Plumstead Road Press

07/11/2025

What a journey ‘Team Library’ have been on at Lionwood Infant School. From a small acorn of an idea from founder Anna Storrs that the school needed a library to be proud of, to having a celebration day last week where they managed to get acting legend Larry Lamb to come down and read a story to the children in their newly refurbished library. It’s not been easy; this is a story of where determination to a cause can ultimately get you. But this story certainly isn’t over, and they need your help to make sure there is a long-term, sustainable happy ending.

Back in 2024, we wrote an article marking the first anniversary of the Lionwood Infant School Library Fund project, a charity set up by local parent and GP Dr Anna Storrs after her epiphany that the school needed a dedicated library space. On my visit to the school, I met Anna, along with Claire Bolster, two parents brimming with passion and eagerness to tell me all about Team Library. There was nothing that was going to stop these amazing volunteers from achieving their goal: every school should have a library bursting with high-quality books to create the building blocks for a lifelong love of reading. Any parent or teacher out there will tell you about the struggle to get children to read. Books have more competition for time and attention than ever before. To try and raise the reading culture at Lionwood, Anna and her team had started a fundraising mission to transform an unused classroom into a special library space. In October 2024, the Team had raised an incredible £1,250. After famous author Nick Butterworth had kindly donated his time and money to the project during a cheese and wine auction event, the total was boosted by over £2,000 in one evening! Roll on November 2025, and Team Library have now raised a staggering £20,000 with fundraising and grants combined.

To mark this community fundraising milestone, Team Library invited children from Year 2 and their families to come along to a special celebration event on the 31st of October, where the Head of School, Mrs Selene Sawyer, set up a pumpkin treasure hunt for the children, along with craft activities and cake! The proverbial icing was provided by actor Larry Lamb, who was in town for the Norwich Book Festival to promote his debut novel 'All Wrapped Up'. EastEnders and Gavin & Stacey fans will need no introduction to Larry Lamb. After the treasure hunt, the children were treated to a story, ‘The Lion and Albert’, from Larry in the newly refurbished library. A wonderful new storyteller chair, beautifully crafted by Norwich Mens Shed, took pride of place and gave Larry a worthy home. After his reading, Larry took the time to chat with the children and their families and also signed copies of his new book - sales of which were generously donated to the Lionwood Library Fund. In total, this celebration event raised over £200 through book sales and donations on the day.

Larry commented, “It has been a privilege to be part of this event and showcase the remarkable efforts of the team. It’s a really important project and will without a doubt benefit the community.”

Founder Anna gleefully beamed, “We are so proud of what we have achieved. It has been hard work, and we have lots more to do as we want the library to last and change with the community. Seeing the excitement of the children today has been really special. We are sure they will benefit hugely from the space.”

Claire Bolster couldn’t agree more, “I’m incredibly proud of Team Library, the work that has gone into this event today with Larry Lamb, and getting the library ready for that. We still have more work to do, and being a trustee of the Lionwood Infant School Library Fund charity means I will be invested long after my own child has left this school, but this is a project for the long term, and we want to ensure the children in the local community, now and in the future, have access to the resources they need in school, in a dedicated library space."

This event marked not only the amazing fundraising achievements so far, but it also highlighted the amount of fundraising that is actually needed to make a difference. The team have so far spent £10,000 on refurbishing an old classroom, purchasing bespoke furniture and shelving, and is expanding the collection of books with recent releases. This clear need for investment has now also been recognised by Chancellor Rachel Reeves through her recent pledge to fund a library in every primary school in England. Anna commented, “We are thrilled to see this government investing in creating library spaces in schools to inspire and nurture children’s love of reading. However, the true cost of creating and maintaining a thriving reading environment requires dedication and ongoing financial support. There is no indication that the recently announced national budget would address the ongoing costs of running a dynamic and well-maintained school library.”

While primary schools are waiting for their pot of library gold to possibly appear, Anna and her team are not resting on their laurels. “We have spent over £10,000 so far, and the library isn’t complete yet. In our research, funding has to cover costs of replenishing 10% of stock annually, something we currently plan to maintain with ongoing fundraising efforts. We need to purchase more bespoke tables so the room can be used for other lessons including phonics, as the space still has to be multifunctional.”

To reach that sustainable, happy ending, ongoing investment in libraries is clearly key. The Team are desperate to keep developing the library space and to purchase more new books. They also plan to have an official opening event in the new year where they we would like Nick Butterworth to return to do this. If you would like to donate to this incredible project to further their dreams, please click on the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/lionwoodinfantschoollibraryfund

On behalf of all the children at Lionwood, and all the future generations who will follow… we salute all the amazing efforts of Team Library. What you have achieved so far is outstanding. As a former primary school teacher myself, I will always stand firm with my stance that reading is the key to succeeding. We can’t just stand back and see a love for something disappear. We all need to be more like Team Library!

Check out the comments for additional images of Anna Storrs, Larry Lamb and Jim Baker from Norwich Men’s Shed, along with Year 2 parents and children enjoying this special occasion.

06/11/2025

The next, highly anticipated, instalment of the Plumstead Road Library Friends Quiz Night is nearly here, 7.30-10pm, on Thursday the 20th of November at Plumstead Road Library.

We know that the readers of the Plumstead Road Press are an extremely intelligent bunch, so what better way to flex those brain cells than to enter a team into the quiz? Little can be said of Team PRP... last year, we came last!

The wonderful team at Archers Butchers have again given us a star prize of £60 worth of vouchers for the winning team. This will handily be split into 6x£10 vouchers. So if you have 6 in your team, you each get a £10 voucher. With the food at Archers Butchers being some of the finest around, the winning team is in for a tasty treat! We are delighted to say that Archers are also providing some food for you to enjoy during the quiz.

The quiz night organised by the Plumstead Road Library Friends is always lots of fun. All money raised on the night helps to fund future projects run by the team to encourage more people, especially youngsters, into the library. With the vouchers on the line as well as the title of 'Quiz Masters', plus loads of other prizes on offer too, this quiz is too good to miss.

You can even bring whatever refreshments you like to get those brains firing! Yes... that means alcohol 😉

The cost is only £3 per person, which is payable on the night, with a maximum of 6 on a team. To book and secure your places at the quiz, please give Joan a call on 07901586906.

Let the brainteasing battle begin!

20/10/2025

With Spooky Season fast approaching, the Plumstead Road Library Friends have a real treat lined up for us this month. They are delighted to announce that local witch expert, Dr Danny Buck, will be hosting the latest talk at Plumstead Road Library on Wednesday, the 29th of October at 2:30 pm. Titled: Familiar & Stranger Things: Making A Witch, this is a talk that must not be missed! So where did Danny’s fascination with the history of local witches come from?

After studying a BA in Modern History at Lincoln College in Oxford, Danny Buck met the Witchcraft historian, Malcolm Gaskill at the UEA. Malcolm was fascinated in magic, spiritualism and witchcraft. This fascination was soon shared, and Danny was enchanted by how politics, religious division, and witch hunting had become entangled in Great Yarmouth in the 17th Century. It stirred Danny so much that he went on to do a PhD focusing on the Great Yarmouth Witch Hunt. He has since published many papers, released films, done numerous podcasts, completed many talks, and has even dressed up as The Witch Finder in various re-enactments across the country. It’s safe to say that Danny really is a witch expert!

Danny is driven to try and understand why people pursued witches so much: “We think we know about the witch. It’s often been twisted with stories of feminist heroes or little old ladies who are herbalists. The reality is much darker. Accusations of people being witches is about community. There are so many sad stories of people looking for charity, but then fear is created, a witch has been branded, and left them with a curse. At this time in Great Yarmouth’s history, fear and accusations were rife. Through researching this area, we get an insight into the mentality of the people of that time, an alien mentality where the devil is present, where witchcraft and unnatural events make sense. Unfortunately, being fearful and paranoid of our neighbours is still so relative in today’s world.”

So… to get a uniquely insightful outlook on the local world of witchcraft, the talk by Dr Danny Buck really is a must. Danny will be bringing all of his local knowledge and stories to the talk, along with wax poppets, reeds, dioramas, and of course… witch bottles – a magical item that was deemed a necessity to protect yourself against a 17th Century witch.

We really can’t wait for this talk at Plumstead Road Library on Wednesday, the 29th of October at 2:30 pm. There is plenty of free parking, bus stops outside, and refreshments available. No need for tickets, just come along and enjoy. We will see you there!

Check out the comments for more images of Danny - The Witch Finder :)

02/10/2025

A feast of food and activities are waiting for you this Saturday morning at St Francis Church on Rider Haggard Road. It's also a great chance to meet the new Vicar!

We're really looking forward to Saturday where we'll have indoor crafts, food and outdoor activities. All are welcome, no cost and it's for all ages as we celebrate and have fun.

01/10/2025

We've helped return many items on this page in the past, and now it's the turn of a photograph. The item was found lying on the floor in Tesco on Plumstead Road on Wednesday, October 1st. A diligent member of staff spotted the photograph and handed it in. She then contacted us to help spread the word.

So... we have a mission. Can we get this precious-looking photograph back to its rightful owner? If it's yours, then please go to Tesco and collect it. If it isn't yours, please share this post far and wide, so we can try and track the owner down. Photos hold so many memories, so let's get this one home safely!

17/09/2025

Are you or your child struggling with reading, writing, and learning? If so, have you ever heard of visual stress?

**Check out the GIF in the comments for what visual stress can look like to people who experience it**

Visual stress, also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, is a common symptom of dyslexia. However, not everyone with dyslexia experiences visual stress, and many who do not have dyslexia, do. The condition is estimated to be present in about 40% of struggling readers and in 20% of the general population in varying degrees. Visual stress is also a symptom of a range of other associated learning difficulties, disabilities, and illnesses that include attention deficit disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), headaches and migraines, and traumatic brain injuries. Visual stress is a perceptual processing disorder thought to be caused by the way some brains process certain frequencies of light.

To aid us on our journey of understanding visual stress, the Plumstead Road Library Friends are delighted to announce that retired optometrist Keith Waring will enlighten us on this ever-developing area with a talk on Wednesday, 24th September, at 2:30pm in Plumstead Road Library. We caught up with Keith to find out more about his journey and what we can expect from the talk.

Keith worked as an optometrist at his own practice in Sheringham from 1976 to 2001, when he was supposed to retire. He then moved to Yorkshire and worked as a locum, before moving back and properly retiring in 2020. During his working career, Keith was one of the first in the UK to fully embrace colourimetry - a science that uses coloured optical filters to alleviate patient symptoms of visual discomfort that can occur in both adults and children when reading. Because he was so passionate about helping people with the undiagnosed condition of visual stress, the retirement for Keith didn't last long, as he set up his own company in 2023 called Colour My Words. His vast experience in this field has already helped many children and adults achieve success in education and their working careers.

During the talk, Keith will be delving deeper into his life as an optometrist and will be explaining the visual stress assessment process and tools that he uses. At the end of the talk, Keith will be taking questions about visual stress and any other questions relating to optometry. If you have that question inside you that you’ve always wanted to ask an optometrist, now is the time!

This is certainly going to be an interesting talk on Wednesday, the 24th of September, at 2:30pm in Plumstead Road Library. Too many children and adults have lost their reading confidence and feel ashamed that they can’t do what other people can do. This needs to change.

Our talks are always free with no need for tickets. Plenty of parking and refreshments. We will see you there!

**Check out the GIF in the comments for what visual stress can look like to people who experience it**

05/09/2025

With the chaos around Plumstead Road at the moment for four-wheel lovers, maybe now really is the time to get that old bike back on the road. To aid the two-wheel revival, Cycling UK (the Nation’s biggest cycling charity) are supporting the local Lionwood Cycle Project with a FREE public Bike Fix event this Sunday morning, 10AM-12 at Pilling Park Community Centre, NR1 4PA.

We were contacted this week by Ian Small of Cycling UK East England. He informed us that this amazing local project has been struggling with participation, and could we help to promote it? Ian… of course we can!

With the cost-of-living crisis, everything eats away at those precious pennies. BUT, this Bike Fix event is totally FREE. You’ll get FREE safety checks and Free minor repairs or adjustments. Brakes don’t work? They’ll fix it. Gears clicky and jumpy? They’ll fix it… all for FREE – everything is being funded by Cycling UK. All you have to do is bring your bike to Pilling Park Community Centre, on Sunday 7th September from 10AM-12 (last bike in at 11.30AM), and the amazing team of local volunteers will do the rest.

Let’s get those bikes back, and fit for the roads! Did we say it's FREE!

20/08/2025

What a special local author treat the Plumstead Road Library Friends have in store for us this month. On Wednesday, the 27th of August, 2.30pm at Plumstead Road Library, science fiction author Amy Orrell will be discussing her journey of how an idea penned in a ‘free choice’ English lesson at Blyth Jex led to the release of her first science fiction novel some 30 years later.

Granddaughter of the late Peter Phillips, an acclaimed science fiction author of the 1940s and '50s, some would say that her fate to be an author was inevitable. Add in the fact that her father is Andrew Dibben, a well-respected local painter and author, then it really was rubber-stamped. But that was certainly not the case. Amy began her working career in education and then as an artist. Whilst moving house, Amy found that high-school story she had written nearly 30 years before, with a post-it note clinging to it from her English teacher that lauded her ‘reader-grabbing style’. It took the life-changing pandemic of 2020 to question her calling and to discover what she was really made of. “I knew that I had a great concept, but I never believed that I could write an entire novel.”

In February this year, ‘Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once’ was released. A time travel thriller, featuring climate change, dodgy governments, romance and adventure in a near future that feels almost too close for comfort. Peter Buck, Editorial Director at Elsewhen Press, revealed: “When Amy submitted Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once, the title immediately caught our attention. We read it and knew it was a story we would love to publish. I’m sure her grandfather would have been proud.” Although her late grandfather was not able to see the publication of the story, it was an incredible moment for Amy when that all-important high school English teacher was at the book’s launch party in Norwich.

With the sequel firmly in development, we are delighted that Amy is taking time out to talk to us. To learn more about Amy’s incredible writing journey, how she juggles writing with being a mum and an artist, her dual love for Norwich and London, and why sci-fi and other genre fiction has something for everyone, the place to be on Wednesday, the 27th of August, at 2.30pm is the Plumstead Road Library. All free, no need for tickets, we will see you there!

08/08/2025

The Dussindale Community Garage Sale is firmly back for 2025. On Sunday, the 17th of August, the bargain hunt around the Dussindale estate begins at 9am and finishes at 1pm.

After interviewing the organiser, Tracey Cooper, ready for the 2023 instalment of the sale, one thing was perfectly clear – Tracey loves Dussindale! If there is an opportunity to support or raise money for her local community, she is there in a flash. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn’t wait to finally experience the big day.

On the day of the sale back in 2023, I assembled my family and off we drove to the Town Hall at Fitzmaurice Park – the epicentre of the Dussindale Garage Sale activities. We were greeted by big smiles from Tracey and her husband, who were beautifully clad in high-vis jackets, and we purchased our £1 maps to show the location of houses taking part. There were loads of stalls at the Town Hall, and before we had even set off, our bag was full with bargains. Thankfully, our car was close by to drop off the loot.

Not being a Dussindale native, our treasure map was going to prove to be very important. Not only did the purchase of it raise money for the charity that year, but it was essential in helping us to navigate Dussindale, which we found to be deceptively large. Finally, out the gates we went, and we were amazed by just how alive everywhere was. It didn’t take long to reach our first house, and we were greeted with a crowd of people looking through all manner of goods on tables, blankets and anything else that could support their wares. More purchases were made, and off we went again.

My children loved the map mastery experience and trying to navigate to the next treasure stop. They were also loving the incredible amount of bargains that we were mysteriously collecting. I’m still adamant to this day that the skateboard we bought off a lovely family for 50p was a bad idea!

In total, there were over 60 houses to visit that day, and I’m pretty confident that we actually saw them all. If a treasure hunt and a car boot had a baby, we were definitely at the christening. It was such a great day. The whole estate was buzzing, everyone was smiling, and we met the most amazing people who loved a good old Norfolk mardle. In total, the Garage Sale in 2023 raised over £1300 for charity.

Role on 2025 and it’s back. Tracey has already secured over 40 houses to take part. The pitch fee of £6 per household goes to charity. The £1 maps go to charity. And this year the charity is one very close to my own heart – the Thorpe Dementia Support Group. I lost my mother to dementia in 2019, and it’s just the cruellest of things for all involved. Tracey explained: "Raising money for a local charity is high up on my list. Many people are now dealing with the diagnosis of dementia and the challenging and ongoing responsibility of caring for loved ones. Being able to both seek and find support is crucial. Thorpe Dementia Support are doing great work, and I am so pleased to be supporting them this time.” Tracey… I couldn’t agree more.

If you live in Dussindale, there is still time to contact Tracey on 07519 534632 to get your house on the map. The deadline is Thursday 14th! NO EXCEPTIONS! With the kids on holiday, it’s also the perfect time to have a sort-out and to raise funds for new purchases. For all you bargain hunters who fancy a treasure hunt, this day is made for you.

Not only is Fitzmaurice Park the place where you can grab your map and meet Tracey, but it will also be the home of the fantastic bake sale - supported in part by Thorpe Ferry Cafe, The Little Flapjack Company, Tesco, The Little Park Café and loads of generous local bakers. You will also have choices of hot and cold refreshments and bacon rolls thanks to Cafe2U. There is even going to be toilets. What more could you possibly need for a Sunday bargain hunting adventure with the family!

We will see you there :)

06/08/2025

After the packed talk by local historian, Reuben Harvey, in May at Plumstead Road Library, we are delighted to say that ‘Mr Mousehold’ is back – this time with a much-demanded evening special at St George’s Church in Colegate, on Thursday, 7th of August at 7.30pm.

Rueben is currently studying a master’s degree in history at the UEA, and the turnout for his first-ever talk on Mousehold left him in shock. The shock for the audience was just how passionate and knowledgeable Rueben was about all matters of local history. He is compelling to listen to, and I for one, left the talk knowing much more than before I entered.

So… where did this passion and knowledge develop from?

Reuben was born on Lavengro Road and spent most of his youth playing in Mousehold. His great-grandmother lived just around the corner, none other than Mrs Mousehold herself, Pat Siano. This wonderful lady was one of her generation's most passionate local campaigners. With the Mousehold Heath Defenders, her fight to protect the history and importance of our local area was endless. When Reuben learned of Pat Siano’s forbidden wartime romance, he was truly bitten by the history bug and was desperate to learn more.

A move for Reuben to Heartsease Lane then opened up new opportunities for him to develop his passion. At 11, along with his older brother, he made the news when the pair transformed their new back garden into a First World War battlefield – complete with a trench, look-out tower and sentry box. In full uniform, the brothers would invite their friends over to re-enact mock battles. As they grew older, the pair became well known as The Historyboys, continuing to bring the history of WWI and WWII to life, doing various talks, tours, and events in Norwich and across the country.

To continue Pat Siano’s legacy, Reuben has written many pieces on the history of Mousehold for his history degree and master's. At the talk on Thursday night, Reuben will again be discussing the rich history of Mousehold Heath. Founded on Ice Age sands and gravels, Mousehold has over 75 million years of history and was first recorded in the Domesday Book, having spanned some 22 miles at the time. Mousehold has been a key player in the development of Norwich over the years. From quarrying, continued removal of trees for firewood and farmland, a site for myth, legend and worship, to being a home for rebel encampment, military training and an aerodrome, Mousehold has seen it all. Reuben explained: “It’s so rich in history. I’m fascinated by how much the Heath has changed. It is through my great-grandmother’s eyes and memories that I will be basing my 20th Century history on.”

After listening to his talk the first time, I thoroughly recommend this evening opportunity to catch it again. No need for tickets, just turn up and enjoy at St George’s Church on Thursday, the 7th of August at 7.30pm. He's even got wine this time!

24/07/2025

Hearing is a vital sense for communication, safety and overall well-being. It enables us to connect to the world around us. This is why we are delighted to announce that Mark Johnson of Hear for Norfolk - NDA will be the next talk from the Plumstead Road Library Friends on Wednesday, 30th July, 2.30 pm at the Plumstead Road Library. Mark will explain everything this vital service has to offer and how they can help prevent you from needing it in the first place.

As someone who spends a lot of time photographing bands, and spending most of that time very close to extremely loud speakers, I know the risk I am potentially doing to my hearing. I also live with someone with tinnitus. Do I always wear protective earplugs? No. Should I know better? Yes!

Hear for Norfolk - NDA is the working name for the Norfolk Deaf Association, a charity founded in 1898. Research has shown that good hearing increases social engagement, improves communication and lowers the risk of depression. Mark explained, “Hearing is one of your main senses; without hearing, life can be extremely challenging and isolating.” Hear for Norfolk supports people of all ages and with all degrees of hearing loss and related conditions. Their aim is to improve the quality of life, not only for the person struggling with their hearing, but for their families and carers.

From ear wax removal, NHS-funded hearing tests and hearing aids, strategies to improve communication, assistive listening devices, to isolation support and important ways to protect your hearing, Mark will be explaining it all at the Plumstead Road Library talk on Wednesday, 30th July, at 2.30 pm.

No need for booking, lots of free parking… we will see you there :)