Isis Communications

Dinomite Launch for Norfolk Attractions Campaign 2012

2012-02-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

Peter Williamson, Chairman of Norfolk Tourist Attractions’ Association (NTAA) http://www.norfolktouristattractions.co.uk, celebrated the publication of NTAA’s 2012 brochure at Dinosaur Adventure Park’s new indoor attraction Dinomite, with Martin Dupée from Dinosaur Adventure Park and Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism.

Some 500,000 NTAA brochures promoting the county’s top attractions will be distributed to more than 3,500 outlets throughout the East of England. Now in its 21st year, NTAA currently represents more than 100 attractions in Norfolk and North Suffolk.

NTAA Chairman, Peter Williamson of Merrivale Model Village Great Yarmouth said: "Norfolk’s attractions are looking forward to a successful 2012. The Diamond Jubilee, Torch Relay and the 2012 Games make this a year of celebration, when we can expect a great boost for English tourism."

"Norfolk is the perfect Olympic and Paralympic base," continued Mr Williamson. "Rather than stay in the London area, visitors can enjoy the historic city of Norwich, the magical waterland of the Broads, 90 miles of stunning coastline, busy seaside resorts like Great Yarmouth, Cromer and Hunstanton and the heaths and forest of the Brecks. NTAA’s brochure offers a superb choice of attractions across the county for visitors to enjoy, before they head for the London Games by train direct from Norwich and Diss to Stratford and from King’s Lynn and Downham Market to King’s Cross."

Norfolk Tourism Director, Lydia Smith added: "Norfolk has a fantastic variety of attractions, from historic houses and gardens, to theme parks, zoos and craft centres. NTAA’s brochure is a first class guide to the county’s top days out and is a must for both visitors and residents as they celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and Torch Relay, enjoy our major festivals including the Norfolk and Norwich Festival in May, King’s Lynn Festival in July and Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival in early September."

Dinomite is a new indoor attraction at Dinosaur Adventure Park http://www.dinosauradventure.co.uk dedicated to the under 5's with climbing nets, bridges and ball pools and three massive slides from gentle slopes to a terrifying vertical drop. There is a 130-seater coffee shop with an outside terrace where families can enjoy hot and cold meals and snacks. There are also three rooms available for birthday parties. Dinomite is open daily all year from 9.30am.

Photograph left to right: Peter Williamson, Lydia Smith and Martin Dupée in the Dinomite ball pool.

National Farm Attractions Network Conference 2012

2012-02-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns in Norfolk spoke alongside Adam Henson from BBC Countryfile and Cotswold Farm Park, at the National Farm Attractions Network Conference, Drayton Manor, on February 8. Ian Russell talked about the development of the catering business at Wroxham Barns over the last five years and raising the barns’ profile as a local food destination.

Ian Russell (right) is pictured with Adam Henson (centre) and Matt Heast, Conference Chairman.

http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/

Sally Randell Celebrates 25 Years on the Fairhaven Garden Team

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Colleagues and friends of Sally Randell, joint tearoom manager at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, marked her 25 years at the garden with a surprise party and a gift of new garden bench.

Sally who started work at the garden making sandwiches and serving tea and cake in a multi purpose building that was also the shop and ticket office, has seen the garden develop into an award-winning visitor attraction and now manages the new ‘green’ tearoom, which opened in 2008.

“I love working at Fairhaven,” said Sally Randell. “The garden is beautiful and the people I work with are like one big extended family. The number of staff has grown over the years, but we have still maintained the family feeling.”

George Debbage, former Fairhaven Garden manager who employed Sally in 1987 said: “I had known Sally for years and was looking for someone to give my wife Beryl a break. She agreed to help out on a few occasions, then as the garden grew in popularity became a regular and valued member of the tearoom team.”

Louise Rout, Fairhaven Garden manager added: “Sally is a fantastic person to work with. She is always positive and has a wonderful sense of humour. Sally has been a vital support as we have steadily increased events and activity at the garden to develop it into a year-round attraction.”

http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/

A poem to celebrate 15 years of the Tagman Press

2012-02-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

TAGMAN’S BIRTHDAY - 6 FEBRUARY 2012

Full fifteen years ago today

The Tagman Press was born

In a humble wayside stable,

Shortly after dawn;

It promised books to excite us

To inspire us and transform,

First came The Final Message

Way above the norm!

Soon followed Dr Batman,

With his wondrous “Water Books”

They consolidated Tagman

And helped heal many folks;

Then later came dear Margit

“Sandemo of the North”

With her Legend of the Ice Men

To add to Tagman’s worth;

Now there’s Making of a Britflick

Miracle in Kigali and Saigon,

This week The Pathway Back appears

The big-hearted logo thunders on!

Now e-books shine promised glory

From Tagman’s Norfolk base

What an amazing story?

Suggest you watch this space!

AN(th)ON(y)

www.tagmanpress.co.uk

Raveningham Gardens Snowdrop Spectacular February 12 to March 4

2012-01-30T04:59:00.000-08:00

Raveningham Gardens opens for the snowdrop season from Sunday, February 12 to Sunday, March 4. Drifts of snowdrops in the main garden will be on display daily from 11am to 4pm (weekdays) and 2pm to 4pm on Sundays (dusk if earlier) – closed Saturdays.

Admission is adults £4, concessions £3.50 and children under 16 free; proceeds go to Priscilla Bacon Lodge, a centre for specialist palliative care services in Norwich. Tea and home made cakes served on Sundays and sunny days.

Raveningham Hall is the home of Sir Nicholas and Lady Bacon. It was Sir Nicholas’ mother, Priscilla Bacon, who added snowdrops to the garden.

The 18th century Walled Kitchen Garden with its large glasshouses will be open and visitors will also be able to enjoy views across the new lake established at the turn of the Millennium and the contemporary sculpture in the gardens.

Raveningham Gardens (NR14 6NS) is 10 miles south east of Norwich, signposted off the A146 at Hales, then B1136, tel. 01508 548152, http://www.raveningham.com/.

Star Night at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

2012-01-30T04:57:00.000-08:00

Astronomers from Norwich Astronomical Society will be at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, for a special Star Night on Saturday, February 18, from 7pm to 11pm.

Visitors will be able to star gaze through telescopes with members of Norwich Astronomical Society on hand to interpret the night sky. There will also be astronomy talks at 7.30pm from David Balcombe at 9pm from Mark Shephard.

Entry on the evening is adult £3.50 and child £2. The tearoom will be serving soup and hot drinks. Visitors should wrap up warm and bring a torch – infrared if they have one.

Saturday, February 11 to Sunday, February 19, is Signs of Spring Week at Fairhaven Garden, daily 10am to 4pm. Families can I spy their way round the garden looking for signs of spring to win a prize, normal entry charges.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk, tel. 01603 270449. Garden entry is adult £5.50, concessions £5 and child £3 (under 5 free).

The garden is open daily all year (closed Christmas Day), tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. There is wheelchair access to the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Spring Lambs have arrived at Wroxham Barns

2012-01-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

The spring lambs have arrived at Junior Farm Wroxham Barns. Daily indoor bottle-feeding sessions will begin on Saturday, February 11.

Wroxham Barns’ lambs are all the smallest of triplets from local farms and are currently in quarantine, but will be ready to meet visitors at half term. The lambs will consume more than 5,000 litres of milk during the bottle-feeding season to the end of July. Ewes find it difficult to look after triplets, so Junior Farm visitors who feed the lambs are helping out as surrogate mums.

There are lots of other activities at Junior Farm, from feeding guinea pigs, rabbits and pygmy goats, to taking part in pony grooming and collecting eggs at the hen house. Visitors can also watch the farm staff feed the friendly pigs in the new piggery and enjoy a quiet moment in the bird hide, with its low level viewing panel for small children. There are good hand washing facilities for cleaning up thoroughly during visits.

Piggy’s Play Sty opened in the farm last year. It’s an indoor soft play barn for young children – a great place for them to let off steam, especially if it starts to rain. Don’t forget to meet Wroxie, the farm’s life-size mechanical cow, where the whole family can practice their milking skills.

Entry to Junior Farm costs £5.50 per person, aged 2+.

As well as Junior Farm enjoy a round on the 18-hole championship mini adventure golf course – ideal for a friendly family competition. Children will also love the funfair rides. Funfair rides and golf are individually priced (rides subject to weather).

The award-winning restaurant-café serves breakfast, morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea, all freshly made, using local, seasonal produce where possible.

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/, tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm, 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Olympics Tourism Summit in Norwich

2012-01-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, was in Norwich on Friday 20 January for an Olympics tourism summit at Open attended by 250 businesses from across the East of England.

Mr Hunt urged East of England’s tourism industry to seize the opportunities presented by the Olympics, the Torch Relay and the Cultural Olympiad. The Government is backing the GREAT promotion, encouraging UK residents to holiday at home this year. An associated multi million pound TV advertising campaign launches on 8 March, and tourism businesses are invited to get involved at www.visitengland.org/2012offers.

Norfolk is well placed with its direct rail link from Norwich to the Olympic Park at Stratford to be a London2012 destination. But it can also offer an escape for London residents wanting a break from the Olympics, http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/.

Pictured at the tourism summit promoting Norfolk as an Olympics destination are left to right: James Berresford Chief Executive VisitEngland, Caroline Jarrold Chair VisitNorwich, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Councillor Brenda Arthur Leader Norwich City Council, Nick Bond Head of Tourism VisitNorwich and Richard Ellis Chairman Norfolk Tourism.

Robin Welch Suffolk-based International Ceramic Artist - Wymondham Arts Centre Solo Show

2012-01-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

Robin Welch, international ceramic artist from Stradbroke Suffolk is launching Wymondham Arts Centre’s 2012 season with a solo show, The Potter and The Painter from Saturday, March 24 to Saturday, April 15, open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12noon to 5pm, free entry, http://www.wymondhamarts.com/.

Based in Stradbroke since 1966, Robin Welch has established an international reputation for his work, which combines his skills as a sculptor, painter and potter.

In a career lasting more than more than 50 years, Robin Welch has exhibited throughout the UK and in the USA, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Norway, Italy and Sweden. His work can be found in public collections in the UK, notably Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as collections in Australia and The Netherlands.

He has had spells as a visiting lecturer in art colleges and universities in the UK, USA and Australia. Commissions include six large candleholders and three sand-filled bowls for Lincoln Cathedral, dedicated to St Gilbert.

Robin Welch has concentrated on creating individual ceramics pieces and painting since 1990. Before that his studio produced a range of domestic stoneware pottery.

Professor Arthur Lucas, Chairman Wymondham Arts Centre said: “We are thrilled to have someone of Robin Welch’s international standing opening our fourth season, and look forward to seeing his work set against the backdrop of our gallery, the 12th century Becket’s Chapel.”

Commentary on Robin Welch

“He is a genuinely individual voice. There is no one else quite like him in British pottery.” David Whiting, critic in the field of applied arts and regular contributor to Ceramic Review:

“Welch has a painter’s approach to the surface of the vessel, and a sculptor’s sensibility to form, but this is wedded to a ceramist’s celebration of materiality, of the ‘stuff’ that is clay. Added to this is a deep understanding of how technique can be used, not as an end in itself, but as the means through which he is able to communicate to his viewer.” James Beighton, MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art)

“Robin Welch’s long career has displayed a relentless exploration of innovative techniques, yet, consistent and logical development. The contribution of this distinguished painter-potter to the world of ceramics is significant and, I believe, will prove to be enduring.” Christine Maltby, Maltby Contemporary Art, Winchester

Wymondham Arts Centre is at Becket’s Chapel, Church Street, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0PH, email info@wymondhamarts.com, http://www.wymondhamarts.com/.

Griff Rhys Jones with Chamber Orchestra Anglia at St Andrews Hall Norwich

2012-01-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

12 concerts, 12 buildings, 12 months…

Chamber Orchestra Anglia (COA) heads to St Andrews Hall on Friday, February 3 at 7.30pm, for the third concert in the Norwich 12 series http://www.norwich12.co.uk/ – an evening of music and wit with special guest Griff Rhys Jones.

Griff Rhys Jones, master of ceremonies on the evening, will sing excerpts from Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado and will perform the role of the narrator in Babar the Elephant (Poulenc/D Matthews). Chamber Orchestra Anglia will also present Haydn’s, Symphony No.60 in C, 'Il Distratto' – a comic theatre symphony.

Tickets for the evening are £20 from Norwich Theatre Royal box office tel. 01603 630000 or online via http://www.chamberorchestraanglia.co.uk/.

Monthly concerts are taking place in each of the Norwich 12 buildings to celebrate Chamber Orchestra Anglia’s 10th birthday, and are being organised in collaboration with Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), http://www.heritagecity.org/.

Further concerts in the series are scheduled for March 2 (The Assembly House) and April 24 (St James Mill). For up-to-date information on the programme see http://www.chamberorchestraanglia.co.uk/.

Sharon Andrea Choa, COA founder and Artistic Director, said: "It is very exciting to be working with Griff Rhys Jones who is a patron of our orchestra. The event at St Andrews Hall will be a unique evening combining laughter, song and fine music in a wonderful historic building.”

Norfolk Tourism Heads for London – January Travel Shows

2012-01-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

Norfolk Tourism with partner Broadland District Council will be promoting the county as a key countryside and coastal holiday destination at The Outdoors Show, London Excel from January 12 to 15. Then will return to London on January 28 with partners Richardson’s, Norwich Premier Inns and Holkham Hall for Excursions group travel show at Alexandra Palace.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: “Now that we are in Olympics year, the key message at both shows will continue to be ‘Visit Norfolk, closer than you think to London 2012’. Norfolk is the perfect Olympic and Paralympic base. Rather than stay in the London area, visitors can enjoy the historic city of Norwich, the magical waterland of the Broads, 90 miles of stunning coastline, busy seaside resorts like Great Yarmouth, Cromer and Hunstanton and the heaths and forest of the Brecks. Then head for the London Games by train direct from Norwich and Diss to Stratford and from King’s Lynn and Downham Market to King’s Cross.”

The focus at the Outdoors Show will be Norfolk’s world class outdoor activities – boating, birdwatching, canoeing, cycling, fishing, horseriding and walking, www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors.

Norfolk Tourism will be armed with the Norfolk Travel Trade Manual 2012 at Excursions. The 13th edition of the essential guide to group travel in the county, is packed with information on places to visit and stay, meal stops, guided tours and special events. Go to www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/groups to plan itineraries and order a copy of the manual.

The travel trade manual provides information for coach operators and group organisers and ideas for year round visits to the county. These include the international Norfolk & Norwich Festival in spring, plus the King’s Lynn Festival and the Sandringham Flower Show in summer, followed by Great Yarmouth’s Maritime and Out There Festivals and the EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival in September. Thursford’s famous Christmas Spectacular and the fabulous winter Festival of Swans at Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Welney are a must later in the year.

Norfolk Tourism is the county's established public and private industry partnership. Funded by its 55 partner organisations, the partnership is designed to act as a forum for all Norfolk's tourism businesses and local authorities, http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/, tel. 01603 222846. See our free to use 2012 image library at www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/information/media-image-library.aspx.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden – January Talks

2012-01-03T07:25:00.000-08:00

Head to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, Norfolk for Friday morning garden-themed talks in January.

Talks start at 11am, cost £3 and include tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival – no need to book.

Friday 13 January: Garden Wildlife with David Boulton – illustrating the variety of wildlife in an ordinary garden.

Friday 20 January: A History of Fairhaven Garden with Ian Guest, Head Gardener – 65 years of organic gardening.

Friday 27 January: Container Gardening with Sue Allison – find out how to enrich your outdoor space and bring extra colour to your garden.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/.

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. There is wheelchair access to the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, winner of Best Broads Holiday Experience and Best Visitor attraction under 50,000 visitors) EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards 2011.

Chamber Orchestra Anglia at Caley's Cocoa Cafe The Guildhall Norwich

2012-01-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

Chamber Orchestra Anglia, Norwich 12 Series

Saturday 14 January 2012, Caley’s Cocoa Café, The Guildhall at 7.30pm.
An evening of music bringing archive film alive.

Programme to include music by Elgar, Percy Grainger, Martinů and the monumental but rarely performed
Kodály duo for violin and cello.

The music will accompany archive film of Norwich from the same era presented by Norwich HEART’s Digital Heritage Project, working with digitised film from the UEA’s East Anglian Film Archive. Films from the early decades of the last century will include a tram ride through Norwich streets in 1902, a visit by Royalty, a post war funeral of a Norfolk heroine and an interesting look at some of the City’s fashions in the ‘20’s.

Tour of The Guildhall available at 6.30pm

Tickets £15 from Norwich Theatre Royal Box Office tel 01603 630000 or online via http://www.chamberorchestraanglia.co.uk/ .

Norwich 20 Group – two-oh - for - two-oh-one-two – paintings and sculpture at The Forum

2012-01-03T05:01:00.000-08:00

Norwich 20 Group (N20G) launches the New Year with two-oh - for - two-oh-one-two, an exhibition of new work – paintings and sculpture, in the atrium of The Forum, Norwich from 9 to 13 January, open daily 9am to 6pm, free entry, http://www.norwich20group.co.uk/.

N20G was formed in 1944 comprising professional artists from the Norwich School of Art and Design. The group is no longer limited to 20 and now has more than 70 members, several of whom exhibit regularly in the West End and abroad. All aspects of the practice of contemporary fine art are represented e.g. sculpture, print, photography and painting.

Over the years the membership has included nationally known artists, for example, Bernard Reynolds and Jeffrey Camp. Colin Self has taken an active role as have numerous art historians and architects. Mary Newcomb, one of Britain’s best loved artists, famous for her visionary ruralist paintings, who died in 2008, was a member of N20G for many years. Her work often sold at exhibitions for around £20. It now changes hands for five figure sums. Current N20G members include Andy Campbell, David Holgate, Ros Newman, Vanessa Pooley and Laurie Rudling.

Image: Walking to Turkey - David Jones

Sew Creative – get hands-on at Wroxham Barns in 2012

2011-12-22T01:32:00.000-08:00

Sew Creative, the Aladdin’s Cave for patchwork and quilting fans at Wroxham Barns in the Broads, has arranged a very busy January to July programme of courses and workshops mixing old favourites with new ides. Full details are at www.sewcreativequilts.co.uk/workshops.

The popular patchwork and quilting courses are all on offer, but there is much more: crochet, dressmaking, curtains and roman blinds sessions, plus a residential weekend workshop in July, making a machine sewn heirloom quilt, based at Melbourne House, North Walsham.

Children (aged 10–12) are well catered for, with a series of one-day workshops during February and June half-term holidays, featuring kite making, balsa wood and foam glider making, cross-stitch and plastic canvas creations.

Special one-day courses include rag rugs, machine trapunto, tote bags, felt mini wall hangings, mastering your sewing machine, zips, zips and more zips, Sashiko quilting and an Oliver Twist experimental day.

Sew Creative owners Barbara and Stephen Kessel, who took over the business from Sylvia Graham nearly 12 months ago, were ‘bowled’ over by the response to their first programme of courses, which ran from July to December. “We have expanded our offer for the first half of 2012 introducing a wider range of activities, with more day courses and more children’s workshops and are looking forward to a busy 2012! “

For more information about Sew Creative tel. 01603 781665, http://www.sewcreativequilts.co.uk/.

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/, tel. 01603 783762, is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

The Tagman Press - The Making of a Britflick

2011-12-19T10:36:00.000-08:00

New from The Tagman Press, The Making of a Britflick by Robin Squire, available as an e-book from Amazon, here http://amzn.to/trs6D4 - a cautionary tale for screenwriters.

This is a warm, funny, wry and often deeply-moving true-life account of how not to make a feature film. It is also a romantic and touching love story. Assembled from novelist and screenwriter Robin Squire’s genuine private diaries, it describes the heartaches and tragi-comic ups and downs that occurred during the several years it took to complete a UK Indie feature film portraying something spooky and supernatural that also really happened.

And if The Making of a Britflick is itself ever deservedly made into a movie about film-making, perhaps contention for a Hollywood Oscar would provide the epic comic ending this highly original story so richly deserves.

At the heart of the saga is a well-meaning, charming female control freak who somehow manages to take over the hiring and firing of key personnel, and ultimately the script itself, with disastrous results for all concerned.

This tale of filmic woe proceeds side-by-side with the screenwriter’s real-life encounter with a beautiful 1930s/40s-danceband-style singer, whose brilliant move close to the big-time is transformed by the vagaries of misfortune into low-paid yet strangely enriching and sometimes hilarious gigs in Care Homes for the Elderly together with the struggling author, who starts to entertain along with her.

And although it might seem to end in tears for both strands of the story, the indefatigable metaphor-mixing scribe never loses his sense of the absurd and, to his credit, continues to see all the clouds as being lined with dazzling silver.

The Making of a Britflick will be of absorbing interest to anyone who writes, has ever written, wishes to write or is just plain interested in writing films or novels. It involves a diversity of characters from rich moneymen to scheming lawyers, agents, elusive stars, hopeful actors, earnest directors, world-weary producers, cynical editors and other hangers-on who invariably attach themselves to film-making. But above all this is a tale of a creative individual’s survival against the harsh odds of this modern world – and, ultimately, of the transforming and uplifting powers of love and self-belief.

http://www.tagmanpress.co.uk/

Back to the Future – Reepham Church Norfolk Restored for Medieval Use

2011-12-19T01:59:00.000-08:00

The £360,000 award-winning restoration of St Michael’s and All Angel Reepham has taken the church ‘back to the future’, so it can be used in the same way as when it was built in the late 14th century.

The church, with its open space in the nave, can host events for all ages: dinners, lunches, breakfast networking events, receptions, concerts, exhibitions, community and business meetings, conferences, community activities and church services that require space and mobility.

The adjacent St Mary’s Church, connected by a corridor to St Michael’s is the parish church where more formal services take place.

The restoration has won the following awards: RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards 2011 – Community Architecture Award (A Squared Architects); Norfolk Association of Architects Craftsmanship Award (highly commended); CPRE Norfolk Award 2011 and Broadland District Council Enhancement Scheme (highly commended).

Jo Tym St Michael’s Project Manager explained: “We want St Michael’s to be used and enjoyed by the community just as it was in medieval times. Churches were once at the centre of all community activities not just worship. We have a wonderful historic church, which is equipped for 21st century use and we invite everyone locally to help us take the church ‘back to the future’.”

The £360,000 project was half funded by a legacy. Some £70,000 came from Reepham’s low carbon challenge and paid for heating, a further £47,000 came from public donations and fund raising. There were also major grants from the Norwich Diocese, John Jarrold Trust, Garfield Weston Charitable Trust, Geoffrey Watling Foundation, Love Norfolk and The Rank Organisation.

The chancel in St Michael’s which is separated from the nave by a glass screen, is open daily and welcomes visitors who want to enjoy the tranquillity of the church as well as explore its history. It can be accessed from St Mary’s, also open daily. Services are still staged in the chancel and nave. The famous Kerdiston tomb, one of only three box tombs in the UK, is in the chancel of St Mary’s.

The three parish churches for Reepham (St Mary’s), Whitwell (St Michael’s) and Hackford (destroyed by fire in the mid 16th century) unusually shared the same churchyard. St Mary’s and St Michael’s were separate parish churches until the 1930s. St Michael’s has had some community use since the 1970s, but the new project ensures that the church offers an attractive multi purpose space that meets all the standards required for 21st century community life.

For further information contact Jo Tym 01362 688281, email jo@physiotym.co.uk.

Photograph by John Tym

Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Walks – Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

2011-12-15T03:08:00.001-08:00

Join Ian Guest, Head Gardener at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham for a guided walk in the garden on Boxing Day, Monday, December 26 and New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, both starting at 11am.

Garden admission, including the guided walks, is adults £5.50, concessions £5 and children £3 (under 5 free). The walks last 1½ hours and a free mince pie and glass of mulled wine will be on offer at the end.

Highlight include the massive 950-year old King Oak and other ancient oak and beech trees, the views across South Walsham Inner Broad and the opportunity to look out for kingfishers.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/.

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. There is wheelchair access to the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, winner of Best Broads Holiday Experience and Best Visitor attraction under 50,000 visitors) EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards 2011.

Norfolk 2012 Promoted at VisitEngland Travel Media Event

2011-12-15T03:06:00.001-08:00

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns is pictured with Lady Cobham Chair VisitEngland at VisitEngland’s December travel media gathering at The Brunswick Art Gallery, Russell Square, London.

Ian Russell delivered a hamper full of Norfolk produce from Wroxham Barns to Lady Cobham. The hamper was first prize in a special Christmas draw, won by Lauren Taylor from the Press Association.

Melanie Cook, VisitNorwich and Paul Dickson, Norfolk Tourism represented the county at the media gathering, which was attended by more than 70 UK and international travel journalists. They promoted Norfolk as a London 2012 destination, as well as showcased key events taking place next year including the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, the Torch Relay and the Diamond Jubilee.

http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/

50 Christmas Trees in a Church Dickleburgh - The Winners

2011-12-13T01:35:00.000-08:00

The winning trees voted by the visitors to the 8th 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, Dickleburgh, which closed on Sunday, December 11, are:

Adult: Dickleburgh Good Companions
Child: Dickleburgh Primary School
The Nick Arnull Plate for the most innovative tree: Eaton Hall School Specialist College.

Rev. Norman Steer, event organiser said: “We had a wonderful week with visitors ranging in age from 2 to 102. There were many more children than last year, who came to hear a story and sing carols. People visiting for the first time were amazed by the display of trees and lights and regulars returned because the festival has become an important part of their Christmas. People wanted to talk; there was a wonderful fellowship with visitors sharing their joys and difficulties. Our prayer tree was filled with cards and more than 800 candles were lit in memory of a loved one.”

"I would like to thank all the exhibitors for their hard work in producing such an excellent ‘crop’ of trees this year,” continued Rev. Steer, “ along with our volunteers for their help, including the organists and Raymond Hubbard who played his concertina every day and told Norfolk stories. Our sponsors Cherry Lane Garden Centre, Rosedale Funeral Home and TWP Designs gave us invaluable support. I would also like to thank everyone who visited who made it such a special event. We are already planning for next year with three new trees exhibitors wanting to get involved.”

For more information about 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, tel. 01379 854245 http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

Photograph: Dickleburgh Good Companions tree.

World Mince Pie Eating Record Smashed at Wroxham Barns Norfolk

2011-12-12T07:19:00.001-08:00

James Smith from East Somerton near Great Yarmouth smashed the world record for eating two mince pies at the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, at Wroxham Barns, Norfolk, on Sunday, December 11. More than £1500 was raised for Macmillan over the weekend.

Mr Smith ate two mince pies in 51.71 seconds, beating the previous record of 60 seconds. The nearest ‘muncher’ came in at 1 minute 22 seconds, in a field of more than 30 challengers. The record breaking time will be submitted to the Guiness Book of World Records.

James Smith said: “I thought it would be good fun to have a go and also help an important cause like Macmillan Cancer Support. I made sure that I drank plenty of water before the start and ate the mince pies in small pieces. I think I will next have a go at the record for eating three mince pies!”

Peter Sheppard, Leathes Prior solicitors tourism and leisure partner, who looked after the stopwatch as independent adjudicator explained: “Once James had eaten his first mince pie in under 30 seconds I knew that the record was going to crumble. I was really pleased to get involved as independent adjudicator for the challenge. As tourism partner at Leathes Prior I am very happy to support the tourism industry in Norfolk, especially during a weekend raising money for such a good cause.”

Ian Russell Director Wroxham Barns added: “We were thrilled with the number of people who came to the barns today to support the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch. The success of our world record challenge was the real icing on the cake.”

Every craft studio and shopping outlet at Wroxham Barns, along with the restaurant café, offered ‘free’ mince pies, on December 11 in return for a donation to Macmillan.

Max Griffiths, Macmillan Fundraising Manager said: “We are delighted that Wroxham Barns has committed to our centenary challenge to get 100 Norfolk businesses to raise £1,000. This is a wonderful way to raise both funds and awareness of the work of Macmillan Cancer Support. Two million people are living with or beyond cancer in the UK, and the money raised by Wroxham Barns will go towards helping local people living with cancer.”

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/ , tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Photograph: Peter Sheppard (adjudicator) left with James Smith.

Wroxham Barns Norfolk – World Mince Pie Eating Record Attempt – Sunday, December 11

2011-12-08T05:01:00.001-08:00

Head to Wroxham Barns, Hoveton, Norfolk on Sunday, December 11 and have a go at beating or equalling the world record for the most mince pies eaten in a minute. The challenge is part of the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Ian Russell Director Wroxham Barns explains: “Mince pie ‘munchers’ who want to have a go at the world record will need to eat two mince pies in a minute. They are welcome to attempt the record at any time between 11am and 3pm on Sunday, and will be asked to donate £5 to Macmillan Cancer Support for taking part in the challenge. We will give £50 to the best ‘muncher’ and a further £50 to Macmillan.”

Every craft studio and shopping outlet, along with the restaurant café, will also be offering ‘free’ mince pies, on December 11 in return for a donation to Macmillan. There will be seasonal music from the Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band and fun activities in Junior Farm to entertain ‘munchers’.

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns explained: “Already two businesses at the Barns, Model Landscape Co. and Tricia Francis, are supporting Macmillan’s Norfolk business centenary challenge to raise £1000. The Monster Mince Pie Munch will give a boost to our Macmillan fundraising. We will have 2000 ‘free’ fresh mince pies on offer, all made in our kitchen. I don’t want any left!”

Max Griffiths, Macmillan Fundraising Manager said: “We are delighted that Wroxham Barns has committed to our centenary challenge to get 100 Norfolk businesses to raise £1,000. This is a wonderful way to raise both funds and awareness of the work of Macmillan Cancer Support. Two million people are living with or beyond cancer in the UK, and the money raised by Wroxham Barns will go towards helping local people living with cancer.”

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/, tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Wroxham Barns is one of Norfolk’s most popular visitor attractions offering a range of shopping and crafts, together with activities for younger family members including the award winning Junior Farm. The restaurant-café serves breakfast, morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea, all freshly made, using local, seasonal produce where possible.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Christmas Craft Workshops

2011-11-30T04:24:00.001-08:00

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is staging a series of Christmas Craft Workshops during the week beginning Monday, December 12. Learn how to make Christmas wreaths, Christmas crackers and a mantel swag. All materials are included in the workshop prices along with tea and coffee and a mince pie.

Booking is essential, tel. 01603 270449, email bookings.fairhaven@btconnect.com. Workshop details as follows:

Monday, December 12 at 10.30am, discover how to make a beautiful memory bok, an ideal gift for Christmas - £15 per person.
Tuesday, December 13 and Thursday, December 15, two workshops each day at 10.30am and 1.30pm, create a Christmas wreath using natural materials sourced from the garden - £14 per person.
Wednesday, December 14 at 10.30am, make a luxury box of six crackers to take home, with Val Noon from Natural Crafts - £18 per person.
Friday, December 16, at 10.30am, learn how to make a mantel swag with natural materials from the garden - £20 per person.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. There is wheelchair access to the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, winner of Best Broads Holiday Experience and Best Visitor attraction (under 50,000 visitors) EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards 2011.

2011-11-24T08:00:00.001-08:00

Head to Wroxham Barns on Sunday, December 11 and take part in the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch.

The Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, is just one of several special events at Wroxham Barns in the run up to Christmas.

Every craft studio and shopping outlet, along with the restaurant café, will be offering ‘free’ mince pies, on December 11 in return for a donation to Macmillan. There will also be seasonal music from the Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band and fun activities in Junior Farm.

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns explained: “Already two businesses at the Barns, Model Landscape Co. and Tricia Francis, are supporting Macmillan’s Norfolk business centenary challenge to raise £1000. The Monster Mince Pie Munch will give a boost to our Macmillan fundraising. We will have 2000 ‘free’ fresh mince pies on offer, all made in our kitchen. I don’t want any left!”

Max Griffiths, Macmillan Fundraising Manager said: “We are delighted that Wroxham Barns has committed to our centenary challenge to get 100 Norfolk businesses to raise £1,000. This is a wonderful way to raise both funds and awareness of the work of Macmillan Cancer Support. Two million people are living with or beyond cancer in the UK, and the money raised by Wroxham Barns will go towards helping local people living with cancer.”

The Christmas Family Day is on Sunday, December 4 with more seasonal music, face painting and other activities in Junior Farm. Then on the evening of Friday, December 9, the restaurant is offering a traditional three-course Christmas supper with seasonal entertainment. There will be a donation to Macmillan from restaurant takings on the evening.

North Walsham Salvation Army will be playing on Saturday 10 December, from 10am to 12noon and finally Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band returns on Sunday, December 18 from 10am to 3pm.

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/, tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Dickleburgh Church Christmas Tree Extravaganza – Opening Event December 3

2011-11-21T08:28:00.001-08:00

An African themed event will launch the eighth annual South Norfolk Christmas Tree extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, at Dickleburgh Church on Saturday, December 3 at 6pm.

This year the festival is supporting Send a Cow http://www.sendacow.org.uk/, a UK based charity that helps African families grow enough food to eat, sell their produce and develop small businesses that last. The launch event on December 3 will feature Rwandan carols and African drumming, as well as traditional carols accompanied by Ray Hubbard on concertina.

50 Christmas in a Church will then run from Sunday, December 4 to Sunday, December 11. The festival will be open daily 10am -7pm, except Sunday, December 11 when it closes at 4pm for the prize giving. The festival is being sponsored by Cherry Lane Garden Centre Pulham Market, Rosedale Funeral Home and TWP Designs.

Christmas Trees of all shapes and sizes, some handmade featuring special seasonal messages, will decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses and organisations and children’s groups. The event has a competitive edge, as each organisation that enters has the chance to win prize money in the visitors’ vote for the best trees. There is also a special award for the most innovative tree.

Admission is adult £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75, children under 16 free.

Morning coffee, light lunches and teas are served every day throughout the festival in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). Group visits are very welcome.

Event organiser Rev Norman Steer said: “I love the Christmas Trees. It is a good week for me. The church expresses its love in a way that people can understand. I want visitors to be themselves and know that they are welcome and will be cared for during their visit. The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave. I would particularly like to thank our sponsors, Cherry Lane Garden Centre Pulham Market, Rosedale Funeral Home and TWP Designs for their support.”

Dickleburgh village is to the north of Diss, just off the A140. For group bookings and further information tel. 01379 854245, http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards - The Winners

2011-11-21T08:24:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to all the winners in the seventh EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards www.edp24.co.uk/tourismawards sponsored by The Hoseasons Group http://www.hoseasons.co.uk/ on Friday, November 18 at Holiday in Norwich North http://www.hinorwich.co.uk/.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham in the Broads led the way at the, securing Best Broads Holiday Experience and Best Visitor Attraction (under 50,000 visitors). Martin Goymour of Banham Zoo won the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism accolade and The Blakeney Hotel secured Best Hotel for the second year running.

The Winners

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Martin Goymour Banham Zoo http://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/

Best Visitor Attraction (over 50,000 visitors) BeWILDerwood http://www.bewilderwood.co.uk/

Best Visitor Attraction (under 50,000 visitors) Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/

Best bed & Breakfast Dairy Barns Hickling http://www.dairybarns.co.uk/

Best Caravan or Holiday Park Clippesby Hall http://www.clippesby.com/

Best Hotel The Blakeney Hotel http://www.blakeney-hotel.co.uk/

Best Self-Catering Partridge Barn, Wheatacre Hall Barns http://www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk/

Best Visitor Information North Norfolk Information Centre Cromer

Sustainable Tourism Kelling Heath Holiday Park Weybourne http://www.kellingheath.co.uk/

Best Broads Holiday Experience Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/

Customer Care Potters Leisure Resort Hopton on Sea http://www.pottersholidays.com/

Business Impact Thursford Christmas Spectacular http://www.thursford.com/

Best Marketing Initiative Merrivale Model Village Great Yarmouth http://www.greatyarmouthmodelvillage.co.uk/

Lydia Smith Director Norfolk Tourism http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/ said: “Congratulations to the all the winners in the seventh EDP Tourism in Norfolk awards, particularly Martin Goymour who is well known for his work at Banham Zoo and Africa Alive! and more recently the Dinosaur Adventure Park. Norfolk’s tourism industry is very buoyant as we look forward to 2012 with The Diamond Jubilee and London 2012. Norfolk is proud to be a Royal county with HM The Queen’s Sandringham Estate located near King’s Lynn. We are also well positioned to capitalise on the opportunities presented by London 2012 with our direct rail service from Norwich to Stratford and the Olympic Park.”

Peter Waters, Editor Eastern Daily Press (EDP) said: "The EDP Tourism in Norfolk awards are our opportunity to applaud this vital local business sector for the huge contribution it makes to Norfolk life and the county’s prosperity. The evening is also a celebration of our tourism industry, its endeavours and triumphs, and we are thrilled that we are able to highlight and showcase the people and businesses doing so much to ensure we have the best tourism offering of any county in the country."

Norfolk Travel Trade Manual 2012 – Broads launch with Grand UK Holidays

2011-11-21T04:14:00.001-08:00

Norfolk Tourism’s Travel Trade Manual 2012, the 13th edition of the essential guide to group travel in the county, was launched on November 17 at Wroxham Barns, with the help of a coach full of Grand UK Holidays customers, from Eastbourne, en-route to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

The travel trade manual is packed with information on places to visit and stay, meal stops, guided tours and special events. Go to www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/groups to plan itineraries and order a copy of the manual.

Norfolk is the closest major holiday destination to London and is under two tours by train direct to the Olympic Park, making it the ideal base for groups heading for a day trip to the Games. Train services from Norwich and Diss in the south of the county go to Stratford. Trains from King’s Lynn and Downham Market in the west of the county go to King’s Cross, and will be connected to the Olympic Park by the six-minute Javelin® service.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: “The Travel Trade Manual is the essential group guide to exploring our rich and diverse county. The Olympic Park is an easy day visit from Norfolk. Rather than stay in London, which will be very busy next year, combine a trip to the Games with a break in our county. We have 90 miles of stunning coastline and the beautiful Broads, as well as peaceful countryside with atmospheric medieval churches, picturesque villages and historic market towns. We have a great mix of attractions plus Norwich, a top 10 shopping destination that is easy to explore on foot, with fantastic historic buildings round every corner.”

Norwich based company The UK Holiday Group http://www.theukholidaygroup.com/ brings thousands of customers to Norfolk each year through its brands Grand UK Holidays providing escorted holidays for the over 55's, Grand UK Hotels, which has a portfolio of 13 properties, and also its group travel division Just for Groups!. Sales Director, Harold Burke said: “Norfolk has always been a prime destination and the company offers tours and events throughout the region with many based at its own property, the Nelson Hotel in Great Yarmouth, and other Norfolk locations such as Potters and Warner's.”

“Popular tours include 'Royal Norfolk' which features Sandringham House & Garden, the 'Rivers & Railways of Rural Norfolk' which features the Museum of Norfolk Life, the 'Poppy Line' - North Norfolk Railway, Wroxham and a Norfolk Broads Cruise and the 'East Coast Safari' with an exclusive Banham Zoo guided tour.”

Photograph: Grand UK Holidays customers at Wroxham Barns

Swaffham ‘Calendar Girls Style’ Calendar Supports Church Restoration Appeal

2011-11-15T01:21:00.001-08:00

Eleven Swaffham businesses including the George Hotel and The Greyhound Inn are in a special ‘Calendar Girls style’ 2012 Calendar in aid of St Peter and St Paul Church Swaffham’s restoration appeal http://www.facebook.com/pages/2012-Calendar-Launch-in-aid-of-Swaffham-Church/202887466440395?v=info. The calendar features ladies from the church and staff from the businesses.

The church is staging a fundraising Christmas Tree Festival from Tuesday, November 29 to Thursday, December 8, daily 10am to 4pm featuring 20 trees trimmed by local charities.

Calendars are available in the church and at Pedlars Gold, Market Cross Bistro, Starlings and Just Hair in Swaffham or call 01760 721237 email keithcreed@aol.com.

Beccles Books – Talk from Anthony Grey Author of The Hostage Handbook

2011-11-12T08:35:00.001-08:00

Anthony Grey, journalist, author and founder of Norwich based The Tagman Press, http://www.tagmanpress.co.uk/ will be speaking at Beccles Books on Thursday, November 17 from 7pm.

Mr Grey will be talking about his two years captivity in China at the time of the Cultural Revolution and will be signing copies of his book about his experiences – The Hostage Handbook.

Beccles Books is at 1 Exchange House, Exchange Square, Beccles NR34 9HH,
tel. 01502 716806.

Whispering Reeds Dane Dane’s Seventh Biennial Broads Exhibition

2011-11-12T07:42:00.001-08:00

David Dane is staging his seventh biennial exhibition of oil paintings, inspired by the Broads, at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, from Saturday, November 26 to Sunday, December 4, open daily 10am to 4pm.

The exhibition titled, Whispering Reeds, features 20 original paintings of the Broads, including a collection of eight paintings of Wheatfen, the nature reserve at Surlingham created by the late Ted and Phyllis Ellis. Whispering Reeds is sponsored by Norfolk Country Cottages, whose Chairman, Richard Ellis is Ted Ellis’ nephew. Entry to the exhibition is free. Normal entry charges apply to the garden.

David Dane explained: “One of my first memories of the Broads is standing by a reed bed and being fascinated by the gentle swishing sounds of the breeze stirring the reeds. Over the past four decades that I have lived and worked as an artist, there are few paintings that have not included reeds, if only on the roof of a cottage. Unfortunately, there has been a substantial loss of reed in many areas of the Broads since my childhood. I remember well the excitement when large ‘huvvers’ would break off reed beds on the Broads and float into narrow channels and staithes.”

“Thankfully, reed is still to be found in many areas of Broadland,” added David Dane. “To my creative mind, reed is the most elegant and beautiful plant in the world. From the vibrant green in early summer, to the russet of autumn and winter, whispering reeds will continue to inspire me.”

“My sincere thanks go to Richard Ellis of Norfolk Country Cottages for his support and the company’s sponsorship of this exhibition and to David Nobbs, the warden of Wheatfen for his advice and assistance. Phyllis Ellis was a great supporter of my early exhibitions and I am very pleased to be featuring the Wheatfen collection this year. I would also like to thank Whispering Reeds boatyard Hickling and the River Green Café Trowse for their help and Louise Rout and the team at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden for hosting Whispering Reeds.”

Jenny White writing about David Dane’s work in Artists and Illustrators magazine said: “David Dane’s Norfolk is a land of mystery, poised between this world and the next.”

Louise Rout, manager Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden said: “We are pleased to be hosting David Dane’s exhibition. I hope visitors to Whispering Reeds will take to the time to explore our garden, enjoy the tranquillity by our broad and reflect on David’s work.”

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), entry: adult £5.50, senior citizen £5 and child £3 (under five free); tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

There is wheelchair access to the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

To contact David Dane tel. 01692 584938,

Painting: The Reedcutter's Cottagewww.dfdaneoilpaintings.co.uk.

Visit Norfolk – Closer than you think to London 2012

2011-11-11T08:27:00.001-08:00

Norfolk Tourism has launched a microsite http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/ to promote the county as a London 2012 base for visiting the Games.

Norfolk is the closest major holiday destination to London and is under two tours by train direct to the Olympic Park. Train services from Norwich and Diss in the south of the county go to Stratford. Trains from King’s Lynn and Downham Market in the west of the county go to King’s Cross, and will be connected to the Olympic Park by the six-minute Javelin® service.

The microsite is a one-stop shop for visitors arranging a holiday in Norfolk combined with a visit to the London Games. It features information about Games venues and transport, as well as links to accommodation in Norfolk, things to do and key events including the Cultural Olympiad and Torch Relay in the county. An interactive map of Norfolk helps plan a stay.

Norfolk Tourism is also running a series of competitions on http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/ to win short breaks to the county in 2012. The first competition (open from November 12 to December 16) features Norwich, with two nights at De Vere Dunston Hall, an evening meal at Three Ways Lebanese Restaurant and a free pass to the city’s attractions, including Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery and the historic Dragon Hall.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: “The Olympic Park is an easy day visit from Norfolk. Rather than stay in London, which will be very busy next year, combine a trip to the Games with a break in our county. Explore the Broads, Britain’s magical waterland and the historic city of Norwich, which is also a Top 10 shopping destination. Or head to the beautiful North Norfolk Coast and visit King’s Lynn and nearby Sandringham, HM the Queen’s home in Norfolk, or base yourself in Great Yarmouth and enjoy the family fun on the seafront.”

Jo Artherton, Marketing Manager BeWILDerwood and Norfolk’s London 2012 champion added: “Norfolk has attractions to suit any age or interest as well as an exciting programme of special events. Our attractions and hotels are providing large screen TVs, so visitors can keep up to date with the action in London. There’s also a BBC Big Screen outside Chapelfield Shopping Centre in Norwich, where you will be able to capture all the atmosphere of the Games.”

Part of the VisitNorfolk 2012 campaign, run by Norfolk Tourism and its partners and funded by Norfolk County Council, the microsite has been designed with support-in-kind by Norwich based award-winning creative digital agency Selesti.

Take Part in Dickleburgh Church Eighth Annual Christmas Tree Extravaganza

2011-11-08T01:45:00.000-08:00

The eighth annual South Norfolk Christmas Tree extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, is set to take place in Dickleburgh Church from Sunday, December 4 to Sunday, December 11. The Christmas Tree festival is open daily 10am -7pm, except Sunday, December 11 when it closes at 4pm for the prize giving.

Local organisations, businesses and children’s groups still have the opportunity to enter decorated trees in the event and win cash prizes. To enter a tree contact event organisers, Rev. Norman Steer and Rosemary Steer, tel. 01379 854245.

Proceeds from the event will support Send a Cow http://www.sendacow.org.uk/, a UK based charity that helps African families grow enough food to eat, sell their produce and develop small businesses that last.

Admission to the event is adult £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75, children under 16 free.

Morning coffee, light lunches and teas are served every day throughout the Christmas Tree festival in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). Group visits are very welcome.

Event organiser Rev Norman Steer said: “I love the Christmas Trees. It is a good week for me. The church expresses its love in a way that people can understand. I want visitors to be themselves and know that they are welcome and will be cared for during their visit. The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave.”

Dickleburgh village is to the north of Diss, just off the A140. For group bookings and further information tel. 01379 854245, http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

Former Norwich Hotel School Head – Working with Young Chefs in Bulgaria

2011-11-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Mick Cooper, former Head of the Hotel School at City College, Norwich visited the city last Thursday with three young people from a children’s home in Bulgaria. The visit was part of the work of Mr Cooper’s Phoenix Inspire NGO http://www.phoenix-inspire.org/, set up in Bulgaria in 2008 to teach catering skills to young people at the children’s home in the village of Novo Selo, Vidin region, the poorest region in Europe.

The visit to Norwich included an overnight stay at De Vere Dunston Hall and trips to Debut Restaurant, City College and Norfolk & Norwich NHS University Hospital catering.

Mick Cooper explained: “I visited Novo Selo and its children’s home in 2008. The children had no opportunities and faced a difficult future after leaving the home aged 20. There were no jobs in the area – as many as 80% of the young people ended up working in prostitution. I thought that I could do something, so sold up and moved to Novo Selo and set up the Phoenix Inspire NGO.”

“The children never had Christmas presents or birthday parties. But thanks to supporters in the UK, we have been able to ensure that these significant dates are celebrated. We also teach English and catering skills to the children. They are now motivated and can see that they have a future”

“The reason for the visit to England was to show Maria, Iglika and Elvis the variety of jobs available in the catering industry,” added Mick Cooper, “four star hotels like Dunston Hall, hospitals, restaurants and cafes.”

Denis McEvoy, General Manager De Vere Dunston Hall said: “Mick Cooper’s work in Bulgaria is inspirational. I was pleased to welcome his group to Dunston Hall and support the education work that he is doing in Novo Selo.”

For more information about Phoenix Inspire see http://www.phoenix-inspire.org/. To contact Mick Cooper email mick@phoenix-inspire.org.

Photograph taken at De Vere Dunston Hall: front L to R Maria Petrova (16), Iglika Aleksieva (13) and Elvis Milkov (18), the students from the children’s home; back L to R Latinka Petrova (social worker), Mick Cooper, Valentin Asparohov (translator) and Denis McEvoy General Manager Dunston Hall.

Enjoy Fairhaven Garden's Majestic Autumn Colours

2011-10-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

Visit Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Sunday, November 6 and enjoy a fabulous autumn colours tour with Head Gardener, Ian Guest.

The Autumn Colours tour begins at 11am and will last for 1½ hours. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5.50, concessions £5 and child £3 (under five free).

The autumn colours are spectacular and will be at their best on November 6, especially the many ancient oak and beech trees. Pride of place goes to the huge 950 year-old King Oak, which was a sapling at the time of the Battle of Hastings – believed to be the oldest tree in Norfolk – along with its near neighbour the Queen Oak.

The tour will take visitors down the Beech Walk, along the Broads Walk with its views of the garden’s private broad and past tree-lined dykes.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day). There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Norfolk Deaf Association Launches new Friends Group

2011-10-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

The Friends of Norfolk Deaf Association is a new group aiming to support the work of Norfolk Deaf Association (NDA) and raise much needed funds for the charity.

The Friends group will be officially launched at a special open event at St James Mill, Whitefriars, Norwich on Thursday, November 3, courtesy of Jarrold and Sons Ltd. The evening will begin with a canapé reception at 6.30pm followed by a presentation at 7.15pm by Peter Prinsley FRCS, Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon at the Norfolk and Norwich and James Paget University Hospitals. Mr Prinsley will talk about ‘What can surgeons do for deafness?’

During his time in Norfolk, Mr Prinsley has introduced bone-anchored hearing aid devices and the use of lasers in surgery for deafness. He writes regular articles about ear disorders and balance problems. A recent feature for the British Medical Journal identified the possible dangers to hearing for people who play golf.

To book a place at the November 3 event contact Karen Shepperd at NDA tel 01603 404440 (suggested donation for attending the evening is £5).

Frank Eliel, Chairman of the Friends of NDA said: “NDA as a charity relies on donations for most of its income, backed by some welcome financial support from Norfolk PCT and charitable trusts. In these difficult times none of these sources is assured.” “It costs just £15 a year to be a Friend of NDA (£28 a couple),” continued Mr Eliel. “As a Friend you will know that you are helping secure the future of a vital charity that has served the people of Norfolk since 1898. Our Friends will also be invited to social events and lectures that will give them the chance to meet each other, have fun and learn about the latest research into issues surrounding hearing loss.”

Tony Innes, Chairman of the NDA added: “I would like to thank the Friends committee, led by Frank Eliel, for their support. For many of our clients NDA is a lifeline fulfilling more than 6000 appointments a year and offering our services free of charge. The Friends are going to play a key role in helping the charity maintain its proud record of caring for Norfolk residents for more than 100 years. Peter Prinsley is a good friend and it was my pleasure to work with him for many years. I am delighted that he has agreed to come and talk to us.”

Christopher Doggett, Group Finance Director, Jarrold and Sons Ltd said; “Jarrold is pleased to support the launch of the Friends of NDA. I have been NDA Treasurer and Trustee for six years and view the creation of an active Friends group, with supporters from the local community, as an important development in securing a sustainable future for the charity.”

The launch of the Friends of NDA is being supported Mr Richard Jewson, HM Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and Patron of NDA, Cozens-Hardy LLP, Jarrold and Sons Ltd, M+A Partners and Mills & Reeve LLP.

Norfolk Deaf Association, http://www.norfolkdeaf.org.uk/, tel. 01603 404440 (voice/minicom) was founded in 1898, originally as a benevolent society. The charity aims to improve the lives of young people and adults with all degrees of hearing loss through information, support, awareness and communication. The key services are Hearing Support Service, Befriending Service, Tinnitus Support Group, Deaf Awareness Training and Hard of Hearing Club.

Chamber Orchestra Anglia 10th Birthday Concert at The Forum Norwich

2011-10-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Chamber Orchestra Anglia (COA) is staging its 10th birthday concert at The Forum in Norwich on Sunday, November 6 at 7pm.

Returning to the venue where the professional orchestra was launched in 2001, COA is presenting a programme of music from medieval to contemporary. The Forum event is the first of a monthly series of 10th anniversary concerts in the Norwich 12 buildings, in association with Norwich HEART (Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust).

The main work on November 6 is Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale. Nigel Rees, presenter of BBC Radio Four’s Quote, Unquote, will take the role of narrator. The evening will be compered by BBC Radio Three presenter Christopher Cook. The Soldier’s Tale was written and first performed in 1918. This Faustian story focuses on a young soldier who gives his fiddle to the Devil in return for riches and luxury and then battles to regain control of his life.

Animations by Virtual Past of the Norwich 12 buildings will also be shown in The Forum’s Fusion Gallery as part of the evening’s celebrations.

Tickets are £12 for the main atrium (cabaret style seating) or £15 on the Pizza Express bridge. A three-course meal at Pizza Express, price £12.95, is available for bridge ticket holders from 6pm. Tickets from the Theatre Royal Box Office, tel. 01603 630000, http://www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/.

Other dates arranged so far are: Aviva Atrium, Surrey Street, December 14, The Guildhall, Caley’s Cocoa Café, January 14, St Andrew’s Hall, February 3, featuring Griff Rhys Jones and The Assembly House, March 2. For up to date information on the programme see http://www.chamberorchestraanglia.co.uk/.

Sharon Andrea Choa, COA founder and Artistic Director said: “We are very excited to be returning to The Forum to mark our 10th birthday and launch the Norwich 12 series. I would like to thank The Forum, Norwich HEART and all the members of the Norwich 12 for their support. Using music to connect with the community and connect people is always what we aspired to do. This series of concerts will hopefully do just that and more. It is going to be a memorable 12 months.”

Chamber Orchestra Anglia’s key aims are to forge new links and relationships with other art forms and scientific disciplines and present inspiring and accessible classical concerts. The orchestra’s artistic director and principal conductor, Sharon Andrea Choa is Director of Music at UEA and conductor of the UEA Symphony Orchestra. The leader of the orchestra is Simon Smith, an outstanding violinist who has performed extensively as a soloist with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Festival of Architecture Pecha Kucha Evening at Cinema City Norwich

2011-10-20T13:16:00.001-07:00

FANN-XI, the Festival of Architecture in Norwich and Norfolk, brings a first to Cinema City, Norwich on Wednesday, October 26, 8pm for 8.30pm start – Pecha Kucha 20 x 20.

Pecha Kucha 20x20 features quick fire presentations on architectural themes. Devised in Tokyo in 2003 as a way for young architects and designers to network and show their work in public, Pecha Kucha allows each architect just 20 seconds to show 20 images. The name comes form the Japanese term for ‘chit chat’.

Tickets for Pecha Kucha are £4 from Cinema City box office, www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Cinema_City.

Jon Greenfield, Chair FANN-XI steering group said: “Some of our best young architects will be putting their presentational skills to the Pecha Kucha test. It will be a fun evening showcasing some excellent work.”

For more information about FANN-XI see http://www.fann-xi.org.uk/.

Fairhaven Garden Halloween Spooky Trail Monday, October 31

2011-10-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham invites you to scare yourself silly on the haunted trail round the garden – the 12th annual Halloween Spooky Trail on Monday, October 31, from 6pm to 8pm.

Admission is adults £5.50, senior citizens £5 and children £3. Visitors can go round the trail as many times as they dare and should bring their own torch.

New this year is Thundermental with fire breathing, fire poi and body grinding. The Rockin’ Monks will be back with a selection of spooky songs. Watch out for Chinese firecrackers, Dracula appearing from his coffin, the Grim Reaper in his boat and zombies, mummies and witches on the trail, along with a firework finale.

Hot soup, sandwiches and snacks will be on sale in the tearoom. For further information telephone 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted of the A47 at the B1140 junction. The garden is open daily all year (closed Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm.

Art Architecture Trail – Norwich – FANN-XI - Festival of Architecture

2011-10-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

FANN-XI (Festival of Architecture in Norwich and Norfolk) is staging an art trail in cafés and galleries around Norwich from 10 to 28 October, featuring work art by architects, as well as artists who use architecture and the built environment as their inspiration.

The Workshop Café Bar, 53 Earlham Road – Cityscapes, Toni Hayden, gouache cityscapes including Venice, Gozo, Marrakech and Corfu, 2 to 29 October, open daily 10am to 11pm (Mondays 5pm to 11pm).

Bicycle Shop, 17 St Benedicts – Tour de France, Jeannine Gavaghan, a series of freehand ink sketches produced on a cycling trip around Europe, and Interlocking, Rajhita Mahendran, a series of abstract mixed media artwork inspired by interlocking objects and structures, 4 to 30 October, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to midnight, Sunday 11am to 11.30pm and Monday 12noon to midnight.

The Playroom, Norwich Playhouse, St George’s Street, Annie Hall, a series of semi-abstract plan-like cityscapes, 8 to 29 October, daily 10am to 11pm (from noon on Sundays).

Grapevine Gallery, 109 Unthank Road, artist Gerard Stamp, and architects Trevor Price and Vaughan Keal, 10 to 28 October, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm.

St Andrews House, Art and Designs students from City College on the Access to HE diploma, work includes paintings, designs for textiles and images of constructions, 10 to 28 October, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm.

Expresso Café, St George’s Street – Unidentified Buildings, Philip Walmsley, a series of small and large drawings showing the relationship between the interior and exterior spaces of unidentified buildings, 10 to 28 October, Monday to Saturday 7am to 5.30pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.

Studio Urban Blu, Princes Street – as Portrait, Andi Gibbs, a series of 2D work provoking thought around the relationship between the city, movement, people and change, 10 to 28 October, Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm.

Plot_One - Art meets Architecture, 3 St James Court, Whitefriars . Exhibition curated by architecture student Frankie Bainbridge Plot_One brings together the best of this year’s Art Trail and a myriad of other fascinating artists who's work explores the connections between art and architecture. Monday 10 to Friday 28 October, 11am-4pm.

Gallery 18/21, Tombland – Present Practice featuring Jeremy Taylor, John Maddison, David Rock, Birkin Haward, Sir Bernard Feilden and Will Allsop, 16 to 28 October, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

For more information see http://www.fann-xi.org.uk/, email info@fann-xi.org.uk, tel. 01603 706632.

2011-10-03T04:04:00.000-07:00

LSI Architects (Norwich and London) has won a RIBA East (Royal Institute of British Architects) Spirit of Ingenuity Award for The Haven at Horning. The Haven is a low energy new private residence in the heart of the Broads that required sensitive design due to its prominent location and used best environmental practice. The Haven was one of two winners in the Residential Design category.

LSI Architects has also won the Galvanizers Association Sustainable Award 2011 for The Haven, as well as Norfolk Association of Architects New Residential and Specialist Trade – Carpentry and Joinery awards. The Haven has been shortlisted for the CPRE Norfolk Awards 2011.

The RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards recognise the design ingenuity and architectural excellence of architects and their clients across the East of England for schemes designed within the region. There are seven award categories.

The Haven replaced an existing house in an area subject to frequent flooding. Its prominent location on the riverbank required a contemporary design that would complement the local area.

Trevor Price, LSI Partner who led the project said: “We are delighted that our work to develop a high quality, low energy modern dwelling to enhance the local area, has been recognised with a RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Award. The Haven was created using the sustainable design principles that are set out in the sustainability guide that we researched and produced for the Broads Authority, which is now part of the National Park’s local development framework.”

“To solve the problem of flooding risk, the house was raised 1.3m above the ground,“ added Trevor Price. This combined with the open structure of the boathouse allows flood water to flow across the site and gives the owners a superb elevated view.”

Maria Hammond, Planning Assistant at the Broads Authority commented that the project makes “a positive contribution to the character of the Horning riverside and the wider Broads landscape, demonstrating how a sensitively designed contemporary solution can be a welcome addition to a familiar scene.”

Sustainable Design

The building is insulated above current standards and constructed mainly in timber, is clad with Accoya and also uses galvanised steel. The house has a sedum moss roof. The energy for underfloor heating comes from a ground source heat pump and photo-voltaics on the boathouse roof provide the electricity. The house in-use is virtually carbon neutral.

www.LSIarchitects.co.uk

Photograph: Blue Pearl Photographic

2011-09-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

FANN-XI, Festival of Architecture in Norwich and Norfolk 2011

Perspectives talks at The Forum, Millennium Plain, Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1TF

info@fann-xi.org.uk, http://www.fann-xi.org.uk/

Terry Hickman Smith (Lucas Hickman Smith) and Sheila Moss King – The Pennoyer Centre

Tuesday 11 October 6pm for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Cube, The Forum – free event

Terry Hickman Smith of Wymondham-based architects Lucas Hickman Smith will present the Pennoyer Centre Pulham St Mary, an award-winning conversion of a C15th guild chapel into a multi-use centre for education, business and community use. Sheila Moss King, Chair of the Pennoyer Centre Charity, will give a client’s account of assembling a ‘big society’ project, before the advent of the Big Society.

Alan Powers – Tayler and Green: Refusing to Indulge the Un-Homely

Wednesday 12 October, 6pm for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Curve, The Forum – free event

Professor Alan Powers (University of Greenwich and the Twentieth Century Society) will present an illustrated talk on Norfolk’s architectural anti-heroes Tayler and Green, who built nearly 700 homes for Loddon Rural District Council in the 30 years after 1945. The talk will be supported by an exhibition of new photographs of key Tayler and Green projects by Jim Stephenson.

Anthony Hudson, Hudson Architects – Buildings with Character, The Salvation Army HQ and other projects

Tuesday 18 October, 6.00 for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Cube, The Forum – free event

Anthony Hudson Architects’ Salvation Army HQ building was shortlisted for the prestigious Stirling Prize in 2010 and won an RIBA East Award this year. Anthony Hudson, principal of the Norwich-based practice, will talk about this highly acclaimed project and other recent work, addressing the question ‘What makes a building special and unique to its setting?’

Jonathan Smales, Beyond Green – ‘We Shape Our Cities…Thereafter They Shape Us’

Wednesday 19 October, 6.00pm for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Cube, The Forum – free event

Jonathan Smales is a former MD of Greenpeace UK and has acted as a sustainability advisor to The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and the 2012 Olympic Games legacy project. He is also joint founder of sustainability consultancy turned developer Beyond Green, which is drawing up plans for a large site in the north-Norwich ‘growth-triangle’. Jonathan’s talk will focus on general principals of sustainable urbanism – how the design of our towns and villages shapes our behaviour as consumers and citizens.

Patty Hopkins (Hopkins Architects) and Meredith Bowles (Mole Architects): ‘Living Architecture & The Long House, Cley’

Thursday 20 October, 6pm for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Curve, The Forum – free event. Meredith Bowles of Cambridge-based Mole Architects will describe Alain de Botton’s Living Architecture project, which offers ‘Holidays in Modern Architecture’ through its contemporary rental properties in the east of England. Patty Hopkins of Hopkins Architects will present the Long House, Cley, Living Architecture’s only Norfolk project.

Baking Fun at Wroxham Barns - UK's only Scone Competition

2011-09-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

Sixty-six plates of scones greeted judges on Sunday afternoon at Wroxham Barns for the fifth annual scone competition, part of the EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival.

Believed to be the only dedicated scone competition in the UK, regular competitors and new entrants combined for a fun afternoon with a serious edge – who was going to be crowned champion scone maker in the five categories, plain, cheese, fruit, freestyle and under 12 plain?

“This has undoubtedly been the best yet,” said Wroxham Barns Director, Ian Russell. “The quality was very high, and we were pleased to see some the best scone makers from previous competitions returning for another go. We think we are the UK’s only scone competition and will continue to develop. This year we introduced a children’s category for under 12’s and hope that it will grow in 2012.”

Emma Lee from the Eastern Daily Press judged the cheese scone category. “I was hugely impressed by the standard. The winning scone’s flavour hit me instantly. The texture was perfect and the scone wasn’t too dry or doughy.”

Margaret Paul from Taverham wowed the judges with her rosemary, raisin and vanilla scones to win the freestyle category. Teresa Grant from Thorpe St Andrew, a previous winner, took the fruit crown. Ruth Peake for Fleggburgh baked the top cheese scone. Ann Moore from Norwich had the best plain scone and Lewis Wakefield from Wisbech was the first winner of the under 12 category.

Wroxham Barns Scone Competition – the winners

Fruit

1. Teresa Grant, Thorpe St Andrew

2. Barbara Hollis-Graves, Thorpe End

3. Ena Smith, Hoveton

Freestyle

1. Margaret Paul, Taverham

2. Marion Skinner, Neatishead

3. Catherine Howe, Hemblington

Cheese

1. Ruth Peake, Fleggburgh

2. Marion Skinner, Neatishead

3. Pamela Simkins, Swanton Morley

Plain

1. Ann Moore, Norwich

2. Catherine Howe, Hemblington

3. Teresa Grant, Thorpe St Andrew

Children (Under 12)

1. Lewis Wakefield, Wisbech

2. William Shipley, Tunstead

Wroxham Barns tel 01603 783762, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/.

Photograph: plates of Freestyle Scones

Evocations - Norfolk Sculptors at Wymondham Arts Centre

2011-09-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Wroxham Barns stages UK’s only dedicated scone baking competition

2011-09-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Wroxham Barns stages what is believed to be the only dedicated scone baking competition in the UK on Sunday, September 25.

Last September judges munched their way through 83 plates of scones. This year organisers have introduced an additional children’s category – plain scones baked by the under 12s. So a bumper crop is expected at 3pm on Sunday, when judging begins at this EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival event, part of the Produced in Norfolk Taste the View weekend.

“We have found scone competitions in the USA and Australia but none in the UK,” said Wroxham Barns director Ian Russell, “so can lay claim to ours being a unique British event. Competition Sunday is a great day at the Barns and to add to the fun we also have a Produced in Norfolk Food Market and beer sampling with Stuart Evans at our resident Uncle Stuart’s Brewery”.

To enter Wroxham Barns Scone Competition bring four freshly baked scones in the category or categories of your choice – plain, cheese, fruit, freestyle and under 12 plain – to the Barns by 2.30pm on Sunday 25 September. Judging should be completed by 4pm. All competitors are offered a complimentary cup of tea while they wait. Prizes are awarded to the top scone maker in each category. For more information see http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/ (what’s on).

An Audience with Griff Rhys Jones and his Ghanaian ‘fantasy coffin’

2011-09-19T01:53:00.000-07:00

Griff Rhys Jones will at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich on Wednesday 2 November, for a special ‘Audience with Griff Rhys Jones’ event. The visit coincides with the loan of his ‘fantasy’ Ghanaian coffin to the Sainsbury Centre. The TV camera coffin is the focal point of a new display about Ga art and culture from Tuesday 27 September until Sunday 4 December.

The coffin, which is remarkably realistic despite its scale, was created last year for Griff Rhys Jones as part of the BBC television series Hidden Treasures of Africa. It is the first time since the television programme was broadcast that the general public has seen the ‘fantasy coffin’. The display makes links with African objects in the Centre’s Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, and in the spirit of the Collection, shows that art can be found in all manner of objects.

The ‘Audience with Griff Rhys Jones’ evening on Wednesday 2 November is a fundraising event for the Sainsbury Centre. Griff Rhys Jones will talk about his experiences filming the BBC television series Hidden Treasures of Africa and the creation of his ‘fantasy’ coffin in conversation with Sainsbury Centre director Paul Greenhalgh. The event includes a two-course meal with wine and music from Norfolk’s Anna Mudeka Band, Tickets are £55 or £75, (£75 ticket includes exclusive drinks and canapé reception with Griff Rhys Jones). Doors open 6pm with dinner at 7.30pm, tel. 01603 593199 for more information or to book tickets.

The ‘fantasy coffin display’ runs from Tuesday 27 September to Sunday 4 December 2011. The Centre will be open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays including Bank Holiday Mondays, http://www.scva.ac.uk/.

Photograph: Griff Rhys Jones in the ‘fantasy coffin’ at ‘Hello Design Coffins’, Accra, 2010

(Modern TV).

Mary Webb: Journeys in Colour Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

2011-09-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

The largest ever exhibition of works by the artist Mary Webb opens at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, on Tuesday 27 September and runs until Sunday 4 December.

Mary Webb has been producing bold abstract work for nearly 50 years and taught at Norwich University College of the Arts (then Norwich Art School) from 1966 - 1990. Writing in the Observer, art critic Tim Hilton described Mary Webb as "a little known but treasurable artist".

Journeys in Colour celebrates Webb’s work from 1965 to the present day and includes 60 paintings together with screen prints, drawings and collages. A new series of works never seen before, which have been inspired by a trip to Utah, USA, will be on display. The exhibition also includes a number of works by the artist from the UEA Collection of Abstract and Constructivist, Art, Architecture and Design, which is permanently housed at the Centre.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday 27 September to Sunday 4 December, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays .

Admission (includes entry to the The Face of the Artist) £4, concessions £2. Family admission (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £8, concessions £6.

T. 01603 593199, http://www.scva.ac.uk/.

Photograph: Mary Webb in her studio (Andi Sapey)

Fairhaven Garden Supports Lymphatic Cancer Awareness Week

2011-09-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham is supporting the Lymphoma Association http://www.lymphomas.org.uk/, during Lymphatic Cancer Awareness Week, Monday 12 to Sunday18 September.

Fifty pence from full paying adult admissions to the garden will go to the Lymphoma Association, along with £1 from every cream tea purchased during the week.

Louise Rout Fairhaven Garden Manager said: “The Lymphoma Association is now in its 25 year and provides vital support for people with lymphatic cancer. We have decided to make the association our nominated charity and will be doing other fundraising activities over the next 12 months.”

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; admission charges are adult £5.50, senior citizen £5 and child £3, under five free.
Free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival at Wroxham Barns - September

2011-09-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

Events at Wroxham Barns during the EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival

Produced in Norfolk Food Market, Thursday 15 September, 10am to 1pm.

Launch of Uncle Stuart’s Brewery’s Beer Experience and Tasting, Sunday 25 September, 12noon to 5pm. Meet brewer Stuart Evans, watch our new film about the story of beer and brewing in Norfolk and Uncle Stuart’s craft brewing process, and sample some of his special Norfolk beers, including the exclusive Wroxham Barns Bitter.

Annual Scone Competition Sunday 25 September

Deliver your scones by 2.30pm, judging at 3pm, winners announced 4pm approx.

We’ve made well over half a million scones in our kitchens since we opened in 1983. We think we’re pretty good at it, even if we say so ourselves, but maybe you think you could do better?

There are five categories in our Annual Scone Competition: plain, fruit, cheese and freestyle – any ingredients allowed - and NEW this year a special children's category for under 12s, plain scones only.

Entrants should bring along four of their best freshly baked scones by 2.30pm on Sunday, 25 September for judging. A complimentary cup of tea will be given to all entrants, while they wait for the judges’ decision.

Prizes for the champion scone maker in each category and runners up.

Produced in Norfolk Food Market Sunday 25 September, 10am to 1pm. Food stalls include Yare Valley Oils, who will be giving tasters of oil and dressings, Norfolk Finest Foods, who produce 30 different pickles and chutneys using fresh, local, seasonal produce, and Norfolk Heatwave and Certain Death Chilli Oils.

Also during September
Daily tastings of Norfolk Cider and Apple Juice at the Apple Shop
Daily tastings of fudge at the Fudge Shop
Free tastings at weekends in September at The Pantry of our extensive range of preserves, pickles and chutneys.

Tel 01603 783762, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/

Fairhaven Annual Dog Show - Saturday, September 10

2011-08-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham is staging its second Annual Dog Show on Saturday, September 10,from 10am to 4pm.

The event, which is sponsored by James Wellbeloved and Acle Feed and Seed, is a fun day for all dog lovers and a great opportunity for local residents to demonstrate their pride in their dogs.

There are 11 categories in the Dog Show including best puppy, waggiest tail, best young handler, scruffiest mutt, prettiest bitch and most handsome male. It costs £1 to enter each category and all proceeds will go to FAITH Animal Rescue, The Dogs Trust and Canine Partners. There is no need to enter in advance, just bring your dog along on the day and join in the fun.

Other activities are terrier racing, doggy line dancing and face painting. The Dogs Trust, F.A.I.T.H Animal Rescue Centre and Canine Partners will all be at the show,
along with doggy stalls.

Admission is £2 adults, £1 children (under 5 free) and dogs free. The Dog Show is being staged next to the main car park. There will be plenty of free parking.

Full List of Dog Show Categories
10.45am best puppy
11.05am best senior dog
11.25am prettiest bitch (puppy to 5 years)
11.45am prettiest bitch (6+ years)
12.05pm handsome male (puppy to 5 years)
12.25pm handsome male (6+ years)
1.15pm best rescue
1.35pm best young handler
1.55pm waggiest tail
2.15pm scruffiest mutt
2.45pm best in show

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, also signposted from Acle, tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. Admission: adult £5.50, concessions £5, child £3 (under 5 free).

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the events area. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Dig! – Archaeology in Action at The Forum – Sunday, September 4

2011-08-26T04:38:00.000-07:00

BBC Dig! with Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service, Norwich HEART, The Mo: Sheringham Museum, Norfolk Family Learning, Sedgeford excavation, Caistor Roman Town, The Forum and The Millennium Library are staging a free Archaeology in Action day at The Forum.

Activities include:

drop-in session with archaeologists and local finds officers who will be on hand to discuss your discoveries.

artefacts excavated from Sedgeford - see items from the Anglo Saxon settlement and cemetery on display including skeletons of the people who were buried there.

handling geological specimens.

children’s activities including storytelling, pot making, rock painting and making fossils to take home.

drop in sessions run by Norwich HEART exploring the archaeology of Norwich – what the excavations unearthed and what were the people like who lived there?

talk by Dr Will Bowden project leader at Caistor Roman Town excavation at 2pm in the Millennium Library.

view over 55,000 records that make up the historic environment of Norfolk.

This is just one of a series of ancient and archaeology themed events taking place across Norfolk. Full details can be found at www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/dig and www.bbc.co.uk/handsonhistory .

Raveningham Gardens Opening in aid of Priscilla Bacon Lodge September 4

2011-08-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

Raveningham Gardens is opening in aid of Priscilla Bacon Lodge on Sunday, September 4 from 2pm to 5pm. Priscilla Bacon Lodge is a centre for specialist palliative care services in Norwich.

Enjoy the herbaceous borders, 18th century walled kitchen garden, Victorian glasshouses, orchard, arboretum, herb garden, contemporary sculptures and views across the new lake established at the turn of the Millennium.

Admission is adults £4, concessions £3.50 and children under 16 free. The gardens (NR14 6NS) are 10 miles south east of Norwich, signposted off the A146 at Hales, then B1136, tel. 01508 548152, email office@raveningham.com , www.raveningham.com.

Evocations – Top Norfolk Sculptors at Wymondham Arts Centre

2011-08-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Norwich sculptor, Ros Newman is curating, Evocations an exhibition featuring work from 12 of Norfolk’s top sculptors, a special autumn show at Wymondham Arts Centre, Norfolk. Evocations runs from Tuesday, September 20 to Sunday, October 2, open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12noon to 5pm, free entry, http://www.wymondhamarts.com/.

Sculptors featured in the show are Andrew Campbell, Chedgey,
Polly Cruse, Mark Haywood, David Holgate, Rachael Long, Ros Newman, Vanessa Pooley, Joanna Reynolds, Ann Richardson, Louise Richardson, and Chris Wade.

“I have chosen sculptors for Evocations with whom I have worked and whose work I enjoy,” explained Ros Newman. “They are mainly members of Norwich Twenty Group, which comprises many of Norfolk’s best artists across all disciplines. The exhibition will feature new work from each sculptor.”

Professor Arthur Lucas, Chairman of Wymondham Arts Centre’s steering group, said: ”The ambience of Becket’s Chapel is especially suited to sculpture, and we invite a practising sculptor to curate a show each autumn. I was pleased that Ros Newman accepted our invitation. Her show will engage the imagination of the viewer and give an opportunity to compare excellent work in a variety of 3-Dimensional media.”

Evocations – The Sculptors

Ros Newman (Norwich) specialises in creating small steel sculptures using oxy-acetylene welding. Her passion for the medium, coupled with her love of the human form, is undiminished nearly 40 years after being introduced to welding at Hammersmith College of Art, and continues to yield sculpture reflecting the variety of her personal view. Involvement in the first Bergh Apton Sculpture Trail (1997) broadened her work to outdoors and she has become well known for chickens, cockerels and flights of birds in stainless steel.

Andrew Campbell (Norwich) captures personal fleeting moments that convey his interest in the past and future of landscapes. He makes reference to isolated, significant objects within the landscape and delights in the rediscovery of things forgotten.

Chedgey (Norwich) is a painter and sculptor who specialises in surreal self-mocking works. Last year he began developing Honoré as his alter ego, initially as a children’s story. Honoré has come to life in a series of automaton’s and sculptures.

Polly Cruse (Norwich) constructs objects and photographs, which capture moments of dreamt freedom. The work is open to viewers’ imagination and alludes to times of much needed escape referencing childhood fantasies.

Mark Haywood (Happisburgh) explores the landscapes of clouds, waves, fire and smoke, often sculpting these usually ephemeral objects in translucent materials. Mark is also commissioned to develop and run community arts projects. From 2001-2008, he was the creator and co-ordinator of the highly acclaimed Lightbox Project, a community art project to improve Guy Street Park in South East London.

David Holgate (Norwich) David served as apprentice and assistant to David Kindersley (Cambridge) for seven years. He now runs a small workshop in Norwich with his assistant Philippa. Most of the workshop output is commissioned – work for churches, architectural practices, new buildings and private clients with a very occasional piece made specifically for exhibition. David works in stone, slate, wood, metal and glass. He has taught at all levels of education from first school workshops through to degree courses at art schools and universities. He is also a musician.

Rachel Long (Wreningham) is fascinated by the skeletons and musculature of animals and birds. She transforms redundant industrial and agricultural iron and steel machine parts into a form that conveys the essence of living creatures.

Vanessa Pooley (Norwich) creates figurative bronze sculptures focussing on the female form. Her ‘Mother and Child’ series has been well received – ‘Mother and Child’… is a world apart, a full stop: a portrayal of intimacy so strong that you can catch your breath – Telegraph Magazine. Vanessa has started the Dancer series of sculptures that explore movement inspired by the ballet The Nutcracker.

Joanna Reynolds (Norwich) domestic panoramas investigate and celebrate the ordinary. Through the medium of pen and ink drawings and paper cutouts she takes a snap shot of family life.

Ann Richardson (Norwich). Ann’s subject matter is animal and human form, carefully worked from observation, but always expressive and full of character.

Louise Richardson (Norwich), storytelling and humanity form the basis of Louise’s work. Garments and sculptures made from a diverse selection of materials give a glimpse of untold tales.

Chris Wade (Norwich), a professional civil engineer creates small, mainly figurative, sculpture in bronze welded steel and carvings in alabaster and soapstone.

Wymondham Arts Centre is at Becket’s Chapel, Church Street, Wymondham, NR18 0PH, email info@wymondhamarts.com, http://www.wymondhamarts.com/.

Photograph: Ros Newman - red current tart

Pavilion Swing Band - Summer Music in The Glade

2011-08-22T03:19:00.001-07:00

Pavilion Swing Band - Summer Music in The Glade at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden . This open air concert is from 2pm to 4pm. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5.50, concessions £5 and child £3, under five free. There is no additional charge for Summer Music events.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the events area. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

Fairhaven Garden – Pirate Children’s Day Wednesday August 31

2011-08-18T03:39:00.000-07:00

Head to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham for a special piratical children’s day on Wednesday, August 31 from 11am to 3pm. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5.50, senior citizen £5 and child £3, under five free.

Enjoy pirate magic and complete the challenges on the treasure map, which leads to the Smuggler’s Den. Also enjoy face painting, children’s crafts and a bouncy castle.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the events area. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

FANN-XI – Norfolk Festival of Architecture October 10-28, 2011

2011-08-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

FANN-XI, Norfolk Association of Architects’ biennial festival celebrating the county’s contemporary architecture returns from Monday, October 10 to Friday, October 28.

A packed programme of special events, many free, features exhibitions, lectures and talks, films, opportunities to visit architects’ studios and new buildings and a special architects art trail in galleries and other venues across Norwich. Phillip Johnson of Populous Architects, partner in charge of the Olympic Stadium project, will be giving the annual Norwich Lecture and there’s the chance for primary school children to go on an architecture ‘course’ at the Sainsbury Centre.

The final programme will be available at the beginning of September at http://www.fann-xi.org.uk, email info@fann-xi.org.uk, tel. 01603 706632.

FANNXI Highlights:
 The Work of Norfolk Architects - exhibition at The Forum featuring Norfolk architects' and Norfolk student architects' work from Monday, October 10 to Friday, October 21, 9am to 6pm daily, including McArthur Tring, Allman Woodcock, NPS (South East), Chaplin Farrant, Hudson Architects, Frith Associated, David Marris, CEA and Lucas Hickman Smith.
 The Norwich Lecture – Phillip Johnson of Populous Architects, partner in charge of the Olympic Stadium project: London 2012 Olympic Stadium: Designing to be Different, Thursday, October 13, 6.30pm for 7pm, UEA Lecture Theatre One.
 The Architect Talks - a series of lunchtime talks at The Curve in The Forum featuring architects included in the exhibition
 Perspectives - early evening talks at The Forum on October 11, 12, 18, 19 and 20, starting at 6.30pm.
 Film and Form - a season of architecture themed films at Cinema City Norwich, between September 25 and October 23, www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Cinema_City.
 Norfolk Artists and Architects – FANN-XI Art Trail, a series of exhibitions in venues across Norwich showing art created by Norfolk architects, plus work from Norfolk artists and photographers who get their inspiration from the built environment. Work will be displayed between October 10 and 28. Locations include The Grapevine Gallery, Gallery 18/21, The Bicycle Shop Café Bar, Norwich Playhouse Playroom, No 33 Café Bar and The Workshop Café Bar.
 Open Studios and Open Buildings - throughout Norfolk, October 10-21.
 Children’s half term architecture workshops at Sainsbury Centre Norwich, October 24-28.
 Norfolk Art and Architecture - short films by Norwich University College of the Arts students’ to be shown at The Forum and Sainsbury Centre.
 Norfolk Architecture on the Page - book displays in Norwich at The Book Hive, Jarrold and Waterstones.
 Pecha Kucha 20x20 – quick fire presentations on architectural themes at Cinema City, October 26.

Jon Greenfield, Chair FANN-XI steering group said: “We have created a diverse programme of activities, which we hope will increase interest and understanding of the role that contemporary architecture plays in Norfolk’s cultural life and the changing face of the county. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our exhibition and talks at The Forum and the open buildings and studios throughout the county. In the year before the Olympics we are also delighted that Philip Johnson will be discussing the Olympic stadium project at The Norwich Lecture and expect a full house at UEA.”

Norfolk Tourism heads for Birdwatcher’s ‘Glastonbury’, August 19-21

2011-08-11T02:10:00.000-07:00

Norfolk Tourism is promoting the county’s credentials as the UK’s premier birdwatching destination at this year’s British Birdfair. More than 20,000 wildlife enthusiasts are expected to descend on the Birdfair at Rutland Water, from August 19 to 21. The event, now in its 23rd year, is known as the birdwatcher’s ‘Glastonbury’, the world’s largest international birdwatching event www.birdfair.org.uk.

Birdwatchers can also find out much more online at www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/birdwatching, which features links to RSPB, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, National Trust and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserves and offers online accommodation booking for birding breaks.

Visitors to the Norfolk Tourism stand will be invited to enter a draw to win a £300 voucher towards a holiday with Norfolk Country Cottages www.norfolkcottages.co.uk and a three-night short break at Dairy Barns Hickling’s new self-catering Cowman’s Cottage, with an arrival supper for two, www.dairybarns.co.uk.

“Norfolk is Britain’s premier birdwatching destination,” said Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism. “We have many internationally and nationally important reserves on the Norfolk Coast and in the Broads. Pensthorpe’s starring role in BBC Springwatch has also given a great boost to our profile. The Birdfair gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase what the county has to offer.”

Publicity material at the show will include Birdwatching in West Norfolk, Birds in the Brecks, and Walking & Cycling in Broadland leaflets.

Lady May and her Fourteen Piglets at Wroxham Barns

2011-08-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Lady May one of the sows at Junior Farm Wroxham Barns had 14 piglets yesterday - mother and piglets are doing well as can be seen from the photograph.

Here's a link to Wroxham Barns Facebook page where they are attracting attention - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wroxham-Barns/315007937026.

New Wroxham Barns iPhone and Android App

2011-08-05T03:04:00.000-07:00

Owners of iPhones and android phones can now download a free Wroxham Barns app created by Mark Oakden of Norfolk business Pocket Places. The app provides all the latest information about Wroxham Barns on the move.

In a first for a Pocket Places app, Mr Oakden has included a facility for Wroxham Barns’ latest news and offers along with the restaurant menu. Information about the main elements of a visit to the barns are also featured – Junior Farm, minigolf and funfair, shopping and craft studios, as well as opening arrangements and a location map.

Mark Oakden explained: “The new app is more than just an electronic version of the Wroxham Barns leaflet. I am really pleased with the restaurant menu facility, which gives people the chance to choose and book lunch before they arrive. The news section is a totally new development for one of my apps. News and offers will automatically update. Once the app is downloaded all content runs from the phone, so access to information is almost instant.”

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns said: “We are really pleased to have our own app. Having the ability to send our latest news direct to our customers’ mobile phones is a very exciting development for us. “

Pocket Places, www.pocketplaces.info, has produced apps for Norwich, Norfolk, Norfolk Broads, Cambridge and London. A new comprehensive Norfolk-wide app is currently in production.

Wroxham Barns, www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm, 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Photograph: Mark Oakden demonstrating the new Wroxham Barns app.

Touch the Earth – folk music evening at Fairhaven Garden

2011-08-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Folk band Touch the Earth will be at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden South Walsham for an evening concert in The Glade on Saturday, August 13, 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets are £7 in advance from Fairhaven tel. 01603 270449, fairhavengarden@btconnect.com, or £8 on the night. Bring a picnic, blankets and chairs; refreshments available.

Touch the Earth draw their inspiration from the natural world and feature flute, fiddle, guitar and drums, www.myspace.com/touchtheearth.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the events area. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

Fishley Church – Stone Coffin Investigation – Open Churches Week

2011-08-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Fishley Church near Acle is open every day during Norfolk Open Churches Week, Saturday August 6 to Saturday, August 13.

One of the highlights of the week will be the investigation of the lid of a 13th century stone coffin located in the churchyard, on Friday, August 12, from 11am to 1pm. Dr Julian Litten, an expert in church monuments and mausoleums, based in King’s Lynn will be attempting to unravel who might have been buried in the coffin.

Fishley Church is open daily 10am to 5pm during Open Churches Week and there will be Evensong on Sunday, August 7 at 6pm.

Fishley Church was built before the Norman Conquest. It is an isolated church set on a high point surrounded by agricultural land overlooking the Acle Marshes. The doorway was added during the Norman period. The church was restored in 1861, http://www.stmarys-fishley.com/.

Norfolk Open Churches Week http://www.norfolkopenchurches.com/.

Norfolk Open Churches Week – Saturday, August 6 to Saturday, August 13

2011-08-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Norfolk Open Churches Week 2011, Saturday, August 6 to Sunday, August 13, features more than 300 historic churches across the county, running a packed programme of special events and activities.

Enjoy the ecclesiastical car rally from Norwich Cathedral to Raveningham, hop on and off a vintage bus and visit the Elmham group of churches, enjoy Jacobean Japes at Forncett St Mary and take part in the annual service at St Benet’s Abbey in the heart of the Broads.
There are events celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, including a trail round the Scarrowbeck group of churches in North Norfolk, plus concerts, flower festivals, children’s activities, craft demonstrations and author talks.

Download guides to open churches week at www.norfolkopenchurches.com, or pick up the Open Churches 2011 booklet at TICs throughout the county. Open Churches Week features churches in the Diocese of Norwich and the Diocese of Ely (churches around Downham Market). For general information about Norfolk see www.visitnorfolk.co.uk.

Open Churches Week Highlights
Ecclesiastical Car Rally, Saturday, August 6 – The week gets off to a ‘roaring’ start with the fourth annual Ecclesiastical Car Rally on Saturday, August 6, featuring more than 60 cars. The oldest cars are Talbot 1936, MG Magnette1934 and a Rolls Royce 1932. The rally leaves Norwich Cathedral Close at 9.30am, then heads to Raveningham via Caistor St Edmunds, Shotesham, Chedgrave, Loddon, Hales, Stockton and Toft Monks finishing at lunchtime at the Raveningham Centre.

Scarrowbeck Group Bible Trail, Saturday, August 6 to Sunday, August 14, daily, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible; St Lawrence Ingworth, introduction to the trail; St Mary’s Erpingham, from scroll to book, early Bible manuscripts; Our Lady & St Margaret Catlthorpe, printing changes things, the Bible from Wycliffe to Tyndale; St Mary’s Aldborough, the creation of the King James Bible; All Saints Thwaite, taking the bible round the world and Flower Festival; St Ethelbert’s Alby, Bibles since the King James Version – more information tel. 01263 768073 or 768209.

St Andrew’s Norwich, NR2 4AD, Saturday, August 6 and Monday, August 8 to Friday, August 12, open 2.30pm to 5pm, display celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible and the history of the church in the 17th century; Tuesday, August 9, 1pm, organ recital by David Ballard organist at St Nicholas, North Walsham ‘Giving thanks for the Bible’.

Christ Church Fulmodeston, NR21 0LZ, Saturday, August 6 to Sunday, August 14, open daily dawn to dusk, exhibition celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible featuring a facsimile copy of the original edition; Saturday, August 6, 5pm, concert celebrating the King James Bible in songs and readings with Meg Starling, Stephen Miles and Kathleen Wyatt, free (retiring collection); Sunday, August 7, 5pm, Festival Choral Evensong with the Richeldis Singers – more information tel. 01328 878364.

St Catherine’s Ludham, NR29 5QA, Saturday, August 6 at 7.30pm St Catherine’s Singers concert Mad Dogs & Englishmen, ticket £8, tel. 01692 678437 or 678427 and Sunday, August 7 to Sunday, August 14 daily 10am to 5pm, Ludham at Work exhibition.

St Peter’s Hedenham, NR35 2LF, Saturday, August 6 to Saturday, August 13, open daily 10am to 4pm, activities: brass rubbing for children, local artists exhibition, local history display. Special events: Sunday, August 7, 1pm to 4pm readings by author Diana Athill; Tuesday, August 9, readings by The Right Hon. The Earl of Ferrers, author of ‘Whatever Next’; Wednesday, August 10, 10am to1pm, pottery display and pottery activity for children, and 1pm-4pm organists practice: Saturday, August 13, 10am to 1pm Sally Connor craft and jewellery maker – hands-on session and 1pm to 4pm readings by author Diana Athill.

St John the Baptist Mileham, PE32 2RD, Saturday, August 6 to Saturday, August 13, open daily, Bible display including a history of The Bible in Britain, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.

St Mary’s Whissonsett, NR20 5ST, Saturday, August 6 to Sunday, August 13, open daily, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible with The Art of the Book, display of bibles of all types plus contemporary artists books, floral displays and demonstrations of book related arts e.g. bookbinding and conservation, plus papermaking and hands-on opportunities for visitors.

Elmham Group of Churches, Sunday, August 7, hop on and off the vintage bus and visit Elmham, Guist, Twyford, Bintree, Billingford and Worthing churches and take part in the Treasure Trail for a chance to win a prize hamper. Free half-hourly service to all churches between 12noon and 5.30pm. Vintage buses provided by The Eastern Transport Collection and sponsored by GF Atthowe Builders and Eastern Office Equipment. Parking at Elmham, Bintree, Billingford and Worthing, tel. 01362 668435 for more information.

St Benet’s Abbey, Sunday, August 7 – The Bishop of Norwich, who is also Abbott of St Benet’s, will be conducting the annual service at the abbey at 3.30pm.

St Mary’s Heacham, PE31 7HJ, Monday, August 8 to Friday, August 12, music in the church at 12noon and exhibition about the history of Heacham including the village’s connection to Pocahontas; Saturday, August 13, 7.30pm, concert with Jenny Vickers and friends, ticket £6.

St Mary’s Wroxham, NR12 8SG, Thursday, August 11 to Sunday, August 14, 10am to 5pm daily, Flower Festival.

St Michaels & All Angels Bunwell, NR16 1TE, Thursday, August 11 at 7.30pm, Col. John Crosland CBE MC presents the second David Money Memorial Lecture, The Black Hat, The Cog and The Wheel.

St Peter’s Forncett St Peter, Low Road, Forncett St Peter, Saturday, August 13, 4pm, full choral Evensong using liturgy from the King James Bible, read from a 17th century copy of the work featuring music from Orlando Gibbons and William Byrd.

St Mary’s Forncett St Mary, Low Road, Forncett St Mary, Saturday, August 13, 1pm-3pm poetry workshop with Caroline Gilfillan, pre-booked only tel. 01508 4818576 and 7pm, Jacobean Japes, Vioamente presents a programme of secular songs and instrumental music by composers active around 1611, notably Gibbons, Byrd and Ravenscroft. Ticketed event tel. 01508 481856.

Raveningham Gardens Special Agapanthus Weeks – August 1 to 12

2011-07-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Raveningham Gardens are famous for the large selection of agapanthus cultivars on display. There are special agapanthus weeks this year from Monday, August 1 to Friday, August 12, open Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm (closed Saturdays and Sundays).

See white, blue and dark purple flowers with different sizes and contrasting colours included striped blue and white. The agapanthus varieties are one of Priscilla Bacon’s legacies in the garden; she was a keen agapanthus breeder.

Also enjoy the herbaceous borders, 18th century walled kitchen garden, Victorian glasshouses, orchard, arboretum, herb garden, contemporary sculptures, 14th century church and views across the new lake established at the turn of the Millennium.

Raveningham Gardens are also open all Thursdays, 11am to 4pm, until the end of August. Admission is adults £4, concessions £3.50 and children under 16 free. The gardens (NR14 6NS) are 10 miles south east of Norwich, signposted off the A146 at Hales, then B1136, tel. 01508 548152, email office@raveningham.com, http://www.raveningham.com/.

New Geocaching Trail at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

2011-07-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Four students from Fairhaven Primary School launched a new geocaching trail at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Friday, July 22.

The garden’s self-contained trail features 12 caches. Visitors use their own sat nav enabled smart phone or portable GPS device to complete the trail. They are given a list of co-ordinates for each cache and clues that will help them track down the small containers hidden in the garden. Free trail leaflets are available at visitor reception.

Sue Telford, Events and Education Co-ordinator at Fairhaven, who set up the trail said: “Our geocaching trail is a fun family activity. I have used a lot of puns in the clues and hope that families will enjoy discovering both the garden and the caches together. The first trail will run throughout the summer holidays, then I will devise a new trail for the autumn.”

Francesca Colman, Fairhaven Primary School said: “It was great fun to follow the GPS and then search for the caches.” Harvey Pyer added: “The caches were hard to find. I really liked looking for them and discovering nature at the same time.”

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction. The garden, tearoom and shop are open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), open until 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday until the end of August. Garden entry is adult £5.50, concessions £5 and child £3, under fives free. Free entry to tearoom and shop. Tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Dig Around in Ancient Norfolk this Summer

2011-07-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Norfolk’s exciting early history, BBC Learning and Norfolk Tourism are co-ordinating special events and activities from mid July to October as part of BBC Hands on History, tying in with BBC’s Digging for Britain and Ancient Britain series.

Enjoy hands on archaeology at Caistor Roman Town near Norwich, Sedgeford near King’s Lynn and at events around the county. Explore the land of the Iceni (Eceni) and Boudica whose rebellion in 61AD rocked the Roman occupation. Walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers on the Peddars Way and wonder at the craftsmanship of The Snettisham Treasure at Norwich Castle. Or head to The Forum in Norwich on Sunday, September 4 for Dig! Archaeology in Action, a free event from 10am to 4pm with lots of fun family activities.

For full details of events and places to visit, pick up a Dig Around in Ancient Norfolk leaflet at TICs and libraries in Norfolk or download a copy from www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/dig.

Madeleine Forrester, Regional Manager, BBC Learning said: “Our partners across Norfolk have developed a fantastic range of special events to allow residents and visitors to dig around in ancient Norfolk. There is a great programme of hands-on archaeology, guided walks and even the chance to live for a weekend in the Iron Age. Do join us at The Forum in Norwich on September 4 for Dig! Archaeology in Action.”

Lydia Smith Director, Norfolk Tourism said: “Norfolk has a fascinating early history, which is revealed in the collections of our museums across the county, notably the amazing Seahenge Bronze Age timber circle at Lynn Museum. This is also the land of Boudica and the Iceni (Eceni) and the Roman Forts of the Saxon Shore. Burgh Castle near Great Yarmouth is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK and the Peddars Way follows the route of a Roman road built to control the Eceni after Boudica’s revolt.”

For more information about Hands on History see www.bbc.co.uk/history/handsonhistory.

‘Wymondham Rocks’ – Celebrating Festival Fortnight Success

2011-07-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Just on 5000 people enjoyed 26 events ranging from Market Place gigs to Norfolk bands in Central Hall, classical recitals in Wymondham Abbey and a musical Teddy Bears’ Picnic, during Wymondham’s Festival Fortnight, which ended on Sunday July 10.

“We have had a very busy and rewarding fortnight”, said Barbara Randall, Festival Secretary, who co-ordinates the programme. “The response from our audiences has been terrific. The SweetBeats gig at Central Hall provoked the comment ‘Wymondham Rocks’ from one happy customer. We have had similar feedback from all our concerts.”

Audience Comments: Fantastic fortnight of events! Wonderful – More of the same please! Thank you for arranging such wonderful events. Terrific event. Great mix of music.
Kit Downes Trio: Absolutely fabulous. Brilliant!
Lecture – Does Klezmer Swing? – Exceeded expectations. It was great! Perfect balance of lecture and live music.
Madeleine Mitchell, violin: Excellent, a privilege to hear her playing.
Lee Vasey Band What a brill night, thank you.
Garlic Theatre – ‘Fiddlesticks’ It was absolutely enchanting and a perfect venue. The children were enthralled.
Jon Baker’s Voice Workshop: Brilliant- great mix of technical advice, practise and singing.

John Wood, Chairman Wymondham Music Festival said: “I would like to thank all our volunteers, who gave a total of 900 hours support running the events during the Festival Fortnight. We could not stage such an ambitious programme without their help. Planning has already begun for 2012. We look forward to returning with an equally exciting mix of concerts, workshops and special events.”

Wymondham Music Festival (reg. charity no. 1081375), www.wymfestival.org.uk is run by a committee of volunteers who give their time to organise and administer the programme, and is supported by grants, advertising, sponsorship and the generosity of its patrons. The Festival began in 1996 as a small series of concerts and was called Wymondham Music Week. It has expanded to become the musically diverse festival that it is today, promoting the performance and appreciation of music, as well as offering music education for local people. The Festival committee links up with many other local music organisations to promote events throughout the summer months.

Photograph: The SweetBeats at Central Hall Wymondham

Wroxham Barns Celebrates Excellent VisitEngland Inspection

2011-07-08T01:59:00.000-07:00

Wroxham Barns, one of the first businesses in Norfolk to join VisitEngland’s Visitor Attractions Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS), has just completed its 11th annual inspection with flying colours.

The VAQAS report, which can be read in full on Wroxham Barns’ website, commends the Broads attraction for delivering: “…a very high quality of visitor experience with the excellent range of varied activity again increased with the substantial development of the retail outlets, Funfair and Junior Farm.”

“Our aim is to provide the best day out in Norfolk,” said Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns. “ We are always looking to improve the quality of the visit and completed a £400,000 investment programme over the winter. This included the new piggery and Piggy’s Play Sty soft play barn in Junior Farm, as well as a new retail building for LeGrice Roses and an extension to Uncle Stuart’s Brewery with a bar and dedicated outside seating area.”

“We value the feedback from the VisitEngland assessor,” added Mr Russell, “as it helps us plan further improvements to both the visitor experience and our customer care.”

The restaurant was particularly commended in the report for providing an excellent dining experience, along with The Gallery (ladies and mens clothes and gifts) for its high quality standards.

Richard Ellis, Chairman Norfolk tourism said: "Congratulations to Ian Russell and the team at Wroxham Barns for such an outstanding VAQAS report. It is well deserved. Thirty-seven of Norfolk’s attractions are currently members of the scheme and find the process of inspection and feedback a valuable management tool, as they work to improve customer service standards and visitor facilities. I commend VAQAS to all attractions in the county."

Wroxham Barns, www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, tel. 01603 783762, is open daily 10am to 5pm, 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

The Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme, which is managed by VisitEngland through its network of regional assessors, has a strong reputation for instigating, modifying and shaping change to the customer experience at visitor attractions across England.

Following successful trials in 1998 in the South West and then in the East of England, VAQAS was officially taken centrally by VisitEngland in 2001. The scheme encourages participants to make VAQAS work for them as a management tool. Industry support has been consistently strong with participants eager to take on board the recommendations of their local assessor, www.visitengland.org.

Midsummer Medieval Madness at Fairhaven – The Complete Canterbury Tales

2011-06-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Pantaloons open-air theatre company visits Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, with their new version of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales on Friday, July 8 at 7pm. Tickets are £8, child (5 to 16) £5 in advance and £11 and £8 on the door. Book online at www.thepantaloons.co.uk or tel. 01603 270449.

In what may be a theatrical first, The Pantaloons are performing all The Canterbury Tales, with a cast of six actors playing more than 70 characters. Every story will be performed in a different theatrical style. The audience can expect pantomime, puppetry, masks, musicals, mime, farce, reality television, horror, opera – even Shakespeare gets a look-in.

Mark Hayward, co-producer and co-author explained: “There are several tales that are like mini-plays such as The Miller’s Tale and The Wife of Bath’s Tale which deserve a proper showing. Other stories have been condensed into sketches, songs or even limericks.”

Like Chaucer’s rude original, the show promises plenty of bawdy fun but, with something for everyone, this family-friendly adaptation is suitable for all ages. Bring rugs, chairs and picnics.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.
There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Mobility scooters available.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden – Summer Music in the Dell 2011

2011-06-24T02:17:00.000-07:00

Taverham Brass Band returns to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Sunday July 3, to launch the garden’s Summer Music in the Dell season with a selection of classic hits and songs from the shows. This open air concert is from 2pm to 4pm. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5.50, concessions £5 and child £3, under five free. There is no additional charge for Summer Music events.

Fairhaven Music in the Dell programme – all events are from 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday, July 3, Taverham Brass Band
Sunday, July 10, St Edmund’s Youth Orchestra
Sunday, July 17, John Brown plays the blues
Sunday, July 24, Norfolk Reeds Quartet
Sunday, July 31, The Castaways
Sunday, August 7, Norwich Accordion Band
Sunday, August 14, Dixieland Jazz Trio
Sunday, August 21, Brollyfolk
Sunday, August 28, Pavilion Swing band
Sunday, September 4, Sutton Jazz Quartet

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the events area. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

Week Two – Wymondham Music Festival Fortnight July 2 – July 10

2011-06-24T01:55:00.000-07:00

Week two of Wymondham Music Festival, Saturday, July 2 to Sunday, July 10 has a busy programme of lunchtime recitals at Wymondham Abbey, family events, gigs at Central Hall and free Market Place concerts.

The newly refurbished Central Hall hosts The SweetBeats (July 2) Norfolk’s Lee Vasey Band (July 6), the Zimbabwean rhythms of the Anna Mudeka Band (July 8) and the Matt Wates Jazz Sextet (July 9). There are daily lunchtime recitals (1.10pm) at Wymondham Abbey from July 4 to July 8.

Families will enjoy the Teddy Bear’s Picnic at King’s Head Meadow, 11am to 1pm on July 3, with music from Hayley Moyses and storytelling. Garlic Theatre presents Fiddlesticks at Wymondham Baptist Church, 3pm on July 10.

There are also free Market Place events with the Smokehouse Blue Marching Band (July 2, 10am to 12noon), Chameleon Band (July 7, 5pm to 7pm) and Johnny Jump Band (July 9, 10am to 12noon)

Tickets from The Book Fountain, Wharton’s Court, off Market Street, Wymondham or the Festival Office tel. 01953 601939, office@wymfestival.org.uk, http://www.wymfestival.org.uk/.

Programme details follow:

Wymondham Abbey Concert
Wymondham Young Musicians’ Concert, Monday, July 4 at 7pm. £4 on the door.

Wymondham Abbey Lunchtime Recitals
All at 1.10pm, free admission (retiring collection) Broadside Revival, male quartet singing a cappella, Monday, July 4, The Chiron String Quartet, Tuesday, July 5, Tali Dolce Musica, flute, voice, chamber organ and piano, Wednesday, July 6, Magical Moments for You, popular song, opera and oratorio, Thursday, July 7, Piano Duo, Friday, July 8.

Central Hall Concerts
The SweetBeats, Saturday, July 2 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Lee Vasey Band Wednesday, July 6 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.
Anna Mudeka Band Friday, July 8 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.
Matt Wates Jazz Sextet, Saturday, July 9 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.

Open Air and Family Events
Smokehouse Blue Marching Band, Market Place, Saturday, July 2, 10am-12noon. Free event.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic King’s Head Meadow with live music and storytelling, Sunday, July 3, 11am-1pm. Free event.
Chameleon Band, music from the swing era, Market Place, Thursday, July 7, 5pm-7pm. Free event.
Johnny Jump Band, ‘punk skiffle’, Market Place, Saturday July 9, 10am-12noon. Free Event.
Garlic Theatre presents Fiddlesticks, Wymondham Baptist Church, Sunday, July 10 at 3pm. £6 (under 18 £5) includes afternoon tea (in advance), £2 extra on door.

Workshops, Lectures and Walks
Guided walk with Blue Badge Guide, Judy Hawkins, meet in the Abbey churchyard Sunday, July 3 at 11.50am. Free event.
Voice Workshop with Jon Baker, Wymondham Baptist Church, Saturday, July 9, 11am-1pm. £10 (under-18 £5) in advance, £2 extra on the door.

Wymondham Music Festival is supported by Wymondham Town Council, South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council. For more information about Wymondham contact the Tourist Information Centre tel. 01953 604721.

Sew Creative Wroxham Barns – Interest Booming in Patchwork and Quilting Courses

2011-06-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Barbara and Stephen Kessel, the new owners of Sew Creative based at Wroxham Barns, are celebrating growing interest in the patchwork and quilting workshops that they offer. The current crop of workshops is fully booked and there was a queue outside the shop when bookings opened for the autumn series earlier this month. Sew Creative has a new shop combined with a course room used exclusively for the patchwork and quilting workshops.

The autumn series runs from September to December – many of the workshops are already full. A new mother and daughter course has proved particularly popular, booking up very quickly. Spaces are still available on new dressmaking courses, embroidery taster sessions and a two-day Christmas special on September 26 and 27, making table mats and runners (non Christmas fabrics also welcome). Two sewing machine demonstration days are being planned for October 8 and 9 and there will be a children’s activity week, ‘activities for the next generation of crafters’, during October half term, as well as a week of Christmas Crafts from December 12 to 17.

Barbara Kessel said: "We are absolutely delighted with the welcome that we have received from customers since opening the new shop in April. The shop is also next door to Wroxham Barns award-winning restaurant café, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a coffee or lunch.”

“We are greatly encouraged by the popularity of our courses and workshops and are delighted with the response to our autumn programme. We will definitely be discussing other ideas for activities with our customers.”

Sew Creative is also offering a new scissors and kitchen knife sharpening service.

For more information about Sew Creative tel. 01603 781665, www.sewcreativequilts.co.uk.

Wroxham Barns, www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, tel. 01603 783762, is open daily 10am to 5pm, 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Southburgh Festival Norfolk – World of Music 2011, Saturday July 30

2011-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

The third annual Southburgh Festival, Norfolk – World of Music 2011 will take place on Saturday, July 30 from 12noon to 10pm featuring music, dance, theatre workshops, street performers and international food and stalls. The festival, which is organised by Anna Mudeka, Norfolk based Zimbabwean singer, dancer and musician, is raising money to provide education for Aids orphans in Zimbabwe.

This year’s line up will be a colourful worldwide spectacle with performers from Zimbabwe, Japan, Ivory Coast, England, Ireland and Brazil. Tickets bought before July 1 are adults £13, concessions £12, children £6.50 and family (2 adult and 2 children) £35. After July 1 tickets cost adults £15, concessions £13 children £7 and family ticket £40.

The festival takes place at Burton Manor Barns, Southburgh near Dereham IP25 7SU, box office tel 01362 822194 or 07879 493843, email info@annamudeka.co.uk, http://www.annamudeka.co.uk/.

Bands performing are New Holland, Vocal Chords and Trinity Broads Singers, The Anna Mudeka Band, Third Bass, Kaago Dance Troupe from Ivory Coast, Murphy's Lore and Norwich Samba Band. Garlic Theatre will perform Three Billy Goats Gruff. There will be workshops in Taiko drumming, African dance, along with African face painting, street performers and magicians.

Anna Mudeka said: “This year’s festival aims to have something for everyone. We are very excited to have Garlic Theatre doing a performance of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. We will also be joined for the second year running by Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones known as the Black Farmer, who will be selling his award winning burgers and sausages, sauces and books. Bring the whole family and take advantage of the reduction in ticket prices before July 1. Don’t forget that we will be raising much needed funds to support Aids orphans in Zimbabwe.”

Southburgh Festival is sponsored by Goldsmith Personnel, Elmtree Beers
The Black Farmer, Arts Laolam, The Rose of India Attleborough, Cranworth Farm Services and Nia Norfolk.

Wymondham Music Festival Supported by Fosters Solicitors’ 250th Anniversary

2011-06-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

Fosters Solicitors is celebrating its 250th anniversary by supporting Wymondham Music Festival, and sponsoring the Mercury Prize shortlisted Kit Downes Jazz Trio’s concert at Wymondham Abbey on Thursday, June 30.

Started in 1761 by William Foster, Fosters has grown, over the last 250 years, into one of the top 500 law firms in the UK with offices in Wymondham, Norwich, Bungay and Lowestoft.

John Wood, Chairman Wymondham Music Festival said: “The Kit Downes Jazz Trio is our standout concert this year. Our thanks go to Fosters Solicitors who have made the event possible with the sponsorship and we congratulate the partners and staff on their 250th anniversary.”

Steve Green, Partner in charge at Fosters Wymondham Office said: "Fosters is pleased to sponsor the Kit Downes Jazz Trio and to bring such high quality music to Wymondham. As a firm we have been involved with town wide events including the Music Festival for several years and we hope to continue our sponsorship for many more years to come.”

“We will be bringing over 30 staff and clients to Wymondham Abbey for the concert and are very much looking forward to the evening. In our 250th year we wish the Festival well and hope to be part of it for another 250 years."

Tickets costing £8 (under 18 £2) in advance are still available for the Kit Downes Jazz Trio concert at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 30. Tickets are on sale at The Book Fountain, Wharton’s Court, off Market Street, Wymondham or the Festival Office tel. 01953 601939, office@wymfestival.org.uk. Tickets on the night are £10 (under 18 £4).

For more information about Wymondham Music Festival Fortnight Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, July 10 see http://www.wymfestival.org.uk/.

Photograph: Kit Downes Jazz Trio

Wymondham Music Festival Fortnight June 25 –July 10

2011-06-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

The 16th annual Wymondham Music Festival Festival Fortnight, June 25 to July 10, celebrates professional Norfolk musicians, combined with a selection of national artists and showcases local talent in this historic Norfolk market town.

Highlights include concerts at the 12th century Wymondham Abbey featuring Mercury Prize finalist Kit Downes Trio (June 30), the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet (June 25) and Madeleine Mitchell (violin) and Andrew Ball (piano) (June 29). The newly refurbished Central Hall hosts The SweetBeats (July 2) Norfolk’s Lee Vasey Band (July 6), the Zimbabwean rhythms of the Anna Mudeka Band (July 8) and the Matt Wates Jazz Sextet (9 July). Wymondham Baptist Church hosts a folk showcase with Pennyless and Tallis (July 6).

There is also a good selection of open air and family events – many free – workshops and a special music lecture.

Tickets from The Book Fountain, Wharton’s Court, off Market Street, Wymondham or the Festival Office tel. 01953 601939, office@wymfestival.org.uk, http://www.wymfestival.org.uk/.

Programme details follow:

Wymondham Abbey Concerts
Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, Saturday, June 25 at 7.30pm. £12 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Violin Songs – Madeleine Mitchell (violin) and Andrew Ball (piano), Wednesday, June 29 at 7.30pm. £10 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Kit Downes Trio, Thursday, June 30 at 7.30pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Wymondham Young Musicians’ Concert, Monday, July 4 at 7pm. £4 on the door.

Wymondham Abbey Lunchtime Recitals
All at 1.10pm, free admission: Sohyun Park, piano, Friday, July 1, Broadside Revival, male quartet singing a cappella, Monday, July 4, The Chiron String Quartet, Tuesday, July 5, Tali Dolce Musica, flute, voice, chamber organ and piano, Wednesday, July 6, Magical Moments for You, popular song, opera and oratorio, Thursday, July 7, Piano Duo, Friday, July 8.

Central Hall Concerts
The SweetBeats, Saturday, July 2 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Lee Vasey Band Wednesday, July 6 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.
Anna Mudeka Band Friday, July 8 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.
Matt Wates Jazz Sextet, Saturday, July 9 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.

Folk Showcase
Pennyless and Tallis at Wymondham Baptist Church, Friday, July 1 at 8pm. £6 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.

Open Air and Family Events
Wymondham High School Jazz Band and the Jazz Band of the Gymnasium, Waldstrasse, Hattingen, Market Place, Saturday, June 25, 10am-12noon. Free event.
Tastes of Wymondham, Central Hall, Saturday, June 25, 11am-3pm. Free event.
Midsummer Jazz Picnic at Becketswell featuring the Dixie Mix Jazz Band Monday, June 27, 6pm to 9pm. Free event.
Smokehouse Blues Band, Market Place, Saturday, July 2, 10am-12noon. Free event.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic King’s Head Meadow with live music and storytelling, Sunday, July 3, 11am-1pm. Free event.
Chameleon Band, music from the swing era, Market Place, Thursday, July 7, 5pm-7pm. Free event.
Johnny Jump Band, ‘punk skiffle’, Market Place, Saturday July 9, 10am-12noon. Free Event.
Garlic Theatre presents Fiddlesticks, Wymondham Baptist Church, Sunday, July 10 at 3pm. £6 (under 18 £5) includes afternoon tea (in advance), £2 extra on door.

Workshops, Lectures and Walks
Guitar Workshop with Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, Abbey Hall, Saturday, June 25 11am-1pm. £15 (under 18 £5).
Does Klezmer Swing? – music lecture at Wymondham Baptist Church with George Hyde, Andy Kirkham (guitar) and Jonathan Lambert (clarinet), Tuesday, June 28 at 8pm. Free event.
Community Music East, band skills workshop, Saturday, July 2 – tel. 01953 601939 for details.
Guided walk with Blue Badge Guide, Judy Hawkins, meet in the Abbey churchyard Sunday, July 3 at 11.50am. Free event.
Voice Workshop with Jon Baker, Wymondham Baptist Church, Saturday, July 9, 11am-1pm. £10 (under-18 £5) in advance, £2 extra on the door.

Wymondham Music Festival is supported by Wymondham Town Council, South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council. For more information about Wymondham contact the Tourist Information Centre tel. 01953 604721.

Photograph: Kit Downes Trio

Big Charity Breakfast Supports Macmillan

2011-06-09T03:38:00.000-07:00

More than 60 local businesses gathered at Norwich Cathedral Refectory on Thursday, June 9 for Breakaway Business Networking’s Big Charity Breakfast in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The breakfast raised £300 for Macmillan, part of Breakaway’s commitment to raise £1000 for the charity’s Norfolk Business Challenge.

Jon Batchelor, Commercial Director AID Rope Access was guest speaker. Jon explained the benefits of Breakaway membership, notably business referrals and easy access to suppliers within a supportive business environment.

“I have been a member of Breakaway for 18 months and value the friendship of the group enormously,” said Jon Batchelor. “We moved our base earlier this year and having office equipment, stationery, print, marketing and telephone solutions suppliers on tap really eased the process. It was also very helpful to have friendly advice from other members during what was quite a stressful time.”

Kate Wilde, Director of Engage with Business and Chair of Breakaway Business Networking said: “We had a very productive business breakfast and raised a useful sum for Macmillan, made new contacts and hopefully recruited some new members to our group.”

Breakaway Business Networking meets every Thursday morning for breakfast at Norwich Cathedral Refectory. The group is independent and comprises members from the Norwich and Norfolk business community. For more information see http://www.breakaway-networking.co.uk/ or contact Mark Thair Reef Recruitment, tel. 01603 264964, email mark.thair@reefrecruitment.co.uk.

Picture left to right: Kate Wilde, Helen Chapman Macmillan Cancer Support and Jon Batchelor.

Wroxham Barns - Oxford Golfer wins Minigolf English Open

2011-06-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Oxford golfer, Michael Smith, won the British Minigolf Association (BMGA) English open at Wroxham Barns on Sunday, June 5 with a score of 90 after three rounds, setting a new course record with his final round of 28. Robert Witton from Norwich was best novice and Adam Kelly from Cambride won the Wroxham Barns trophy for best East Anglian Golfer for the third year running.

Twenty-eight golfers competed for the English Open title, travelling to Norfolk from Oxford, Hastings, Birmingham, Northampton, Canterbury, Guildford, Luton and North Wales. It is the second time that Wroxham Barns has hosted the tournament.

Michael Smith pulled the first pint of ‘19th Hole’ to celebrate his victory. This new draft beer has been brewed at Uncle Stuart’s Brewery, Wroxham Barns to mark the English Open and the opening of the new bar at the brewery.

Michael Smith said: “All the golfers really like coming to Wroxham Barns. It is a very challenging course with unique holes, unlike anywhere else in the UK. I was delighted to break the course record and also lend a hand with launching Stuart Evans new ‘19th Hole’ beer.”

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome the BMGA back to Wroxham Barns. Congratulations to Michael Smith on breaking the course record. We are delighted that we have such a popular championship standard 18-hole minigolf golf course and can now match that with a top class bar where golfers can relax after play. We wish the GB team luck in next weekend’s Nations Cup and look forward to hosting future tournaments.”

The English Open was the last tournament before the Great Britain Minigolf team heads to Stockholm next weekend for the Nations Cup. Seven members of the GB team took part in the Wroxham Barns tournament.

Sean Homer BMGA Chairman said: “We have had a superb tournament at Wroxham Barns. I would like to thank Ian Russell and the team for their hospitality and support. I am sure that lots of minigolfers will head to Uncle Stuart’s Brewery’s new bar for a pint of ‘19th Hole’ after their round.”

Wroxham Barns is open daily 10am-5pm, tel 01603 783762, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk.

Photograph: Michael Smith (left) with Stuart Evans, Uncle Stuart's Brewery and the first pints of '19th Hole'.

Raveningham Gardens – Special June Rose Weeks

2011-06-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

Raveningham Gardens near Hales will be open for two special rose weeks from Monday, June 20 to Friday, June 24, daily 11am to 4pm and Monday, June 27 to Friday, July 1, daily 11am to 4pm. The Edwardian Rose Garden was replanted in 2000 with repeat flowering roses and hybrid tea roses. Old varieties are displayed on the walls of the house.

Visitors can also explore the 18th century walled kitchen garden, Victorian glasshouses, arboretum and herb garden, enjoy contemporary sculpture throughout the gardens and the huge herbaceous borders. Also visit Raveningham’s 14th century church. Tea and cakes are on sale on sunny days.

Raveningham Gardens, Raveningham, NR14 6NS is open all Thursdays, 11am to 4pm, until the end of August. Admission: adult £4, concessions £3.50 and children under 16 free, tel. 01508 548152, www.raveningham.com.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden 12th Annual Green Festival

2011-06-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham is staging its 12th annual Green Festival on Sunday, June 26, 10am to 4pm. An action-packed day of entertainment and fun environmental activities is on offer in this beautiful Broadland garden. Normal admission charges: adult £5.50, concessions £5 and child £3.

Special events include: 11am & 2pm Bumblebee Walk; 11.30am &2.30pm Alpaca Amble; 12noon Nutmeg Puppet Theatre; 1.30pm children’s fancy dress bug parade – prize for best-dressed bug; 2pm-4pm live music from The He Hews. Other activities: Morris Dancing, circus skills, face painting, children’s crafts, clay play, fairy den building, insect box making, have-a-go felt making, sailing taster.

Demonstrations and stalls: Norfolk Countryside Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, Burnt fen Alpacas, pole lathe turning, hurdle making, British Dragonfly Society, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society, master composter, BTCV, Norwich Bat Group, Wing and a Prayer, Nancy Oldfield Trust Electric Boat, Blofield and District Conservation group, EA Unearthed – outdoor activities specialists, soapmaker, crochet knitter and other craft stalls.

Boat trips on the Fairhaven Private Broad and South Walsham Broad on the ‘Primrose’ will be available all day (additional charge).

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open until 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday until the end of August. There is a tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

Photograph: The He Hews.

Art Alive in Churches 2011 – The Glories of Norfolk’s Medieval Rood Screens

2011-06-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Art Alive in Churches 2011, promoted by the Norfolk Churches Discovery Project, is working with the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich and sculptors involved in the Bergh Apton Sculpture Trail and Welborne Arts Festival.

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich
Wednesday June 8 to Sunday, June 12
The Narthex at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist is staging an exhibition celebrating the historic art of rood screens* and beams in Norfolk churches from Wednesday, June 8 to Sunday, June 12, open 10.30am-5pm (2pm-5pm on Sunday), http://www.sjbcathedral.org.uk/.

The Cathedral features an exquisite rood beam and crucifix carved for the church
by Peter Rendl of Oberammergau, one of the principal players in its Passion Play early in the 20th century.

The Art Alive Rood Screens exhibition includes:
 Photographs by Paul Hurst of the 15th century painted rood screen at St Michael and All Angels Barton Turf, one of the best surviving examples of a medieval rood screen in the UK. During the Reformation images of the saints on rood screens were defaced, but little damage was done at Barton Turf.
 An explanation of the significance of rood screen art in Norfolk Churches by Lucy Wrapson Hamilton Kerr Institute. Norfolk has more surviving medieval rood screens than any other county.
 Information about the 19th century ecclesiastical debate about the future of rood screens.
 Maz Jackson, Norfolk’s international egg tempera artist’s modern take on an angel’s head, created using the same egg tempera techniques employed by medieval artists painting rood screens. Maz is also providing a drawing frame to give visitors the opportunity to create their own sketches in response to the exhibition.
 Sculptures from Bergh Apton’s sculpture trail, The Journey, by John Bardell, Andy Hibberd and David Holgate
 Sunday, June 12, 2pm-5pm, Doves and Angles: Holy Visitors – join Caroline Gilfillan for an inspirational workshop writing poetry on the theme of Pentecost and Angels, free event; just bring a pen and paper.

St Michael and All Angels Barton Turf
Visit St Michael and All Angels to view the 15th century rood screen. The church is open on a daily basis http://www.bartonturf.churchnorfolk.com/.

Welborne Arts Festival
Saturday June 18, 11.30am-6pm and Sunday, June 19, 11.30am-4.30pm
Sculptor Joy Whiddett will be making a willow figure in the churchyard of All Saints Church Welborne as part of the Welborne Arts Festival. This Art Alive in Churches commission will remain in the churchyard after the festival. Visitors will be invited to participate in the creation of the willow figure. Joy is currently working on several sculptures to represent the essence of the festival, which will also be displayed in the churchyard. All Saints is a round towered church dating from the 11th century. It also has a 19th century rood screen. Norfolk based writers Rachel Hore and Elspeth Barker will both be giving readings from their work in the church during the weekend.

For more information about Welborne Arts Festival, tel. 01362 850327 or 01362 850492, http://www.welborne.org.uk/.

Jennie Hawks, Historic Places of Worship Support Officer, Diocese of Norwich said: “Our medieval rood screens are one of Norfolk’s great artistic glories. I hope that our special exhibition staged in partnership with The Cathedral of St John the Baptists will encourage both local residents and visitors to explore our wonderful historic churches.”

Art Alive in Churches www.openchurches.co.uk/artalive is supported by The Diocese of Norwich, Norfolk County Council, Town Close Estate Charities and Allies Computing.

*The rood screen separates the chancel, which houses the altar, from the nave – the main body of the church. The rood beam, which is located above the rood screen supports the great rood (crucifix).

Photograph: Cherubim, Barton Turf Rood Screen - Paul Hurst

Ceilidh with Pendragon – Welborne Arts Festival 18 June

2011-06-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the ceilidh in the Big Top in the meadow at Welborne Arts Festival with Pendragon on Saturday, June 18 from 7.30pm. Their tunes from all over the world create an irresistible dancing mixture for both ceilidh veterans and novices. Tickets are £8, under 16 £2, tel. 01362 858770, email david.tudball@btopenworld.com. Barbecue from 6.30pm with licensed bar. Welborne is near Mattishall, the arts festival events are close to All Saint’s Church, NR20 3LQ.

Pendragon comprises Brigitta (dance calling, fiddle and recorder), Gerry (hurdy gurdy, hardanger fiddle and percussion), John (accordion), Paddy (bass and bagpipes) and Flavio (saxophones, clarinet and percussion).

Welborne Arts Festival is on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. Full details at http://www.welborne.org.uk/.

Welborne Arts Festival Norfolk June 18 & 19 – Arts, Music, Circus, Sport, Dance

2011-06-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

The 9th Welborne Arts Festival, near Mattishall, the biggest village-based contemporary arts festival in Norfolk, returns on Saturday, June 18 (11.30am-6pm) and Sunday, June 19 (11.30am-4.30pm) with a packed programme of arts, music, circus, sport and dance.
The event is staged around the beautiful 11th century All Saint’s Church. Admission to the festival is adults £5 and under 16 free.

South Norfolk’s Circus Ferrel, described as “East Anglia’s brightest friendliest all human show”, will be pitching its Big Top in the meadow at the festival and will run two shows a day at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Circus characters will entertain on the meadow in the morning and between shows.

Other activities:

Joy Whiddett will be exhibiting her willow figures in the churchyard and inviting you to participate in weaving another one – an Art Alive in Churches project.
Norfolk Dance performances by children from Mattishall, Yaxham and Garvestone Schools in The Big Top on 18 June at 3pm.
Live music from local musicians – Fred’s House, John Ward & Mario Price (18 June) and Andy Kirkham, Joe Tozer and Matt Williams (19 June)
Exhibitions: Norwich Print Fair, Breckland Artists, the regular villagers’ exhibition and Unlaced - clothing and the female form, (paintings, textiles, ceramics and sculpture) curated by Krys Leach.
Kensington Lodge Farm Equestrian Centre present quadrilles to music in the meadow on 18 June.
Interview with BBC local radio presenter Helen McDermott in the church – 18 June, 2.30pm.
Literature – readings from local authors in the church – Rachel Hore, 3.30pm on 18 June and Elspeth Barker, 2.30pm on 19 June.
Craft activities for children and demonstrations from visiting artists both days.
Tony Nelson, Town Crier on loan from Sheringham both days.

Tel. 01362 850327 or 01362 850492, festivalartswelborne@tiscali.co.uk, http://www.welborne.org.uk/.

De Vere Dunston Hall Golf Supports Variety Club Children's Charity

2011-05-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

One hundred golfers helped raise £3,000 for The Variety Club Children's Charity by playing in a tournament at Dunston Hall (May 25) organised by De Vere Dunston Hall golf professional Richard Tidy. A further £7000 will be raised at a May Ball to be staged at the hotel on Friday, May 27. Angela James, Miss Variety Club visited the golf club to present the prizes.

Richard Tidy said: "I would like to thank everyone who took part in our golf tournament and helped raise a substantial sum for The Variety Club. We had a superb day blessed by beautiful weather and some great golf." The winning four ball was Don Henderson (Royal Norwich) and Colin Beevers, Oliver Barnes and Adrian Barnes (all Dunston Hall).

The Variety Club Children's Charity has been helping disabled and disadvantaged children and young children throughout the UK for more than 60 years, http://www.varietyclub.org.uk/.

For more information about De Vere Dunston Hall tel. 01508 470444 or visit www.devere.co.uk/our-locations/dunston-hall.

Picture left to right: Don Henderson, Colin Beevers, Angela James, Oliver Barnes, Adrian Barnes and Richard Tidy (Dunston Hall).

Norfolk Tourism publishes London 2012 Tourism Business Toolkit

2011-05-27T02:13:00.000-07:00

Norfolk Tourism has published a London 2012 Tourism Business Toolkit to help the county’s tourism industry capitalise on the 2012 Games. Sponsored by Norfolk County Council with the key message, Visit Norfolk - Closer than you think to London, the toolkit focuses on marketing messages and customer care to assist businesses prepare for the Games.

The toolkit and logo can be downloaded free from http://www.2012.ntqt.co.uk/, Norfolk Tourism’s umbrella website for tourism training opportunities. Businesses will also find information at http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/, Norfolk Tourism’s website promoting the county as a destination for visitors to the Games.

Richard Ellis, Chairman Norfolk Tourism said: “Norfolk is the closest major holiday destination to London. It is just 90 minutes by train to the Olympic Park from Norwich and easily reachable by train from King’s Lynn to King’s Cross, linking to the Olympic Park via The Javelin® bullet train. We can offer visitors to the Games the best of both worlds – a once in a lifetime day trip to London to be part of the ‘Greatest Sporting Show on Earth’, combined with Norfolk’s world-class seaside, city and countryside breaks. I urge all tourism businesses in the county to download the toolkit and work together to make sure that Norfolk reaps the maximum benefit from London 2012’s projected £2bn boost to the UK tourism economy. I would particularly like to thank Norfolk County Council for sponsoring the toolkit’s production.”

Ann Steward, Cabinet member for Economic Development, said: "Many Norfolk businesses are already set for a financial boost off the back of London 2012, after securing the right to supply goods and services to the Games. But there is no doubt that the county's biggest economic boost from the Olympics will come if we can successfully draw tourists to Norfolk - whether before the Games, or during, or after.”

"The County Council has sponsored the production of Norfolk Tourism's Business Toolkit in order to help rally our respective businesses to work together to try and maximise the amount of Olympic-related investment brought into our economy. The Toolkit tells of a number of ways in which businesses can look to link-in with the Games and I urge our respective businesses to download the toolkit."

Photograph left to right: Councillor Ann Steward with Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism and Denis McEvoy, General Manager De Vere Dunston Hall

Wroxham Barns Hosts English Minigolf Open – Sunday, June 5

2011-05-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Wroxham Barns’ 18-hole championship minigolf course hosts the British Minigolf Association’s English Open for the second time on Sunday, June 5. The tournament comprises three rounds with play starting at 9.30am.

The English Open was first staged at Wroxham Barns in 2009 when Nick Chitty from Hornsey, won the competition with a total of 95 in the three rounds played, setting the course record of 29 with his first round.

Local golfers are very welcome to take part. A special Wroxham Barns trophy, created by resident sculptor Sue Windley, will be presented to the top East Anglian golfer.

The entry fee is £20. Entry forms can be downloaded from the BMGA’s website, www.minigolf.org.uk, or call 07910 243841.

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming the British Minigolf Association back to Wroxham Barns. The golf course, which opened in August 2008, is proving a real hit with visitors. It is great fun, but is also very challenging.”

Sean Homer Chairman BMGA said: “I am delighted that we are returning to Wroxham Barns for the third year following the English Open in 2009 and British Championships in 2010. All of the players who entered the competitions were full of praise for the course, the surroundings and the welcome we received from the team who run the barns.”

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/, tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm, 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

The British Minigolf Association is the UK’s governing body for minigolf sport, including crazy golf and adventure golf. The British Minigolf Association is the United Kingdom member of the European Minigolf Federation and the World Minigolf Federation, http://www.minigolf.org.uk/.

Norwich 20 Group – Twin Visions – British and German Art at The Forum Norwich - May 23-29

2011-05-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

Norwich Twenty Group’s (N20G) spring exhibition Twin Visions, staged with artists from Norwich’s twin city, Koblenz, will take place in the atrium of The Forum in Norwich from Monday, May 23 to Sunday, May 29, free admission. The exhibition is open daily 9am to 6pm (10am to 5pm on Sunday), http://www.norwich20group.co.uk/.

Fifty artists from N20G and six artists from Koblenz are contributing to the show. Rory McShane, Chairman N20G said: “We are really excited to be staging Twin Visions at The Forum. It is the first time that N20G has shown work there. We are particularly pleased to be hosting artists from Koblenz. This is an opportunity for us to return the favour that the city of Koblenz gave us in April, when 18 N20G artists exhibited in the magnificent setting of Haus Metternich in the medieval centre of the city.”

“Twin Visions will be a lively show, reflecting the depth of talent and ideas within the group, which has gained a substantial number of new members in recent years. There will be an invigorating mixture of painting, printmaking, sculpture, textile pieces, mixed media and photography. It will also be very interesting to compare the work of German and British artists.”
Helke Steibel, one of the Koblenz artists said: “We are looking forward to the exhibition at The Forum. We are sure that there will continue to be a very good link between the N20G artists and Koblenz artists. The exhibition at Haus Metternich was an excellent start to our collaboration.”

Norwich 20 Group
N20G was formed in 1944 comprising professional artists from the Norwich School of Art and Design. The group is no longer limited to 20 and now has more than 70 members, several of whom exhibit regularly in the West End and abroad. All aspects of the practice of contemporary fine art are represented e.g. sculpture, print, photography and painting.

Picture: Birdbath - Nell Close

Wymondham Music Festival – Town Busking Day May 28

2011-05-20T10:12:00.001-07:00

Wymondham Music Festival’s annual Town Busking day kicks off at 10am on Saturday, May 28. Individuals and groups are welcome to just turn up on the day and register in the marquee on the Market Place by 12noon or call 01953 333500.

The African, Cuban and Haitian rhythms of New Buckenham’s Dead Goat Appreciation Society drumming group will be entertaining visitors, as well as regulars Robin Duhig and Dorothea Bergmann and Kay Southgate from Drumskin.

John Wood, Chairman Wymondham Music Festival said: “The Town Busking day is a well-established informal event. Musicians pop up all over town creating a great atmosphere. If you have never busked before do come along on Saturday, May 28 and join in the fun.”

The 16th annual Wymondham Music Festival, centred on Festival Fortnight, June 25 to July 10, but with nearly 70 events from May onwards, celebrates professional Norfolk musicians, combined with a selection of national artists and showcases local talent in this historic Norfolk market town. Full Festival programme details are at http://www.wymfestival.org.uk/, tel. 01953 601939.

Raveningham Gardens – Spring Bank Holiday Openings

2011-05-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Raveningham Gardens near Hales in South Norfolk is opening on Bank Holiday Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30, 2pm to 5pm. Explore the 18th century walled kitchen garden, Victorian glasshouses, arboretum and herb garden, enjoy contemporary sculpture throughout the gardens and the huge herbaceous borders which are starting to fill with colour. Also visit Raveningham’s 14th century church. Tea and cakes on sale on May 29 and 30.

Raveningham Gardens, Raveningham, NR14 6NS is also open all Thursdays, 11am to 4pm, until the end of August, admission adult £4, concessions £3.50 and children under 16 free. Tel. 01508 548152, www.raveningham.com.

Fairhaven Garden – Time to See UK’s Largest Candelabra Primula Collection

2011-05-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden’s celebrated candelabra primulas are approaching their best. Head Gardener, Ian Guest will be leading a special candelabra primulas tour at 11am on Sunday, May 22. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5.50, senior citizen £5 and child £3 (under five free).

Some 25,000 colourful candelabras, the largest naturalised collection in the UK, will be on show until early June. The candelabra primulas, displaying all the colours of the rainbow, can be viewed beside the footpaths and water filled dykes that criss-cross the South Walsham garden. Several species of rhododendron and azaleas add to the spectacle in May.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance; mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

Acle High School Students’ Art Exhibition at Fairhaven Garden

2011-05-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

More than 100 works of art created by Acle High School students, following visits to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden and Norwich Cathedral, are on display in Fairhaven Garden’s tearoom until Monday, May 16.

Acrylic canvases featuring Fairhaven’s candelabra primulas, watercolours painted following visits to the garden last July, illustrated stories about Oscar the Otter, Fairhaven’s children’s character, Green Men inspired by Norwich Cathedral and photographs of totem polls in Burlingham Woods created by the school are in the exhibition.

Sally Curtis, art teacher at Acle High School said: “The students enjoy working in Fairhaven Garden with nature all around. The standard of their work is much better when they have been inspired by the natural world. It is also very good for the students to see their work on display. I would like to thank Louise Rout and the team at Fairhaven for their support over the last 18 months.”

The exhibition in the tearoom is free, although there is a charge to visit the garden.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction. The garden, tearoom and shop are open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/, admission, adult £5.50, senior citizen £5 and child £3, under fives free.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Photograph: Greeen Man by Laura Hind

Fairhaven Garden Knit & Natter Club Knit Cakes for Big C Big Cuppa

2011-05-06T02:07:00.000-07:00

Fairhaven Garden's Wednesday morning Knit & Natter Club has been busy knitting cakes for the Big C. The group has produced everything from woolly swiss rolls to doughnuts.

The ‘cakes’ will be sold at Fairhaven Garden tearoom's Big Cuppa event Thursday, May 12, 3.30pm to 5pm for £2.50 each. As well as the knitted cakes the tearoom will be selling the real thing – a specially made teapot cupcake, exclusive to Fairhaven, made by local baker Fiona Eastoe, with a cup of tea or coffee for £3.25. There will also be a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses including tickets to Merrivale Model Village, Thrigby Hall and Gooderstone Water Gardens.

Money raised from the event will go to the Big C. Big C funds equipment locally, providing support and care for the people of Norfolk and Waveney affected by cancer as well as funding world class research
.
Linda Moore from the Knit & Knatter Club said: “The club is worth getting up for on a Wednesday morning. It's been great fun. You never know who you will meet. Discussions range far and wide."

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction. The garden, tearoom and shop are open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk, admission, adult £5.50, senior citizen £5 and child £3, under fives free.

Tagman Press Writers Consortium 29 April

2011-05-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Tagman Press Writers Consortium Reed's Tombland Norwich 29 April 2011.

Back L to R: Dave Kelly, Pauline Kelly, Illuminee Nganemariya, Robin Squire, Pamela Masters, Michael Bland, John Clements. Front L to R: Paul Dickson, Susan Culverwell, Gill Dalton, Anthony Grey, Roger Chamberlain, Jane Aldiss, http://www.tagmanpress.co.uk.

Spring Plant Fair - Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

2011-05-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden's first Spring Plant Fair is on Saturday, May 7, 10am to 4pm. This is a great opportunity to buy plants from some of Norfolk's best independent nurseries - knowledgeable suppliers who will be selling a variety of plants, shrubs, perennials and garden accessories.

Nurseries at the plant fair include Chrysalis Nursery, Old College Nurseries, Select Seeds, Blacksmith’s Cottage Nursery and Jelly Cottage Plants. Norfolk Garden Trust will also be on hand along with Chaved Forge.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival 11 - Friday, May 6 to Saturday, May 21

2011-04-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

Norfolk & Norwich Festival 11
Friday, May 6 to Saturday, May 21

The international festival for the East of England

For 16 days in May, Norfolk & Norwich Festival presents a busy programme of international theatre, circus, dance, music and visual arts from across the globe. Take a journey from the streets of Kinshasa, to the old quarter of Tangiers and on to the great symphony halls of Russia and the grandeur of the English stately home – all in Norwich and Norfolk. Full programme at http://nnf11.nnfestival.org.uk/ – some highlights:

Global Performers
See Staff Benda Billili, street musicians from the Congo (Theatre Royal Norwich (May 18); Mariza leading Portuguese fado singer (Theatre Royal May 15), Strut and Fret Production House from Australia (Spiegeltent May 6-9 and 11-14) the eccentric Dining with Alice from the UK (Elsing Hall, May 12-15 and 18-21), challenging political theatre from Iran’s Mehr Theatre (Epic Studio Norwich May 6 & 7), a double bill from Ballet Nacional de España (Theatre Royal May 20 & 21), the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra from Russia (Hippodrome Gt Yarmouth May 11) and USA jazz from Charlie Haden (St Peter Mancroft Church May 19) and Kyle Eastwood (Norwich Playhouse May 9).

Premieres
More UK and world premieres than ever before including two spectacular free night-time shows: The Wolves from Basque company Deabru Baltzak, a re-working of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, where Spanish Fiesta-style, the audience will be led through the streets of Norwich at night (May 6 and 7) and As the World Tipped is an aerial show from Wired Aerial Theatre (Eaton Park Norwich May 21).

There’s a new Festival commission from the Voice Project Choir, Norwich’s renowned open-access choir. The Proportions of The Temple is a composition inspired by the architecture, the human history and the stories that have woven themselves into the fabric of Norwich’s Cathedral (May 14).

NNF11 for Free
The Festival launches on May 6 (The Forum Norwich) with Andy Sheppard’s Saxophone Massive, a fanfare for 200 local saxophone players, followed by a weekend which will see Norwich city-centre taken over and packed with entertainment for families and children. There are also free events in Cromer with alternative Punch & Judy (May 14 & 15) and contemporary dance (May 18, 19, 21, 21 & 22).

Have fun… try something new
Enjoy Tea Dances in the Spiegeltent, Knowledge Emporium’s 1950’s airstream caravan where you can swap knowledge for sweets and bicycle-powered cinema in Bowthorpe.

Festival Box Office tel. 01603 766400 or book online at www.nnfestival.org.uk/nnf11.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival 11 is funded by Arts Council England, Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council with its principal sponsor for the 20th year, National Express East Anglia. Its outdoor performance programme is supported by May Gurney.

Photograph: Staff Benda Billili (photo Bella Kinoise).

Tagman Writers Consortium

2011-04-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

I am going to the Tagman Writers Consortium on Friday. A new and unique grouping of present and future Tagman authors is being founded in Norwich on the day of the Royal Wedding to increase collaboration between writers and publisher. http://www.tagmanpress.co.uk.

Royal Wedding Celebrations at Wroxham Barns, Friday, April 29

2011-04-27T01:53:00.000-07:00

The team at Wroxham Barns is preparing for a busy Royal Wedding day on Friday, April 29. New bunting handmade in Norfolk by Jane Mayhew will hang throughout the barns. All staff will be wearing buttonholes. A life-size cutout of Prince William and Catherine Middleton will greet visitors to the restaurant where they can watch the wedding on a brand new 40” HD TV and enjoy wedding cup cakes. Uncle Stuart’s Brewery has a limited edition Royal Ale on sale in the brewery’s new bar.

Williams and Kates who visit on April 29 will be given free admission to Junior Farm, ID essential.

Wroxham Barns is open 10am to 5pm, to book at table in the restaurant tel. 01603 777106, general enquiries 01603 783762, www.wroxhambarns.co.uk.

Sew Creative at Wroxham Barns (Norfolk) Changes Hands

2011-04-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Sew Creative, the patchwork and quilting specialist based at Wroxham Barns has changed hands. Sylvia Graham who had been at Wroxham Barns for 11 years has retired. Barbara and Stephen Kessel, who have moved to Norfolk from Cambridgeshire, now run the business.

Stephen explained: "We have crafts in the blood; Barbara has always been a keen needle worker and enjoyed other crafts, my hobbies are woodwork and model making. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to take over from Sylvia, who has built up a very loyal customer base, many of whom travel from all over East Anglia and further afield to visit Sew Creative. We aim to offer the same personal service."

Barbara added: "We will continue to offer Sew Creative’s popular patchwork and quilting courses and plan to introduce new courses on Saturday mornings and family activities in the summer holidays."

Sew Creative has swapped units with Wroxham Barns’ Country Food Store (now called The Pantry). The unit now has level access from the golf course side of the building and is in the same block as the room used for patchwork and quilting courses.

Barbara and Stephen used to live in Warboys near Huntingdon. "We have been regular visitors to Norfolk over the years and last autumn moved to Mundesley," said Barbara. "Just a month later we found out that Sylvia Graham wanted to retire and visited her in the old shop. We were delighted with what we found and have achieved our dream to run a crafts business."

For more information about Sew Creative tel. 01603 781665, http://www.sewcreativequilts.co.uk/.

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/, tel. 01603 783762, is open daily 10am to 5pm, 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Wine Tasting Evening in aid of Welborne Arts Festival - May 6

2011-04-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

Welborne Arts Festival is staging a fundraising Wine Tasting Evening at South Green Park Mattishall on Friday, May 6, 7.30pm for 7.45pm start with Emily Barclay of The Perfect Wine Company.

For tickets (£10 in advance), tel. 01362 858786, email welbornearts@hotmail.co.uk. Tickets on the door will cost £12. The evening also includes a wine quiz and raffle. All proceeds go to Welborne Arts Festival.

The 9th Welborne Arts Festival, the biggest village-based contemporary arts festival in Norfolk, returns on Saturday, June 18 (11.30am-6pm) and Sunday, June 19 (11.30am-4.30pm) with a packed programme of arts, music, circus, sport and dance, www.welborne.org.uk.

Wymondham Area Schools’ Brass Band Launches Wymondham’s Summer of Music - May 7

2011-04-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

Wymondham Area Schools’ Brass Band is performing in Wymondham Market Place on Saturday, May 7 from 10am to 12noon. The event marks the launch of Wymondham’s summer of music and the publication of Wymondham Music Festival’s 2011 programme, www.wymfestival.org.uk.

Copies of the Festival booklet promoting the historic market town’s music events from May onwards, including the 16th annual Festival Fortnight, June 25 to July 10, can be picked up on the morning of May 7.

The Festival’s summer programme promotes nearly 70 events, many of them free, featuring classical, folk, world, jazz, blues, pop, rock and soul music taking place in a range of venues across the town.

Other free Market Place events staged on Saturdays from 10am to 12noon: The He Hews (May 14), Town Busking Day (May 28), Norwich Ukulele Society (June 4), Bays River Jazz (June 11), Wymondham High School Jazz Orchestra and the Jazz Band of the Gymnasium Waldstrasse, Hattingen (June 25), SmokeHouse Blues New Orleans Marching Band (July 2) and Johnny Jump Band (July 9).

Highlights during the Festival Fortnight include concerts at the 12th century Wymondham Abbey featuring Mercury Prize finalist Kit Downes Trio (June 30), the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet (June 25) and Madeleine Mitchell (violin) and Andrew Ball (piano) (June 29). The newly refurbished Central Hall hosts The SweetBeats (July 2) Norfolk’s Lee Vasey Band (July 6), the Zimbabwean rhythms of the Anna Mudeka Band (July 8) and the Matt Wates Jazz Sextet (July 9).

There’s the annual Midsummer Jazz Picnic at Becketswell featuring the Dixie Mix Jazz Band (June 27). King’s Head Meadow hosts the Teddy Bears’ Picnic (July 3) with live music and storytelling.

Tickets go on sale on May 7, office@wymfestival.org.uk, tel. 01953 601939. Tickets for concerts can also be purchased at The Book Fountain in Wymondham, www.wymfestival.org.uk . Follow Wymondham Music Festival on Facebook and Twitter. Wymondham Music Festival is supported by Wymondham Town Council, South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council.

John Wood, Chair, Wymondham Music Festival said: “We are looking forward to a busy summer of music and hope that lots of old and new friends join us in the Market Place on May 7 to hear the Schools’ Brass Band and pick up a copy of our 2011 programme.”

Photograph: Wymondham Area Schools’ Brass Band, directed by Andrew Murray performing in Wymondham Abbey at last year’s Festival.

Raveningham Gardens – May Day Bank Holiday Openings

2011-04-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

Raveningham Gardens near Hales in South Norfolk is opening on Bank Holiday Sunday, May 1 and Monday, May 2, 2pm to 5pm. Viburnhams (photograph viburnham carlesii) and early flowering shrubs will be on display; also explore the 18th century walled kitchen garden, Victorian glasshouses, arboretum and herb garden, enjoy the contemporary sculpture throughout the gardens, and visit Raveningham’s 14th century church; tea and cakes on sale on May 1 and 2.

Raveningham Gardens, Raveningham, NR14 6NS is also open all Thursdays, 11am to 4pm, from 28 April to the end of August, admission adult £4, concessions £3.50 and children under 16 free. Tel. 01508 548152, http://www.raveningham.com.

Wymondham Old Timers Classic Car Show – Wroxham Barns, Sunday, May 1

2011-04-19T03:03:00.000-07:00

Up to 90 classic cars will feature at the Wymondham Old Timers Classic Car Show at Wroxham Barns on Sunday, May 1. Cars will start arriving at 10am and will leave at 4pm. Highlights include 1932 Rolls Royce Laundalette (photograph), 1947 Bentley Mark 6, 1936 Morris 10/6 Special and 1938 Austin Big 7. The show is raising money for the Fibre Optic Scanner Appeal, Norfolk & Norfolk NHS University Hospital.

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, tel. 01603 783762, is open daily 10am to 5pm, 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road.

East View Farm Cottages – National Enjoy England Silver Winners

2011-04-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jane and John Pond, East View Farm Cottages, Ashmanhaugh http://www.eastviewfarm.co.uk, Silver winners, Self-Catering Holiday of the Year, national Enjoy England Awards 2011, Birmingham University, 15 April 2011.

Picture left to right: Lady Penelope Cobham Chairman Visit England, John Pond, Jane Pond and Sandi Toksvig.

http://www.enjoyengland.com/corporate/corporate-information/excellence-awards/2011-awards.aspx

Photograph: Graham Jepson.