A HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE, PEACE AND TRANQUILITY

St Benet’s Abbey provides calm and tranquility, connecting its visitors to an ancient religious site, and beautiful Norfolk Landscape.

The Bishop of Norwich, to this day, remains the Abbot of St Benet’s Abbey as, remarkably, King Henry VIII dissolution was not applied to St Benet’s Abbey; the single monastery across the whole of England to avoid having its assets seized by the crown. On Sunday 30th July 2023 Bishop Graham Usher will celebrate his annual open air service at the Abbey.

Today, nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers, artists, anglers, walkers, and visitors to the site enjoy its ambience and opportunity for creativity and wellbeing as well as its glorious surroundings.

Norfolk Archaeological Trust would like to thank all the volunteers who freely give their time and energy to ensure that this site remains beautiful and safe for visitors. Our volunteers ensure the site is litter free, monitor any deterioration in the structure, offer guided tours and endeavour to ensure that every visitor has the best experience whilst on the site.

NAT has recently appointed a new Visitor Experience Manager, Fran Young, and her remit includes supporting the current volunteers. She also wants to work with the wider community to ensure that the site is valued and utilised by those who live and work close to this precious heritage site. More volunteers will ensure sustainability at the site, and anyone who is interested in supporting our work can contact us via our website -https://www.norfarchtrust.org.uk/ support-us/

Join the Norfolk Archaeological Trust and help us continue our unique work.

In return for your membership subscription, you will receive each year an illustrated Annual Report on the work of the NAT prior to the AGM, and a Spring Newsletter. You will receive monthly e-newsletters on NAT activities and forthcoming events, and you will be able to take part in special guided tours of new NAT properties as we acquire them. As a member you will also be able to hear a first-hand account of our work at the AGM and hear an interesting talk from an invited speaker.

We will be able to make Gift Aid claims on your subscriptions and donations to HM Revenue and Customs if you are a British taxpayer.

Annual Membership currently costs £25, or £500 for Life Membership.

Several years ago, a lovely man dropped by to discuss potential distribution services for THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK. Michael appeared highly energetic and when we discovered he was a retired postman for Royal Mail, we offered him a part-time role to distribute our magazines to residents in the Buxton and Stalham areas.

Michael was sprightly and always super-keen to get on with the job; so much so, he would often drive to the printers to pick up his stock as soon as they came off the packing line. Literally ‘hot off the press! ’ It’s fabulous to witness such enthusiasm and spirit – he really has been a joy to work with!

We support Michael’s desire to spend more time with his wife who is experiencing ill-health and wish to publicly thank him for being so efficient. He will be hard to replace, that’s for sure. We’ve never needed to recruit for a distributor before, however a rare opportunity with flexible hours exists.

Should you know of someone courteous, reliable, and physically fit looking to work part-time 7 or 8 days every other month carefully distributing magazines to residents in Stalham and surrounding areas, please point them our way!

Distribution of the magazines typically takes place during the last week of the month preceding each bi-monthly edition and the first week of the new month. Delivery of the next edition for August/ September will commence during the last week of July.

Email tracey@wacbook.co.uk or call 01603 717681 for a friendly exploratory chat.

Community Events & What’s On...

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Supermarket Price Review: Why is the weekly shop so expensive?

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.

According to the Consumer Price Index, inflation reached 10.4% in February, with milk (42.2% increase), olive oil (40.7% increase), and sugar (38.4% increase) seeing the biggest price hikes.

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.

In addition to this, the price saving benefits of a Tesco Clubcard may not be as appealing as they once were, as in March 2023 you would only save a measly 20p on this basic basket of shopping. This is a Clubcard saving of just 0.9% which is far less that the 10.1% you could save with a Clubcard in September 2022.

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

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.

In recent months the weekly food shop has become less of a chore and more of a mission to try and get the best deals possible, whilst making sure you can still afford the essentials. As food prices have skyrocketed in recent months, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for many people to effectively budget as their food bill grows and wages stagnate. The Office for Budget Responsibility predicted inflation to drop to 2.9% by the end of the year, but in the meantime, food prices have remained astronomically high. It is predicted that average shoppers could be spending an extra £811 on their groceries annually and has forced many on the breadline to resort to food banks or skipping meals.

We have taken a look at which basic food items have taken the biggest hit due to inflation, and how you can save money on your weekly shop.

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 bills, the price of fuel, the invasion of Ukraine, high labour costs, and the aftereffects of Brexit and the pandemic. The combination and integration of these global events has culminated in the sharp increase in food prices, that is becoming unsustainable for many families across the UK.

What impact has inflation had on an average weekly shop?

As well as the negative effect on your wallet, this food price hike could have real long-term effects on health. Vegetables have seen a huge rise in price and have become more difficult to source for the average shopper. This has led many to rely on processed or cheaper foods that generally won’t have the nutritional benefits of fresh fruit and veg. A recent survey revealed that 28% of parents are buying less meat and 18% less fruit and vegetables to offset price rises. Why have food prices increased so much?

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.

Between March 2022 and March 2023 an average basket of shopping from Tesco increased by 25.5%, and 18.8% with a Clubcard.

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.

How to keep food costs to a minimum?

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.

There are many factors that have caused this dramatic increase in food prices, including high energy

WROXHAM, HOVETON AND BELAUGH VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY CARS: Transport to Medical Appointments Charity No. 1044332

Here are some simple ways you can reduce your food bill, although from the data even with the best money-saving hacks you will ultimately find yourself spending significantly more on food in 2023 compared to 2022. Make sure to account for this in your monthly/ weekly budget to stay on top of your finances.

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.

Try own brands

Write a shopping list

Check the temperature of your fridge, the temperature should be kept between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (5°C).

Make use of your freezer for foods that are about to go out of date.

Do a stock take - make sure that the oldest food is at the front of your cupboards, fridge, or freezer and keep newer products to the back.

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

Visit www.ftof-finance.co.uk or call 01603 625100

Community Events & What

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STALHAM & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY about Bees

It is a very informal gathering, to enjoy good company, As we are rapidly coming up to the last meeting of the or email

Centre off Recreation Road in Stalham (NR12 9BH) on Friday 16th June, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Raffle and refreshments. Local Garden Visit on Friday 21 July, venue, time and any cost to be advised.

WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB OPEN MEETING

New Victory Hall, Neatishead NR12 8AD, Tuesday 13th June 2023. Doors open 12 noon. Demonstrator: Lee Berrill bers, £20.00 visitors to include drink on arrival, plated cold lunch and tea or coffee. To book: please contact Su Mace 07902 140520.

WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB

Hall, Green Lane West, Rackheath, Norwich, NR13 6LT. 12th July, doors open 7.00 for meeting 7.30 pm.

Demonstrator: Helen Bird

Refreshments of homemade cakes, tea and coffee are served at the end of the evening. Visitors are very welcome at £6.00 per person. It would be lovely to see you. For further information ring Rosie Howell on 07539 764196.

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.

· The Summer Reading Challenge 2023 will be launching in Norfolk Libraries on 8th July. It’s free, it’s fun, it builds confidence and supports children reading for pleasure. The theme this year is ‘Ready, Set, Read! ‘This year's Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep children's minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading. Along with their pack, children will have the opportunity to be involved in lots of fun, free activities taking place in the library and get to set their own reading challenge (we recommend six books over the six-week period.) They will collect stickers along the way, too! Children can sign up to the challenge at their local library from the 8th July and will need to be library members to join – please enquire with library staff for more details.

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

· Coding Club Every Saturday 23pm, Ages 7 -11, limited to two spaces. To book a place please call us on 01603 782560 or email Wroxham.lib@libraries.norfolk.gov.uk

· 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 1st June, 2.00- 4.00pm and Thursday 15th June 2.00 –4.00pm.

· Crib Club (Cribbage card game)

– new players welcomeThursday 8th June 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 June. 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 www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries

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

FREE GUIDED TOURS AT ST BENET’S ABBEY

June - September

2pm Wednesdays & Saturdays

(Weather Permitting)

Let the guides bring 1000 years of history and stories about this special place, to life for you. Turn up for 2pm at the tour start point near the gatehouse/mill & path to the river moorings or To Prebook a private tour on other dates go to www.norfarchtrust.org.uk

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

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

Adver tise your BUSINESS SERVICE in The Wroxham & Coltishall Book

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Sizes & fees inside rear cover of this magazine

Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club

ing which takes place on 26th June. Once again we will be sponsoring a local youngster to attend the week long Rotary Young Leader Course at Graffham Water in August, and meanwhile members continue to help man the local warm hub at the Hub in Wroxham and to help with immigrant refugees around Norwich. Last but by no means least we are expecting our Classic Car Show to continue to grow and be even bigger and better than 2022. This takes place on September 10th at Wroxham Barns.

commemorate of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

We have just come to the end of one of our busiest months of the year, combining a number of local community activities and a major fund raising event. We started in early May on the Coronation Holiday Monday with an organised litter pick around Hoveton, where we were pleased to be joined by members of Hoveton Parish Council and members of the general public. On the 10th we were delighted to be able to run our schools Technology Tournament at Broadland High School in Hoveton. This involved teams coming together to compete to solve a technology problem and build a working solution. 15 teams of 4 to 6 pupils took part, all competing at basic level this year. After a three year gap for Covid reasons, the tournament once again proved highly successful with all teams participating well. Grateful thanks to Headmaster Matthew Sprake and all at Broadland High School for hosting the contest, and special thanks to Oyster Yachts who sponsored the competition, providing materials and prizes.

This was followed on the 14th by assisting at Wroxham Barns’ “Meet the Farmer“ day at Wroxham Barns, where we helped with stewarding, with tractor rides and also manned the barbecue.

Two weeks later we were manning the entrance gates at the Strumpshaw Steam Fair on 27th29th May. July 1st is the start of the new Rotary year, when incoming president Kelvin Dore takes over from Robin Baines, and on 22nd May at our Club Assembly, Kelvin outlined his plans for the year ahead, prior to our handover meet-

Meanwhile our weekly meetings at Wroxham Barns continue with a range of fascinating speakers over the coming weeks. 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. 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, Robin Baines, on 01603 782920 / 07721 465647.

Wroxham And Hoveton Lions Club

Firstly, this is the last report of my Lionistic year and I hope that you have found them informative. I will be handing over the reins to incoming President Lion Mick Holden at the end of June and wish him all the best for his year in office. I am certain that he will keep everyone fully updated with events that will be happening in his year.

We had a successful Craft Fair in May and our next one, for diaries, is October 8th.

On Sunday 7th May, along with several of our members, I joined Councillor Peter Howe and other members of Hoveton Parish Council to plant a tree donated by our Club to

Planning continues apace for our CHARITY VILLAGE FETE which is being held on AUGUST 6th at Hoveton Village Hall and Playing Field.10am to 4pm. In addition to the usual stalls and classic cars we have, among other things, a Jaguar Cockpit, climbing wall, bouncy castle, mini donkeys, a dog agility team and an enlarged display by the Norwich Internal Combustion Engine Society. We are also hoping to have a display of chainsaw carving. Bookings for all pitches as well as Classic vehicles, are being taken, but unfortunately, all inside Craft Stall pitches have now been allocated. All booking 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.

Our charity shop continues to be busy and we always welcome your donations of good, clean items, especially bric-a-brac. So, If you are having a sort out, or down-sizing, 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. This months’ winner of our shop £100 charity draw is TR from Wroxham, who donated goods to our charity shop and nominated the Air Ambulance.

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 our website www.wroxhamandhovetonlions.org

Lion Terry Vout, President