Ambitious plans have been submitted for shops and flats to be built on the long derelict former Kit Kat site on the seafront at Hunstanton. And the application, which is due to be considered by the town council this week and West Norfolk Council's development control board in the new year, has already been receiving favourable comments. Hunstanton Town Mayor, Christine Earnshaw, told the Lynn News that she and fellow town councillors were very relieved that the owner of the site had put in this application. Three ground-floor commercial units with 25 holiday or residential units above are proposed for the landmark position adjacent to the Oasis Centre and overlooking the promenade and The Wash.
The new multi-million pound ward at Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital could be admitting patients by the beginning of February. Costing a total of £4.3 million, work on the modular state-of-the-art structure started at the end of November and it is estimated that it will be complete by the end of this month. The Tilney ward, which includes 27 beds, will mainly provide additional beds during the winter as well as acting as an overspill facility when other wards are being refurbished. Office space will also be created in the new area.
Around 300 people gathered to watch The Queen, her guests and other members of the Royal Family attend morning prayer at Sandringham Church on Sunday [January 3]. On a crisp, bright, sunny day, white with snow and frost, Her Majesty looked spring-like in a peach coat and matching hat. Other members of the Royal Family at church were the Duke of Edinburgh and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Guests included three-time world racing champion Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Timothy Colman and his wife Lady Mary, cousin to The Queen.
The writing's on the wall for children at Brancaster Church of England Primary School, but there's nothing to worry about - it's a giant cartoon mural of the school rules. It was the children themselves who decided to brighten up the rather bland exterior wall with a fun memory jogger of the important values they share. The project was funded through a series of events organised by the school council and local artist Matt Tidd, who is also a school parent, was commissioned to interpret their ideas.
Norfolk police have sent out a stark warning to anyone planning an illegal rave, emphasising their zero tolerance approach to such events. Officers will be working closely with Suffolk Police with the aim of targeting rave-goers or anyone suspected of involvement in the organisation of a rave. Norfolk Police have also been offering security advice to landowners in the county, the Forestry Commission and Farmwatch.
Pott Row village hall was the venue for Grimston and District WI's 75th anniversary, with around 80 people attending the successful event. All 70 members of the group were present along with past presidents and the Mayor and Mayoress of West Norfolk, Michael and Gillian Pitcher. There was a hog roast, a cake made by some of the members, and entertainment. The group was formed in 1934 and meets at Pott Row village hall on the third Monday of each month.
Volunteer worker and patients' champion, Tom Morris, from Dersingham, is one of the Norfolk people featuring in this year's New Year's honours list. The 74-year-old has been made an MBE for his services to the NHS and to the community. He has held several positions in the Dersingham and Sandringham Royal British Legion branch, has been heavily involved with the health service in Dersingham and surrounding villages and played a leading role when plans were being made for the new Carole Brown Health Centre in the village.
Drug dealers in the Downham area have been warned that police will be continuing to root them out after a successful six months of raids and enforcement action. Six warrants have been issued allowing officers from Downham Neighbourhood Police Team to search premises in that time, resulting in several arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs and £20,000 plus in drugs cash. In addition, more than 20 local people have been dealt with for possession of controlled drugs.
West Norfolk Swimming Club held its first presentation evening under the new structure following the merger of Lynn Warriors and Downham Swimming Clubs earlier in the year. The club celebrated another very successful year, with the swimmers receiving medals and trophies won at the club championships. The Neil Pearman Memorial Trophy was this year awarded to Chris Sykes for her contributions to the club over the past year.