VILLAGE HISTORY
Gooderstone is a small village situated in the Breckland District of Norfolk, the village lies six miles (9.7 km) south west of the market town of Swaffham. The parish covers an area of 4.36 square miles (11.29 km2 ) with an approximate electoral population of 315 (2017).
Gooderstone is served by St. Georges Church, built around AD 1200, visitors to the Church are most welcome, the church open between 9 am to 4.30 pm every day, with services held every five weeks. Notice of services are placed on the church notice board placed within the church grounds.
Church baptism, Marriage and Death records for family research are stored at Norfolk Record Office. A few isolate records can be found on various other websites, for example baptisms of 1813 to 1866 can be found at http://tinstaafl.co.uk
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Gooderstone Church of England Primary Academy School is situated in the heart of the village. Full information can be found on the school's website http://www.churchsidefederation.norfolk.sch.uk
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Gooderstone has a designated safe children’s play area opened in 2005 ran by the Gooderstone Play Equipment Group, the play area is open all year round for children to use. The children’s play area is within a gated and fenced area, part of a large playing field with equipment for older children and situated off Elm Place. The play area equipment is maintained independently with all funding to cover costs raised throughout the year by members of the Group.
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Towards the East End of the village is Gooderstone Water Gardens and Nature Trail, open daily throughout the year. The gardens began in 1970 by Billy Knight a retired farmer then aged 70 years. Billy with no formal training other than great enthusiasm, began the work creating from a damp meadow that was to wet for cattle to graze, to the establish the unique garden attraction it is today.