Market Place Consultation

Chris Wallis, Resident: “The Market Place provides convenient parking for shoppers, businesses, visitors and those using nearby pubs and takeaways throughout the day, evenings and weekends. We already have underused public spaces in King Street Square and The Green. Let's fully use those facilities instead of closing the car park, wasting money, and inconveniencing people.”

Vince Gregory, Resident: “The Guildhall Market Place car park has been successfully used by the market for many years. The same management strategy that allows a Market to operate there can be applied for its use as an occasional venue too. Why stop its use as a free car park?”.

Jade Bowles, Business Owner: “I’m very torn, getting rid of the car park would help the town fourish, but you will lose the car park spaces. Having parking spaces outside my business is great, but I do think the space should be used for more markets and events to bring people in. I think there needs to be more than 2 regular things each week on top of the market to make the best use of the space.”

Magda Teixeira, Business Owner: “I’d love to have something more permanent, entertainment wise, the town needs to bring in people all the time. In Portugal we do this all the time, we have coffee shops, pubs, maybe a fountain with a children’s play area so parents can eat, drink, and watch their children play. Otherwise, when something is happening, close it and leave it as a car park if not”.

Councillor Jane James: “This process started over 5 years ago and things have changed so I felt that people should have the opportunity to refect on the market place’s usage. My personal view is that I want it to be used in a way that has an impact on and is appreciated by the residents of Thetford. It’s an amazing opportunity to have a space that can be used for more than just a parking area.”

Councillor Stuart Wright: “I am supporting the use of the Market Place as a traffc free area so that the space can be reclaimed by pedestrians, allow activities to take place in addition to market days and improve the ambience of the area for users of businesses, including the newly refurbished Guildhall.”

Consultation Closes 11th February 2022...

Thetford Town Council are asking residents for their views on the future use of the Market Place. Following a successful Heritage Lottery bid, the Guildhall has been refurbished including improved access from the Market Place. In 2018 a smale scale public consultation indicated that there was a desire to make the Market Place a communal public area to be used for events and other community activities along with the weekly markets.

Thetford Town Council are now consulting on whether they should permanantly close the existing car park or not.

The council are asking residents and business owners to choose from three options: • A car park • Pedestrianised and used as a central hub for Town events • A mix of both, with partial pedestrianisation and only disabled parking remaining The consultation paper can collected from Thetford Town Council’s main main offce at The Carnegie or the Guildhall Tea Room. It is also available on the Thetford Town Council website:

www.thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 6

Mel Furness and Sharon Thompson are celebrating after featuring in the Queens New Years Honours List and being awarded the British Empire Medal. Both were awarded the BEM for services to the community and their fundraising efforts over a number of years.

Mel has raised around £50,000 in the past few years for an array of charities including the Royal British Legion, Banham Zoo, Headway, St Nicholas Hospice Care and Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing. She also founded Thetford Parkrun and has been the driving force behind the community Christmas hampers appeal. During the pandemic Mel has been running virtual events to support mental health and wellbeing. “When I do voluntary work and fundraising, I do it because I have a passion and I feel humbled and proud that someone has taken time to nominate me and get the evidence required.” Mel said. Sharon has been providing hot meals at weekly Meet ‘n’ Eat sessions from her base at Pine Close Community Centre for many years. Along with her team of helpers Sharon also provides Christmas dinner for those who are homeless or on their own at Christmas. She leads First Aid Support Thetford having trained a generation of First Aiders through St Johns Ambulance originally. During the Covid19 pandemic Sharon along with her team stepped up to provide around 57,550 meals, opening every day for packed lunches and take away hot meals to support those struggling fnancially. Sharon said, “The generosity of local businesses and the public, along with people pulling together has allowed us to do what we’ve done. I want to thank my team who do everything and anything to help. I don’t take credit easily, but I’m really pleased and looking forward to continuing with all the stuff I do.”

Mel (L) and Sharon with their letters from the Cabinet Offce announcing their awards

present

Bursting with events... Congratulations to Thetford Players on the brilliant Alice in Wonderland. It’s great to see events back! Fancy being on stage? Thetford Players are producing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Friday 13 May and Saturday 14 May. Find out more on Thursday 3 February at 6.30pm. Auditions Thursday 10 February, 6.30pm. Agatha Christie’s The Hollow is on Friday 8 July and Saturday 9 July. Information evening Wednesday 9 March, 6.30pm, auditions Tuesday 15 March, 6.30pm. Contact thetford.players@hotmail.co.uk Catch more live entertainment in Brandon on Friday 25 February and Saturday 26 February with Shoestring Theatre’s Peter Pan. Back in Thetford, there’s The Searchers and the Hollies Experience on Saturday 5 February. Renowned storyteller Hugh Lupton is in town on Friday 11 February with The Mardling Acre, and we’re going Back to the 1970s on Saturday 19 February. The last Ghost Walk of the season is on Friday 18 March. Check out our online calendar for lots more local events.

By Agatha Christie Friday 8th July 7pmSaturday 9th July 1.30pm & 6.30pm£10 (£8.50 concessions)Carnegie Room, Thetford, IP24 2DS This amateur production of “The Hollow” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd., on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk Tel: 07802 701911 Storyteller Hugh Lupton presents a programme of folk-tales, legends, music and songs from East Anglia Friday 11 February 7:00pm for 7:30pm Guildhall, Thetford, IP24 2ALBox offce: www.leapinghare.org Tickets £7.50THE MARDLING ACRE Peter Pan TicketsChildren (3-15) £4 Adult £6 Senior £4 by arrangement with Lazy Bee ScriptsFri 25th February Sat 26th February 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm Breckland School, Crown Street Written by James Barry PRESENTS

brandon 07802-701911

Supporting local

Did you know that when you shop with us, you’re also supporting your town? Your purchases at our King Street shop keep our information service going, and also support many hugely talented local artists and makers. Plus, you can choose from beautiful and unique handmade gifts – it’s a win-win! Come and see us on King Street soon. Our ever-popular trails will return this Easter. If you have a shop or business in the town centre and have a little window space available, please get in touch before 9 February to be included.

Leaping Hare

Belmont House King Street IP24 2AP info@leapinghare.org 07802 701911