Once again I have spent the last 4 months working tirelessly out to produce a new North Walsham Official Town Guide.
Now on the 4th edition. After the amazing success of the town guide’s reboot in 2019, which was bigger than any previous copy of the guide in it’s 100+ years life, and subesequent edition being even bigger, the new edition had to be equally impressive. So the projects started in early January, it was hard work but the result was more than worth it. Once again the abundance of advertisers (over 90 businesses) allowed me to produce another 160 page edition packed with useful and historical information and photos and a fold out back cover for the map and index. Current information painstakingly checked and updated and all the old photos have been changed so I would like to think this new guide is seen as a companion to the previous edition rather than a replacement.
Adhering to the philosophy of the guide for many decades now, the guide aims to be a publication for both residents and visitors alike. Many of our guides go to local holiday accommodation as a guide for visitors encouraging them to use and enjoy our extensive local facilities. Many go further afield as a window on our town and encourage people to visit North Walsham and see what we have to offer. Many guides also go to the town’s residents as a handy reference to the facilities in the town. Copies are also distributed to the estate agents in the area and copies are given to new residents and those interested in moving here. The guide aims to be a real asset to North Walsham’s economy and sense of community.
A free publication of this size and quality is something few town’s have and the previous editions attracted much attention from various other organisations in the area. This has been possible for various reason. Firstly our mature Facebook Archive group with over 10,000 members and 12 years of vibrant exchange has been the ultimate ‘hive mind’ with which to research information, verify facts and otherwise engage an enthusiastic online community whose combined knowledge of the town and it’s history is so extensive it has never been possible before. A great community in the town has been another major contributing factor in everything from funding to production and distribution. I am in the privileged position to orchestrate the projects with 40 years in the print & design trade, a lifetime in the town, an extensive network locally and my involvement with the North Walsham Archive.
Once again the guide is completely free to all residents of the town with copies being distributed to every home in North Walsham, that’s almost 7,000 copies delivered free. All funded by the generous support of our advertisers. A further 3,000 copies are available from key pick-up points in the town such as the Library, Post Office, Heritage Centre, etc. and various places in the surrounding villages. Details of pick-up points will be shared on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/northwalshamguide as they become available. Copies are also available via the shop on the North Walsham Archive website www.northwalshamarchive.co.uk
There is also a companion website to the guide with searchable directory and information at www.northwalshamguide.co.uk where you can also view a digital copy of the guide online as well as sign up instantly for your own free webpage in the directory as hundreds have already over its 20 year lifespan.
