Dogs on Farmland

We have been advised on increasing problems with dogs running wild off the lead on farm land. In the summer months some of this land has sheep, cattle and calves grazing upon it. In addition, we will shortly be into the bird nesting season. Ground nesting birds such as lapwing, skylark, meadow pipit, grey partridge and yellowhammer are all particularly vulnerable to dogs, along with leverets.

Last year, it was reported that 6 sheep were lost in a dog attack as well as 2 further dog attacks on deer. Farmers do not wish to see dogs seized or destroyed but reserve the right to act within the Law.

Whilst we are happy to see people walking on the footpaths around the farm, dogs should be on a lead at all times. Just because you cannot see any livestock, it does not mean dogs can run wild.

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We hope that people enjoy seeing the wildlife on walks and would gratefully appreciate it you could keep your dogs under control and respect the countryside code.

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Ashwellthorpe Horticultural Society Award

by J Ives.

Early this year I attended a seminar organised by Anglia in Bloom this was supported by the RHS.

It was designed to encourage not only the towns to take 'pride in  place' but also the villages. 

So with the help of some local  avid gardeners a small team set to work and we registered our interest as Ashwellthorpe Horticultural Society!

Fortunately one of the team worked at Notcutts and found some old wheel barrows and another member made 5 lovely wooden planters, The result has proven a fantastic success as the barrows and planters were  filled with summer bedding and vegetables , they have been wildly complimented by residents and those who pass through our village.

These have now been filled with bulbs and winter bedding, and we have had requests from residents for more planters etc.

The highlight of this has been when the local judge from Anglia in Bloom came  and  judged our efforts and as a result  we have won an  award for 'Advancing'( the framed certificate hangs now in the reception area of Thorpe Hall)

We have also had help from SNDC with a small grant and Morrisons Community Help so  we are looking forward to next year developments already the group which is growing ( excuse the pun!) have lots of ideas for the future so look out Filby

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News: Unveiling of memorial plaques near Thorpe Hall​​

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On 12th October 2024 we held a ceremony to unveil memorial plaques to honour a number of parishioners sadly no longer with us, who made a significant contribution to the community.

Family and friends of those being remembered, alongside Parish and District Councillors came together to stake the plaques which have been situated rather fittingly in front of fruit trees next to Ashwellthorpe Pond, which we hope will continue to grow and bear fruit, thus continuing to provide for the Parish. 

District Councillor Ian Spratt made a speech thanking them for their efforts which we all continue to benefit from.

These plaques remember:

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Carol Bushell

​​​​​​​​Carol lived in Ashwellthorpe from the early 1970s with her family and was involved in supporting and running numerous activities in the village. She served as a Parish Councillor before becoming the Chair of the old Village Hall Committee in which role she arranged a number of fundraising events to pay for improvements which led to the extension to house a new kitchen and storage area. Carol passed away in October 2022 and a large donation was made to a local food bank from well-wishers in her memory.

 

Barry Duffin​​

Barry was a resident of Ashwellthorpe and the surrounding area for many years, serving as a Parish Councillor for Ashwellthorpe and Fundenhall for twenty eight years before being elected as a District Councillor for Forncett in 2015, and County Councillor for West Depwade from 2021 until he unexpectedly passed away in April 2023. He was a valued Councillor and remembered as a true community champion, always available for advice and proactive in issues relating to the Parish.

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Jerry Franey

​​Jerry lived in Ashwellthorpe with his family for many years and during his time as a Parish Councillor he was involved in the acquisition of Thorpe Hall, as well as being a very proactive footpath officer who could be seen walking the paths regularly with his two chocolate labrador's.​

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David Turner

​​​​​There was also a plaque placed on the bench overlooking the pond in memory of David Turner: David lived in Ashwellthorpe for most of his life, running a successful piano tuning business from Woodman’s Lodge alongside renovating the Muskett Cottages and being instrumental in reestablishing the formerly derelict Railway Station in Wymondham for which he was awarded certificate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the area.

In the early 1980s, David bought the title of Lord of the Manor of Fundenhall with Hapton from the previous Lady of the Manor when she became ill and began to divide up her assets.  This gave him the right to store the manor records - thus keeping them in the local area - and the ownership of twelve acres of common land in Hapton which he dedicated to preserving as an open nature area. He opened his home to display the ancient documents in 2010 to raise money for St. Nicholas Church in Fundenhall.

David was a Parish Councillor for Ashwellthorpe and Fundenhall for thirty two years and like Carol, was part of the old Village Hall Committee and contributed to the fundraising activities by opening his house and garden for afternoon teas and suppers. 

Latterly, he took on the role of Church Warden for All Saints’ Church in Ashwellthorpe and could be heard playing the organ and ringing the restored bells. David passed away in January 2024 but leaves an impressive legacy.

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