Edwardian Watercolour of Maids Head Hotel Returns to Norwich

Maids Head Hotel Norwich by Walter Hayward-Young (1908)

A framed Edwardian watercolour of the exterior of the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, painted by Walter Hayward-Young in 1908 for a series of postcards of the hotel, has been discovered in a loft in Surrey.

Graham O’Connell, who lives in Frimley Green, Surrey, bought the painting 20 years ago in Camberley, along with a number of other paintings, drawings and documents. He was tidying up items in his loft, found the painting and decided to offer it to the Maids Head.

Christine Malcolm, General Manager, Maids Head Hotel said: “We are delighted that Mr O’Connell has given his painting to the hotel, which will be framed and put on display. It was one of a several watercolours of the Maids Head painted by Walter Hayward-Young for postcards. The collection also included one of the ground floor dining room (now The Yard Bar), the Snug and the Courtyard (now the Wine Press Restaurant), the Queen Elizabeth suite and a first floor corridor.”

Mr O’Connell suggested that the Maids Head make a donation to charity in return for his gift. A cheque for £50 has been presented to Hugo Stevenson, Community Fundraiser, Marie Curie Norfolk, the hotel’s charity for 2017.

Walter Hayward-Young (1868-1920) was a prolific poster and postcard artist. He is believed to have produced more than 800 watercolours for use as postcards and designed posters for the London Underground and UK seaside resorts.      

The Maids Head Hotel already sells reproductions of some of the Walter Hayward-Young postcards including the exterior view and The Snug.

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

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

Head to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham in the Norfolk Broads, 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, which includes the guided walks, is adults £6.50, concessions £5.90 and children £3.75 (under 5 free). The walks last 1½ hours and a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine will be on offer in the tearoom 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; open 10am to 4pm during the winter (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.

Curly the Sheep at The Book Hive Norwich

Henry Layte - Book Hive, Norwich

Thank you very much to Henry Layte at The Book Hive Norwich, now stocking Curly Sheep's Bad Hair Day

Wymondham Abbey Advent Spiral December 12 to 16, 2016

Wymondham Abbey Advent Spiral

During the week beginning Monday, December 12, Wymondham  Abbey in Norfolk will have an Advent Spiral. In previous years this has proved very popular as a gentle meditation suitable for everyone. Visitors are invited to light a candle and carry it slowly to the centre of the Spiral and leave it at the manger.

The atmosphere is calm and reflective and it only takes a few minutes to walk the spiral – but most people stay longer. There will be places to sit and reflect. The beauty of the spiral and gentle music make this a ‘spa for the spirit’.

Throughout the week there will be special events to help with prayer and mindfulness. Opening times vary as follows: Monday, December 12, 2pm to 4pm, Tuesday, December 13, 10am to 8.30pm,  Wednesday, December 14, 8.30am to 8.30pm,  Thursday, December 15, 10am to 8.30pm and Friday, December 16,  10am to 4pm. A soup and roll lunch will be available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12.30pm to 2pm; donations welcome towards the Abbey's support for those in need.

Services during Advent and Christmas include:
Children’s Christingle Sunday, December 11 at 3pm.
Town Carol Service, Sunday, December 18 at 6.30pm.
Crib Service, Christmas Eve at 4pm.
Midnight Mass, Christmas Eve at 11.15pm.
Epiphany Carol Service, 'Travellers from Afar’, Sunday, January 8 at 6.30pm.

For full details of all services, events and Abbey opening times see www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk, t. 01953 607062.