News Archive - July to December 2006
Christmas Child Appeal 2006
Over 2000 boxes have been collected in the South Norfolk area for this year's Christmas Child appeal. A Hethersett home has acted as a collection centre for shoe boxes which have been sent for distribution to children in the Novi Sad area of Serbia.
Children in the Novi Sad area of Serbia had some Christmas cheer this year thanks to the generosity of people from South Norfolk.
A total of 2,109 shoes boxes were sent out from Hethersett, Wymondham, Attleborough and the surrounding villages and joined 12,700 boxes to be sent from Norwich to Serbia.
Schools, organisations, groups and individuals made it a record year for the area. The boxes are distributed under the auspices of the Samaritans Purse charity and contain a variety of goods including paper, pencils, soap, flannels, toothpaste as well as balls, puzzles, cuddly toys, hats and mittens.
Area representative for Samaritans Purse, Shirley Adams, collected the South Norfolk boxes at her Hethersett home from September onwards.
“Ten years ago when we started we collected 46 boxes. Last year it was over 1,900 and this year we have sent 2,109. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and kindness. Every year I'm amazed and give thanks for the generosity of people - the love and care that is taken in filling a box to bring joy to a child at Christmas is wonderful. People often leave boxes at my home and we are unable to thank them personally,” Shirley said.
The boxes are divided into those suitable for boys and girls and into three age ranges – 2-4 years, 5-9 years and 10 to 14 years.
The South Norfolk collection was started a decade ago by Hethersett Happy Circle and Hethersett Methodist Church. It has blossomed from there and already Shirley is planning for next Christmas.
“I already have a bag of goods for next year. The boxes go to the poor areas of Novi Sad and are distributed in schools, orphanages and hospitals,” she added.
Shirley collects boxes from September onwards and they are sent to Norwich in lots of two to three hundred.
“The response has been wonderful. The local churches have done so much to help by truly working together,” Shirley added.
During the year Shirley talks to various local groups about the scheme. She also has videos and DVDs. Anyone wishing to help or learn more about the collections can contact Shirley on Norwich 810323.
Kind Hearts Help the Children
Kind-hearted residents of Woodcote Sheltered Housing complex in Firs Road have donated over £1,800 this year to a children's hospice. To read more about their fund-raising exploits click here.
Residents at a Hethersett sheltered housing complex have raised over £4,000 in the last three years for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) charity.
The latest cheque for £1,465 was presented by Woodcote residents to David Went, EACH’s Community Fundraiser for Norfolk, as part of their Christmas build-up. A further donation of £52 took the amount raised this year to over £1,500. Our photo shows Marion Waterson presenting the cheque to David Went with fellow residents looking on.
The money has been raised by 28 residents through a variety of methods including weekly donations, raffles and a spare change jar which alone raised £110.
One resident, Irene Williams, has donated all her bingo winnings for the year.
“We like to support the children. It would be silly of us to support Help The Aged as it might be viewed as being rather selfish,” joked fund co-ordinator Marion Waterson.
Residents also support the charity by regularly visiting EACH’s shop in Wymondham where they purchase their Christmas cards.
“This is a wonderful thing you are doing and it’s lovely to see the older generation supporting children. Support such as yours allows us to go from strength to strength. We are looking to extend our premises at Quidenham to create additional family accommodation,” David Went said.
EACH runs three hospices in East Anglia at Quidenham, Milton in Cambridgeshire and Ipswich in Suffolk.
Residents were able to celebrate after the presentation by pulling crackers donated to them from a private party at Park Farm Hotel. Meanwhile there has been plenty of Christmas spirit around as children from the village infants and junior schools were due to visit the complex to sing carols. Residents were also due to make the short journey to the Infants school to see their Christmas play. This season also saw Hethersett and District Churches Together planning to sing carols at the complex.
Tony and Margaret's Christmas Cheer
When it comes to being lit up at Christmas few can compare with the efforts of Tony and Margaret Dunton. For the past 10 years they have raised hundreds of pounds for charity by lighting up their front garden in Firs Road. To read more click here.
365 Dates for Graham
Graham Watt is a man with a date for every day of 2007. For Graham has produced a special calendar for the village to raise funds for the parish church. Read about this by clicking here.
Lotus Memories
Tucked away down New Road is a workshop where classic cars are restored to their former glory. Hethersett on the Web speaks to coachtrimmers Nick and Stephen Fulcher about their work. Access this story by clicking here.
Busy Christmas for First School
It's been a busy build up to Christmas for children and staff at Woodside First School. Find out what they have been up to by clicking here.
Christmas Church Service Details
Hethersett and District Churches Together have announced their services for the Christmas period and have distributed greetings cards throughout the village. To view the service dates click here.
Julianna's African Dream
Hethersett teenager Julianna Ball has a dream to work in Uganda under the banner of the Project Trust. Julianna, who is 17 and lives in The Crescent, needs to raise over £4,000 to turn her dreams into reality. You can read the details of her dream by clicking here
November
More Vandalism
The Memorial Playing Field has been hit by another spate of vandalism. For the third time this year goalposts have been ripped down and stanchions broken. It is difficult to see what fun the mindless morons who perpetrate this kind of act can get from making life difficult.
Christmas Child Box Success
Christmas for needy children in Serbia and Montenegro will be a little happier this year thanks to the generosity of local people. Shirley Adams of Park Drive has been collecting boxes containing Christmas gifts for children and has already amassed over 700. The boxes are initially taken to Norwich and then on to Norwich's twin city of Novi Sad: "Every year I'm amazed and give thanks for the generosity of people - the love and care that is taken in filling a box to bring joy to a child at Christmas is wonderful," Shirley said.
Village Quizzes
Numerous quizzes are held to raise money for charity and local groups in the village. Two of the latest took place in November. A family quiz at the Methodist Church on 10th November raised funds for the church's table tennis team and a quiz on the following night at the Village Hall raised money for the Yvonne School of Dancing.
War Memorial Research
Do you have a relative whose name is on the Hethersett War Memorial, particularly from the Great War of 1914-1918? We are looking for information about these people, their family, their regiment or the battle at which individuals lost their lives. The village archive is looking for photographs, medals or any souvenirs of the lives of those mentioned on the memorial including where burials or memorials exist. Bea Ewart, who is a member of the Hethersett Archive Group, is looking to find out as much as possible about the men who gave their lives so long ago. The project has the support of village archivist Bill Reekie. Anyone with information can contact Bea on 01603 811352. Bea's grandfather was killed on the Somme in 1916 and she has written a very moving poem about her visit there. This can be read by clicking here.
Quarter Final Place
Hethersett Athletic Football Club are through to the quarter-finals of the Norfolk Sunday Cup competition and are just two wins away from appearing in the Carrow Road final for the second time in the past four years. On November 5th they overcame the challenge of El Sol from Great Yarmouth 6-2 with Mark Appleton hitting a hat-trick and other goals coming from Paul Franklin and Scott Woodcock (2). In the quarter-finals Hethersett will play Delaneys at easton College on Sunday, January 7th.
Charity Breakfast
A special charity breakfast was held at the Queen's Head on Saturday November 4th in aid of EACH (East Anglian Children's Hospice). Staff gave their time to raise funds as over 100 people enjoyed a full English breakfast and funds were further enhanced by a raffle. The event raised over £1,400 for the charity.
Cricket Club Presentations
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club held their annual bonfire, fireworks and presentation evening at their Flordon Headquarters. The player of the year trophy went to first team captain Matt Ellis with the Clubman of the Year award going to Richard Ellis Senior. A full list of prizewinners will be printed on this site as soon as we have them.
October
Bridging the Gap
A Hethersett resident is attempting to start a social Bridge club in the village. Writing in the latest edition of the "Good News" Magazine, Ian Talbot states: "To the best of my knowledge a bridge club does not exist in Hethersett but I feel sure that I am not the only person who would welcome one." Ian is looking to start a club to play the game in "a relaxed atmosphere" and he states that complete beginners will also be welcome. Ian can be contacted on 813342 or by e-mail by clicking here.
Hawks Success
Hethersett Hawks/Swinton and Co Cycle Speedway Club have enjoyed another highly successful season which saw them champions of the South-East Youth League and runners-up in both the Norfolk and Suffolk League and the Norfolk Under-13 Novice League. The club is holding an end of season party at Hethersett Social Club on December 1st
Panto Time
Next year's village panto will be Jack and the Beanstalk which will run in the Village Hall from January 20th to 27th. There will be matinees on January 20th and 27th at 2.30 p.m and evening performances on January 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th.
Change of Status for Middle School
Hethersett Middle School will be changing its status next September to become a Junior School. This will mean taking children from Year Three and losing Year Seven to the high school system. The school will maintain its four year group system - years three to six inclusive. Next September both the existing Year Six and Seven groups will move to the high school whilst the current year two and three groups at Hethersett Woodisde will move up to the Middle School. An open evening for parents of children in years 2 and 3 will be held at the middle school on Thursday 16th November from 6 to 8 p.m when there will be an opportunity to tour the school and see children working before meeting with Head Andy Whittle and Chair of Governors Peter Steward.
Hethersett on Wikipedia
A history of the village has been placed on the excellent Wikipedia site. The entry in the Internet encyclopaedia can be viewed by clicking here.
September
Crime Figures are Low
The latest edition of Hethersett Newsletter which is published by the Parish Council outlines the crime figures for the village for the months of March to May, 2006. Over the three month period there were three house burglaries, two burglaries in commercial premises, five thefts from motor vehicles, 12 incidents of violence and 13 incidents of criminal damage. There were also 18 other thefts reported. The figures underline that South Norfolk is one of the safest places in the country in which to live. Police point out that violent crime is generally minor in nature and the victim and offender often know each other. Police are encouraging residents to report incidents of damage and vandalism as soon as possible. Police can be contacted on 0845 456 4567.
After School Activities?
The youth club premises in Back Lane could be the venue for after school activities in the near future. Activities would vary from computing to sport. Colin Wilson who is a member of the Jubilee Hall Management Committee said: "Our hall in Back Lane was built by the community for the benefit of young people and the committee are keen to see the hall used more for its intended purpose which is to help young people". The Middle School has also introduced a breakfast and after school club to help working parents.
Renewed Appeal on Fatal Crash
Norfolk Police have renewed their appeal for information on the fatal road collision at 7.50 p.m on Saturday 8th July. A car collided with the Red Harring delicatessen in Queen's Road. Police would like to hear from anybody who has not yet contacted them who saw the collision. They would particularly like to hear from a couple who may have been walking a dog along Queen's Road just before the collision. Any information should be sent to PC Newby on 0845456 4567.
Through to Next Round
Hethersett Athletic Football Club are through to the second round of the Norfolk Sunday Senior Cup after a thrilling 3-2 victory over top Gorleston side AFC Gorleston. Having visited Gorleston the previous week and come away with a 3-3 draw, Athletic found themselves 2-0 down at half-time but fought back with second half goals from Paul Franklin, Ben Player and Mark Appleton to earn a second round visit to Yarmouth side Bohemians.
Church Harvest of Talents
Hethersett Methodist Church held a Harvest of Talents event over two days - September 16th and 17th. The church was decorated for the event and there was a display of art and craft. Photographs from the event can be viewed on the church's official website which can be accessed by clicking here.
Hethersett Honoured
Hethersett has been honoured at an official reception for winning the category for over 5,000 population in the EDP Pride in Norfolk Community Awards. The judges referred to it as having "a vibrant sense of community spirit and pride, a shining example of involvement and outstanding commitment shared across the generations".
Forty Not Out for Hawks
Hethersett Hawks cycle speedway club has celebrated its fortieth birthday with a special re-union event. Over 20 ex-members were welcomed back for a day of competitions. A week before Daniel Chambers finished third in the British Under-13 Championships in Stockport
August
Prestigious Win for Footballers
Hethersett Athletic Football Club pulled off a remarkable victory in a national tournament in Manchester in August when they won the Umbro.Com Trophy. The squad of 16 won the men's section after being unbeaten throughout the tournament and only conceding one goal. For a full report on the triumph visit the club's official web site which can be accessed by clicking here. The Ladies team has also met with success, reaching the final of a prestigious tournament in Essex and then hosting the first Easton Challenge Cup at Easton College where they were beaten in the final by Arsenal Ladies.
Instructor Strikes Gold
Martial arts teacher Jo Wilcott has won a gold medal from a world championship event in China. Jo, who lives in Hethersett and is joint head instructor of the Hung Sing Martial Arts School based in Hethersett, Eaton and Norwich, took first place in her division for performing the tiger hook swords form and also won a silver medal for her kung fu animals form at the Xuwen China International Wushu Garden Cup. Jo teaches both kung fu and tai chi to adults and children.
July
Nailbiter on the Sports Field
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club were beaten in a nailbiting final of the Wensum Cup 20 over knockout competition on 18th July. Opponents Marsh batted first and scored 165-2 in their 20 overs. Hethersett looked to be on course for victory until wickets began to tumble and they needed three off the final ball. They scored a two to tie the score, but Marsh took the trophy for losing less wickets. Top scorers for Hethersett were Richard Ellis with 42, Dave Elverson with 36 and Matt Steward with 19.
We are the Best
Hethersett has won top place in the Eastern Daily Press Pride of Norfolk awards for 2006. We came top in the category for populations of over 5,000. The competition was formerly known as the Best Kept Village contest but has been changed to reflect the community spirit of the towns and villages taking place. To win the award Hethersett held off challenges from Thetford, Old Catton and Dereham. The awards will be presented by Farming Today's Anna Hill at County Hall, Norwich, on Thursday September 14th.
Teenagers Killed in Village Crash
Two teenagers died when the car in which they were travelling crashed into an electricity pole and a shop on Queen's Road in the village. The car was being driven by 19 year old local golfing prospect Craig Waugh who had also played football for the village youth team. Also killed was his passenger 14 year old Chloe Goose. Full details of the accident and the tributes to both appear on the Evening News web site which can be accessed by clicking here and the Eastern Daily Press web site which can be accessed by clicking here. Craig's funeral was held on July 18th and agin is covered in the Eastern Daily Press
More Traffic Calming
More 20 mph speed limits are being introduced in the village as part of a traffic calming scheme to tie in with the new development in Myrtle Road. The reduced speed limits will be imposed on Lynch Green, Myrtle Road and Cedar Road and speed humps and tables will also be introduced to the area. There will also be a shared pedestrian and cycle way to link Myrtle Road and the new development. In addition bus stops will be improved along Back Lane, Henstead Road and Great Melton Road. "With more houses and subsequently more traffic in the village, it is important that we obtain funding to cope with the increased usage of pavements and roads resulting from the population growth in the village," said Adrian Gunson, cabinet member for planning and transportation on Norfolk County Council.
Tory Candidate Elected
Conservative candidate Judith Virgoe has been elected to Norfolk County Council following an election in the Humbleyard District which includes Hethersett. The election was made necessary by the resignation of council leader Allison King who has moved from the area. Judith Virgoe poled 1,725 votes, Liberal Democrat Jackie Sutton came second with 1,474 votes. Richard Bearman of the Green Party was third on 239 with Labour Party candidate John Cowan achieving just 180 votes. The turnout was almost one in two at 46.7%
A Great Place to Live - Official
Hethersett has been chosen as one of the best places to live in the county. For full details click here.
Major Award for Elizabeth
Acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Watts, who originally comes from the village, has met with success in a major competition. She was the subject of a feature in the Eastern Daily Press Newspaper. To read this on-line click here
Over 2000 boxes have been collected in the South Norfolk area for this year's Christmas Child appeal. A Hethersett home has acted as a collection centre for shoe boxes which have been sent for distribution to children in the Novi Sad area of Serbia.
Children in the Novi Sad area of Serbia had some Christmas cheer this year thanks to the generosity of people from South Norfolk.
A total of 2,109 shoes boxes were sent out from Hethersett, Wymondham, Attleborough and the surrounding villages and joined 12,700 boxes to be sent from Norwich to Serbia.
Schools, organisations, groups and individuals made it a record year for the area. The boxes are distributed under the auspices of the Samaritans Purse charity and contain a variety of goods including paper, pencils, soap, flannels, toothpaste as well as balls, puzzles, cuddly toys, hats and mittens.
Area representative for Samaritans Purse, Shirley Adams, collected the South Norfolk boxes at her Hethersett home from September onwards.
“Ten years ago when we started we collected 46 boxes. Last year it was over 1,900 and this year we have sent 2,109. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and kindness. Every year I'm amazed and give thanks for the generosity of people - the love and care that is taken in filling a box to bring joy to a child at Christmas is wonderful. People often leave boxes at my home and we are unable to thank them personally,” Shirley said.
The boxes are divided into those suitable for boys and girls and into three age ranges – 2-4 years, 5-9 years and 10 to 14 years.
The South Norfolk collection was started a decade ago by Hethersett Happy Circle and Hethersett Methodist Church. It has blossomed from there and already Shirley is planning for next Christmas.
“I already have a bag of goods for next year. The boxes go to the poor areas of Novi Sad and are distributed in schools, orphanages and hospitals,” she added.
Shirley collects boxes from September onwards and they are sent to Norwich in lots of two to three hundred.
“The response has been wonderful. The local churches have done so much to help by truly working together,” Shirley added.
During the year Shirley talks to various local groups about the scheme. She also has videos and DVDs. Anyone wishing to help or learn more about the collections can contact Shirley on Norwich 810323.
Kind Hearts Help the Children
Kind-hearted residents of Woodcote Sheltered Housing complex in Firs Road have donated over £1,800 this year to a children's hospice. To read more about their fund-raising exploits click here.
Residents at a Hethersett sheltered housing complex have raised over £4,000 in the last three years for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) charity.
The latest cheque for £1,465 was presented by Woodcote residents to David Went, EACH’s Community Fundraiser for Norfolk, as part of their Christmas build-up. A further donation of £52 took the amount raised this year to over £1,500. Our photo shows Marion Waterson presenting the cheque to David Went with fellow residents looking on.
The money has been raised by 28 residents through a variety of methods including weekly donations, raffles and a spare change jar which alone raised £110.
One resident, Irene Williams, has donated all her bingo winnings for the year.
“We like to support the children. It would be silly of us to support Help The Aged as it might be viewed as being rather selfish,” joked fund co-ordinator Marion Waterson.
Residents also support the charity by regularly visiting EACH’s shop in Wymondham where they purchase their Christmas cards.
“This is a wonderful thing you are doing and it’s lovely to see the older generation supporting children. Support such as yours allows us to go from strength to strength. We are looking to extend our premises at Quidenham to create additional family accommodation,” David Went said.
EACH runs three hospices in East Anglia at Quidenham, Milton in Cambridgeshire and Ipswich in Suffolk.
Residents were able to celebrate after the presentation by pulling crackers donated to them from a private party at Park Farm Hotel. Meanwhile there has been plenty of Christmas spirit around as children from the village infants and junior schools were due to visit the complex to sing carols. Residents were also due to make the short journey to the Infants school to see their Christmas play. This season also saw Hethersett and District Churches Together planning to sing carols at the complex.
Tony and Margaret's Christmas Cheer
When it comes to being lit up at Christmas few can compare with the efforts of Tony and Margaret Dunton. For the past 10 years they have raised hundreds of pounds for charity by lighting up their front garden in Firs Road. To read more click here.
365 Dates for Graham
Graham Watt is a man with a date for every day of 2007. For Graham has produced a special calendar for the village to raise funds for the parish church. Read about this by clicking here.
Lotus Memories
Tucked away down New Road is a workshop where classic cars are restored to their former glory. Hethersett on the Web speaks to coachtrimmers Nick and Stephen Fulcher about their work. Access this story by clicking here.
Busy Christmas for First School
It's been a busy build up to Christmas for children and staff at Woodside First School. Find out what they have been up to by clicking here.
Christmas Church Service Details
Hethersett and District Churches Together have announced their services for the Christmas period and have distributed greetings cards throughout the village. To view the service dates click here.
Julianna's African Dream
Hethersett teenager Julianna Ball has a dream to work in Uganda under the banner of the Project Trust. Julianna, who is 17 and lives in The Crescent, needs to raise over £4,000 to turn her dreams into reality. You can read the details of her dream by clicking here
November
More Vandalism
The Memorial Playing Field has been hit by another spate of vandalism. For the third time this year goalposts have been ripped down and stanchions broken. It is difficult to see what fun the mindless morons who perpetrate this kind of act can get from making life difficult.
Christmas Child Box Success
Christmas for needy children in Serbia and Montenegro will be a little happier this year thanks to the generosity of local people. Shirley Adams of Park Drive has been collecting boxes containing Christmas gifts for children and has already amassed over 700. The boxes are initially taken to Norwich and then on to Norwich's twin city of Novi Sad: "Every year I'm amazed and give thanks for the generosity of people - the love and care that is taken in filling a box to bring joy to a child at Christmas is wonderful," Shirley said.
Village Quizzes
Numerous quizzes are held to raise money for charity and local groups in the village. Two of the latest took place in November. A family quiz at the Methodist Church on 10th November raised funds for the church's table tennis team and a quiz on the following night at the Village Hall raised money for the Yvonne School of Dancing.
War Memorial Research
Do you have a relative whose name is on the Hethersett War Memorial, particularly from the Great War of 1914-1918? We are looking for information about these people, their family, their regiment or the battle at which individuals lost their lives. The village archive is looking for photographs, medals or any souvenirs of the lives of those mentioned on the memorial including where burials or memorials exist. Bea Ewart, who is a member of the Hethersett Archive Group, is looking to find out as much as possible about the men who gave their lives so long ago. The project has the support of village archivist Bill Reekie. Anyone with information can contact Bea on 01603 811352. Bea's grandfather was killed on the Somme in 1916 and she has written a very moving poem about her visit there. This can be read by clicking here.
Quarter Final Place
Hethersett Athletic Football Club are through to the quarter-finals of the Norfolk Sunday Cup competition and are just two wins away from appearing in the Carrow Road final for the second time in the past four years. On November 5th they overcame the challenge of El Sol from Great Yarmouth 6-2 with Mark Appleton hitting a hat-trick and other goals coming from Paul Franklin and Scott Woodcock (2). In the quarter-finals Hethersett will play Delaneys at easton College on Sunday, January 7th.
Charity Breakfast
A special charity breakfast was held at the Queen's Head on Saturday November 4th in aid of EACH (East Anglian Children's Hospice). Staff gave their time to raise funds as over 100 people enjoyed a full English breakfast and funds were further enhanced by a raffle. The event raised over £1,400 for the charity.
Cricket Club Presentations
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club held their annual bonfire, fireworks and presentation evening at their Flordon Headquarters. The player of the year trophy went to first team captain Matt Ellis with the Clubman of the Year award going to Richard Ellis Senior. A full list of prizewinners will be printed on this site as soon as we have them.
October
Bridging the Gap
A Hethersett resident is attempting to start a social Bridge club in the village. Writing in the latest edition of the "Good News" Magazine, Ian Talbot states: "To the best of my knowledge a bridge club does not exist in Hethersett but I feel sure that I am not the only person who would welcome one." Ian is looking to start a club to play the game in "a relaxed atmosphere" and he states that complete beginners will also be welcome. Ian can be contacted on 813342 or by e-mail by clicking here.
Hawks Success
Hethersett Hawks/Swinton and Co Cycle Speedway Club have enjoyed another highly successful season which saw them champions of the South-East Youth League and runners-up in both the Norfolk and Suffolk League and the Norfolk Under-13 Novice League. The club is holding an end of season party at Hethersett Social Club on December 1st
Panto Time
Next year's village panto will be Jack and the Beanstalk which will run in the Village Hall from January 20th to 27th. There will be matinees on January 20th and 27th at 2.30 p.m and evening performances on January 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th.
Change of Status for Middle School
Hethersett Middle School will be changing its status next September to become a Junior School. This will mean taking children from Year Three and losing Year Seven to the high school system. The school will maintain its four year group system - years three to six inclusive. Next September both the existing Year Six and Seven groups will move to the high school whilst the current year two and three groups at Hethersett Woodisde will move up to the Middle School. An open evening for parents of children in years 2 and 3 will be held at the middle school on Thursday 16th November from 6 to 8 p.m when there will be an opportunity to tour the school and see children working before meeting with Head Andy Whittle and Chair of Governors Peter Steward.
Hethersett on Wikipedia
A history of the village has been placed on the excellent Wikipedia site. The entry in the Internet encyclopaedia can be viewed by clicking here.
September
Crime Figures are Low
The latest edition of Hethersett Newsletter which is published by the Parish Council outlines the crime figures for the village for the months of March to May, 2006. Over the three month period there were three house burglaries, two burglaries in commercial premises, five thefts from motor vehicles, 12 incidents of violence and 13 incidents of criminal damage. There were also 18 other thefts reported. The figures underline that South Norfolk is one of the safest places in the country in which to live. Police point out that violent crime is generally minor in nature and the victim and offender often know each other. Police are encouraging residents to report incidents of damage and vandalism as soon as possible. Police can be contacted on 0845 456 4567.
After School Activities?
The youth club premises in Back Lane could be the venue for after school activities in the near future. Activities would vary from computing to sport. Colin Wilson who is a member of the Jubilee Hall Management Committee said: "Our hall in Back Lane was built by the community for the benefit of young people and the committee are keen to see the hall used more for its intended purpose which is to help young people". The Middle School has also introduced a breakfast and after school club to help working parents.
Renewed Appeal on Fatal Crash
Norfolk Police have renewed their appeal for information on the fatal road collision at 7.50 p.m on Saturday 8th July. A car collided with the Red Harring delicatessen in Queen's Road. Police would like to hear from anybody who has not yet contacted them who saw the collision. They would particularly like to hear from a couple who may have been walking a dog along Queen's Road just before the collision. Any information should be sent to PC Newby on 0845456 4567.
Through to Next Round
Hethersett Athletic Football Club are through to the second round of the Norfolk Sunday Senior Cup after a thrilling 3-2 victory over top Gorleston side AFC Gorleston. Having visited Gorleston the previous week and come away with a 3-3 draw, Athletic found themselves 2-0 down at half-time but fought back with second half goals from Paul Franklin, Ben Player and Mark Appleton to earn a second round visit to Yarmouth side Bohemians.
Church Harvest of Talents
Hethersett Methodist Church held a Harvest of Talents event over two days - September 16th and 17th. The church was decorated for the event and there was a display of art and craft. Photographs from the event can be viewed on the church's official website which can be accessed by clicking here.
Hethersett Honoured
Hethersett has been honoured at an official reception for winning the category for over 5,000 population in the EDP Pride in Norfolk Community Awards. The judges referred to it as having "a vibrant sense of community spirit and pride, a shining example of involvement and outstanding commitment shared across the generations".
Forty Not Out for Hawks
Hethersett Hawks cycle speedway club has celebrated its fortieth birthday with a special re-union event. Over 20 ex-members were welcomed back for a day of competitions. A week before Daniel Chambers finished third in the British Under-13 Championships in Stockport
August
Prestigious Win for Footballers
Hethersett Athletic Football Club pulled off a remarkable victory in a national tournament in Manchester in August when they won the Umbro.Com Trophy. The squad of 16 won the men's section after being unbeaten throughout the tournament and only conceding one goal. For a full report on the triumph visit the club's official web site which can be accessed by clicking here. The Ladies team has also met with success, reaching the final of a prestigious tournament in Essex and then hosting the first Easton Challenge Cup at Easton College where they were beaten in the final by Arsenal Ladies.
Instructor Strikes Gold
Martial arts teacher Jo Wilcott has won a gold medal from a world championship event in China. Jo, who lives in Hethersett and is joint head instructor of the Hung Sing Martial Arts School based in Hethersett, Eaton and Norwich, took first place in her division for performing the tiger hook swords form and also won a silver medal for her kung fu animals form at the Xuwen China International Wushu Garden Cup. Jo teaches both kung fu and tai chi to adults and children.
July
Nailbiter on the Sports Field
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club were beaten in a nailbiting final of the Wensum Cup 20 over knockout competition on 18th July. Opponents Marsh batted first and scored 165-2 in their 20 overs. Hethersett looked to be on course for victory until wickets began to tumble and they needed three off the final ball. They scored a two to tie the score, but Marsh took the trophy for losing less wickets. Top scorers for Hethersett were Richard Ellis with 42, Dave Elverson with 36 and Matt Steward with 19.
We are the Best
Hethersett has won top place in the Eastern Daily Press Pride of Norfolk awards for 2006. We came top in the category for populations of over 5,000. The competition was formerly known as the Best Kept Village contest but has been changed to reflect the community spirit of the towns and villages taking place. To win the award Hethersett held off challenges from Thetford, Old Catton and Dereham. The awards will be presented by Farming Today's Anna Hill at County Hall, Norwich, on Thursday September 14th.
Teenagers Killed in Village Crash
Two teenagers died when the car in which they were travelling crashed into an electricity pole and a shop on Queen's Road in the village. The car was being driven by 19 year old local golfing prospect Craig Waugh who had also played football for the village youth team. Also killed was his passenger 14 year old Chloe Goose. Full details of the accident and the tributes to both appear on the Evening News web site which can be accessed by clicking here and the Eastern Daily Press web site which can be accessed by clicking here. Craig's funeral was held on July 18th and agin is covered in the Eastern Daily Press
More Traffic Calming
More 20 mph speed limits are being introduced in the village as part of a traffic calming scheme to tie in with the new development in Myrtle Road. The reduced speed limits will be imposed on Lynch Green, Myrtle Road and Cedar Road and speed humps and tables will also be introduced to the area. There will also be a shared pedestrian and cycle way to link Myrtle Road and the new development. In addition bus stops will be improved along Back Lane, Henstead Road and Great Melton Road. "With more houses and subsequently more traffic in the village, it is important that we obtain funding to cope with the increased usage of pavements and roads resulting from the population growth in the village," said Adrian Gunson, cabinet member for planning and transportation on Norfolk County Council.
Tory Candidate Elected
Conservative candidate Judith Virgoe has been elected to Norfolk County Council following an election in the Humbleyard District which includes Hethersett. The election was made necessary by the resignation of council leader Allison King who has moved from the area. Judith Virgoe poled 1,725 votes, Liberal Democrat Jackie Sutton came second with 1,474 votes. Richard Bearman of the Green Party was third on 239 with Labour Party candidate John Cowan achieving just 180 votes. The turnout was almost one in two at 46.7%
A Great Place to Live - Official
Hethersett has been chosen as one of the best places to live in the county. For full details click here.
Major Award for Elizabeth
Acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Watts, who originally comes from the village, has met with success in a major competition. She was the subject of a feature in the Eastern Daily Press Newspaper. To read this on-line click here