It's only a small village and its history may not be packed with major incidents, but memories are being kept alive in Wereham, near Downham Market, thanks to the launch of a heritage group.

Eastern Daily Press: Wereham launches heritage group. An old photo of Back Street, Wereham.Wereham launches heritage group. An old photo of Back Street, Wereham. (Image: Archant)

Villagers have been scouring their lofts and basements for old photographs and documents.

And their findings will be on show today at the launch event, 'Come and have a mardle', at the village hall from 2pm. A mardle is Norfolk dialect for a chat.

Wereham residents will be able to view the images collected, catch up with familiar faces, enjoy refreshments and discuss the history of the village and its future.

The new heritage group is made up of people from varying backgrounds, united by a shared drive to preserve and celebrate the village's rich history.

Group chairman Eleanor Smith said: 'We have been busy gathering and reproducing photographs, postcards and newspaper clippings from personal collections.

'Wereham has won a place in many people's hearts, and village memories have been passed on from generation to generation.

'Without our action this valuable history is likely to go unrecorded, therefore we intend to build up a library of resources both physical and oral. The heritage group will have a presence in the new village hall, where we hope to provide a permanent display.'

The group's work has been made possible thanks to 'Love Norfolk' funding, through the Norfolk Community Foundation.

The population of Wereham at the 2011 census was 660.

For further information, email eleanor.s23@hotmail.co.uk

Are you setting up a heritage group in your town or village? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk