Giant screen: A new feature at this year’s Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival will be a giant 40 square metre LED screen on Royal Green. It will mean a new experience for visitors who will be able to see live broadcasts, public announcements, entertainment and advertisements. It is also hoped to show live pictures taken from the air while displays are taking place and a text messaging facility is also available for the public. Just text AIR 85010 during the two days of the airshow and your message will appear on the screen. The cost is just 50p a text.

Collectors: A total of 300 volunteers – 150 each day – will be collecting visitors’ donations over the two days of the Air Festival. This is a record number for the event and they represent more than 20 charity groups from a wide area including Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Halesworth, Beccles and Harleston as well as Rotary and Lions Club members and other charities from the Lowestoft area. Last year the commission they earned for their charities totalled just over £28,000.

Safety stewards: More than100 stewards, including many from all seven Norwich Rotary Clubs, will be deployed in addition to a full complement of emergency services including a large police presence, fire service, RNLI, Coastguard, the East Anglia Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance.

Wristbands: Parents who would like their children to have wristbands in case they become separated can obtain them free from stewards. The Coastguard has provided thousands of wristbands on which parents can write a mobile number so they can quickly be reunited with any lost children. A Lost Children station is located at the Claremont car park near the Claremont Pier.

High Tides: People who intend to arrive early and settle down on the beach for the day may like to note that high water times are 11.31am on Thursday August 12th and 12.16pm on Friday August 13th.

Vulcan Village: Fans of Avro Vulcan XH558 can find out more about the project to save this iconic aircraft by visiting the Vulcan Village located on Sensory Garden. Other seafront exhibitions include the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and the Army. The RAF site is on Royal Green and will include a Meet The Pilots marquee. Attractions also include a Red Arrows flight simulator.

Dogs advice: It is recommended that visitors to the seafront on the two days of the Air Festival do not bring their dogs. This is on the advice of the RSPCA who say that it can be distressing for an animal because of the crowds, aircraft noise, safety fears and hygiene reasons. Because of this advice and after making a risk assessment for the Park and Ride service organisers will not allow dogs to be taken on these buses.

No fireworks: Organisers regret that there will be no fireworks display this year. In previous years the fireworks display has been a big attraction on the first night but it has unfortunately had to be cancelled this year because of rising costs and the lack of sponsorship.

Airshow DVD: All the action from the flying displays at Lowestoft is being featured on a DVD produced by Planes TV. The DVD, costing £9.99 plus p&p, can be ordered at the Planes TV stand at the Claremont Pier. Commission from the sales will benefit the Air Festival. DVDs of the 2009 Lowestoft airshow are also on sale at the programme and merchandise booths.

Commentators: Tim Calloway, who has been the display commentator at Lowestoft Air Festival for the past 11 years, will be joined by guest commentators from local radio stations, Paul Carter from The Beach and Steve Springett from BBC Radio Suffolk. Presenter Lesley Dolphin will be broadcasting live from the Radio Suffolk base on the seafront on both afternoons from 1pm to 4pm.

Friends Area: Supporters who join the Friends of the Air Festival play a major part in financing the event and for the first time this year they will have their own exclusive area. This is located on the seafront Putting Green next to the Thatched Cottage Café. Access to this area will be granted only to those wearing a Friends 2010 badge. This year more than 500 people have joined the Friends, either as individual membership or family membership. Their subscription goes towards funding the flying display. Visitors attending this year’s Air Festival can join the Friends for next year by filling in the form in the official souvenir programme (£3.50) on sale at all the seafront programme and merchandise booths.

Air Festival Company: Since 2004 the Air Festival has been organised by an independent and voluntary support group who formed a charitable not-for-profit company, Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival Ltd, working in partnership with Waveney District Council – who previously organised the event - and local charities. The company has three unpaid directors, Paul Bayfield, managing director, Brian Hunter, director responsible for stewarding and volunteering support, and Barry Hartley, director responsible for media and public relations.

Website: The Air Festival’s own website (www.lowestoftairfestival.co.uk) gives all the information about the event and attracts more than 60,000 hits a year, with the majority of these coming in the few weeks before the event.

Information: Further information about the Air Festival, the Sunrise Coast and Britain’s most easterly town can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre. Call 01502 533600 or email: touristinfo@waveney.gov.uk

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns near Stowmarket is offering a wealth of countryside entertainment for all ages throughout the holiday month of August.

There are up to three spectacular flying displays daily featuring powerful eagles, superfast falcons, silently beautiful owls and comical vultures from a cast list of over 80 birds of prey from around the world who reside at the Sanctuary: add in a Red Squirrel colony, Woodland Walk with chipmunk enclosure, quizzes & competitions for youngsters and peaceful retreats for a picnic amongst the owls and you already have the makings of an exciting day of discovery.

But the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary also pleased to announce a host of special extra attractions who will be with us throughout August to entertain visitors.


Every Wednesday & Thursday, Jenny's Ark Pet Zoo will be with there featuring rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, dragons, lizards, snakes and more to provide children with a close encounter of a different kind.

Then at the weekends a series of "Summer Sunday" specials will offer the Funforce Crew teaching circus tricks like hula-hooping, tightrope walking, plate spinning and limbo dancing, and Bouncy Castle Days with lots of safe but exciting activities and ever-popular face-painting for children.

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is based at Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal in Suffolk and is open to visitors every day of the year. It's a great place to spend the day - there are numerous craft & gift shops, a garden centre, driving range & 9-hole golf course, fishing lakes, caravan park and a coffee shop & restaurant, plus plenty of free parking. Stonham Barns is situated on the A1120 Tourist route not far from Ipswich and is easily accessible form the A14, A12 and A140 - simply follow the brown signs.

For more information and to download a FREE VIP PASS for Juniors, please visit the website www.owl-help.org.uk or call the Sanctuary on 08456 807897.

Waveney Valley Blog VERY SPECIAL advertising offer!

Harvesting on Earl Bathurst's Estate using traditional oxen.

This extract comes from Claude Friese-Greene's 'The Open Road' - originally filmed in 1925/6 and now re-edited and digitally restored by the BFI National Archive. Britain seen in colour for the first time was heralded as a great technical advance for the cinema audience - now we can view a much improved image, but one which still stays true to the principles of the colour process. (Jan Faull)

Forget all the celebrity diets after pregnancy – try breast feeding instead!

There is strong evidence that women can regain their pre-birth weight and give their babies the healthiest possible start in life by breastfeeding.

Ahead of next week’s World Breastfeeding Week (1 – 7 August), NHS Suffolk is highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.

“Breast milk really is the diet tool that can help the mother lose weight and give the baby the very healthiest start in life,” said Michael Hattrell, NHS Suffolk health improvement manager.

“Breastfeeding can burn up to an incredible 500 calories a day – to achieve this through regular exercise would mean running five miles or doing an hour’s intensive cycling. Over just one week, a breastfeeding mother could expect to see weight loss of one pound.


“It’s not advisable to go on a crash diet after giving birth, and breastfeeding gives a new mother a unique opportunity to lose weight slowly, meaning she will have more energy to look after her new baby.”

Breastfeeding doesn’t just help a new mother lose weight as, on average, breastfed babies have fewer infections, and in particular they suffer less diarrhoea and vomiting, chest infections and ear infections.

There is also evidence to suggest that children who have been breastfed are less inclined to suffer from health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Evidence from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence shows that 18% of women are obese when they become pregnant and that maternal obesity significantly increases the chances of childhood obesity.


For more information on World Breastfeeding Week 2010 visit www.waba.org.uk
Information on the National Institute of Clinical Excellence can be found at www.nice.org.uk
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk

A keen cook has made the most of a fantastic opportunity to brush up on his kitchen skills while gaining inspiration for healthy, nutritious new recipes after winning a Healthy Ambitions Suffolk competition.

Robin Wilkinson, from Ipswich, won a day-long cookery course at the Cooking Experience in Hadleigh after entering the prize draw during a visit to the Suffolk Show. He took part in a specialist seafood course, run by chef Mark David, and said it had given him the inspiration to try a host of nutritious and delicious new dishes.


Mr Wilkinson, who is married with a 15-month old daughter, picked up his prize after filling in a form while at the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk cookery theatre and stall at the Suffolk Show. He had also received his show tickets free after Healthy Ambitions Suffolk gave out 100 to families to encourage them to get into the kitchen and start trying out some quick, easy and healthy recipes.

“I was surprised and delighted when I received the call telling me that I’d won the cookery course,” said Mr Wilkinson, who enjoys cooking for his family, as well as holding dinner parties for friends.


“I chose to go on the ‘seafood extravaganza’ course as I don’t cook much in the way of fish or seafood. My wife is vegetarian, so I only really cook fish for guests or relatives. My in-laws are also particularly fond of seafood, so I’m always keen to try preparing something new when they come to stay.


“The course was extremely enjoyable. There was a full complement of eight students, who were all really pleasant people, so in addition to the cooking it was also a nice sociable day.


“I found it useful to see how to prepare seafood properly as well as to cook it. I’d never been on a cookery course before, and got lots of new ideas, not just with the seafood but with the accompaniments as well. It had never occurred to me to cook cucumber before, but I’ve now learnt a wonderful recipe for a hot cucumber and dill side dish.”


Sally Hogg, one of the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk leads, said: “The main aim of the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk food theatre at this year’s Suffolk Show was to inspire people who may not have much confidence or knowledge in the kitchen to start experimenting with healthy, affordable meals the whole family can enjoy.


“In addition, we wanted to show people that making simple changes to their diet can also have a big impact on their long-term health by helping them maintain a healthy weight while reducing their chances of suffering illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.


“We were delighted to be able to offer 100 families the chance to go along to the show for free, while also giving one lucky winner this fantastic cookery course as a prize. We’re really pleased that Robin enjoyed the course and has discovered some delicious new recipes to enjoy in the future as a result.”

Surviving the cut backs, tough times ahead.

It seemed a long time coming but at last summer arrived with clear skies and the sun blazing down. Just what we all needed to boost us up when all around us there is evidence of the hard times we are told we have to expect. According to the media everyone will suffer financial cut backs and many will not be able to manage. Things that we have taken for granted will no longer be available.

We all know this has happened before and after a struggle we came through it OK. I have no doubt we will do so again. Of course, there will be those who suffer more than others. Looking on a brighter side, there will be a great number of people who have to start working for what they get and in some cases, this could be a blessing in disguise. They will soon learn that those things we have to make a sacrifice to get are much more appreciated and enjoyed than any we are able to have at any time.
Anyone forced to go through a spell of having to manage on a meagre income that allows for few, if any of the luxuries we all take for granted, soon learns exactly what is really essential for a full and happy life. They might find that there are many things more important than money. History has proved that in a recession or any kind of emergency the hardship which ensues tends to draw people and whole communities closer together. 


For ordinary people, the tragedy is that they can do nothing about it. They go to work and earn the money to support their family but how much of what they receive is theirs. A great deal of it, tax, insurance, pension etc. is deducted before they have access to the balance but then there is still the mortgage or rent, services and other committed payments.

What is left is yours! – Except for things like the VAT you have to pay on most goods and services.

Would it be much better for everyone if all the deductions were made at the same time before wages and salaries were paid? They all finish up in the same big purse anyway for distribution as our elected government thinks fit.

Did You Know?

In 1939 when the Second World War started almost all the Class barriers that had always been so prevalent disappeared. Everyone’s ambitions and plans had to be put on hold. There was no certain future to look forward to.

People had to take one day at a time never knowing what was round the corner. It was surprising how quickly they got over the initial shock of coping with things like the blackout, being fitted and issued with a gas mask, not being able to travel freely and frequently being asked to produce their identity card. They soon adapted to the long queues that had to be tolerated at all kinds of shops as well as managing the family rations to ensure there was always something on the table at meal times.

Very often it would only be those at the front of the queue that reached the shop before supplies ran out. Nothing could be done except go home and return to the queue earlier tomorrow. This took up a great deal of time but it did make a big contribution to the bonding process. Many women had their men folk away in the forces or employed in the war effort on munitions, mines etc.
Everyone shared and helped each other in any way they could. In some streets, when there was no shelter near at hand, the residents had a rota so when the siren sounded they all hurried to an agreed neighbours house. This practice was changed later when the bombing became more frequent and many households were issued with their own air raid shelters.
If we consider what the past generations had to put up with at such times, our present situation might not seem quite so bad. It is true they didn’t have to suffer a Government who was undecided about what they could or couldn’t do. In most cases they had very little choice and had to be sure they got it right first time. Sometimes it was a matter of life and death and concerned everyone. Consequently, the response and support they received from the public in every quarter at the end of the 1930’s was something that is never likely to be repeated.

What can we do? 
For a start we might ask ourselves if we are really as bad off as we think we are? Then, whether we are or not, we could decide to be more appreciative and content with what we have. Make the time to consider what is really important, not just to you but to your friends, neighbours and the whole community. 

Perhaps there are things you can share. If there is nothing material it usually gives a good feeling of relief when you have someone who is impartial to listen to all the things that you worry about and often can’t discuss with those close to you.
 
We are constantly being told how important it is to change our lifestyle but with today’s financial and social pressures it is not easy to see how it can be done. Things have changed dramatically since those days of our forefathers and it is difficult to see how we could ever match that same close companionship without a major disaster of some kind to initiate it. However, even a tiny move in that direction now, could make a lot of difference to many families and communities in the future.

Why not look up The Five Ways To Wellbeing?  --  THEN AND NOW[71]. There is something there for everyone.


valley lad - [EIGHTY-THREE]

Disability charity Optua is running a series of fun summer holiday day courses in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft for young people with disabilities or additional needs.
The events are part of the ‘Teaming Up’ programme which was launched earlier in the year thanks to funding by the county council’s Activities Unlimited service.

Teaming Up aims to give young people with disabilities or additional needs the opportunity to gain more independence, confidence, self esteem and vital social skills, whilst taking part in everyday fun leisure activities. The holiday events are open to any young people aged 14-18 with a disability or additional needs and run from 10am to 2pm as follows:

- Monday 2nd August - Fun Day at Abbeycroft Leisure Centre
- Monday 9th August - Multi-sports day at Bury Rugby Club
- Monday 16th August - Tour of the Anglo Saxon Village.

- Tuesday 27th July - Bowling and food at Lowestoft Family Bowl
- Tuesday 3rd August - Archery at Denes High School Community Sports Centre
- Tuesday 10th August - Tour of Africa Alive
- Tuesday 17th August - Multi Sports day at Denes High School Community Sports Centre.
- Wednesday 28th July - Bowling and Food at Martlesham Bowl
- Wednesday 4th August - Multi Sports Day at Northgate Sports Centre
- Wednesday 11th August - Tour of Jimmy’s Farm
- Wednesday 18th August - Archery at Northgate Sports Centre.


Next Monday (26th July) also sees the start of a ten week programme of activities for young people aged 18-25 in Lowestoft.

For more information about Teaming Up activities in Lowestoft please contact Optua Leisure on 01473 836770 or email tup@optua.org.uk.

Norwich Sound & Vision 2010 is taking place for the first time on 16-18th September 2010. The event will comprise of a conference featuring expert speakers from the music, film, TV and games industries. There will also be live music, film screenings and other interactive performances. Ever heard of the music and film conference called SXSW in Austin, Texas? Well, think of S&V as a taster... in Norwich.

Norwich is always bursting at the seams with new music and film (to name but a few art forms); there’s something in the water that makes this place a breeding ground for unusual creativity. We’re lucky to have a unique community playing host to a plethora of multi-media based artistry, so why not have a convention based at the heart of it?

S&V will provide a platform for those of you who are involved (or would like to be) with the multi-media channels mentioned above. If you come along you’ll get the opportunity to listen, engage and perhaps mosey around with labels, promoters, press, internet media peeps and artists who are coming to Norwich.

If learning how to get your music licensed in film/TV is your bag or even how to get your band out on the touring and festival circuit, then I guess we’ll see you on the 18th September. Those are just a couple of the subjects that will be open to discussion with our delectable roster of panellists from across the music/radio/film/multi-media industry.

You never know, you may even forge new partnerships (stranger things have happened). Ultimately, this is about learning something new and being inspired!

If you’re hungry to know more about putting your art out there or perhaps might be a tad frustrated with the lack of tools you have to get your ‘thing’ off the ground, we hope to give you something to get your teeth into. Come and meet like-minded individuals, bands/musicians, record labels, filmmakers, designers, writers and anyone with an interest in multi-media industries. Those of you that just want to learn something new - embrace your inner mind’s sponge, be inspired and have a fantastic time on us.


Highlights

• Where are the opportunities for new music to be played on the radio? (feat. panel including programme organiser Ed Baxter from Resonance FM, London, 18th Sept @ Norwich Arts Centre)

• How to get your band out on the touring and festival circuit (feat. Panel including Rob Chalice from Coda Agency who promote Camera Obscura, Friendly Fires, Gang Gang Dance, Kelis and Yo La Tengo to name a few @ NAC)

• Sync or Sink – How to get your music licensed to Film, TV, Ads and Video Games (feat. panel including Andrea Von Foerster from Firestarter Music who recently worked as a music supervisor on 500 Days of Summer @ NAC)

• Pulled Apart By Horses with support from Bearsuit (17th Sept @ NAC) TBC

• Serena Maneesh with support from Sennen (16th Sept @ NAC)


Tickets and venue

• Norwich Sound & Vision 2010 will be hosted between the Norwich Arts Centre and The Forum.

• Check out www.norwichsoundandvision.co.uk for usual lowdown

• You can find us on www.facebook.com (‘Norwich Sound & Vision Convention’), come and be our friend – we won’t bite.

• Conference tickets will be sold for the day at £35 (full price) or £25 at concession (Members of AIM, BPI, MMF or MPA or in full-time education)

• S&V gig tickets can be bought separately to the conference tickets. Please visit
www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk for more info

• You can purchase your tickets from UEA box office by calling (01603) 660352 or booking online at www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk

Norfolk is one of England’s greatest Norman counties. To celebrate our Norman heritage Norfolk Tourism and BBC Learning are co-ordinating a wide range of special events and activities from August to October as part of BBC Hands on History and to tie in with the BBC’s Norman season on TV, radio and online.

Do some medieval time travel at Castle Rising Castle and Pensthorpe Nature Reserve. Explore ‘The House of The King’ – Norwich Castle. Design and create your own Norman arch at Binham Priory and go to a Stormin’ Normans event in a Norfolk library. Then become a Norman at the Norfolk Archive Centre, explore King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Norwich’s Norman roots and meet the oldest oak in Norfolk – a sapling at the Battle of Hastings – at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden and much more. Pick up a Normans in Norfolk leaflet at TICs and libraries or download the leaflet from www.visitnorfolk.co.uk.

BBC Norfolk has produced a special Norman Walk at Castle Acre where you can walk in the footsteps of the Norman invaders and explore the landscape carved out by the conquest. Go to BBC Norfolk www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk for a printable map, audio guide and a new family adventure trail.

Madeleine Forrester, Regional Manager, BBC Learning said: “Our partners in Norfolk have developed a fantastic range of special events to allow residents and visitors to the county to get under the skin of Norman Norfolk. I hope to see lots of people exploring Castle Acre on our BBC Norfolk Norman Walk and taking part in exciting Stormin’ Norman events across the county.”

Lydia Smith Director, Norfolk Tourism said: “The Normans had a big impact on Norfolk and their legacy is everywhere to be seen in our wonderful churches and castles and on the streets of Norwich, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and Thetford. The special Normans in Norfolk events programme provides a great opportunity to discover what the Normans did for us!”

Norwich’s role as the county capital dates from the post Conquest era when the Normans built the castle and Bishop de Losinga moved his headquarters from Thetford and founded Norwich Cathedral. Norwich became England’s second largest medieval city and today is our most complete medieval city.

King’s Lynn was founded by Bishop de Losinga in 1101 around St Margaret’s Church. The town was initially known as Bishop’s Lynn, following the granting of its charter in 1204, and became an important port and member of The Hanseatic League. Great Yarmouth also has a long history and had its rights confirmed in a charter from King John in 1208.

Some 30 early medieval castles can be traced in the Norfolk countryside, the greatest survivals are at Norwich, Castle Rising and Castle Acre. Thetford Castle was dismantled in 1173, but the castle mound, one of largest in the country, survives.

As Norfolk settled down to Norman rule, the Barons turned their attention to their ‘souls’ and hundreds of parish churches and many monasteries were built. Norfolk has the largest collection of medieval churches in the world.

Thanks to Richeldis de Faverches’ vision of Mary the mother of Jesus, which ‘took her in spirit to Nazareth, and requested that a replica of the Holy House at Nazareth be built’, Walsingham became one of the most important medieval pilgrimage centres in Europe. Today it is home to the national Anglican and Roman Catholic Shrines.

Binham Priory www.binhampriory.org (near Wells) was founded c.1104 by Pierre and Albreda de Valognes, although the building was not finished until the middle of the 13th century. The very impressive parish church, which shared the site, survived the 16th century Dissolution of the Monasteries and is open daily in summer 9am to 6pm.


Castle Acre (near Swaffham) is a planned Norman settlement comprising the castle (English Heritage), church, village and priory (English Heritage) established after the Conquest by William de Warenne, www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Castle Rising Castle www.castlerising.co.uk (near King’s Lynn) was built by William D’Albini. The keep was completed c.1140 and is among the finest surviving examples of its kind. Open 1 April to 1 November, daily 10am-6pm (dusk if earlier in October) also open throughout the winter.

New Buckenham Castle (near Attleborough) and New Buckenham village created by William D’Albini c.1145. The castle was completed c.1176 and the village is renowned for retaining its original medieval street pattern.


Norfolk’s Medieval churches – the county has more than 600 historic churches, with many Norman foundations, www.norfolkopenchurches.com.

Norwich Castle was established in 1067 by William the Conqueror as a Royal palace. Open – peak season (28 June -3 October), Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm, low season (4 October - 3 July 2011) open Mon - Sat 10am-4.30pm and Sun 1pm-4.30pm, www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk.

Norwich Cathedral www.cathedral.org.uk is the most complete Norman cathedral in the UK, founded in 1096 by Bishop Herbert de Losinga. The main building and many of the monastic buildings were finished in 1140 by his successor Bishop Evorard de Montgomery.

Thetford Castle Mound comprises the remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle, built soon after 1066 and dismantled in 1173. It is one of largest man-made mounds in the country.

Thetford Priory (English Heritage) established in the early 12th century, this was one of the most important East Anglian monasteries and was the burial place of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk for 400 years. Open daily, www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Walsingham www.walsingham.org.uk. This Norfolk village, ‘England’s Nazareth’ was one of the great medieval pilgrimage destinations and continues to this day as a Christian pilgrimage centre.

Wymondham Abbey www.wymondhamabbey.com – founded in 1107 by William D’Albini. As with Binham Priory, the parish church was built adjacent to the Abbey and survived the 16th century Dissolution of the Monasteries. Open April to November Mon-Sat 10am-4pm and Sun 2pm-4pm in July and August. Also open during the winter.


- Norfolk Open Churches Week 31 July to 8 August, more than 300 churches open during the week with ‘Special Events’ see www.norfolkopenchurches.com.

- St Benet’s Abbey 1 August, 3.30pm annual service conducted by the Bishop of Norwich. Boat trip to St Benet’s on the Southern Comfort, departs from Horning at 1.30pm, return by 6pm, £5, tel. 01603 783096.

- Attleborough Library, 3 August – 10am – 4pm A Norman Family Fun Day FREE, tel. 01953 452319.

- Hunstanton Library, 14 August, 10.30am – 12noon or 2pm – 3.30pm. Stormin’ Normans, FREE, Find out fascinating, funny and surprising things about Norman life, make your own Norman shield and Bayeux tapestry, tel. 01485 532280.

- Castle Rising Castle, nr King’s Lynn, 14 and 15 August, 10am – 6pm. Medieval Time Travel 1066-1485, Black Knight Historical turns the clock back, experience the sights and sounds of medieval Castle Rising. Charges Adult £7, conc £6, child £4, tel. 01553 631330, www.castlerising.co.uk.

- Norwich Cathedral 17 August, 10am – 12noon 1st session, 12noon-1pm picnic lunch (bring your own), 1pm – 3pm 2nd session – It’s a Norman Monk’s Life. What was a Norman monk’s life really like – lots of fun hands-on activities – FREE, tel. 01603 218320, www.cathedral.org.uk.

- Norfolk Archive Centre, County Hall, Norwich, 17 August, 2pm – 3.30pm, Norman Treasures in the Archives! Find out about the history of the Norfolk Record Office and discover some of our treasures. Get behind the scenes and see our oldest document from William II. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Norfolk Archive Centre, County Hall, Norwich, 19 August, 2pm– 3.30pm, Become a Norman Solider! Make your own helmet complete with chain mail and find out about Norman Norfolk. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham 25 August, 11am – 3pm, ‘The life of The King Oak’. The garden’s Norman oak. Children’s Day with Norman-themed activities. Normal Admission, adult £5, conc. £4.50, child £2.50 9under 5 free) tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

- King’s Lynn 26 August, 2pm – 3.30pm. The Role of the Normans, Norman Lynn, a guided walk though historic King’s Lynn, using documents from the Norfolk Record Office and King’s Lynn Borough Archives to find out about the rôle the Normans played in the town. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Thetford Library, 28 August 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 3pm – Norman Arts and Crafts – Norman shields and coins, mini tapestries, 3D castles, family crests and stories. Booking essential tel. 01842 752048.

- Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, nr Fakenham, 28-30 August, 10am – 5pm. Medieval Spectacular, experience the sights and smells of medieval Pensthorpe. Adult £9, seniors £7.50, child £5.50, family £25, Tel 01328 851465, www.pensthorpe.com.

- Castle Rising Castle, nr King’s Lynn, 29 and 30 August, 10am – 6pm, Medieval Feasts & Fighting with Buckingham’s Retinue. Adult £7, conc £6, child £4, tel. 01553 631330, www.castlerising.co.uk.

- Norfolk Archive Centre, County Hall, Norwich, 1 September, 2pm-3.30pm, Create a Norman Town - find out about Norfolk towns and villages using the Domesday Book. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Cinema City, Norwich, 11 September, 11.30am, Special screening of one of the BBC ‘Norman Season’ programmes Followed by The Normans - a talk by UEA History Professor. £4, £3 concessions, £2 Cinema City members, tel. 0871 902 5724.

- King’s Lynn 28-32 King St, 12 September, 10am– 4pm. Explore a Norman House c.1100 inside a Tudor and Victorian skin. FREE, tel. 01553 763983 or 01553 763044. 

- King’s Lynn 12 September, 10am – 4pm. The new town of Bishop’s Lynn. Walk from the Custom House to True’s Yard Fishing Museum visiting open houses. FREE, tel. 01553 763983 or 01553 763044.

- Norwich Millennium Library, 12 September, 11am – 4pm ‘Stormin’ Normans’ Castles and Kings, Ladies and Knights - Stories & Crafts Norman Stories: 11.30am & 2pm age 3-7 and Norman Crafts, ages 7-12 at 2.15pm and ages 3-7 at 2.30pm, FREE, tel. 01603 774774.

- Great Yarmouth, 14 September, 2pm – 3.30pm – Norman Roots, Great Yarmouth is a Norman town, founded originally by the Bishop of Norwich. Join a guided walk through the town using documents from the Norfolk Record Office to trace its Norman roots. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Swaffham Library, 18 September, 10.30am– 12noon. Stormin’ Normans, FREE, Find out fascinating, funny and surprising things about Norman life, make your own Norman shield and Bayeux tapestry. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. Places are limited so please book by calling the library on 01760 721513

- Dersingham Library, 23 September, 5.30pm – 7pm, Stormin’ Normans, FREE, Find out fascinating, funny and surprising things about Norman life, make your own Norman shield and Bayeux tapestry. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. Places are limited so please book by calling the library on 01485 540181

- Norwich Millennium Library, 25 September, 11am – The Mind of a Norman Bishop. A talk about Herbert de Losinga’s letters. FREE, tel. 01603 774786.

- New Buckenham, 2 October, 10am to 3pm, A Norman Day at New Buckenham based at the Village Hall (NR16 2AU) plus visit to the Castle, led by Norfolk Family Learning. Lots of fun Norman arts and crafts and play the BBC game ‘Battle of Hastings 1066’! FREE, tel. 01603 430223.

- Norwich Cathedral, 20 October – Bayeux Tapestry Challenge, FREE – this collaboration between HEART and Norwich Cathedral’s education team will give Year 7 students the chance to work together to create an exciting modern day version of the Bayeux Tapestry, based on the Norwich 12, www.norwich12.co.uk, and their place in the history of Norwich. For information tel. 01603 599577.


- Binham Priory every Sunday and Tuesday until 30 September, 2.30pm, Guided Tour of the Priory Church and Monastic Precincts (donations requested), www.binhampriory.org.

- Binham Priory daily throughout August, 9am-6pm, Design and Create your own Norman Arch (donations requested), www.binhampriory.org.

- Norwich Castle, 24 July to 4 September - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The House of the King - a selection of Norman themed drop in activities including costumed characters, guided tours, talks, object handling and crafts. Normal admission charges apply. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk.

- Norman Norwich Trail – HEART is creating a self-guided trail (for all ages), an exploration of Norwich’s fascinating Norman heritage on foot. Download from HEART’s website from late August www.heritagecity.org tel. 01603 599577.


This summer the BBC is celebrating the Norman era on TV, radio and online. Look out for The Norman Season on TV - BBC Two - The Normans, August, BBC Two - Domesday Book Special, August and BBC Four Dan Snow’s Norman Walks, August. Visit the ‘Hands on History’ website www.bbc.co.uk/history/handsonhistory to find information about Norman castles, churches and battle sites plus free spotters guides to print off for your day out plus family activities to download and get creative this summer, including creating a time capsule, building a castle and holding a medieval feast.




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, www.visitnorfolk.co.uk, tel. 01603 222846. See our free to use image library at www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/norfolk/image-library.aspx.

Nick Baker introduces us to an unsual garden visitor - the mole. This is a rare chance to get up close to this elusive and rarely seen creature. Marvel at his flexible pointy nose and massive tunnel digging feet (that's the mole, not Nick!).