The Village

Located on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders approximately half way between the market towns of Thetford and Diss, Blo' Norton is an isolated rural community in South Norfolk. It is often said '...if you are there and not looking for it you are lost'. The electoral role showns 206 adult voters registered and between them the population occupies approximately 100 households scattered over three main road arteries. (map)

Apart from St. Andrew's Church and the Village Hall there are no other public facilities within our community.

The church has in recent years been traditionally associated with the neighbouring village of Garboldisham. Garboldisham has The Rectory, a village Shop/Post Office, a Baker and a Public House together with a very modern Village Hall and two Churches (one ruined).

The community of Blo' Norton is diverse ranging from the retired to those just starting primary school. Many travel away to work although a significant number work, partly at least, in the village.

There is an active Ladies' Group, and periodically there have been Youth Groups. The Village Hall has a small but dedicated committee and is widely used for village and other local fundraising. The Social Club keeps alive a bar for members use and to support the Village Hall. There are about 25 acres of 'Charity Land' the income from which is dedicated to the maintenance of the Church. The remainder funds a 'Poors Fuel Allotment' which has recently distributed £250 p.a. for fuel support. Part of these lands are designated SSSI and much public funding has been expended on their restoration, management and developement in recent times. The historic endowment of these lands has given us a huge 'natural' asset in the village.

Much of the farm land in the village is farmed by two local farming families generally following the traditional rotation of two years cereal followed, one year sugar beet.