Martham Primary Substation – Transformer Work starts in February 2025.

Notice of new transformer installation project at Martham Primary Substation – Work starts in February 2025.It is expected that in mid-February UK Power Networks will take delivery of and install a new transformer in the substation. Location of substation: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vxayd3DtBYEotP4W9

It will mean taking a delivery vehicle over part of Green 2. Our Chair, Bob Fossey has met with the people running the project to make sure they take a route that won’t damage the trees and will protect the grass as far as possible. UK Power Networks have cleared the overgrown section of land at the back of the substation in preparation for this work. They will return the remaining land to a wild grass area & plant a native species of hedgerow around the internal perimeter to act as a natural screen.

Why is the work being done?

They hope that the approach they are taking will reduce the time period for when the village is dependent on only one of the existing transformers while the change over takes place, reducing it from months down to one week. It also means the change over takes place after the peak demand winter period.

See the plans attached to this post for more information on the locations involved. Bob will continue to work with UK Power Networks as their plans develop. What is a substation and what are transformers used for?https://www.nationalgrid.com/…/ene…/what-is-a-substation

PDF plan of changes to Subsstation site: https://wp.me/a8KtnP-1eB

Our thanks as Councillor Paul Hooper retires

At the September Parish Council meeting we said thank you to Councillor Paul Hooper. Paul was the previous Chair and he has taken the decision to stand down after over twelve years of service on Martham Parish Council, working for the community. 

Paul was presented with a tankard as well as a little something to fill it!

Paul expressed special thanks to both the previous Parish Clerk, Sarah Hunt, and the current Clerk, Stacey Kent.

Wishing Paul a happy retirement from Parish Council work.

Belinda Durrant – Our latest village hero

We were delighted to present Belinda Durrant with our Village Hero award for her hard work on and fundraising for Martham Carnival during one of her popular Carnival quiz nights at the Village Hall.

Belinda thanked all those who have volunteered to help her coffee mornings, quizzes, afternoon teas and seasonal
events. She also thanked fellow Carnival volunteers for their hard work.

Every quarter we want to celebrate the efforts of the many people who make Martham the marvellous village it is.

Nominate the next Village Hero.

Official opening of Martham Baptist Graveyard

It’s no longer secret! A once hidden historic gem in Martham has now been brought back into focus. It’s time to explore Martham Baptist Graveyard on Oak Tree Close.

You’ll find all sorts of information about the site’s importance to wildlife and Martham’s history on a new information board installed at the site.

Local historian Ann Meakin with the help of Chris Harrison tracked down the details of those buried at the site, once the site of Martham’s first Baptist Church.

Martham’s wildlife volunteers, led by Stephen Pinnington have rewilded the site, creating paths and habitats to attract a richer variety of species.

Ann Meakin and Councillor Vick Smith officially opened the graveyard on Sunday 27th October and unveiled the new information board. Also in attendance was Paul Hooper from Martham Boat Dyke Trust who provided funding to the project and the group of dedicated volunteers who have given their time to maintain the wildlife area.

We’re extremely grateful to everyone involved for bringing this site back to life and raising awareness of this important part of the history of our village.

New wildlife area official opening – Martham Baptist Graveyard on Sunday 27th October

Join Stephen Pinnington and Martham’s wildlife volunteers to mark the new information board installation on the Baptist Graveyard site at 2.30pm on Sunday 27th October- everyone is welcome.

Parish Councillors, Martham History Group and Martham Boat Dyke Trust – who funded the project will also be in attendance.

The graveyard is on Oak Tree Close which is accessed down the footpath opposite St Mary’s Churchyard car park on the other side of Black St so there should be enough parking.