The Wroxham & Coltishall Book - Aug/Sept 25 by Tracey De-Abreu

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

Inclusion Deadline for Oct/Nov 25 edition is 12th Sept 2025

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

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

Wow, it’s School Summer Holiday time again - good luck to all the children, parents, grandparents and carers involved! Have fun and keep safe!

We’ll soon see ‘Back-to-School’ campaigns as our children make another step-change in school year groups. Good luck to those starting school for the very first time in September

Local football will soon be underway for the new season; good luck to all our local teams throughout the age groups!

Enjoy the fabulous features you’ve come to expect inside this glossy magazine. Btw: if you’ve never tried - why not create a few minutes for yourself and give some of the quizzes & puzzles a go?

The celebrity featured in this edition is crafting entrepreneur and TV Dragon Sara Davies, discover more about her in the centre pages... Enjoy August & September!

Tracey

@BroadlandMediaLtd

- Home & Interior; Garden Style 20 - Beauty; Back to Basics

- Menu; Honey Mustard Puy Lentil Soup

- Children’s Puzzle Page; Rugby Word Search

- Celebrities; Sara Davies

Tracey De-Abreu What’s Inside… Page: 8 -Health; When your Holiday Makes you sick

- Home Interiors; Easy Breezy

- Puzzle Page; Sudoku, Quiz, Pictogram & Two -Minute Trial

- Gardening; Gardening Goodness

- Motoring; Mini Convertible

- Did you Know?

46 - Hoveton Village Fete 47 - Wordsearch; Sailing

47 - Pets; Dog Diving

48 - History; Wilbert Vere Awdry (1911 - 1997)

50 - Community Events & What’s On

52 - Children’s Puzzle Page Answers

53 - Local Reports (to page 59)

56 - Join ‘The WAC Book’ 57 - Quiz Answers

57 - Jokes

58 - Tech Talk

59 - 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.

Join ‘THE WACBOOK’ and share your business service with our estimated *20,000 readers!

Client Feedback:

“Thank you to you all for your ongoing support of our business, it is always very much appreciated, and we would not be as successful as we are without your magazines. We always ask our clients where they hear about us, and your magazines are always mentioned. You all do a marvellous job for us”.

Louise Bunn, LB Wills & Probate

(Norfolk) Limited

There are very good reasons why service providers choose to advertise in THE WROXHAM &

COLTISHALL

BOOK:

· Reach TWO to FOUR times as many residential locations compared to other local magazines (8000 copies of your advert distributed to 18 Villages incl. Stalham)

· 64 pages of valuable, well-received content

· Digital Version Online - (FREE inclusion)

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Choose your advert size - and remember, greater visibility produces more customer enquiries!

* Based on an average 2.5 views per household

have a friendly

with Tracey or Stuart

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 launched 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 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. 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.

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

· 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

This year’s theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature. There will be fun free children’s activities over the summer months inspired by the Reading Challenge. The events at Wroxham are:- Nature Journal Making, Tuesday 5th August; Wild Garden Art, Tuesday 12th August; Little Green Fingers Story and Craft Time, Tuesday 19th August. All events take place 2-3pm.

· Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday 7th and 21st August, 2.00 – 4.00pm.

· Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 14th August, 2.004:00pm. Please bring your own board and cards if you have them.

· Scrabble Club Usually last Thursday of each month from 2.004.00pm. Next session Thursday 28th August. All welcome.

· Thursday: 10-7

· Friday: 10-7

· Saturday: 10- 4

Sunday: Closed

www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries

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

Please contact the library for more details on 01603 782560 or visit our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ wroxhamlibraryofficial for updates on events and activities.

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

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

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

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

WROXHAM & HOVETON LIONS CLUB cio Registered Charity No. 1184399

HOVETON VILLAGE CHARITY FETE

SUNDAY AUGUST 3RD

10AM to 4PM

HOVETON VILLAGE HALL & PLAYING FIELD

Stalham Rd, Hoveton, Norwich NR12 8DU

LOTS TO SEE AND DO!

STALLS, CRAFTS, GAMES, JAGUAR AIRCRAFT COCKPIT, CLASSIC CARS, LIVE MUSIC, FOOD, BAR AND MUCH MORE…

ADMISSION £3. UNDER 16’S FREE

PARKING FREE

THE

WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK ~ at the heart of our community ~

DID YOU KNOW?

By Chris Weston

1. Between 1942 & 1945, some 50,000, personnel served on Norfolk’s 18 USAAF air bases.

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

3. In 1905, the Pavilion Theatre was added to Cromer Pier (built 1899-1901 by London engineers Douglass and Arnott).

4. The Avenue in Wroxham was formerly called Beech Avenue and was the access drive to the mansion of Wroxham House.

5. Before World War l, How Hill House was a holiday home.

6. Norfolk has 115 named mountains. The most prominent is Beacon Hill near West Runton.

Thank you Chris!

WILBERT VERE AWDRY (1911 - 1997)

by Chris Weston LOCAL

Most readers are likely to recall enjoying bedtime stories about the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine & his Friends. During his lifetime, Wilbert Vere Awdry O.B.E., took advantage of this to create the enjoyment of illustrated books describing how engines and other rolling stock vehicles ran the railways on the fictitious Island of Sodor. Imagine for example their efforts being made in Norfolk within and around the once very busy North Norfolk station of Melton Constable, with four lines converging on it from numerous directions!

Born at Ampfield in Hampshire, it could be said that to some extent, the idea of writing his railway tales was handed to Wilbert on a plate, given most of the country was then, cross-crossed by numerous railway lines including the largest towns and cities and even the smallest and often most remote sparselypopulated communities. Most were subsequently but gradually closed, for various reasons.

Thomas & Friends’ first appeared as The Three Railway Engines, published in May 1945, thus making May 2025, its 80th Anniversary! Further books followed, to total 26, the last of which came in 1972. They all very cleverly described sometimes unlikely experiences of daily life enjoyed by Thomas, Gor-

HISTORY

don, James, Henry, Toby the Tram and other named rolling stock. Having faces brought them to life using words of kindness, disappointment or anger, based on the thread of each situation. Thomas for example would tell the carriages he was pulling to ‘hurry up’ while Gordon might snort disapproval of another engine arriving at a station before he did.

The whole railway ‘empire’ was led by the impeccably-dressed Fat Controller with other characters including the local policeman or Bertie the Bus delivering to and collecting passengers from the railway, went about their daily chores. After Wilbert’s death, his son Christopher also added further books to the series.

But most people may have no idea of The Rev. Awdry also having a much stronger and more than a ‘passing connection’ with Norfolk, than railways! Because from 1953 to 1965, he was Vicar of Emneth, in West Norfolk. The 15th century church which he served is dedicat-

ed to St. Edmund and became Grade I Listed in 1951.

Wilbert Awdry was made an O.B.E. in the 1996 New Year's Honours List, but by that time his health had deteriorated, thus preventing him from travelling to London and receive it. He died peacefully in his sleep in Stroud, Gloucestershire, on 21st March 1997, aged 85. His ashes are interred at Gloucester Crematorium.

And finally;

A few years ago I wrote about the achievement of the Rev. Canon Marcon who ‘relocated’ Edgefield parish church in North Norfolk, from one part of the village to another. He was always seen cycling around the village so after his death, a stained glass window depicting ‘the cycling parson’ - on a bicycle - was installed in the church.

So I was pleased to learn that following suit, a similar idea but slightly different memorial to the Rev. Awdry can also be seen when visiting Emneth parish church. One of the stained-glass windows here, proudly depicts Thomas the Tank Engine, in commemoration of its creator and dates of his incumbency.

This handy publication is carefully distributed bi-monthly to 8,000 homes & businesses in18 fabulous local villages:

· Wroxham

· Hoveton

· Horning

· Badersfield

· Coltishall

· Horstead

· Stalham

· Stalham Green

· Sutton

· Tunstead

· Frettenham

· Scottow

· Belaugh

· Sco Ruston

· Ashmanhaugh

· Smallburgh

· Sloley

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.

FREE EAR CHECKS - WEEKLY EAR CLINIC every Monday afternoon 2-6pm and Tuesday morning 8.30am-12pm at Bure Valley Osteopaths in Aylsham. No appointment required, drop in service. Ages 12 years and upwards. If you are struggling to get seen for ear related problems, we can check your ears and advise and signpost you to the right service or treatment you might need. If you are due your hearing test, why not pop along and see us first to save a wasted appointment if your ears are blocked. If you are going on holiday, especially if you are flying, then come along and get your ears checked to avoid any discomfort on the plane, or problems on your holiday. For more information, contact Stephanie on 01603 278246 or 07385 585729.

Aug/Sept Events

ST. MARY’S CHURCH WROXHAM concert by The Silvertones - “Songs for a September Evening” 7.30pm on Saturday 20th September. Tickets £10. Obtainable from Linda 01603 783376 and Margaret 01603 783399. Or pay on the door.

CHILDREN’S PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS

WROXHAM AND HOVETON

LIONS CLUB

We have started our new Fundraising Year, and it is a significant one, our Fiftieth year and the Twenty fifth year of operating our Charity Shop in the Shopping Precinct in Hoveton Village.

We also have a new Club President, Lion Dennis Moxon, who has held the position several times before and is a Past District Governor and District Secretary. We welcome his experience and leadership.

We are preparing for the annual Hoveton Village Charity Fete, which will be held on Sunday 3rd August at Hoveton Village Hall and Playing Field, from 10 am to 4pm. If you haven’t been before, please do join us to experience the Stalls, Crafts, a Jaguar Cockpit (the aircraft, not the car!), Classic cars (probably some Jaguars there too!), live music from Air Mail, Food and a Licenced Bar and much

more. Admission will be £3 for Adults and free entry for children under 16. If you have been before, welcome back!

Our Charity Shop has benefitted from some refurbishment during the last few months and is ready for another twenty-five years of trading. We welcome any donations of (clean!) clothes, electrical goods and Bric-a-Brac.

Our Lions Club takes an active part in the community and if you would like to be a part of this and can spare a few hours a month come and join us. There will be a stall at the Hoveton Fete where you can meet some of us and ask about what we do.

Lion Derick Bowler