Community Events & What’s On...

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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 - 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

Community Events & What’s On...

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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.

HOVETON WROXHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

Normally I would be advising members and possible visitors the dates of the next meeting but unfortunately this is my last notice. Due to lack of support over the past year or two and the cost of speakers we have decided to close the club. Our numbers were under a dozen a month, even less with holidays & illnesses etc. I think the club started during the early 1970’s at which time we were a very strong club with well over 100 members I would like to thank all past and present members for your support over the last 50 odd years, we have had some lovely outside trips and very interesting and varied speakers. The committee hopes you will still enjoy your gardening, perhaps with a little help, those lawns need cutting and the weeds will grow and we will look back to the friends we made and enjoyment we had from the evenings together. Best wishes. Pam Culley and committee.

July/Aug/Sept Events

WORSTEAD FESTIVAL The festival gates are open from 10am - 7pm Saturday 29th and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday 30th July. Save Time, Book On-line. For the first time, in the almost 60 years of the festival, tickets are available in advance. Click through to Eventbrite from worsteadfestival.org Ticket prices are £10 for adults or £15 for the whole weekend. Children under 12 go free. Car parking is also free.

WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB - Meetings are held at Rackheath Village Hall, Green Lane West, Rackheath, Norwich, NR13 6LT. Meetings are held at 7.30 with doors open at 7.00 pm. Plenty of parking at the hall.

As usual there is no August Meeting.

Wednesday, 13th September Rachael Borenkova is demonstrating arrangements called “My Life in Flowers”.

Refreshments of homemade cakes, tea and coffee are served at the end of the evening. Visitors are very welcome at £6.00 per person to the demonstration evenings. It would be lovely to see you. For further information please do not hesitate to give me, Rosie Howell a ring on 07539 764196.

STALHAM

& DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL

SOCIETY Lecture entitled – “Drought Tolerant Planting” by Rosemary Ward to be held in the Poppy Centre off Recreation Road in Stalham (NR12 9BH ) on Friday 18th August, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Raffle refreshments.

Annual Autumn Show – to be held in the Poppy Centre off Recreation Road in Stalham (NR12 9BH) on Saturday 2nd September, open to the public from 2.00pm. Raffle, tombola and refreshments.

Lecture entitled – Moles, Friend or Foe”, to be held in the Poppy Centre off Recreation Road in Stalham (NR12 9BH) on Friday 15th September, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Raffle and refreshments.

SWALLOWTAIL FINE ARTISTS - AUGUST FINE

Art Ludham Show With Guest Artists

Following a successful first year exhibiting together as Swallowtail Fine Artists, three Broads-based artists will be hosting their biggest exhibition to date over August Bank Holiday weekend. To be held at the beautiful St Catherine’s Church, Ludham from 26th to 28th August, the Fine Art show will feature works by Swallowtail Fine Artists Lorraine Auton, Tony Colledge and Amanda Springall-Rogers and, for the first time, will also showcase paintings, lino prints, cards and jewellery by Norfolk-based guest artists Tom Cringle, Kate Gabriel, Julie Hodgson, Ben Kendall, Ann Lamb, Ruth Mann, Bruce Rushin and Elaine Vincent.

All work featured will be for sale, offering visitors an opportunity to both support St Catherine’s Church and local artists. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 26th, 11am to 5pm on Sunday 27th and 10am to 5pm on Monday 28th August 2023. Admission free. Refreshments available.

For further information, please contact Swallowtail Fine Artists via Facebook, by email at swallowtailfineartists@gmail.com or Tel: 07564 230774.

Wroxham And Hoveton Lions Club

A lion died and went to heaven. When he got to the pearly gate Saint Peter told him that new rules were in effect due to the advances in education. In order to gain admittance a prospective heavenly soul must answer two questions:

1. Name two days of the week beginning with “T”.

2. How many seconds are there in a year?

The lion thought for a few minutes and answered

1. The two days of the week that begin with “T” are Today and Tomorrow.

2. There are twelve seconds in a year.

Saint Peter said, “OK, I’ll buy the Today and Tomorrow answer, even though it’s not the answer I expected. But how did you get twelve seconds in a year?” The lion replied, “Well, January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd, etc…” Saint Peter opened the gate without another word.

Hope you enjoyed the light hearted start to this report. As you can see we enjoy a laugh and although our club has a serious side, raising funds and supporting our local community, we do so in a friendly, fun and rewarding manner. We are always looking for new members or helpers, so if you’d like to join in the fun, we’ll be happy to see you at one of our Social meetings on 1st or 3rd of the month, or our Business meeting on 2nd or 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm, in the Broadland Youth and Community Centre, Stalham Rd, Hoveton. For more information please visit our website and click on the contact us/learn more link

In this months issue of your local magazines you will hopefully see our Hoveton Lions Charity Village Fete poster. You will also see signs out and about in Hoveton and there's information on our Website. Come along and enjoy a great day out for all the family on

Sun 6th Aug from 10am until 4pm

If you want your good quality Bric a Brac or clean clothing sold to benefit worthy local charities and good causes, bring them along to the Lions shop in the precinct, or we can collect – just ring 01603 783737. This month our £100-00 shop draw goes to Hoveton St Peters Church nominated by RH from Hoveton. We are always on the lookout for volunteers to help in the shop, so if you would like more information, drop into the shop and talk to a member of staff.

Follow our exploits on Facebook or our website. We look forward to seeing or hearing from you.

Lion Mick Holden, President.

Whb Twinning Association

We’re off to France this month for our Twinning visit to La Pommeraye and Montjean-sur-Loire, 915th August 2023, with our party of 46, a mixture of old and new members, our biggest group ever, I think. We are all looking forward to the excellent hospitality which we always receive, our visit to Monet’s Gardens en route and the varied excursions in our lovely Loire Twinned region including the Cointreau distillery in Angers, the Puy du Fou theme park, the chateau of Mongeofroy, local wine tasting and our Saturday of games, dinner and dancing of course.

At time of writing, we’re hoping for fine weather for our bring-a-plate social evening on Friday 28th July at Robert and Margaret’s in Wroxham, where we will also give out final details to our Twinning visit travellers. Unfortunately, we don’t think we have enough boat owning members now to host our annual flotilla and it is getting more difficult to find places to raft up.

Book Club is continuing with our 15 or so members, still on Zoom with our far-flung participants but we also had an afternoon tea on Wednesday, 19th July, for our local members at Hilary and Russell’s in Hoveton, which was greatly enjoyed by all, especially the delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes supplied by everyone. We had our evening Zoom meeting as well to discuss Hilary’s choice of “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir, a bit of Sci-fi to add to our repertoire. 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

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 get-togethers could include a pleasant walk, quiz, talk or visit to a place of interest, but always with the opportunity to eat together -a picnic, BBQ, or a pub meal. All events are accessible by road; during the season, some are also riverside. 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 in August and September are: Tues 1st August: Cruise or drive to Thurne for a riverside picnic lunch, 12.30pm. BYO lunch, drinks and chairs. Weds 23rd August: Cream Tea in the Garden, Horning; from 2.30pm. Book by Monday 14th August. Thurs 7th September: Cruise or drive to How Hill, Ludham for a lunchtime picnic from 12.30pm. BYO lunch, drinks, and chairs. Fri 22nd September: Cruise or drive to Upton for lunch at The White Horse, 12.30pm. Book, with menu choices, by 14th Sept

FREE GUIDED TOURS AT ST BENET’S ABBEY

June - September 2pm Wednesdays & Saturdays

(Weather Permitting)

Let the guides bring 1000 years of history and stories about this special place, to life for you. Turn up for 2pm at the tour start point near the gatehouse/mill & path to the river moorings or

To Prebook a private tour on other dates go to www.norfarchtrust.org.uk

(St Benet’s Abbey) or email info@norfarchtrust.org.uk

Free 24 hour Broads Authority moorings on the River Bure 30 minute walk from Ludham Bridge NR29 5NX Limited parking on site. Nearest postcode NR29 5NU

SERVICE PROVIDERS:

This is a friendly reminder that our ‘Pricelock’ promotional opportunity remains available until January 2024. What is it?...

Open to new & existing advertising clients, we have frozen our rates (shown inside the rear cover of this magazine & online at www.wacbook.co.uk) throughout 2023 until Dec/Jan 2024 meaning you can secure a fixed low rate to display your service on these glossy pages for the rest of the year!

Your message will be delivered to 8000 residential & businesses in EIGHTEEN local villages throughout postcode NR12 & part of NR10. You might be interested to know that over a rolling 12-month period, over 87% of our regular clients appear in consecutive editions. They do so because local advertising on these pages is proven to WORK! To give it a try (& secure best value rates!) call publisher Tracey on 01603 717681 or message tracey@wacbook.co.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.

· The Summer Reading Challenge 2023 continues. The theme this year is ‘Ready, Set, Read! ‘This year's Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep children's minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading. Along with their pack, children will have the opportunity to be involved in lots of fun, free activities taking place in the library and get to set their own reading challenge (we recommend six books over the six-week period.) They will collect stickers along the way, too! Children can sign up to the challenge at their local library and will need to be library members to join – please enquire with library staff for more details and look out for activities during the summer.

· Computer Buddy Volunteer Vacancy If you feel you could support people in developing their IT skills and help them in overcoming common computer problems contact the library for more information about applying.

· Autism Social Group Come to a friendly social group for a cuppa and a chat. No need to book, all welcome. First Monday of every month 1-3pm.

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

· Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday 3rd Aug, 2.00- 4.00pm and Thursday 17th Aug 2.00 –4.00pm.

· Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 10th Aug 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 31st Aug. 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

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

Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club

the club in support of the local community and local charities.

In July we made our regular appearance at Coltishall School end of year summer fete, manning the barbecue, where we managed to serve 600 burgers and hot dogs. We also managed the car park at the annual St Bennett’s abbey service by the Bishop of Norwich, and we ended the month with our annual Charter Night dinner, celebrating the founding of the club 18 years ago.

At the end of June, we had an excellent handover meeting and garden party when outgoing president Robin Baines handed over the reins to new President Kelvin Dore. In addition, our Club members were delighted to be able to present Robin with a prestigious Paul Harris award for his excellent leadership of the club in both 2020/21 and 2022/23 and his unstinting work in developing new projects for

August is traditionally a quieter month, but we are already planning our Autumn activity, with the first major event our Classic car show at Wroxham Barns on Sunday 10th September. Open from midmorning to late afternoon, there will be lots of wonderful old cars to enjoy as well as a barbecue, 50/50 raffle, beer van and all the usual attractions of Wroxham Barns, so make a note of the date now!

If you fancy finding out more about us we have a range of fascinating speakers over the coming weeks scheduled for our weekly meetings at Wroxham Barns – anyone is welcome to attend, but please let us know in advance if you are coming. 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. You can also support us directly by visiting our page on the www.totalgiving.co.uk web site. Meantime 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.

Beccles based care provider Home Support Matters is hosting a social beach clean on Saturday the 16th of September at Pakefield beach as part of National World Clean Up Day.

Home Support Matters are inviting you to join them in clearing a section of our beautiful coastline covering a section of the Pakefield beach and green spaces to clear it of waste and litter.

After, you’re invited to pack a social bring your own picnic and enjoy the coastal air and hopefully warm weather together.

Doing your bit for the environment and joining in with the community for an enjoyable social day.

Waste removal and bin bags have kindly been provided by Radical Waste @ Ellough.

Meeting at All Saints Road Car Park for 11am there are a few free car parking spaces, additional are available at Pakefield St, Pakefield, Lowestoft NR33, UK pay and display. Accessible from public transport with bus links a short walk.

Please note there will be designated areas of this clean up accessible to all, but the beach does not have direct hard surfaces.

Please sign up for free using event bright or via the events section on Home Support Matters Facebook page or email: sara.basey-fisher@homesupportmatters.org.uk to get involved.