Hopton residents group shows power of community spirit

That is the ethos of a group of residents in a coastal village that is helping to bring people together in these tough times.

The Hopton Residents Events Group was officially formed last year and is made up of a 10-strong committee, which is now in the process of making sure 2023 will be full of fun-filled activities.

The group's driving force are Ian and Carole Wall, who started organising events in 2020 to help break the monotony of Covid lockdowns and boost people's wellbeing with online quizzes and a dance on your doorstep challenge.

An event for children at Hopton Ruined Church (Image: Ian Wall)

Since then about 50 events have been organised as the events group began to grow and evolve, such as a picnic in the park, a platinum jubilee party, Christmas carols at Hopton Ruined Church, a scarecrow trail and fish and chip suppers.

And 2023 plans already include another party in the park in July, Halloween and Christmas events, a Valentine's Day event and fundraising quiz and sing-a-long nights.

Mr and Mrs Wall, parents of two and who have lived in Hopton since 2016, are delighted with how the group has evolved and been supported by residents and say it shows the importance of having a strong community spirit.

Laughs galore at a party in the park event at Hopton (Image: Ian Wall)

Mr Wall, 52, said: "The idea is that any event we put on in the village we try and make it as inclusive as possible for all ages and we try to make it free where possible.

"The aim of the group is just to make people smile and make memories.

"It is about reigniting community spirit which hopefully we have done.

A sing-a-long organised by the group (Image: Ian Wall)

"Community spirit and knowing your neighbours is so important. It is just about looking out for each other and for people to feel part of a community again.

"Once upon a time everyone knew their neighbours, we have kind of lost our way in that.

"It's all about putting a smile on people's faces and bringing the community together."

The group organised a scarecrow festival in 2022 (Image: Ian Wall)

Mr Wall said the group was also looking at the possibility of putting on an event to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.