Heritage trail to bring town’s history to life
A map of the Fakenham Heritage Trail, launching June 11 Picture: Fakenham Town Council - Credit: Philip Tompson of Reception Sign Systems
The new Fakenham Heritage Trail is launching today after two years of planning.
A peal of bells will ring out across the market at 10.45am, with the launch ceremony in the Market Square at 11am.
Some of those who worked to bring the trail to life will make speeches before mayor Gilly Foortse cuts the ribbon.
The band of Fakenham Academy will also play music, while the Fakenham Players welcome attendees in period dress and an ice cream barrow hands out free treats.
Councillors George Acheson and Tim Carter Duffy showed off the brass-effect plaques which will mark the historic buildings of the trail at a recent town council meeting.
The trail ends at Fakenham Racecourse Pictire: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
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Mr Acheson has been committed to the project for two years, and was excited ahead of the launch.
He said: "It's a lot of hard work paying off.
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"I'd like to thank Fakenham and District Community Archive and Fakenham History Society for their help in making the trail, they're a fantastic resource."
The councillor estimated 90pc of information for the trail came from the community archive group, who will be displaying historic photographs of the town in the library.
Fakenham Gas Museum Picture: Archant - Credit: Colin Finch
Each plaque holds information and a QR code, allowing people to use their phones to view more information about the trail. These webpages will also be accessible via the council's website.
Trail maps will be available to tourists and residents hoping to take a tour of Fakenham's past. The trail begins at the war memorial in the market place and continues around town, with the 32nd and last plaque being placed at Fakenham Racecourse.
Fakenham Gas and Local History Museum joked about their number 13 position on the trail, accompanying their accredited museum number of 666.
Map boards showing the heritage trail will be placed outside the library and by the town sign.
Christmas decorations at Fakenham in 1981 Photo: Archant Library - Credit: Archant Library
Foundations for these two boards have already been laid, and the town council recently discussed raising money for a third board to be installed.
The map uses the name Fakenham Lancaster, the technical name of the town after the first Duke of Lancaster was given the town in 1377.
