To contact us: tracey@wacbook.co.uk Tele: 01603 717681 @TraceyWACBook
@BroadlandMediaLtd
Tracey De-Abreu
Welcome… to the latest edition of THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK
So, it’s Autumn; School Half Term, the end of British Summer Time, (27th October), Halloween (31st October) and Guy Fawkes Night (5th November), Remembrance Day (10th November) all await us.
Should it be time to get a few things fixed around the home, do consider the benefits of sourcing locally. When you call the flourishing business services you find inside this magazine, you’re directly contributing to our local economy.
As publishers of this handy local magazine, we are members of The Federation of Small Business keenly supporting the ‘Keep Trade Local’ message. Our readers and advertising clients know we genuinely relate because we too, are a local business!
Another plus point when you use local tradespeople there is the increased level of accountability; you’re more likely to know who you’re dealing with, and where they are located. That’s something many find comforting.
Enjoy October & November... Tracey
6 - Travel; Cracking Christmas Breaks 12 - Recipé; Beef Bourguinon 14 - Home & Interiors; 8 Ways to update your home office 22 - Beauty; Demystifying skincare ingredients 28 - Children’s Puzzle Page 30 - Health; Scary Symptoms 32 - Celebrities; Shirley Ballas 40 - A Look Back in Time 41 - Puzzle Page; Sudoku, Quiz, Pictogram & Two -Minute Trial 42 - Wordsearch; Horses
44 - Gardening; The Origin of Species 46 - Motoring; Street Cabinet EV Chargers
48 - Community Events & What’s On 50 - Did you Know?
51 - Local Reports (to page 53)
55 - Jokes
56 - Who Remembers Mann Egerton?
57 - Quiz Answers
58 - Wroxham FC
59 - Business Card Section
62 - Advert sizes & fees
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.
WHO REMEMBERS MANN EGERTON?
by Chris Weston
A complete history of this former Norwich company would require far more space than might be acceptable to ‘the Group authorities’. Hence the following are a few brief highlights, the writer also being aware that some readers may at some time, have worked at one or more of its sites.
For most local folk, it might seem obvious to link Mann Egerton with motor vehicles, including wellknown names like Austin; Jaguar; Morris; Rover and Triumph, not forgetting also, the Rolls Royce connection. But this was only one part of the company’s overall business.
I remember my parents describing how Boulton & Paul, better-known perhaps for door and window frames, had once built aircraft. But after being asked in 1915 to do likewise for the war effort, so did Mann Egerton. They were also approached by the Admiralty, to build aircraft for the future Royal Flying Corps.
To achieve this task, Mann Egerton was given a War Loan of £30,000 to acquire the 60 acres of land needed to build a hangar and private airfield. So, a large wooden hangar (subsequently camouflaged) was built on their Cromer Road site in 1916, taking just 2 months to construct. This enabled the company to manufacture Short bombers, Sopwith fighters and other types of aircraft until 1919.
LOCAL HISTORY
The factory then closed the following year after which it was used as a furniture factory and store, until demolition in 1984.
T's for tuition.
In the Second World War, they built
The main headquarters were in Prince of Wales Road, with Mann Egerton growing and expanding from a Norwich based partnership of electricians. In 1909 the company supplied its first custom built car body for a Rolls-Royce and before 1914, had opened garages across East Anglia and in London. There was a separate woodwork business making school furniture while the coachbuilding department made refrigerated vehicles for Findus and Birds Eye.
WROXHAM & COLTISHALL
~ at the heart of our community
~
vehicle bodies for the Government especially Austin K2 ambulances used by the army. They also trained hundreds of personnel to drive them.
During 1919 came another ‘arm’ when Mann Egerton started Norwich's first Driving School. The tutors used dual control Ford Model
From the end of the war to the late 1980s the company diversified into furniture, electricals, refrigerated HGVs, trucks and tractors, while slowly selling off parts of the company to become a car sales business once again. The first showroom was built on the former Greyfriars House site in 1902 beside Prince of Wales Road and could display two vehicles. In subsequent years, this also expanded. Another garage opened opposite Norfolk Tower in Surrey Street and
Hart & Kohl is a friendly veteran-owned chimney sweep business based in Halvergate, on the edge of the Norfolk Broads. With their primary focus on customer care, husband and wife team, George and Jane, have built an enviable reputation for outstanding quality, reliability and safety. Coming from an engineering and military background, they pride themselves in offering a premium sweeping service which uses the latest techniques and equipment complemented by honest advice and guidance.
HART & KOHL
George is fully accredited with the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, HETAS approved and one of a few NVQ qualified sweeps in Norfolk, having also undergone specialist training in power sweeping, CCTV surveying and thatch and historic buildings.
‘Whether you’re looking for a sweep of your open fire or have a woodburner that needs some TLC, our trusted service puts your safety first,’ said George. ‘We carry out thorough compliance checks, smoke tests and formal certification. Fully insured, we operate to clear industry codes of conduct. From routine sweeps or bespoke solutions including AGAs, CCTV inspections, tar and nest removal, we are here to help.’
To book your next sweep, please call: 01493 800585 or 07894 474877 or via www.hartandkohl.com
DRAWING COMFORT
I often hear how parents and carers struggle to balance their own physical and emotional wellbeing with the demands of family life. Work, school-runs, after school clubs, food shopping, and general life admin can leave very little time to stop, take a breath, and restore your capacity to handle the challenges of family life. In this edition of The Wroxham and Coltishall Book, I’d like to invite you to take a few minutes to think about what you could do today or tomorrow to boost your physical and emotional capacity so you can do what needs to be done for your family There’s no need to complicate things. Give yourself permission to keep it simple. Maybe you could savour a cuppa while you stand outside and take a few deep breaths; listen to your favourite music or podcast while you complete household chores; or make arrangements to meet up with family or friends in the near future. If this includes finding out more about how Drawing and Talking can support the emotional wellbeing of your child or teenager then it would be lovely to hear from you. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you do it with a sense of kindness towards yourself because your wellbeing counts too.
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 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 7.30pm at Salvation Army Hall, Hall Lane, North Walsham. Details from Secretary, Liz Fiddy, on 01692 582793 or email trevorandliz@talktalk.net
TIDDLERS BABY & TODDLER GROUP. Meeting at Horstead Tithe Barn, every Wednesday during term time, 10 - 11.30am. £2 per family. Lots of lovely toys for children, cuppa and a chat for you.
Email: tiddlerstoddlergroup@gmail.com for more info or just come along.
AYLSHAM CHESS CLUB Meets at Aylsham & District Ex-Service & Social Club on Monday evenings during the Sep - Jun season. Contact: David Owen (Club Secretary), Tel: 01263 731327, e-mail: davidowen364@btinternet.com
COMMUNITY CAFÉ AT THE HUB Come and join us for a cuppa, a slice of homemade cake & a chat! We meet every Thursday from 10.30-12pm at Wroxham & Hoveton United Reformed Church (The Hub), 114 Norwich Rd, Wroxham, NR12 8SA. We are open to all and there's no charge.
1st COLTISHALL GUIDES. We are a charitable organisation who deliver broad programmes of activities for the development of young girls and women. The Guide group caters for 10-14 year olds providing them with a safe environment in which they can develop both personally and socially. Email: firstcoltishallguides@gmail.com or contact Claire on 07826 444 046.
BUXTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB.
We are a small friendly club catering for all levels and styles of photography, we meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, at 7.30pm in Buxton Village Hall, in Buxton. for further details contact: info@buxtonphotographicclub.co.uk or contact John on 07526777962. Full details of program can be found here: www.buxtonphotographicclub.co.uk
THE NEEDLES - At Broadland Youth & Community Centre Hoveton on Tuesday’s 10-4pm. If you stitch knit, crochet, patchwork, do dressmaking and would like help with zips, hems, casting on or can help others,? Come along and share your skills and tips or learn something new and let’s have some fun and chat. For more information contact Margaret on 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...
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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
Horning Ladies Lunch Club are delighted to announce, that, we are returning in October, following our summer break.
Already we have had several new enquiries. We still have spaces though, and, are always happy to welcome new members.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month ( between October and June ) at the Old Rectory Hotel in Crostwick. We enjoy a delicious 2 course meal, followed by Tea or Coffee, and, to complete the afternoon, we have a different guest speaker each month. You do NOT have to live in Horning, in order to join us. It is essential that lunch is booked in advance, to do this or, if you require any further information. Please contact Tricia Elson on 07931 301606 or, e mail her at, ladieslunchclub@btinternet.com
DID YOU KNOW?
By Chris Weston
1). In 1905, the Pavilion Theatre was added to Cromer Pier (built 1899-1901 by London engineers Douglass and Arnott).
2). Aylsham became Norfolk’s first plastic-bag-free town in 2008.
3). On 27 Nov 1947, a salt tide reached Hoveton, resulting in masses of dead fish in both the Rivers Bure and Thurne.
4). Tunstead Village Hall was demolished in 1971, to be replaced by new housing, known as Granary Way.
5). By 1904, the sea off Happisburgh had become littered with wrecked vessels. So fearing more disasters, Trinity House sent a team of divers to blow them up!
6). In 1956, St Stephen’s Back Street in Norwich, was renamed Malthouse Road.
Thank You Chris!
Oct/Nov 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 18th October
“Plants of interest for late Summer and Autumn” –speaker Guy Barker
Friday 15th November
A Christmas Get Together – a celebration and quiz evening with refreshments
Further information Susan Carter 01692 581090
ST MARYS CHURCH presents Cawston Brass Band, Norfolk’s championship Band. A musical extravaganza in St. Mary’s Church, WROXHAM Saturday 12th October @ 7.30pm Tickets £15.00from Rod 01603 784240 or Margaret 01603 783399
I hope everyone has been enjoying the recent lovely sunny weather, although the signs are there that winter is approaching with the nights now starting to draw in.
September saw our third Craft Fair of the year at Hoveton Village Hall. The event was fully booked, with 28 tables providing a wide selection of items and whist somewhat slower than our earlier fairs, we saw a steady flow of people through the door. Once again, our delicious bacon rolls sold out!
Please make a note in your diaries that the next Craft Fair will be on 24th November, and this is again fully booked, it will be an ideal opportunity to buy some Christmas presents which are just that bit different.
Our charity shop continues to do well and there are lots of bargains to be had, so don’t forget to pop in when next in the village.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the recent closures of the shop, which were to enable essential upgrading of the electrical system. We are pleased to advise that this work has now been completed and normal opening hours resumed, 7 days a week. As usual, all donations are welcome and we currently have various sales on clothing, books, and DVDs, so please call in.
vetonlions or our website https:// wroxhamandhovetonlions.org
Ron Hill, President Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Club.
WHB TWINNING ASSOCIATION
We are very pleased that we have received many thanks from our French friends in La Pommeraye and Montjean-sur-Loire, who thoroughly enjoyed our 30th anniversary visit here in August: we certainly enjoyed it as well and now looking forward to our return trip next year.
Make a note in your diaries NOW to attend Horning’s festive event of the year!
The village hall will be transformed into a Christmas Fayre with stalls selling a variety of Norfolk produce and gifts. With snacks and food on offer, linger and enjoy the festive feel, chat with friends and take advantage of doing some Christmas shopping without the usual hustle and bustle.
Father Christmas loved his visit to Horning last year and as promised, he’s back!
Our next event is our AGM on Thursday, 21st November in Wroxham Church Hall at 7.30pm. We cordially invite all members and also potential members: please do come along and see if you’d like to join us. We’re a very friendly bunch, enjoy French culture, especially the food and wine, of course, love meeting up with our friends here and in France, some of us speak French, some don’t-Google translate is a wonderful tool or Duolingo can be fun and keep the brain active, get almost a week’s holiday in France at a very reasonable cost and all for £15 single, £30 family a year. We will have a slide show of our recent visit at our AGM and also Pimms, Loire wine from our Twinning region, snacks and good chat and banter, as ever. You will be made very welcome here and in France by our delightful French friends.
The club Members are now starting to get the Sleigh ready for Santa’s Christmas visits. Look out later for details of when and where we will be during December, and these will be posted on our Facebook page and website and be included in our later reports.
2025 will be a special and exciting year for the Club, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary of serving the community and this will coincide with the 25th anniversary of our Charity Shop.
You can follow us on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com wroxhamandho
He will be in his magical Grotto chatting to children, handing out gifts and making a note of wish lists for Christmas!
Face painting or a visit to Father Christmas - what will they want to do first?
Maybe the whole family will want to see if they can win the ‘Where’s the Bear’ competition or try their luck on the tombola!
Save the date and pop in to enjoy a fun day out with all the family. Brought to you by the Horning Hub & Horning Village Hall Committee horninghub@yahoo.com 01692 630695
Book Club is still on the third Wednesday of the month and still on Zoom, although a bit of an abortive meeting in September, as Sheila had problems with setting up Zoom, so we resorted to emailing our views on Mal’s choice of “The Reading List” by Sara Nisha Adams. Hilary has chosen “The Running Grave” by Robert Galbraith for October, bit of a tome, so will keep us busy in October. 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 are some of the events and services we offer but see our Facebook page or call the library on 01603 782560.
· Send Café Friendly and supportive sessions aimed at children with SEND. Meet up with other families, share ideas and have some fun! The cafes are free, on a drop in basis, so no booking required, every other Tuesday 3.304.30 (1st and 15th October).
· Medal Ceremony The Summer Reading Challenge medal and certificate ceremony will be on Wednesday 9th October at 4.305.30pm. Please bring your medal and certificate with you.
· Toys We have a new selection of toys and games that can be played with in the library, from Duplo, and counting games, to jigsaws. Look in our folder to see what is available.
International Welcome Free advice and support for newly arrived communities, with issues such as housing, employment, and language, also library access. Drop-in fortnightly sessions Thursday 10.30 -12.30pm, October 3rd and 17th. 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).
· Knit and Natter – not just for
knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday 3rd October, 2.00- 4.00pm and Thursday 17th October 2.00 –4.00pm.
· Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 10th October 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 31st October. 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
THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK
~ At the heart of our community ~
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 at tricia@womackherons.org.uk or 07931 301606. Come and join us!
Tues October 8: Visit Langham Glass, Fakenham: Meet at 12pm; Demonstration booked for 2pm. Booking closed – contact Tricia for late availability.
Thurs October 24: End of Season Supper, 7pm at The Swan, Horning. Book with menu choice by 16th. Tues November 19: Supper, Quiz and AGM at Ludham Church Room, 7pm. Booking advised. Weds December 4th: Winter Walk with Lunch at The Kings Arms, Ludham. (tbc)
WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB
Our Classic Car show which took place at Wroxham Barns on Sunday 8th September was blessed with dry, sunny weather and a great display of over 85 classic cars. There were lots of visitors too, and we raised a healthy £900 to be shared between our chosen charities of BREAK, the Nancy Oldfield Trust and our own Rotary Club’s chosen charities. Congratulations to the overall winner, an immaculate white E-type Jaguar that had been cared for by its current owner for over 50 years. An early reminder, the 2025 event will take place at the same venue on Sunday 7th September!
to Christmas when we start working with Father Christmas; firstly, in Sprowston on 24th November, then at a couple of local primary schools, and then our main street collections in December – more details next month.
We also have lots of interesting speakers coming up at our Monday evening meetings at Wroxham Barns – more details on the Rotary web site, just put in our club name. 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 wherever the need arises. If you fancy joining us for a vibrant, sociable, active, and fun club experience, please contact our president, Kelvin Dore, on 07798 786944.
THE
WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK
~ At the heart of our community ~
Looking ahead we have plans for a possible beer festival in November, and we are already looking forward
THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK
8000 copies of your advert delivered to 18 villages
Advertise with us & we’ll safely take your business service message to the fabulous residents throughout: Wroxham, Hoveton, Horning, Badersfield, Coltishall, Horstead, Stalham, Stalham Green, Sutton, Tunstead, Frettenham, Scottow, Belaugh, Sco Ruston, Ashmanhaugh, Smallburgh, Sloley & Buxton. ( Ad sizes & fees inside rear cover & more info at www.wacbook.co.uk)
To appear in the Dec/Jan edition contact us NOW so you’re ready for 2025!
WHO REMEMBERS MANN EGERTON?
by Chris Weston LOCAL
A complete history of this former Norwich company would require far more space than might be acceptable to ‘the Group authorities’. Hence the following are a few brief highlights, the writer also being aware that some readers may at some time, have worked at one or more of its sites.
For most local folk, it might seem obvious to link Mann Egerton with motor vehicles, including wellknown names like Austin; Jaguar; Morris; Rover and Triumph, not forgetting also, the Rolls Royce connection. But this was only one part of the company’s overall business.
I remember my parents describing how Boulton & Paul, better-known perhaps for door and window frames, had once built aircraft. But after being asked in 1915 to do likewise for the war effort, so did Mann Egerton. They were also approached by the Admiralty, to build aircraft for the future Royal Flying Corps.
To achieve this task, Mann Egerton was given a War Loan of £30,000 to acquire the 60 acres of land needed to build a hangar and private airfield. So, a large wooden hangar (subsequently camouflaged) was built on their Cromer Road site in 1916, taking just 2 months to construct. This enabled the company to manufacture Short bombers, Sopwith fighters and other types of aircraft until 1919.
The factory then closed the following year after which it was used as a furniture factory and store, until demolition in 1984.
The main headquarters were in Prince of Wales Road, with Mann Egerton growing and expanding from a Norwich based partnership of electricians. In 1909 the company supplied its first custom built car body for a Rolls-Royce and before 1914, had opened garages across East Anglia and in London. There was a separate woodwork business making school furniture while the coachbuilding department made refrigerated vehicles for Findus and Birds Eye.
During 1919 came another ‘arm’ when Mann Egerton started Norwich's first Driving School. The tutors used dual control Ford Model
T's for tuition.
In the Second World War, they built
vehicle bodies for the Government especially Austin K2 ambulances used by the army. They also trained hundreds of personnel to drive them.
From the end of the war to the late 1980s the company diversified into furniture, electricals, refrigerated HGVs, trucks and tractors, while slowly selling off parts of the company to become a car sales business once again. The first showroom was built on the former Greyfriars House site in 1902 beside Prince of Wales Road and could display two vehicles. In subsequent years, this also expanded. Another garage opened opposite Norfolk Tower in Surrey Street and
Halvergate, on the edge of
Norfolk Tower in Surrey Street and after Its closure, the site mostly became Sentinel House, whose construction was commissioned by Norwich Union in the late 1980’s. This building soon earned the nickname “Senile House” amongst Norwich Union Staff! But it was only a few years later that Mann Egerton also closed to become for a large number of people, yet another Norwich memory.
And lastly, I recall an office in or near St. Vedast Street, operating the Mann Egerton Vehicle Contracts business.
‘Whether you’re looking for a sweep of your open fire or have a woodburner that needs some TLC, our trusted service puts your safety first,’ said George. ‘We carry out thorough compliance checks, smoke tests and formal certification. Fully insured, we operate to clear industry codes of conduct. From routine sweeps or bespoke solutions including AGAs, CCTV inspections, tar and nest removal, we are here to help.’
A more comprehensive company history can be found on various computer-based search channels. completed - “Wight-on time! ’
To book your next sweep, please call: 01493 800585 or 07894 474877 or via www.hartandkohl.com
& COLTISHALL BOOK
Hidden phrase: A canter is a cure for every evilBenjamin Disraeli
WROXHAM FOOTBALL CLUB
Well, just 2 months into the new season and a tough start; 1 win, 1 draw and 4 defeats as well as the departure of our long serving Manager, Jordan Southgate. We knew with his talent that Jordan would be snapped up by a bigger club one day, in this instance, Lowestoft Town, but the timing so early in the season was a surprise. However matters were conducted professionally and everyone involved with the club wishes Jordan well. Matt Halliday has stepped up from his role of Assistant Manager to be our new first Team Manager and it is good to have the continuity and tactical knowledge that Matt brings to the job.
Your football club still faces some tough fiscal challenges so we urge you to come along to our newly sponsored and exotically named ground; The Ginger Pickle Stadium at Trafford Park! Consistent attendance around the 200+ mark can make or break a club like ours as does sponsorship. Thus, huge thanks to the team at the Ginger Pickle Marketing Agency in Norwich for their crucial support.
We are pleased to welcome some new volunteers to the club and if you would like to become involved at a level of commitment which suits you, we would love to hear from you. Another new development is live match commentary on most match days which is live streamed on X (Twitter) @The _yachtsmen. So, if you can’t make down to picturesque Trafford Park for every game you can now listen live. However, nothing beats watch-
ing the beautiful game live and we hope to see you at the forthcoming matches in October & November listed below.
Saturday 12th Oct KO 3pm Vs Heybridge Swifts
Saturday 26th Oct KO 3pm Vs Sporting Bengal United Tuesday 5th Nov KO 7.45pm Vs Felixstowe & Walton United Saturday 16th Nov KO 3pm Vs Witham Town
If you would like to get involved, sponsor a player or advertise at the ground/in the match programme please email our Chair, James Blower at james@wroxhamfc.club
Don’t forget you can follow us on Facebook at wroxhamfc.club, on Instagram at officialwroxhamfc , online at www.wroxhamfc.club and on X (Twitter) at @The _yachtsmen
Pictured below: From L to R: (1). Matt Halliday (centre) with Craig Parker (left) & Daz Plowman-Reed (right). (2). James Blower, Club Chair (left) with Tony Southgate, founder of Ginger Pickle at Trafford Park. (3). Georgy Batch in action against Maldon.
So, it’s Autumn; School Half Term, the end of British Summer Time, (27th October), Halloween (31st October) and Guy Fawkes Night (5th November), Remembrance Day (10th November) all await us.
Should it be time to get a few things fixed around the home, do consider the benefits of sourcing locally. When you call the flourishing business services you find inside this magazine, you’re directly contributing to our local economy.
As publishers of this handy local magazine, we are members of The Federation of Small Business keenly supporting the ‘Keep Trade Local’ message. Our readers and advertising clients know we genuinely relate because we too, are a local business!
Another plus point when you use local tradespeople there is the increased level of accountability; you’re more likely to know who you’re dealing with, and where they are located. That’s something many find comforting.
Enjoy October & November...
Tracey
@BroadlandMediaLtd Great Value Advertising! For fees & sizes see inside rear cover or: www.wacbook.co.uk
Inclusion Deadline for Dec/Jan 25 edition is 11th Nov 2024
To contact us: tracey@wacbook.co.uk Tele: 01603 717681
@TraceyWACBook
@BroadlandMediaLtd
Tracey De-Abreu
What’s Inside… Page:
6 - Travel; Cracking Christmas Breaks
12 - Recipé; Beef Bourguinon
14 - Home & Interiors; 8 Ways to update your home office
