Dersingham Badgers, St Germans, James’ House surgery King’s Lynn, South Wootton gas main, Swaffham Home-Start, Prince Charles, Castle Acre Priory, True’s Yard Museum and Sandringham – Lynn News nostalgia May 1996 & 2000
On this week: May 1996 and May 7–13, 2000 lookback round-up:
Two hard-working members of Dersingham Badgers were recognised as being officially truly super. Ten-year-old Lucy Eglen and nine-year-old Philip Neal, were awarded the prestigious St John Ambulance Brigade super badger award in May 1996. They are pictured here cutting a cake to celebrate the achievement, along with other badgers who also received certificates.
At the back is assistant badger leader Rosie Neal and leaders Sarah and Kevin Bristow. Lucy and Philip, who gained the award after completing a course of nine subjects, were set to become cadets with the Hunstanton SJAB group. Photo: MLNF-96054
A Californian king snake has gone missing from Legg Place in St Germans. Brown with cream stripes, the 4ft long snake is non-venomous and normally friendly, although it could bite if intimidated. Lynn Police said the snake could survive outdoors for a short time, but officers believe it could be hiding in a garden or shed nearby.
Improved patient services and better conditions for staff are in store at St James’ House surgery in Lynn, now work on its new extension has ended. The development, which has taken 12 months to complete, meant that a single-storey building had to be demolished to allow for a two-storey construction in its place, while a ground-floor extension was also built on part of the car park. It means that all the 17,200 patients, the 40-plus staff, including 11 doctors, and the team of midwives, district nurses and health visitors which use the building will benefit.
Reassurance that action is being taken to secure the future of rural post offices was received when Department of Trade and Industry minister, Alan Johnson, visited West Norfolk.
The visit, arranged by North West Norfolk MP Dr George Turner, allowed the minister to hear in person local concerns about a changing benefits system which was feared to spell doom for rural post offices. Mr Johnson pledged: “Your post offices are safe with us.”
A ruptured gas main ignited at a new homes estate in South Wootton, when a contractor working at the site accidentally cut through a gas main and a nearby electricity cable, sparking a fire in the main. Police blocked the road and electricity to nearby homes was switched off following the incident at Wilcon’s new Wootton Gardens estate being built in Nursery Lane.
Volunteers are being sought for the new Swaffham and District Home-Start scheme which will be helping families in the town and surrounding parishes. The voluntary home-visiting scheme offers support, friendship and practical help to families with children under the age of five who are experiencing stress. Nationally, there are 260 Home-Start schemes supporting 6,500 volunteers who are helping 17,000 families.
Old favourites and fresh new talent provide the entertainment in this year’s 50th King’s Lynn Festival. The headline names include the famous Jamaican baritone Willard White – who sang at the Millennium Dome on New Year’s Eve – and jazz and blues artist Georgie Fame. Classical pianist John Lill is to perform in a concert which Prince Charles is due to attend – to celebrate the launch of the Ruth Fermoy Memorial Trust. Lady Fermoy founded the Lynn Festival in 1951.
Beautiful sunshine saw hundreds of people in West Norfolk take advantage of the Residents First weekend. The doors to top tourist attractions were thrown open to anyone who could prove they lived within the borough of West Norfolk. Castle Acre Priory and Castle, Lynn Museum, Lynn’s True’s Yard and Sandringham were among those taking part.
