In this special feature, we take a look back at some of the biggest news stories in West Norfolk from February 2025…

Back in February, people voiced “very serious concerns” that pushing back Lynn’s hospital rebuild would put patient and staff safety at risk.

In a blow to MPs who said they were “delighted” with a potential 2033 completion date, the Save the QEH group confirmed it would be meeting to discuss a future strategy.

This came after Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a raft of delays to the scheme.

Meanwhile, threats of “serious violence” directed at a number of schools were confirmed to have been part of a hoax.

Emails sent to schools warned of “heinous attacks” – but the police moved to reassure parents that there was nothing to worry about.

“There is nothing to suggest that there has been a credible threat to schools here,” a spokesperson said.

In happier news, Peggy Ellis, who was born in 1922, celebrated her 103rd birthday in Fakenham.

For the special occasion, her daughter-in-law made her favourite food, Dover sole, and a homemade cake.

She said her secret to living a long and healthy life is drinking a glass of red wine a day.

As the Mart rolled into Lynn, we put together a special feature looking back on over 800 years of the popular event’s history.

Charters, plagues, royals and pandemics have all played a part over the years.

This year’s fair proved just as exciting as ever – with borough mayor Cllr Andy Bullen declaring it open.

Around the same time, Norfolk was confirmed as one of the priority areas for devolution and local government reorganisation.

This set the wheels in motion for an ongoing debate over how many unitary authorities should cover our area, with the existing county and district councils to be scrapped.

As the year comes to a close, proposals have now been submitted and a decision is expected in 2026.

Farmer Tony Martin, who was jailed for shooting and killing a teenage burglar, died at the age of 80.

Martin served three years in prison after shooting Fred Barras, 16, at his home in Emneth Hungate, in 1999. He was initially found guilty of murder, but this was reduced to manslaughter on appeal.

The case provoked a national debate about the measures homeowners can take to defend their property.

In another special report, we took a look back through the Lynn News archives at some of the key points from Martin’s life.

Lynn’s Priory and Hunstanton’s District Rotary clubs held their annual Swimarathon in February – raising £20,000 for their local charities.

There were 39 teams of up to six swimmers in Lynn and 12 teams at Hunstanton – making record numbers.

All teams swam relays in their allocated hour slots, covering an impressive combined total of more than 7,500 lengths of the 25-metre pools – equating to 120 miles – while raising money for charity.

Finally, Tony Winfield, who has owned and run The Record Shop on Lynn’s St James Street since 1996, reopened his doors after plans to sell up fell through.

“After a whole week of blissful leisure time, due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be retaining the tenancy of the premises and opening the business again on Tuesday, February 11,” he said.

A clearance sale continues to this day – with a 50% discount applied to most records and CDs.