The Wroxham & Coltishall Book - Dec/Jan 24

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

With the festive season fast approaching we have lots of helpful articles that will hopefully give you lots of inspiration. Ideas for your home including gifting, beauty, health, pet, gardening & motoring advice. As always, there are lots of interesting local club and events in our ‘What’s On & Community Events’ plus the usual puzzles and quizzes you come to expect.

You ll find lots of thriving local business services inside our glossy magazine. Remember, behind local businesses are real people many of whom live in and around the eighteen villages in our magazine distribution area. Our local economy relies on us all supporting each other, and when we do, it makes such a positive difference!

We wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable festive season and we hope you have a happy, healthy year ahead in 2024.

Enjoy the Festive Season!

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.

BREAKING FREE FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE

Leeway provides free and confidential

Established in 1974, Leeway is an independent charity (1079214) providing support to adults, young people and children who are experiencing domestic abuse in Norfolk and Suffolk.

They operate safehouses across the county where people experiencing domestic abuse (and their children) are welcome to stay as long as necessary to secure a future free from a dangerous partner.

Domestic abuse goes beyond violent behaviour and physical abuse. It also includes any type of sexual, psychological and financial abuse and is about a range of coercive and controlling behaviours. It also includes ‘honour-based violence’, female genital mutilation (FGM)

and forced marriages. It can happen in any relationship – regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, social class or income.

If you are being forced to change your behaviour because you are scared of your partner or a family member's reaction, it's likely that

WELCOME HOME MY OLE BEWTY!

by Chris Weston LOCAL HISTORY

Some readers may be familiar with or have used this phrase at some time. But I thought this quite appropriate as a title for what follows.

Like numerous locations along Norfolk’s coastline, Winterton which once had 4 lighthouses has also suffered other losses as well. The most recent was the Dunes Cafe, destroyed by ongoing erosion. But turn the clock back to the 1830’s and we find this location also had a Lifeboat Station and craft as well. It reputedly soon followed earlier establishments in Caister, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston.

Early details are sparse but in 1859, a Surf Lifeboat was ‘placed’ at Winterton. Registered as the Anna Maria, she was renamed Edward Birkbeck twenty years later in 1879. Then in 1896, came a replacement boat also named Edward Birkbeck and this vessel is currently being restored in Norfolk as we shall discover shortly.

The latter was built by Beeching Brothers Ltd, founded in 1795 and located on South Gates Road, Great Yarmouth. Their ‘phone number was Gt Yarmouth 70!

Costing £436.2.7d, she was funded by an anonymous donor and was named after Sir Edward Birkbeck (1838-1908) once Chairman of the Winterton RNLI Branch.

Delivered to the local RNLI Station on Monday 2nd November 1896, the vessel remained Winterton's No.1 lifeboat until late in 1924, when she was withdrawn from service. Only a few weeks later on Monday 5th January 1925, the RNLI closed Winterton Lifeboat Station. By then, the lifeboat had made 44 launches and saved 94 lives.

After the station’s closure, the Edward Birkbeck was offered for sale as sound and fit for conversion into almost any other required purpose.

She passed through several owners between then and 1987 when her then owners sailed her from Plymouth to Conwy Harbour in North Wales through the famous 1987 gales. Due to the appalling conditions, they had to be rescued by the St Davids Lifeboat while en route.

The boat continued to be sold at various times until 2003 after which in 2004, she was abandoned and left to deteriorate in Conwy Harbour. Several years passed until one day, she was noticed by Conwy’s Harbourmaster. He appraised

her condition also realising that as no mooring fees were being paid on her, she would have to go as she was also causing an obstruction. But he decided to take a closer look and was amazed to find her original nameplate still aboard and intact. Not only that, but she had also been holed and would continue to take on water at every high tide, thus accelerating her deterioration.

So, he Googled the Edward Birkbeck and quickly learned of her previous importance at Winterton in Norfolk. His quick phone call ex-

EACH LONG STRATTON

Santa's Grotto

EACH, Long Stratton

Visit Santa this Christmas in his very special grotto

Thursday 7, Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 December 10:00 - 16:30

£3 per child

Pre booking is essential.

Late Night Opening

Friday 1 December

9am – 8pm

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. 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.

Nominations now open for the Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards 2024

Nominations are now open for Broadland District and South Norfolk Councils’ Business Awards sponsored by local law ﬁrm Birketts LLP.

& COLTISHALL BOOK

We wish all WAC readers a very happy and peaceful Christmas. Our events in December and January are:

Tel: 01603 717681

Tues 5th December: Winter Walk in Winterton followed by 12.30pm lunch at The Fishermans Return. Meet at 10.45am to walk; book with menu choices by 28th Nov.

Enjoy festive shopping and the chance to win prizes in our tombola - £1 for 5 tickets

8 Ice House Ct, Long Stratton, Norwich NR15 2XW

Please speak to a member of staff all call 01508 531507 for more details.

FIRE SAFETY (JOKE):

During his presentation on Fire Safety to the village schoolchildren, a visiting officer asked who could tell him what the sound of a smoke alarm meant. Almost immediately, young George in the front row thrust up his hand and said “I can”. So when asked to tell the class, George continued “It means my dad is cooking dinner sir!”

(Thank you for this, Chris Weston!)

Businesses based in the two districts are invited to nominate themselves in any of the ten categories to be in with a chance of winning a prestigious award

Businesses are invited to nominate themselves in the following categories:

www.wacbook.co.uk

January: Details will be available on the website in early December. The draft programme is for Bowling in North Walsham followed by lunch at The Goat, Skeyton.

Business Growth / Business Innovation / Employer of the year / Environmental Impact / Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing / Excellence in Insurance, Financial and Professional Services / Food and Drink Producer of the Year / New Business / Small Business of the Year and Tourism Business of the Year.

Residents are also invited to vote for their favourite Retailer of the Year and Pub of the Year. By voting they will automatically be entered into a prize draw and be in with a chance of winning £100 of shopping and pub vouchers. There will be four lucky winners, two from each district.

The awards ceremony will take place at Norwich City Football Club in March 2024.

To nominate your business, or to vote for your favourite retailer and pub, visit www.southnorfolkandbroadland.go v.uk/businessawards

Closing date for entries is 15 December 2023.

01603 783920

Just like us, our pets might need a little extra TLC over the winter months! It’s important they stay safe, warm and active as temperatures start to drop, whether you have a dog, cat or something smaller! We’ve put together some of our top tips for taking care of your pets this winter, so you’re prepared whatever the weather.

Staying safe and warm on winter walks - As the winter nights draw in, it’s really important for both you and your dog to be safe and seen on the roads. We recommend walking your dog in the day but if that isn’t possible there are lots of ways you can stay safe by using bright LED collars, hi-visibility coats and taking a torch out on your evening adventures. Does your dog feel the cold? Then fit them with a coat. Dry your dog with a towel after snowy or rainy walks. Clumps of snow can form between the pads of hairy-pawed dogs, so try to keep the hair around their paws trimmed. Making sure they are dry and warm when you return home.

Cats - All this wet and cold weather can mean that your cat would prefer to stay inside. If you’re worried your cat isn’t as active as usual, you can encourage them to play with some toys. It will help keep them in shape and is great for bonding with them. If your cat likes to go outside all year, make sure they have a warm, dry place to shelter or fit a cat flap - either into the house or into a safe shed or similar. If you’re worried about other cats getting in, choose a microchip cat flap which will only open for your cats, (so long as they have a microchip! Incidentally all owners will be required to have their cats microchipped by 10 June 2024).

Keeping small pets warm - As the temperatures drop, it’s important to make sure all pets stay warm and cosy:

If your pets normally live outdoors,

PET CARE ADVICE FOR WINTER

think about bringing them indoors or into a sheltered area, such as a shed or car-free garage.

Make sure other small pets, like hamsters or mice, are kept away from any cold drafts, giving them extra bedding. Ferrets will love piles of fleecy blankets to snuggle in.

·Healthy chickens should cope well with most weather but there are still lots of things you can do to help. Cover their coop with old carpet, blankets, bubble wrap or flattened cardboard to give them extra insulation. A deep layer of straw or wood shavings on the floor will help keep them warm. Hens dislike wind and rain so providing wooden or plastic wind breaks along with a covered area in their run will help keep them happy.

Don’t let your outdoor pond freeze –float a ball on the surface then if the pond does ice over you can remove it and your fish will have a handy air hole. If you have an electricity supply to your pond you can also buy pond heaters to prevent it freezing.

Hypothermia - Hypothermia is a really serious condition. Pets can develop hypothermia if they’ve been in the cold for a long time and can’t warm themselves up. Shivering is an early sign of hypothermia - but be aware that your pet will stop shivering if their body temperature drops very low. Their gums will become pale and they will have low energy, becoming very sleepy and uncoordinated. Severe cases can lead to coma and death. Like us the young, old and infirm are more susceptible. Hypothermia is an emergency. Phone us right away on 01603 783920.

Winter hazards -There are lots of hidden hazards round our homes, gardens and streets that could harm curious paws. Here’s some things to watch out for in winter:

·Antifreeze/de-icer. Used to stop cars icing up in winter - but are very toxic for pets. Cats are most at risk from antifreeze because they like the

sweet taste. Keep antifreeze out of the reach of pets and mop up any spills. Surprisingly antifreeze can also be found in snow globes!

·Salt and grit. The salt and grit we use on roads in winter can irritate pet’s paws. If you use salt around your home, choose a pet-safe product. Wash your pet’s paws in lukewarm water (then towel dry) if they come into contact.

·Poisonous plants. Festive favourites like holly, ivy and poinsettia are all toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them out of your pet’s reach.

·Festive food. Lots of our winter treats – raisins, chocolate, alcohol and sweeteners like xylitol – are toxic to pets. It’s tempting to give your pet a festive treat but stick to ones meant for pets.

·Icy surfaces. Just like us, our dogs can slip and fall on icy surfaces. Always be extra careful on walks particularly if your dog has arthritis as these slips can cause serious strains. Always be cautious with fairy lights, baubles or tinsel which can easily be chewed or swallowed and cause serious problems. Likewise, pets can be very interested in the gifts we’ve exchanged over Christmas such as soft toys, small toys or anything nice and chewy! If your pet has eaten anything they shouldn’t – contact us immediately for advice.

On behalf of us all at Bridge Vets, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

David Martin BVM&S MRCVS

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 01692 651333

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.

WROXHAM LIBRARY

Below are some of the events and services we offer but see our Facebook page or call the library on 01603 782560. Keep Warm and Well this winter Visit your local library to pick up Free winter essentials including:- a blanket; hot water bottle; toiletries bag. Free hot drinks are also available during staffed times.

· Computer Buddy We will shortly be offering 1 – 1 internet and digital support, for help with your tablet, smartphone, email and much more. Booking will be essential. Please contact the library for more details.

· 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

· Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday

Dec/Jan Events

WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB - CHRISTMAS MEETING - Wednesday 13th of December 23 Flower demonstration by Jill Clarke & Hannah Deane - “Christmas is Coming” Doors open 6.30pm Rackheath Village Hall, Green Lane West, Rackheath, Norwich, NR13 6LT. Please call Su Mace on 07902 140520 to book your ticket. £10 includes mulled wine & nibbles (club members free of charge).

7th Dec, 2.00- 4.00pm and Thursday 21st Dec 2.00 – 4.00pm.

· Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 14th Dec 2.00-4:00pm. Please bring your own board and cards if you have them.

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

WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB

As I write this Granary Staithe in Hoveton, and part of the main A1151 through Wroxham remains under water! Let’s hope things dry out a bit before Santa starts his local tours in December! At least we managed all our crocus planting in support of Rotary’s End polio Campaign before the ground got too wet, so we can look forward to a colourful purple display next February.

Our Santa Sleigh has been refurbished and repainted, and hopefully now is also ecologically better, with its diesel generator replaced by electrical connections. As a reminder Santa is joining us on the following dates and venues: Sprowston on 5th, 6th,7th December, Spixworth 12th and 19th, Wroxham on 13th, Horning 14th, and Badersfield on 20th, all early evening, and Tesco at Stalham during the day on 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. As usual we will be collecting on behalf of East Anglia Air Ambulance and other charities supported by our Rotary club. We look forward to seeing lots of excited children.

Our autumn programme of weekly meetings at Wroxham Barns on a Monday evening finish with our Christmas meal on 11th December, but we resume on January 8th with lots of interesting topics in the new year. If you want to find out more about us, just come along one night – 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 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.

DID YOU KNOW?

By Chris Weston

1. Over the weekend of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, all Tesco stores closed for an extra day to reduce their prices!

2. The occupation of ‘Beatster’ relates to someone repairing damaged fishing nets.

3. Cromer Library in Prince of Wales Road, is a former 19th century church/chapel, built around 1890.

4. When the Leader of an Orchestra failed to appear for the 144th time, he was sacked for “Gross Misconduct”!

5. Owls are known not to mate on wet or stormy nights as they consider it “Too Wet to Woo”!!

Thank you Chris!

WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB

Happy Christmas and a happy New Year to one and all. Hope you enjoy the festivities, Santa brings you everything you desire and the New Year is one of health, happiness and good fortune.

Did you visit our Craft Fair in Nov? If so, I hope you enjoyed the refreshments, browsing the stalls and hopefully found that ideal Christmas present.

Santa has serviced his sleigh, checked the Reindeer and selected his Elves. Look out for Rudolph whose bright red nose is leading the Reindeer team. As I mentioned last month, he’s visiting shops, schools and communities in our local area. Please see our website for a list of dates and locations. Our shop is always on the lookout for good quality Bric a Brac or clean clothing, so please bring them along or we can collect – just ring 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.

If you fancy getting out and about and doing something worthwhile in retirement or can afford the time after work, you will always get a warm welcome in our club. Pop into our shop and pick up a booklet that lets you know all about us or visit our website, details of which are below.

You can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com > wroxhamandhovetonlions or our website https:// wroxhamandhovetonlions.org

We look forward to seeing or hearing from you.

Lion Mick Holden, President.

EACH LONG STRATTON

Santa's Grotto

EACH, Long Stratton

Visit Santa this Christmas in his very special grotto

Thursday 7, Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 December 10:00 - 16:30 £3 per child