Father Christmas at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, Norfolk Broads

Here's a message from Father Christmas at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden in the Norfolk Broads.

Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Guided Walks at Fairhaven Garden, Norfolk Broads

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

Garden admission, including the guided walks, is adults £6, concessions £5.50 and children £3.50 (under 5 free). The walks last 1½ hours and a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine will be on offer at the end.

Highlights include the massive 950-year old King Oak and other ancient oak and beech trees and the views across South Walsham Inner Broad. Learn about the history of the garden, the collection of plants introduced by the 2nd Lord Fairhaven and the organic working methods still used today.

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

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. There is wheelchair access throughout 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.

Greater Yarmouth Tourism Reveals Growth in Seaside Breaks

Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority (GYTA) launched its 2014 campaign on Tuesday 10 December at Sea Life Great Yarmouth, to an audience of more than 200 local tourism professionals, who heard the welcome news that tourism is worth £550 million to the local economy. Tourism comprises nearly 30% of the borough’s workforce.

Councillor John Burroughs, His Worship the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, unveiled the 2014 brochure (cover jpg attached). The brochure cover focuses on traditional British beach fun confirming the continuing trend for ‘daycation’ and ‘staycation’ and rediscovering Great Yarmouth, which is a top 10 UK seaside resort.

The colourful brochure, which can also be viewed online via www.great-yarmouth.co.uk and downloaded as an app from UK Travel Guides, still has a key role to play in the marketing of the resort. But GYTA is increasingly strengthening its promotional digital armoury. A new Great Yarmouth tourism app was launched in the summer, with integral maps that use GPS technology while visitors are in the resort, to guide them to attractions, restaurants, car parks, toilets and even cash machines.  Mobile and business websites as well as the official tourism website all contribute to the digital mix, with just under two million visits (¾ million unique visits compared to ½ million in 2012) to www.great-yarmouth.co.uk so far this year.

Councillor Michael Jeal, Chair of GYTA said: “Tourism is vital to the economy of the Great Yarmouth area. It is equally vital for the public and private sectors to continue to work together to capitalise on the growth in British seaside holidays. Our flagships events, the Maritime Festival, Beach Volleyball and Summer Fireworks are prime examples of what can be achieved through successful partnerships and we look forward to a strong season for 2014.”

 Madam Mayoress Mrs Jenny Burroughs, the Mayor of Great Yarmouth Councillor John Burroughs and  Councillor Michael Jeal, Chair Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority at Sea Life Great Yarmouth.

With 65,000 bed spaces across the Borough, nearly a third of all holiday nights spent in Norfolk are tourists staying in Greater Yarmouth. Nearly 25% of all holidays nights spent in Norfolk and Suffolk combined are taken in the Borough of Great Yarmouth.

Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority (GYTA) is a unique public / private sector partnership, founded in 1994. It brings together all partners from both the public and private sector to ensure that together we can collectively provide a better resort to help businesses survive and flourish and ensure that jobs are created and sustained.

Praying with Icons Exhibition Opens at The Hostry Norwich Cathedral

St Seraphim's Trust is staging Praying with Icons – The Work of the Walsingham Iconographers at The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral until January 1, 2014.

Praying with Icons is the first exhibition of the work of the late Fr. David (d 1993) and Leon Liddament (d. 2010) of the Brotherhood of St. Seraphim, Walsingham. For more than forty years the iconographers made icons in the Orthodox Tradition, which can now be found in churches and private collections throughout the UK.

A reception was held at The Hostry on the evening of Wednesday, December 4 to mark the opening of the exhibition by the Bishop of Lynn, who is Father David’s nephew.

The Bishop of Lynn The Rt. Revd Jonathan Meyrick, Christopher Meyrick and Isolde Meyrick

The exhibition features 30 icons painted by Father David and Leon Liddament, archive film and information about the process of painting an icon and the use of icons in liturgy.

Archangel Michael by Leon Liddament (1983)

The Resurrection by Father David (1976)

For more information about St Seraphim’s Trust and St Seraphim's Orthodox Chapel, Walsingham t.
01328 820610 www.iconpainter.org.uk.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden , Norfolk Broads, Christmas Workshops

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Christmas Workshops

Christmas Wreath Making Workshops
Tuesday 17 December at 10.30am and at 7pm
Using fresh foliage from Fairhaven Garden create an individual wreath. All materials included - just bring a pair of secateurs and an apron.
Includes tea/coffee and mince pies. £17 per person, booking essential

Christmas Mantel Swag Workshop
Wednesday 18 December at 10.30am
Using fresh foliage from Fairhaven Garden create a stunning mantel swag. All materials included - just bring a pair of secateurs and an apron.
Includes tea/coffee and mince pies. £22 per person, booking essential.

Christmas Tree Door Hanging Workshop
Thursday 19 December at 10.30am
Using fresh foliage from Fairhaven Garden create an individual Christmas tree door hanging. All materials included - just bring a pair of secateurs and an apron. Includes tea/coffee and mince pies. £22 per person, booking essential.

To book t. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham, Norwich NR13 6DZ

Maids Head Hotel Norwich wins Best Food & Drink Category at Norfolk Tourism Awards

The Maids Head team at the EDP Visitnorfolk.co.uk Tourism Awards 

Maids Head Hotel Norwich staff are celebrating winning Best Food & Drink Tourism attraction at the EDP Visitnorfolk.co.uk Tourism Awards.

The hotel, which returned to private ownership last December when it was purchased by the Chaplin family, who also own The Gonville in Cambridge, embarked on a buy local policy in the New Year, inspired by Operations Manager, Dan Hawkie.

The entire restaurant menu is now sourced from local suppliers including Tavern Tasty Meats North Walsham, Barsby Produce King’s Lynn and Howard’s fishmonger in Norwich. Wine from Winbirri Vineyard in the Norfolk Broads features, along with the signature Maids Head Ale brewed by Woodfordes at Woodbastwick, also in the Norfolk Broads. The kitchen brigade is led by Polish Head Chef Marcin Pomierny (28), with Sous Chef David Lovett (25).

Christine Malcolm, General Manager, the Maids Head Hotel said: “Winning Best Food & Drink Attraction at the VisitNorfolk.co.uk Tourism Awards is a great encouragement for the team at the Maids Head. Our aim is to achieve a second AA Rosette for the restaurant and to continue developing the menu with a series of signature English dishes. We will be working closely with the Norfolk Food Festival in 2014, and our historic Maids Head bar will be part of the Norwich City of Ale celebrations in May.”

The Maids Head Hotel is situated close to Norwich Cathedral on the edge of what used to be the Saxon market place. The hotel claims to be the oldest in Britain based on the site being used continuously for hospitality since the early 12th century, when the Norman Bishops built their first palace there.

For more information about the Maids Head Hotel see www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk, t. 01603 209955.

Norwich Cathedral – Praying with Icons – The Work of the Walsingham Iconographers

St Seraphim's Trust is staging a groundbreaking exhibition, Praying with Icons –
The Work of the Walsingham Iconographers at The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral, from Thursday, December 5, 2013 to Wednesday, January 1, 2014, open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm and Sunday, 12noon to 3pm. Entry is free.

Praying with Icons is the first exhibition of work of the late Fr. David (d 1993) and Leon Liddament (d. 2010) of the Brotherhood of St. Seraphim. For more than forty years the iconographers made Icons in the Orthodox Tradition, which can now be found not only in churches and private collections in the UK but also the world. The icons of early British saints, including local saints, were an important part of their work

Father David at work

The exhibition, featuring 30 icons, will set the artists’ work within the tradition of iconography and Orthodox liturgy and prayer. It will also feature archive film of Walsingham as a place of pilgrimage and the iconographers at work.

Leon Liddament at work

“We are delighted to have been invited to stage an exhibition of at The Hostry,” said Sylvia Batchelor, St Seraphim’s Trust, “and are very grateful to the Dean and Chapter of Norwich Cathedral for giving us this very special opportunity. The exhibition will bring Fr. David and Leon Liddament’s work to a new audience and help raise the profile of the chapel and our plans for the future in Walsingham.”

Peter Doll, Canon Librarian, Norwich Cathedral said: “‘Norwich Cathedral is delighted to host this exhibition of icons in the Hostry. Eastern Orthodox communities are an important addition to the religious landscape of East Anglia, bringing valuable ancient traditions of prayer and spirituality. Orthodox icons have become significant features of many English churches, including the Cathedral.”

Special events 
Friday, December 6 at 7pm, ‘Praying with Icons’ a talk by Fr Stephen Stavrou. Fr. Stephen is an Anglican priest from an Orthodox background. He studied theology at St John’s College Cambridge and prepared for ordained ministry at Westcott House, while also doing a Masters at Peterhouse. His research focused on the use of liturgical arts in Worship, particularly Orthodox Christian Iconography.

Saturday, December 7 at 3.15pm, preview of ‘Living Prayer in Christianity’, a film by Richard Temple.

St Seraphim’s Trust (est. 2005) is based in the former Walsingham Railway Station, home to St Seraphim’s Orthodox Chapel since 1967. The chapel is located next to the coach park in Little Walsingham and is open daily.

The story of the Orthodox faith in Walsingham began in the 1930s when emigré Russian priests visited the Anglican Shrine. A Pan-Orthodox Chapel was established at the Anglican Shrine in 1945. But the growth of interest in the Orthodox faith led to the development of St Seraphim’s Chapel in the old railway station in 1967. Father David, the priest in charge led a Lay Brotherhood of St Seraphim and created the Icon workshop. Further growth in the Orthodox community saw the opening of the Holy Church of the Transfiguration in Great Walsingham in 1988.

Find about more about St. Seraphim’s Trust, including its peaceful garden and railway heritage at www.iconpainter.org.uk, t. 01328 820610.

For more information about Norwich Cathedral see www.cathedral.org.uk, t. 01603 218300, e. reception@cathedral.org.uk.

pocketi – Tourist Information on the move from Norwich based web consultancy

Norwich based web consultancy WSCreative has created pocketi, a new company to develop and market flexible iPhone and Android apps for tourist destinations. The app works without an internet connection, providing up to date tourist information on the move.

Pocketi and WSCreative director, Jeremy Storr worked with Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority (GYTA) to perfect the app, initially for iPhone. The app is also now available for Android devices: www.pocketi.co.uk/applink.

Jeremy Storr explained: “Working with GYTA, we have created a fantastic solution for destinations wishing to provide apps for their visitors. While the development of an app was recognised to be a key addition to their online marketing mix, GYTA did not wish to significantly add to their workload. They needed a creative and practical solution that would work with their existing destination management system.”

“The beauty of the pocketi app is that it contains all the resort information, text, images and maps, meaning that no internet connection is required to use it while out and about. Updates are sent to the app when the visitor has a WiFi connection, ensuring the latest content is always available, but removing the potential for high usage charges or the battery draining.”

“We started developing a tourist based app solution before the advent of the iPhone and Android phones using windows mobile devices, however we stepped back from this, as we realised that the market needed to mature. But we have always wanted to develop our own product, giving us the opportunity to utilise our experience and skills, so for the past year we have focussed on developing pocketi.”

Ken Sims, Chair of GYTA Marketing Group said: “The group really wanted to develop a practical app that would guide people around the area, but which wouldn’t run away with people’s money as far as data charges were concerned, especially if WiFi wasn’t available, and which wouldn’t require huge amounts of staff time. Having considered several options, the pocketi app is a clear winner, for both the resort and the tourist. We are delighted with the product and looking forward to working with pocketi to develop it further.”

Jeremy Storr pocketi with Ken Sims Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority

WS Creative was founded in 2003 by Jeremy Storr and Paul Tedds. Originally focused on the development of websites for the promotion of hotels and holiday accommodation, the business has worked across the full range of tourism and leisure businesses, providing online marketing advice, developing websites and bespoke software. Clients have included Norwich City Football Club, Norfolk Tourist Attractions’ Association, Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, Norwich HEART (Heritage and Regeneration Trust), Broads Edge Marina and The Imperial Hotel, Great Yarmouth.

For more information about pocketi see www.pocketi.co.uk, or call Jeremy Storr, t. 01603 340545,
m. 07747 012026, e. jeremy@pocketi.co.uk.

Timeless at Fairhaven Garden – David Dane’s Eighth Biennial Norfolk Broads Exhibition

David Dane is staging his eighth biennial exhibition of oil paintings, inspired by the Broads, Timeless, at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham in the Norfolk Broads, from Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, December 1, open daily 10am to 4pm; free entry to the exhibition.

River Ghost by David Dane

Timeless features original oils and Giclée prints reflecting the timeless beauty of the Broads. Visitors will be able to meet David Dane, who will be at Fairhaven daily throughout the exhibition.

David Dane has been one of Broadland’s best known artists for more than 40 years. In the 1980s and 1990s, David took the Broads worldwide with a series of prints, published by Rosentiel’s in London. Jenny White writing about his 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 looking forward to David’s return to Fairhaven for the third time. I hope visitors to Timeless explore our garden, enjoy the tranquillity by the 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. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 4pm during the winter (closed Christmas Day), entry: adult £6, senior citizen £5.50 and child £3.50 (under five free); tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

There is wheelchair access throughout 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.

10th Anniversary 50 Christmas Trees in a Church Dickleburgh South Norfolk December 1 to 8

This is a film of 50 Christmas Trees in a Church 2011

The 10th annual South Norfolk Christmas Tree extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, at All Saints Dickleburgh returns from Sunday, December 1 to Sunday, December 8, open daily 10am to 7pm (closes 4pm on December 8 for prize giving).

This year’s theme is The Nativity and the festival is supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care. Entry is adult £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75, children under 16 free.

Stewart White from BBC Look East will officially open 50 Christmas Trees in a Church at 5pm on Saturday, November 30.

Event organiser Rev’d Norman Steer, who is retiring from the role after organising all 10 festivals so far 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.”

Fourteen organisations who took part in the first festival in 2004 will be at Dickleburgh this year: Dickleburgh Primary School, Dickleburgh Good Companions. All Saints Church Dickleburgh, Dickleburgh Bell Ringers, Pulham Market Church, Pulham Brownies, Pulham St Mary Trailblazers, Pulhams Playgroup, St Mary’s Church & Daphne Buxton Memorial Fund Rushall, St Margaret’s Church Starston, Starston Pealers, St Andrew’s Church Thelveton, Harleston Primary School and Harleston Lions.

Christmas Trees of all shapes and sizes, some handmade featuring special seasonal messages, will decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses, community 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.

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.

Dickleburgh village is to the north of Diss, just off the A140; All Saints Dickleburgh postcode is IP21 4NQ. For group bookings and further information tel. 01379 854245, www.50christmastrees.com.

Acle Primary Schools' Group - Art Exhibition at Fairhaven Garden Norfolk Broads to November 17

Work by Fleggburgh Primary School

Primary schools in the Acle group are staging an art exhibition of work inspired by paintings by 19^th French artists Georges-Pierre Seurat and Henri Rousseau and the 20^th century Spanish artist Joan Miró, in the tearoom at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, until Sunday, November 17. The exhibition is open every day from 10am to 4pm.

Schools involved are Acle Primary School, Fairhaven Primary School, Fleggburgh Primary School, Freethorpe Primary School, Lingwood Primary School and Reedham Primary School.

In recent years the schools have embarked on series of joint curriculum projects, including poetry inspired by Olympic values and a poetry and writing exhibition. Rachel Quick-Gunning, Head Teacher at Freethorpe, whose background is in art history, suggested an art project for the autumn term using three paintings that each school could explore, then produce work to be brought together in an exhibition. 

Mrs Quick-Gunning explained: “I have always enjoyed exploring art and the history of art with children, using images as a way to understand history and give students an outlet for exploring their own ideas. I led two teacher training sessions to help teachers develop the project in their schools and chose paintings to suit different age groups and the setting of the exhibition.”

“Seurat's La Grande Jatte, also known as Walk in the Park on a Sunday Afternoon, was chosen for younger pupils.  It is a picture full of people walking and playing in the park.  Children could explore the relationships between the people, and imagine themselves in the park. Tiger Surprised by Rousseau is set in a contrived jungle setting, which replicates the undergrowth and bushes and trees at Fairhaven. Children enjoyed exploring the texture of the foliage, hidden animals and also real and imagined animals.”

“The final image, Harlequin's Carnival by Joan Miró, was chosen for older students, although some of the schools worked on this image with younger pupils. The painting allowed children to consider surreal images and surrealism, as well as links to maths and art.”

Mrs Quick-Gunning concluded: “Louise Rout, Fairhaven manager's kind offer to host the exhibition has allowed us to show our work to a wider audience and hopefully enhance the enjoyment of visitors to Fairhaven. I am most grateful to schools, staff and of course the children, who I hope have enjoyed exploring the paintings, the lives of the artists and also creating some wonderful art.”

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, t.01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk. The garden is open every day (closed Christmas Day), 10am to 4pm in winter and 10am to 5pm from March to the end of October.

Big Lottery Fund Joy for Norfolk Deaf Association

Celebrating at NDA HQ: Aliona Laker CEO NDA, Clayton Anderson, Tracy Mabbitt, Pam Spicer, John Marcus and Tony Innes Chairman NDA.

Trustees, staff and volunteers at Norfolk Deaf Association (NDA) are celebrating a £284,991 grant from the Big Lottery Fund Reaching Communities programme.

The grant secures the future of the charity’s vital Hearing Support Service (HSS) for the next three years and includes the purchase of a new minibus for the Listen Here! mobile clinic, which visits towns and villages and sheltered housing throughout Norfolk. The HSS celebrated its 20th anniversary in April.

Thirty-six trained volunteers fulfilled 10,100 HSS appointments in 2012/13, up from 7162 in 2011/12. The volunteers help people affected by hearing loss, advising them on the use, cleaning and maintenance of hearing aids.  Home visits are offered for those with limited mobility, and there are 39 static clinics and 28 mobile clinics provided by the Listen Here! Bus. The mobile clinic also visits 25 sheltered housing complexes.

Aliona Laker, Chief Executive of the Norfolk Deaf Association said: “The grant from the Big Lottery Fund is wonderful news for our staff and volunteers and the people we support in the community. The funding means that we can look forward with confidence for the next three years, recruit and train more volunteers, maintain our programme of static and mobile clinics and quickly respond to the increasing demand for home visits. Our work plays a vital role in overcoming feelings of isolation for people in Norfolk with hearing loss. Knowing that someone can help you with the operation and maintenance of your hearing aid can really help improve your day to day quality of life.”

“If you think you would be interested in becoming a volunteer please contact us at the NDA office” added Tony Innes, Chairman of the NDA, “We will offer you training, a supervised introduction to the work we do and then regular training updates so you can maintain professional standards. Our volunteers find it very enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Dr John FitzGerald, Head of Audiology, Norfolk & Norwich NHS University Hospital said: “This is really great news for hearing aid users across Norfolk. The Listen Here! Bus, static clinics and home visits provide a vital link for many of our patients who struggle to get to the hospital for help with hearing aid maintenance. Knowing that the NDA will continue to provide this outstanding local service into the future will be of great re-assurance to these patients.”

Diana Gee, HSS volunteer said: “I went deaf in my twenties and am now in my seventies. I moved to Norfolk 20 years ago and the help I received from the HSS made a big difference. I have been a volunteer for 16 years now. The support from NDA means a great deal to people and gives them confidence. Volunteers normally operate generally within a five-mile radius from home. I enjoy meeting clients and have between two and four appointments a week.”

The HSS is NDA’s largest service and is supported by the Norfolk & Norwich NHS University Hospital, which provides supplies and training. The service also receives some funding from North Norfolk, Norwich and South Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Groups as well as a number of Grant Making Trusts and individual donations.

Static Clinics include Blakeney, Coltishall, Fakenham, Gorleston, Holt, Ludham, Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea.

Mobile Clinics include Acle, Aylsham, Bunwell, Dereham, Diss, Harleston, Hingham, Hoveton, North Walsham, Reepham, Stalham, Swaffham, Taverham, Thetford, Watton and Wymondham.

NDA also runs an Assistive Listening Devices advice and support clinic on Thursday mornings between 10am and 1pm at the new NDA headquarters, 120 Thorpe Road, Norwich NR1 1RT.  This is ideal for anyone thinking of buying equipment to enhance hearing. A wide variety of equipment is on display including induction loops, wireless listeners, flashing and vibrating doorbells, vibrating alarm clocks, smoke alarms, telephone amplifiers and mobile phones.

For more information about HSS clinics or home visits or volunteering contact Pam Spicer, Hearing Support Service Co-ordinator on 01603 404440, email nhss@norfolkdeaf.org.uk or visit the website at www.norfolkdeaf.org.uk.

Norfolk Deaf Association 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.

Autumn Colours Tour at Fairhaven Garden Norfolk Broads - Sunday, November 17

Enjoy the spectacular autumn colours at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham in the Norfolk Broads, with its mature oak and beech trees, on this guided walk with Head Gardener Ian Guest on Sunday, November 17 at 11am.

Garden entry is £6 adult; £5.50 conc, £3.50 child, under 5’s free, dogs 25p (to cover poop scoop); no additional charge for the guided walk.

There is also a Christmas Fayre on November 17 from 11am to 3pm (free entry) with Christmas cakes, jewellery, decorations, woodcrafts and more.

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.

The garden is open daily all year (closed Christmas Day), free entry to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. There is wheelchair access throughout 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.

FANN13 – The 2013 Norwich Lecture – Thursday 7 November at University of East Anglia

Norfolk Association of Architects’ 2013 Norwich Lecture will be given by internationally renowned Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira on Thursday 7 November, 6.30pm for 7pm in Lecture Theatre 1, University of East Anglia, Norwich

The lecture is in association with UEA and is supported by RG Carter. The lecture is free, no booking required.

Álvaro Siza Vieira accolades include the 2009 RIBA Gold Medal, the Venice Biennale's Golden Lion, the Pritzker Prize and the International Union of Architects Gold Medal.  The event brings FANN13, the Festival of Architecture in Norwich and Norfolk to a close. For more information see www.fann.org.uk

Great Yarmouth Graveyard Walk – Heritage Walks Autumn Holiday Special – October 31

Great Yarmouth Minster

Great Yarmouth Minster and its graveyard is the setting for The Graveyard Walk at 2pm on Thursday, October 31. Meet at the Fishermen’s Hospital gates at the northern end of the market to hear fascinating stories about characters laid to rest in this large consecrated area next to the medieval town wall. 

Places must be booked in advance on 01493 846346 or at Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre, Marine Parade. Prices: £6.50 adults, £4.50 children (7-16), under 7’s free; 10 paying people minimum required for the walk to go ahead. Price includes refreshments.  Walk lasts approx. two hours. 

There’s the tomb of a sailor killed by pirates and a ghost story about an Egyptian princess. Hear about James Sharman (d.1867), the first curator of the Nelson Monument. Charles Dickens based the character Peggoty in David Copperfield on Mr Sharman, who served on HMS Victory at Trafalgar as a ‘pressed man’ and claimed to have carried Nelson’s body below decks.  

See the monument commemorating those who died in the suspension bridge disaster of 1845 and discover the bricked up gate where some of Nelson’s sailors took their final journey, visit the town cemetery where sailors and merchants lie side by side next to six listed memorials.

For more information about Great Yarmouth’s Heritage Walks see www.heritage-walks.co.uk. 

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden - Norfolk Broads - October Half Term Activities

It’s Grow Your Own Oak Tree Week at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham in the Norfolk Broads from Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3, daily 10am to 5pm. Head into the garden and forage for your own acorn, then take it away in a recycled pot filled with Fairhaven leaf soil.

Then on Tuesday, October 29, it’s Bird Day with the RSPB, from 11am to 3pm. Prepare your garden for birds this winter by making bird feeders and bird boxes (small charge for bird box).

Normal entry charges apply for both activities: adult £6, senior citizen £5.50 and child £3.50 (under five free).

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  (10am to 4pm during the winter and closed Christmas Day). Free entry to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

There is wheelchair access throughout 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 Garden - Norfolk Broads - Halloween Haunted Trail – Thursday, October 31

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham in the Norfolk Broads invites you to scare yourself silly on the spooky trail round the garden – the 14th annual Halloween Haunted Trail, on Thursday, October 31, from 6pm to 8pm. 

Enjoy watching fire artists and live music from The Grim Reapazz. Watch out for Dracula appearing from his coffin and zombies, mummies and witches on the trail, along with a firework finale at 7.45pm. 

Tickets cost, adults £6, concessions £5 and children (age 3-16)  £3.50. Visitors can go round the trail as many times as they dare and should bring their own torch. Ticket only event, to book t. 01603 270449. Hot soup, sandwiches and snacks will be on sale in the tearoom. Please note this event is not suitable for children under 3, pushchairs and dogs.

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

The garden is open daily all year (closed Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm (closes 4pm in the winter), free entry to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. 

Maids Heads Hotel Norwich – Young Polish Head Chef Launches First Menu

Marcin Pomierny (28), the new Head Chef at the historic four-star Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, has launched his first seasonally inspired menu, entirely sourced from Norfolk suppliers.

Marcin, who trained as a chef in Poland, has worked in Norwich since 2005. He arrived in the UK with minimal English, secured a job as a kitchen porter and has learned the language and the British way of running a kitchen on the job, to become a Head Chef in just eight years. He was a finalist in the Craft Guild of Chefs Young Chef of the Year competition in 2008.

Marcin Pomierny and David Lovett

Marcin leads a young brigade of six. David Lovett (25), Sous Chef, is also new to the Maids Head. A self-confessed tearaway as a youngster, he left school with no qualifications, but was inspired to pursue professional cooking as a career when he began as a kitchen porter in Norwich aged 18.

Highlights from the new menu:
Starters
Norfolk rabbit & chicken terrine, celeriac remoulade, spicy chutney and toasted sourdough bread.
Dill salmon gravlax, blini, pickled cucumber, beetroot & caper dressing.
Main Courses
Pumpkin & potato gnocchi, wild mushrooms and runner beans, mixed leaf salad.
Seared fillet of sea bream, saffron turned potatoes, buttered spinach, crispy leaks and sauce vierge.
Desserts
Pear tarte tatin, clotted cream ice cream.
Hazelnut parfait, vanilla marshmallow, candied hazelnuts, shortbread, chocolate sauce.

Marcin Pomierny said: “Working at the Maids Head gives me the opportunity to be creative. I test all new dishes with staff before they go on the menu. I am planning to develop some Maids Head signature dishes based on traditional English food and am very keen to secure a second AA Rosette for the restaurant. I am very happy to teach my team and help them progress, focussing both on the method of cooking and its presentation.”

David Lovett added: “I like to make dishes that people can’t make at home. It’s all about the texture and creativity. Marcin, who is know as ‘Magic’, is a very hard worker and creates a good atmosphere in the kitchen making it a strong team.”

Christine Malcolm, General Manager the Maids Head Hotel said: “We run a very busy multi-faceted catering business combining the restaurant, lounge and bars with special functions, conferences and weddings. Marcin and David have brought energy, creativity and passion to our kitchen and share our ambition to make the Maids Head one of the top food destinations in the region.”

For more information about the Maids Head Hotel see www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk,
t. 01603 209955.    

FANN 13 – The Festival of Architecture for Norfolk and Norwich 10 October to 7 November

FANN13, the Norfolk Association of Architects’ biennial festival celebrating the county’s contemporary architecture, returns from Thursday 10 October to Thursday 7 November with a packed programme of events in Norwich.

Many of the events are free and include an exhibition showcasing Norfolk architects’ work and Perspectives talks at The Forum; The Norwich Lecture, this year given by internationally renowned award-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira at UEA; architecture inspired art at venues across the city; children’s events at Norwich Castle and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts; Tea with an Architect on Norwich Market; a photography competition in association with EDP ‘NorfolkIs’; Pattern Book an exhibition on tumblr by first year students at Norwich University of The Arts and films and a Pecha Kucha evening at Cinema City.

Matt Wood from Lucas Hickman Smith, Chair of the FANN 13 steering group said:  “We have created an exciting programme of activities in Norwich, 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 are also looking forward to welcoming Álvaro Siza Vieira to Norwich. His lecture at UEA on 7 November will close the festival. Do come along and meet us at The Forum, enter our photography competition and take part in our events.”

For full details go to www.fann.org.uk, email info@fann.org.uk and follow the Festival on Twitter @ArchiFestival #FANN13 and Facebook.

FANN 13 Events

FANN 13 Exhibition: the Festival Exhibition at The Forum, Thursday 10 to Thursday 17 October and Sunday 20 to Wednesday 23 October inclusive, showcasing work of Norfolk’s architectural practices, in the city, county and further afield. Winning projects in the Norwich Society’s Annual Awards and the South Norfolk Council Design Awards will also feature. Meet and chat with local architects every day from 9am to 6pm.

Architects exhibiting: A Squared Architects, Chaplin Farrant, Keith Day Architects, DPA Architects, Feilden & Mawson, Hudson Architects, Ingleton Wood, Henry Kelf, Lambert Bardsley Reeve, LSI Architects, Lucas Hickman Smith, NPS Group, Parsons + Whittley, Margaret Paxton, Purcell Architects, Reynolds Jury Architecture, Roberts Molloy Associates, SMG Architects, Lewis + Tyrrell Architects and The Whitworth Co-Partnership.

Perspectives: a series of free early evening talks aimed at giving fresh perspective on architecture in the region:

 David Bussey on George Skipper, in association with the Sainsbury Centre’s Masterpieces: Art and East Anglia. Wednesday 16 October, 6.30pm to 7.30.pm at The Curve in The Forum. David Bussey will discuss the work of leading Edwardian and Norwich born architect, George Skipper.
 John Worthington on Collaborative Urbanism: The Shaping of Enjoyable Places, in association with Norwich University of the Arts. Tuesday 22 October. 6.30pm to 7.30pm at The Lecture Theatre, NUA, Duke Street, Norwich. John Worthington is co-founder of DEGW, Director of the Academy of Urbanism and Patron of the Urban Design Group.
 Reenie Elliott on Invisible Architecture: Coast, Nature and Artifice
Wednesday 23 October, 6.30pm to 7.30pm at The Curve at The Forum
Contrasting American, Dutch and British examples, including tidal and extreme landscape conditions, architect Reenie Elliott considers how formal architectures are reclaimed for the wilderness. Challenging oppositions between nature and artifice, Reenie will discuss regional attitudes to these cultural constructions, and how they shape our understanding of architecture.

Junior Architects: Half-term events to inspire the budding architect.
 Curious Architecture: Norwich Castle, Timothy Gurney Gallery, 28 and 29 October, 11am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Design your own folly with help from local architects. Drop in family activity, free with museum entry.
 Space Shelters: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, UEA, 31 October, 10.30am to 3pm. Work with artist Liz Ballard and architect Liz Harris to build temporary shelters inspired by habitats designed for Mars and the Moon. Price: £18, £14 concessions; includes materials; Booking essential, t 01603 593199, event suitable for young people aged 12-15.

Playing with Space: a collection of short films and video-clips exploring how buildings and urban spaces are used and abused in a variety of unexpected, amusing and sometimes frightening ways. Sunday 20 October, 11am and 12 noon (runs 58 minutes), free event at Fusion, The Forum. Originally curated by Tim Philips and Norwich-based artists Townley & Bradby for firstsite in Colchester.

NUA Architecture: The Pattern Book – first-year architecture students from Norwich University of the Arts will be creating a live exhibition of their first impressions of Norwich, sharing pages from their sketchbooks via Tumblr and Twitter. Follow the online exhibition from 10 to 25 October at patternbook.tumblr.com.

FANN13 Pecha Kucha
Pecha Kucha is a fast-moving presentation format in which speakers talk to 20 slides each for exactly 20 seconds. Presentations can feature any creative subject, for example art, design, travel and food. But expect the FANN13 PK-Night to feature plenty of architecture! Cinema City Bar, Sunday 20 October, 20.20hrs. Anyone can register to present – see www.pechakucha.org/cities/norwich for more details.

Tea with an Architect: Norwich Market, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October:
If you’re thinking about a building project but don’t know where to start, our Tea with an Architect event is a great opportunity for you to bring in your ideas, designs and questions for a free consultation with a local architect. Donations to Shelter, RIBA supported charity. Event in association with Norwich City Council, Tea With an Architect and The Little Red Roaster. To book an appointment go to http://teawithanarchitect.com/events/fann-event.

Norfolk Association of Architects’ Norwich Lecture 2013
Thursday 7 November, Lecture Theatre 1, UEA, 6.30pm for 7pm, free event.
The Norwich Lecture will be given by internationally renowned award-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. His accolades include the 2009 RIBA Gold Medal, the Venice Biennale’s Golden Lion, the Pritzker prize and the International Union of Architects Gold Medal.

Photography Competition: Norfolk has many beautiful buildings and structures, old and new, side by side. Architecture surrounds you every day: your walk to work, your city, your village, your house. Together let’s paint a picture of the real Norfolk thorough the contemporary architecture that surrounds us. Open competition in association with EDP NorfolkIs; plus under-15 competition, see www.fann.org.uk for more details (closing date 10 October).

Architecture in Film: architecture surrounds us, forming the backdrop for our daily lives. It is no surprise that it also features in films – rarely as the main event, but always adding atmosphere and context. A short series of films at Cinema City, Norwich:
 Red Road (18) (2006), directed by Andrea Arnold
Sunday 13 October at 5.20pm, introduced by Charles Barr, Professor Emeritus of Film Studies at UEA.
 A Clockwork Orange (18) (1971), directed by Stanley Kubrick
Thursday 17 October at 8.15pm, introduced by Peter Kramer, Senior Lecturer in Film Studies at UEA, and author of A Clockwork Orange (Controversies).
 Farenheit 451 (12A) (1966), directed by François Truffaut
Monday 21 October at 8.30pm, introduced by Dr. James Benedict Brown, Lecturer in Architecture at NUA.
See www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Cinema_City or call 0871 902 5724 for ticket prices.

Constructing Excellence AGM 2013 – The UEA Exemplar Low Carbon Building
A talk by Ben Binns of the UEA’s Adapt Low Carbon Group and Ben Humphries of Architype Architects. Monday 14 October 2013, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, The Curve at The Forum (see www.fann.org.uk for booking details).

Norfolk Deaf Association Opens New HQ on Thorpe Road Norwich

Norfolk Deaf Association (NDA) has moved to new headquarters at 120 Thorpe Road in Norwich, and marked the opening of the new office with the charity’s Annual Public Meeting on Thursday 19 September.

Pictured left to right are Christopher Doggett Treasurer NDA, Tony Innes, Chairman NDA and David Baguley, Head of Service Audiology / Hearing Implants,  Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who was guest speaker at the Annual Public Meeting

Tony Innes, Chairman NDA Trustees explained: “Our old office at Silver Road had served us well, but had become less suitable for our needs, with difficult first floor access. Our lease was coming to an end, so we decided to look for new premises. The office at 120 Thorpe Road, close to Norwich station and well served by public transport, is just what we need. The premises are on the ground floor, with good wheelchair access, dedicated parking spaces and much better facilities for our clinics, supports groups and volunteer training.”  

Sylvia Rogers from North Walsham, a volunteer with the NDA Hearing Support Service added: “I suffer from hearing loss and know how important it is to have people who can understand your problems, so I trained as a volunteer 18 months ago and work at the Hearing Support Service clinic in our head office. Thorpe Road is much more convenient; we have a better room for the clinic and it is easy to get help and advice from staff who are close by. Being involved with NDA keeps me up to date and makes me realise that I am not alone.”      

Jack Bradstock has been working as a volunteer at the Assisted Listening Devices clinic for a year: “Thorpe Road is very easy to find and more people have been coming to our clinics. The office is on the ground floor, so it is easy for visitors of all abilities to enter the building.”

Norfolk Deaf Association 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.

Hearing Support Service – volunteers help people affected by hearing loss, advising them on the use, cleaning and maintenance of hearing aids. Home visits are offered for those with limited mobility, and there are 50 static clinics and 28 mobile clinics, provided by the Listen Here! Bus, in towns and villages in Norfolk. The mobile clinic also visits 25 sheltered housing complexes. The timetables for both the static and mobile clinics can be downloaded from the website at www.norfolkdeaf.org.uk, or tel. 01603 404440 (voice/minicom).

Static Clinics include Blakeney, Coltishall, Fakenham, Gorleston, Holt, Ludham, Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea. Mobile Clinics include Acle, Aylsham, Bunwell, Dereham, Diss, Harleston, Hingham, Hoveton, North Walsham, Reepham, Stalham, Swaffham, Taverham, Thetford, Watton and Wymondham.

In addition NDA runs an Assistive Listening Devices advice and support clinic on Thursday mornings between 10am and 1pm at the Thorpe Road headquarters.  This is ideal for anyone thinking of buying equipment to enhance hearing. A wide variety of equipment is on display including induction loops, wireless listeners, flashing and vibrating doorbells, vibrating alarm clocks, smoke alarms, telephone amplifiers and mobile phones.

Norfolk Deaf Association is at 120 Thorpe Road, Norwich NR1 1RT, t. 01603 404440
(voice/minicom).

FANN 13 – Norwich – Art and Architecture Exhibitions – October

FANN13, the Norfolk Association of Architects’ biennial festival celebrating the county’s contemporary architecture features a series of Art and Architecture exhibitions at venues across Norwich. The exhibitions begin on Tuesday, October 1 with a month-long show at The Workshop, 53 Earlham Road, featuring the work of illustrator and graphic designer Richard Horne.

Richard Horne, Revolutionary Norwich Series - City Hall

Richard Horne’s exhibition includes his colourful Revolutionary Norwich series of prints and new work featuring the Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern and St Pauls Cathedral in London.

The main festival runs from October 10 to November 7. For full festivals details go to www.fann.org.uk, email  info@fann.org.uk and follow the Festival on Twitter @ArchiFestival #FANN13 and Facebook.

Matt Wood from Lucas Hickman Smith, Chair of the FANN 13 steering group said:  “Many artists are inspired by the forms, patterns and history of the buildings they see, and many architects feel moved to draw and paint beyond their ‘day job’.  Enjoy our series of exhibitions by architectural artists and artistic architects at Norwich city centre venues throughout October and early November.”

Art Architecture Exhibitions
 Richard Horne
1 to 31 October, The Workshop, 53 Earlham Road, NR2 3AD Norwich, 01603 615853
 Jeremy Taylor – ‘Painting Architecture; Form & Colour’
10 October to 16 November, Anteros Arts Foundation, Fye Bridge Street,  Norwich NR3 1LJ (gallery open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm) 01603) 766129  www.anteros.co.uk
 Nicholas Juett
10 to 23 October. Expresso, 12 St Georges Street, Norwich NR3 1BA, t 01603 768881, www.expresso-online.co.uk
 Bradley Johnson
10 to 23 October, The Narthex, Cathedral of John the Baptist, Unthank Road, Norwich, NR2 2PA, t. 01603 624615 www.sjbcathedral.org.uk
 'nuamafa’
Rhona Fleming, Sarah Foyster, Claire Nelmes, Andy Rhodes, Juan-Jose Guerra-Valiente, 10 to 23 October, The Playroom, Norwich Playhouse, 42-58 St Georges Street, Norwich NR3 1AB, t. 01603 766669  www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
 Simon Robinson – ‘The Smell of Bitumen’
10 to 23 October, Take 5, 17 Tombland, Norwich, NR3 1HF, t. 01603 614210
 Rhona Fleming
14 October to 11 November, Appleyard & Co, 36 Exchange Street, Norwich NR2 1AX, t 01603 663876, www.appleyardandco.tumblr.com
 Debbie Ayles – ‘Attention to Detail’
     14 to 26 October, Flint Hair Salon, 24 St Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4AQ,
t. 01603 616117, www.flinthair.co.uk
 'Shift: New Photography in the Norfolk Landscape'
Carys O'Brien, James Benedict Brown & Stephen Jarvis, 17 to 20 October (4pm-8pm) Nunn's Yard Gallery/Yallops Gallery, St. Augustine's St, Norwich NR3 3BY,www.nunnsyard.co.uk
 Joni Smith – paper artist
17 to 19 October, Fabulous Frames, 97 Upper St Giles Street, Norwich NR2 1AB www.fabulous-frames.co.uk

Nine Tenths Below - Shanty Group at Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival

Chuck Fleming & Benny Graham at Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival 2013

The Taste of Autumn at Raveningham Gardens

The Taste of Autumn at Raveningham Gardens (near Hales, Norfolk) on Sunday 6 October, from 11am to 4pm, is a celebration of the autumnal fruits of the garden, hedgerow and woodland, with Raveningham’s walled vegetable garden, glasshouses, orchard and herb garden at its heart.  Meet local producers and enjoy talks and tours on fungi, herbs, fruit and vegetables.  Entry is £5 a car.  The event is part of the EDP Adnams Norfolk Food & Drink Festival.

Jekka McVicar, known as ‘the queen of herbs’, will be giving talks on herbs. She has won a record 62 RHS Gold medals for her herb displays at Chelsea Flower Show and created Jamie Oliver’s herb garden. More than 600 species of culinary, medicinal and aromatic herbs from around the world are grown at Jekka’s Herb Farm in Gloucestershire.

Richard Hobbs will be giving tips on growing and caring for fruit trees. Fungi expert, Neil Mahler will lead fungi forays in the park, advising on what to pick and cook and what to avoid. Cook With Me Kids will be running activities for children in the tearoom. Neville Turner, a local expert on apple identification, will be on hand to help visitors identify apples.

The Bacon family and their gardening team will give tours of the walled kitchen garden – discover Raveningham’s vegetable gardening secrets, hear about the history of the garden and buy garden produce. More than 30 different vegetables are grown during the year, including old-fashioned varieties like salsify and scorzonera (both root vegetables). Pride of place in the orchard goes to the 200-year old Queen Charlotte apple tree. There is also a working Victorian melon pit, along with the herb garden created by Susan Bacon. Grapes, peaches, figs and plants are grown in the glasshouses.

Visitors will be welcome to explore the 18th century walled kitchen garden, Victorian glasshouses, arboretum and herb garden at their leisure and enjoy contemporary sculpture throughout the gardens, as well as walk round the lake created to mark the Millennium. Raveningham’s 14th century church will be open.

Tea, cakes and apple pie made from Raveningham apple trees, along with jams and jellies made from the fruits of the estate’s hedgerows and local honey will be on sale. There will also be a hog roast.

Local nurseries and producers attending include: Black Cottage Nursery, Yare Valley Oils, Jelly Cottage Plants, Norfolk Sloe Company, Green Pastures Nursery, Hillfield Nursery, Candi’s Chutneys, The Cheese and Pie Man, The Little Fudge Stall and Franchi Seeds of Italy. The Hardy Plant Society will have an information stall.

Raveningham Gardens NR14 6NS is signposted off A146 at Hales, t. 01508 548152, www.raveningham.com.

Great Yarmouth Heritage Open Days 12 to 15 September

An exciting programme of free tours and drop in events is on offer in the Borough of Great Yarmouth during Heritage Open Days weekend, Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 September.

Nelson's Monument - The Norfolk Pillar - Great Yarmouth

Many of the buildings involved are not normally open to the public; explore the Masonic Royal Assembly Rooms, get behind the scenes on a Grandstand Tour at Wellesley Recreation Ground and visit the Fishermen’s Hospital.

Enjoy an on site talk about the restoration of Vauxhall Bridge, take the Trawler Trail guided walk in Gorleston and go on tours of Great Yarmouth Town Hall.

Visit St Mary’s Church, West Somerton, final resting place of Robert Hales ‘the Norfolk Giant’ and All Saints Church Horsey, which dates back to Saxon times.

Walk from Reedham to Polkey’s Mill and Reedham Marsh Steam House, or visit Morse’s Wind Engine Park at Repps with Bastwick, the only collection of historic wind pumps in the UK.

Go on tours of Great Yarmouth Minster, The Norfolk Pillar (Nelson’s Monument) and Georgian Great Yarmouth and visit the Elizabethan House Museum and Tolhouse Museum.

Great Yarmouth Minster

Cllr Bernard Williamson, Great Yarmouth’s Heritage Champion, said: “Heritage Open Days is an exciting way for us to showcase the fascinating heritage there is in Great Yarmouth, with amazing opportunities for people to get behind the scenes at many of the borough’s wonderful historical buildings.”

Pick up a Great Yarmouth Heritage Open Days leaflet at the Tourist Information Centre,
t. 01493 846346, or download a copy of the leaflet from www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/heritageopendays.    

Borough of Great Yarmouth – Heritage Open Days events and tours – full list

Pre-Booked Events
Guided Walk - Trawler Trail, Gorleston, Thursday 12 September at 2pm
Meet at entrance to Morrison's Supermarket, Dock Tavern Lane, Gorleston on Sea NR31 6PY. Explore Gorleston on Sea from the eyes of Samuel Hewett, one time proprietor of the largest fishing fleet in the world, sailing from Gorleston under The Short Blue House Flag. His use of the foremost techniques in the industry involved 'well ships' and ice houses to keep his fish fresh longer and command higher prices for his quality produce. T 01493 846346 to book.

Great Yarmouth Town Hall, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September, open 10am to 4.30pm, pre-booked guided tours at 11am and 2pm.Hall Quay, Great Yarmouth NR30 2QF. Built in 1882 and recently refurbishment Great Yarmouth Town Hall will be open for HOD's visitors to view the Civic Rooms including the Mayor's Parlour and Council Chamber (formerly used as a Magistrates Court). The town's regalia and some of the Borough's art collection will also be available for viewing.  T 01493 846125 to book.

Great Yarmouth Minster Thursday 12 and Saturday 14 September open 10am to 4pm, Friday 13 September open 10am to 1pm and Sunday 15 September open 11am to 4pm. Guided tour on Saturday at 2pm, t 01493 846346 to book.Church Plain, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1NE. Great Yarmouth Minster was built in 1101 and is the largest parish church in the country. It was destroyed during WWII, with just the walls and towers left standing. Restored by Stephen Dykes Bower between 1957 and 1961. Photographic display of Herring Fishing Industry. Refreshments.

Guided Walk - Great Georgian Yarmouth, Friday 13 September at 2pm Meet at Fisherman's Hospital Entrance, Market Place, Great Yarmouth NR30 1ND. See another side to Great Yarmouth on this walk looking at some of the stunning Georgian architecture interwoven into the fabric of the town. From Row 44 where Nelson stayed in the Angel Hotel through to the Victorian Arcade, along King Street and the quay, see the amazing range of beautiful facades. T. 01493 846346 to book.

Vauxhall Bridge Restoration, Saturday 14 September at 10am, North Quay, Great Yarmouth NR30 1JF. Built in 1852 the wrought iron Fairbairn-type box glider Vauxhall Bridge is believed to be the last one remaining in the country. Miriam Kikis chairperson of the Vauxhall links group will give a talk about the history of the bridge, its significance to Great Yarmouth and the restoration project. T 01493 846346 to book.

Open Day Events – no need to book 
Grandstand at Wellesley Recreation Ground, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September 9am to 4pm and Saturday 14 September 9am to 12noon. Tours daily at 11am.Wellesley Road, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1EY. One of the earliest surviving football grandstands in England still in use today, dating back to 1890 and designed by J.W. Cockrill. Refreshments.

Old Meeting Unitarian Church, Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September 10am to 2pm and Sunday 15 September 11am to 2pm. Greyfriars Way, Great Yarmouth NR30 0EG. With its roots in Transylvania from the time of the reformation, the Unitarian Church has had a congregation of Dissenters dating in the town from 1642. The current church built in 1954 replaced a WWII bomb damaged building based in Middlegate. A special display for visitors will show the history of the Unitarian church and some of its more famous members.

Tolhouse Museum, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September 10am to 4pm, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September 12noon to 4pm. Tolhouse Street just off South Quay, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2SH.
Take a journey through crime and punishment in Great Yarmouth in one of England’s oldest prisons. Learn of the fates of thieves, smugglers, witches, pirates and murderers. Hear both gaoler and prisoners tell their stories of transportation, incarceration and execution.

The Masonic Royal Assembly Rooms, Thursday 12, Friday 13 & Saturday 14 September, Tours at 10am, 12noon  & 2pm. Albert Square, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3JH. Originally designed to be Assembly and Reading Rooms in 1863, the building was bought from the Norfolk Militia by the Masons in 1919 and has had significant refurbishment.

The Fishermen's Hospital, Thursday 12, Friday 13, Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 September, talk at 11am daily Market Place, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1ND.The Fishermen's Hospital was built in 1762 by the corporation of Great Yarmouth for old or ‘decayed’ fishermen. It could house up to 40 residents, but now only nine cottages remain with nine residents. Tours will include cottage no 8, which will be opened especially for HOD’s visitors. A talk will be given each day at 11am and complimentary tea & coffee will be available.

St Mary's Church, West Somerton, Thursday 12 & Friday 13 September 9am to 6pm, Saturday 14 September 9am to 1pm & 4pm to 6pm, Sunday 15 September 12noon to 6pm, Church Lane, West Somerton NR29 4DR. A 13th century thatched roof church with round tower, famous for its 14th century medieval wall paintings and for the tombstone of Robert Hales, the 'Norfolk Giant'. Special exhibition of drawings by local artist John Finnie.

Elizabethan House Museum, Thursday 12 & Friday 13 September 10am to 4pm, Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 September 12noon to 4pm.South Quay, Great Yarmouth NR30 2QH. The Elizabethan House is probably one of the Yarmouth quayside houses Daniel Defoe described as looking like ‘little palaces’. Explore the lives of the families who lived there from Tudor through to Victorian times.

Wind Energy Museum - The Morse Collection, Repps, Thursday 12 & Friday 13 September 10am to 2pm, t. 07796 407864 to arrange guided tour Marsh Road, Off Staithe Road, Repps, NR29 5JU.
The only collection of historical wind-pumps in Great Britain. They demonstrate the drainage systems of Norfolk, whilst showing examples of different types & mechanisms including a full size working scoop wheel.

The stories behind the stones at Great Yarmouth Minster, Friday 13 September, Tour at 11am
Church Plain, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1NE. Guided tour with local historian Paul Davies looking at some of the discoveries and telling the stories behind the gravestones in the cemeteries at Great Yarmouth Minster.

Great Yarmouth Potteries, Friday 13 September, 9.30am to 3pm, 18 Trinity Place, Great Yarmouth NR30 3HA. This unique museum in the 700 year-old medieval town wall is crammed full of memorabilia of the days when Great Yarmouth had a huge fishing fleet and dates back 300 years. The museum contains many unusual items from the old drifters and an array of items reclaimed from the sea. Refreshments

Conservation of Cemetery Monuments Friday 13 September at 3pm,Great Yarmouth Minster, Church Plain, Great Yarmouth NR30 1NE. A guided walk with Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s Principal Conservation Officer. Explore monuments and statues looking at conservation issues and methods.

All Saints Church Horsey, Friday 13 September 12noon to 5pm, Saturday 14 September 10am to 5pm and Sunday 15 September 12noon to 5pm - organ recital 12noon. The Street, Horsey NR29 4EF
A beautiful Saxon church with round tower and thatched roof. Photographic displays will show the village and church through the ages along with the Horsey flood and information and photographs on the church’s restoration project. The surrounding churchyard is a place of particular peace and beauty.

Holy Trinity Church, Caister on Sea, Saturday 14 September 9am to 4pm. Norwich Road, Caister on Sea, NR30 5JN. Originally a 14th century church, re-built in the 18th century and beyond with an impressive ornate 15th century font which was brought in from Suffolk. The strong links with Caister Lifeboat throughout its history can be seen by memorials inside and outside the church including a stunning stained glass window of Christ and the Fisherman, by Paul Woodruffe, which commemorates the 1901 lifeboat disaster.  Refreshments

Quaker Meeting House, Saturday 14 September 10am – 4pm. Howard Street South, Great Yarmouth NR30 1LN. Quakers have worshiped in Great Yarmouth since 1649.  Beneath the present building there are the remains of a 14th century cell occupied by Augustinian Friars until the dissolution of the monasteries, c.1536.

The Norfolk Naval Pillar (Nelson's Monument), Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September 10am to 3pm, booking not essential but advised, t 01493 850698.Monument Road, South Denes, Great Yarmouth NR30 3PX. Guided tours; climb the 217 steps for breathtaking views of the town and surrounding countryside. Discover the history of this Grade I listed monument and its links to Lord Nelson.

Polkey's Mill & Reedham Marsh Steam Engine House, Saturday 14 September 12noon to 4pm, Wherryman's Way (footpath), Reedham NR13 3UB. The site includes a working drainage mill, which will be operating weather permitting. Beside the mill is an old steam engine house built in 1880 (no steam engine). Visitors will be allowed access to the buildings. Tours of Polkey's Mill in small groups will be available.