The Wroxham & Coltishall Book - June/July 24

• Wroxham

• Hoveton

• Horning

• Badersfield

• Coltishall

• Horstead

• Stalham

• Stalham Green

• Sutton

• Tunstead

• Frettenham

• Scottow

• Belaugh • Sco

• Ashmanhaugh • Smallburgh

• Sloley

• Buxton

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

Summer is here - time to get out in the garden and enjoy the Norfolk Broads sunshine!

Should you need any help in and around your property, as always, you’ll find lots of thriving local business services inside this magazine!

At home, we’ve recently been celebrating the 18th anniversary of launching THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK - time has simply flown by...

With plenty of hard work we hoped all would turn out well, and indeed it has; publishing has literally become a way of life for our family. The friends we’ve made along the way amongst customers, suppliers, distributors, charities, clubs and local people has been fantastic and for that, we’re extremely grateful.

Guest celebrity for this edition is singer Katherine Jenkins OBE - see centre pages...

Enjoy June & July!...

@BroadlandMediaLtd

Great Value Advertising!

For fees & sizes see inside rear cover or: www.wacbook.co.uk

Inclusion Deadline for Aug/Sept 24 edition is 10th July 2024

To contact us: tracey@wacbook.co.uk

Tele: 01603 717681

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Tracey De -Abreu

What’s Inside… Page:

14 - Home & Interiors; Perfect Bedroom Storage 16 - A Look Back in Time 20 - Health; Pelvic Problems 22 - Beauty; Prescribed Perfection

32 - Celebrities; Katherine Jenkins OBE

40 - Puzzle Page; Sudoku, Quiz, Pictogram & Two-Minute Trial

41 - Recipé; Jewelled Stove Top Rice

43 - Wordsearch; Volcanos

44 - Gardening; Welcome Guest or Garden Pest?

46 - Motoring; Alpine A110R

48 - Community Events & What’s On

51 - Local Reports (to page 54)

55 - Jokes

56 - Welcome to Bear ’s Grove by Chris Weston

57 - Did you Know?

57 - Quiz Answers

58 - Wroxham FC

59 - Business Card Section

62 - Advert sizes & fees

62 - Index

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.

WELCOME TO BEAR’S GROVE

by Chris Weston

Most Norfolk residents could easily name locations with strange or unusual names. Many might choose hamlets like Pigg's Grave in North Norfolk; Hanging Hill near Acle; Three Hammer Common near Neatishead or other small 'pockets' of population like Frankfort near Sloley, but here's one of which you might not have heard?

Not everyone living in or near the Wroxham area today, may be aware of their own local version of a tale once perfectly fitting the words of the well -known song line "If you go down in the woods today." Had you been around about three centuries ago however, this would have been very relevant, and you would certainly have been "sure of a big surprise". Neither might you have "believed your eyes!"

This true tale, centred around a location later to become the site of an official railway crossing between Salhouse station and Hoveton & Wroxham. Until demolished in the 1970's, this level crossing cottage otherwise known as Gatehouse 17 stood on the eastern side of the Norwich to Cromer railway line. Locally, it became known as Bear's Grove, with a much more recent

NR13 postcode and slightly more than midway (Wroxham bound) between the two stations. But given the date this all happened (prerailway era) what's the railway connection?

THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK

~ at the heart of our community ~

outskirts of the city when it wasn’ t performing. So, when seeking a safe nightly lodging for the bear, the circus company chose this small wooded area on the right hand side of the Norwich Road just before reaching Wroxham. And from that incident, came the name Bear's Grove! The location is described as an area of forest or woodland. Subsequently, came the railway but the Bear's Grove name was preserved and still survives.

© Chris Weston, June 2024

The answer is simple: - Sometime in the late 1700's, a performing bear escaped from a circus in Norwich and mauled a woman. Norwich City Council quickly stipulated that the circus could only return if the animal was kept outside the

WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB

Here we are at the start of June, and looking back to a very busy May. We had a stand at the Horning Boat Show, where we met lots of new contacts, including some potential new members and also raised money through our 50/50 raffle. Two weeks later we were prominent helpers at the Wroxham Barns “ Meet the Farmer” two -day event, and we finished the month collecting entrance money at the Strumpshaw Steam Fair, over the bank holiday weekend. A full report with pictures to follow on the latter two events next month with pictures. We continue to be involved with the one to one reading project with St John’s School in Hoveton, which is already starting to show positive results

er 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.

TATER’S LOST COW

Brunton to Cowdon?”, he continued. I started to get the picture, and said that my wife and I knew the footpath well. “All mine. Both sides of the river”. Yes, I had got the picture.

“So I move the cows,” he said. Did that cheeky grin ever fade? “Well, there was only ten, and Oi was walking them through Brunton village. And blust, one of the beggars made a run for it”. (Well, Tater did not actually say ‘beggars ’; it sounded a bit like it, but let ’s be polite and pretend he did.) “So Oi ’m not garnna leave noine. W ’ blust, they would cause chaos. So I took ‘ em off to the medder darn Cowdon way, when moi phone rung. ‘Hev yew larst a cow?’ someone asked.

Looking ahead we have some interesting speakers coming to our Monday evening meetings in June including Patsy from the charity New Beginnings on the 3rd and Pat Atkinson from the Vidiyal Trust on the 10th. At the end of June we have our handover meeting and barbecue when outgoing president Kelvin Dore hands over to the new incoming president...Kelvin Dore! If any of this sounds of interest then please contact us, come along to one of our Monday night meetings to find out more about us, or chat to us when we are out and about. You can also support us and the many local and international charities we donate to, through the Broadland Council Lottery Scheme – simply go on line at www.communityatheartlottery.com and sign up, selecting Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club as your chosen cause. You can support us directly by visiting our page on the www.totalgiving.co.uk web site. Meantime, we hope everyone stays safe, 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 wherev-

Tater became a sort of friend. I think he used to be known for planting and harvesting potatoes. The potato king. Tater! But by the time I knew him, he had diversified. If I was strimming the bank by our back door, or digging the ditch, or hedging along the lane, a brand spanking new Mercedes pick -up, occasionally towing a trailer full of potatoes, would draw up. Tater would turn the engine off, give me a huge smile, and say slowly, “Are yer awlroight?” The ensuing conversation invariably followed the same pattern. What was I up to? Was I alright? How was my wife? Was she alright? Did I need any help with my bank, or ditch, or hedge? He would give me a good price. Further smiles, grins and twinkles. Once I asked him to reshingle my drive. Mistake. A truck dumped a mountain of pebbles onto my drive, and Tater and a mate appeared with rakes. It cost several times the estimate (‘But it ’ll last yew fer yairs ’) and my wife and I felt we were at least ankle deep in shingle (‘W ’ blust. Oi’ll give yew credit on it fer next toime.’). There was no next time, but Tater continued as my friend, often stopping to tell me of his most recent adventure.

‘Cos there’s a cow stuck in the door of the fish and chip sharp in the village, and a lartta people are getting upset. ’ Noo prarblem. Only a cow. Soo I goo and get it out. Women shouting, and some kids crying and some kids laughing. Noo big deal. Oonly a cow”

BUSINESS SERVICE PROVIDERS: Don’t miss out! Come and join us!

“Did yer hair about moi larst cow?” Mercedes parked in the lane, blocking any traffic that might appear. Engine off. Tater grinning. “W ’ blust,” he continued. “Oi gart a lart of pasture around Brunton. Have yer walked the foot path from Marnham to Brunton?” I nodded. “W ’ll, that’s all mine,” he said. “Both sides of the river”. He paused. “Have yer walked the footpath from

Display your contact details on these glossy pages and generate valuable new enquiries for your business. See inside rear cover for our great value fees - can you afford not to? tracey@wacbook.co.uk

From TALES FROM A COUNTRY BOY – A Treasury of Norfolk, by Barrie Lawrence. £11.95 from Waterstones, Roys of Wroxham, Jarrolds and all good book shops.

Community Events & What ’s On...

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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 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 07503 902963.

Community Events & What’s On...

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STALHAM COMMUNITY GYM continues to provide a fabulous, friendly and affordable gym facility for the people of Stalham and surrounding areas. We still have the same moto “ health and well -being for all”. The fully equipped, air -conditioned gym is based at The Poppy Centre, Recreation Road, Stalham, NR12 9BH. Our qualified Instructors can provide you with a programme designed for you individually whatever your needs and abilities. We support Yoga classes on Friday mornings and members are entitled to a discounted fee for these classes.

Our opening times are Monday 8am to midday (Box fit with Ric at 11am to 1130am). Wednesday 9am to midday. Thursday 8am to midday with Helen. (Circuit Class at 10 am). Friday 8am to midday and Sunday 9am to 11am.

We are also open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings between 6pm and 8pm with Instructor Paul.

Membership fees are £25 per month adult, £15 pm under 18’s. Concessions are available. Or, you can Pay As You Go at £5 per session. Telephone Helen between 9am and 6pm on 07716 811696 for more information. Alternatively, contact us on the gym mobile 07547 321874 during opening hours or email stalhamcommunitygym@gmail.com and we will get back to you. Find us on Facebook Stalham Community Gym, Next Door Stalham or www.stalhamcommunitygym.org.uk

We provide a safe, friendly, supportive environment for all members of the local community and surrounding areas and look forward to welcoming new and existing members.

222 (BROADLANDS) SQUADRON RAFAC - We are a youth organisation sponsored by the RAF. We meet on Monday and Friday evenings at Broadland High Ormiston Academy and get up to everything from flying and shooting, to sport and adventure activities. If you are at least 12 years -old and in Year 8 at school come along and find out for yourself if being an Air Cadet is for you. Get in touch via our website (www.222 -atc.org.uk) to arrange a taster visit to Squadron.

HOVETON FARMERS & PRODUCERS MARKET

The Hoveton Farmers and Producers Market is held every 4th Saturday of each month at Hoveton Village Hall. A range of local produce is available including Meats, Bread, Cakes, Pies, Pastries, Cheese, Eggs, Preserves, Alcoholic Beverages, Garden Plants and Cut Flowers. There are also stalls selling Handcrafted Gifts. Hoveton Village Hall, Stalham Road, Hoveton, NR12 8DU.

TUNSTEAD MAHJONG GROUP is a small, friendly and informal group of ladies and men who meet to play Mahjong once a week, on a Friday morning from 10.00am until 1.00pm. At a members home in Tunstead. We are a mixed ability group who would welc ome both those who have played before and total beginners, the latter of whom we are happy to teach. Mahjong is a game played with tiles. The object of the game is to collect sets of particular tiles rather like the card game Rummy. If you enjoy games such as bridge, chess or playing cards, then you might like to join us. If you are interested to play or you would just like to come along and see the game in progress, please telephone Carol on 01603 929368 or email carol_hodgkiss@hotmail.com

STALHAM & DISTRICT BRANCH, ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - 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.

HORNING & DISTRICT LADIES LUNCH CLUB

Hi Ladies, have you heard about Horning & District Ladies Lunch Club?

We are a friendly group, who meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month, at the Old Rectory Hotel in Crostwick. We enjoy a lovely 2 course meal, which is followed by a talk from a guest speaker, which is different every month.

We are continuing to go from strength to strength, and have welcomed 12 new members since January You do not have to live in Horning, to Join us, all are welcome.

If you are interested, please contact Tricia Elson by e mail at ladieslunchclub@btinternet.com , or call her on.07931 301606. We hope to welcome you soon .

June/July Events

STALHAM & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

All to be held in the Poppy Centre, Recreation Road, Stalham, NR12 9BH

7.15pm for a 7.30pm start, Raffle and refreshments. See website for full details www.stalhamhorticultural.uk

Friday 21st June (to be confirmed) “Predator Plants ” speaker Steve Bunclark *There will be plants for sale* Friday 19th July, Evening local garden visit - venue and cost to be advised.

THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK ~ At the heart of our community ~

WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB

Sat 4th and Sun 5th May was a busy time for club members as we attended the Horning Boat Show and held our 2 nd Craft Fair. We would like to thank the Boat Show Committee for the kind invite to attend the very well organised event and look forward to next year’s. Did you manage to pop along to our Craft Fair? If so, I hope you found something amongst the variety of stalls and enjoyed all our cafe had to offer.

Our next social outing on 29th June will see Lion Ron Hill takeover as the new President. We wish him every success in his year in office. On 30th June we will be at the North Walsham Family Fun Day. If you ’re going, why not stop for a chat and have a go at winning a cuddly toy on our tombola or try your hand at our soccer game. Have you noticed our new look

shop signage?

We are always on the lookout for good quality Bric a Brac or clean clothing, so please bring them along or we can collect – just ring our shop on 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.

Do you fancy getting involved and enjoying being part of the world ’s largest Service Organisation as a member or a friend?

It’s easy -

Just contact our Membership Chairperson, Ron Hill using the ‘ Learn More” link on our website www.wroxhamandhovetonlions.org

A winning ticket in the Community at Heart Lottery is potentially a week away the chance of winning £25000, also each ticket will be entered into the monthly “Super Draw”. We thank you for your continued support. If you haven't signed up yet visit our page https:// www.communityatheartlottery.co m/support/wroxham -andhoveton -lions - club

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

We will always look forward to seeing or hearing from you. Lion Mick Holden, President.

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 2024 will be launching in Norfolk Libraries in July. It’s free, it’s fun, it builds confidence and supports children reading for pleasure. The theme this year is ‘Marvellous Makers ‘. 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 July (exact date to be confirmed) and will need to be library members to join – please enquire with library staff for more details.

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

NEW International Welcome Free advice and support for newly arrived communities, with issues such as housing, employment, and language, also library access. Drop -in sessions Thursday 10.3012.30pm. Or email migrantsupport@norfolk.gov.uk

• Autism Social Group Come to a friendly social group for a cuppa and a chat. No need to book, all welcome. Change of day first Wednesday of every month 1 - 3pm.

• Crafting Alternate Saturdays (staff dependent), 10.30am – 3pm. Aimed at children aged 5 -11 (under 8s require supervision).

• Coding Club Our coding club will be re -starting soon. Please contact the library for more details and to reserve a space.

• Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday 6th June, 2.00 - 4.00pm and Thursday 20th June 2.00 – 4.00pm.

• Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 13th 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 27th 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

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

Womack Herons is a friendly social group with a year round programme of events. These are usually mid -week and may be a walk, picnic, visit to a place of interest, BBQ, bowling or even a quiz, but always with the opportunity to share a meal together. We welcome visitors at all our gettogethers; membership is just £5pp/pa. For more information and details of our programme see www.womackherons.org.uk To book contact Tricia tricia@womackherons.org.uk or 07931 301606.

Our programme for June and July: 19th June: Walk in the Coltishall area followed by afternoon tea at the Norfolk Mead Hotel £22pp. Book by 6th June. 6th July: Summer BBQ in Ludham starting at 12.30pm. BYO chairs and food to cook.

WHB TWINNING ASSOCIATION

Robert and Margaret’ s for our annual social gathering and visit briefing. All members very welcome.

Book Club is still on the third Wednesday of the month and still on Zoom for the benefit of our farflung and not so able members. In May we read “The Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys, thought to be a prequel to Jane Eyre and explaining about his mad first wife, a 1960s classic. Maggie has chosen “The Pull of the Stars ” by Emma Donoghue for our June reading. 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

Below: Images from the “Call my Quaff ” wine quiz event .

Contact us on 01603 717681

& you ’ll find we are passionate about helping you!

This handy publication is carefully distributed bi -monthly to 8,000 homes & businesses in18 fabulous local villages:

• Wroxham

• Hoveton

• Horning

• Badersfield

• Coltishall

Our “Call my Quaff” wine quiz on 11th May in Wroxham Church Hall was a great success and 70+ members and guests enjoyed a lovely social evening, drinking wine, laughing at our “ experts” amusing descriptions of the five vintages, only one correct, of course, tucking in to generous platters of cheese, cold meats, pate and French bread etc and we also made some money to entertain our French contingent this summer from La Pommeraye and Montjean -sur -Loire. All still on course for their visit from 11-16th August and we’ll be sending out notes shortly to members to ask if they’ d like to join their guests on their visits to Somerleyton Gardens, Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus, our dinner and ceilidh evening and Norwich tour. Before then, we are still hoping to have our Flotilla on 20th July, as long as we have enough members ’ boats available on that day. If not, we will try again in September. A definite date though is 26 th July at

• Horstead

• Stalham

• Stalham Green

• Sutton

• Tunstead

• Frettenham

• Scottow

• Belaugh

• Sco Ruston

• Ashmanhaugh

• Smallburgh

• Sloley

• Buxton

WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB

Here we are at the start of June, and looking back to a very busy May. We had a stand at the Horning Boat Show, where we met lots of new contacts, including some potential new members and also raised money through our 50/50 raffle. Two weeks later we were prominent helpers at the Wroxham Barns “ Meet the Farmer” two -day event, and we finished the month collecting entrance money at the Strumpshaw Steam Fair, over the bank holiday weekend. A full report with pictures to follow on the latter two events next month with pictures. We continue to be involved with the one to one reading project with St John’s School in Hoveton, which is already starting to show positive results

Looking ahead we have some interesting speakers coming to our Monday evening meetings in June including Patsy from the charity New Beginnings on the 3rd and Pat Atkinson from the Vidiyal Trust on the 10th. At the end of June we have our handover meeting and barbecue when outgoing president Kelvin Dore hands over to the new incoming president...Kelvin Dore! If any of this sounds of interest then please contact us, come along to one of our Monday night meetings to find out more about us, or chat to us when we are out and about. You can also support us and the many local and international charities we donate to, through the Broadland Council Lottery Scheme – simply go on line at www.communityatheartlottery.com and sign up, selecting Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club as your chosen cause. You can support us directly by visiting our page on the www.totalgiving.co.uk web site. Meantime, we hope everyone stays safe, 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 wherev-

er 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.

TATER’S LOST COW

Tater became a sort of friend. I think he used to be known for planting and harvesting potatoes. The potato king. Tater! But by the time I knew him, he had diversified. If I was strimming the bank by our back door, or digging the ditch, or hedging along the lane, a brand spanking new Mercedes pick -up, occasionally towing a trailer full of potatoes, would draw up. Tater would turn the engine off, give me a huge smile, and say slowly, “Are yer awlroight?” The ensuing conversation invariably followed the same pattern. What was I up to? Was I alright? How was my wife? Was she alright? Did I need any help with my bank, or ditch, or hedge? He would give me a good price. Further smiles, grins and twinkles. Once I asked him to reshingle my drive. Mistake. A truck dumped a mountain of pebbles onto my drive, and Tater and a mate appeared with rakes. It cost several times the estimate (‘But it ’ll last yew fer yairs ’) and my wife and I felt we were at least ankle deep in shingle (‘W ’ blust. Oi’ll give yew credit on it fer next toime.’). There was no next time, but Tater continued as my friend, often stopping to tell me of his most recent adventure.

“Did yer hair about moi larst cow?” Mercedes parked in the lane, blocking any traffic that might appear. Engine off. Tater grinning. “W ’ blust,” he continued. “Oi gart a lart of pasture around Brunton. Have yer walked the foot path from Marnham to Brunton?” I nodded.

“W ’ll, that’s all mine,” he said. “Both sides of the river”. He paused. “Have yer walked the footpath from

Brunton to Cowdon?”, he continued. I started to get the picture, and said that my wife and I knew the footpath well. “All mine. Both sides of the river”. Yes, I had got the picture.

“So I move the cows,” he said. Did that cheeky grin ever fade? “Well, there was only ten, and Oi was walking them through Brunton village. And blust, one of the beggars made a run for it”. (Well, Tater did not actually say ‘beggars ’; it sounded a bit like it, but let ’s be polite and pretend he did.) “So Oi ’m not garnna leave noine. W ’ blust, they would cause chaos. So I took ‘ em off to the medder darn Cowdon way, when moi phone rung. ‘Hev yew larst a cow?’ someone asked. ‘Cos there’s a cow stuck in the door of the fish and chip sharp in the village, and a lartta people are getting upset. ’ Noo prarblem. Only a cow. Soo I goo and get it out. Women shouting, and some kids crying and some kids laughing. Noo big deal. Oonly a cow”

From TALES FROM A COUNTRY BOY – A Treasury of Norfolk, by Barrie Lawrence. £11.95 from Waterstones, Roys of Wroxham, Jarrolds and all good book shops.

Advertise in THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK

(See inside rear cover for sizes & great value prices).

WELCOME TO BEAR’S GROVE

by Chris Weston

Most Norfolk residents could easily name locations with strange or unusual names. Many might choose hamlets like Pigg's Grave in North Norfolk; Hanging Hill near Acle; Three Hammer Common near Neatishead or other small 'pockets' of population like Frankfort near Sloley, but here's one of which you might not have heard?

Not everyone living in or near the Wroxham area today, may be aware of their own local version of a tale once perfectly fitting the words of the well -known song line "If you go down in the woods today." Had you been around about three centuries ago however, this would have been very relevant, and you would certainly have been "sure of a big surprise". Neither might you have "believed your eyes!"

This true tale, centred around a location later to become the site of an official railway crossing between Salhouse station and Hoveton & Wroxham. Until demolished in the 1970's, this level crossing cottage otherwise known as Gatehouse 17 stood on the eastern side of the Norwich to Cromer railway line. Locally, it became known as Bear's Grove, with a much more recent

NR13 postcode and slightly more than midway (Wroxham bound) between the two stations. But given the date this all happened (prerailway era) what's the railway connection?

The answer is simple: - Sometime in the late 1700's, a performing bear escaped from a circus in Norwich and mauled a woman. Norwich City Council quickly stipulated that the circus could only return if the animal was kept outside the

outskirts of the city when it wasn’ t performing. So, when seeking a safe nightly lodging for the bear, the circus company chose this small wooded area on the right hand side of the Norwich Road just before reaching Wroxham. And from that incident, came the name Bear's Grove! The location is described as an area of forest or woodland. Subsequently, came the railway but the Bear's Grove name was preserved and still survives.

© Chris Weston, June 2024

DID YOU KNOW?

By Chris Weston

1. Because it was customary in wartime to use nearest railway station names, RAF Weston Longville, was known as RAF Attlebridge. But none of it was in that parish.

2. Vikings could only send or receive messages by Norse code!

3. Calendula seeds and plants are deer - resistant

4. Completed in December 1864, Bristol's iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge took over 33 years to build.

5.London ’s last cholera epidemic was in 1866.

6 Regular steam -operated trains in East Anglia ended on Sunday 9th September 1962.

PICTOGRAM

1. Short back and sides

2. Shot in the dark

3. Curl up with a good book

QUIZ

1. Windsor (as in Windsor Great Park)

2. Copenhagen

3. Michael Crichton

4. Capability Brown

5. The Brecon Beacons

Hidden phrase: Most volcanologists die in bedMaurice Krafft.

6. Ringo Starr

7. Eric, Kenny, Stan and Kyle

8. Percy Thrower

9. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

10. Forget me not

WROXHAM FOOTBALL

CLUB

Whilst the league season is over for all our teams, the women ’s first team can look forward to two cup finals; The League Cup Final on 19th May and the Harrod Sport Norfolk Womens Cup Final at Carrow Road on the 13th. Our U/10’s are also in the Norfolk Combined Youth League Final on 11th May. Let us hope between them, they can do the treble and add to the other trophies won by the club this season.

The roll call of honour is:

U/7’s won the 4Sports Trophies Final

U/10 ’s won their league at the ESF 2024 Festival at Butlins

U/14 ’s won the Norfolk County Cup & the Stuart Dracup Cup

U/18 ’s Eastern Junior Alliance League Champions (3rd season in a row!)

The club also hosted a Mike Phelan Coaching Masterclass. Mike played for Norwich City in the late ‘80’s and then went on to play for Manchester United and West Brom and of course was Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Old Trafford for many years. The session was attended by our U/14 ’s and others. Some pictures below of the evening. We also hosted a charity match for the Joe Dix foundation which featured ex – Canaries Grant Holt, Wes Hoolahan and Declan Rudd. Over 700 fans attended with all funds going to the charity.

As you can see, there’s a lot going on at Wroxham Football Club so, as we pause (very briefly), to catch our breath before next season, it seems an ideal moment to remind everyone that all of this is run by volunteers. Therefore, we say a massive thank you to each and every single one of them! Enjoy the summer everyone and see you again next season!

Above:

The teams line up for the Joe Dix Foundation charity match, and

Below:

A montage of Mike Phelan’ s coaching masterclass.

Both events held at Trafford Park, Wroxham.

Business Card Section

is one of 8,000 copies

• Wroxham

• Hoveton

• Horning

• Badersfield

• Coltishall

• Horstead

• Stalham

• Stalham Green

• Sutton

• Tunstead

• Frettenham

• Scottow

• Belaugh

• Sco Ruston

• Ashmanhaugh

• Smallburgh

• Sloley

• Buxton

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

Summer is here - time to get out in the garden and enjoy the Norfolk Broads sunshine!

Should you need any help in and around your property, as always, you’ll find lots of thriving local business services inside this magazine! At home, we’ve recently been celebrating the 18th anniversary of launching THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK - time has simply flown by...

With plenty of hard work we hoped all would turn out well, and indeed it has; publishing has literally become a way of life for our family. The friends we’ve made along the way amongst customers, suppliers, distributors, charities, clubs and local people has been fantastic and for that, we’re extremely grateful.

Guest celebrity for this edition is singer Katherine Jenkins OBE - see centre pages...

Enjoy June & July!...

@BroadlandMediaLtd

Great Value Advertising! For fees & sizes see inside rear cover or: www.wacbook.co.uk

Inclusion Deadline for Aug/Sept 24 edition is 10th July 2024

To contact us: tracey@wacbook.co.uk Tele: 01603 717681

@TraceyWACBook

@BroadlandMediaLtd

Tracey De -Abreu

What’s Inside… Page:

14 - Home & Interiors; Perfect Bedroom Storage 16 - A Look Back in Time 20 - Health; Pelvic Problems 22 - Beauty; Prescribed Perfection

32 - Celebrities; Katherine Jenkins OBE

46 - Motoring; Alpine A110R

48 - Community Events & What’s On

51 - Local Reports (to page 54)

55 - Jokes

56 - Welcome to Bear ’s Grove by Chris Weston

57 - Did you Know?

40 - Puzzle Page; Sudoku, Quiz, Pictogram & Two-Minute Trial 41 - Recipé; Jewelled Stove Top Rice

43 - Wordsearch; Volcanos

44 - Gardening; Welcome Guest or Garden Pest?

57 - Quiz Answers

58 - Wroxham FC

59 - Business Card Section

62 - Advert sizes & fees

62 - Index

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.