, and improve, the BMX track at the end of the Thwaite Road Play Area. Planning, fund-raising and carrying out the work is expected to take a considerable amount of time.

Councillors were aware of some concerns about work being carried out, by a contractor, on Broome Heath. They had also seen coverage in the press and knew about the petition that had been raised. The Council had not received any messages from the opponents of the work but, had received a communication, from the Land Agent for Ditchingham Farms, explaining the reasons for the work. During the discussion that followed a number of points were made.

Councillors said they agree with most parishioners who are very grateful, to Ditchingham Farms, for the freedom to use such a beautiful area which is right on the doorstep. Despite there being only two footpaths across the Heath, the public can currently walk on all of it; Councillors hope this remains the case. Members noted that the land owners, and their Licensor, are within their rights to manage the area in the way they see fit. The work being done follows Environment Agency guidelines and Council believes it will be to long-term benefit of the Heath habitat. Councillors condemned the actions of a minority, of the critics of the work, who have, allegedly, subjected the Licensor to abuse and other anti-social behaviour. Ditchingham Parish Council hopes that we can all continue to enjoy sharing the Heath for many years to come.

From Keith Weston
Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council

Council Membership
I am pleased to tell you that, for the first time in many years, the Council has its full complement of Councillors. We welcome Cllr. Stephen Young who was co-opted at this meeting. On the PC notice board, opposite Ditchingham Stores, you can find a full list of Cllrs.; dates of meetings and details of how you can contact us through our Clerk.

Cycle Track at the Thwaite Road Play Area
We are “making haste slowly” but the intention is, subject to acquiring sufficient grant aid, to provide a really good cycle track for local youngsters. A contractor will shortly be clearing the track, and the surrounding area, of brambles. With the help of a specialist cycle track installation company, we will draw up plans and apply for grants. Cllr. Ed Vandijk is our lead on this project; we thank him.

Bleed Kits
Bleed kits have now been installed in the defibrillator cabinets at the shop and village hall. If you ever need to open the cabinets, ask in the shop or hall, if open, or dial 999 for the key pad code. A full list of local AEDs is elsewhere in the magazine.

Village maintenance
The fence along Cheyne walk (the field edge path up Hollow Hill) will be repaired soon, as will the roof of the lychgate at the cemetery. We thank Cllr. Neil Humphries who has taken on the role of Tree Warden. He has already attended training and has produced his first (very thorough) report ahead of the annual professional report. None of the trees, for which we are responsible, appear to need any urgent care at the moment.

Public Transport
Changes to the ownership of the bus companies providing services locally are changing with a consequent review of routes. Cllr. Brendon Bernard has recommended a number of improvements to get busses to areas, like Broome, which are currently not well served.
Public amenity area, Pirnough Street This area has been (and could be again) an attractive spot in the village. At the moment it is far from that – scruffy and overgrown. We have worked with a number of residents from The Maltings to encourage the Broads Authority
to make those responsible for the upkeep of this land fulfil their obligations.

Remembrance
We are grateful to Cllr. Andrew Evans-Hendrick for organising the Remembrance Service held on 9th November at 11:00am at the village war memorial. Between twenty and thirty people attended. The service included spoken tributes; Reveille, Last Post and the laying of wreaths. Elsewhere in this issue of “Parishioner” Andrew has written the moving story of nurse Mary Rodwell.

If any readers would like to share stories of other local folk’s exploits in wartime please send them to the editorial team using
ikalescure@outlook.com. If you would like help to write your memories please contact me using cllr.keith.weston@ditchingham-pc.gov.uk or give me a call on 07551361907.

As you can see from this brief article the Parish Council is busy maintaining and improving the village. Councillors are unpaid volunteers and we should be grateful for the work that they do.

Last but not least, on behalf of the Parish Council, I wish all “Parishioner” readers Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Following previous volunteering in the Ditchingham Community Orchard off Lower Wells Close, the next orchard session will take place on Thursday 12th December, when the Bungay Conservation Volunteers plan to tidy the hedging, plant bulbs along the fence where there are gaps, and, if possible, dig up another walnut tree that has become entangled with an apple tree in the parishioner’s garden.

Armed Forces Covenant
At the meeting held on 8 September 2025, Ditchingham Parish Council agreed to support the Armed Forces Covenant. This is a pledge to
recognise the service and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families. By
signing the Covenant, the Council has committed to ensuring that those who serve, or have served, are treated fairly and with respect in the community, and that they and their families are not disadvantaged when accessing local services and support. Parishioners can find more information at: www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.

From Keith Weston
Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council

Along with the routine matters for the Council most of the time at this meeting was spent on two items.

Cycle Track at the Thwaite Road Play Area
Following a consultation it is clear that there is merit in restoring and improving this feature of the Play Area which has been neglected and,
therefore not used. A site meeting with a local surfacing contractor indicated that a project would be feasible. Councillors’ discussions were about whether or not to increase the size of the track (currently it is a 40m figure of 8); what surface should be put down; and how the project would be funded. The Council made the following decisions: Our grounds maintenance contractor will be tasked with clearing the track, and a surrounding area, of brambles. A national company specialising in cycle tracks will be commissioned to visit the site and draw up some options. Their proposals will enable the Council to – share ideas with the community; to decide on the size of the track and its surface; to apply for grants; to draw up a specification to invite tenders Etc. We will keep you posted.

Proposed Development of 27 dwellings on land bordered by Loddon Rd & Tunneys Lane
Readers will recall that, at the pre-planning application stage, DPC supported the proposal in principle. The Council and some of the nearby
residents made several suggestions for the developers (Beauly Homes and Ditchingham Estates) to consider: reduce the speed limit to 30mph; join the internal footway to the one at the Waveney Road junction; provide a street lamp at the entrance to the site; provide a bus stop and mitigate against light pollution as far as possible. The revised plan, the one being used for planning permission, was considered at the September DPC meeting. All the above items have been adopted. SNC is the planning authority; DPC is a consultee. Your Councillors voted, unanimously, to “recommend for approval” the planning application.

Remembrance Day
A short Remembrance Service will be held on 9th November at 11:00am at the new war memorial outside Ditchingham Village Hall.
A poppy wreath has already been ordered for the occasion. A small number of veterans will attend and then march to a ceremony in Bungay.

From Keith Weston (Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council)

All Council meetings begin with an opportunity for parishioners to raise matters they wish to bring to the attention of Councillors. One parishioner talked about anti-social behaviour (including the alleged misuse of drugs) in the village. This is something the Council has brought to the attention of the police several times in the past. Cllr. Humpries agreed to liaise with local police, again, to reinforce the message.

On a lighter note, another parishioner, Mrs. Melissa Lloyd expressed a willingness to organise a Village Fete in 2026. I expressed the Council’s gratitude for this offer. It was agreed she would liaise with the previous organisers to take this forward.

Two other parishioners attended to follow up on their communications with the Council over the Consultation in regard to the future of the cycle track at the Thwaite Road Play Area (TRPA). It was clear from what they said that a considerable number of people, in the neighbourhood, want the track reinstated.

I expressed the Council’s gratitude because they offered to help if a project gets underway. Later in the meeting Cllrs decided look at options for the TRPA cycle track to be improved. The published agenda was then followed.

Village upkeep – Quotes had been received for the repair of the roof of the lychgate at the cemetery. The job was allocated, and work should begin soon. The post and wire fence along Cheyne Walk (the field edge footpath up Hollow Hill) is in a state of disrepair. Quotes will be sought and the work allocated at the September meeting.

Introduction of large-scale solar panel projects
Whilst Cllrs are not opposed to the provision of solar panels per se, they have concerns about their installation on large areas of farm land.
At this meeting DPC decided to join the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (Norfolk) Anti Mega Solar Alliance.
Parishioners will have seen the numerous banners in nearby villages opposing the East Pye Solar Ltd. proposed project. Although this is not on Ditchingham’s doorstep (Woodton will be impacted) the majority of Cllrs., having looked at the company’s website, have concerns. Council decided to submit its views to the current, phase 2, consultation. Cllrs. will send me their responses and I will merge them into a composite response from DPC. Some Cllrs are also intending to submit their own responses as members of the public. If you would like to know more about East Pye visit www.eastpyesolar.co.uk. 

From Keith Weston (Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council)

Since the 2024 Parish Meeting, we, at last, had something to celebrate at Chicken Roundabout.
After many years, with all the different proposals (and refusals), we now have a lectern-style information board on the grass verge between Smokey Joe’s and the A143 junction. The interpretation board gives a brief history of Chicken Roundabout and highlights the efforts of Gordon Knowles, “The Chicken Man,” who fed the birds for many years.

During the year we had a number of Councillors leave and, I thank them for their service. We also welcomed several new Councillors – thank you to them. We currently have a vacancy for a Councillor; a complete list of the present members can be found online and on our noticeboard.

Following a series of complaints about anti-social behaviour in The Dip youth shelter, the Council sold it in an online auction.

DPC continues to (financially) support the “Parishioner Magazine” which is delivered free to this, and to two other parishes. Council thanked the retiring editor and Treasurer of “The Parishioner” and welcomed a new team of volunteers who have taken it on and given it a slightly new look.

Your Council has also given some support to the Village Hall as part funding of the solar panels that were recently installed. Councillors see the hall as an important village asset and the solar panels will help to maintain the hall’s viability.

Although not a Parish Council project we have given non-financial support to an initiative, by Cllr. Andrew Evan-Hendricks (acting as a private individual) to provide a memorial to the fallen. Andrew is a veteran and he funded the memorial himself. Parish Councils are not permitted to provide memorials. They are allowed, and we shall, maintain it.

The Council is consulting on the future of the BMX track at the Thwaite Road Play Area. There have been very few responses and a decision will be made, at the July meeting, about whether to maintain it or let nature take it back.

A large amount of money was spent on repairs and improvements to the Thwaite Road Play Area following the annual, professional inspection.

A national issue, that will affect all Parish Councils, is Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation. I have tried to cover this subject in the April/May “Parishioner” and elsewhere in this edition.

South Norfolk Council is the local planning authority but, as a consultee, the PC’s view was sought on a planning application to build 29 homes (and supporting infrastructure) on a site bordered by Loddon Road and Tunneys Lane. DPC voted to “recommend for approval” this application.

I shall conclude this report with some thankyous. For family reasons I have been slightly less focussed on Council matters this year. I thank my Vice Chair, Cllr. Bernard for his support. My thanks also go to my fellow Cllrs. For their contributions to the work of the Council. It must be remembered that all Cllrs. are volunteers.
I also thank the Council’s employees who succeed, in keeping the village spick and span. I am, however, especially grateful our Clerk and Responsible Officer, Sally Chapman. Managing the budget, our assets, contracts, insurance, and compliance with ever-changing regulations – I could go on – is a very complex and time-consuming job. Our clerk does all that in a very efficient way. Without an accomplished clerk I very much doubt whether we could recruit Cllrs. I thank Sally for her important work for the parish.

From Keith Weston (Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council)

The community came together to mark a moment of reflection and celebration with the unveiling of the new war memorial, honouring those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. The event was a poignant reminder of the courage and resilience shown during wartime.

The celebrations continued with a wonderful VE Day gathering, where wartime singers filled the air with nostalgic melodies, transporting many back to a bygone era. Residents and visitors alike enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea that added to the sense of community spirit.

It was a day of remembrance, celebration, and unity—a fitting tribute to those who gave so much.

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

THANK YOU

If you are reading this, you are probably a regular reader of “The Parishioner” who was sorry that the December edition would be the last. If you are reading this, you can also see that it wasn’t!

We would like to start 2025 with a thank you to Simon Wilkin, editor, and Reg Kirkpatrick, Treasurer, who published the Parishioner for 24 years. It is a testament to them that there are now five new volunteers brought together by Ditchingham Parish Council compiling the magazine to carry on their hard work. The new team hope the magazine will continue to be a source of information for the residents of Ditchingham, Hedenham, and Broome, and plan to publish an issue every two months, starting with this issue.

We would also like to thank the folk who deliver the magazine and those who advertise in it, most of whom will be carrying on with their support.

Chris Yapp – Editor

Keith Weston
Ditchingham Parish Council, Chair

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DITCHINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE
From Keith Weston (Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council)

The Parish Council has both of Ditchingham’s play areas inspected annually by a professional company. This year’s report revealed many issues at the Thwaite Road Play Area. Much of the equipment is of the same age and had deteriorated. Remedial work, necessary to keep users safe, has now been carried out. The work cost close to £18,000.

Each year part of what you pay in Community Charge is levied by the PC to fund its ongoing responsibilities. Some money is put into reserves and the above cost was met from the play area reserve.

Upcoming Parish Council Meetings
Monday 10th March at 7:30 p.m. in Ditchingham village hall

Parish Clerk – Sally Chapman
Tel: 07774 734411 Email: clerk@ditchingham-pc.gov.uk