Welcome to the Relaunch of The Ellingham Pump!
After a period away, we are absolutely delighted to bring The Ellingham Pump back to the community it has always belonged to - you.
Great Ellingham and Little Ellingham are villages full of life, energy and warmth, and this magazine exists to reflect exactly that. From the cricket pitch to the pétanque terrain, from St James’s Church to the Recreation Centre, so much happens here week in, week out. The Ellingham Pump is your place to share it, celebrate it and stay connected to it.
This relaunch issue is just the beginning. We want to hear from local groups, clubs, businesses and individuals - whether you have news to share, an event to promote or a story worth telling, our pages are open to you.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to this first issue, and to the Great Ellingham Parish Council and Breckland District Council for their support in making this relaunch possible.
A Message from the Chair of Great Ellingham Parish Council
“Our village has seen rapid growth in recent years, bringing both opportunities and challenges. The Parish Council continues to work actively behind the scenes on projects that matter to residents - from supporting the Village Hall project and preserving the War Memorial, to working with Norfolk Highways to address road safety and speed awareness concerns. Together, these efforts help ensure our village remains a thriving and welcoming community.”
Peter Ewin Chairperson, Great Ellingham Parish Council
We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together.
The Ellingham Pump Team
Great Ellingham Chit Chat Group
Location: Great Ellingham Recreation Centre, Watton Road Day & Time: Every Wednesday 10-12 Noon
The Chit Chat Group continues to thrive after starting up nearly 15 years ago.
Each week between 45 and 60 men and women happily gather for coffee, chat and friendship.
The group is also a catalyst for so much that is happening in the area.
We are very pleased that we are appealing to newcomers who have moved into the village, especially from the various new developments.
The hardest thing for any newcomer to the village or surrounding area is to try out something new in an unfamiliar place, however we can assure anyone dropping in to Chit Chat that once you’ve come over the threshold then you will find much warmth, kindness and
friendship amongst the amazing group of people who gather together each week.
The Springfields outing in May proved very popular and we will be going to Holt and Sheringham in August and Cromer for the fabulous end of pier show in December.
Don’t forget, if you have half an hour to spare, please drop into the Recreation Centre any Wednesday morning where you will meet new people and make genuine, new and lasting friendships.
Please contact Ann Reeve on 07733 211410 for more details or email: annreeve2008@gmail.com
Great Ellingham Pre-school
Great Ellingham preschool is situated within the recreation centre.
We offer affordable childcare for the local and wider community and we take children from their second birthday until the September following their 4th birthday.
Preschool Opening Times (Term Time Only)
Monday 9:00pm - 3:00pm Tuesday 9:00am - 3:00pm Thursday 9:00am - 3:00pm Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
We offer full day sessions or half days whichever suits your requirements. Each session we can have up to 26 children of mixed ages.
We are a warm, welcoming, caring and friendly preschool providing a nurturing environment where children can learn, play and grow, build confidence and make long lasting friendships.
Our experienced team provides a safe environment that supports every child’s individual development, helping them grow socially, emotionally and academically while having fun every day.
What We Offer
• A warm and welcoming setting
• Play based learning opportunities
• Creative arts and crafts
• Outdoor play and exploration
• Early literacy and numeracy activities
• Preparation for a smooth transition to school
Please feel free to pop in any time if you wish to look around, no appointment necessary.
Come and discover a place where little minds flourish.
For more information
Email: ge.ps@live.co.uk Tel: 07443 562555
51 Pétanque Club
The 51 Pétanque Club are delighted to be able to share our latest news and updates in the relaunched Ellingham Pump!
51PC was formed in 1980 by Claudine Guilmain and Graham Beales and was based in various pub locations before funding allowed the construction of a permanent terrain in 2017, along the north side of the Great Ellingham Recreation Ground. We have a Clubhouse where we offer snacks and refreshments and in 2025, after a couple of years of fundraising, we were able to open our new toilets, a very welcome addition to our facilities. Our next project is to install shelters at the back of the terrain to offer protection from the weather.
The Club has grown significantly in recent years, and we currently have 95 members making it one of the biggest groups in the village. Members come not only from Great Ellingham but also from the surrounding area including Norwich, Swaffham, Hethersett, Hingham and Wymondham.
We have 4 Summer and 3 Winter Teams, who play in the Norfolk League, involving over 40 of our members.
Pétanque is a great game and being a member of our club brings the benefits of fresh air, gentle exercise, friendly competition and an opportunity to make new friends of all ages and walks of life. In addition to League Games, our fun social sessions are at the heart of our activities and take place three times a week - Monday from 10.30am, Wednesday and Saturday from 10am. The sessions last for around 2 hours during which we have 2 games and a half time cuppa and chat. We meet all year round often attracting over 20 members per session, even in the middle of Winter!
If you fancy coming along then you’ll be very welcome to do so on one of the social mornings. It’s free to try then only £20 for a year’s membership, which is amazing value! Alternatively, you can contact Graham for more information as per the contact details below. We’ll also be running a Come and Try session at the Teddy Festival Fete on Saturday 11th July.
Mandy Seabrook (Club Secretary)
Contact Details: Graham Beales (Club Chairman): petanqueclub51@outlook.com
Website: https://51petanque.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/51petanqueclub
Great Ellingham Cricket Club
Last year Great Ellingham Cricket Club celebrated 40 years since being reformed in 1985, but it’s believed to have had a presence in the village since the early twentieth century.
The 2026 season is already in full swing with training and matches taking place between May and August at the Recreation Ground.
There’s plenty of cricket on offer, but the field is still accessible during matches and practices. The teams are always grateful for support, so why not come along and watch?
We are very proud to be able to offer training and competitive matches for everyone. Whatever your age, we have something for you! We’re always keen to welcome new members to the club, whether that’s seasoned players looking to get back into cricket, those who have never picked up a bat or volunteers who feel they have something to offer the club.
Please contact us at greatellinghamcc@ outlook.com or find out more on our social media channels.
All Stars (5–8-year-olds) and Dynamos (8–11-year-olds)
Our eight-week All Stars course provides a fantastic experience for children new to cricket, focusing on fun
activities and games whilst teaching new skills, led by our experienced and enthusiastic activators!
A follow-up to All Stars, Dynamos develops those basic skills into game play in an exciting and energetic atmosphere.
Both courses run on a Friday night, and although we are well underway for this season, please contact us if your young person would like to join in; we’ll always fit you in and ensure you’re on our mailing list for next season!
Youth Teams (U9s/U11s/U13s/ U15s/U17s)
We have softball tournaments throughout the season for mixed U9s/U11s teams. U11s are encouraged to progress towards hardball cricket if they want to by our experienced coaches, culminating in matches against local opposition. Older age groups also represent their high school. Youth training sessions are led by Richard Ewin and Adrian Cooper.
• Youth training (U11/U13) - Tues 6:307:30pm
• Youth training (U15/U17) - Fri 6:307:30pm
Women’s and Girls’ Softball Teams
We also have a flourishing girls and women’s softball section, with the women’s team competing in softball festivals with other local teams and the Ladies Hundred league. Sessions are led by Heather Musk.
• Girls’ training - Tues 5:30-6:30pm
• Women’s training - Tues 7:00-8:00pm
Sunday Development Team
Friendly matches are organised throughout the season with the aim of giving the youth players an opportunity
to experience opponents at a similar developmental level in a longer format of the game as they journey towards senior cricket.
Saturday 1st XI
Our 1st XI play in the Norfolk Cricket League Division 2 West and consists of experienced players who have played at various levels, ably supplemented by our promising younger players.
• Senior net sessions - Fri 6:30-7:30pm
St James’ Church, Great Ellingham
Welcome back to readers of the Ellingham Pump! We’re excited to share news from St James’ Church.
Last year we started a monthly pop-up café, usually on the second Saturday in the month and always 10am - 12 noon. This has proved popular and has a regular group of supporters but there is space for more! It’s an informal, friendly event with plenty of freshly baked cakes alongside tea and coffee; a chance to sit and chat with friends and neighbours. There is no set price for refreshmentsthey are offered on a donation basis. Cash and card are accepted. Our next dates are Saturday 11th July and 8th August. Everyone is welcome.
In May, instead of pop-up café, we supported Christian Aid week by holding a Big Breakfast, raising funds for the charity. We served fresh hot bacon or sausage baps, plus a range of cereals, toast and fruit. It was a lovely, friendly occasion welcoming members of the community into our building. We raised around £250 - a very good total.
Services in church are usually held on three Sundays in the month. The first and third Sundays alternate between Holy Communion and Morning Prayer, both starting at 10.30am. The second
Sunday is Café Church - an informal service led by the music group, following a simple pattern of readings, hymns and a talk or activity. Although the service starts at 10.30am, a simple breakfast of toast and eggs/ham/rolls is available from 9.30am. Everyone is welcome to attend one or more of our services - see which you prefer! Services are available on the Shellrock Benefice website, displayed monthly on the porch door and noticeboard, and published weekly on Facebook.
Did you know the church is entirely funded by the parish? This is through giving at services, donations and fundraising events. It receives no external funding.
If you’ve visited the church, particularly in autumn, you may have seen wet patches where we have water leaking through the roof in various areas. We are hoping to complete repair works this summer/autumn and would welcome your support by making a donation or attending an event. If you can’t visit us, you can support us through the Parish Giving Scheme.
St Peter’s Church, Little Ellingham
It is good that the Pump is back again.
Here at St Peter’s we continue to fulfil our obligations as members of our church to manage the church and make it available to everyone. We hold two evening services each month, a service of Evening Prayer and a Prayer and Praise service which has taken on a Celtic style of worship. These are held on the second and third Sundays respectively.
We continue to take our turn with the other four churches in our benefice on the fourth Sunday for a joint service of Holy Communion.
We recently held a weekend Flower Festival based on the theme of music (songs, instruments, composers, etc). The flower arrangers came up with some amazing arrangements to delight all those who came to see them. We are very grateful for all the support we had that week-end so thank you to the flower arrangers, the bakers of cakes, the people who helped over the weekend and to all those who came to visit and made all the hard work worthwhile.
The church building is open every day for anyone who wishes a quiet place or just to visit. We have recently started a library for books to Borrow-Read-Return. We hope to increase the range of books
available in due course which means we shall need another bookcase.
We hold a Coffee Morning (usually) on the second Saturday of the month between 10am and 12pm which as well as giving an opportunity for people to socialise helps raise funds for the Church Repair Fund. The recent changes to Government policy regarding funding for churches makes any repairs much more expensive and the provision of grants more difficult so every penny counts! Repairs to churches are never cheap and, because most are listed buildings, there are often many hoops to jump through before anything can be done.
We still await the merger of our four churches with the Hingham group. This will make us a benefice of twelve churches. It appears to be a step closer so maybe we will not have to wait much longer. Hard to believe our Priest-incharge, Revd Tori, has been with us for nearly 20 months.
If anyone wishes to contact Tori, here are the details:
Priest in Charge: Revd Tori Venmore-Rowland Telephone: 01953 573377 email: revdtori@outlook.com Thursday is Tori’s usual day off
Great Ellingham Community Speedwatch NEEDS YOU!
To ensure its future and important role in the Village, the Great Ellingham Parish Council’s Community Speedwatch Team is seeking additional volunteers.
The role involves being available (in dry weather only!) for hour long sessions 2 or 3 times per month - either between 07:45 to 09:30, and 15:00 to 17:00hrs (daylight and visibility dependent).
The task is very easy and involves the operation of a simple speed monitor, and the writing down of vehicle details. Full training is provided.
The Team currently reports circa 350 drivers per year to the Norfolk Police, of which less than 5% are recorded by the Police as repeat offenders.
This data clearly shows the positive impact that local CSW Teams are having across the County.
Please do give this request some serious consideration, and if you feel that you have the time available - for either morning and/or afternoon sessions, and would like to join our very friendly team, then do please contact our CSW Team Co-ordinator PETER JOYCE at: p.e.joyce@hotmail.co.uk
WE ARE WAITING TO WELCOME YOU!
The Great Ellingham Parish Council warmly welcomes you to the re-launched Ellingham Pump Magazine
Whether you have lived in Great Ellingham for many years, are new to the village, or are simply visiting, we hope this bi-monthly Ellingham Pump magazine gives you a sense of just how active, welcoming and friendly our special community is.
With support from a Breckland District Council Spark Grant, the Parish Council has worked with the Ellingham Pump publishers to create a useful centrefold pull-out. It includes details of local community groups, resources and other essential information.
We encourage everyone to get involved, discover what the village has to offer, and maybe consider how you might contribute to our community in return.
Great Ellingham Parish Council is made up of local volunteers who care deeply about our village. We meet each month to talk about the issues that matter to our community and to take action, or seek advice/assistance at local, district, and sometimes national level. Supporting the Council is our part-time clerk, our only employee.
We are committed to working openly, fairly, and in the best interests of Great Ellingham. The Council follows a strict code of conduct, and our policies and procedures are published on our website for everyone to see.
All Parish Councillors have a connection to the village and are required to declare any relevant interests.
Meeting dates and agendas are displayed on village notice boards and on our website, greatellingham-pc.gov.uk.
We welcome your participation at our meetings. Please also let us know about issues affecting you or initiatives you may have.
Contact via Parish Clerk: Mrs E Tinsley, Orchard View, Heywood Rd, Shelfanger Diss IP22 2DJ. clerk@greatellingham-pc.gov.uk 01379 644727.
Please note our Clerk is employed only 5 hours per week, in an emergency Peter Ewin (Chairperson) 07986 517681, Cllr.p.ewin@greatellingham-pc.gov.uk
Useful Services and Local Organisation Contacts
Norfolk County Council - 0344 800 8020
Help with living costs - www.norfolk.gov.uk/costofliving
Report a highways problem - www.norfolk.gov.uk/highwaysproblem
Libraries - www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries
Children and families - www.norfolk.gov.uk/children
Care, support and healthwww.norfolk.gov.uk/article/41736/Care-support-and-health
Out and about in Norfolkwww.norfolk.gov.uk/article/42850/Out-and-about-in-Norfolk
Emergency and utilities
Anglian Water
Flood Hotline
PACT
RSPCA
Refuse collection
Snetterton Recycling Centre
Swift Response
UKPN
Water and Sewage
Animal Rescue
Animal Rescue
Breckland Council
Norfolk.gov.uk/recyclingbooking
Emergency help - Elderly/Disabled
Power cuts and electrical supply
03457
Great Ellingham community contact details
Allotment Society
Astronomical Society
Baptist Church
Chit Chat
Cricket Club
Green Fingers Garden Club
Gt. Ellingham Flower club
Gt. Ellingham One-Place Study
Gt. Ellingham Rec Centre
Lt. Ellingham Village Hall
Parish Council (Clerk)
51 Pétanque Club
Preschool
Primary School
Priest Associate Shellrock
Scouts
Sit and Stitch group
The Crown Village Shop
Chris Arnold
Dan Self
Hugh Collier
Ann Reeve
Heather Musk
Karen Rosebury
Rachael Borenkova
Heather Etteridge
Sue Gent
Sheila Hassock
Elaine Tinsley
Graham Beales
Teresa Overson
Rev’d Tori Venmore-Rowland
Sue Bisley
Justine Davies
Will Mason
Angela Crocker
07795 510239 07734 364667 01953 453347 07733 211410
07795 007199 07990 522836
01953 888239 07342 983816 07810 582628 07887 553521
01379 644727 07770 587495 07443 562555 01953 453342
01953 573377 01953 456835
07976 924456
01953 797070 01953 452155
Trivia Quiz
How much do you know about your local history?
1. What are the names of the Arts & Crafts Master Glass Painters who created the stained-glass window in St James’s Church dedicated to Robert & Mary Lebbell?
2. In what year did Harriet Barnard of Great Ellingham Hall marry Richard Clarke?
3. What are the former names of The Crown Public House?
4. Which Baptist Minister sadly died suddenly at The Manse on the 26th September, 1856?
5. What was served for the school dinner on Monday 16th June 1952?
The answers can be found on the Great Ellingham One-Place Study website greatellingham.org and will be in the next edition (Images Steve Moore-Vale & Heather Etteridge)
Events at Pat’s Bar and Rec Centre
Pat’s Bar
July 3rd - D-Lish curry
July 10th - The Hunger Hut
July 17th - The Nacho Factory
July 24th - Tatos
July 31st - Naked Fish
August 7th - Dainty’s Kitchen
August 14th - D-Lush pizza
August 21st - closed
August 28th - The Tin Kitchen
Foodie Friday times 5pm to 10pm
Saturday foodie - July 18th the Hillbilly Grill 3pm to 9pm ( food time tbc )
August Saturday opening - 1st 4pm to 8pm
Carboot Sales
July 4th and August 1st
Times: Sellers 8am Buyers 9am
Pitch fee £6 any vehicle
Average finish time 12
Refreshments on site. Bacon rolls offered by the Scouts.
Recreation Centre Contact Details
Mobile: 07749 010344
Email: gtellingham.reccentre@gmail.com
Also find the the Recreation Centre and Pat’s Bar on Facebook
‘Everyday HistoriesEveryday People’
Great Ellingham One-Place Study
Investigating some of the history of our village is very rewarding. I have unearthed some fascinating stories around the people who once made Great Ellingham their home. Some families or individuals stayed in the village for a relatively short time. However, many families remained in the village for centuries.
I began researching the local history back in 2018. Since then, I have created a freely available One-Place Study website, and held many successful local history exhibitions.
The website has over 590 articles covering many topics. These include house histories, family stories, articles about past community events, clubs, societies, religious organisations and schools. Misdemeanours, disputes and tragic occurrences are also covered.
I particularly enjoy staging the local history exhibitions with my good friend Judy McDouall. We endeavour to create themed displays in an informative and imaginative way. We want all our visitors to enjoy the experience, and to gain a deeper connection to our community’s past.
Our next local history exhibition will be held during the national Heritage Open Days (HODs). We will follow the HODs theme of ‘Everyday Histories’. Our exhibition ‘Everyday Histories - Everyday People’ is in the Function Room of The Crown Public House, Church Street, Great Ellingham on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 2026 11am to 4 pm. (It’s business as usual at the pub).
The displays will focus on the village during the 1930s and 1940s. Visitors
will be able to view most of the names of the villagers listed on the 1939 Register. This Register provides a snapshot of the civilian population just after the outbreak of WWII.
The inspired exhibition will also touch on Deopham Green Airfield, evacuees, home guard recollections and blackout infringements. There will be a ‘special’ display around the 1942 Invasion Committee Records. Did you know that Great Ellingham had at least 57 members of the Home Guard? Villagers offered some 88 blankets, 51 saucepans, 14 pairs of pyjamas and many other items for community use in the event of a German invasion!
Great Ellingham’s Detecting Guy, Matt Hall, will also be with us. He will show some of his amazing archaeological finds from the local area, including WWII objects. Tabletop activities will be available for our younger visitors. As usual, entry to the exhibition is free.
By the way, Judy and I will also be presenting a ‘pop-up’ local history display at the Teddy Bear Festival’s family fete in the village on Saturday 11th July 12-4. Detecting Guy Matt Hall will also be there.
We hope to see you!
Heather Etteridge
Great Ellingham One-Place Study Visit: www.greatellingham.org
Email: hello@greatellingham.org
Great Ellingham Teddy Bear Festival
A Celebration of Community Spirit
Each summer, Great Ellingham comes alive with one of the area’s most charming traditions: the Great Ellingham Teddy Bear Festival.
Centred on fun, friendship and community, the festival has become a much-loved fixture for residents and visitors alike, turning streets, gardens and village corners into a playful trail of imaginative teddy bear displays.
The festival began in 2004 after a discussion about how best to celebrate St James’ weekend. Rather than creating scarecrows, which some felt might be too frightening for young children, the village embraced the gentler idea of teddy bears. From that simple suggestion grew the now-famous Teddy Bear Trail, where residents design and build bears from straw and other materials, placing them proudly outside their homes.
Part of the festival’s appeal lies in its creativity. Each bear has its own character, theme or story, with past displays inspired by sport, music, books, royalty and village life. Families can follow the trail, spot their favourites and enjoy the sense of anticipation as new bears appear before the official opening. Alongside the trail, the festival
offers a lively programme of events, such as, bingo, garage sales, teddy bear trail, family fest quest, village fete and a Teddy Bears’ Picnic with zipwire and much more. These activities help bring people together, encouraging neighbours to volunteer, local businesses to support the event, and visitors to spend time in the village.
While the festival raises money for local charities and good causes, its heart is about more than fundraising. This year, their chosen charity is Nelson’s Journey, a Norfolk charity which supports children and young people with bereavement. To find out more about the work they do, visit: www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk.
The festival celebrates the warmth, humour and generosity of our rural community who knows how to welcome everyone.
For Great Ellingham, the Teddy Bear Festival is not simply an event on the calendar; it is a joyful expression of village identity, shared effort and summer fun.
For more information or to book events visit: www.teddyfestival.org
Gardening Jobs For July And August
July and August are the high point of the British summer, when gardens are at their most colourful, productive and demanding.
Warm temperatures, long days and bursts of rain create ideal growing conditions, but they also mean plants need consistent care to stay healthy. These two months are all about maintenance, harvesting and preparing for the shift towards late summer.
Watering and Feeding
Watering becomes the most important task during July and August. Early morning is the best time, allowing plants to drink before the heat builds. Prioritise containers, hanging baskets and newly planted shrubs, as they dry out fastest. A weekly feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser keeps bedding plants, tomatoes and courgettes producing strongly. Lawns may turn brown in prolonged heat, but they usually recover without heavy watering, so focus resources where they matter most.
Deadheading and Pruning
Deadheading is essential to keep borders looking fresh. Roses, dahlias, cosmos and sweet peas all reward regular attention with more blooms. Lavender can be lightly trimmed after flowering to maintain its shape, while wisteria benefits from a summer prune to encourage next year’s flowers. Cutting back spent perennials such as geraniums often prompts a second flush of growth.
Harvesting Fruit and Vegetables
July and August are peak harvest months. Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, courgettes and salad leaves should be picked frequently to keep plants productive. Soft fruit - raspberries, blueberries and currants - ripen quickly in warm weather, so check them daily. Apples and pears begin to swell, and thinning heavy clusters helps prevent branches snapping later in the season. If you grow herbs, now is the perfect time to cut and dry them for winter use.
Pest and Disease Management
Warm, humid weather encourages pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, whitefly and caterpillars, especially on roses, brassicas and soft fruit. Removing them early prevents infestations from taking hold. Mildew can appear on courgettes, roses and clematis during dry spells; watering at the base of plants and improving air circulation helps reduce the risk.
Lawn and Border Care
Mow the lawn weekly, but raise the cutting height during hot spells to prevent stress. Edges can be trimmed to keep everything looking sharp. Borders may need staking as tall perennials reach their peak; dahlias, delphiniums and sunflowers are particularly prone to flopping after summer rain.
Planning Ahead
Although it’s still summer, July and August are the right time to think ahead. Sow biennials such as foxgloves and wallflowers for next spring, and start planning autumn bulb orders. If you’re considering changes to your garden layout, observing how plants perform now will help guide decisions later in the year.
Getting Into Running As A Beginner A Friendly Guide for New Starters
For many people, the idea of taking up running feels both appealing and slightly daunting. The good news is that you don’t need to be super-fit, super-fast, or super-confident to begin. With a gentle approach and a bit of consistency, running can become one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to improve your wellbeing.
The first step is to start slowly. Many beginners make the mistake of setting off too fast, only to feel exhausted within minutes. A better approach is the run-walk method, where you alternate short bursts of running with periods of walking. Programmes like Couch to 5K are designed exactly for this, helping you build stamina gradually over several weeks.
Choosing the right kit also makes a difference. You don’t need expensive gear, but a pair of proper running shoes that suit your feet will help prevent discomfort and injury. Lightweight clothing that keeps you cool and dries quickly will also make your early runs more enjoyable.
Finding a safe local route is another key part of getting started. Many beginners prefer quiet lanes, parks, or well-lit
pavements close to home. Running at a conversational pace - one where you can still talk without gasping - is the best way to build fitness without overdoing it.
Motivation can be the trickiest part, especially in the early weeks. Setting small, achievable goals helps enormously. Perhaps you aim to run for ten minutes without stopping, or complete three outings in a week. Celebrate these milestones; they’re signs of real progress. Some people find that joining a local running group or arranging to run with a friend keeps them accountable and makes the experience more sociable.
Listening to your body is essential. A little muscle soreness is normal when you’re new to running, but sharp or persistent pain is a sign to rest. Incorporating gentle stretching or a short warm-up walk can help your body ease into the movement.
Above all, remember that running is personal. It doesn’t matter how far or how fast you go - what matters is that you’re out there, moving, breathing fresh air, and doing something positive for your health. With patience and consistency, you’ll soon discover the quiet satisfaction that comes from seeing your fitness grow, one step at a time.
A Circular Walk From Great Ellingham To Deopham
A gentle circular walk between Great Ellingham and Deopham, with peaceful views, quiet lanes and plenty of rural Norfolk charm along the way.
Estimated distance: Around 6.5 to 7 miles circular
Estimated duration: About 2.5 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace
Terrain: Field-edge footpaths, minor lanes and village roads
Practical note: Check the latest rights of way map before setting out
If you are in the mood for a pleasant local outing, the circular walk from Great Ellingham to Deopham and back makes a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon. It is not a grand or demanding route, but that is very much part of its
charm. This is south Norfolk at its most peaceful, with wide skies, quiet lanes, open fields and the familiar pattern of hedgerows that gives our countryside its gentle character. Starting in Great Ellingham, the walk uses local footpaths
and quiet roads to create a satisfying circuit between two attractive villages. It is the sort of walk that invites you to slow down, take in the changing light, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being out in the fresh air close to home.
Leaving Great Ellingham, you soon settle into the easy rhythm of the route. Footpaths and quiet lanes lead out into open countryside where the views are broad and restful rather than dramatic. In spring and summer the hedgerows are full of life, while autumn brings mellow colours across the fields, and winter has a quiet beauty of its own. Deopham makes a welcoming halfway point, with its peaceful village setting and church offering a natural place to pause before turning for home. By choosing a slightly different combination of paths and lanes on the return, the walk can feel fresh all the way round, even though you are travelling back through the same familiar corner of the county.
As always with country walks, a little preparation makes all the difference. It is worth checking an up-to-date rights of way map before setting out, especially after wet weather when field-edge paths can be muddy or less clear underfoot. Sturdy shoes or walking boots are a good idea, and carrying a drink is sensible too, as facilities may be limited along the way. At around 6.5 to 7 miles, this is a comfortable half-day circular walk for most people, best enjoyed at an easy pace with time to stop, look around and appreciate the surroundings. Above all, it is a reminder of how fortunate we are to have such peaceful countryside on our doorstep, and how much pleasure can be found in a simple walk between neighbouring villages.
If you have a favourite local walk of your own, do share it with us - it would be lovely to hear about other well-loved routes in and around the village.
