Although the headship was advertised in February, the governors felt unable to appoint from the short list. For the time being deputy head Carol Wood will take charge and carry the school through until the end of the summer term. Such a dynamic person is bound to maintain the ethos which has made this place such a pleasure to visit – and no doubt will introduce a few variations of her own.

Doug is assuming a new role as a county headteacher which could see him taking charge of a school anywhere in Norfolk for a variable period of time. He sees it as a challenge which he has the experience to meet, although as a mere outsider I must say I don't envy him the task.

After the Easter holidays I understand his first stopping point will be in Castle Acre. They will certainly be getting a person with the authority and leadership qualities which are absolute essentials for this demanding job.

As a governor at Fakenham for the past four years and someone who's worked in close alliance with Doug, I sincerely wish him the best of luck.

The new children's centre is adjacent to the nursery at the school and will play a key role as part of the on-going education process.

Although the building was completed in December there's been a longish period of organisation of both equipment and staff, not to mention administration, prior to its official opening.

I've no doubt the presence of this facility, with its broad range of provisions, will help transform the early years of our new-borns for the better and provide a wonderful resource for their parents.

l This should be a critical year for Fakenham Area Partnership. Finding its feet to some extent in 2007, the community group is now launching itself in a far more dynamic way.

Thousands of questionnaires were sent out to the town and its surrounding parishes in November and more than ten per cent returned with information about local priorities. This is enabling coordinator Andy Turner and the partnership's committee to help improve the quality of life for people in this area by supporting small projects.

Modest amounts are available to fund community-led campaigns covering a wide variety of activities. Already there has been help with a parish plan in Stibbard, a car park in Little Snoring, the Fakenham Community Responders team who attend emergency calls when no NHS ambulance is available and a wildlife project at Hempton.

The demand for such assistance is ongoing and if you want to find out more, contact Andy or his assistant Cheryl at the Fakenham Connect office. Their number is 01328 851555.

In a more up-front way, the work of the partnership is evidenced through the Tourist Information Point in the library which has opened again for the spring and summer season. And from early June the town centre will be transformed by dozens of hanging flower baskets outside shops and businesses.

• The West Norfolk Jubilee Youth Orchestra and Concert Band will be performing in Fakenham parish church on Saturday, April 12, from 7.30pm. This is the first time WNJYO has appeared at this venue and it is hoping for a good turnout.

The programme will include Schubert's Unfinished Symphony and, in distinct contrast, The Eve of the War from the War of the Worlds. Tickets are £3.50 or £2 concessions and are available at the door. There will be refreshments and a raffle.