West Norfolk celebrates 50 years of local service

Created by the reorganisation of local government in the Local Government Act of 1972, the district of West Norfolk officially came into being on 1 April 1974. The meeting on 25 April is the next full council meeting after the anniversary.

Mayor of West Norfolk, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, said:

“West Norfolk, with its wonderful blend of coast and countryside, is a fantastic borough. It is a place where many choose to make their home or to visit.

“It has changed enormously in the past 50 years and as a long-time resident of West Norfolk, and the borough’s longest-serving current councillor, I have witnessed many of these changes myself.

“The council has often been at the heart of these changes and I am looking forward to reflecting on some of its achievements with my fellow councillors and former Mayors.”

When created, West Norfolk was a district formed from seven smaller rural councils: King's Lynn Municipal Borough Council, and Docking Rural, Downham Market Urban, Downham Rural, Freebridge Lynn Rural, Hunstanton Urban, and Marshland Rural District Councils.

It was awarded borough status in January 1981 and renamed the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk later that year.

Former Mayors have been invited to a small Civic event before the main council meeting, where they will be able to view some memorabilia, including minute books, a copy of the original charter awarding borough status and the council’s unusual ‘sealing’ machine. As a public meeting, members of the community of West Norfolk can also attend.

Attendees will also hear from the Mayor, who will give a speech reflecting on some of the achievements and notable events of the past 50 years.

This event forms part of a joint celebration for the borough, which in June will be celebrating 500 years since Henry VIII awarded an important charter to King’s Lynn, giving it the right to appoint a council, aldermen and other officials.