Watton & Swaffham Times

1 month ago | wattonandswaffhamtimes.co.uk | Chris Bishop

A secondary school teacher who discussed running away with a pupil he had made sexual comments to has been banned indefinitely from the classroom. Matthew Chown, who taught at Litcham School near Swaffham, made inappropriate remarks about one girl's skirt length, sent her sexually-inappropriate messages and said he wanted to run away with her. The 34-year-old also sent "inappropriate" messages to a second child and bought pens "emblazoned with expletives" for other pupils.

2 months ago | wattonandswaffhamtimes.co.uk | Chris Hill

9 1/1 A project to restore Ice Age ponds in the Brecks has sparked an "astonishing revival" of rare wildlife - as well as uncovering evidence of prehistoric settlements. Breckland is home to ancient natural ponds and depressions known as "pingos", which originated through glacial processes over 10,000 years ago. In later centuries, many had been filled in by humans to facilitate larger-scale agricultural production.

Aug 6, 2024 | wattonandswaffhamtimes.co.uk | Chris Hill

18 1/1 The Wayland Show had thousands of visitors "buzzing" with excitement after a day blending family entertainment with countryside traditions. The event in Watton, founded more than 140 years ago, is one of the oldest one-day agricultural shows in the country. Attractions at this summer's showcase including a Shetland pony derby, sheepdog demonstrations, vintage cars, a brass band and dancers.

Jul 20, 2024 | wattonandswaffhamtimes.co.uk | Chris Hill

6 1/1 The Wayland Show is set to return this summer with fresh ideas and new attractions for the historic countryside event. Thousands of visitors are expected at the showground in Watton on August 4 for the annual celebration of rural entertainment and farming heritage. The show was founded more than 140 years ago, making it one of the oldest one-day agricultural shows in the country.

Sep 17, 2023 | wattonandswaffhamtimes.co.uk | Chris Hill

A 22-year-old funeral director has been elected chairman of Norfolk's Young Farmers - and now he hopes to encourage more diverse careers within the county's clubs. Ben Johnson works for his mother's family business, Watton-based Eirlys Johnson Funeral Services. He said this job was "all I have ever wanted to do", but he also retains his childhood love of farming as his father Nick was previously a self-employed farm worker, and both his parents were Young Farmers Club (YFC) members.