We met by Kett's Oak on the cycle path/walkers' path and had a good look at the fields opposite the historic tree. I use the word "look" advisably as that is all we could do.
During lockdown one of our favourite Steward Strolls was across the fields to the road between Wymondham and Great Melton and then back to Hethersett. But now a series of "permissive paths" have been closed and there are no footpaths leading from the cyclepath which is a great shame.
It remains to be found out just why the decisions has been taken by the landowners to shut the former permissive path. If I can find out I will let everyone know. The pictures above show the new signs that have been placed.
It does illustrate the point of working hard to keep footpaths passable and open though. We have a number in and around Hethersett and Pauline has been busy sprucing a number of them up and also getting the footpath signs renewed and cleaned up.
You will know from reading Hethersett Herald how supportive we are of footpaths and I'm hoping to look into this whole subject in a future Hethersett Herald after talking to key people such as village archivist Gary Wyatt, our district and county councillor David Bills, the owners of Melton Farms land and a few more.
Do let me know if you have any thoughts on the closure of permissive paths or footpaths in general.
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There were some lovely photographs of old Hethersett posted on Facebook by Kate Bygrave and a few of these are included below to whet your appetite. We will have a gallery in the next Hethersett Herald, including some beautiful line drawings done by Kate herself. We are very grateful to Kate for permission to reproduce these.
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A couple more pieces of interest in the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News. I am very grateful to Geoff Dyett and his band of helpers for giving me details of the latest village litter pick. You can see my story and some of Geoff's photos at:
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/hethersett-rubbish-recovery-1-6828375
There's also an interesting statistic with regards to the use of the cyclepath behind Kett's Oak which I have already mentioned. Apparently counters set up on the path showed that in May this year it was used by 11,000 cyclists - an increase of 320% when the counter was installed the previous October.
Cyclists and walkers/joggers seem to exist mainly happily side by side apart from the occasional "difference of opinion". Like the rude cyclist who rang his bell yesterday to warn us of his presence and then, when we didn't move aside immediately mainly because my wife, who is profoundly deaf, didn't hear him said: "Why don't you continue talking." I had no idea that talking on the cyclepath wasn't allowed. I believe I shouted the word "pig" after him. He may or may not have heard.