For fees & sizes see inside rear cover or: www.wacbook.co.uk
Inclusion Deadline for June/July 26 edition is 13th May 2026
To contact us: tracey@wacbook.co.uk
@TraceyWACBook
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Tracey De-Abreu
Welcome… to the latest edition of THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK
Hooray, British Summer Time has returned!
With Easter Holidays upon us, hopefully we can expect slightly warmer weather here in the Norfolk Broads…
Inside you’ll find articles covering a wide range of interesting subjects; Health, Beauty, Home & Interiors, Motoring, Gardening and a fantastic selection of puzzles & quizzes complete with answers at the end.
This magazine you’re holding is for local people - we include local reports from clubs and charities, provide limited FREE space within ‘Community Events & What’s On’ to enable you to publicise your local fundraiser events.
Remember this publication is distributed to 8,500 homes and businesses across 18 villages, making it a wonderful way to take your message to local people around you.
As always, your support for using the thriving local business services inside this book is hugely appreciated.
This magazine is one of 8,500 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.
WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB
Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Celebrate 50 Years of service.
On Sunday 1st March, Lions from Great Yarmouth, Taverham, Norwich North Alpha, Coningsby, Attleborough and Wymondham, friends and family joined members of Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Club to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their Charter at The Old Rectory Hotel, Crostwick, Norwich. Hosted by the Club President PDG Dennis Moxon, this was the opportunity for the Club to reflect on the years of service to the local community and to recognise the service of one Lion in particular, Mike Barker, who is a founder member of the Club.
In his speech, PDG Dennis told the diners how the Club was founded and recounted its achievements over the years. He also drew attention to the two other longest serving members, himself and Lion Jim Lenihan, who have both notched up forty-five years of service. DG Chris Speed congratulated the members, past and present, on their record in his reply. He also presented Certificates of Appreciation to PDG Dennis and to Lion Mike, who received a standing ovation for this award. Another Certificate was presented to the Manager of our Charity Shop, Nadia Whiskin, for the staff and volunteers wonderful fundraising work. PDG Dennis then presented cheques to Jaime Speed, DG Chris’ wife, for her Charity of choice and to the Joint Service Cadet Corps, towards the purchase of a new tent for their activities. The pictures accompanying this article were taken by Lion Kelle Wallace of Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Club.
Our next fundraising event is the Craft Fair on Sunday 16th March at Hoveton Village Hall from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.
The Club is always looking for new members to help us continue our service to the community. If you are able to spare a few hours a
month, make new friends and have some fun, please go to our website www.wroxhamandhovetonlions.org for more information.
Derick Bowler PR Officer
Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Club
CIO
WROXHAM BURE
VALLEY ROTARY CLUB
As ever it is a busy time for our club and our members. By the time you read this we will have successfully completed running our annual Technology Tournament at Broadland High School Academy. It is an inter-house competition mainly for years 8 and 9, which involves teamwork, planning problem solving and building working solutions to a technology-based challenge. We will also have taken part in a club visit to the East Anglia Air Ambulance in Norwich. It is a charity we have long supported, mainly through our Christmas collections, and this visit was very much a celebration – we are proud that our contributions to EAAA over the years are now more than £20,000!
Another local charity that receives
regular support from our club is Brave Futures (formerly known as Fresh Starts, New Beginnings) – a Norfolk and Suffolk based charity who support youngsters who have been the subject of child sexual abuse. We recently welcomed Amy from the charity to give us an update on their excellent work and were delighted to present a further donation of £500 to the charity.
Our regular Monday evening meetings continue with outside visits, business meetings and a varied and interesting programme of speaker meetings, all at Wroxham Barns. Please let us know if you fancy coming along. You can also support us and the many local and international charities we donate to, through the Broadland Council Lottery Scheme – simply go on line at
www.communityatheartlottery.com and sign up, selecting Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club as your chosen cause – or you can support us directly by visiting our page on the www.totalgiving.co.uk website.
If you fancy joining us for a vibrant, sociable, active, and fun club experience, please contact our president, Chris Billing, on 07555 171574.
ARTISTS
& CRAFT MAKERS
SHOW
EAST NORFOLK OPERATIC SOCIETY
Don’t miss the East Norfolk Operatic Society performance of ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ at The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich from 6th May 2026 to 9th May 2026.
ASHMANHAUGH & BARTON WANDERERS CRICKET CLUB
Kiss Me, Kate brings together the irreverent humour of four brilliant writers; Sam and Bella Spewack, Cole Porter, and William Shakespeare in this high energy classic show which is not to be missed.
This amateur production is present by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Limited on behalf of TamsWitmark LLC www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Performances are at 7.30 pm each evening with a matinee show on 10th May at 2.30 pm. For seat reservations, please call the Box Office on 01603 620917. Alternatively, book via the theatre webpage www.maddermarket.co.uk
All tickets are priced £25 and a discount of 10% is available for group bookings of 8 or more persons.
Two pitches based in both Ashmanhaugh & Barton Turf (through Wroxham).
We cater for fun outdoor cricket throughout the summer, ages 5 and upwards - and indoor winter training
Also compete in the Highest league in the East of England (EAPL) for seniors.
Women's & girls cricket launched in 2025
Sun 3 & Mon 4 May
Ranworth Village Hall NR13 6HS
Picturesque Broads Venue. Wide variety of work: paintings, woodturned pieces, studio pottery, stained glass etc. Home-made refreshments. 10am-5pm. Major fundraiser for the trust that maintains and operates Trading Wherry “Maud”. An opportunity to view “Maud” at the nearby Conservation Centre.
Pictured below: “Maud” on The Yare near Brundall; courtesy of the WherryMaudTrust website.
Always looking for new recruits, any age, any gender and any ability!
Contact
abwcc.events@gmail.com abwcc.juniors.girls@gmail.com Or follow on social media for all updates and events
THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK
~ at the heart of our community
~
If you’re a local Service Provider, you should be on our glossy pages!
EAST ANGLIA’S CHILDREN’S HOSPICES (EACH)
“Our dedicated eBay champions play a unique role, spotting the potential of particular items, maximising sales and raising key funds” –EACH is on the lookout for extra help to support its fast-growing retail operation.
Would-be volunteers with an eye for the unusual have the chance to hone their skills and raise vital funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The charity, which provides care and support for children and families, is on the lookout for dedicated eBay champions to lend a hand in its popular community shops across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
In particular, the team are keen to hear from people interested in helping in Beccles, Bungay, Dereham, Halstead, Holt, Southwold and Wroxham, as well as Milton Road, Cambridge.
“Our dedicated eBay champions play a unique role, cherry-picking and spotting the potential of particular items, maximising sales and raising key funds to support our vital work,” said EACH eCommerce Manager Scott Campbell.
“We’re looking for people with an eye for the unusual and an interest in photography, who can use their IT skills to add donated items to our fast-growing eBay account.
“It’s fun, exciting and rewarding, and selling goods online has become a big and fast-growing income stream for EACH.
“We always welcome dedicated eBay volunteers in any of our 54 shops, although have a particular and urgent need in certain areas.
“Anyone that can spare some time and lend a hand will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome.”
For more information, pop into your nearest EACH shop, visit www.each.org.uk/volunteering or call 01223 800800 (selecting option four).
Community Events & What’s On...
You can use this page to send your FREE message to 8,000 households and businesses!
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 Paula Kerrison on 07881 632436.
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.
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.
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 Salvation Army Hall, Hall Lane, North Walsham. Details from Secretary, Liz Fiddy, on 01692 582793 or email trevorandliz@talktalk.net
TIDDLERS BABY & TODDLER GROUP Meeting at Horstead Tithe Barn, every Wednesday during term time, 10 - 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.
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
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.
BUXTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB - We are a small friendly club catering for all levels and styles of photography, we meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, at 7.30pm in Buxton Village Hall, in Buxton. for further details contact: info@buxtonphotographicclub.co.uk or contact John on 07526777962. Full details of program can be found here: www.buxtonphotographicclub.co.uk
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 07503 902963.
Community Events & What’s On...
You can use this page to send your FREE message to 8,000 households and businesses!
STALHAM COMMUNITY GYM continues to provide a fabulous, friendly and affordable gym facility for the people of Stalham and surrounding areas. 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 classes on Friday mornings and members are entitled to a discounted fee for these classes. Our opening times are Monday 8am to midday with Wednesday 8am to midday. Thursday 8am to midday with Helen. (Circuit Class at 10 am). Friday 8am to midday and Sunday 9am to 11am. We are also open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings between 6pm and 8pm with Instructor Paul. Membership fees are £25 per month adult, £15 pm under 18’s. Concessions are available. Or, you can Pay As You Go at £6 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, Next Door Stalham 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.
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.
HOVETON FARMERS & PRODUCERS MARKET
The Hoveton Farmers and Producers Market is held every 4th Saturday of each month at Hoveton Village Hall. A range of local produce is available including Meats, Bread, Cakes, Pies, Pastries, Cheese, Eggs, Preserves, Alcoholic Beverages, Garden Plants and Cut Flowers. There are also stalls selling Handcrafted Gifts. Hoveton Village Hall, Stalham Road, Hoveton, NR12 8DU.
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
HORNING BRIDGE CLUB at the Village Hall on Monday evenings 6.30-10 pm and at Hoveton Youth & Community Centre on Thursday afternoons. For further information telephone Sue Howes: 07799 777862
NEATISHEAD BRIDGE CLUB at Neatishead Village Hall every Friday Morning 10-1pm. For further information telephone Sue Howes: 07799 777862
WROXHAM, HOVETON AND BELAUGH VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY CARS: Transport to Medical Appointments Charity No. 1044332
We have a team of volunteer drivers who are prepared to take anyone in need of transport to a medical appointment e.g doctors, dentists, opticians, hospitals. The areas we cover are for people registered at Hoveton/Wroxham Medical Practice, e.g. Salhouse, Rackheath, Horning, Tunstead, so if you live in any of these surrounding villages, you will be able to use our service. We also take patients registered at The Coltishall Surgery who live in the Wroxham/Hoveton area. We do make a nominal charge, depending on the distance, to cover the drivers’ running costs. We do have wheelchairs available but you must have sufficient mobility to get in and out of the car as none of our vehicles are wheelchair accessible. For further details with regards to booking a car, please phone: 01603 784 455
Community Events & What’s On...
You can use this page to send your FREE message to 8,000 households and businesses!
Regular Events
WROXHAM FOLK DANCE CLUB meets on Friday evening 7.30pm in the Church Hall, Norwich Road, Wroxham, NR12 8SA. Not done this before? No problem instructions given. Cost £3 per session. All welcome. Contact Rod on 01603 897299.
HORNING & DISTRICT LADIES LUNCH CLUB
Always happy to welcome new members. We meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month (between October and June) at the Old Rectory Hotel in Crostwick. We enjoy a delicious 2 course meal, followed by Tea or Coffee, and, to complete the afternoon, we have a different guest speaker each month.
You do NOT have to live in Horning, in order to join us. It is essential that lunch is booked in advance, to do this or, if you require any further information. Please contact Tricia Elson on 07931 301606 or, e mail her at, ladieslunchclub@btinternet.com
HOVETON AND DISTRICT W.I. - Our monthly meeting is held on the first Wednesday of each month 2.00pm - 4.00p.m. at Broadland Youth and Community Centre, Stalham Road Hoveton. We have recently added a tea and chat session on every other Wednesday afternoon at the same venue and at the same time although you are not obliged to stay for the whole session. This has proved extremely popular with our members as a chance to get together and create friendships. For further information please telephone Sue on 01603 783387 or come along to either the monthly meeting or the tea and chat session. You will be sure to get a warm welcome. THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK ~ at the heart of our community ~
If asked to quote any connection with Pilgrims of today or yesteryear, most people would almost certainly mention Walsingham, given the large numbers of annual visitors descending on the venue. Many are individuals while larger numbers travel in processions, also described as pilgrimages - a tradition which began in the 4th century A.D. - with Christians travelling to the Holy Land. But I was subsequently fascinated to learn of pilgrimage activities not being confined to any specific location(s), counties, or countries.
But we start with the best-known local name, Walsingham, where the first pilgrimage took place around 1061AD, when Richeldis de Faverches
(an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman) had a vision of the Virgin Mary. During this, Mary instructed Richeldis to build in Norfolk, a replica of the Nazareth Holy House of the Annunciation. This was constructed and Walsingham soon became a major medieval site and to show his support, King Henry III made his first pilgrimage around 1226.
By the 14th & 15th centuries, Walsingham was claimed to rival Canterbury as a premier European site which by then, had been visited by almost every English monarch. But during 1538, the original shrine was dismantled due to terms of the Reformation in Henry VIII’s reign. Although a replacement property was built, it wasn’t until 20th August 1897, that the first modern public pilgrimage was made. This was led by the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom to the restored Slipper Chapel.
Following likely sightings of the Virgin Mary, the Shrine of Our Lady gained Walsingham much attention as one of the most notable of its kind in Europe. To overseas visitors, it rivalled long-established
equivalents in Rome and Jerusalem, whose importance dates back to AD 1061. Pilgrims were also known to have come from Europe by sea into King’s Lynn (of Germanic Hanseatic League fame) and then, England’s fourth largest medieval port.
Other Norfolk Sites
At different times, Pilgrims have thronged to the following; - Holy Cross relic at Bromholm Priory; Julian of Norwich; St. William's shrine in Norwich Cathedral; St. Walstan's Well in Bawburgh and local relic sites like the Head of John the Baptist in Trimingham and more. In June 1638, yet another group of just over 70 pilgrims from Hingham near Watton including local minister (Rev’d Robert Peck & family) sailed from Britain aboard the ship ‘Diligent’, to join a similarly named and already wellestablished settlement in Massachusetts, U.S.A.
And even Hunstanton was involved!
Records tell us that during the medieval historic period, Hunstanton had served as a ‘pilgrim port’. Paths led from here, to the renowned Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham.
The route from Hunstanton was only one part of a much wider and similarly used network used by pilgrims. Others are recorded as coming from the port towns of
Wells and further afield, from Great Yarmouth.
En route, they would pass hermitages, wayside crosses, and hostels, catering for their needs while traveling through the area to the destination many also knew as "England's Nazareth".
And finally:- As a cathedral chorister during my early life, I recall becoming familiar with a frequently used three-verse hymn whose opening line is “He Who Would Valiant Be". Written in 1864 by John Bunyan as an allegorical novel describing Pilgrim ’s Progress, the last line of every verse ended with "To Be a Pilgrim". Its words were set to the tune "Monk's Gate" by the composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Pilgrim related activity is still ongoing at appropriate times of year. Such events include Walsingham which today, shares its site with Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions.
Below are some of the events and services we offer but see our Facebook page or call the library on 01603 782560.
· NEW Build confidence to manage your money online. Free, one-to-one support available. Find out about: online banking; budgeting and saving money; spending money online; online safety and security. Sessions available Tuesday 12-1pm and Thursdays 1011am. Please contact the library to book a session.
· NEW Digital Help. Thursdays 11-1am during term times. Free, one-to-one support available. Perfect for beginners and those ready to take the next step. Please contact the library to book a session.
· Just a Cuppa, every Tuesday 10.00 – 12pm. Come along for a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.
· Toys We have a selection of toys and games that can be played with in the library, from Duplo, and counting games, to jigsaws. Look in our folder to see what is available.
· Autism Social Group Come to a friendly social group for a cuppa and a chat. No need to book, all welcome. First Wednesday of every month 1-3pm.
· Crafting 10.30 -3.30 pm on alternate Saturdays (staff dependent). Aimed at children aged 5 -11 (under 8s require supervision).
· Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. 5th and 19th February, 2.00 – 4.00pm.
· Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 12th February, 2.004:00pm. Please bring your own board and cards if you have them.
· Scrabble Club Usually last Thursday of each month from 2.004.00pm. Next session Thursday 26th February. All welcome.
· Thinking of starting up or growing your own business? As a local Business and IP Centre, we have free access to a wide range of business resources at Wroxham library. Find out more at:www.norfolk.gov.uk/bipcnorfolk
· Our Bounce and Rhyme sessions take place on Wednesday at 10.30am. No need to book just drop in and sing along!
· Family History – Use our free access to Find My Past any time the library is open. Drop-in on Wednesday and Friday evenings between 4.00pm and 6.00pm to get advice from Diane, our family and local history expert. Please ring the library ahead to confirm availability. Use our self-service Baby Weigh Scales on request.
Housebound Library Service If you are unable to get out to the library to get your library books, we can bring them to you! Details from the library.
Our normal opening hours are below, though please check for updates on our Facebook and Webpages. We have further extended our opening hours with the Open Library service – contact the library for more information.
· Monday: Closed
· Tuesday: 10 - 7
· Wednesday: 10- 7
· Thursday: 10-7
· Friday: 10-7
· Saturday: 10- 4
Sunday: Closed www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries
We are in full planning mode now for our French visitors from La Pommeraye and Montjean-surLoire, 9th-15th August 2026. Our trip to Cromer is coming together with a little treasure hunt to begin with and then free time to explore whatever they have liked the mostand fish and chips, I’m sure. A boat tour on the Broads from Wroxham will be our other day excursion and a visit to a Norfolk Gin and Rum Distillery. We are using Hoveton Village Hall for our games and picnic and also for our dinner dance. We hope to have a list of French participants soon; they do have a meeting in early March, so maybe after that. Lots to keep us busy! A date for diaries also is Friday 24th July for pre-visit briefing and social evening.
In February our Book Club tackled “Precipice” by Robert Harris, chosen by Gill, a good yarn involving Asquith and the start of the First World War. Our Book Club is celebrating 20 years this February and we are going out for a celebratory lunch on March 13th
Pat can supply more information on pat.barkergreen@btinternet.com or 07879 454052
For more information generally, please contact our chairperson, Peter, on 01603 782733 or peter_c_milsted@talk21.com
BROADLAND MODEL
RAILWAY CLUB
Exhibition season is well underway, and we started by showing Broad Oak at the Dereham Model Railway Exhibition and it won Best in Show, well done team great start to the year! Broad Oak will be shown again on 7th March at The Norfolk Railway Society exhibition in Wymondham. Then it’s the turn of Broadland on 11th April at the Norwich Model Railway Show in Hellesdon. Make a note in your diaries, our own show is on 24th May in Stalham. Full details are on the website, check it often as it changes with new additions etc. We are very pleased to have recruited two new members, and they are already hard at work on our club layouts, a welcome addition as it seems we are expanding our workload regularly. As always new members are welcome just follow the links on the website for details. We also have an active Facebook page where more frequent updates are posted -
www.facebook.com/
BroadlandMRC/ and we welcome followers to this. Our stock of layouts and exhibits is expanding and this, of course, puts pressure on our storage facilities, we are coping by swapping layouts and even parts of layouts, in and out of storage, to be worked on depending on their exhibition duties. We regularly check our stocks of materials etc, and we have even added some new shelving to cope with the new additions. All part of a growing club, long may it continue. We are very fortunate in having 24/7 access to our club rooms, something few other clubs have and a number of us take advantage to work in a group or alone outside our regular sessions on a Tuesday and Friday evenings. It would be entirely possible to have other sessions on other days to cope with the demands and full members can have keys so they can gain access at any time.
www.broadlandmodelrailwayclub.co.uk
Womack Herons is a friendly group of retirees sharing friendship and fun; Why not come and join us? Our year-round programme of get-togethers are all within easy reach of Norwich and include meals out, bowling, walks, talks, quizzes and visits – see www.womackherons.org.uk for activity and Club details. For all bookings or enquiries contact Tricia@womackherons.org.uk
Our programme for April/May is: Tues 14th April: Visit the Sainsbury Centre, take a tour or browse exhibits; a table is booked for lunch at the Modern Life Café at 1pm. Lunch Bookings needed by 8th April.
Weds 6th May: Free time to enjoy Spring colours at Sheringham Park, then meet for Afternoon Tea at The Dales Hotel 3.30pm. Book for Tea with £5pp deposit by 27th April.
Thurs 21st May: Off to the seaside! Train to Cromer, stroll and explore, then meet for lunch at No.1 Fish & Chips at 12.30pm. Book for lunch by 13th May.
EAST NORFOLK OPERATIC SOCIETY
Don’t miss the East Norfolk Operatic Society performance of ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ at The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich from 6th May 2026 to 9th May 2026.
Kiss Me, Kate brings together the irreverent humour of four brilliant writers; Sam and Bella Spewack, Cole Porter, and William Shakespeare in this high energy classic show which is not to be missed.
This amateur production is present by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Limited on behalf of TamsWitmark LLC www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Performances are at 7.30 pm each evening with a matinee show on 10th May at 2.30 pm. For seat reservations, please call the Box Office on 01603 620917. Alternatively, book via the theatre webpage www.maddermarket.co.uk
All tickets are priced £25 and a discount of 10% is available for group bookings of 8 or more persons.
ASHMANHAUGH & BARTON WANDERERS CRICKET CLUB
Two pitches based in both Ashmanhaugh & Barton Turf (through Wroxham).
We cater for fun outdoor cricket throughout the summer, ages 5 and upwards - and indoor winter training
Also compete in the Highest league in the East of England (EAPL) for seniors.
Women's & girls cricket launched in 2025
Always looking for new recruits, any age, any gender and any ability!
Contact
abwcc.events@gmail.com abwcc.juniors.girls@gmail.com Or follow on social media for all updates and events
ARTISTS & CRAFT MAKERS SHOW
Sun 3 & Mon 4 May
Ranworth Village Hall NR13 6HS
Picturesque Broads Venue. Wide variety of work: paintings, woodturned pieces, studio pottery, stained glass etc. Home-made refreshments. 10am-5pm. Major fundraiser for the trust that maintains and operates Trading Wherry “Maud”. An opportunity to view “Maud” at the nearby Conservation Centre.
Pictured below: “Maud” on The Yare near Brundall; courtesy of the WherryMaudTrust website.
THE HUB, WROXHAM
Hello. I’m Revd Tina Wilson, the new United Reformed Church minister at The Hub in Wroxham. Over these past months, it’s been a joy to settle into this beautiful part of Norfolk and begin getting to know the community. The Hub is a place of welcome, a space to talk, create, reflect, or simply pause in the week. My role is to help hold that space and to encourage the connections that make community life flourish. Whether you enjoy conversation, quiet, or getting involved, there’s room for you here. As spring unfolds and Easter’s hope continues to shape our days, local churches across all denominations are offering services and events, each with its own warmth and richness.
You’re warmly invited to join in. For details of what’s happening at The Hub, including services and seasonal activities, visit wroxhamurc.org.uk.
New opportunities are emerging all the time, and I hope you’ll feel encouraged to come along or simply say hello.
With every blessing,
Tina
Revd Tina Wilson Minister for
Norwich Area URC Mission Partnership
WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB
Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Celebrate 50 Years of service.
On Sunday 1st March, Lions from Great Yarmouth, Taverham, Norwich North Alpha, Coningsby, Attleborough and Wymondham, friends and family joined members of Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Club to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their Charter at The Old Rectory Hotel, Crostwick, Norwich. Hosted by the Club President PDG Dennis Moxon, this was the opportunity for the Club to reflect on the years of service to the local community and to recognise the service of one Lion in particular, Mike Barker, who is a founder member of the Club. In his speech, PDG Dennis told the diners how the Club was founded and recounted its achievements over the years. He also drew attention to the two other longest serving members, himself and Lion Jim Lenihan, who have both notched up forty-five years of service. DG Chris Speed congratulated the members, past and present, on their record in his reply. He also presented Certificates of Appreciation to PDG Dennis and to Lion Mike, who received a standing ovation for this award. Another Certificate was presented to the Manager of our Charity Shop, Nadia Whiskin, for the staff and volunteers wonderful fundraising work. PDG Dennis then presented cheques to Jaime Speed, DG Chris’ wife, for her Charity of choice and to the Joint Service Cadet Corps, towards the purchase of a new tent for their activities. The pictures accompanying this article were taken by Lion Kelle Wallace of Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Club.
Our next fundraising event is the Craft Fair on Sunday 16th March at Hoveton Village Hall from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.
The Club is always looking for new members to help us continue our service to the community. If you are able to spare a few hours a
month, make new friends and have some fun, please go to our website www.wroxhamandhovetonlions.org for more information.
Derick Bowler
PR Officer
Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Club
CIO
WROXHAM BURE
VALLEY ROTARY CLUB
As ever it is a busy time for our club and our members. By the time you read this we will have successfully completed running our annual Technology Tournament at Broadland High School Academy. It is an inter-house competition mainly for years 8 and 9, which involves teamwork, planning problem solving and building working solutions to a technology-based challenge. We will also have taken part in a club visit to the East Anglia Air Ambulance in Norwich. It is a charity we have long supported, mainly through our Christmas collections, and this visit was very much a celebration – we are proud that our contributions to EAAA over the years are now more than £20,000!
Another local charity that receives
regular support from our club is Brave Futures (formerly known as Fresh Starts, New Beginnings) – a Norfolk and Suffolk based charity who support youngsters who have been the subject of child sexual abuse. We recently welcomed Amy from the charity to give us an update on their excellent work and were delighted to present a further donation of £500 to the charity. Our regular Monday evening meetings continue with outside visits, business meetings and a varied and interesting programme of speaker meetings, all at Wroxham Barns. Please let us know if you fancy coming along. You can also support us and the many local and international charities we donate to, through the Broadland Council Lottery Scheme – simply go on line at www.communityatheartlottery.com and sign up, selecting Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club as your chosen cause – or you can support us directly by visiting our page on the www.totalgiving.co.uk website. If you fancy joining us for a vibrant, sociable, active, and fun club experience, please contact our president, Chris Billing, on 07555 171574.
WROXHAM FOOTBALL CLUB
Wroxham are holding steady in 8th place comfortably above our previous best finish of 12th. The weather has played havoc with our fixtures. By early March we had only played three matches at home, and the remaining 11 games of our season are to be played at the rate of over one every 4 days. At any level this would a tough ask physically but, when you factor in other elements of the amateur game such as work and family commitments the strain on the squad becomes acute. Since my last report our record is as
follows P8 W3 D1 L5. The real conundrum is the lack of goals especially with the new signings we have made and how well the team have played in the majority of the games especially where we have won 1-0. For goals scored we sit at 16th in the table but still set fair for our best league season in the club’s history. Whilst our form has dipped, so has that of the teams around us, no doubt all affected by the stop start nature of a soggy winter. We sit proudly in 5th in the average attendance table. So, if you are a fan, thank you and if not why not join us? Supporters through the turnstiles is very life-
blood of our club, without which life would look very different for your football club. Just two home game to go now, come along and celebrate what could be your club’s finest hour.
Mon 6 April Home
Gorleston KO 3pm
Sat 18 April Home
Heybridge Swifts KO 3pm
Moments of victory celebrated by our men’s and women’s first teams in March
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