Chair of trustees Les West said: “We are delighted to welcome Jess as part of our team. We are looking forward to working with her to engage with the local community and develop the services we can provide at the Bircham Centre.”
 
The recruitment notice attracted a lot of attention and the centre’s team said they were humbled by the response from so many people with different skills. It was a hugely difficult decision; Mr West and his fellow trustees thanked everyone who applied.
 
The funding for the role was provided by Norfolk Community Foundation as part of its countering loneliness and isolation programme.
 
Ms Bygrave, who was born in Reepham and has strong family ties to the town, knows the Bircham Centre well and will welcome anyone popping in for a chat in the office on Monday mornings and Fridays.
 
Her role will involve talking to individuals, groups and organisations in Reepham and the surrounding area to ensure that the Bircham Centre and its partners meet the needs of the community, with a special focus on those who are disadvantaged or isolated.
 
She will be building relationships to help the centre grow and adapt, so that it can continue to serve the community for many years to come.