Funding Opportunities for local projects

Got an idea to bring people together, celebrate village life, or improve our community?

Two local grant schemes could help turn your ideas into reality!

Norfolk Community Fund – Offers grants up to £2,500 for community￾led projects such as village

events, arts activities, and wellbeing or environmental initiatives.

Applications are made through the Crowdfunder website, and some projects may receive extra

funding from Norfolk County Council.
Find out more or apply at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/norfolk-community-fund
For advice, contact County Cllr Michael Chenery
michael.chenery.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk | 07920 286638

BCKLWN Councillor Community Grant Scheme – Provides £50–£1,000 for small, community-based

projects such as play area improvements, village celebrations, or wellbeing activities.
Apply online: www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/community_grants

 

​Bleed Kit Now Available in Village Defibrillator Cabinet

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Syderstone Parish Council is pleased to announce the installation of a bleed control kit alongside

the village’s existing defibrillator. This important addition is now located inside the defibrillator cabinet and is available for public use in the event of a traumatic injury involving severe bleeding.

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Just like a defibrillator can save lives during a cardiac arrest, a bleed control kit is essential for treating catastrophic bleeding, where immediate action can prevent a fatal outcome. The kit includes:

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• A tourniquet

• Trauma dressings

• Haemostatic gauze

• Gloves and scissors

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These items are designed to help members of the public respond quickly and effectively in an emergency—particularly before ambulance crews can arrive.

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With regards to how to use it, please always bear in mind that it is a public bleed kit, designed for use by untrained individuals, much like the public defibrillators. When you dial 999 due to a critical bleed, the call handler should be able to provide clear instructions over the phone to guide

you through using the kit.

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For extra confidence, free online training videos are also available at: www.controlthebleed.org.uk

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These short videos walk you through how to recognise severe bleeding and how to use the contents of the kit step-by-step. No medical experience is needed—just a willingness to help.

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By providing this kit, Syderstone Parish Council is taking proactive steps to improve emergency preparedness in the community. Everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes to watch the training videos so you’ll be ready if you're ever faced with a critical situation.

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Remember: your knowledge and quick action could help save a life.

 

RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre 

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Would you be interested in volunteering?

RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre is looking for volunteers to assist as curators at the centre.  No military or other training is necessary, just an interest in military or local history.  The requirement is for a few hours on occasional Sundays between Easter and November.

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We are also creating an archive of the activities of the 50+ squadrons who were at the base between 1918 and 1962, and developing the national archive of the RAF Administrative Apprentices between 1925 and 1973.  If you would be interested in more information or giving up some of your time for these exciting projects, please contact us.

 

Ian Jacklin 01485 528286

ianjacklin50@btinternet.com

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For more information regarding open days and stories about the former RAF Station please visit our Facebook page, simply search RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre.

 

If you need to contact the Heritage Centre team, please call Chairman of Trustees, Jamie Heffer: 07807098348 or email at: jamie_heffer@hotmail.co.uk

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Digital Switch over 2025 in Syderstone – yes it affects YOU

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Traditional landline phone systems will soon be a thing of the past. December 2025 is the end of the road for this Victorian-age technology. Many people think the switchover is not happening until 2027. However it is already happening - some people in West Norfolk have already been switched

over.

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So, what is the 2025 digital switchover and what does it mean for you?

How is UK’s telephone network is changing?

Between now and the end of 2025 most telephone providers will be switching their customers from old analogue (copper-based) landlines to new upgraded services using digital technology. You may see updates in the media about ‘Digital Switchover’ or ‘Digital Voice’. The digital switchover applies to all phone lines no matter who your telephone provider is (BT, Virgin, Sky, Talk Talk etc).

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When will the Digital Switchover happen?

The BT digital switchover is planned to be completed by the end of 2025. Your communications provider will let you know when your digital switchover is happening, and you won’t need to do anything about your phone service until then. From the date of the switchover, landline telephones will no longer work via the socket on the wall. Instead, they will need to be connected to a broadband router or digital adapter.

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What do I need to do?

For most households that already have broadband the change will be straightforward or may have already happened. The change will be something as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router instead of the wall socket. Your telephone company will send you instructions on how to connect your phone to the router and may also include an adapter to do this. Depending on your current router, your telephone provider may have to send you an upgraded one at no extra cost. Note: If you are unsure if you are going to be affected by the digital switchover, call your telephone provider to see if you need to do anything extra.

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I don’t have broadband – just a phone line….

If you have a traditional landline phone and don’t have broadband, then it is likely you have a copper-based phone line and you will be affected by this change. When the time comes, you will be supplied with a small adapter that you will plug your phone into so you can receive digital phone services.

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What will it cost?

For most customers, it is a simple and completely free transition to digital with no home installation work required. And you can keep your current phone number.

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Can I opt out of the digital switchover?

No – you cannot opt out of the digital switchover, but you could receive additional help to ensure you are not left without vital services.

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What help can I get?

It’s important to let your phone provider know if you are vulnerable in any way e.g. over 75, have disabilities or health conditions, are a telecare user, unpaid carer, living in a village with poor mobile phone signal etc. If you fall into any of these categories, do call your phone provider to ensure they have your circumstances on record. This will make things easier for you when it comes to switchover time