Unveiling of a Historic Map of Garvestone

We are delighted to announce the official unveiling of a historic map of Garvestone and its surrounding area, now proudly displayed in the Garvestone and Thuxton Village Hall. This remarkable piece of history was revealed in a special ceremony by Mr. James Smerdon, Chair of the Parish Council, alongside Mr. Stephen Smith, former Councillor and Chair of the Garvestone and Thuxton Village Hall Committee.

The map offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of our community, capturing the landscape as it once stood and reminding us of the village’s deep-rooted connections to the past. We hope that this map will serve as a lasting symbol of Garvestone’s history, bringing together residents and visitors alike to reflect on the growth and evolution of our beloved village.

Our sincere thanks to Mr. Smerdon and Mr. Smith for their contributions and continued dedication to preserving the legacy of Garvestone. This display is a wonderful addition to the Village Hall, and we encourage everyone to come and explore this piece of our shared history.

FREE Tree Packs

Woodland Trust have introduced a wonderful opportunity for communities to receive free trees via their tree packs. To apply for your tree pack, please choose from the list provided and fill out an application form. Two deliveries are made a year, in March and November, and applications are currently being accepted for tree packs to be delivered in November 2024. The application period is expected to close by September, or sooner, depending on stock availability. But don’t worry, any applications over that deadline will be rolled forward for fulfilment in March 2025.

Before applying, please ensure you have the six-digit grid reference for the land you wish to plant, permission from the legal landowner, and familiarise yourself with the FAQs for essential information.

Here are some of the available tree packs:

Hedge: Create a natural screen or connect existing woodland.
Copse: Plant a mini forest school classroom or a peaceful spot.
Wild Harvest: Grow an array of fruits and nuts for various uses.
Year-Round Colour: Enjoy beautiful blossoms, bright berries, and stunning autumn displays.
Working Wood: Fuel a log burner in 7-10 years or channel your creativity.
Wild Wood: Hardy native species for exposed sites and wet areas.
Wildlife: Establish food and shelter for wildlife.
Urban Trees: Designed for residential areas with limited space.

To apply and explore more tree packs, visit:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/.

Becone a Befriender

There are currently more than 26,000 unpaid carers living in Norfolk who provide over 50 hours of care each week to a family member or friend who need help because of an illness, frailty, disability, or a mental health issue, and cannot cope without support.

The Norfolk Befriending Service is an exciting new project and will match volunteers with carers to offer regular companionship at home, as well as supporting them to access services in their community or provide practical support such as dog walking, collecting prescriptions, shopping and gardening.

Caring Together is a local charity supporting unpaid carers who look after a family member or friend who need help because of an illness, frailty, disability, or a mental health issue and cannot cope without support. The Norfolk Befriending Service aims to offer an inclusive, trusted service that links volunteers with unpaid carers to help reduce loneliness and isolation, build confidence, and improve their wellbeing. If you are able to give some time to help carer near you, or know an unpaid carer who would benefit from receiving this service, please contact the following for more information:

0345 241 0954 | volunteers@caringtogether.org | www.caringtogether.org/befriending

Mobile Post Office

The mobile post office can be located outside of the Garvestone Village Hall every Monday between the hours of 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm.

More information can be found HERE.

Village Benches

Thanks to the generosity of many residents, a total of £1085 has been donated towards the three new benches.

The Parish Council will pay the remaining £325 from funds under-spent in 2020/21.

The Parish Council would like to thank everyone who has so kindly donated towards these new benches which will an asset to the villages for years to come.