The Wroxham & Coltishall Book - Aug/Sept 26

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Tracey De-Abreu

Welcome… to the latest edition of THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK

Summer is in full swing, and I hope you're making the most of the wonderful weather!

Living in the Norfolk Broads is something we never take for granted. We often reflect on how fortunate we are to call this beautiful part of the country home.

Recently, our family enjoyed a fantastic boat trip from Wroxham. With twelve of us on board two boats; a lovely mix of adults and children - we all agreed it's something we should do far more often. Seeing the Broads from the water offers a completely different perspective, and we rounded off the day with a delicious pub lunch in Horning. I can highly recommend it!

As always, this issue is packed with something for everyone, including interesting articles, quizzes, community events, What's On listings, and a fantastic selection of local businesses ready to help and support our community.

Enjoy August and September!

Tracey

@TraceyWACBook

What’s Inside… Page:

16 - Home Interiors; Pure Linen luxury 21 - Wordsearch 22 - Beauty; Nail It 24 - Health; 11 Ways to look after Your eyes 25 - Did you Know? 32 - Celebrities; Bear Grylls 34 - Summer Water Safety Special 36 - Join ‘The WAC Book’ 38 - Puzzle Page; Sudoku, Quiz, Pictogram & Two -Minute

42 - Children’s Puzzle Page; Ancient Egyptian 44 - Tech Talk

46 - Gardening; Mind the Gap

49 - Motoring; BYD Sealion 5

50 - Community Events & What’s On (to page 52)

52 - Children’s Puzzle Page Answers

53 - History; Only The tower Knows

54 - Local Reports (to page 57)

55 - Jokes

56 - Honey I shrunk The Wherry

58 - Quiz Answers

59 - Business Card Section

62 - Index

62 - Advert sizes & fees

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.

HONEY, I SHUNK THE WHERRY!

When model maker John Hollis decided to build his first sailing vessel, he had no idea just how absorbing the project would become. Known for his finely crafted steam and electric-powered models, John set himself a new challenge: to create a fully working sailing model that combined historical accuracy, elegant performance, and extraordinary interior detail. The result was Norada, a striking miniature of a Norfolk Broads wherry yacht that manages to capture both the beauty and character of the original vessel.

Q: Why did you decide to build a model sailing boat?

John:

I’d already built several powered models before Norada, mostly steam and electric boats. Each build taught me new skills, but after a while I felt the urge to do something different. Sailing models had always intrigued me, yet I’d never attempted one. They’re a very different proposition you’re dealing with balance, wind, rigging and sail handling, not just motors and propellers. Eventually, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided it was time to give sail a go.

Q: Why choose Norada as your subject?

John:

Once I knew I wanted to build a sailing vessel, I set some fairly firm criteria. I wanted a model about 1.5 metres long, with a simple sail plan and a mast that could be lowered or removed for transport. That immediately drew my attention to boats from the Norfolk Broads, where lowering masts to pass under bridges is part of everyday sailing.

I began researching wherry yachts and contacted the Wherry Yacht Charter Charitable Trust in Wroxham. Each of their vessels has its own personality, but Norada stood out. She’s the only wherry yacht with a boom attached to the sail; the others are loose-footed. From a

modelling point of view, that made her a more practical choice. I also liked her more slender hull form and lower freeboard she has a very elegant look on the water.

Q: What did you enjoy most about building the model?

John:

The interior, without a doubt. I wanted the inside of the model to be just as engaging as the outside, even if most people only ever see it briefly. I chose a large scale hoping I might use ready-made fittings, but that didn’t work out almost everything had to be made from scratch. That turned out to be a blessing. Making the furniture, lighting, washbasins, mattresses and galley fittings forced me to slow down and really think about how the real boat was arranged. There’s something very satisfying about knowing that all those details are there, even if they’re only noticed by someone who takes a close look.

Q: What proved to be the most challenging part of the project?

John:

Two things stand out. The first was the lack of plans. As far as I know, no drawings of Norada exist, so I had to produce my own. The deck plan was manageable, but the underwater profile took several attempts before the boatyard finally confirmed one version looked right.

The second challenge was the Blake Victory marine toilet. That single item involved around 75 individual components and took an enormous amount of time and patience. Sail-making was also a steep learning curve I’d never done it before, and my first attempt didn’t even fit. Starting again taught me a lot, though, and I’m glad I persevered.

Q: With Norada complete, what’s next on the building board?

John:

At the moment, I’m enjoying sailing her. She behaves remarkably like the real vessel: she slides sideways when beating, spills gusts gently under the gaff rig, and sails happily with reefs in. She’s not the most practical model to operate, but once she’s on the water, all that effort feels worthwhile.

As for future projects, I’ve already started on another historic vessel. This time it’s the steam yacht Amazon, built in 1885 and listed in the Historic Ships Register. She has a remarkable history: Amazon took part in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Fleet Review in 1897 and, remarkably, is still afloat today. She also has a wonderful human story attached to her. From the late 1960s to the early 1980s she was owned by the actor Arthur Lowe, who famously used the vessel as his ‘digs’ while touring theatres along the south coast. It’s exactly the sort of subject I enjoy rich in history, full of character, and guaranteed to present a whole new set of modelling challenges.

Final thought

The real Norada is one of five historic wherries lovingly maintained by Wherry Yacht Charter and made available for the public to enjoy through scheduled sailing trips and private charters. As impressive as John’s miniature Norada is, nothing quite compares to the real thing so why not come and experience sailing on a wherry for yourself?

For more information and bookings please visit www.wherryyachtcharter.org

Below are some of the events and services we offer but see our Facebook page or call the library on 01603 782560.

Summer Reading Challenge This Year’s Challenge, continues, and is called ‘Read to the Beat! ’, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries. The Summer Reading Challenge is a free activity for children aged 4-11. It’s all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children’s reading skills and confidence over the summer holiday. Children can read anything they like and collect free rewards for their reading. For under 5s there is a mini challenge, so they don’t miss out. The theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity. To sign up to the challenge, just pop into your local library or visit the website. Children will need to be library members - you can do this in a library or online. It’s free of charge and children will receive their own library card for which there are no overdue fees.

· 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.

· 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. 6th and 20th August, 2.00 – 4.00pm.

· Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 13th August 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 27th August. 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!

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

THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK

~ at the heart of our community ~

· Build confidence to manage your money online. Free, one-toone support available. Find out about: online banking; budgeting and saving money; spending money online; online safety and security. Sessions available Tuesday 1-2 pm. Please contact the library to book a session.

· Digital Help. Thursdays 111am during term times. Free, oneto-one support available. Perfect for beginners and those ready to take the next step. Please contact the library to book a session.

· 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.

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

2. Broken pieces of glass are called

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DID YOU KNOW?

By Chris Weston

1. Catton is claimed to be two miles nearer the North Pole, than Norwich!

2. Broken pieces of glass are called "cullets".

3. British Rail and London Transport switched to the 24-hour clock for timetables in 1964.

4. Bacton Road in North Walsham, was formerly called Reeves Lane.

5. The Queen Mother was also known by some as The Steel Marshmallow’.

6. Benjamin Britten was a former pupil of Gresham ’s School.

Thank you Chris!

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; Jane Bonfont, tel 07717 011594 missanewatson@hotmail.co.uk

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.

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. Tuesdays 6am to Midday and 6pm to 8pm - Wednesday 8am to midday. Thursday 8am to midday with Helen (Circuit Class at 10 am) 5 to 7pm. 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.

MAKING CONNECTIONS ON THE BROADS hosts a free dementia cafe each Wednesday between 10.45am and 12.45pm at Hoveton Village Hall for people living with dementia and their carers, and also for the socially isolated members of our community. We are a community group funded purely by donations and grants, which is run by unpaid volunteers. Elaine Andrews Secretary THE

~ at the heart of our community ~

ONLY THE TOWER KNOWS!

By Chris Weston

Since the Supermarket age began, we have become accustomed to phrases like “Two for One” amongst many more. But I have also observed situations fitting the same description, in Norfolk’s Local History scene. When travelling around the county, you may have noticed several locations with either two churches or parts of churches (often ruined) in the same churchyard, or not far apart. But there are still other alternatives as I described in a much earlier post, how a Norfolk cleric dismantled, transported and rebuilt his church in another part of the same village. That may have been an exception.

In mid Norfolk you’ll soon notice a good two-part example, which provided me with this tale, since it still seems unclear, which version may have actually happened! St. Nicholas church near Dereham’s marketplace appears to have a second and detached, tower (see Image 1 below). The main building has a central square tower whose shape and height reminded me of either St. Albans Abbey or Peterborough Cathedral. Only a short distance away in the churchyard, is another large and detached bell tower. So why is it there? Local legend has the following suggestions:-

a) Bells were reputedly hung in the 13th century lantern tower rising from the church centre but became too heavy for the structure and were removed to the bell-tower in the churchyard, especially built for the purpose in the late 16th century. During 1797, Jean de Narde (a 28-year-old French Revolutionary) had been captured in the Netherlands during the early days of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and was sent to Great Yarmouth with some 130 other French and Dutch prisoners. From there they would

LOCAL HISTORY

be marched by the East North Militia to Norman Cross near Peterborough where a 43-acre prisonerof-war camp site with a capacity of up to 7,000 had opened but was only operational for 17 years.

After staying at the barracks in Norwich, they rested overnight in Dereham where the 16th century bell tower, had been considered a secure overnight holding point. Jean de Narde tried to escape capture by hiding in a nearby tree but was shot and buried in the graveyard. His memorial can still be seen today near St. Withburga’s Well.

b) Originally, the tower was once attached to the church, but the builder forgot to use the correct type of mortar and thus, it was never watertight. The parson of that time ordered the tower to be pitched all over - which it duly was - but while remaining hot and sticky, all the birds of Dereham (possibly starlings) flew over to see what the big fuss was. They duly landed on the tower, but on finding their feet stuck, kicked up a com-

motion and fluttered their wings so hard that they flew away with the tower. But before they’d flown far, their feet came unstuck and the tower fell where it now stands!

In AD 1500, a Richard Pynnes left in his Will, money for “the 'Clocker' to be built anew.” By 1536, four bells had been hung in the tower and today there are eight.

For Dereham ’s population, the ringing of church bells was once something of great importance. For they acted as timekeeper, calendar and also alerted local folk to news bulletins. Hopefully, they never “dropped any clangers”!!

Below are some of the events and services we offer but see our Facebook page or call the library on 01603 782560.

Summer Reading Challenge This Year’s Challenge, continues, and is called ‘Read to the Beat! ’, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries. The Summer Reading Challenge is a free activity for children aged 4-11. It’s all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children’s reading skills and confidence over the summer holiday. Children can read anything they like and collect free rewards for their reading. For under 5s there is a mini challenge, so they don’t miss out.

The theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity. To sign up to the challenge, just pop into your local library or visit the website. Children will need to be library members - you can do this in a library or online. It’s free of charge and children will receive their own library card for which there are no overdue fees.