09/02/2023: New funding for Swaffham cultural project

Swaffham Cultural Consortium have been awarded £45,000 from Historic England to continue their cultural development projects in this historic market town. The group was established to celebrate the links between the famous Egyptologist Howard Carter and the Breckland market town, from where his family originated. The cultural group is made up from local volunteers, including representatives from Swaffham Museum, who are now expanding its programming to celebrate Swaffham's bygone heritage.

During 2022 the group, funded by Historic England, held a community archaeological dig in Campingland, hosted various talks on the Howard Carter exploration of King Tutankhamun tomb, and will shortly be unveiling a new pyramid statue in Swaffham as an enduring legacy to Howard Carter's work.

The Consortium, led by The Friends of Swaffham Heritage, have renamed their 2022 project from Carter 22 to "Under The Eye of the Buttercross" for 2023. During 2023 they will host a series of events to celebrate Swaffham's historic focal point - the ancient marketplace. The group are planning to organise a community supper at the  famous Buttercross for 1000 people and develop a digital library of past and present images of Swaffham. There will also be a costumed trail of interesting Swaffham people and an "Organisations day" where the many voluntary groups and organisations can showcase the work that they do.

Sue Gattuso, Chair of Friends of Swaffham Heritage and Events Lead of the Consortium commented: "We have been very fortunate to have received the funding for these events. Our aim in everything we do is to bring the town together to celebrate our legacy, to get to know each other a little better and to enjoy. Swaffham is a rapidly expanding town with an illustrious history. Meshing the two is an important part of creating a thriving community in the 21st century."

Tony Calladine, Historic England Regional Director (East of England), said: "It's been fantastic to see the Swaffham community come together to learn more about their local history in these creative events and it was wonderful to see people of all ages getting involved in the Campingland dig. I'm looking forward to seeing this year's programme of events come to life and for local people to discover more about the Buttercross, such an important landmark in Swaffham, and its enduring legacy of community spirit."

Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic Development and Growth from Breckland Council, commented: "The consortium has been an integral part of making everyone in Swaffham aware of its rich history. I'm thrilled that the group has received further funding, ensuring residents will continue to benefit from their events, and learn more about Swaffham's heritage."