The Wroxham & Coltishall Book - June/July 25

Great Value Advertising! For fees & sizes see inside rear cover or: www.wacbook.co.uk

Inclusion Deadline for Aug/Sept 25 edition is 11th July 2025

To contact us: tracey@wacbook.co.uk Tele: 01603 717681 @TraceyWACBook @BroadlandMediaLtd

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

Summer is here - it’s time to get out in the garden and enjoy the fine Norfolk sunshine!

Should you need any help in and around your property, you’ll find lots of thriving local business services inside this magazine.

Give them a call and kindly let them know where you spotted their advert. Remember, when you choose to ‘Keep Trade Local’ you are directly helping our local economy“Thank you!”

As usual, there are lots of ‘Community Events & What’s On’ listings inside this magazine; we love hearing stories of local people getting involved and joining in - remember to email us details of any events you’re promoting, and we’ll do our best to give you some valuable FREE publicity!

The celebrity featured in this edition is popular TV personality Rob Brydon - discover more about him in the centre pages.

Enjoy June & July!...

Tracey De-Abreu What’s Inside… Page: 8 - Coming out; the other side 14 - Home & Interior; Outdoor Living 20 - Beauty; Time for a Change? 22 - Health; Don’t dodge your Doctor 28 - Wordsearch; Cathedrals 28 - Pets; It’s their holiday too

- Celebrities; Rob Brydon

- Fundraising Concert 35 - Join ‘The WAC Book’ 36 - Home Products; Swing Low 38 - Puzzle Page; Sudoku, Quiz, Pictogram &Two -Minute Trial 39 - Children’s Puzzle Page; Roller Coaster 44 - Gardening; 8 Surprising facts about plants

- Motoring; BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé

- Did you Know? 48 - History; A Focus On Chapelfield - Part 2 50 - Community Events & What’s On 52 - Children’s Puzzle Page Answers

53 - Local Reports (to page 58) 57 - Quiz Answers 58 - Wroxham FC 57 - Jokes 59 - Business Card Section 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.

SAT. 26TH JULY – 09.00-13.00

It’s back!

Following on from the success of our last Yard Sale two years ago, Horning is inviting you to go on Safari ‘and hunt down and bag some bargains’, in our next yard sale around the village.

Look out for the additional table top sale, this year, in the village hall too!

All intrepid bargain hunters can grab a Safari Map from 09.00 on the day. Available from the Horning Village Hall car park at Mill Hill NR12 8LF (for those who prefer to use Sat Nav and not a compass)

Please note that cash will be required when bargaining with the locals and if needed withdrawals can be made from Tidings Newsagents and (NEW!) Post Office. Leave enough time before returning home to stroll by the river, have an ice-cream and pop into the shops. After your busy Safari you

may well be hungry and thirsty –Horning has a number of excellent ‘watering holes’ to partake of refreshments.

Please do remember that Horning residents and other wildlife appreciate safe and considerate drivers around their habitat, particularly when parking.

It’s always sunny on Safari – so pack that hat, bring your binoculars and most importantly, save this date!

See you on Safari! For more details please contact: Horninghub@yahoo.co or Tel: 01692 630695

Pic: Horning Yard & Table Top Safari, 2023

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

Children can grow their imaginations with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge: Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors, which launches in Norfolk libraries on Saturday 5 July.

Developed by The Reading Agency and delivered 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.

This year’s theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature. They can also join in with free Story Garden activities at their local library.

inspire their next reading adventure.

Find out more at www.norfolk.gov.uk/ summerreadingchallenge

·Just a Cuppa, every Tuesday 10.00 – 12pm. Come along for a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.

·Send Café Friendly and supportive sessions aimed at children with SEND. Meet up with other families, share ideas and have some fun, including a lego activity! The cafes are free, on a drop-in basis, so no booking required, the next date is 24th June 3.15 – 4.15pm.

·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. Change of day to first Wednesday of every month 1-3pm.

·Crafting New time 10.30 -3.30 pm on alternate Saturdays (staff dependent). Aimed at children aged 5 -11 (under 8s require supervision).

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.

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.

·Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday 5th June and Thursday 19th June 2.00 – 4.00pm.

·Crib Club (Cribbage card game)

·Monday: Closed

·Tuesday: 10 - 7

·Wednesday: 10- 7

·Thursday: 10-7

·Friday: 10-7

·Saturday: 10- 4

Sunday: Closed

BUSINESS SERVICE PROVIDERS: Don’t miss out! Come and join us!

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge features artwork from awardwinning illustrator Dapo Adeola, whose stunning illustrations will bring the Story Garden theme to life; creating an enchanting world where children can find magical creatures, plants and flowers to

– new players welcome -Thursday 12th June 2.00-4:00pm. Please bring your own board and cards if you have them.

Display your contact details on these glossy pages and generate valuable new enquiries for your business. See inside rear cover for our great value fees - can you afford not to? tracey@wacbook.co.uk

·Scrabble Club Usually last Thursday of each month from 2.004.00pm. Next session Thursday 26th June. All welcome.

Thinking of starting up or growing your own business? As a local Business and IP Centre, we

Visit our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ wroxhamlibraryofficial for updates on events and activities. www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries

Client Feedback:

Louise Bunn, LB Wills & Probate (Norfolk) Limited

& COLTISHALL BOOK

THE

WROXHAM &

COLTISHALL BOOK

~ at the heart of our community ~

DID YOU KNOW?

By Chris Weston

1. On 10th March 1998, the 10-sided concrete built toilet (on St Crispin’s Road in Norwich), became Grade II Listed.

2. Apart from the food item, Toad in the Hole was once a popular pub game!

3. The Buttlands in Wells was once used for archery practice and drilling young locals who might serve the Lord of the Manor in war.

4. During the 17th century English Civil War, a gunpowder store was built by the Le Strange Family at Sedgford, in West Norfolk.

5. Norfolk’s first aerodrome was built in 1911 as a flying school, at Snarehill, south-east of Thetford.

Thank you Chris!

A FOCUS ON CHAPEL FIELD - Part 2

by Chris Weston

Discoveries of suspicious activity here came to the fore at Christmas, 1772, when a Customs and Excise officer seized a large quantity of smuggled foreign brandy. Smuggling was common then, due to high import duties and many contraband goods arrived via the east coast. Another suspicious incident came in 1821, when businessman John Thurtell claimed he had been mugged in Chapelfield of 1,508. It was a false claim as Thurtell was bankrupt and fled to escape his creditors. Only a few years later, he was hanged for murder! By the mid-18th century Chapelfield had come into the hands of the city when John Hobart, Duke of Buckingham, granted a 500-year lease to a number of Norwich’s Aldermen.

Then during 1792, Norwich gained a new feature when City of Norwich Water Company built a large reservoir. Measuring 88 yards by 50 yards, it was owned by the Norwich Waterworks Company. In the late 18th century, it burst, and 50,000 barrels of water were lost. After rebuilding, it was used as a public baths and a skating rink. Unfortunately, two 13- year-olds Charles Stiles and James Nudds fell through the ice in separate fatalities in the early 1800s. The reservoir’s end came in 1849, after an outbreak of cholera in the city. After its site had been filled in, the City Corporation laid out the whole area as ornamental gardens. And it seems very likely that thousands who annually visit the gardens wouldn’t even know of the reservoirs existence or know what was once beneath them! I would guess the nearest structure in Norfolk today resembling the appearance of the Chapelfield Reservoir might be the Mere in Diss, given its location in the town and what surrounds it.

During the 1840’s, Chapelfield became 'a resort of loose and idle boys and part-occupation by washerwomen in great measure, thus causing desertion by respectable citizens'. But this didn’t last, for during 1852, the Waterworks Company agreed to give up their lease, if the city Corporation would lay out the land as a public garden. An elaborate plan prepared by the company was subsequently simplified and in 1866 the Prince and Princess of Wales planted a Wellingtonia to mark the council’s agreement to lay out the gardens.

In 1867 an iron palisade was erected to enclose the site, a Drill Hall was erected, replacement planting in the elm avenues took place, and several dignitaries planted trees. In 1880, the gardens were opened

LOCAL HISTORY

and remain in much the same format today. During the opening year, a pagoda designed by Barnard, Bishop and Barnard was also erected. Later, this became known as the pavilion. Since 1886 garden boundaries have changed with removal of the grounds on the outside of the old city wall to the west, and loss of the north-west corner on construction of the inner ring road. Pedestrian entrances to the gardens are at each of the three corners with another central of the Chapel Field Road boundary via a subway below the inner ring road.

By 1899 a bandstand and children's play area had also been added. When the Pavillion became unsafe through rust and neglect, it was dismantled in 1949 to be replaced by a tearoom, which would later be known as the popular Pedro’s, Mexican style restaurant which closed in 2022.

In the 19th century Albert Jarman Caley 1829-1895) was the owner of a small chemist’s shop in London Street. He expanded to Bedford Street, and then took over a factory in Chapelfield Road. To keep his workers busy in winter he started making cocoa in 1886. Caley’s Marching Chocolate was used as rations for soldiers during the first world war. The factory was destroyed by second world war bomb-

-ing during 1942; rebuilt, it was later taken over by chocolate makers Rowntree Mackintosh, then Nestle, before closing finally in the 1990s. For some years derelict, the site now forms part of the new shopping mall.

During the early 20th century, the elaborate serpentine walks were simplified, and the pagoda /pavilion was restored before demolition in 1949. When the city’s inner ring road was built in 1963, the Drill Hall was demolished and the corner of the gardens where Chapel Field Road meets Chapel Field North was lost. The site has since remained a public garden in City Council ownership. Norwich was once described as the city of gardens for its many green spaces. The need to build housing has put paid to that, but Chapelfield Gardens is still a reminder of the past. It remains a popular spot for city people to relax in, as well as hosting annual fun fairs.

Chapel Field Society to protect the site. A striking modern sculpture in the gardens commemorates an Elizabethan character named Will Kemp. An actor, comedian and contemporary of Shakespeare, in 1599 he set out on his Nine-Day Wonder, when he morris-danced his way from London to Norwich accompanied by musicians. Must have seemed a good idea at the time.

are still there. Perhaps the first thing today’s audience probably think of when hearing mention of the name, is the indoor Intu Shopping Centre which opened on Wednesday 21st September 2005. Several thousand visitors go “intu” it each year to explore the wellknown brand names!

But in 1998, a proposal to build skateboard facilities there led to protest, and the formation of the

And in conclusion, Chapelfield still hasn’t lost its pull to attract people. No Reservoir nor Pavillion as before now, but the outdoor gardens

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 (Box fit with Ric at 11am to 1130am). Wednesday 9am 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 £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, 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

STALHAM & DISTRICT BRANCH, ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Meet every third Thursday at 1230 in the Swan public house in Stalham High street We are currently looking for new committee members If you are interested in a position please come along to a meeting of contact Robert Glenister email robert.glenister@yahoo.com or via our Facebook page facebook.com/stalhamroyalbritishlegion You will receive a very friendly welcome!

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.

Advertise on

The next edition of THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK will be for late summer; August/September.

We hope you enjoy June & July here in the wonderful Norfolk Boards area!

If you’re visiting; “A huge welcome!”

If you’re a local resident; let’s appreciate how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful part of England!

WHB TWINNING ASSOCIATION

WROXHAM AND HOVETON

LIONS CLUB

We are all hoping that this lovely weather keeps up for our Flotilla and Picnic, planned for Saturday 21st June. It is always a fun day with our boat owners taking us out on the river and rafting up for a picnic on one of the broads. We also have a Lunchtime Garden Party and Pre-trip Briefing on Sunday 6th July at Robert and Margaret’s to look forward to, a bring-a-plate buffet, which is always a delicious spread. Look out for more details on our Twinning Website, which our secretary, Joan, has revitalised and you can find it on https://wroxham-hbtwinning.org.uk Please do look it up for more information about our association, our events, photos etc. Our main event is, of course, the visit to our French Twinning friends in La Pommeraye and Montjeansur-Loire, 9-15th August. We are hoping as many members as possible will join us, but we always have room for more on our executive coach and have great fun en route also, including free lunch on the ferry. We are spending the first night in Rouen with dinner, bed and breakfast included and a guided tour and free time the next day in this lovely, historic city, before continuing to our destination and five nights with our French hosts, their wonderful hospitality, local excursions etc. Do get in touch if you’d like to join in all the fun. Book Club had their usual gettogether on Wednesday, 21st May to discuss Sue’s choice of “Guard her with your Life” by Joy Ellis. Pat can supply more information on pat.barkergreen@btinternet.com or 07879 454052

For more information generally, please contact our new chairperson, Liz, on powellea@btinternet.com or 07484 897754

I really don’t know where the time is going, but here we are half way through the year. After the lovely Spring weather, let’s hope we are as lucky during the Summer. With this in mind, we are in full swing organising this year’s Hoveton Village Charity Fete, which is being held at Hoveton Village Hall and Playing Field on Sunday 3rd August 10am to 4pm.There is lots to see and do and we are hoping to match last year’s record entry of 124 classic vehicles.

We still have spaces for stalls on the field and booking forms for these, as well as classic cars, are available to download on our web site.

https:/ wroxhamandhovetonlions.org

The spring weather and Easter period marked the start of a noticeable increase in footfall in our charity shop, which this year is celebrating its 25th anniversary. We are always happy to receive donations of items in good clean condition, including fully working small electricals. We are particularly pleased to receive donations of good clean items of Bric a Brac, so if you are having a sort out, please bear us in mind. If you are not able to get to the shop, collection can be

arranged, by telephoning 01603 783737.

On the social front, in May I joined West Norwich Lions for their annual Charter Dinner and this month, will celebrate with Taverham Lions Club at their 39th Charter.

Closer to home, at the end of the month I will be carrying out my last duty in my year as President, when I hand over the Presidential Chain to my successor, Lion Dennis Moxon, who will oversee the clubs 50th year of service in Wroxham and Hoveton.

I wish him a successful year.

I would like to personally thank all the members of the public who have made donations to our charity shop and supported both me and our Club during the year.

It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve the Community as President the Club during this time.

Ron Hill President Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Club CIO.

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

Children can grow their imaginations with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge: Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors, which launches in Norfolk libraries on Saturday 5 July.

Developed by The Reading Agency and delivered 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.

This year’s theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature. They can also join in with free Story Garden activities at their local library.

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.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge features artwork from awardwinning illustrator Dapo Adeola, whose stunning illustrations will bring the Story Garden theme to life; creating an enchanting world where children can find magical creatures, plants and flowers to

inspire their next reading adventure.

Find out more at www.norfolk.gov.uk/ summerreadingchallenge

·Just a Cuppa, every Tuesday 10.00 – 12pm. Come along for a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.

·Send Café Friendly and supportive sessions aimed at children with SEND. Meet up with other families, share ideas and have some fun, including a lego activity! The cafes are free, on a drop-in basis, so no booking required, the next date is 24th June 3.15 – 4.15pm.

·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. Change of day to first Wednesday of every month 1-3pm.

·Crafting New time 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. Thursday 5th June and Thursday 19th June 2.00 – 4.00pm.

·Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcome -Thursday 12th June 2.00-4:00pm. 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 June. 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

Visit our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ wroxhamlibraryofficial for updates on events and activities. www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries

Womack Herons is a friendly group of retirees sharing friendship and fun; Why not come and join us? We have a year-round programme of get-togethers, all within easy reach of Norwich, including meals out, bowling, walks, talks and visits – see the updated website: www.womackherons.org.uk for activity and Club details. To book or for enquiries contact Tricia@womackherons.org.uk Activities in June and July are: Thurs 5th June: Train from Wroxham, or drive, to Sheringham with lunch at The Lobster Inn at 12.30pm. Book by 28th May Sat 21st June: Summer BBQ in the garden in Ludham from 12.30pm. BYO food to cook, drinks and chairs.

Tues 8th July: Visit to Felbrigg Hall; time to explore the house, grounds and gardens; then tea together in the ‘Pantry’. Book by 1st July. Entrance fee/Parking charge for nonNT members.

Sat 26th July: Picnic on Fisherman’s Green, How Hill, at 12.30pm. BYO picnic and chairs.

WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB

By the time you read this, we will have completed our duties manning the entrance at the annual Strumpshaw Steam Rally event held over the late May holiday weekend. A full report next time. Also, in May a group of members and partners spent a fantastic time on a trip to eastern Croatia, arranged by one of our members, Vera who was born and spent her childhood in that area. We will be reporting back to the club at a future date and would welcome guests at that meeting to hear about a fascinating yet non touristy part of Europe.

At the end of June, we have our handover meeting, when our new president Chris Billing takes over.

This year we celebrate our twentyyear anniversary and handover is being combined with Charter night in a special event at Norfolk Broads Yacht Club.

We also continue to have a great programme of interesting speakers lined up for our weekly Monday evening meetings at Wroxham Barns. 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, Kelvin Dore, on 07798 786944.

BROADLAND MODEL RAILWAYCLUB

Exhibition season is well underway, by the time you read this we will have exhibited our layout “Herrington” at the Norwich Model Railway Show in Hellesdon. This layout has undergone a significant upgrade, again check out the images on the website. STOP PRESS “Herrington” won the Best in Show award at Hellesdon 12th April 2025. We also had a small display at the Stalham Town Meeting and actually got included in their photos which can be viewed on the Stalham Town Council website.

Our next Club show is on Sunday May 25th in the Hoveton Village Hall, there will be a number of club and visiting layouts on show plus traders and second-hand stalls; refreshments will be available and there is free parking.

Next we will have a single layout at the Catfield Village Fete on June 22nd then at the Stalham Artisan Street Fayre on July 20th. We will be holding a full exhibition on August 24th (bank holiday Sunday) at the Poppy Centre in Stalham,

watch for the posters with full details and as ever check out our website for the latest news. The Stalham High School project is proceeding well, the track wiring is in place and the MERG modules for point operation are complete. One student actually took one these kits of electronic parts home and completed it – it passed its tests with flying colours. The team are busy, we will be track testing, painting and ballasting in the coming weeks as well as starting work on the scenery and kit building of the railway architecture (station, goods shed, loco shed etc.) The students have already painted many of the miniature figures, including holding a “people painting pasta party” during the Easter break. They have also chosen a name for the fictitious place they are modelling – “Hamstal Green” which will include elements of the original railway in Stalham. As always, we are interested in hearing from potential new members, full contact information is on the website: www.broadlandmodelrailwayclub.c o.uk

HORNING YARD & TABLE TOP SAFARI

HORNING VILLAGE