Delivered bi-monthly to 8,000 homes & businesses in 18 villages Feb/March 24
· Wroxham
· Hoveton
· Horning
· Badersfield
· Coltishall
· Horstead · Stalham
· Stalham Green · Sutton
Tunstead · Frettenham · Scottow
Belaugh
Sco
· Ashmanhaugh · Smallburgh
· Sloley
· Buxton
Great Value Advertising! For fees & sizes see inside rear cover or: www.wacbook.co.uk
Inclusion Deadline for April/May 24 edition is 11th March 2024
Welcome… to the latest edition of THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK
Ah, ‘February & March’ - by definition, the last month of Winter and the first month of Spring! There are lots of notable diary dates over this period: we’ve got Chinese New Year 10th Feb, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) 13th Feb, Valentine’s Day 14th Feb, St David’s Day 1st March, Mother's Day 10th March, St Patrick’s Day 17th March, Good Friday 29th March, British Summer Time starts on March 31st & Easter Monday is 1st April. Plenty to focus on then!
As usual, inside this magazine you’ll find lots of feature articles, puzzles and quizzes - as well as thriving local services.
This edition we welcome a new service provider; Norfolk Powered Access & Plant Hire - and - Broom Construction & Groundworks Ltd.
If you’re having a clear-out of things at home, their Norfolk Skip Bag service provides a useful disposal solution. Providing you’re quick, there’s an introductory FREE small skip bag offer for the first 50 Wroxham & Coltishall Book readers too! See page 9 for details.
Enjoy February & March!...
To contact us: tracey@wacbook.co.uk Tele: 01603 717681 @TraceyWACBook @BroadlandMediaLtd
Tracey De-Abreu
4 - Home & Interiors; Small Kitchen, Big Ideas 16 - Wordsearch; Science 26 - Beauty; Men’s Skincare 28 - Living in the Past 32 - Celebrities; Sir Ran. Fiennes 34 - Health; Understanding ADHD 36 - Recipe; Everything Chop Suey
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.
Business Card Section
Painter & Decorator
Darrell Elwin
Interior & Exterior
Private & Commercial
Est. 1987 / Fully Insured
Tel: 01603 736958
Mob: 07743 372978
Advertise your BUSINESS SERVICE for just £24 p/m in this space & see your BUSINESS grow! (and create lots of new local customers!)
WROXHAM FOOTBALL CLUB
A lot of water has passed under (and over!) the bridge since our last update. All of us have been impacted by the weather in recent weeks and none less so than your local football club.
Since the end of November, countless postponements have seen us play just four times between then and mid-January. We lost twice and drew twice during that period and currently sit 14th but with 2 -3 games in hand over some of those teams around us.
We are not alone either in being hit hard financially by the lack of
match income from these postponements. New sponsors are, as always welcome and indeed crucial to help the club survive. This is also a good time to thank those who do partner with us. Your generosity and support are never taken for granted and always appreciated.
In the upper echelons of the football pyramid, player continuity and managerial longevity are rare commodities indeed and are not unknown in non-league by any means either.
Following our home game with Bury Town on New Years Day (watched by a crowd of 265) we were delighted to award three of our key long serving players, awards for 850 appearances between them; Harley Black passed
the 250 mark and is pictured left receiving his award from his sponsor Paul Jeater (Thank you Paul!), centre is Ryan Miles and on the right Ollie Sutton both of whom passed the 150 mark and receiving their bubbly from Chairman James Blower. Continuity indeed! All this underlined by our current Manager, Jordan Southgate, who took up the managerial reins just over 5 years ago.
FORTHCOMING HOME FIXTURES:
FEBRUARY & MARCH 2024
Saturday 10th February KO 3pm Vs Basildon Town
Saturday 18th February KO 3pm Vs Felixstowe & Walton United
Saturday 2nd March KO 3pm Vs Maldon & Tiptree
Saturday 16th March KO 3pm Vs Walthamstow
* Due to the ongoing weather challenges the above schedule is subject to change.
Please check our Facebook and X (Twitter) pages before travelling.
L to R: Harley Black, Ryan Miles, Ollie Sutton.
THORNHAM’S ROYAL VISIT
NORFOLK POWERED ACCESS & PLANT HIRE
by Chris Weston
BROOM CONSTRUCTION & GROUNDWORKS LTD
LOCAL HISTORY
Given the county’s Royal connections, mention of a Royal Visit may not seem anything unusual. Such occasions - apart from Christmas at Sandringham - usually centre on Norwich or wherever something new is being opened for the first time. Norwich Anglican Cathedral for example has been visited several times to mark completion of various restoration projects. And in April 1996 (the cathedral’s 900th birthday year) the annual
Maundy Money distribution was made here.
But royalty also go elsewhere in the county, one such occasion being a Royal Visit to Thornham in 1906. That time, King Edward Vll and Queen Alexandra visited the local Ironworks in the village High Street. In the design-office, their Majesties inspected numerous original drawings and designs, including one of a gate which at the time was being made for the King and when completed, would be erected at one of the entrances to the Sandringham estate.
The King was told it was the work of "Little Reggie," - a cripple - who is clever at designing. The Royal party then toured the entire Works, within which iron is beaten into various elaborate devices.
This edition we introduce our readership to Norfolk Powered Access & Plant Hire and Broom Construction & Groundworks Ltd who have been supporting customers in Norfolk and Suffolk. Locally-based in Surlingham, these complementary businesses can aid a wide range of projects, from domestic work up to large commercial groundworks. Business owner John Broom (formerly head of Broom Boats) knows about quality and customer service and has been in the building industry for more than 25 years, so is well-placed to offer expert advice that is both relevant and economically driven for his customers.
Suddenly, and while remarking, "I must have a hand in making one of our gates”, Queen Alexandra took a hammer from one of the workmen. And almost instantly, the Queen began hammering away at a piece of iron with seemingly unending energy!
Broom Construction & Groundworks Ltd can take a project from concept to a finished product, with new build & refurbishments of properties, construction of commercial building groundworks, demolition, site clearance and waste disposal are all key capabilities. Their customers have therefore found huge benefit both in time and money in working with one company for their project ra-
So, we have an Aladdin’s cave of ability packaged up in these complementary businesses, and a track record of satisfied customers.
Take a look at page 9 (opposite) for the Spring Special Offer in this magazine.
BUSINESS SERVICE PROVIDERS: Don’t miss out! Come and join us! 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 T: 01603 717681
Below are some of the events and services we offer but see our Facebook page or call the library on 01603 782560. NEW Poetry Reading Come and listen to a selection of readings by Annie Slater from her two published collections of prose and poetry, which are both funny and poignant. With a true Norfolk voice Annie has written all her life and her collections bear witness to her experiences and those of her family stretching back to the early 1900’s. Annie’s books raise money for Sir Norman Lamb’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Foundation for children and young people.
Wednesday 21st Feb 2-3.15. Suggested £1.00 library donation, refreshments available.
· NEW Computer Buddy If you need internet and digital support, including help with your tablet, smartphone, or email. Every Wednesday 1 – 3pm. Half hour appointments, booking will be essential. Please contact the library for more details.
· Keep Warm and Well this winter Visit your local library to pick up Free winter essentials including:- a blanket; hot water bottle; toiletries bag. Free hot drinks are also available during staffed times.
· Crafting Alternate Saturdays (staff dependent), 10.30am – 3pm. Aimed at children aged 5 -11 (under 8s require supervision).
Coding Club Every Saturday 23pm, Ages 7 -11, limited to two spaces. To book a place please call us on 01603 782560 or email Wroxham.lib@libraries.norfolk.gov.uk
· Knit and Natter – not just for knitters! Bring your embroidery, textile, or crochet project along to our informal gathering. Thursday 1st Feb, 2.00- 4.00pm and Thursday 15th Feb 2.00 – 4.00pm.
· Crib Club (Cribbage card game) – new players welcomeThursday 8th Feb 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 Feb. 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
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.
Feb/Mar Events
WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB - The first meeting of 2024 is on 14th February when Roger Woolnough is demonstrating arrangements which, of course, he has called Love is in the Air.
The meeting is at Rackheath Village Hall, doors opening at 7:00 pm with the start time: 7:30. These wonderful arrangements will be raffled and you can enjoy home made cake and refreshments to round off the evening. Come and give us a look as visitors are very welcome at £8.00 pp.
On 13th March we have arranged for members to take part in a Workshop being run by Penny Spall from Wroxham Barns. Times as above. If you have any query please give me a ring on 07539 764196.
Rosie Howell
Community Events & What’s On...
You can use this page to send your FREE message to 8,000 households and businesses!
Regular Events
NEATISHEAD COMMUNITY GYM - Friendly, relaxed, affordable, local gym open to all (12+), but especially catering for older age groups and those who are uncomfortable in a commercial gym. Excellent support from experienced instructor. If you want to improve your fitness or mobility, at whatever level, give us a try! Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays 8.30 to 12.30 at New Victory Hall, Neatishead. Ring or text Gary on our FREE TRIAL HOTLINE of 07387 876216, or email gym@victoryhall.info for other enquiries.
COLTISHALL & HORSTEAD PRE-SCHOOL - Monday to Wednesday 9.00am to 12pm and 12pm to 3pm, Thursday and Friday 9.00am to 12pm. For 2 years upwards. Held at Coltishall Community Centre, Rectory Road. OFSTED Graded ‘GOOD’. Welcoming all families to join our active playgroup including regular allotment and local primary school visits. Please phone our friendly team: 07539 928124 Charity number: 1164338.
COLTISHALL AND HORSTEAD WI meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Church Rooms, Rectory Road. Coltishall at 2.30pm. Details; please phone Rosie Howell on 01603 737762.
HAUTBOIS DISTRICT RANGERS meet alternative Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm. We're a small group of girls aged 14+ looking for more people to join us. We do a variety of different activities from camping, to shopping, kayaking to performing! If you're interested or want more information please call Gina 07775 520911.
HORNING ART CLASS is held on Thursday afternoons at 2 o’clock in the Village Hall Annexe. We have an excellent tutor on hand to give guidance or tuition in all media. We are a friendly group with a mixed range of abilities and styles. Interested in joining us ? Please ring Paula Kerrison on 07881 632436.
POKER - Every Sunday at the Diplomat in Badersfield (RAF Colt) we have a weekly league games for points that qualify you for 3 Regional finals & 3 National final competitions. £3.50 a week registers your points online at The Nuts Poker League. Play starts at 7.30pm see you there! New players welcome.
KINGS HEAD QUIZ NIGHT Hoveton Thurs nights at 7.30pm. Still £1 per person admission inclusive of a FREE Quiznighter's Buffet. Max 6 in a team. Winner takes all & Picture Quiz winner leaves with a FREE bottle of wine!
NORTH WALSHAM PHOTOGRAPHIC GROUP meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 7.30pm at Salvation Army Hall, Hall Lane, North Walsham. Details from Secretary, Liz Fiddy, on 01692 582793 or email trevorandliz@talktalk.net
TIDDLERS BABY & TODDLER GROUP Meeting at Horstead Tithe Barn, every Wednesday during term time, 10 - 11.30am £2 per family. Lots of lovely toys for children, cuppa and a chat for you.
Email: tiddlerstoddlergroup@gmail.com for more info or just come along.
AYLSHAM CHESS CLUB Meets at Aylsham & District Ex-Service & Social Club on Monday evenings during the Sep - Jun season. Contact: David Owen (Club Secretary), Tel: 01263 731327, e-mail: davidowen364@btinternet.com
COMMUNITY CAFÉ AT THE HUB Come and join us for a cuppa, a slice of homemade cake & a chat! We meet every Thursday from 10.30-12pm at Wroxham & Hoveton United Reformed Church (The Hub), 114 Norwich Rd, Wroxham, NR12 8SA. We are open to all and there's no charge.
1st COLTISHALL GUIDES. We are a charitable organisation who deliver broad programmes of activities for the development of young girls and women. The Guide group caters for 10-14 year olds providing them with a safe environment in which they can develop both personally and socially. Email: firstcoltishallguides@gmail.com or contact Claire on 07826 444 046.
BUXTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
We are a small friendly club catering for all levels and styles of photography, we meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, at 7.30pm in Buxton Village Hall, in Buxton. for further details contact: info@buxtonphotographicclub.co.uk or contact John on 07526777962. Full details of program can be found here: www.buxtonphotographicclub.co.uk
THE NEEDLES - At Broadland Youth & Community Centre Hoveton on Tuesday’s 10-4pm. If you stitch knit, crochet, patchwork, do dressmaking and would like help with zips, hems, casting on or can help others,? Come along and share your skills and tips or learn something new and let’s have some fun and chat. For more information contact Margaret on 01692 651333
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.
Wednesday of the month at the Church Rooms, Rectory Road. Coltishall at 2.30pm. Details; please phone Rosie Howell on 01603 737762.
for a cuppa, a slice of homemade cake & a chat! We meet every Thursday from 10.30-12pm at Wroxham &
Community Events & What’s On...
You can use this page to send your FREE message to 8,000 households and businesses!
STALHAM COMMUNITY GYM continues to provide a fabulous, friendly and affordable gym facility for the people of Stalham and surrounding areas. We still have the same moto “health and well-being for all”. The fully equipped, air-conditioned gym is based at The Poppy Centre, Recreation Road, Stalham, NR12 9BH. Our qualified Instructors can provide you with a programme designed for you individually whatever your needs and abilities. We support Yoga classes on Friday mornings and members are entitled to a discounted fee for these classes.
Our opening times are Monday 8am to midday (Box fit with Ric at 11am to 1130am). Wednesday 9am to midday. Thursday 8am to midday with Helen. (Circuit Class at 10 am). Friday 8am to midday and Sunday 9am to 11am.
We are also open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings between 6pm and 8pm with Instructor Paul.
Membership fees are £25 per month adult, £15 pm under 18’s. Concessions are available. Or, you can Pay As You Go at £5 per session.
Telephone Helen between 9am and 6pm on 07716 811696 for more information.
Alternatively, contact us on the gym mobile 07547 321874 during opening hours or email stalhamcommunitygym@gmail.com and we will get back to you. Find us on Facebook Stalham Community Gym, Next Door Stalham or www.stalhamcommunitygym.org.uk
We provide a safe, friendly, supportive environment for all members of the local community and surrounding areas and look forward to welcoming new and existing members.
222 (BROADLANDS) SQUADRON RAFAC - We are a youth organisation sponsored by the RAF. We meet on Monday and Friday evenings at Broadland High Ormiston Academy and get up to everything from flying and shooting, to sport and adventure activities. If you are at least 12 years-old and in Year 8 at school come along and find out for yourself if being an Air Cadet is for you. Get in touch via our website (www.222-atc.org.uk) to arrange a taster visit to Squadron.
HOVETON FARMERS & PRODUCERS MARKET
The Hoveton Farmers and Producers Market is held every 4th Saturday of each month at Hoveton Village Hall. A range of local produce is available including Meats, Bread, Cakes, Pies, Pastries, Cheese, Eggs, Preserves, Alcoholic Beverages, Garden Plants and Cut Flowers. There are also stalls selling Handcrafted Gifts. Hoveton Village Hall, Stalham Road, Hoveton, NR12 8DU.
TUNSTEAD MAHJONG GROUP is a small, friendly and informal group of ladies and men who meet to play Mahjong once a week, on a Friday morning from 10.00am until 1.00pm. At a members home in Tunstead. We are a mixed ability group who would welc ome both those who have played before and total beginners, the latter of whom we are happy to teach. Mahjong is a game played with tiles. The object of the game is to collect sets of particular tiles rather like the card game Rummy. If you enjoy games such as bridge, chess or playing cards, then you might like to join us. If you are interested to play or you would just like to come along and see the game in progress, please telephone Carol on 01603 929368 or email carol_hodgkiss@hotmail.com
STALHAM & DISTRICT BRANCH, ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Meet every third Thursday at 1230 in the Swan public house in Stalham High street We are currently looking for new committee members If you are interested in a position please come along to a meeting of contact Robert Glenister email robert.glenister@yahoo.com or via our Facebook page facebook.com/stalhamroyalbritishlegion You will receive a very friendly welcome!
HORNING BRIDGE CLUB at the Village Hall on Monday evenings 6.30-10 pm and at Hoveton Youth & Community Centre on Thursday afternoons. For further information telephone Sue Howes: 07799 777862
NEATISHEAD BRIDGE CLUB at Neatishead Village Hall every Friday Morning 10-1pm. For further information telephone Sue Howes: 07799 777862
WROXHAM, HOVETON AND BELAUGH VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY CARS: Transport to Medical Appointments Charity No. 1044332
We have a team of volunteer drivers who are prepared to take anyone in need of transport to a medical appointment e.g doctors, dentists, opticians, hospitals. The areas we cover are for people registered at Hoveton/Wroxham Medical Practice, e.g. Salhouse, Rackheath, Horning, Tunstead, so if you live in any of these surrounding villages, you will be able to use our service. We also take patients registered at The Coltishall Surgery who live in the Wroxham/Hoveton area. We do make a nominal charge, depending on the distance, to cover the drivers’ running costs.
We do have wheelchairs available but you must have sufficient mobility to get in and out of the car as none of our vehicles are wheelchair accessible.
For further details with regards to booking a car, please phone: 01603 784 455
WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB
May we first of all wish everyone a successful and healthy 2024. We also would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to out Santa collections, both around the local villages and outside Tesco in Stalham. Thank you too to everyone who helped collect and also to everyone at Tesco’s for allowing us to be there. Despite the difficult times in which we live, we managed to collect almost as much as last year and raised in total just short of £4k. We have already made substantial donations to our two main beneficiaries, East Anglia Air Ambulance, and Rotary Foundation
Our weekly meetings at Wroxham Barns have re-commenced after the Christmas break, and we have a great range of interesting speakers lined up over the next few months. We are also busy planning our next community and fundraising activities, most of which take place after Easter. More details next time but meanwhile February is the best month to enjoy the displays of purple crocuses which we have been planting in strategic sites around the local villages over the last few years, to recognise our Purple for Polio campaign to eradicate polio worldwide – so keep your eyes peeled! You can support us and the many local and international charities we donate to, through the Broadland Council Lottery Scheme – simply go on line: www.communityatheartlottery.com and sign up, selecting Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club as your chosen cause. You can also support us directly by visiting our page on the www.totalgiving.co.uk web site.
Meantime, we hope everyone stays safe and has a 2024 that is happy and healthy. Remember, in the true Rotary spirit of “Service above Self” we have members ready and willing to help out in the local commu-
nity 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.
WROXHAM AND HOVETON LIONS CLUB
Santa and his elves have now put the Reindeer back in the barn and the sleigh is in the workshop being serviced for next year’s run. Santa is now back from his well earned holiday and he has let me know the total money raised from the generous charitable donations you provided. It was a magnificent £3,138.75, many thanks. This sum will be put to good use supporting local good causes and charities.
Our first Craft Fair of 2024 will be held next month on Sun 17th Mar, in our new Village Hall venue. Come along and browse the numerous craft stalls, then enjoy some refreshments.
Our small pride of Lions are always on the lookout for new members. If you would like to take those first steps into joining a marvellous, forward thinking, Internationally renowned organisation, we’ll be happy to see you at our face to face meeting on 2nd Tuesday of the month, or our online meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm, in the Broadland Youth and Community Centre, Stalham Rd, Hoveton.
On the social front, we have just held our 48th Charter Lunch, gathering with other areas Lions clubs members to celebrate our 2023 achievements.
A huge thank you to those of you who are supporting us through participation in the Community at Heart Lottery. You have the chance of winning the top prize of £25000, plus the monthly super draw with the chance to win an exciting prize.
If you haven’t signed up yet visit our pagehttps// www.communityatheartlottery.com/ support/wroxham-and-hovetonlions-club
Our shop is always on the lookout for good quality Bric a Brac or clean clothing, so please bring them along or we can collect – just ring 01603 783737.
Please, please, do not leave goods outside the shop if it is closed as it is considered Fly Tipping. With the weather we’ve been experiencing lately, we’ve had to throw away a lot of ruined clothing and other items. Please contact the shop on the number above to find out our opening times. Would you like to volunteer to help in the shop? If so, drop in and talk to a member of staff.
You can follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com > wroxhamandhovetonlions or our website www.wroxhamandhovetonlions.org
We look forward to seeing or hearing from you.
Lion Mick Holden, President.
CAN YOU HELP?
Local lady looking for an excellent, trustworthy, experienced online seller to market and sell her goods. Benefit from 50/50 share on all sales.
If you’re interested, please call for more info on 07831 258258.
Wednesday 21st Feb 2-3.15. Suggested £1.00 library donation, re- · Our Bounce and Rhyme · Friday: 10-7
ST BENET ’S ABBEY
Volunteer Tour Guide Opportunity:
Norfolk Archaeological Trust are looking for volunteers to share their knowledge with visitors to our St Benet’s Abbey Site.
This Icon of The Broads is visited by thousands of tourists each year and we need your help to make them feel welcome and to share information about the site. Perhaps you will enjoy sharing historical stories or enjoy sharing your knowledge of the of sites flora and fauna, or maybe how to take wonderful photos of this famous photographed icon. Full training will be given and, if you have an interest in learning more about this beautiful place and then sharing your knowledge, this is the role for you.
The established team at St Benet’s Abbey are a friendly group of people and you will be welcomed to the team, getting to know knew people and making new friends.
Please consider sharing your time with us, if you are interested, or email Fran Young at visitorexperience@norfarchtrust.org.uk.
Tuesday 20th February: Meet in Ludham Church Room at 7pm for take-away Fish&Chips. This will be followed with a talk by Stephen Bradnock of the Nancy Oldfield Trust
The Trust, based in Neatishead and celebrating its 40th anniversary, provides accessible waterbased activities for disabled and disadvantaged children and adults; everything from motor cruising to sailing, canoeing and pedal launches. Book your fish & chips
by 13th February (price to be confirmed). Tuesday 5th March: Visit to Norwich Marble Halls then lunch at Côte Brasserie Wednesday 20th March: The Spring Supper at Salhouse Lodge
WHB TWINNING ASSOCIATION
Looking forward now, this year, to the visit from our French friends from La Pommeraye and Montjean-sur-Loire, Sunday 11thFriday 16th August 2024 and they are still, as far as we know, anticipating about 40 guests at the moment. Our programme is coming together, our committee members on the case, some venues and visits booked and now hoping that the August weather will be kind to us, especially for our outdoor events.
Before then, we had our PostChristmas Dinner at the Hotel Wroxham on 20th January, who provided us with excellent 2/3 course dinner choices. We are also planning one of our popular “Call my Quaff” wine quizzes on 20th April so look out for details about that shortly. We have another committee meeting at the end of January, so we’ll be able to provide more information on the above after that.
Book Club is continuing with our 15 or so members and we had Jane’s choice of “Tulip Fever” by Deborah Moggach in December and Sue’s “The Birdcage” by Eve Chase in January. We also had an excellent Christmas lunch at Fizz and Fromage in Hoveton in December for our local book club members. 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
PUTTING YOUR 2024 MARKETING PLAN TOGETHER?
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
· Horstead
· Stalham
· Stalham Green
· Sutton
· Tunstead
· Frettenham
· Scottow
· Belaugh
· Sco Ruston
· Ashmanhaugh
· Smallburgh
· Sloley
· Buxton
NORTH WALSHAM CHESS TOURNAMENT FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS
Friday 23rd February 2024
zens) and all chess abilities. Hopefully many of our players will be taking part and others will come along to NWLCC after the tournament.”
Following the success of last year’s event, Norfolk County Chess Association (NCCA) and North Walsham Library Chess Club (NWLCC) are again organising a Chess Tournament for children and adults at North Walsham Community Centre, New Road, North Walsham on the afternoon of Friday 23rd February (during the half-term break).
The event will have two main sections:
The Junior Section is aimed at children up to the age of 18 years. The Open Section is aimed at adults and junior players who have significant previous experience of playing tournament chess. Potential players and parents/ carers interested in finding out more can: go to the www link: bit.ly/nwchess e-mail: norfolkjuniorchess@gmail.com or phone Jonathan Reeve Tel: 01263-733744
Quotes:
Matthew Perry - NCCA Junior Chess Organiser
“We are inviting players of all ages and abilities to come along and have an enjoyable afternoon playing chess and socialising with other local players. We hope to have players from Broadland, North Norfolk and Norwich taking part.”
Marion Wright - NWLCC Club Volunteer
“We are thrilled to again have this event taking place on our doorstep. The North Walsham Library Chess Club, which meets from 4.00pm on Friday afternoons, is aimed at all ages (from children to senior citi-
Above: Marion Wright (NWLCC Volunteer) and Matthew Perry (NCCA Junior Chess Organiser) watching North Walsham Library Chess Club players.
Above: Riley (North Walsham) and Ruby (Aylsham) preparing to play in the North Walsham Tournament.
WORSTEAD FESTIVAL
The Worstead Festival raised £40,000 in 2023. This amazing amount of money means that we have been able to help many local charities by awarding grants to many good causes. “We’re very grateful to be benefitting,” said Ian Fox of the North Walsham Rugby Club. “It will go towards new facilities for women’s rugby. The women’s game is the fastest growing part of the sport and we want to make it as inclusive as possible.”
Worstead Primary School teacher, Amy Coby said, “We are now able to build an art den and stock it will all sorts of material to allow the children to be more creative with their drawing, sculpture, painting, textiles and collage in addition to what’s in the curriculum.”
“More free brochures are now available at our amazing church to help visitors to navigate the Worstead Heritage trails,” said the chair of the village Parish Council, John Bacon. “But it’s not just about the money for this sort of stuff. It’s the fun that everyone looks forward to.”
The Worstead Festival is run by volunteers and is held on the last weekend of July each year. It attracts more than 15,000 people over the two days. This year’s attractions included horse stunt riders and BMX performers. Watch out for them next year along with more than one hundred artisan and food stalls, live music, chef displays, LEGOcon, food and drink.
The chair of the Festival Trustees, Jane Bond said, “Thank you to each and every one who helped put on this year’s festival, we couldn’t do it without you I’m so proud of how much money we raised. Thanks also to everyone that came over the weekend to make it such a successful event. We look forward to seeing you all next year.”
Other recipients of grants include the village halls of Worstead and Honing, St Mary’s Worstead, Queen Elizabeth Hall Worstead, Worstead Pre-School, Making Connections Hoveton, North Norfolk and District Food Bank, Southrepps Bowling Club, North Norfolk Surf Lifesaving Club and the Take Our Hand bereavement charity. Anyone wishing to book a stall for 2024 should logon to the festival website worsteadfestival.org
Worstead Festival has been going since 1966 and the next one will be held 27th and 28th of July 2024. Please put it in your diaries!
THORNHAM’S ROYAL VISIT
NORFOLK POWERED ACCESS & PLANT HIRE
by Chris Weston
BROOM CONSTRUCTION & GROUNDWORKS LTD
Maundy Money distribution was made here.
This edition we introduce our readership to Norfolk Powered Access & Plant Hire and Broom Construction & Groundworks Ltd who have been supporting customers in Norfolk and Suffolk. Locally-based in Surlingham, these complementary businesses can aid a wide range of projects, from domestic work up to large commercial groundworks. Business owner John Broom (formerly head of Broom Boats) knows about quality and customer service and has been in the building industry for more than 25 years, so is well-placed to offer expert advice that is both relevant and economically driven for his customers.
Given the county’s Royal connections, mention of a Royal Visit may not seem anything unusual. Such occasions - apart from Christmas at Sandringham - usually centre on Norwich or wherever something new is being opened for the first thedral for example has been visited several times to mark completion of various restoration projects. And in April 1996 (the cathedral’s 900th birthday year) the annual
But royalty also go elsewhere in the county, one such occasion being a Royal Visit to Thornham in 1906. That time, King Edward Vll and Queen Alexandra visited the local Ironworks in the village High Street. In the design-office, their Majesties inspected numerous original drawings and designs, including one of a gate which at the time was being made for the King and when completed, would be erected at one of the entrances to the Sandringham estate.
The King was told it was the work of "Little Reggie," - a cripple - who is clever at designing. The Royal party then toured the entire Works, within which iron is beaten into various elaborate devices.
Suddenly, and while remarking, "I must have a hand in making one of our gates”, Queen Alexandra took a hammer from one of the workmen. And almost instantly, the Queen began hammering away at a piece of iron with seemingly unending energy!
Broom Construction & Groundworks Ltd can take a project from concept to a finished product, with new build & refurbishments of properties, construction of commercial building groundworks, demolition, site clearance and waste disposal are all key capabilities. Their customers have therefore found huge benefit both in time and money in working with one company for their project rather than several differing ones with their own individual agendas.
Norfolk Powered Access & Plant Hire Ltd was established in 2007 for the supply of construction and powered access equipment to a varied range of customers. Waste is not forgotten either from the popular SKIP BAG to eight-wheeler grab lorries, they can help you with that Spring clean or clear-up after your project and provide aggregates too. They can package-up construction equipment for any project, with excavators, dumpers, welfare units and rollers for a cheaper cost price than other companies do separately – give them a call. Their range of modern powered access platforms also support many differing types of companies around the area.
Got a small gardening job at your house needing a micro or mini digger?
Need a concrete base constructed for your summerhouse or commercial unit?
Need to inspect your roof, gutters, chimney or look at that overhanging tree?
Need some unwanted garden or construction waste removed?
So, we have an Aladdin’s cave of ability packaged up in these complementary businesses, and a track record of satisfied customers.
Take a look at page 9 (opposite) for the Spring Special Offer in this magazine.
BUSINESS SERVICE PROVIDERS: Don’t miss out! Come and join us! 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 T: 01603 717681
DID YOU KNOW?
By Chris Weston
1. Norwich has the only remaining river-gate Boom Towers as a pair, in the UK.
2. In the 1830’s, Bedford Street in Norwich, was called Hole in Wall Lane.
3. When the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway existed, many long-distance express trains to and from Norfolk meant the company had the longest mileage of any joint railway in the United Kingdom!
4. In late 1937 the LNER operated the first ‘East Anglian’ fast train from Norwich to London, Liverpool Street and back. It only (officially !!) stopped at Ipswich on each trip.
5. Pullman train carriages were named after British castles and stately homes.
6. Berney Arms is the least used Norfolk railway station.
Thank you Chris!
WROXHAM FOOTBALL CLUB
A lot of water has passed under (and over!) the bridge since our last update. All of us have been impacted by the weather in recent weeks and none less so than your local football club.
Since the end of November, countless postponements have seen us play just four times between then and mid-January. We lost twice and drew twice during that period and currently sit 14th but with 2 -3 games in hand over some of those teams around us.
We are not alone either in being hit hard financially by the lack of
match income from these postponements. New sponsors are, as always welcome and indeed crucial to help the club survive. This is also a good time to thank those who do partner with us. Your generosity and support are never taken for granted and always appreciated. In the upper echelons of the football pyramid, player continuity and managerial longevity are rare commodities indeed and are not unknown in non-league by any means either.
Following our home game with Bury Town on New Years Day (watched by a crowd of 265) we were delighted to award three of our key long serving players, awards for 850 appearances between them; Harley Black passed
the 250 mark and is pictured left receiving his award from his sponsor Paul Jeater (Thank you Paul!), centre is Ryan Miles and on the right Ollie Sutton both of whom passed the 150 mark and receiving their bubbly from Chairman James Blower. Continuity indeed! All this underlined by our current Manager, Jordan Southgate, who took up the managerial reins just over 5 years ago.
FORTHCOMING HOME FIXTURES:
FEBRUARY & MARCH 2024
Saturday 10th February KO 3pm Vs Basildon Town
Saturday 18th February KO 3pm Vs Felixstowe & Walton United
Saturday 2nd March KO 3pm Vs Maldon & Tiptree
Saturday 16th March KO 3pm Vs Walthamstow
* Due to the ongoing weather challenges the above schedule is subject to change.
Please check our Facebook and X (Twitter) pages before travelling.
L to R: Harley Black, Ryan Miles, Ollie Sutton.
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Great Value Advertising! For fees & sizes see inside rear cover or: www.wacbook.co.uk
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Tracey De-Abreu
Welcome… to the latest edition of THE WROXHAM & COLTISHALL BOOK…
Ah, ‘February & March’ - by definition, the last month of Winter and the first month of Spring! There are lots of notable diary dates over this period: we’ve got Chinese New Year 10th Feb, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) 13th Feb, Valentine’s Day 14th Feb, St David’s Day 1st March, Mother's Day 10th March, St Patrick’s Day 17th March, Good Friday 29th March, British Summer Time starts on March 31st & Easter Monday is 1st April. Plenty to focus on then!
As usual, inside this magazine you’ll find lots of feature articles, puzzles and quizzes - as well as thriving local services.
This edition we welcome a new service provider; Norfolk Powered Access & Plant Hire - and - Broom Construction & Groundworks Ltd.
If you’re having a clear-out of things at home, their Norfolk Skip Bag service provides a useful disposal solution. Providing you’re quick, there’s an introductory FREE small skip bag offer for the first 50 Wroxham & Coltishall Book readers too! See page 9 for details. Enjoy February & March!...
Tracey
@BroadlandMediaLtd
What’s Inside… Page:
4 - Home & Interiors; Small Kitchen, Big Ideas 16 - Wordsearch; Science 26 - Beauty; Men’s Skincare 28 - Living in the Past
32 - Celebrities; Sir Ran. Fiennes 34 - Health; Understanding ADHD 36 - Recipe; Everything Chop Suey
