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Plumstead Road Press, Plumstead Road, Norwich (2025)

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 :)

13/07/2025

We know the people around Plumstead Road are pizza lovers, so you will be extra excited to know that the legendary Salvio's Pizza will be popping up with his authentic Italian wood fired pizzas right outside Cafe 193 on Monday the 14th of July from 11-3pm.

Whether you’re a margherita, pepperoni, BBQ chicken, or a Hawaiian fan (personally, I love pineapple on pizzas), Salvio has a range of lunchtime pizzas for you. Grab a whole one, grab a slice, the choice is yours.

I can’t wait to get a taste of Italy right on my doorstep. You can grab a coffee from Cafe 193 and fill your belly with delicious Italian pizza while looking out at the beautiful vistas of our area. I’ve never actually been to Italy, but I’m pretty sure that the scenery is similar to that of Plumstead Road!

Come and daydream with me :)

11/07/2025

With so many things triggering the sweats in this heat, we finally have something to chill the nether regions whilst on the roads in our area. After what has felt like an age, the roadworks and temporary lights have finally gone from Heartsease Lane!

The roadworks were actually pathworks. For weeks we have had to sit at those temporary lights or plan a detour to avoid it. All many of us wanted was just to get to the high school and beyond. The council decided to not only resurface the path by blocking the road, but also decided to set up barracks at the entrance of Borrowdale Drive, completely blocking it – much to the upset of many of the residents.

But, as of 3.30 pm today, seeing two lanes of traffic on a somewhat deserted road was a blissful sight. The residents of Borrowdale Drive have also been freed as their metal walls to NR7 have been torn down.

Make the most of it people, we now have some hungry roadmen wanting to spruce up another road (or path) in your area. Will you be the lucky next?

03/07/2025

Local resident and PTA Chairperson, Bianca Dye (pictured top left), supported by her faithful team of parents, are back with the Heartsease Primary Academy Summer Fete, this Saturday, July 5th, from 11-3 pm.

We caught up with Bianca back in December where she excitedly told us that fetes at Heartsease Primary Academy were finally coming back after Covid. The Christmas Fete was such a success that Bianca and her team are back for a summer instalment to raise much-needed funds to help with school trips, buying essential equipment, workshops, and investing in fun ways to help children to learn.

The weather on Saturday is looking perfect. From bouncy castles, hook a duck, delicious food and drinks, plus a range of stalls and activities, it’s all going on this Saturday on Rider Haggard Road.

Let the summer fun begin!

13/06/2025

An incredible talk has been lined up this month by the Plumstead Road Library Friends. On Wednesday, June 25th, at 2:30 pm in Plumstead Road Library, local self-published author Andrew Garner will be talking to us about his mission to give the silent voices of WW2 and WW1 a much-needed platform, guiding us through a vast array of powerful letters from both conflicts. We caught up with Andrew before the big day to find out how his possession of these letters came to be, and to get a glimpse of what we can expect from the talk.

Andrew, a mechanic by trade, has always been fascinated by WW1 and WW2. In his spare time, Andrew is a scout leader and a reputable Swing DJ - aka DJ AndyAV8. Many years ago, while visiting Seething Airfield, a chance meeting led Andrew to learn that the 95th Bombardment Group at Horham Airfield were looking for a swing DJ for an open day event. Not only did they find their new swing DJ, but they also found a new member and volunteer. 20 years later, Andrew is still there! The connection with American servicemen and families exploded as Andrew became a researcher and writer for their members' newsletter.

While always attending Remembrance events and laying poppies with his scout troop, Andrew was becoming increasingly perturbed that American soldiers were barely ever mentioned during services. After the unveiling of a memorial at Bungay Airfield for the 446th Bombardment Group, Andrew decided to start posting pictures of all the Remembrance poppies he laid on social media: “I just wanted to let them know that someone was remembering them. Completely out of the blue, I was contacted by Ann Marie Brown from America – her uncle had flown out of Bungay Airfield with the 446th BG. Then one day a big box arrived from Ann filled with memorabilia she had found at auctions and thrift shops, such as dog tags, books, magazines, and lots of letters. Ann ended up sending 5 or 6 boxes. I didn’t know what to do with all the letters; they felt so personal, so they sat untouched in the loft or under my bed.”

A few years later, Andrew’s fiancée, an English high school teacher in Norwich, asked if she could borrow some of the letters on Remembrance Day to show her class how people communicated in the past. Andrew agreed and was shocked to later hear that one young 13-year-old girl had burst into tears after reading though the letters. These old letters were just too important to keep quiet, so Andrew took it upon himself to transcribe them all, and to then write and self-publish his first ever book called: All American Letters Home.

Andrew’s first book was an instant hit, both here and in America. The book allowed you to follow Earl’s journey across the globe, as told through his own words, from enlistment, training, and then into combat. To hear the stories from Earl to his mother and father of suffering from cold, thirst, hunger, loneliness, and homesickness is heart-wrenching. You could even see and feel Earl’s pain through the changing of his handwriting after suffering a serious hand injury – something that he desperately tried to downplay to his mother.

Andrew’s second book, released in 2025, is based on two American soldiers: one called George who wrote love letters back home to his wife Gretchen, while the other was a serviceman named Smith who wrote to his Uncle. Even though these two soldiers never met and had 700 miles between them, the two stories of George and Smith somehow become unbelievably entwined with an ending that will shock you. To find out exactly what that ending is, you will have to come to the talk!

With books 3 and 4 in production, we are delighted that Andrew has taken time out of his busy schedule to do a talk for us. He will go deeper into his historical passions and bring history to life through the words of Earl, George and Smith. You will even get the opportunity to read and hold some of the letters. Although they may be yellowing on the edges, the power of the words is as fresh as ever. Andrew will also be explaining the challenges of becoming an author and his next mission – to walk in the footsteps of fallen soldiers.

So… to find out if Earl, George and Smith made it back to America, and to get such a special insight into life in WW2, the only place to be on Wednesday, the 25th of June, at 2.30 pm, is the Plumstead Road Library.

All free, no need to book or for tickets. Just turn up and enjoy. See you there!

16/05/2025

On Sunday, 18th of May, at Open Academy on Salhouse Road, two local ladies are bringing their well-loved All seasons makers fayre to our area for the last time before a summer break.

Carol Ray (pictured left) and her daughter Gemma Pope (picture right) are two former school TAs with a passion for making. They would regularly attend craft fairs, selling their wares, and made lots of friends doing so. When daughter Gemma started to struggle with her mental health, she left her TA role and created her own full-time art business called Nellies art – specialising in Highland cow art. The pair continued to attend fayres, but something wasn’t hitting right: “The fayres we went to didn’t seem to focus on highlighting local makers – sometimes it felt more about food, and we wanted it to be about people who made things. The local makers needed to be the star of the show, not the meat!”

Because of this realisation, Carol and Gemma set off on a mission to create their own fayre, one that would focus solely on local makers, mixed with a massive helping of inclusivity to ensure that the mental health of the stallholders was paramount. As the fayres took off, the benefits to the stallholders started shining through: “One of our ladies was really struggling with anxiety. A doctor advised her to take up a craft, she did, now she needed a fayre, she found us and we made everything as smooth and as easy as possible for her. She came along and has been to nearly every fayre since!”

On Sunday, 18th of May, from 11-2pm, around 50 stallholders will be selling all manner of bespoke creations, from knitting, crochet, jewellery, wax melts, wooden art, pottery, and paintings… it’s all going on! There is free parking, free entry, and lots of refreshments to fuel your shopping: “Please come and experience a really friendly little trip out, meet your neighbours, bring your friends and help support small businesses. Come and buy something bespoke that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. We just want to give likeminded people a safe space where they can have a day out, spend time with each other, have a laugh, and build our crafting community; this is our purpose. Many of the stallholders will also take orders, post it to you, or deliver to your home. So if you’re looking to buy something for that person that is hard to buy for, this is the perfect place to meet people who will speak to you about their passions till the Highland cows come home!”

We wish this mother and daughter duo all the best for this month’s fayre, before a well-earned summer break. The key to the success of these events is always based on footfall. So please come along and support these amazing local makers. They cannot wait to meet you!

16/05/2025

The Plumstead Road Library Friends are delighted to announce that local historian Reuben Harvey will be talking all things Mousehold Heath at the latest Plumstead Road Library talk on Wednesday, 28th May, at 2:30 pm. Reuben has a deep family connection with Mousehold, and we are delighted that he has taken time out of his history masters at the UEA to come and talk to us. So… what is this connection?

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 masters. At the Plumstead Road Library talk, Reuben will 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.”

This sounds like such a fascinating talk. If you would like to learn more about Reuben and his connection to Mousehold, and to explore the Heath’s rich history, the only place to be at 2:30 pm, on Wednesday, the 28th of May, is the Plumstead Road Library. No need for tickets, just turn up and enjoy. We will see you there!

08/04/2025

After an incredible response for new speakers, we are delighted to announce that the Plumstead Road Library talks are back with a bang. We start our new season with Jarrolds bestselling local author, S G Bell, talking about how his life of working and lecturing in the computer industry, mixed with an insatiable thirst for answers, has led him to become an author writing about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Simon’s talk, 'The AI Monster – Is It Coming?' will be hosted by the Plumstead Road Library Friends at 2:30pm, on Wednesday 16th of April. So… are we all to be doomed by an AI apocalypse?

Before becoming the author S G Bell, Simon had amassed degrees in development studies, information science and a PhD in computer systems development. His academic and consulting work took him all over the world, facilitating technological advancement with the aim to improve the lives of the global community. In 2010, as a Senior Lecturer at the Open University researching the future of the internet, something started to not sit right: “I was becoming anxious. I couldn’t tell my peers about my worries, or they would think I was a lunatic. It just felt like the computer was thinking back at me.”

Fast forward to 2025, and we have now all experienced AI in some form. The advancements in the last few years are staggering. With progression, there is always fear. It wasn’t that long ago that people had to be convinced that the radio was safe. Is AI not just the latest technological monster? Simon doesn’t think so: “The next industrial revolution, it doesn’t need people. We have this technology, we have online trolling and hate speech, we have machines evolving quickly – humans, slowly. We are building a technology that is smarter than us. When have you ever heard of a more intelligent thing being controlled by something lesser?”

Fuelled by his fears and need for answers, Simon used fiction writing as a way to help him think. In 2024, S G Bell released his first AI thriller, ‘The Epilogue Event’. Set in 2010, the end of the world had begun, but nobody was paying attention. A pandemic was approaching, code name: The Epilogue Event. Set in West London and Norwich, the story follows the unlikely heroes who try to save humanity from becoming obsolete. In March 2025, the second book in the series, 'Baptised and Newly Born’, was released. At the book launch in Jarrolds, the excited crowd stripped him of all of his books – he was instantly sold out!

At the upcoming Plumstead Road Library talk, Simon will be guiding us through his journey so far and will be going deeper into his thoughts about AI. Have humans really created their own mass extinction event? Or will the power of human resilience and resourcefulness shine through? Simon would like to think so.

While our futures will always remain uncertain, one thing is for sure, if you would like to get involved in this fascinating debate, and to listen to a true expert of his field, there is only one place to be on Wednesday, 16th of April at 2:30pm, and that’s the Plumstead Road Library!

Free entry and free parking as always - see you there :)

04/04/2025

After many months of renovations, the new home of Norwich City ABC (Amateur Boxing Club) is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, 5th of April, from 10-3pm at the Heartsease Youth and Community Centre on Marryat Road - within the grounds of Open Academy. We popped in to speak to Club Secretary and Treasurer, Katie Potts (see image), to find out about the boxing club’s ambition to help transform the local community and what we can expect from the grand opening.

Norwich City ABC was originally based on Whiffler Road, but after 15 successful years, they needed more space to grow. As soon as they saw the potential of the old Heartsease Youth and Community Centre, they secured the lease off Open Academy. Backed by a £15,000 Lottery Grant and £4000 from Norfolk County Council, the building was rewired, replumbed, reglazed and redecorated. They also had to fit the renovated building with completely new boxing equipment. As soon as you walk in, you are wowed with how modern and fresh the club is. The new punching bags and boxing rings are gleaming!

Katie initially got into the boxing world when her son took it up. The full-time pharmaceutical consultant popped in one day and was quickly hooked, volunteering whenever she could. Roll on a few years, and Katie is now the Club Secretary and Treasurer, still volunteering her time in between her full-time job responsibilities. The club became a registered charity in 2024, and everyone involved with the club is still a volunteer.

Katie and her team take the responsibility of being a boxing club exceptionally seriously. The club takes on members from 10 years of age, and safety is always at the heart of everything that they do. The Norwich City ABC is England Boxing affiliated with all coaches being fully DBS checked as well as safeguarding and first aid trained. The club is very proud of the fact that they have the only Level 3 boxing coach in Norfolk, plus 7 level 2 coaches and 7 level 1 coaches. Having some of the best coaches around has led to incredible success in the ring, none more so than current NAGBC National Champion CJ McAllister. This place is like a magnet, with their boxers coming from all over Norfolk to train at the club.

So… why boxing we hear you ask - isn’t it dangerous? Katie has a firm stance on this: “We have very strict rules and are here to change attitudes. 90% of boxing is mental and physical fitness – we really are all about conditioning the body and mind. The time actually spent in the ring is minuscule. With the club you will learn about fitness, respect, positivity and teamwork. You might get in the ring on your own one day, but the team is always there by your side.”

Katie recently conducted a survey with their members. The benefits that this boxing club has had on these young people is staggering: “The results showed overwhelmingly that our members: felt fitter, more confident, calmer, able to do more things on their own, more motivated, able to respect rules better, were able to take criticism positively, and they avoided getting into fights in and out of school. They were also less likely to give in to peer pressure, to join gangs, or to do something illegal.”

The benefits that boxing can have on young people has also been taken on by the local schools. During the day, Norwich City ABC will be hosting what they call ‘Box Champions’. This is a partnership with local schools where they will introduce a programme of sports psychology to children with the aim to try and keep more young people in education. They will also be hosting military veteran sessions during the day as well as sessions for people with learning difficulties. The club will then be open from 6:30–9pm, Monday to Thursday, as well as Saturday mornings, for regular training sessions for members. You certainly can’t knock the holistic and inclusive approach that this boxing club is trying to offer the local community. If you would like to join or find out more information, please head to the Norwich City ABC page or their website.

The big opening day for the club is Saturday, 5th April from 10-3pm, and you are all invited. You can meet the team, check out the new facilities and get stuck into some delicious food. You are invited to take part in the skipping competition, experience the punch bags and do some pad work. There is also a surprise guest for the ribbon cutting! It certainly sounds like it’s going to be a great opening day event. We wish this club all the success it deserves in the future.

Plumstead Road Press

08/08/2025

06/08/2025

24/07/2025

13/07/2025

11/07/2025

03/07/2025

13/06/2025

16/05/2025

16/05/2025

08/04/2025

04/04/2025

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