Click pic for slideshow
Photos by Su Leavesley

The Defibrillator is now available for use, in the old phone box at the bottom of Mill Road (opposite St Peter's Church, near the School). On Monday 30th March we had a photoshoot and official ‘launch' supported by several of those who have supported and worked on the project over the last year. Photos by Su Leavesley.

One training / awareness session has already taken place and more could be arranged if there is sufficient demand: these would be free events open to anyone (12 yrs and over) who would like to familiarise themselves with the equipment and find out about basic CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation) first aid. Please contact Julia (details below) if you are interested.

In the meantime, if someone suffers chest pain

• Call for assistance by dialling 999.
• Do not leave the patient alone.
• If it’s appropriate to get the defibrillator (the 999 operator will advise) then a code will be given to open the yellow defibrillator cabinet and access the machine to take to the patient.
• The defibrillator will clearly 'talk through' what to do as you operate it.
• Don't delay: Every second counts!

For further information or to enquire about training / information sessions, please contact Julia Hill, Thurston Cottage, Tabernacle Lane, Forncett St Peter, NR16 1LE (next door to Su): phone 01953 789944 or 07751030261: email:  

There is no doubt that Forncett has had more than its share of road works, closures and diversions lately: the good news is that we are past the worst. The work at Forncett End around Valiant Corner (top of Tabernacle Lane) has left us with a lovely new pavement / footpath / causeway, and improved drainage for that part of the village - that’s the good news: there remains however all the mess and broken down verges and ditches on either side of Tabernacle Lane which were in a bad enough state before the work started now that farmers don’t bother to maintain them. Closing Tabernacle Lane off at the top diverted traffic down the lane at the start of their journeys: and back again, of course. I can see from where I sit typing, and I can tell you that not everyone was patient and well-mannered about reversing back and / or getting out of the way where possible. The problem with these narrow lanes is that there is nowhere to get out of the way. So they use our driveways and trash them; and they drive up the verges and trash them too.

The Environment Agency 'Floods Destroy' Campaign is aimed at alerting and informing people who could be at risk of flooding by publicising good practice, contact phone numbers, relevant web-sites etc - with a view to minimising loss of life, injury, and damage to property and services in the event of a flooding incident.

Phone 999 - where there is immediate risk of serious injury or danger to life

Phone 0344 800 8013 - The Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance 'Hotline'

Phone 0345 988 1188 - The Environment Agency Floodline

Phone 0800 80 70 60 - Environment Agency 24hr freephone number - if there is a flooding incident or you feel there is strong likelihood of an incident involving flooding to residential property

The information is on the Environment Agenct web-site here: Floods Destroy Campaign

Thanks to Jenny Bloomfield, Emergency Planning Officer at South Norfolk Council, for drawing this site to our attention.  If you have any queries, Jenny can be contacted on 01508 533607.

There are many sources of help and advice for those whose property has been flooded, or are in an area with the potential to flood. The resources are not listed is any order of preference or importance.  If in doubt seek advice from insurers or others groups mentioned in the publications before committing to any modifications or expenditure.

Environment Agency Community Briefing March 2022

Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance leaflet - Summer 2021

Environment Agency leaflet following flooding Winter 2020/2021

Norfolk County Council 'Water Management' Team: go here to make a report of flooding inside your living accommodation, to register interest in a 'Flood Grant' (for 'after the event' resilience measures) and for links to summaries of rights and responsibilities of those living beside rivers etc.

'Know Your Flood Risk' booklet - lots of advice about measures to minimise risk and damage (some very simple!)

The National Flood Forum - charity supporting flood victims

Living on the edge - a guide for those living next to a water course

BRE Property Protection booklet

'Dredging' - Environment Agency leaflet

photos by Su Leavesley.
(click pic for slideshow)

Excited children at St. Peter's Primary in Forncett have brought envelopes of pocket money into school to help raise funds for the village defibrillator. A special assembly was held today during which the children listened to a talk given by Steve Hammond of the East Anglia Ambulance Service Trust about the heart. Steve brought along a defibrillator and showed the children how it is used on a training dummy. The children were very interested and asked many questions during the talk. Following the assembly, children representing the School Council arranged the collection of coins and notes onto a large heart shape. Finally the children sorted and counted the coins and a total of £150.00 was found to have been raised.

The defibrillator is being provided by the Community Heartbeat Trust and will be installed in the old telephone box opposite the school and church. The project has been led by a Forncett couple, Julia Hill and Keith Fromings, and has been quickly embraced by the local community and £2,000 has now been raised with help from the Parish Council. It is hoped that it will be up and running very shortly.