Community Events & What’s On...

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STALHAM COMMUNITY GYM 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, airconditioned 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 (Boxfit 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.

Aternatively, 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 - We are relaunching the branch and are seeking members, new and existing, to join us at our new monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month from 7.00pm, at the Swan Public House, High Street, Stalham. Meetings will be of an informal, social nature, with the accent on a regular meet, greet and friendly chat for ex-service personnel, their families and friends, living in Stalham and surrounding villages. All are welcome, whether ex-Forces or otherwise. For further information please contact Robert Glenister email robert.glenister@yahoo.com or via our facebook page, www.facebook.com/ stalhamroyalbritishlegion

HORNING BRIDGE CLUB Further information can be found on our website: www.bridgewebs.com/ horning or telephone Ann Riley (chairman) – 01603 782009.

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

April/May Events

6HS. Local artists and makers exhibiting pictures and crafts including wood turning and studio pottery.

WOMACK HERONS is a friendly social group with a year round programme of events in the Northern Broads and Norwich areas. We meet once or twice a month, usually mid-week. Our gettogethers could include a pleasant walk, a quiz, talk or visit to a place of interest, but always offer the opportunity to eat together -a picnic, BBQ or a pub meal. Being on the Broads, some of our activities are riverside, however all events are accessible by road. We welcome visitors and new members; membership is £5pp/pa. For information and full details of events see www.womackherons.org.uk; to book contact Tricia at tricia@womackherons.org.uk or 07931 301606.

Our events for April and May are:

Tues 18th April: Fish & Chips followed by a talk by a Hemsby Lifeboat Volunteer. Ludham Church Hall 7pm. Book by 5th April.

Thurs 4th May: Coltishall area walk followed by afternoon Tea at the Norfolk Mead Hotel. Walk starts at 1.30pm, Tea at 3pm. Book by 1st April with £5pp deposit.

Thurs 25th May: BYO Picnic at Gay’s Staithe (nr Neatishead) 12.30pm.

Whb Twinning Association

We have received more details about our Twinning visit to La Pommeraye and Montjean-surLoire this summer, a list of hosts for everyone and confirmation of our itinerary while there including visits to one of the stunning Loire chateaux, the Cointreau distillery in Angers, the famous Puy du Fou attraction in the Vendée and many more treats, I’m sure. We have a lovely overnight stay and visit to Monet’s gardens at Giverny to look forward to as well: roll on 9-15th August.

18th March saw many members and friends at the Wroxham Church Hall for our very enjoyable Quiz and Supper evening, a lovely fun and social evening, as well as making some money for the visit of our French counterparts next year. Many thanks to Roger, Pat, George and Linda for their excellent quiz compilation and scoring and to our caterers, Sue, Pat, Caro, Robert, Margaret and Sheila, our raffle organiser, Carole and everyone who helped on the night. Book Club in March saw us discussing Kamila Shamsie’s “Burnt Shadows”, chosen by Maggie, quite an epic tale from the second world war to the more recent terrorist campaigns. Pat can get copies of most of our books from Wroxham library, who are always very helpful, and can supply more information for now on 01603 782375 or pat.barkergreen@btinternet.com.F or any more information please contact us, via Peter, on 01603 782733 or peter_c_milsted@talk21.com

North Walsham Taster Chess Tournament

Fifty children and adults (aged 7 to 86 years) took part in a 4-round chess tournament at North Walsham Community Centre on Friday 17th February. The event was organised by Norfolk County Chess Association (NCCA) in conjunction with North Walsham Library Chess Club (NWLCC) and was aimed at raising the profile of NWLCC and giving inexperienced players a taste of playing competitive chess. The main winners were: David Owen (Aylsham) - Open Section, Eliot Etheridge (N Walsham) - Over 11s, Tekshan Malempati (Norwich) - Under 11s & Raksheta Sriram (Norwich) - Under 9s.

During the event, NWLCC was presented with 4 new chess sets. These were provided by the charity ‘Chess in Schools and Communities’ www.chessinschools.co.uk. In addition, Cllr. Lucy Shires generously donated a ‘demonstration board’ - to help with future training sessions.

Some of the funds raised from the tournament will be used to pay for FM Martin Walker http:// martinwalkerchess.weebly.com/ to run training during NWLCC’s Friday afternoon sessions (from 4.00pm to 6.00pm).

North Walsham Deputy Mayor Cllr. Bob Wright presented the prizes and commented:

“It is lovely to see children and adults taking such an interest in learning and playing chess. This was a very successful eventlargely due to the combined efforts of NCCA and NWLCC volunteers. Hopefully, North Walsham can aspire to soon having its own chess team.”

Fay Sheldon - NCC Development Worker commented:

“We were really pleased to host this first N Walsham chess tournament and hope there will be many more. The Friday afternoon and early evening chess sessions at N Walsham Library also seem to be going really well. These are very relaxed, informal sessions - focusing on younger, less-experienced, players at the start and mature players, of all abilities, at the end. The new equipment and training should help the club develop further. Anyone interested in getting involved as a player, or as a helper (ideally an experienced player to support the juniors and newer players), can talk to library staff or contact me via Mob: 07450 655475 or e-mail fay.sheldon@norfolk.gov.uk “

To find the locations of Norfolk Chess Clubs (including Aylsham, Broadland & North Norfolk) visit: www.norfolkchess.org/clubs.html

Details of other venues offering ‘face-to-face chess’ can be found via Norfolk Community Directory at: www.communitydirectory.norfolk. gov.uk

Wroxham Library

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

NEW Coding Club Every Saturday 2-3pm, Ages 7 -11, limited to two spaces. To book a place please call us on 01603 782560 or email wroxham.lib@libraries.norfolk.gov.uk

· Chess. Last Thursday of the month, 27th April, 10.30 - midday. Beginner’s welcome.

· Lego and Art club. Every Wednesday 3.30 - 4.30pm. Put your building skills to the test or relax and get creative at our combined Lego and Art Club. For children aged 5 -11. Under 8s must be accompanied.

· Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday 6th April, 2.00- 4.00pm and Thursday 20th April 2.00 –4.00pm.

· Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 13th April 2.00-4:00pm. Please bring your own board and cards if you have them.

· Scrabble Club Last Thursday of each month from 2.00-4.00pm. Thursday 27th April. 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

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

· Our Bounce and Rhyme sessions take place on Wednesday at 10.30am. No need to book just drop in and sing along!

· Story Explorers, is a reading adventure for children aged 0 – 5. To sign up and find out more, simply visit the library and speak to a member of staff.

· 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.

· Book one 60 or 120 minute session per day on a computer Contact the library on 01603 782560.

· Return items through the drop box or self-service kiosks

· Download the FREE Spydus app to check out books on your smartphone Download eBooks, audio books, newspapers and magazines by visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries

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

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

East Norfolk Operatic Society

The East Norfolk Operatic Society present the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera ‘Iolanthe’ at The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich from Wednesday 3rd May 2023 to Sunday 7th May 2023.

‘Iolanthe’ is Gilbert and Sullivan at their best. Gilbert's hilarious satire on the House of Lords and the role of women in politics is complemented by Sullivan's sparkling music, making this one of the most popular of the G&S cannon. ENOS's exciting new production moves the action forward to the Roaring Twenties, promising a magical evening of melodious merriment.

Performances are at 7.30 pm each evening to Saturday with a matinee show on Sunday 7th May at 2.30 pm.

Tickets are priced £16.50. Students seats are available for the Friday evening performance at a reduced price of £10. The theatre will offer a 25% discount on bookings of 8 or more.

To reserve a seat, contact the Theatre Box office 01603 620917 or online www.maddermarket.co.uk

29th & 30th July, 2023

The Worstead Festival raised more than £25,000 for local good causes last year. Well over 10,000 people took the opportunity to have fun over the two days of the event, billed as Norfolk’s Greatest Day Out For All the Family!

After the last two years it was so good to see so many people attend the festival again," said the Chair of the Trustees, Jane Bond. ”Seeing so many families enjoying a day out together gave me the most pleasure, we can’t wait to do it all again.“

The headline attraction on the 29th and 30th of July this year will be the equestrian stunt rider, Guido Louis. He‘s returned to the UK from a successful run of performances in Las Vegas. He promises a thrilling spectacle of fast paced riding on his three beautiful horses, with and without saddles.

The show-ring will also feature the return of The Starting Handle Club 50 years after the amazing array of vintage tractors first appeared at the festival. There‘ll be a spaniel display and a chance to show and race your own pet dogs. Elsewhere Derek Spanton‘s heavy horses give a glimpse of how farming used to be. The popular LEGO display returns and other attractions include archery, climbing walls, a petting farm, the circus and lots of activities for the children. There‘ll be live music all day with top local talent followed by a silent disco. Worstead Festival office@worsteadfestival.org www.worsteadfestival.org do it without you.” Those to benefit from money raised last year were The North Norfolk and District Foodbank, St. Mary’s Church, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Worstead & District Riding School for the Disabled, Broadland First Responders and Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. The local primary school is also hatching some ambitious plans.

Company Reg: 06946197 Charity Number: 1046256 Some of the regions top chefs will demonstrate their talents and share their culinary secrets. The spectacular St Mary‘s church will also be open with a flower festival, weavers and choirs.

The Made in Worstead marquee will highlight local artisans and there‘s an art exhibition for painters. Talented people from around the county have booked up almost all the pitches for their stalls. More space has been made available and can be booked at our website worsteadfestival.org Mrs Bond says, “We keep the entry price low so that families can afford to have a really good time on a budget. Children under 12 can enter for free and there’s free parking too.” “Thank you to all the volunteers and to the sponsors. We couldn’t