That was a year of ups and downs, ins and outs, but we got through it

It’s been an extraordinary year but not necessarily one in which the details have been clearly remembered.

For a personal round-up, here are my own thoughts on the ups and downs of the past 12 months.

Approval for building 950 homes on farmland north of Rudham Stile Lane was finally given by the district council in January. I gave it a lukewarm reception, wondering about the impact on our surgery, the schools, traffic and more.

At the beginning of February I proudly showed off my Covid-19 vaccination card, grateful to our surgery professionals and the dozens of volunteers who made the whole procedure so straightforward. Come March, with winter in retreat, most of our riverside footpaths were deep under water.

All my regular walks required wellies as essential footwear. During this month, work began on building a new special educational needs school on the former Fakenham College playing field.

After months of lockdown, simplified services resumed at our parish church in April.

The timing for Easter Sunday was just about perfect but the service sadly lacked a choral presence and communion was reduced to wafers only.

In keeping with some relaxation of rules, shuttered shops and lifeless pubs managed to open their doors to welcoming customers. As did our Thursday market.

Prince Philip died in that same month and a special service of commemoration in acknowledgement of his long life and service was held in the parish church.

In May my plan to meet up with senior son James at the Norwich match against Southampton was forestalled. It was cancelled.

Jump racing here had managed to survive through the winter months but only behind closed doors.

Those of us working in various capacities were obliged to follow strict rules to ensure safety. The absence of crowds was especially felt during the latter stages of every race, atmosphere completely absent.

The death of lollipop lady Alice Gibson who patrolled the crossing outside our Infant school on Norwich Road for more than 30 years was deeply felt.

She was much loved. Another shock came with the passing of former Fakenham High school head Lee Muston.

In so many ways he was a larger-than-life character and a key player in drawing the two school sites together as one with the move into comprehensive education.

Our medical practice and a host of volunteers took a bow in July by winning the town council’s annual mayor’s volunteer award shield.

In the same month Children’s Day Care Centre manager Joanna Ryan retired after 31 years at the top.

So many local families have been grateful for her industry and compassion.

In late summer, another to call it a day was parish church rector Francis Mason who retired with his wife Gill to pursue a quieter life.

As Covid conditions improved somewhat, regular town events were given the green light. These included Active Fakenham’s raft river races out at Goggs Mill and, significantly, the prestigious Christmas Tree Festival in church.

This was a great success despite the difficult circumstances. So all in all, quite a year to remember. Now let’s look forward to 2022.