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Plumstead Road Press, Plumstead Road, Norwich (2026)

05/12/2025

Lion Wood is a stunning ancient woodland nestled in the heart of Norwich. This biodiversity hotspot was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086 as ‘Thorpe Woods’. Nearly 1000 years later, the Lion Wood Conservation Group is a dedicated group of volunteers who are on a mission to make sure that this 9-hectare woodland gem can blossom long into the future. To help raise funds for their project and for you to meet the team, the group are hosting a Coffee Morning Fundraiser at Pilling Park Community Centre on Saturday, 6th Dec from 10.30 AM to 12. Come on down, the team would love to meet you!

Lion Wood has been in the news a lot this year after securing much-needed funding from the Council for a pioneering project to protect and enhance this ancient woodland by improving access, tackling surface water flooding, and boosting biodiversity. The Lion Wood Conservation Group plans to work closely with Norwich City Council, who own the woodland and the Norwich Fringe Project, who are responsible for its management, to ensure that their conservation activities are in line with their management plan objectives for the site. Everyone involved is passionate about maintaining the area so that it can be a haven for wildlife and a tranquil green space for all to enjoy.

One member of the Lion Wood Conservation Group, Martin Rejzek, fell in love with the area as soon as he first saw it: “I’m Czech, and I first found Lion Wood while I was out on a walk 20 years ago. I just had to buy a house here as I had fallen in love with the area. The privilege of living next to an ancient woodland is such an amazing thing. And that’s what keeps me here, and why I Iike it so much.” This sentiment is shared by so many other people in the area. From dog walkers to nature enthusiasts, the group has helped to glue the community together, and they will do everything that they can to help it survive and thrive.

If you would like to get involved in helping to look after Lion Wood with the team, please join the Lion Wood Conservation Group on Facebook. Here, they will post information about future events and about important issues relevant to the conservation of the woodland. Whether you are knowledgeable about conservation and wildlife, would like to learn a bit more, or just fancy some outdoor activity and the opportunity to meet new people, they would love to welcome you to their group. Talking of events, the Coffee Morning Fundraiser on Saturday the 6th at Pilling Park Community Centre is a great way to meet the team face to face, raise lots of money, and to feast on drinks and cake.

The Lion Wood Conservation Group has big plans for the future through a range of activity days, which may include litter picking, planting of native trees and shrubs, management of cherry laurel and other invasive species, and improvements to steps and paths, when needed. They also plan to undertake even more recordings of local wildlife and plants… so there are lots for you and your family to get involved with!

Lion Wood is such a special place, somewhere that my children cherished when they were growing up, so we wish this team endless success in their conservation mission.

24/11/2025

The readers of the Plumstead Road Press will know that we love a roundabout in our local area. The same can’t be said of the lady who was today involved in a suspected hit and run, at 4pm, Monday 24th, on the Ketts Hill roundabout. Did you witness it?

The accident happened as the lady was in the left-hand lane of the Barrack Street exit on the Ketts Hill roundabout. “A dark red Jaguar hit my silver blue Vauxhall Astra and sped off, on to Riverside Road, not stopping. I was coming from Barrack Street in the left-hand lane, they were in the right lane, and as they pulled out, they smashed into my wing mirror and scraped all down the side of my car, causing damage to my bumper also. They knew they had hit me as it made such a loud bang. I tried to follow them to get a registration number but unfortunately had to stop at the traffic lights on Bishop Bridge. I lost sight of them turning into Rosary Road. It’s been reported to the police, but it would be great to have a witness if anyone saw it.”

As soon as the lady, who would like to stay anonymous, contacted us, I knew which junction would be to blame. I had exactly the same last week. I’m in the left-hand lane, wanting to go straight over and up Kett’s Hill to the promised land. When the coast was eventually clear, the car to my right pulled straight into my lane, completely oblivious, leaving me to slam on my brakes. It certainly wasn’t the first time I’d had a near miss at that junction. There must be something about staying in your lane for cars on that right side, as the lady sadly found out today.

So… if you did witness anything, or if you have any dashcam footage, please send us a message so we can put you in touch with this lady. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The lady was travelling alone and was quite shaken up - the car is probably a write off. Not a great start to the week!

21/11/2025

The support for Gemma Pope and her family since our last article about the stolen advertising has been incredible. The community really is behind this family. The biggest support we can now give them is with our presence at their big Christmas All seasons makers fayre on Sunday, 30th November at Open Academy from 11-2pm. Are you looking for a bespoke present for someone? Then this is the place for you!

With limited advertising funds, Gemma has been busy behind the scenes hand-drawing 11 new Christmas themed A1 posters - each one based on a different Christmas character. If you see these dotted around Open Academy, take note of the different characters, as they will come in handy on the day. At the Christmas Fayre, if you find Gemma (there will be signs) and tell her 5 different characters that you have spotted on the posters, you will earn yourselves a special Christmas treat! The posters are going to be on the inside of the fences this time. And in total, there are 15 different ones going up for you to spot whilst you’re out and about.

Talking of treats, Carol (Gemma’s mum) has been flooded with emails and phone calls and has been busy organising an incredible array of stall holders for the Christmas Makers Fayre. Carol is delighted to reveal that Sorella will be serving up hot food and drinks outside. This is a new business run by two sisters, and whether it’s coffee or bacon baps, these ladies have got you covered!

Here’s a glimpse of what else you can expect:
Cosmetics
Jewellery
Knitted items
Sewn items
Crochet
Cards
3D printed items
Wreaths
Baubles
Wooden crafts
Seasonal gifts
Art
Cake
Drinks
And so much more!

This Fayre really is the place to get your Christmas shopping started. Instead of buying something off Amazon that’s the same as everything else, at the Makers Fayre, you will get unique, individual gifts that have been lovingly crafted by someone. Carol explained: “Our Fayre is about personal, bespoke gifts that you’re not going to find anywhere else. It’s ideal for that family member who is tricky to buy for. Many of the stallholders will even customise that perfect gift for you. That’s why I like craft fayres… you want a blue bead, but they have a pink bead, they will change it for you. Our fayres are friendly and filled with stallholders who are passionate about their crafts. We want you to walk in and automatically feel welcome.”

Gemma feels exactly the same: “The Christmas music will be playing and we’ll have our Christmas jumpers on. We want to go out with a bang for this year. We’ve got around 30 stalls, so come round and have a wander. It’s perfect if you want somewhere to walk with your kids, and be out with the family. The man selling 3D printed toys are some of the best I’ve ever seen. He does these little animals that the kids can carry around in their pockets. I just love seeing all the grins on faces when people walk away with a perfect gift, either for themselves or for a loved one.”

Gemma and family, we love your resolve and all the efforts that you have put in for your stallholders. We hope that your Christmas All seasons makers fayre on Sunday, November 30th, at Open Academy from 11-2pm will be a great success. With Gemma, Mum, and Dad driving the sleigh, you’re in safe hands!

We will see you there :)

20/11/2025

You can’t say that the Plumstead Road Library Friends do not select a diverse range of speakers. This is evident with this month’s choice… it's Thorpe’s Family Funeral Director, Lewis Cook. Fresh from being accepted into the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), we are delighted that Lewis has taken time out of his important community role to chat to us about funerals – and everything else on Wednesday, 26th of November, 2.30pm at Plumstead Road Library.

We first interviewed Lewis back in the summer of 2024 and were charmed by his story. After being bereaved with the loss of both of his parents at 16 years of age, a young Lewis began working at a funeral home in Aylsham. After working for many years for other companies, Lewis took the brave step to start his own independent family-run funeral company on Borrowdale Drive in February 2024. “I am a family man, a proud father of two, and I wanted to set up an independent family-run funeral company so that my duty was to look after your family every step of the way. My passion is to give you an exceptional service from my family to yours. Family is everything to me. I find it instinctive to give people a hug and a listening ear. I really needed that ear as a lad. If you can relate with a family on an emotional level, it puts you in good stead as a funeral director.”

With his upcoming talk, Lewis is trying to break the taboos surrounding funerals and death in general. He appreciates that this can be the most daunting time for any family and will be talking openly and informally at the library about the profession for a ‘non morbid’ and ‘light-hearted’ Q&A with anyone who wishes to ask any funeral-related questions.

You can expect information provided on:
• Funeral options and direct cremations locally
• Various ways of saying goodbye
• What to do when someone dies
• Funeral costs and financial help available to families
• Types of funerals available
• Local funeral venues
• Minister options and types of officiants
• Memorials

This is certainly going to be an interesting talk on Wednesday, 26th November, 2:30pm at Plumstead Road Library. Lewis is such a personable man, and we can’t wait to listen to him.

We will see you there for a cup of tea and a natter!

15/11/2025

***Spaces are filling up. So please give Joan a call as quickly as possible to secure your team's spot at the quiz!***

The next 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 be split handily 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!

14/11/2025

When Gemma Pope discovered that all the advertising for her All seasons makers fayre at Open Academy had been stolen from around the school, she feared the worst. Two days later, that fear became reality when the Fayre had its lowest footfall so far. Despite all the upset caused to the stall holders and the effect that it has had on her mental health, Gemma is not letting this stop them, and they will be back with a bang for their Christmas Makers Fayre on Sunday, November 30th.

Putting on events of any nature is always stressful. Whether it is fayres, gigs, quizzes or talks, getting people out of their homes is hard, as everything in life is geared up to try and persuade us to stay indoors. That’s why the All seasons makers fayre, organised by Gemma and her mother, is different and is something that we have championed before. It’s designed around creating a safe space for people with anxiety and mental health problems to get out of their homes and to give them an outlet to sell their amazing crafts. The only issue is that they need people to turn up and buy them!

For the last Makers Fayre on Sunday, November 2nd, things were looking promising, until Gemma’s dad made a horrifying discovery two days before the event… every A1 poster that he had put up around the school had been ripped down, while two large banners had completely vanished. “It was like the entire event was gone. I was so angry. The two large banners on the corner of Mousehold Lane cost £70 each. We simply don’t have the money to replace them. The posters had all been cut down with something, and only the cable ties remain. After searching all over the local area, we eventually found one poster in a puddle, two posters screwed up and thrown over the school fence, while four A1 posters and our two large banners are still missing. Why would someone do this?”

In total, it was over £200 worth of advertising, either stolen or trashed. Gemma quickly rallied round on social media to tell people that the event was still on. She even put a call out on Radio Norfolk, but the footfall on the day for the November 2nd Makers Fayre at Open Academy was the worst they have ever had. “The stall holders were so upset. They could also see how upset I was. The school have checked their CCTV but hasn’t found anything. This has really dampened the whole process and made us question if it's worth it.”

After deep reflection, Gemma and her mother have decided to go ahead with their Christmas Fayre at Open Academy on Sunday, November 30th, and they want the last fayre of the year to go out with a bang. “I am busy hand-making new posters. You watch these new posters; I’m going the full works for Christmas!”

Gemma and family… we salute your resolve. The Christmas All seasons makers fayre certainly sounds like it’s going to be a special one. The team are making big plans behind the scenes, and we will let you all know once all the sellers are finalised. Watch this space!

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 :)

12/10/2025

Housing. I’m sure lots of us have something to say about housing. And talking about housing, did you know that a new site could soon be joining us on the corner of Plumstead Road East and Witard Road? With 127 dwellings potentially coming soon, made up of Extra Care apartments, Supported Living apartments, Supported Living bungalows, and 28 family houses, the Asbri Planning project would love to know your thoughts on the Woodside Campus redevelopment by the deadline of Wednesday, the 15th of October. After the second public meeting at Witard Road Baptist Church last week, you really haven’t got long left to get them in!

For the people who attended the 1st or 2nd exhibition at the church, you will already know lots about the proposal and could probably recall the many information boards for their specialist subject on Mastermind. For the 500 households who were sent a letter about the redevelopment, you might be in the know too, but for the rest of us, or for the owners of the many letters that were returned undelivered back to the planners, this might be the first that you are hearing about it.

So… who are these houses for? Asbri Planning is acting on behalf of Places for People for the redevelopment of the former Woodside Campus on the corner of Plumstead Road East and Witard Road. The proposed scheme will provide Extra Care and Supported Living housing (Specialist Supported Housing SSH) along with general needs affordable housing.

Who are Places for People? The company describes itself as: ‘The UK’s leading Social Enterprise, Places for People brings together over 20 specialist organisations, all working as one to achieve a single mission - to build, manage and support thriving Communities. The Woodside Campus scheme will be owned and operated by Places for People and offer people with care and support needs and families a safe place to live.’

Local councillors, Claire Kindman and Adam Giles, who you may have bumped into at the two exhibitions, are keen to make sure that your opinions on the Woodside Campus project are heard. At the exhibition, you were given a QR Code. Once scanned, it takes you to this website: https://www.asbriplanning.co.uk/statutory-pre-application-consultation/woodside-campus-norwich
From here, you can click the Exhibition Boards PDF file to study all the information, maps, floor plans, elevations, and proposed street scenes. Comments and questions can then be emailed to: [email protected]

If there is something that you want to say, that email must be sent by Wednesday, the 15th of October. So to clarify, you have until 11:59pm on Tuesday to press send. You could download the response form and send it via the post. But it might be a little late for that. Alternatively, you can call 02920 732652 and share your thoughts over the phone.

Plumstead Road Press

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