Norfolk. However, the pub here was re-opened as a free house called the “Great Danes Head” in 1977. It was again renamed as the “Great Dane Country Inn” in 2004. In 1976, the ownership of Shingham church was transferred to the Estate and so it ceased to be a working church. It had been disused since 1941. However the graveyard was kept and is now the cemetery of St Mary's, because the latter's own graveyard is full. In 1996 the school had to close down, owing to the number of children attending having dropped to nine. 21st century The Post Office became unviable economically, and so was closed down. It was replaced by a mobile post office, visiting the village for twenty minutes or so on four days a week. The lead roof on the south aisle of the church, re-laid by John Motteux the younger in 1832, was stolen in 2019, and this closed the church until repairs could be undertaken. Scaffolding was put up to aid the lead installation. The congregation had already dwindled to single figures by then, and was incapable of maintaining the building on its own. So, it was decided to abandon regular services and only hold them on the major feasts of the Christian calendar. It was hoped, however, to keep the church open daily for visitors with the help of a rota of volunteers. The church was gutted by fire in February 2022, losing its thatched roof. Governance Beachamwell Parish Council has a limited responsibility for local amenities, and advises Breckland District Council as regards planning and service issues. The parliamentary constituency is South West Norfolk. Social amenities The village's main social amenity is the village hall. The village green is used as a recreation ground. The pub is now (2021) a Licensed Guest House, and the bar and restaurant are open in the evening only. The village has lost its shop, post office and school. Transport Rail The nearest railway station is Downham Market. There is no connecting bus service. Before its railway closed in 1968, Swaffham station was closest. Bus The village's bus service, number 31, is run by West Norfolk Community Transport under its “Go To Town” banner. It runs into Swaffham on Saturday mornings only. For a return journey, one has to make a request (2021). The time available in town is just over two hours. Churches Church of