BROOKE PARISH COUNCIL
About Brooke Parish Council
Brooke Parish Council usually meets at 7.30 pm every 6 to 8 weeks in Brooke Methodist Hall.
There are currently nine elected Councillors, who serve in a voluntary capacity, plus a Parish Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer who is a part-time paid official employed by the Council.
Any parishioner can apply to become a Councillor, either by standing for election or by expressing an interest when a vacancy becomes available.
More information about being a Parish Councillor can be found on the SNC website or by contacting the Parish Clerk.A description of the remit of the Parish Council and how it works
About Brooke
Brooke is a picturesque south Norfolk village situated seven miles south-east of Norwich on the B1332, midway between Norwich and Bungay.
According to the 2001 Census the village had 554 households and a population of 1242. Much of the village is designated a Conservation Area, with some 27 Listed Buildings, including the 14th century School House in High Green, which is the oldest house in Brooke. However even School House is relatively modern compared to St Peter’s church - the main part of the building dates from the 12th century, but the base of the round tower has a Saxon foundation, with the top stage added in the 15th century.
The village has a lively community - in addition to the 19 social and sports organisations there is a scout den, children’s play park, tennis courts, bowling green, squash court, Brooke school, two public houses, Post Office, butcher’s/farm shop, garage, 2 hairdressers and a cafe. In addition to St Peter’s church there are two other places of worship - the Methodist church on Norwich Road and the Baptist chapel on High Green. Brooke Equine Clinic, run by Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership on Bungay Rd is one of two specialist services in Brooke - the other being the Men’s Shed run by volunteers at the old Smithy on High Green.
Brooke’s former village sign (erected 1953) was replaced in 2015 with a new sign depicting key historic aspects of the village, including two famous residents. The ducks on the water represent the two Meres which, although not natural, have been an important feature of the village for several centuries; the keys (also on the previous sign) represent St Peter’s church, the serpent-entwined rod is the Rod of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing - this represents the famous surgeon and anatomist Sir Astley Paston Cooper, who was born at Brooke Hall (now demolished) on 23 August 1768; the artist’s palette and brushes represent the self-taught artist Edward Brian Seago, who lived for many years at Brooke Lodge (Norwich Road) - he died in 1974. The artwork for the sign was devised by villagers Jane Mears and Reuben Lane.