Residents of East Winch, a quaint village in West Norfolk, are expressing grave concerns this week about their future as they fear the village could become a ghost town. The fear stems from a proposal for a bypass road that would divert traffic away from East Winch to neighboring Middleton, leading to significant financial challenges for local businesses.
In a public meeting held recently, an action committee was formed to oppose this project, which has stirred quite a bit of concern among the locals. "It is important to have a bypass as the main road is awful, but if businesses close such as our garage, our pub, our post office, East Winch will have nothing," voiced one concerned resident. This sentiment echoes the worries of many, as local enterprise owners are increasingly anxious that an absence of traffic will mean the potential end of their livelihoods.
On another front, the local economy is experiencing a noticeable boost from the filming of the major motion picture Revolution, starring Al Pacino. Filming is set to begin during the week of March 17 to 23, 1985, and even before the cameras start rolling, the immediate economic benefits are becoming apparent. Over 1,000 locals—many of whom are previously unemployed or retired—are excited to take part as extras in the film, earning a wage of £20 a day. This not only provides immediate income for these individuals but also promises to bring significant publicity and funds to the region.
In addition to the film project, good news for residents came with the opening of Brundle Sport, a new motor business launched by the Brundle family in Lynn, which officially opened on March 1. The family has reported a warm reception for the new Peugeot Talbot franchise, with expressions of interest pouring in from the local business community.
In the housing market, unique properties are attracting attention, such as a house for sale in Fakenham that comes complete with its very own nuclear fall-out shelter. Constructed by former fish and chip shop proprietor Brian Cholerton, this shelter boasts a depth of 14 feet beneath the front garden and was built as an insurance policy for the family. For just under £60,000, future homeowners can buy peace of mind alongside an unusual piece of real estate—though Cholerton admits, "It’s a bit claustrophobic."
As community issues come to the fore, head teachers in the area have called for priority discussions regarding an increasing head lice problem in local schools. This growing concern comes from numerous parents in West Norfolk and coincides with petitions from mothers in Middleton who reported a rise in cases in their village. Health authorities were previously criticized for cuts impacting treatment options for these infestations.
Meanwhile, the arrival of the Duchess of Kent in Swaffham was delayed by an hour due to adverse weather conditions, namely snow. Initially, there were concerns that her trip to the John Chapman Day Centre and the adjacent Westfields Home for the Elderly would have to be canceled, but she eventually arrived, much to the delight of residents and visitors who had gathered to meet her.
In an unexpected turn of events within the local sports community, it appears Lynn could potentially become the headquarters of a nationwide organization aimed at curbing violence on soccer terraces. John Maiden, West Norfolk's full-time co-ordinator of Soccer as Family Entertainment (SAFE), is proposing that plans be set into motion for a centralized location in Lynn. His recommendations follow the recent rioting incidents that occurred during a cup match between Luton and Millwall. Maiden has met with North West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham, who is set to assist in discussions with the Sports Minister.
The narratives from East Winch and its neighboring communities during the week of March 17-23, 1985, reflect a microcosm of challenges and opportunities faced by local residents. The looming threat of losing their village's character and economic vitality clashes with the invigorating prospects brought about by film production and local entrepreneurship. It’s a balancing act that many will be watching closely in the weeks and months ahead as East Winch grapples with its future against the backdrop of change.
How well the community can rally to protect its interests while also embracing these new developments will be a telling story of resilience, adaptation, and hope in a shifting economic landscape.
