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

One of the major shake-ups of the month was the sudden stepping down of Alice Webster as CEO of Lynn’s QEH after 38 years of working for the NHS.

A restructuring of the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System brought in a single group chief, Lesley Dwyer, to run the county’s three hospitals.

Ms Wesbter called her role “one of the greatest honours” of her career and thanked the community and hospital team for their support over the years.

Meanwhile, it was also the end of an era at the other side of town as Thomas George, the owner of clothing store Gearchange, announced the closing of his business.

At age 75, he and long-time employee and manager Steve Brown decided to take a step back, heading towards retirement.

Steve started work at the shop when he was 17 and continued for 43 years.

He said: “I want to thank people who supported us. We wouldn’t have been here for 50 years without them.

“If we had not had these people, we wouldn’t have survived all of these years.”

But as one door closes, another one opens – new businesses were on the rise in other areas.

In Fakenham, Racheal Battley said she was “really happy” that people came to her new music store, Top Tracks, for the grand opening on May 22.

Stocked up with both pre-loved and new vinyl, as well as CDs and music memorabilia, the business appealed to lovers of all genres.

Back in Lynn, a huge £100,000 refurbishment was on the horizon for The Wildfowler pub, in Gaywood, which saw its name changed to The Queen Elizabeth.

A spokesperson for Star Pubs and Bars, which was heading the makeover, said: “The Queen Elizabeth, as it will be known, has the potential to be a great community pub with its excellent interior and soon-to-be refurbished exterior.

“The food and drink offer at this pub will be a major draw for customers and locals, alongside its amazingly large beer garden, which can be enjoyed during the warmer months of the year.”

Some sad news hit the headlines over the month, including a woman who died following a crash in Rougham.

Police launched an appeal for witnesses as a result the fatal collision, which happened along the B1145 Lynn Road on May 22.

It was later revealed that the victim was Great Massingham mother, Karen Eateen.

A tribute from her family said: “Our entire family is heartbroken with the loss of our beautiful mum.

“Words will not do justice how amazing she was and the pain we’ve all been in since she’s been gone.”

Officers faced more concerning call-outs. One of which saw armed police deployed to Homelands Road in Lynn on May 30.

The road was closed while they attended the scene, with photographs on social media showing cordons stretched across the street.

Reports suggested a man was threatening people with a knife at a residential address.

A man aged in his 50s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of affray and taken to the Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning.