The Wroxham & Coltishall Book - Feb/March 23

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

Ah, ‘February & March’ - by definition the last month of Winter and the first month of Spring! Here’s hoping 2023 will be uplifting for us all. There are lots of notable diary dates over the coming period: we’ve got Valentine’s Day on Feb 14th, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) on Feb 21st, St David’s Day on March 1st, Day St Patrick’s Day on March 17th, Mother's Day on March 19th. British Summer Time starts on Sunday March 26th.

Plenty to focus on then!

As usual, inside this magazine you’ll find lots of puzzles and quizzes as well as thriving local services. There are regular features too; our celebrity is Holly Willoughby in this edition.

Thank you for ‘buying local ’; remember, when you use the fabulous businesses displayed in this publication you are directly contributing to our local economy!

Enjoy February & March!...

What’s Inside…

Page:

4 - Home & Interiors; Ways To (Almost) Instantly Update Your Lighting 10 - Home Products; Bring me Sunshine

44 - Gardening; A Rose by any other Name

46 - Community Events & What’s On

48 - Wordsearch; Astrology

52 - Local Reports

54 - Jokes

55 - Sport; Dance your way to Fitness

56

- A short Tale from your Past by Chris Weston

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.

A SHORT TALE FROM YOUR PAST

By Chris Weston

Almost everyone reading this will no doubt remember hearing or singing in their youth, the Nursery Rhyme “Ring -aring-a-rosies, but do you know it’s origin?

Originally entitled “Ring Around A Rosy”, the words which then follow are said to relate to the Great Plague of 1665. It seems the infection’s main symptoms were a high fever and a rash in the form of a ring hence arrival of the original name.

Ring-a-ring-a-rosies

A pocket full of posies

A-Tishoo, A-Tishoo

We all fall down.

Ring Around A Rosy is said to refer to the Great Plague of 1665. Its main symptoms were a high fever and a rash in the form of a ring and hence, came the name, Ring Around A Rosy.

Anyone suffering from infection was encouraged to carry around in their pocket, a quantity of herbs and spices. For several moths, this was common practice, intended to freshen up the stale air. The more people doing this would hopefully reduce the overall infection time. In the subsequently written nursery rhyme, this became the line “ A “pocket full of posies ”. Then comes A -Tishoo, A -Tishoo which in the original American version, was “Ashes, Ashes ”. We understand this as someone sneezing. Plague sufferers had a fit of sneezing before they passed away or as we know it, in the rhyme, “ we all fall down”.

So to Summarise: -

The fatalism of the rhyme was brutal: the roses were a euphemism for deadly rashes, the posies were a supposed preventative measure; the a-tishoos pertained to sneezing symptoms, and the implication of everyone falling down, was death.

While writing this, it seems somewhat similar to some of the recent Covid symptoms. I wonder therefore if Covid might be “The Plague Re-Visited”?? Perhaps the saying about ‘History Sometimes Repeating Itself ’ might be appropriate.

© Chris Weston, February 2023

As independent financial advisers, we often help older people, and their families manage their finances and estate planning. When working with clients of any age, we always consider the requirements of the individual and any extra accommodations that they may need. This can help to negate some of the financial vulnerabilities that can come with old age and ensure that none of our clients are left financially vulnerable.

If you have a vulnerable family member or loved one, it can be hard to know the best way to help them manage their finances. Every person is different, so will have different requirements, but we have put together a few things that you can do to help your vulnerable loved ones manage their finances.

What is a vulnerable person?

Before we go on it is important to understand how vulnerability is defined within a financial setting. A vulnerable person is susceptible to harm due to their personal circumstances. This is especially true when a service provider (such as a financial adviser) does not act with an appropriate level of care. Financial vulnerability describes a person’s ability to manage finances and adapt to sudden changes. Age is far from the only factor which can indicate this.

Is

every elderly person vulnerable?

No, not every elderly person is considered vulnerable and everyone, no matter their age or abilities, should expect to be treated with respect and professionalism. When it comes to matters of money it is essential that decisions are made with the full consent and capacity of the individual involved and the adviser. This needs to be true if you are 18 or 80!

What factors can affect vulnerability?

According to the FCA ’s ‘Guidance on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers’ there are four events that may potentially cause vulnerability to finances or money management, which apply equally to us as financial advisers and you if you’re helping a loved one. These four factors can affect anyone and are not exclusive to one age group. Health conditions that may affect the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

Life events such as bereavements or relationship breakdowns. Resilience to financial or emotional shock.

Capability to understand financial matters or low confidence in money management.

Within these categories certain vulnerabilities will be more obvious than others. For example, some ‘obvious’ examples may be divorce, depression, major illness, and age. Subtler examples include number of dependents, poor literary skills, poor memory, or dyslexia. Some vulnerability factors may be completely hidden, like dementia, mental health, drug abuse, and learning disabilities.

What is ‘causative nexus’?

When considering how these factors can affect the vulnerability of your loved one, causative nexus should be looked at. Financial vulnerability is caused by more than just one of the above factors being present; causative nexus is the link between the circumstances and the impact on the individual. If there is no impact, then despite a vulnerability factor being present the individual would not be considered vulnerable.

On the other hand, a vulnerability factor might seem small, like the death of a pet for example, but could have a greater impact to the individual and therefore increase their vulnerability.

How long is someone considered vulnerable?

Vulnerability can change over time, but sometimes it will be a permanent consideration. For example, permanent vulnerability is something that will consistently cause vulnerability.

Temporary vulnerability is considered a one -off occurrence that will resolve in time. Sporadic vulnerability fluctuates, so may be different depending on the time or the task that is required.

Permanent vulnerabilities like dementia are more likely to affect older people, but these levels of vulnerability apply to all age groups. In fact, 42,000 people under the age of 55 have been diagnosed with dementia in the UK, for example.

How many people are considered vulnerable?

Financial vulnerability can affect so many people in different ways, so it is

impossible to give an exact number. For example, around 1.5m people in the UK have some form of learning disability, and 1 in 7 are estimated to be neurodivergent. In addition to this around 33% of dementia sufferers are thought to be undiagnosed, so it’s important to always remain compassionate and patient when helping someone manage their money, as you can ’t always tell how vulnerable they may be.

How to help a vulnerable loved one manage their finances

If you start to notice some of these signs of increased financial vulnerability in a loved one, it’s important to make sure that they can understand the information given, can retain that information, are able to weigh up multiple options, and can communicate thought processes and outcomes.

Here are few ways to support your loved one to make important financial decisions:

• Identify only relevant information to avoid information overload.

• Ask about any key life events that may affect their financial decisions.

• Remind them of any previous conversations you may have had and confirm that they have understood everything you have already discussed.

• Confirm the logical series of steps they have taken to come to a financial decision.

• Inform them of any other options that may be relevant so that they are able to weigh up all the options.

• Be aware of how quickly they are responding, and make sure they have the time to fully understand all the information provided.

• See if you can attend any financial meetings with them.

• Consider whether you need to discuss putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, so you have permission to act on their behalf.

T: 01603 625100

www.ftof-finance.co.uk

What is financial vulnerability and how can you help vulnerable loved ones with their finances?

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 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 2 nd 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

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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...

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Pay as you go (invoiced per edition) with NO minimum contract period.

Should you prefer to book until Jan 2024 and pay in advance, feel free to speak with us for extra special terms which may include potential FREE advertorial support.

As always, to maximise responses to your advert, our recommendation is to maintain a regular presence in each edition of this handy glossy magazine. Did you know, 81% of our clients have appeared in each edition over a rolling 12month period?

They do so because they’ve found IT WORKS!

It’s all about familiarity; when we decide we need a product or service, we tend to reach out to those we are emotionally most comfortable to do business with don’t we? It ’s human nature.

When a product or service provider is consistently in our personal focus, it creates a sense of reliability. When we’re ready to make contact, we need that advert to be precisely where we expect it to be.

And providing you’re a local service appearing in this mag,

that telephone call or email enquiry could be making its way directly to YOU!

Btw: If you’d like to take advantage of the ‘Price Lock Opportunity’ and require a professional-looking advert, we’ll do our best to create that for you FREE-of -charge! Call us now!

Leadership & Management Training with Optional Peak Performance Mindset Coaching

Teams, Groups & VIP 1:1’s Call Stuart on 07500 877675 or message via www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-sayer

Testimonial: As a provider of B2B services to business owners and team leaders, I don ’ t expect a high volume of enquiries from advertising in a local B2C publication. However, when calls & messages do arrive, they tend to be well -qualified and of high quality. Usually from extremely friendly people too, which makes the process even more enjoyable! My advert (shown above) has been a virtual ever -present in this magazine which has created a degree of familiarity; potential clients always like to know where to find you don ’t they? -

Stuart Sayer.

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Community Events & What’s On...

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

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.

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 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, airconditioned 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 (Boxfit 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.

Aternatively, 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.

Community Events & What ’s On...

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

WROXHAM WI 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!

Feb/March Events

HOVETON, WROXHAM & DISTRICT GARDENING

CLUB - On Friday February 10th , please note change of date, 7.30p.m., at the Hub on Norwich Road, Wroxham the AGM will take place. After which we will supply refreshments and gardening associated quizzes. We hope you will all come and enjoy the evening. Don't forget the monthly bloom, plus the extra competition of a pot or pan of bulbs, dafs, hyacinths etc. Raffle. Congratulations to Maggie December competition winner. More details Pam 01603 782041.

STALHAM & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Lecture entitled –“Gardening for Wildlife” by Simon Harrap, to be held in the Poppy Centre, off Recreation Road in Stalham (NR12 9BH) on Friday 17th February, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Raffle and refreshments.

Lecture entitled –“Chrysanthemums in an Ideal World” – by Simon White from Chelsea Gold Medal winning nursery – Peter Beales, to be held in the “The Poppy Centre”, off Recreation Road in Stalham (NR12 9BH), on Friday 17th March, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Raffle and refreshments. Please note Simon normally brings gardening items for sale, so bring your cash and cards.

WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB The Club will be changing venues and moving to its new home: RACKHEATH VILLAGE HALL, Green Lane West, NR13 6LT, from Wednesday, 8th February, 7.30 pm when Susan Horne from Great Baddow is making arrangements entitled, “Floral Cavalcade”.

Then on 8th March, 7.30 pm, Pat Barton will be demonstrating, giving us her slant on beautiful floral arrangements.

Although we are moving home to Rackheath Village Hall, nothing else is changing which means that refreshments including home made cake follow each demonstration and the gorgeous arrangements will be raffled as usual.

We look forward to seeing and welcoming you at Rackheath. For further information please contact Rosie Howell on 07539 764196.

WOMACK HERONS is a social group with a year round programme of events usually focused in the Northern Broads and Norwich areas. Some of our activities are riverside offering the opportunity for a pleasant cruise for our boating members, however all events are accessible by road. Our informal meetings always include the opportunity to eat togetherand often a walk, quiz, talk or visit to a place of interest. 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 February and March are:

Tues 7th Feb: Hidden Street History Tour, Castle Meadow Norwich, 11.30am followed by lunch at Cote Brasserie 1pm. Booking for tour closed 12th January, booking for lunch by 31st January.

Weds 8th March: Spring Walk in Blickling followed by lunch at The Buckinghamshire Arms, 1pm. Booking required by 28th February.

Tues 28th March: Spring Supper at The Rising Sun, Coltishall, 7pm. Booking required by 14th March.

WHB TWINNING ASSOCIATION

Our coach party to La Pommeraye and Montjean -sur -Loire, 9 -15th August 2023 is now about 45 strong, so we will be taking an excellent number of members to visit our French friends this year, the biggest group for a long time, I think. The coach company are also arranging our night’s hotel stay en route and visit to Giverny, Monet’s Gardens, which we are all looking forward to also. We will have more visits, of course, with our friends on the Loire as well, including the famous Puy du Fou theme park, a Loire chateau, the Cointreau distill-

ery etc. Roll on August!

Before then, we are organising our usual post -Christmas dinner on Friday 17 th February at The Bridge Restaurant in Wroxham and also a Quiz and Supper Evening on Saturday 18th March in Wroxham Church hall. Details and menus for the dinner will go out to members soon and they will be organising their teams of six for our popular quiz night. Do let us know if you ’ d like a table and contact our chairman on the details below. The more, the merrier.

Book Club continues on the third Wednesday of the month, December was “Girl, Woman, Other” by Bernadine Everisto and January, Aileen ’s choice of “City of Girls ” by Elizabeth Gilbert. We had an excellent Christmas lunch in the Bridge Restaurant in Wroxham on 21st December, great food, wine and company. 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

TASTER CHESS TOURNAMENT FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS

players who have previous experience of playing tournament chess. John Wickham (NCCA Chair) commented “We welcome players of different abilities to come along and have an enjoyable afternoon playing chess and meeting other local players. We hope to have players from throughout Broadland and North Norfolk taking part. There will also be tea and cake available. Profits from the event will be used to help buy additional chess equipment for North Walsham Library Chess Club.”

Potential players and parents / carers interested in finding out more or booking a place can contact: Jonathan Reeve - e-mail: aylshamchessclub@gmail.com / Tel: 01263 - 733744

Norfolk County Chess Association (NCCA) and North Walsham Library Chess Club are organising a Chess Tournament for children and adults at North Walsham Community Centre, New Road, North Walsham on the afternoon of Friday 17th February.

The event will have two sections: The Junior section is aimed at giving children up to the age of 16 years a first experience of playing competitive chess.

The Open section is aimed at adult players of all standards and junior

THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK

Photo above: Riley (11 years), Marion Wright (North Walsham Library Chess Club Volunteer) & Matthew Perry (NCCA Junior Organiser)

Photo above: Left to right: North Walsham Library Chess Club players - Riley, Nathan and Olly with Matthew Perry (NCCA Junior Organiser)

WROXHAM LIBRARY

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

• NEW Chess. Last Thursday of the month, February 23 rd February, 10.30 - midday. Beginner ’s welcome.

• NEW Digifest is happening at Wroxham library this February! Our free, family -friendly events will give you the chance to use new technology in exciting, innovative ways. Visit our Facebook page or enquire in the library for more information.

• Lego and Art club . Every Wednesday 3.30 - 4.30pm. 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 2 nd February, 2.004.00pm and Thursday 16th February 2.00 – 4.00pm.

• Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 9th February 2.004:00pm. Please bring your own board and cards if you have them.

• Scrabble Club Last Thursday of each month from 2.00 -4.00pm. Thursday 23rd February. 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

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A SHORT TALE FROM YOUR PAST

By Chris Weston

Almost everyone reading this will no doubt remember hearing or singing in their youth, the Nursery Rhyme “Ring -aring-a-rosies, but do you know it’s origin?

Originally entitled “Ring Around A Rosy”, the words which then follow are said to relate to the Great Plague of 1665. It seems the infection’s main symptoms were a high fever and a rash in the form of a ring hence arrival of the original name.

Ring-a-ring-a-rosies

A pocket full of posies

A-Tishoo, A-Tishoo

We all fall down.

Ring Around A Rosy is said to refer to the Great Plague of 1665. Its main symptoms were a high fever and a rash in the form of a ring and hence, came the name, Ring Around A Rosy.

Anyone suffering from infection was encouraged to carry around in their pocket, a quantity of herbs and spices. For several moths, this was common practice, intended to freshen up the stale air. The more people doing this would hopefully reduce the overall infection time. In the subsequently written nursery rhyme, this became the line “ A “pocket full of posies ”. Then comes A -Tishoo, A -Tishoo which in the original American version, was “Ashes, Ashes ”. We understand this as someone sneezing. Plague sufferers had a fit of sneezing before they passed away or as we know it, in the rhyme, “ we all fall down”.

So to Summarise: -

The fatalism of the rhyme was brutal: the roses were a euphemism for deadly rashes, the posies were a supposed preventative measure; the a-tishoos pertained to sneezing symptoms, and the implication of everyone falling down, was death.

While writing this, it seems somewhat similar to some of the recent Covid symptoms. I wonder therefore if Covid might be “The Plague Re-Visited”?? Perhaps the saying about ‘History Sometimes Repeating Itself ’ might be appropriate.

© Chris Weston, February 2023

WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB

Well, here we are in February already and I hope everyone has recovered from the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The sleigh is now tucked away until Santa joins us next year and we are pleased to advise that a total of £3,368.52 was collected during its outings in December. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to us – your generosity is greatly appreciated and will allow us to continue to support deserving causes and those less fortunate.

With Spring hopefully not too far away, we are now starting to plan this year’s Charity Village Fete, which will be held on Sunday August 6th at the Hoveton Village Hall and Playing Field. 10am to 4pm. Bookings for all pitches (including Craft pitches both inside the hall and outside) as well as Classic vehicles, are now being taken. Forms can be downloaded by going to our website www.wroxhamandhovetonlions.org and clicking on the link “Fundraising Events ” or alternatively by telephoning Lion Mike Clipston on 07767 810027.

We have already allocated the dates for our 2023 Craft Fairs , which will be held on Sunday, March 12th, May 21st, October 8th, & November 19th, so make a note in your diary.

We have recently purchased 10 slow cookers and presented them to the Norfolk Community Foundation who will distribute them to needy families in our area so they can make cheap and wholesome meals during this present crisis. Our charity shop continues to be busy and we still need your donations of good, clean items, especially bric -a-brac.

We would respectfully ask anyone donating clothing to our charity shop, to please make

sure that they are in a saleable condition, as recently we have been receiving some dirty and soiled items, including ladies and gentlemen’ s underwear. Not only is this hazardous to our shop staff, but it also uses charity money for its disposal. If you are having a sort out, or down -sizing, would you please bear us in mind. 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.

As we are still in the winter period, please remember to spare a moment to keep an eye on vulnerable and elderly neighbours.

We always welcome new members, so 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. 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

Lion Terry Vout President.

our club.

Our weekly meetings at Wroxham Barns have recommenced after the Christmas break, and we have a great range of interesting speakers lined up over the next few months. We are also busy planning our next community and fund -raising activities, most of which take place after Easter. More details next time but meanwhile February is the best month to enjoy the displays of purple crocuses which we have been planting in strategic sites around the local villages over the last few years, to recognise our Purple for Polio campaign to eradicate polio worldwide – so keep your eyes peeled!

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 website.

WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB

May we first of all wishes everyone a successful and healthy 2023. We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to out Santa collections, both around the local villages and outside Tesco in Stalham. Thank you too to everyone who helped collect and also to everyone at Tesco’s for allowing us to be there. Despite the difficult times in which we live, we managed to collect more than we have ever collected before with Santa, and we will shortly be donating over £3100 to the East Anglia Air Ambulance, plus a further £2400 to various local charities supported by

Meantime, we hope everyone stays safe and has a 2023 that is happy and healthy. Remember, in the true Rotary spirit of “ Service above Self ” we have members ready and willing to help out in the local community wherever the need arises. If you fancy joining us for a vibrant, sociable, active, and fun club experience, please contact our president, Robin Baines, on 01603 782920 / 07721 465647.

This magazine is one of 8,000 copies delivered to residents & businesses in:

EIGHTH PAGE £48 per edition or just £24 per month Please note:

SIXTH PAGE £74 per edition or just £37 per month

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

Ah, ‘February & March’ - by definition the last month of Winter and the first month of Spring!

Here’s hoping 2023 will be uplifting for us all.

There are lots of notable diary dates over the coming period: we’ve got Valentine’s Day on Feb 14th, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) on Feb 21st, St David’s Day on March 1st, Day St Patrick’s Day on March 17th, Mother's Day on March 19th. British Summer Time starts on Sunday March 26th.

Plenty to focus on then!

As usual, inside this magazine you’ll find lots of puzzles and quizzes as well as thriving local services. There are regular features too; our celebrity is Holly Willoughby in this edition.

Thank you for ‘buying local ’; remember, when you use the fabulous businesses displayed in this publication you are directly contributing to our local economy!

Enjoy February & March!...

What’s Inside…

Page:

4 - Home & Interiors; Ways To (Almost) Instantly Update Your Lighting

10 - Home Products; Bring me Sunshine

44 - Gardening; A Rose by any other Name

46 - Community Events & What’s On

48 - Wordsearch; Astrology

52 - Local Reports

54 - Jokes

55 - Sport; Dance your way to Fitness

56 - A short Tale from your Past by Chris Weston

58 - Motoring; New Tyres

Did

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.