The Wroxham & Coltishall Book - Dec/Jan 23

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

So, this year we have the FIFA Football World Cup taking place in the same month as Christmas. Given our youngest son is a data driven football fan, we’re fully expecting a sporting overload of facts and figures in our house!

Getting into reflective mood as we often do this time of year; what an incredible period the past couple of years have been. Pandemic, lockdown, health scares, political unrest, budget chaos there have been plenty of challenges to test us all. We hope you and your family have remained resilient.

From a community point of view, checking in on friends and neighbours this winter is likely to be a particularly important act of kindness. As usual, you’ll find lots of regular articles and quizzes on the following pages. Rather appropriately for the festive period, our celebrity article for this edition features Dame Mary Berry DBE.

Enjoy Christmas and New Year!...

IMAGINE THIS ON TODAY’S A11 ROAD

By Chris Weston

Anyone involved in research will know through experience that while enquiring about a pre planned topic, other “possibilities” can unexpectedly appear in reference material, leaving the researcher with a longer list than at outset. This short tale is an example: -

While working on a recent National Trust Commission one morning, I suddenly found mention of a most unusual if not unlikely pub activity, albeit now 250 years ago!!

My early life was spent in and around Cringleford, so pub names like the Red Lion and the Cellar House in Eaton were and still are familiar. But my attention had been

drawn to the now former Lamb, also in Eaton during 1772.

The pub was located at 18 Eaton Street, Church Lane, Eaton, Norwich and one well known event was then, the Annual Ass & Pig Race! The ultimate winning criteria was based on the ‘Best of three Heats, from the Lamb to Mile End and back’.

It seems unclear how long the race lasted, but the winner would receive a grand Morocco Saddle and then Second Best, a Pelham Bridle.

Pre event advertising posters also included in the details ‘Before the race a Soap'd Pig will be hunted’. There will also be a good Ordinary exactly at Two o'clock and in the Evening a Ball for the Ladies'.

By 1873, the Lamb which had opened in 1760 with James Forster as Licensee had been renamed as the LAMB ROAD HOUSE. It finally closed on 29th January 1910, with Robert Kett at the helm. And as you can see in the image below, the property still has a pub like appearance. I’ve often heard of or read details of numerous other pub sports and pastimes, so has anyone got other offerings??

©

Chris Weston, December 2022

THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK

Quiz and Supper evening to look forward to in March, which our new

from generator to battery power.

ry 2.30 & Hoveton (Eve)

All the monies raised by the shop and our other activities, go towards

WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB

Again, our club and its members continue to be very active. Following a presentation at one of our recent meetings from 2 young ladies from Ukraine currently staying with local families, we applied for a grant from the Rotary Foundation Ukraine Disaster Grant and were able to provide them both with newly refurbished iPhones. They were both delighted, and the phones will significantly improve their communications with their families in Ukraine.

Above: Planting underway at Wroxham (All photos copyright WBVRC).

Our next big event will see our Santa sleigh out round local villages. Once again Father Christmas himself has agreed to help us and our collectors are all geared up.

Our planned schedule is Manor Drive Sprowston December 6 and 7th; Spixworth December 8th and 13th; Badersfield December 14th; Horning December 15th; Wroxham December 20th; and Tesco Stalham December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.

dent, Robin Baines, on 01603 782920 / 07721 465647.

EXTRA FREE SUPPORT FOR (WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK) ADVERTISING CLIENTS

Just to remind everyone (existing clients and those thinking of joining us) that when you advertise your business service on our glossy pages, we also support you with a FREE online digital version too!

We can supply you with the link each edition & you’re welcome to share it on your own social media.

To take a look, go to our website www.wacbook.co.uk - click which magazine title you wish to view, then click the GREEN ‘Look Inside’ button to open the digital version.

Above: Ohla and Llona with their new iPhones.

We have also been actively working to support the worldwide Rotary campaign to end Polio, firstly with a collection outside Roys to recognise World Polio Day, and then a morning planting purple crocus bulbs at various sites around local villages.

We will also be erecting the Christmas tree and lights on Granary Staithe, Hoveton at the beginning of December. Our final meeting of the year at Wroxham Barns will be our Christmas meal, and we are already looking forward to an exciting and interested programme of meetings and visits for 2023. To find out more about us you could come along to one of our meetings, where you will be made very welcome.

You can support us and the many local and international charities we donate to, through the Broadland Council Lottery Scheme simply go on line 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.

Plus: Let us know your Facebook, Instagram & Twitter handles and we’ll do our best to support you online. You’re welcome to tag us in to your posts and we’ll reshare and comment where appropriate.

If you’d like to connect, here are our details:

Facebook: ‘The Wroxham & Coltishall Book’

Instagram: @broadlandmedialtd Twitter: @traceywacbook

LinkedIn: Tracey De Abreu

Above: The team ready to go at Horning

Meantime, we hope everyone stays safe and 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 presi-

THANK YOU WROXHAM & HOVETON LIONS!

On Tuesday 15th November, my partner Stuart and I were invited to join a presentation event at the Hoveton Youth & Community Centre, Stalham Road, Hoveton. Attendees included 26 fabulous local charities, clubs and associations voted a donation by the Club Lion Membership as testament that our good works for the community are well respected and appreciated by the Lions.

If you’re familiar with THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK you’ll be aware that over the past 16 years we have always done our best to help the NR12 postcode community with free of charge ‘What’s On & Local Events’ listings and occasional posters.

As a community business, being around people who are committed to helping others means a lot to us!

It was heartening to join up with the Lions and to hear stories from organisations some of whom are literally saving lives in our local area and beyond. Thank goodness they are out there doing what they do!

If you see local charities collecting donations, please do your best to help wherever you can. Likewise with supporting the Lions (and Lionesses!); look out for the legendary Santa Sleigh see page 57 of this mag for the scheduled dates leading up to Christmas.

The Lions retail shop in Wroxham precinct always require your donations of bric a brac and other items to help make fundraising sales. Drop in for a warm welcome from the fabulous volunteers there!

Remember, the Lions have been serving the community and helping others for over 40 years. Huge respect to all volunteers past and present for their valuable work do get in touch with them if you’d like to be part of the future!

Pictured below: President Lion

Vout presenting a cheque to Tracey De Abreu, publisher of The Wroxham & Coltishall Book.

Nor folk Volunteer P assport

Are you new to volunteering, or looking to gain more skills? Join the Norfolk Volunteer Passport scheme.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, build confidence and provides a sense of purpose.

The passport, provides you with free training to allow you to move between voluntary organisations, filling short term roles.

For more information please contact Helen: volunteercentre@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk 07918

Terry

Community Events & What’s On...

Dec/Jan Events

HOVETON, WROXHAM

&

DISTRICT

GARDENING

CLUB December 2nd brings David Boulton again for his beautiful photography, an evening always enjoyed by the members. Please don't forget the Monthly Bloom as this has been such a difficult year November and December meetings will be just a monthly bloom. New members always welcome. More details Pam 01603 782041.

Tracey & Stuart

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind”.

Community Events & What’s On...

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 Christine Charles on 01692 630751.

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 01692 651333

many parts Most with some you down you treat them Presents: ed sents forget friends, getting Sticky string a Batteries for lowed. Stress and whelming are

many dogs love them!) and lean parts of white turkey meat. Most pets will be perfectly happy with a new or rediscovered toy and some extra quality time from you. If you want to treat them when you sit down for your Christmas dinner, you can always choose a healthy treat or a puzzle feeder to keep them occupied.

Presents: It’s easy to get distracted with the thrill of opening presents on Christmas morning and forget to watch our four legged friends, which could lead to them getting themselves in trouble! Sticky tape, ribbons, bows and string used on presents can cause a hazard to our pets if swallowed. Batteries cause serious problems for our pets if chewed up and swallowed.

Stress at Christmas: The hustle and bustle can be a little overwhelming for our pets, but there are things we can do to help:

Don’t dress them up: Most pets don’t enjoy being dressed up, but that’s OK because they’re adorable just as they are!

Stick to routine: Whilst we might forget what day it is over the festive period, a change in routine can be stressful for our pets, so it’s best to stick to what they know where you can.

Create a safe place: It can be a good idea to provide your pet with a safe space before the Christmas festivities begin and ahead of any guests arriving. They will then know they have a safe place to retreat if it all gets a bit too merry!

Consider a calming pheromone such a Adaptil® and Feliway®

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, from long winter walks, to watching your pet excitedly play with their new or rediscovered toy, there’s so much to enjoy with our four legged friends over the winter period so don’t forget to have fun!

Remember we are here, should you have any problems or need further advice, give us a call at Bridge on 01603 783920

David Martin BVM&S MRCVS

Image by Gundula Vogel from Pixabay

THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK

WHY ADVERTISE ANYWHERE ELSE?

Did you know 8,000 copies of this magazine are distributed to EIGHTEEN villages?

Not ‘just’ Wroxham & Coltishall; lots of other local villages including Stalham too!

For full list of all the locations we reach (along with ad fees) see inside rear cover of this publication...

www.wacbook.co.uk

Christmas Time with Pets

For those of us who work at Bridge, our pets are (our favourite, shh!) members of our families, hence we want them to be involved at the most wonderful time of the year. But from tempting toxic treats to decorative disasters, there are some tips to help keep our pets safe over the festive season.

Decorations: The Christmas decorations are what makes our homes feel festive but don’t forget many decorations can be a hazard when left in paws’ reach. Here’s some things to consider when putting up your Christmas décor:

Small decorations Glittering lights, nibble worthy wires, dangling baubles and tall Christmas trees can be very tempting for our pets to play with! Pets like to explore with their mouths, so if they accidently swallow something they shouldn’t such as small decorations, tinsel, or fairy lights, it can lead to a serious blockage. It’s best to keep your pet out of harm ’s way while you decorate just in case they think it’s time to play!

Christmas Tree Whether artificial or real, your pet may see a tree as a climbing challenge or a chance to attack a hanging ornament! We advise not to leave your pets unsupervised around the Christmas tree. Don’t forget that pine needles can also be sharp on your pets’ paws.

Chocolate decorations While many of us may enjoy decorating our tree with chocolates, hanging them on the Christmas tree makes it all too easy for them to steal.

Chocolate is extremely toxic to pets, so keep them safe and leave

chocolate decorations off your tree altogether.

Small pets whilst they may not be able to reach the top of the Christmas tree with quite so much ease, they are experts on getting their teeth on nibble worthy wires! Keep wires from fairy lights well away from their enclosures and don’t be tempted to decorate their cage with lights just in case they give themselves a nasty shock!

Not so festive plants Many festive plants that we use in wreaths and garlands are poisonous to our pets Poinsettia, mistletoe, holly and ivy can all cause your pet to become poorly, so keep them out of your pet’s way.

Christmas dinner: many consider the roast dinner one of the most exciting parts of Christmas Day it’s tempting to get your pets involved with their own portion. Try to stick to your dog’s/cat's regular diet as much as possible even on Christmas Day as any sudden change in diet can lead to

a stomach upset, and just like us, our pets could be tempted to overeat, giving them tummy ache as well as resulting in the pounds piling on! Should you choose to give them a treat, beware of those foods that can be toxic or hazardous to them, including bones, onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, grapes, currants, raisins, sultanas, alcohol, xylitol (an artificial sweetener) and most gravy, plus those things which contain these such as bread sauce, mince pies and Christmas pudding!

There are some parts of the dinner that are safe to feed in moderation, if they are not cooked in fats, oils or sauces which could cause stomach upsets. Remember to only feed a small portion appropriate for your dog's/cat's size and ideal weight and make sure you adjust your pet's normal food accordingly. A pet size portion is much smaller than a portion for us after all even if they're a large breed! These include plain, boiled (or raw) Carrots, green beans, sprouts (yes,

Image by Gerhard from Pixabay

STALHAM LEGION seeking new month Street, cial and lies villages. wise. Glenister or stalhamroyalbritishlegion HORNING be horning 782009. WROXHAM noon The 01603 ryone HOVETON Usually Spixworth all Fruit wide original WROXHAM, TARY Appointments We pared appointment tals. Hoveton/Wroxham

TUNSTEAD and play 10.00am stead. ome beginners, Mahjong game card bridge, join like please carol_hodgkiss@hotmail.com

Community Events & What’s On...

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 W I meets on the third Wednesday afternoon of most months at the Church Hall, Wroxham. The meetings start at 2.15 p.m. Please ring Roz on 01603 781155 if you would like to find out more. Everyone most welcome!

HOVETON FARMERS & PRODUCERS MARKET

Usually held on the 4th Saturday of every month at Spixworth Village Hall 9.30 to 12.30. Come along for all your fresh produce including Fresh Fish, Meat, Fruit & Veg, Cakes, Bread and Preserves. Plus a wide variety of handmade craft stalls offering beautiful original gift ideas. Refreshments available.

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

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 and Zumba and members are entitled to a discounted fee for these classes.

Opening times are Monday 7am to midday (Boxfit with Ric at 11am to 11:30am). Wednesday 9am to midday. Thursday 7am to midday with Helen’s Circuit Class at 10 am. The gym re opens at 5pm till 8pm. Friday 7am to midday and Sunday 9am to midday. From Monday 1st August 2022 we will also be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings between 6pm and 9 pm. This will bring the total evening sessions per week to four. 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 info. Alternatively, contact us on the gym mobile 07547 321874 during opening hours or email stalhamcommunitygym@gmail.com 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.

HORNING THEATRICAL (HATS) Rehearsals annual by When miller cat his inherit riches. cat! cal Fairy, his Princess the outwit and impress parents, the Performance 19th 20th January Sunday (matinee) Horning, Tickets £4 Seats Christine person Horning Estate

HORNING AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY (HATS)

Rehearsals are underway for the annual pantomime’ ‘Puss in Boots’ by Ben Crocker

When Jack, the youngest son of a miller receives his inheritance a cat he is none too impressed as his brothers Jasper and Jethro inherit the mill and all the miller’s riches. But the feline is no ordinary cat! Once the cat receives a magical pair of boots from the Good Fairy, Puss sets about changing his master’s destiny to win the Princess’s hand in marriage. Along the way Jack and Puss will have to outwit the Bad Fairy, his brothers and the Ogre; all whilst trying to impress Princess Esmeralda’s parents, the King and Queen as the Marquis of Carabas.

Performance dates are Thursday 19th January 2023, Friday 20th January 2023, Saturday 21st January 2023 (evening shows) and Sunday 22nd January 2023 (matinee) at the Village Hall in Horning, Norfolk NR12 8LF

Tickets are priced £7 for adults or £4 for children.

Seats may be booked by calling Christine on 07579 786223 or in person at Tidings Newsagents in Horning or at Abbotts Countrywide Estate Agents in Hoveton.

THE BUILD CHARITY VOLUNTEER CAMPAIGN:

Walkabout, a Grow and Go gardening session or even a Sunday afternoon cinema trip.

If you enjoy even more excitement, why not head into the city for our Ten Pin Tuesdays or even a Wednesday Club Social!

Alternatively, if you have expertise in marketing, fundraising, event management or photography and are willing to share your skills with us, we would also love to hear from you!

We believe that volunteers should get as much out of the BUILD Charity as they put in, so there are many benefits to these roles. As a BUILD Charity volunteer, you attend events whenever it suits your schedule, all volunteer expenses are covered by the charity and by becoming a BUILD volunteer, you receive your disability awareness training and safeguarding training.

The BUILD Charity are looking for people to support our social events with a small group of adults with disabilities, with all expenses covered. If it is a relaxing weekend that you are after, this could be a Sunday Roast, a Sunday afternoon

If any of these volunteering opportunities are of interest to you then either call the office on 01603 618029, email us at volunteer@buildcharity.co.uk, or check out the website for our sign up form and donation pages.

WROXHAM Below and our library · ing last would the we then Thank · Wednesday no starting building and Lego aged accompanied. · for dery, along Thursday 4.00pm ber · game) Thursday 4:00pm. board · of Thursday come. Thinking ing local have of library. www.norfolk.gov.uk/bipcnorfolk ·

WROXHAM LIBRARY

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

· Chess. We hope to start hosting a chess group, possibly on the last Thursday of the month. If you would like to play please contact the library to register an interest. If we have sufficient support we will then contact you with a start date. Thank you.

· Lego and Art club. Every Wednesday 3.30 4.30pm, except no club 21st or 28th December, re starting 4th January 2023. Put your building skills to the test or relax and get creative at our combined Lego and Art Club. For children aged 5 11. Under 8s must be accompanied.

· Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday 1st December,2.00 4.00pm and Thursday 15th December 2.00 4.00pm.

· Crib Club (Cribbage card game) new players welcome Thursday 8th December 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 29th December. 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.

Booking Live Wroxham Library events are available to view and book online. Go to https:// www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries local history and archives/libraries/whats on

· 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

Christmas Opening Hours: Saturday 24th December closing at 12 noon. 25th, 26th and 27th December closed, re opening Wednesday 28th December. Closed Sunday 1st January, Monday 2nd January, re open Tuesday 3rd January. Visit our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ wroxhamlibraryofficial for updates on events and activities. www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries

Service Providers: To remain buoyant throughout 2023... “Keep

We our 40 Chairman, Peter account state on and Twinning found for in sur and, on bers shall night Monet many Before usual January Wroxham: about Quiz forward quiz are still can outing June. Wednesday vember Midnight This “ Everisto book suffering a let the copies Wroxham very information 782375 pat.barkergreen@btinternet.com For contact 782733 peter_c_milsted@talk21.com

WHB ASSOCIATION

WHB TWINNING ASSOCIATION

We had an excellent attendance at our AGM on 3rd November, almost 40 members turned out to hear our Chairman, Peter M, Secretary, Peter R, and Treasurer, Russell, account for the current, very good state of our association and then on to the serious business of wine and nibbles and catching up with Twinning friends. Peter R has found us a very good coach deal for visiting our French counterparts in La Pommeraye and Montjeansur Loire, 9 15th August 2023 and, at time of writing, we’re well on the way to getting our 30 members to make this possible. We shall be visiting and spending the night near Giverny en route to see Monet’s gardens there, one of the many highlights, I’m sure. Before then, we are organising our usual post Christmas dinner in January at the Bridge restaurant in Wroxham: details to members about that soon. There is also a Quiz and Supper evening to look forward to in March, which our new quiz masters, Roger and George, are busy preparing. Hopefully, if we still have enough boat owners, we can reinstate our popular flotilla outing on the Broads in May or June.

Book Club continues on the third Wednesday of the month and November was Marie’s choice of “The Midnight Hour” by Elly Griffiths. This month it’s Sheila’s turn for “Girl, Woman, Other” by Bernadine Everisto on 21st and some of our book club members and long suffering partners are going out for a Christmas lunch that day too: let’s hope we can stay awake for the evening meeting! 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

WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB

Christmas is not far away and we are pleased to say that the sleigh is now ready, having been converted from generator to battery power.

Santa has sent us his list of visits for this year, which are as follows:

Thurs 1st Dec Tunstead School, 5pm to 6.30pm

Fri 2nd Dec Wroxham

Sat 3rd Dec Lidl North Walsham 9am to 5pm

Sun 4th Dec Lidl North Walsham 10am to 4pm

Mon 5th Dec Salhouse

Wed 7th Dec Douglas Bader School 5pm to 8pm

Thurs 8th Dec Hoveton

Sat 10th Dec Roys Dept Store Hoveton 9am to 5pm

Sun 11th Dec Roys Dept Store Hoveton 10am to 4pm

Mon 12th Dec Rackheath Primary 2.30 & Hoveton (Eve)

Wed 14th Dec Coltishall

Thurs 15th Dec Horstead

Sat 17th Dec Roys Dept Store Hoveton 9am to 5pm

Sun 18th Dec Tesco Stalham 10am to 4pm

Mon 19th Dec Tesco Stalham 9am to 5pm

Wed 21st Dec Rackheath. Please be advised that the above dates are weather dependant. We will post on our Facebook page on the day of the visits, should any cancellation be necessary, because of inclement conditions.

Our annual presentation night was held on November 15th, at which we donated £6750 00 to 26 different organisations in our region, which was great fully received by all the representatives who attended.

We have also donated £1000 00 to Broadland Youth and Community Centre, for the purchase of a top of the range DEFIBRILLATOR. This

is now fitted and ready to use, which of course, we hope never happens, but what a great asset to have for our village. Please tell all your friends the location, in case it is ever needed.

Just a gentle reminder. Please let us keep a watch on our vulnerable and elderly neighbours as we go into the winter months.

We are pleased that two of our local primary schools (in Rackheath and Coltishall) are participating in the “Lions Roar Competition 2022”, which is run to encourage young children to come up with innovative ideas to help the environment and save the planet.

Our charity shop continues to be busy and we still need your donations, especially bric a brac. So, if you are having a sort out, or down sizing, would you please consider us. You can drop items in at the shop, or alternatively ring them on 01603 783737 or myself on 07850 091570 and we can arrange collection.

All the monies raised by the shop and our other activities, go towards helping other charities and deserving causes in our local community, as well as assisting with any disasters either nationally or internationally, through the Lions Clubs International Foundation, of which we are part.

If you have any spare time and feel you would like to put it to good use and give something back into your community, why not think about joining us. We are always looking for and welcome new members. If you are interested, please give me a call 07850 091570 or contact our membership chair person Lion Lydia Spight via our “Learn More” link on web site www.wroxhamandhovetonlions.org

Lastly, may I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Lion President Terry Vout

Welcome… to the latest

of THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK So, this year we have the FIFA Football World Cup taking place in the same month as Christmas. Given our youngest son is a data driven football fan, we’re fully expecting a sporting overload of facts and figures in our house! Getting into reflective mood as we often do this time of year; what an incredible period the past couple of years have been. Pandemic, lockdown, health scares, political unrest, budget chaos there have been plenty of challenges to test us all. We hope you and your family have remained resilient. From a community point of view, checking in on friends and neighbours this winter is likely to be a particularly important act of kindness.

edition

usual, you’ll find lots of regular articles and quizzes on the following pages. Rather appropriately for the festive period, our celebrity article for this edition features Dame Mary Berry DBE.