The Wroxham & Coltishall Book - April/May 24

Delivered bi-monthly to 8,000 homes & businesses in 18 villages

April/May 24

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Welcome… to the latest edition of

THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK… Hooray, British Summer Time has returned!

Following the Easter Holidays, hopefully we can expect slightly warmer weather here in the Norfolk Broads…

Should you be looking to get a little more active, you might like to consider participating in one of the events in our ‘Community Events & What’s On’ pages. There are always things taking place in and around the eighteen villages covered by THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK. Oh, and a quick “Good Luck” message to the 1200 dedicated runners taking to the 9:30am start line of The Norfolk Marathon on Sunday 28th April. The finish line is breathtaking; a stunning view of the sea at Cromer Pier. Spectators welcome!

Back to this edition; Guest celebrity is TV host Jay Blades MBE (pictured below) and The Repair Shop team - see centre pages...

Enjoy April & May!...

Tracey @BroadlandMediaLtd

What’s Inside…

Page:

Great Value Advertising!

For fees & sizes see inside rear cover or:

www.wacbook.co.uk Inclusion Deadline for June/July 24 edition is

10th May 2024 To contact us:

tracey@wacbook.co.uk Tele: 01603 717681 @TraceyWACBook @BroadlandMediaLtd Tracey De-Abreu

4 - Horning Boat Show 14 - Home & Interiors; Choosing a Sofa 26 - Beauty; Sleeping Beauty 28 - Cashback Sites 32 - Celebrities; Jay Blades & The Repair Shop Team 34 - Visiting the Alps in the Summer 35 - Wordsearch; US Presidents 36 - Health; Different uses & benefits of CBD 40 - Puzzle Page; Sudoku, Quiz, Pictogram & Two-Minute Trial 41 - Recipé; Crepes Suzette

44 - Gardening; A Time for Looking Up & Looking Down 46 - Motoring; New Renault Clio 48 - Community Events & What’s On 51 - Local Reports (to page 54) 55 - Jokes 56 - When a Ball Told the Time!

by Chris Weston 57 - Did you Know?

57 - Quiz Answers 58 - Wroxham FC 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.

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WHEN A BALL TOLD THE TIME!!

by Chris Weston

On 15th November 2019, I wrote on an incident described as Norwich’s ‘Great Blow’. This concerned a huge explosion involving gunpowder hitherto stored in a city centre building, and was referred to by some, as Norwich’s Big Bang. It was a somewhat drastic and certainly ‘unplanned’ event.

But more recently, I discovered something vaguely similar, which was once an official daily event in the city. And its highlight quite definitely was, its ‘big bang’. So read on to find out what this could possi- Castle was once, equipment known bly have been and where it hapas the Norwich Time Ball. At prepened!! cisely 10 a.m. every day and ‘exploded’ electrically by a signal During my years as a 1950’s Norfrom Greenwich, current to make wich Cathedral chorister I was this happen reached the city shown one day, a rarely seen obthrough the GPO network. When it ject. Partly hidden in one of the cathedral’s pulpits, it was described arrived, the Time Ball was immedito me by a Verger as an Hourglass, ately activated by electro-magnet whose purpose was to regulate the and a detonator, causing the ball to amount of time a clergyman should drop and produce a single loud bang. Audible around the city cenbe allowed to preach a sermon tre, the noise allowed all who heard during a Service!! The nearest it to check accurately, their clocks 1950’s equivalent I had seen at home was a much smaller version, or watches. used as a boiled egg timer ranging There was however local concern from 3 to 5 minutes depending on at the Castle that the daily the amount of softness or hardness ‘thumping’ exercise could over time of the egg required, when conharm the building’s structure, which sumed. This was two see-through may explain why the “ball-banging glasses joined as one in the centre. ball system” had a relatively short It swivelled so salt or sand in the life. upper half could gradually drop into the lower half. When next required, Made of iron in 1900, the ball’s structure was soon replaced by the ‘glass’ was turned round and one of canvas and wood. This the process repeated. version would land on a sprung So, I was somewhat fascinated to platform and its softer daily blow find by chance one day how in was predicted to reduce possible Norwich and doubtless also elsedamage to the Keep below it. The where, time was checked daily and system was first used on Friday publicly, at a specified time. And 10th August 1900 and continued its given the time period during which daily routine for over 30 years. this system operated; its method You may be familiar with tales of seemed quite ingenious. staff in large buildings climbing For lodged on the north-west cordaily the stairs to rewind clocks, but ner of the battlements at Norwich Norwich had its own ‘quirk’. That’s

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LOCAL HISTORY

because while it lasted, this daily time-check required an operating attendant to climb up on to a platform mounted high above and thus overlooking the city below. On arrival, he would re-hoist the ball in readiness for the following day’s performance.

1938 was a big year for Norwich and was marked by certain events.

First came the end of the Time Ball which became redundant around April / May after BBC time signals were thought to be a suitable alternative. Then on Monday 20th June 1938, Norwich welcomed the arrival of the new City Hall single bell.

This was duly unloaded and raised 185 feet up into its belfry. A month before this, the earlier Time Ball on the battlements of the Castle, had already been dismantled. And finally in the autumn on Saturday 29th October 1938, Norwich’s current City Hall behind the Market, was officially opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Today, city-folk are given hourly time checks by the City Hall’s bell.

But in the previous system’s time if any error caused the detonator to activate early or late, almost instantly heated correspondence broke out in the local press!! © Chris Weston, April 2024

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ROYS OF WROXHAM

Roys of Wroxham has expanded their range of local wines with the addition of the award-winning Burn Valley Vineyard.

Roys is committed to supporting local producers and currently stocks over 1000 local products.

Supporting local businesses has been a part of Roys' mission for 130 years for many reasons including supporting the local economy, reducing the carbon footprint, and simply because customers like local products, often more than national ones!

Director at Roys, “We’re delighted to have another great local supplier in Roys’ range. Viticulture in Norfolk appears to be in robust health as the terroir and climate of Norfolk becomes recognised, not just in the UK, but on the world stage. A combination of factors, it appears, produces wines with the potential for outstanding quality. The work Burn Valley are achieving in doing this is exciting and I am very glad to welcome them to Roys. I’m hopeful we can stimulate the same success in Norfolk wines at Roys that we have had in our local beers, stocking most if not all of the best in our stores. What more can I say? We love our work and will continue our endeavours to source these unique, interesting products for our customers.”

Roys are stocking 6 varieties of Burn Valley wine including Pinot noir rose, Schonburger and Solaris Black Label available initially from the Food Hall in Hoveton.

NEW BOOK FROM LOCAL AUTHOR KAREN ALLEN

designer and she encouraged me to do it, I saw Jo who runs her art stall at a local farm shop, I loved her quirky style and as the weeks went on we became friends and I asked if she could draw spiders and other insects, I think she thought I was a bit odd but said yes! I said I’m working on something and would be in touch. It went from there really, there was a lot of laughing, coffee and cake had! A few emotional tears as it became more and more real, seeing my story with Jo’s illustrations in a mockup book was very exciting and we both had tears (again). Gail had done an amazing job for me doing the artwork and graphic design. Seeing my idea become a childrens book is very exciting, there’s a lot of interactions in the book, counting and naming the insects with a game at the back. I hope to do more adventures with the little spiders if this book does well.

The book is based on 5 little spiders who go on adventures and help their friends and make new ones, it’s all about helping each other, working together and being kind really.

The book is called: Little spiders BiG ADVENTURES and is on Amazon.co.uk

Burn Valley Vineyard, based not far from Fakenham, is the latest addition to Roys' collection of local suppliers. Established in 2016, the vineyard was created to diversify the existing family farming business. The vineyard covers a 12 WHERRY MAUD TRUST acre south facing site, which is ARTISTS & MAKERS predominantly chalk and flint and SHOW 2024 only four miles from the coast.

They have planted nine different Artists & Makers Show types of vines to give rise to a variSun 5th May & Mon 6th May. 10-5. ety of different wines, including Ranworth Village Hall, Ranworth sparkling, red, white, rose, dessert, NR13 6HS. and even vermouths. Each vintage Local artists and makers exhibiting has won awards locally and nation- BUSINESS SERVICE PROVIDERS: pictures and crafts including woodally.

Don’t miss out! Come and join turning us! and studio pottery.

Free entry. Refreshments.

Laura, owner of Burn Valley is Karen’s story: Display your contact details on these glossy pagesFundraising and generate for Norfolk Wherry pleased to be working alongside I have jumping spiders love new enquiries forand your business.

"Maud".

Roys, “We are so happy to havevaluable macro photography and thought See inside rear cover for our great value fees - can you afford not to? started this partnership with Roys. how nice it would be to write a story Contact: www.wherrymaudtrust.org We have good placement along the for Luca, one of our 4 grandchiltracey@wacbook.co.uk T: 01603 717681 North Norfolk coast but are always dren, who is obsessed by them and open to new local stockists to has his own spider, he loves nature spread the Burn Valley brand far and animals. and wide”.

I mentioned my idea to my friend Paul Roy, Buying and Marketing Gail D"Almaine who is graphic

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THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK (See inside rear cover for sizes & great value prices).

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Community Events & What’s On...

You can use this page to send your FREE message to 8,000 households and businesses!

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 NEATISHEAD COMMUNITY GYM - Friendly, relaxed, takes all & Picture Quiz winner leaves with a FREE affordable, local gym open to all (12+), but especially bottle of wine! catering for older age groups and those who are unNORTH WALSHAM PHOTOGRAPHIC GROUP comfortable in a commercial gym. Excellent support meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 7.30pm at from experienced instructor. If you want to improve Salvation Army Hall, Hall Lane, North Walsham. Deyour fitness or mobility, at whatever level, give us a tails from Secretary, Liz Fiddy, on 01692 582793 or try! Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays 8.30 to 12.30 at New Victory Hall, Neatishead. Ring or text email trevorandliz@talktalk.net Gary on our FREE TRIAL HOTLINE of 07387 876216, TIDDLERS BABY & TODDLER GROUP. Meeting at or email gym@victoryhall.info for other enquiries.

Horstead Tithe Barn, every Wednesday during term time, 10 - 11.30am. £2 per family. Lots of lovely toys COLTISHALL & HORSTEAD PRE-SCHOOL - Monfor children, cuppa and a chat for you. day to Wednesday 9.00am to 12pm and 12pm to Email: tiddlerstoddlergroup@gmail.com for more info 3pm, Thursday and Friday 9.00am to 12pm. For 2 years upwards. Held at Coltishall Community Centre, or just come along.

Rectory Road. OFSTED Graded ‘GOOD’. WelcomAYLSHAM CHESS CLUB Meets at Aylsham & Dising all families to join our active playgroup including trict Ex-Service & Social Club on Monday evenings regular allotment and local primary school visduring the Sep - Jun season. Contact: David Owen its. Please phone our friendly team: 07539 928124 (Club Secretary), Tel: 01263 731327, e-mail: Charity number: 1164338. davidowen364@btinternet.com COLTISHALL AND HORSTEAD WI meet on the 3rd COMMUNITY CAFÉ AT THE HUB Come and join us Wednesday of the month at the Church Rooms, Rec- for a cuppa, a slice of homemade cake & a chat! We tory Road. Coltishall at 2.30pm. Details; please phone meet every Thursday from 10.30-12pm at Wroxham & Rosie Howell on 01603 737762.

Hoveton United Reformed Church (The Hub), 114 Norwich Rd, Wroxham, NR12 8SA. We are open to HAUTBOIS DISTRICT RANGERS meet alternative all and there's no charge.

Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm. We're a small group of girls aged 14+ looking for more people to join us. We do a 1st COLTISHALL GUIDES. We are a charitable variety of different activities from camping, to shoporganisation who deliver broad programmes of activiping, kayaking to performing! If you're interested or ties for the development of young girls and womwant more information please call Gina 07775 en. The Guide group caters for 10-14 year olds 520911. providing them with a safe environment in which they can develop both personally and socially. Email: HORNING ART CLASS is held on Thursday afterfirstcoltishallguides@gmail.com or contact Claire on noons at 2 o’clock in the Village Hall Annexe. We 07826 444 046. have an excellent tutor on hand to give guidance or tuition in all media. We are a friendly group with a BUXTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB. mixed range of abilities and styles. Interested We are a small friendly club catering for all levels and in joining us ? Please ring Paula Kerrison on 07881 styles of photography, we meet the 1st and 3rd Monday 632436. of the month, at 7.30pm in Buxton Village Hall, in POKER - Every Sunday at the Diplomat in Badersfield Buxton. for further details contact: (RAF Colt) we have a weekly league games for points info@buxtonphotographicclub.co.uk or contact John that qualify you for 3 Regional finals & 3 National final on 07526777962. Full details of program can be found here: www.buxtonphotographicclub.co.uk competitions. £3.50 a week registers your points

Regular Events

THE NEEDLES - At Broadland Youth & Community Centre Hoveton on Tuesday’s 10-4pm. If you stitch knit, crochet, patchwork, do dressmaking and would DANCE FOR FUN - is a fun dance club teaching children 6 and upwards Ballet, Tap, Disco & Gymnas- like help with zips, hems, casting on or can help others,? Come along and share your skills and tips or tic Dance. We meet Wednesday evening from 6 to 8pm in Smallburgh village hall. The club takes part in learn something new and let’s have some fun and many community events through the year. If your child chat. For more information contact Margaret on 07503 is interested in coming to see what we do please pop 902963. along any Wednesday evening. online at The Nuts Poker League. Play starts at 7.30pm see you there! New players welcome.

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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 Cont….

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Community Events & What’s On...

You can use this page to send your FREE message to 8,000 households and businesses!

Regular Events

April/May 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.

STALHAM & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY All to be held in the Poppy Centre, Recreation Road, Stalham, NR12 9BH 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start, Raffle and refreshments.

See website for full details www.stalhamhorticultural.uk Saturday 6th April – Annual Spring Show Friday 19th April “Gardening for Shade” speaker from the Walnut Tree Nursery. *There will be plants for sale* Friday 17th May “Companion Planting” speaker Andrew Sankey.

HORNING LADIES CLUB - Hi Ladies, have you heard about Horning Ladies Lunch Club?

We are a friendly group, who meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month, at the Old Rectory Hotel in Crostwick. We enjoy a lovely 2 course meal, which is followed by a talk from a guest speaker, which is different every month.

We are continuing to go from strength to strength, and have welcomed 12 new members since January 🙂🙂 You do not have to live in Horning, to Join us, all are welcome.

If you are interested, please contact Tricia Elson by e mail at ladieslunchclub@btinternet.com, or call her on.07931 301606. We hope to welcome you soon.

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THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK ~ At the heart of our community ~

WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB

By the time you read this Easter will be upon us and we will be closing in on one of our busiest times of the year.

At the beginning of May we will be at the Horning Boat Show, happy to explain more about what we do, and hoping to attract some new members, as well as running our popular 50/50 raffle. At the end of May (24th,25th and 26th) we will be manning the entrance gates at Strumpshaw Steam Fair, and in between over the weekend of 18th and 19th we will be out at Wroxham Barns, helping to man their “Meet the Farmer” weekend. While all these events help us to raise more for our charity account, allowing us to give even more to good causes both locally and internationally, not everything we do is about money.

Our members also give a lot of time to local projects to support our local communities. These include litter picking, helping refugees who arrive here settle in to our Norfolk way of life and more recently a group of members are embarking on a project with St John’s School in Hoveton to provide support for one to one reading with some of their pupils.

If any of this sounds of interest then please contact us, come along to one of our Monday night meetings to find out more about us, or chat to us when we are out and about.

Meantime, you can 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.co m and sign up, selecting Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club as your chosen cause. You can also support us directly by visiting our page on the www.totalgiving.co.uk web site.

Meantime, we hope everyone stays safe, happy, and healthy.

Remember, in the true Rotary

spirit of “Service above Self” we have members ready and willing to help out in the local community wherever the need arises. If you fancy joining us for a vibrant, sociable, active, and fun club experience, please contact our president, Kelvin Dore, on 07798 786944

WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB I hope all of you who attended our Craft Fair enjoyed browsing the numerous stalls, found something that you liked and enjoyed the food and refreshments. We’d like to thank James, the owner of “Bridgestones of Potter Cafe/ Restaurant,” for the donation of a cake. All the proceeds, after disbursements, will be used to help local charities and good causes.

Community at Heart Lottery results are in!

A winning ticket is potentially a week away with the chance of winning £25000 and also each ticket will be entered into the monthly “Super Draw”. We thank you for your continued support.

If you haven't signed up yet visit our page www.communityatheartlottery.co m/support/wroxham-andhoveton-lions-club Our Lions Shop in the Hoveton precinct continues to do good business but we are always on the lookout for good quality Bric a Brac or clean clothing, so please bring them along or we can collect – just ring our shop on 01603 783737.

Would you like to volunteer to help in the shop? If so, drop into the shop and talk to a member of staff.

Don’t forget our Fete is coming up on Sunday August 4th at the Village Hall. We are taking bookings for Craft, General Stalls and Charity stalls, as well as Classic Cars and other vehicles.

If you are interested in joining us, please go to our website wroxhamandhovetonlions.org and click on the link “Fundraising Events” or “Hoveton Village Fete 2024” where you can download a booking form.

Fancy getting involved and enjoying being part of the worlds largest Service Organisation?

Its easy - Just contact our Membership Chairperson, Ron Hill using the ‘Learn More” link on our website www.wroxhamandhovetonlions. org You can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com > wroxhamandhovetonlions or our website https:// wroxhamandhovetonlions.org We, as always, look forward to seeing or hearing from you.

Lion Mick Holden, President.

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WROXHAM LIBRARY

Please bring your own board and cards if you have them.

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Download the FREE Spydus app to check out books on your · Scrabble Club Last Thursday smartphone of each month from 2.00-4.00pm.

Download eBooks, audio books, Thursday 25th April. All welcome. newspapers and magazines by Thinking of starting up or grow- visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/ libraries ing your own business? As a local Business and IP Centre, we Use our self-service Baby Weigh have free access to a wide range Scales on request. of business resources at Wroxham Housebound Library Service Below are some of the events library. Find out more at: If you are unable to get out to the and services we offer but see www.norfolk.gov.uk/bipcnorfolk library to get your library books, we our Facebook page or call the library on 01603 782560. · Just a Cuppa, every Tuesday can bring them to you! Details from the library.

10.00 – 12pm. Come along for a · Computer Buddy Volunteer friendly chat over a cup of tea or Our normal opening hours are Vacancy If you feel you could sup- coffee and a biscuit. below, though please check for port people in developing their IT updates on our Facebook and skills and help them in overcoming · Our Bounce and Rhyme Webpages. We have further excommon computer problems consessions take place on Wednesday tended our opening hours with tact the library for more information at 10.30am. No need to book just the Open Library service – conabout applying. drop in and sing along! tact the library for more information.

NEW International Welcome Free · Story Explorers, is a reading advice and support for newly aradventure for children aged 0 – 5. · Monday: Closed rived communities, with issues such as housing, employment, and To sign up and find out more, simp· Tuesday: 10 - 7 language, also library access. Drop ly visit the library and speak to a member of staff.

-in sessions Thursday 10.30 · Wednesday: 10- 7 12.30pm. Or email migrantsup· Family History – Use our free port@norfolk.gov.uk · Thursday: 10-7 access to Find My Past any time · Autism Social Group Come the library is open. Drop-in on · Friday: 10-7 to a friendly social group for a cup- Wednesday and Friday evenings pa and a chat. No need to book, all between 4.00pm and 6.00pm to get · Saturday: 10- 4 advice from Diane, our family and welcome. Change of day first local history expert.

Sunday: Closed Wednesday of every month 1-3pm.

Crafting Alternate Saturdays (staff dependent), 10.30am – 3pm.

Aimed at children aged 5 -11 (under 8s require supervision).

Coding Club Every Saturday 23pm, 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

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Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday 4th April, 2.00- 4.00pm and Thursday 18th April 2.00 – 4.00pm.

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Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcome Thursday 11th April 2.00-4:00pm.

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Book one 60 or 120 minute session per day on a computer.

Contact the library on 01603 782560.

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Return items through the drop box or self-service kiosks

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 social group with a year round programme of events, these are usually mid-week and may be a walk, picnic, visit to a place of interest, BBQ, bowling or even a quiz, but always with the opportunity to share a meal together. We welcome visitors at all our gettogethers; membership is just £5pp/pa. For more information and details of our programme see www.womackherons.org.uk To book contact Tricia at tricia@womackherons.org.uk or 07931 301606.

Our programme for April and May offers: Tuesday April 9th: Lunch at The Fur & Feathers, Woodbastwick at 12.30pm. Book by April 2nd.

Friday April 26th: Spring Walk in Southrepps starting at 11am, followed by lunch at The Vernon Arms at 12.30pm. Book for walk and/or lunch by 18th April.

Thursday May 9th: Visit to East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens. Meet at 2pm. Optional Afternoon Tea in the Café. Entry to Gardens: £13pp Wednesday 22nd May: Picnic on Fisherman’s Green, How Hill at 12.30pm. BYO picnic.

WHB TWINNING ASSOCIATION We now have confirmed numbers from our French friends in La Pommeraye and Montjean-sur-Loire, who are here Sunday 11th-Friday 16th August 2024, and we are delighted that they are bringing a party of fifty-one to match our numbers of last year. There are a few new faces to find hosts for, so we’ll be getting on to that very shortly.

In our programme so far, we have the Hippodrome circus in Great Yarmouth, a guided Norwich tour, beach games, a ceilidh in Hoveton Village Hall and more: just need to order good weather now! Many thanks to our committee members

for their hard work and we’ll be meeting again in April to organise future events.

We are planning our next social event and fund raiser already, one of our “Call my Quaff” wine quizzes on 11th May in Wroxham Church Hall, so look out for details about that and be getting your teams of six ready for a great evening. Let us know when you have a team together and we’ll book you in, as there is limited space. We are also hoping to resurrect our popular “Flotilla Day”, if we can get enough members’ boats together, possibly on 22nd June.

Book Club is still on the third Wednesday of the month and still on Zoom for the benefit of our farflung and not so able members.

We continue to have a wide variety of reading matter with Aileen’s March choice of “The Map of Salt and Stars” by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar, touching on the Syrian war and refugee crisis and then in April “Should we stay or should we go” by Lionel Shriver. 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 For any more information please contact us, via Peter, on 01603 782733 or peter_c_milsted@talk21.com WHERRY MAUD TRUST ARTISTS & MAKERS SHOW 2024 Artists & Makers Show Sun 5th May & Mon 6th May. 10-5.

Ranworth Village Hall, Ranworth NR13 6HS. Local artists and makers exhibiting pictures and crafts including woodturning and studio pottery.

Free entry. Refreshments.

Fundraising for Norfolk Wherry "Maud".

Contact: www.wherrymaudtrust.org

EAST NORFOLK OPERATIC SOCIETY

The East Norfolk Operatic Society present ‘Oklahoma!’ at The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich from Wednesday 8th May 2024 to Saturday 11th May 2024.

Music By Richard Rodgers. Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Based on the play ‘Green Grow the Lilacs’ by Lynn Riggs. Original choreography by Agnes De Mille.

The groundbreaking musical that set the stage for all that followed!

Rodgers & Hammerstein's exuberant classic is a lively, tuneful musical full of cowboys, farmers, romance and fearless optimism.

This amateur production of OKLAHOMA! is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk Performances are at 7.30 pm each evening to Saturday with a matinee show on Saturday 7th May at 2.30 pm.

Tickets are priced £20. 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

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ROYS OF WROXHAM

Roys of Wroxham has expanded their range of local wines with the addition of the award-winning Burn Valley Vineyard.

Roys is committed to supporting local producers and currently stocks over 1000 local products.

Supporting local businesses has been a part of Roys' mission for 130 years for many reasons including supporting the local economy, reducing the carbon footprint, and simply because customers like local products, often more than national ones!

Burn Valley Vineyard, based not far from Fakenham, is the latest addition to Roys' collection of local suppliers. Established in 2016, the vineyard was created to diversify the existing family farming business. The vineyard covers a 12 acre south facing site, which is predominantly chalk and flint and only four miles from the coast.

They have planted nine different types of vines to give rise to a variety of different wines, including sparkling, red, white, rose, dessert, and even vermouths. Each vintage has won awards locally and nationally.

Director at Roys, “We’re delighted to have another great local supplier in Roys’ range. Viticulture in Norfolk appears to be in robust health as the terroir and climate of Norfolk becomes recognised, not just in the UK, but on the world stage. A combination of factors, it appears, produces wines with the potential for outstanding quality. The work Burn Valley are achieving in doing this is exciting and I am very glad to welcome them to Roys. I’m hopeful we can stimulate the same success in Norfolk wines at Roys that we have had in our local beers, stocking most if not all of the best in our stores. What more can I say? We love our work and will continue our endeavours to source these unique, interesting products for our customers.”

Roys are stocking 6 varieties of Burn Valley wine including Pinot noir rose, Schonburger and Solaris Black Label available initially from the Food Hall in Hoveton.

NEW BOOK FROM LOCAL AUTHOR KAREN ALLEN

designer and she encouraged me to do it, I saw Jo who runs her art stall at a local farm shop, I loved her quirky style and as the weeks went on we became friends and I asked if she could draw spiders and other insects, I think she thought I was a bit odd but said yes! I said I’m working on something and would be in touch. It went from there really, there was a lot of laughing, coffee and cake had! A few emotional tears as it became more and more real, seeing my story with Jo’s illustrations in a mockup book was very exciting and we both had tears (again). Gail had done an amazing job for me doing the artwork and graphic design. Seeing my idea become a childrens book is very exciting, there’s a lot of interactions in the book, counting and naming the insects with a game at the back. I hope to do more adventures with the little spiders if this book does well.

The book is based on 5 little spiders who go on adventures and help their friends and make new ones, it’s all about helping each other, working together and being kind really.

The book is called: Little spiders BiG ADVENTURES and is on Amazon.co.uk

WHERRY MAUD TRUST ARTISTS & MAKERS SHOW 2024

Artists & Makers Show Sun 5th May & Mon 6th May. 10-5.

Ranworth Village Hall, Ranworth NR13 6HS. Local artists and makers exhibiting pictures and crafts including woodturning and studio pottery.

Free entry. Refreshments.

Laura, owner of Burn Valley is Karen’s story: Fundraising for Norfolk Wherry pleased to be working alongside I have jumping spiders and love "Maud".

Roys, “We are so happy to have macro photography and thought started this partnership with Roys. how nice it would be to write a story Contact: www.wherrymaudtrust.org We have good placement along the for Luca, one of our 4 grandchilNorth Norfolk coast but are always dren, who is obsessed by them and open to new local stockists to has his own spider, he loves nature spread the Burn Valley brand far and animals. and wide”.

I mentioned my idea to my friend Paul Roy, Buying and Marketing Gail D"Almaine who is graphic

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55

WHEN A BALL TOLD THE TIME!!

by Chris Weston

On 15th November 2019, I wrote on an incident described as Norwich’s ‘Great Blow’. This concerned a huge explosion involving gunpowder hitherto stored in a city centre building, and was referred to by some, as Norwich’s Big Bang. It was a somewhat drastic and certainly ‘unplanned’ event.

But more recently, I discovered something vaguely similar, which was once an official daily event in the city. And its highlight quite definitely was, its ‘big bang’. So read on to find out what this could possi- Castle was once, equipment known bly have been and where it hapas the Norwich Time Ball. At prepened!! cisely 10 a.m. every day and ‘exploded’ electrically by a signal During my years as a 1950’s Norfrom Greenwich, current to make wich Cathedral chorister I was this happen reached the city shown one day, a rarely seen obthrough the GPO network. When it ject. Partly hidden in one of the cathedral’s pulpits, it was described arrived, the Time Ball was immedito me by a Verger as an Hourglass, ately activated by electro-magnet whose purpose was to regulate the and a detonator, causing the ball to amount of time a clergyman should drop and produce a single loud bang. Audible around the city cenbe allowed to preach a sermon tre, the noise allowed all who heard during a Service!! The nearest it to check accurately, their clocks 1950’s equivalent I had seen at home was a much smaller version, or watches. used as a boiled egg timer ranging There was however local concern from 3 to 5 minutes depending on at the Castle that the daily the amount of softness or hardness ‘thumping’ exercise could over time of the egg required, when conharm the building’s structure, which sumed. This was two see-through may explain why the “ball-banging glasses joined as one in the centre. ball system” had a relatively short It swivelled so salt or sand in the life. upper half could gradually drop into the lower half. When next required, Made of iron in 1900, the ball’s structure was soon replaced by the ‘glass’ was turned round and one of canvas and wood. This the process repeated. version would land on a sprung So, I was somewhat fascinated to platform and its softer daily blow find by chance one day how in was predicted to reduce possible Norwich and doubtless also elsedamage to the Keep below it. The where, time was checked daily and system was first used on Friday publicly, at a specified time. And 10th August 1900 and continued its given the time period during which daily routine for over 30 years. this system operated; its method You may be familiar with tales of seemed quite ingenious. staff in large buildings climbing For lodged on the north-west cordaily the stairs to rewind clocks, but ner of the battlements at Norwich Norwich had its own ‘quirk’. That’s

56

LOCAL HISTORY

because while it lasted, this daily time-check required an operating attendant to climb up on to a platform mounted high above and thus overlooking the city below. On arrival, he would re-hoist the ball in readiness for the following day’s performance.

1938 was a big year for Norwich and was marked by certain events.

First came the end of the Time Ball which became redundant around April / May after BBC time signals were thought to be a suitable alternative. Then on Monday 20th June 1938, Norwich welcomed the arrival of the new City Hall single bell.

This was duly unloaded and raised 185 feet up into its belfry. A month before this, the earlier Time Ball on the battlements of the Castle, had already been dismantled. And finally in the autumn on Saturday 29th October 1938, Norwich’s current City Hall behind the Market, was officially opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Today, city-folk are given hourly time checks by the City Hall’s bell.

But in the previous system’s time if any error caused the detonator to activate early or late, almost instantly heated correspondence broke out in the local press!! © Chris Weston, April 2024

DID YOU KNOW?

By Chris Weston 1. Norwich Castle was built on the instructions of William I (reign 1035–1087).

2. Dynamite first used in a Bomb during 1870, during the Franco-German war.

3. In Customs Work, SSS means Stop, Search & Seize.

4. Buckingham Palace was once known as the 'Headquarters of Taste'.

5. Some nine million gallons of water were used, to extinguish the major fire at RAF Neatishead in 1966.

6. The company ‘Amazon’ began in July 1994 as an online book store, called "Cadabra".

Thank you Chris!

QUIZ ANSWERS SUDOKU

2-MINUTE TRIAL 3 Letters ADO AID AIM AND DAN DIM DIN DON ION MAD

MAN MID MOD NOD 4 Letters AMID DADO DAMN DINO MAID

5 Letters ADMIN AMINO AMNIO NOMAD 6 Letters DOMAIN Hidden phrase: This is the worst President ever – Helen Thomas

PICTOGRAM 1. Second Fiddle 2. Whole Wide World 3. Season’s Greetings

WORDSEARCH

MAIN MIND MOAN

QUIZ

1. From a pig's nose 2. Four 3. Brooklyn Beckham 4. Seven 5. Horse racing 6. Saint Peter

7. My Favourite Things 8. A sumo wrestling ring 9. Bilbo Baggins 10. Toledo ("in a bar in Toledo, across from the depot, on a barstool she took off her ring")

57 9

WROXHAM FOOTBALL CLUB Whilst there is still a dozen games to play, Wroxham can look forward to a third season playing in the Isthmian League North as we know we are well clear of any relegation issues. We finished 10th last season and there’s every chance we can match or beat that this season as we currently sit 13th.

When the playing budgets of the majority of our opponents are taken into account, this is a superb achievement by everyone involved at the club.

It’s not just the men’s 1st team who are doing the people of Wroxham & Hoveton proud; Wroxham Women beat Stevenage 3-2 after extra time to reach the League Cup Final, a fine to celebrate in the same week as International Women’s Day and our U/18’s sit 5 points clear at the top of the Thurlow Nunn Youth Football League.

In addition one of our U/15’s, Jayden has just signed a contract with Ipswich Town after a successful trial. So, with 6 weeks to go until the seasons end for our teams, Wroxham Football club continues to thrive and we hope to see some of you at our Junior Football Tournament – details below. This season’s weather has been the worst for many a year with some games postponed 4 times.

(Above:) A couple of soggy actions shots from our 1-0 home win over Maldon & Tiptree along with our women’s team celebrating their 3-2 semi-final win against Stevenage.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!

Wroxham Junior Football Tournament

This year's Tournament will be on the weekend of 29th & 30th June.

Saturday 29th June age groups: U6, U8, U10 & U12's Sunday 30th June age groups: U7, U9, U11 & U13's Games start at 10am on each day all with qualified referees officiating.

The Clubhouse open serving drinks, food etc & the Galley Grill being open for hot food. Car parking is available on site at £2 per car.

FORTHCOMING MENS 1st TEAM HOME FIXTURES: APRIL 2024 Monday 1st April KO 3pm Vs Gorleston Saturday 13th April KO 3pm Vs Brentwood Town Saturday 27th April KO 3pm Vs Bowers & Pitsea (Last game of the season) 58

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