Delivered bi-monthly to 8,000 homes & businesses in 18 villages Feb/March 22
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Ads from just £24 p/m Sizes; see inside rear cover or: www.wacbook.co.uk
Inclusion Deadline for April/May edition is 11th March 2022
Tracey De-Abreu, The Wroxham and Coltishall Book, 1 Oakdale Road, Brundall, Norwich, NR13 5AF
To contact us: tracey@wacbook.co.uk Tele: 01603 717681
Welcome… to the latest edition of THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK!
Ah, ‘February & March’ - by definition the last month of Winter and the first month of Spring! Here’s hoping 2022 will be a turning point for us all. With springtime just round the corner let’s hope so!
There are lots of notable diary dates over the coming period: we’ve got Chinese New Year Feb 1st (the year of the Tiger), Valentine’s Day on Feb 14th, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) and St David’s Day on March 1st, St Patrick’s Day March 17th. Mother's Day & British Summer Time starts on March 27th. Plenty to focus on then!
As usual, inside this magazine you’ll find lots of feature articles, puzzles and quizzes - as well as thriving local services.
Thank you for ‘buying local’ - using the fabulous businesses displayed in this publication really helps to boost our local economy!
Enjoy February & March!...
@TraceyWACBook
What’s Inside… Page:
04 - Home & Interiors; Design For Well-Being 12 - Beauty; And So To Sleep 20 - Health; Is Sitting The New Smoking? 21 - The Best Apps for Planning Holidays 33 - Seasonal Food - February 34 - Puzzle Page; Sudoku, Anagram, Pictogram & Word Ladder 38 - Wordsearch; Dogs 38 - Love Jokes 42 - Gardening; Toxic Plants
44 - Motoring; First Drive: Ford S Max
45 - Fun Quiz; Red, White & Blue 46 - Community Events & What’s On
50 - Local Reports (+51, 53 & 55)
52 - Recipé; Meatball Mac and Cheese
56 - Stephen Flockton Charlesby Chris Weston
57 - Did you Know? 57 - Quiz Answers 60 - Business Cards
62 - Advert sizes & fees
62 - Index
This magazine is one of 8,000 copies delivered to residents & businesses in: Wroxham, Hoveton, Horning, Badersfield, Coltishall, Horstead, Stalham, Stalham Green, Sutton, Tunstead, Frettenham, Scottow, Belaugh, Sco Ruston, Ashmanhaugh, Smallburgh, Sloley & Buxton.
Business Card Section
STEPHEN FLOCKTON CHARLES (1858-1950)
By Chris Weston
Different research channels advise that on 17th August 1858, Stephen Flockton Charles was born in either Kensington, or Romford. Educated at Harrow School, he moved on to the Royal Military College at Sandhurst, from which he graduated from Sandhurst in February 1878. After joining the Middlesex Regiment that year as a Second Lieutenant, Stephen resigned his commission only two months later.
By 1880, he was serving with 3rd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers and eight years later ha sac CSD e became a captain and in 1890, he married. By now, he had also been seconded for service with the Auxiliary Forces, from which he vacated in May 1893. Another promotion in November 1897, took Stephen to the rank of Major before gaining promotion to Lieutenant -Colonel in April 1902 and retiring from active service in November 1903.
enjoyed playing the position of Wicket Keeper.
Outside military duties, Stephen Charles enjoyed recreational pursuits in shooting and golf, he also loved cricket. After making his debut in first class cricket for Marylebone Cricket Club (also known as the MCC) in 1885 in Dublin against Dublin University, he made three further appearances for the MCC in 1897.
Stephen variously played against Oxford & Cambridge Universities and the touring Philadelphians. Further fixtures included a firstclass match for the MCC in 1899, against Derbyshire at Lord’s before his final appearance in first- class cricket for the MCC in 1905, against Oxford University, also at Lord's. In eight first -class matches, Charles scored a total of 143 runs at an average of 20.42 and high score of 30. When batting, he was right -handed but otherwise also
A move to Norfolk then brought Stephen Flockton Charles to Norfolk where he lived for the rest of his life at Wroxham House, a large Georgian mansion beside The Avenue in Wroxham and previously called Beech Avenue. The property had extensive grounds and records claim Stephen owned 175 acres of land and water in Norfolk and farmed 99 acres. But his love of cricket continued when playing for Norfolk in 1906 & 1907, with fourteen appearances in the Norfolk Minor Counties Championship.
Stephen died at Wroxham House on 24th June 1950 (aged 91) - a good innings! The building stood empty for a while and was later demolished but by 25th March 1961, the land had been sold and new houses were built with the “Show Home” at 65 Charles Close.
When travelling along The Avenue today (Church Hall behind you), the high walls seen on the left once enclosed Colonel Charles’s kitchen garden. Today, No. 29 The Avenue occupies part of its former area and nearby was one of the two entrances to his home and I under-
stand the road here had to skirt a traffic island of beeches. The parkland surrounding Wroxham House (now Charles Close) was known locally, as “The Colonel ’s Lawn” possibly because the local annual village fete was held there before it relocated to Caen Meadow.
Trust, Fresh Start New Beginnings, and the Norwich Food Bank. We the time being, probably until the better weather and we finished last
• Coltishall
HORNING AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY (HATS)
Rehearsals are underway for the annual pantomime’ ‘Mother Goose’
by Ben Crocker
Join us for a winter wonderland adventure as Mother Goose seeks to find her magical snow goose, Heidi. But will she be foiled by the evil troll, Smorg? Or the wicked Baron Von Rumpensmakka and his henchmen, Gonk and Plonk? This is the Scandi panto – packed full of laughs, songs, and Northern magic!
Performance dates are Thursday 10th March 2022, Friday 11th March 2022, Saturday 12th March 2022 (matinee and evening shows) and Sunday 13TH March 2022 (matinee) at the Village Hall in Horning, Norfolk NR12 8LF
Tickets are priced £6 for adults or £4 for children.
Seats may be booked by calling Christine on 01692 630751 or in person at Tidings Newsagents in Horning or at Abbotts Countrywide Estate Agents in Hoveton.
WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB
A belated Happy New Year to one and all. I hope as you read this you all managed to meet family over the Christmas period and survived the OMICRON onslaught.
As I reported last year, our club supported 4 of our Primary Schools who entered the Lions ROAR 2021 competition in conjunction with the Education Company 8 Billion Ideas. Teams of pupils from each School had to submit an idea, which involved a video presentation, a jingle, and a model. The wining team from each School then went forward into a national competition. We are pleased to announce that Rackheath Primary School won the “Best Model” entry at the National level. Our congratulations to the winning team and all those who participated.
during December, we donated money to The Salvation Army, St Martins Housing Trust, Norfolk Surviving Winter, and the Food Bank in Norwich. All charities that help those less fortunate, especially over what can be a very stressful period.
After a somewhat quiet 2021 we hope to be holding further Craft Fares; opening the precinct tombola and, of course, our Lions Charity shop will be in full swing. Our mobile tombola, football game and Luv a Lion pegboard will, I ’m sure, be visiting fetes. The highlight of the year will be the Hoveton Charity Village Fete (Sunday 7th August), providing we can gain access to the Village Hall, and Santa will be out and about once again on his Sleigh runs.
Please continue to support the Lions Shop in the Hoveton precinct. Good quality Bric a Brac and/or clean clothing are always needed, so please bring them along, or contact the shop on 01603783737 for us to collect. Would you like to volunteer to help in the shop? If so, drop into the shop and talk to a member of staff or ring Lion Terry on 01603 784093.
Our small happy band of Lions are always on the lookout for new members. If you would like to take those first steps into joining a marvellous, forward thinking, internationally renowned organisation, or just help out as a “ Friend” of the club, we’ll be happy to hear from you. For more information, please ring me on 01603 781310, or our Membership Chairperson Lion Lydia Spight on 07503 221485. You can follow us on Facebook or our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
Lion Mick Holden, President.
You’ll be aware that we resumed our outings with Santa and his sleigh over the Christmas period and trust that Santa gave you all the presents you asked for. We’d like to thank all those who donated money to our Elves, which is greatly appreciated. This Christmas was a first for the Club, as we have now gone hi-tech and can accept debit and credit card donations. The total amount raised this year was £3,396.06, which will help us continue to support Charities and good causes. From our existing funds
Community Events & What ’s On...
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PILATES MAT CLASSES - Hoveton Village Hall. Every Monday evening from 5.45pm to 6.45pm. When practiced with consistency, Pilates improves posture, flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. It can prevent and solve back problems. You will feel great and walk tall. Please come at 5.30pm to set up; £5.00 per class. Mats & Bands provided. Other class options: Neatishead Victory Hall Mondays 4.15 pm / Dilham Village Hall Mondays 6pm / Neatishead Victory Hall Wednesdays 7.45 pm / Worstead Village Hall Thursdays 6 pm. Contact Boo Williams 07717 473600 or boolong7@hotmail.co.uk
BROADLAND CHESS CLUB meets at the Tithe Barn in Horstead every Tuesday evening from 7.30. Broadland junior chess club meets at Vera’s Coffee Shop, near Wayford Bridge on Monday evenings from 6.15 – 7.45. For more information, contact Paul Badger by e-mail paulbadger53@gmail.com
222 (BROADLANDS) SQUADRON RAFAC - We are a youth organisation sponsored by the RAF. We meet on Monday and Friday evenings at Broadland High Ormiston Academy and get up to everything from flying and shooting, to sport and adventure activities. If you are at least 12 years -old and in Year 8 at school come along and find out for yourself if being an Air Cadet is for you. Get in touch via our website (www.222-atc.org.uk) to arrange a taster visit to Squadron.
FEB/MARCH Events
LADIES * Have you discovered the Ladies Lunch Club? If not – read on!
The Club is a friendly gathering of ladies who meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month (October – June) at the Old Rectory Hotel in Crostwick, where we enjoy a lovely lunch, followed by a talk from a guest speaker on a diverse range of topics – from ‘Being a Life Model’ to ‘Medical Dogs’, ‘The Tudor Kitchen ’ to ‘To the Hammer Born ’. Is this something you would enjoy? Why not ‘come and try’ at one of these meetings - or come with a group of friends.
Our next meeting is on, FEBRUARY 22nd 2022, and our guest speaker will be Robert Smith, who is the Wells Harbour Master.
Our March meeting will take place on 22nd March 2022, when the guest speaker will be Marion Jackson, she will telling us all about St Benet’s Abbey.
Whilst our official tile is The Horning & District Ladies Lunch Club, you do NOT have to live in Horning in order to join us! It is necessary to book in advance. For more information please contact Tricia Elson on 01692 630206 or ladieslunchclub@btinternet.com
STALHAM & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIE-
WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm in The Church Hall, Norwich Road, Wroxham. New members and visitors are very welcome. If you would like further information please contact Sue Lusted on 07926 059005 or just come along on the night. We look forward to meeting everyone old and new. For further information please contact Rosie Howell on 07539 764196
HOVETON, WROXHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Meetings used to be at the village hall on the first Friday of the month. Unfortunately, the NHS is using this venue till the end of the year. We now meet at the Hub still on the first Friday of the month at 7.30.p.m. more details Pam 01603 782041.
WROXHAM W I meets on the third Wednesday afternoon of most months at the Church Hall, Wroxham. The meetings start at 2.15 p.m. Please ring Roz on 01603 781155 if you would like to find out more. Everyone most welcome!
TY – Friday 18th February –“Planning and Planting for Seasonal Cut Flowers ” by Mrs Sarah Hammond. Friday 18th March –“Modern Production of Vegetables” by Mr P Corfield. Meetings 7.15pm for 7.30pm at The Poppy Centre, off Recreation Road, Stalham, Norwich, NR12 9BH, ample parking, hot and cold drinks and biscuit, and a raffle. www.stalhamhorticultural.co.uk for further information.
WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB is meeting on Wednesday, 9th February 2022, 7.30 pm at The Church Hall, Norwich Road, Wroxham. The demonstrator is Elizabeth Robertson who is making arrangements called, “Me, My Family and Other Animals ”. Flower arrangements are raffled and refreshments are available.
0n 9th March a Workshop is being held for member ’s only. For further information please ring Rosie Howell on 07539 764196.
ST MARY ’S CHURCH, WROXHAM - Join us for an event to celebrate the unveiling of the stunningly restored Victorian stained glass windows in St. Mary’s Church, Wroxham on Friday 25th February 2022 at 7:00 pm.
Community Events & What ’s On...
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Regular Events
NEATISHEAD COMMUNITY GYM - Friendly, relaxed, affordable, local gym open to all (12+), but especially catering for older age groups and those who are uncomfortable in a commercial gym. Excellent support from experienced instructor. If you want to improve your fitness or mobility, at whatever level, give us a try! Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays 8.30 to 12.30 at New Victory Hall, Neatishead. Ring or text Gary on our FREE TRIAL HOTLINE of 07387 876216, or email gym@victoryhall.info for other enquiries
COLTISHALL & HORSTEAD PRE - SCHOOL - Monday to Wednesday 9.00am to 12pm and 12pm to 3pm, Thursday and Friday 9.00am to 12pm. For 2 years upwards. Held at Coltishall Community Centre, Rectory Road. OFSTED Graded ‘GOOD’. Welcoming all families to join our active playgroup including regular allotment and local primary school visits. Please phone our friendly team: 07539 928124 Charity number: 1164338.
COLTISHALL AND HORSTEAD WI meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Church Rooms, Rectory Road. Coltishall at 2.30pm. Details; please phone Rosie Howell on 01603 737762.
HAUTBOIS DISTRICT RANGERS meet alternative Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm. We're a small group of girls aged 14+ looking for more people to join us. We do a variety of different activities from camping, to shopping, kayaking to performing! If you're interested or want more information please call Gina 07775 520911.
HORNING ART CLASS is held on Thursday afternoons at 2 o’clock in the Village Hall Annexe. We have an excellent tutor on hand to give guidance or tuition in all media. We are a friendly group with a mixed range of abilities and styles. Interested in joining us ? Please ring Christine Charles on 01692 630751.
POKER - Every Sunday at the Diplomat in Badersfield (RAF Colt) we have a weekly league games for points that qualify you for 3 Regional finals & 3 National final competitions. £3.50 a week registers your points online at The Nuts Poker League. Play starts at 7.30pm see you there! New players welcome.
WROXHAM FOLK DANCE CLUB - We have commenced dances again at Wroxham Church Hall, wearing masks and hand sanitizing. E nglish Country Dancing every Friday at the Church Hall, Wroxham. Beginners welcome! Phone Rod Purdy on 01603 897299.
KINGS HEAD QUIZ NIGHT Hoveton Thurs nights at 7.30pm. Still £1 per person admission inclusive of a FREE Quiznighter's Buffet. Max 6 in a team. Winner
takes all & Picture Quiz winner leaves with a FREE bottle of wine!
NORTH WALSHAM PHOTOGRAPHIC GROUP meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 7.30pm at The Annexe, The Atrium, Spenser Avenue, North Walsham. Details from Secretary, Liz Fiddy, on 01692 582793 or email trevorandliz@talktalk.net
TIDDLERS BABY & TODDLER GROUP. Meeting at Horstead Tithe Barn, first and third Wednesday of the month during term time, 9.45 - 11.30am £2 per family. Lots of lovely toys for children, cuppa and a chat for you. Email: tiddlerstoddlergroup@gmail.com for more info or just come along.
ADULTS DISABLED SOCIAL GROUP Are you physic ally dis abled, bor ed, and lonely, unable to meet people? Every other Mon from 7pm -11pm. Join us at Ads Group. Darts, Pool, Table Tennis, Board Games, DVD and book swap, music, and loads of friendly chat and fun! Bar with soft drinks, Bar -B-Q’s. Please call Julie Sparkes for details, 07903 974593. In Wroxham, NR12 8UH.
AYLSHAM CHESS CLUB Meets at Aylsham & District Ex-Service & Social Club on Monday evenings during the Sep - Jun season. Contact: David Owen (Club Secretary), Tel: 01263 731327, e-mail: davidowen364@btinternet.com
DEVELOPMENT & AWARENESS groups run by working qualified SNU (Spiritualists' National Union) Mediums. Tuesday mornings at Martham Village Hall 11AM to 1PM. Wednesday evenings at Rollesby Village Hall 7.30PM to 9.30 PM. Two year Healing course also available with Norfolk Healers on Wednesday evenings. Cost £5.00 weekly. Phone Norman 07876 744258 or Melinda 07920 742238.
COMMUNITY CAFÉ AT THE HUB Come and join us for a cuppa, a slice of homemade cake & a chat! We meet every Thursday from 10.30 -12pm at Wroxham & Hoveton United Reformed Church (The Hub), 114 Norwich Rd, Wroxham, NR12 8SA. We are open to all and there's no charge.
1st COLTISHALL GUIDES. We are a charitable organisation who deliver broad programmes of activities for the development of young girls and women. The Guide group caters for 10 - 14 year olds providing them with a safe environment in which they can develop both personally and socially. Email: firstcoltishallguides@gmail.com or contact Claire on 07826 444 046.
chat. For more information contact Margaret on 01692
Horning Village Hall; please arrive by 6:30pm. In addi-
sessions at Broadland Youth and Community Centre, Hoveton on Thursdays; please arrive by 12:45pm. We ward to welcoming back both members and guests. In or telephone Ann Riley
conditioned gym is based at The Poppy
Our opening times are Monday 7am to midday (Boxfit Friday 7am to midday and Sunday 9am
Helping leaders & sales teams to achieve better results with Training, Coaching & Mentoring.
To gain some development ideas for your team, email to arrange a FREE 15-min telephone call or book a £149 60-minute Zoom session..
Join me @stuartsayer on the Clubhouse Audio App; I’m a top 10 participant of ‘The Winners Club’ & a regular speaker Mon-Fri 6:30- 9:00, Sat 7:00-9:00am, Sun 9:00- 12 midday.
T: 07500 877675
NR12 Fitness Gym & Studio is a boutique gym located in Wroxham.
Boasting an exclusive gym and fitness studio with access to modern facilities, free parking and sports therapy treatment. NR12 Fitness will cater to all of your training needs.
After a very testing time for all, now seems like the best time to focus on mental health and fitness. To do that you will need to set some fitness goals. Here at NR12 fitness we want to help you achieve these, so here are our 5 top tips for keeping on track of your fitness goals this year.
1. Be realistic - one way to lose motivation is to set unrealistic goals. Know what your limits are and work within them, instead of against them.
2. Keep a Food Dairy - another way to help keep on track with your fitness goals is to consider your diet. By diet, I don’t mean taking up the latest fad but by monitoring your food and water intake and making the best choices possible.
3. Mix It Up - Don't get bored! As you stick to your fitness schedule, your body eventually gets used to the training. Try adding a few different classes to your schedule, not only do classes push you but you get to meet likeminded people.
4. Remember Why You Started - When you are having one of days and not feeling motivated, remember why you started. Take photos at the start or write down your goals. This way you can revisit at any time and see how far you have come.
5. Join NR12 FITNESS - Here at NR12 we can help you along the way to achieve your goals. With our trained staff and variety of classes you will hit those goals in no time.
T: 01603 784247
NR12 FITNESS Unit 5 Station Rd Business Park, Horning Rd West, Hoveton, Norwich NR12 8QJ
tory Road. Coltishall at 2.30pm. Details; please phone Rosie Howell on 01603 737762.
Horstead Tithe Barn, first and third Wednesday of the Are you phys11pm. Join us at Ads Group. Darts, Pool, Table Tennis, Board Games,
HOVETON, CLUB jects? formative meetings with Hoveton every DANCE children tic 8pm many child pop HOVETON Usually Hoveton your Veg, ty gift TUNSTEAD and play 10.00am stead. ome beginners, Mahjong game card bridge, join like please carol_hodgkiss@hotmail.com STALHAM LEGION seeking new month Street, cial and lies villages. wise. Glenister or stalhamroyalbritishlegion THE Centre knit, like ers,?
Community Events & What’s On...
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HOVETON, WROXHAM DISTRICT GARDENING
CLUB - Interested in Gardening and associated subjects? Why not come along to our friendly and informative club, we have a variety of speakers, outside meetings etc. only £15.00 per annum subscription with discounts at two local nurseries. We meet at Hoveton Village Hall on the first Friday 7.30p.m of every month except show days or outside meetings.
DANCE FOR FUN - is a fun dance club teaching children 6 and upwards Ballet, Tap, Disco & Gymnastic Dance. We meet Wednesday evening from 6 to 8pm in Smallburgh village hall. The club takes part in many community events through the year. If your child is interested in coming to see what we do please pop along any Wednesday evening.
HOVETON FARMERS & PRODUCERS MARKET
Usually held on the 4th Saturday of every month at Hoveton Village Hall 9.30 to 12.30. Come along for all your fresh produce including Fresh Fish, Meat, Fruit & Veg, Cakes, Bread and Preserves. Plus a wide variety of handmade craft stalls offering beautiful original gift ideas. Refreshments available.
TUNSTEAD MAHJONG GROUP is a small, friendly and informal group of ladies and men who meet to play Mahjong once a week, on a Friday morning from 10.00am until 1.00pm. At a members home in Tunstead. We are a mixed ability group who would welc ome both those who have played before and total beginners, the latter of whom we are happy to teach. Mahjong is a game played with tiles. The object of the game is to collect sets of particular tiles rather like the card game Rummy. If you enjoy games such as bridge, chess or playing cards, then you might like to join us. If you are interested to play or you would just like to come along and see the game in progress, please telephone Carol on 01603 929368 or email carol_hodgkiss@hotmail.com
STALHAM & DISTRICT BRANCH, ROYAL BRITISH
LEGION - We are relaunching the branch and are seeking members, new and existing, to join us at our new monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month from 7.00pm, at the Swan Public House, High Street, Stalham. Meetings will be of an informal, social nature, with the accent on a regular meet, greet and friendly chat for ex -service personnel, their families and friends, living in Stalham and surrounding villages. All are welcome, whether ex - Forces or otherwise. For further information please contact Robert Glenister email robert.glenister@yahoo.com or via our facebook page, www.facebook.com/ stalhamroyalbritishlegion
THE NEEDLES - At Broadland Youth & Community Centre Hoveton on Tuesday’s 10-4pm. If you stitch knit, crochet, patchwork, do dressmaking and would like help with zips, hems, casting on or can help others,? Come along and share your skills and tips or
learn something new and let’s have some fun and chat. For more information contact Margaret on 01692 651333
HORNING BRIDGE CLUB Assuming the government’s road map continues according to plan and restrictions are lifted on 21st June we are thrilled to announce that face to face, Duplicate Bridge will resume in July! We will start on Monday 5th July at Horning Village Hall; please arrive by 6:30pm. In addition to this we are going to hold weekly afternoon sessions at Broadland Youth and Community Centre, Hoveton on Thursdays; please arrive by 12:45pm. We will be delighted to see you and very much look forward to welcoming back both members and guests. In order for everyone to feel safe we ask that you have had both of the Covid -19 vaccinations or have a negative later al flow ( PCR) t est bef or e ar rival Further information can be found on our website: www.bridgewebs.com/horning or telephone Ann Riley (chairman) – 01603 782009.
STALHAM COMMUNITY GYM is now in it’s 10th year and we are once again, open. We still have the same Moto “ health and well -being for all”. The fully equipped, air -conditioned gym is based at The Poppy Centre, Recreation Road, Stalham, NR12 9BH. Our qualified Instructors can provide you with a programme designed for you individually whatever your needs and abilities. We support Yoga and Zumba and members are entitled to a discounted fee for these classes.
Our opening times are Monday 7am to midday (Boxfit with Ric at 11am to 1130am). Wednesday 9am to midday. Thursday 7am to midday with Helen’s Weights Class at 10 am. The gym then re-opens at 5pm till 8pm. Friday 7am to midday and Sunday 9am to midday.
Membership fees are £25 per month adult, £15 pm under 18’s. Concessions are available. Or, you can Pay As You Go at £5 per session.
Telephone Helen between 9am and 6pm on 07716 811696 for more information.
Alternatively, contact us on the gym mobile 07547 321874 during opening hours or email stalhamcommunitygym@gmail.com and we will get back to you. Find us on Facebook Stalham Community Gym or www.stalhamcommunitygym.org.uk
We provide a safe, friendly, supportive environment for all members of the local community and surrounding areas and look forward to welcoming new and existing members.
WROXHAM W I meets on the third Wednesday afternoon of most months at the Church Hall, Wroxham. The meetings start at 2.15 p.m. Please ring Roz on 01603 781155 if you would like to find out more. Everyone most welcome!
flying and shooting, to sport and adventure activities. If you are at least 12 years -old and in Year 8 at school
The Club is a friendly gathering of ladies who meet on
ladieslunchclub@btinternet.com
Planning and Planting for
Meetings 7.15pm for 7.30pm at The Poppy Centre, off
HORNING AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY (HATS)
Rehearsals are underway for the annual pantomime’ ‘Mother Goose’ by Ben Crocker
Join us for a winter wonderland adventure as Mother Goose seeks to find her magical snow goose, Heidi. But will she be foiled by the evil troll, Smorg? Or the wicked Baron Von Rumpensmakka and his henchmen, Gonk and Plonk? This is the Scandi panto – packed full of laughs, songs, and Northern magic!
Performance dates are Thursday 10th March 2022, Friday 11th March 2022, Saturday 12th March 2022 (matinee and evening shows) and Sunday 13TH March 2022 (matinee) at the Village Hall in Horning, Norfolk NR12 8LF
Tickets are priced £6 for adults or £4 for children.
Seats may be booked by calling Christine on 01692 630751 or in person at Tidings Newsagents in Horning or at Abbotts Countrywide Estate Agents in Hoveton.
WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB
A belated Happy New Year to one and all. I hope as you read this you all managed to meet family over the Christmas period and survived the OMICRON onslaught.
As I reported last year, our club supported 4 of our Primary Schools who entered the Lions ROAR 2021 competition in conjunction with the Education Company 8 Billion Ideas. Teams of pupils from each School had to submit an idea, which involved a video presentation, a jingle, and a model. The wining team from each School then went forward into a national competition. We are pleased to announce that Rackheath Primary School won the “Best Model” entry at the National level. Our congratulations to the winning team and all those who participated.
You’ll be aware that we resumed our outings with Santa and his sleigh over the Christmas period and trust that Santa gave you all the presents you asked for. We’d like to thank all those who donated money to our Elves, which is greatly appreciated. This Christmas was a first for the Club, as we have now gone hi-tech and can accept debit and credit card donations. The total amount raised this year was £3,396.06, which will help us continue to support Charities and good causes. From our existing funds
during December, we donated money to The Salvation Army, St Martins Housing Trust, Norfolk Surviving Winter, and the Food Bank in Norwich. All charities that help those less fortunate, especially over what can be a very stressful period.
After a somewhat quiet 2021 we hope to be holding further Craft Fares; opening the precinct tombola and, of course, our Lions Charity shop will be in full swing. Our mobile tombola, football game and Luv a Lion pegboard will, I ’m sure, be visiting fetes. The highlight of the year will be the Hoveton Charity Village Fete (Sunday 7th August), providing we can gain access to the Village Hall, and Santa will be out and about once again on his Sleigh runs.
Please continue to support the Lions Shop in the Hoveton precinct. Good quality Bric a Brac and/or clean clothing are always needed, so please bring them along, or contact the shop on 01603783737 for us to collect. Would you like to volunteer to help in the shop? If so, drop into the shop and talk to a member of staff or ring Lion Terry on 01603 784093.
Our small happy band of Lions are always on the lookout for new members. If you would like to take those first steps into joining a marvellous, forward thinking, internationally renowned organisation, or just help out as a “ Friend” of the club, we’ll be happy to hear from you. For more information, please ring me on 01603 781310, or our Membership Chairperson Lion Lydia Spight on 07503 221485. You can follow us on Facebook or our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
Lion Mick Holden, President.
s Journey, the Nancy Oldfield Trust, Fresh Start New Beginnings, and the Norwich Food Bank. We
Book Club continues on Zoom for the time being, probably until the better weather and we finished last
•
Badersfield
Coltishall
STEPHEN FLOCKTON CHARLES (1858-1950)
By Chris Weston
Different research channels advise that on 17th August 1858, Stephen Flockton Charles was born in either Kensington, or Romford. Educated at Harrow School, he moved on to the Royal Military College at Sandhurst, from which he graduated from Sandhurst in February 1878. After joining the Middlesex Regiment that year as a Second Lieutenant, Stephen resigned his commission only two months later.
By 1880, he was serving with 3rd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers and eight years later ha sac CSD e became a captain and in 1890, he married. By now, he had also been seconded for service with the Auxiliary Forces, from which he vacated in May 1893. Another promotion in November 1897, took Stephen to the rank of Major before gaining promotion to Lieutenant -Colonel in April 1902 and retiring from active service in November 1903.
Outside military duties, Stephen Charles enjoyed recreational pursuits in shooting and golf, he also loved cricket. After making his debut in first class cricket for Marylebone Cricket Club (also known as the MCC) in 1885 in Dublin against Dublin University, he made three further appearances for the MCC in 1897.
Stephen variously played against Oxford & Cambridge Universities and the touring Philadelphians. Further fixtures included a firstclass match for the MCC in 1899, against Derbyshire at Lord’s before his final appearance in first- class cricket for the MCC in 1905, against Oxford University, also at Lord's. In eight first -class matches, Charles scored a total of 143 runs at an average of 20.42 and high score of 30. When batting, he was right -handed but otherwise also
enjoyed playing the position of Wicket Keeper.
A move to Norfolk then brought Stephen Flockton Charles to Norfolk where he lived for the rest of his life at Wroxham House, a large Georgian mansion beside The Avenue in Wroxham and previously called Beech Avenue. The property had extensive grounds and records claim Stephen owned 175 acres of land and water in Norfolk and farmed 99 acres. But his love of cricket continued when playing for Norfolk in 1906 & 1907, with fourteen appearances in the Norfolk Minor Counties Championship.
Stephen died at Wroxham House on 24th June 1950 (aged 91) - a good innings! The building stood empty for a while and was later demolished but by 25th March 1961, the land had been sold and new houses were built with the “Show Home” at 65 Charles Close.
When travelling along The Avenue today (Church Hall behind you), the high walls seen on the left once enclosed Colonel Charles’s kitchen garden. Today, No. 29 The Avenue occupies part of its former area and nearby was one of the two entrances to his home and I under-
stand the road here had to skirt a traffic island of beeches. The parkland surrounding Wroxham House (now Charles Close) was known locally, as “The Colonel ’s Lawn” possibly because the local annual village fete was held there before it relocated to Caen Meadow.
