- 20 national & local exhibitors
- at Carrow Road stadium
- free entry
- not for profit event organised by Norfolk branch of national charity

Companies and individuals who are in any way connected with the plumbing and heating industry should pay a visit to Carrow Road in Norwich on Thursday 7 October. That's when plumbing and heating exhibition p&h east will be taking place, organised by the Norfolk branch of national educational charity, The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE).

p&h east will feature 20 leading national and local exhibitors, including such household names as Baxi, Vaillant, Saniflo and Mira alongside Anglian Water, Suffolk-based GAH and Norwich Gas Centre. Starting at 3.00pm and closing at 8.30pm, the exhibition will be opened by CIPHE national president Allan McKintosh and offers free entry. The venue is the Business Suite at Norwich City FC's Carrow Road stadium where of course there's plenty of free parking.

Pre-registration for p&h east is available at the dedicated website, http://pandheast.webplus.net where there is also a full list of exhibitors.

The Management at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre has announced that it has secured an historic seventh year of residency with the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO).

In a major coup for the Marina Theatre, the Orchestra has been resident at the Edwardian venue since 2005. In the six years that it has already held the residency, the association has brought world famous musicians, soloists and conductors to Lowestoft, with the link hailed as one the most successful of its kind throughout the UK.

Ian Maclay, Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra says:

"We are thrilled to confirm an extension to our association and announce details of our brand new 2011 series at the Marina Theatre. As Resident Orchestra, we continue to enjoy the loyal support of audiences from Lowestoft and the surrounding areas, and we do hope that our new season of concerts offers something to suit all tastes - from Broadway and West End musical magic to popular and evocative English orchestral works."

Theatre manager Martin Halliday added, "We are extremely proud of our association with the RPO and are delighted that once again the Orchestra has agreed to extend its residency at the Marina. Since the association began it has enabled us to present some of the finest musicians in the world here on stage in Lowestoft. It is a great honour that the Orchestra has agreed to further extend their residency and shows a great deal of faith in both the future of the Marina, its management and its audience."

Acknowledged as one of the UK's most prodigious orchestras, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra enjoys an international reputation for bringing audiences worldwide first-class performances and the highest possible standards of music-making across a diverse range of musical repertoire. This was the vision of the Orchestra's flamboyant founder Sir Thomas Beecham, whose legacy is maintained today as the Orchestra thrives undertaking a very busy schedule of UK concerts, international touring and recording. As we release news of the 2011 series in Lowestoft today, the Orchestra is embarking on its first year of a prestigious annual residency in Montreux, Switzerland.

Cllr Stephen Ardley, portfolio holder at Waveney District Council which owns the Marina said: "We are absolutely thrilled that the RPO has agreed to extend its association with the Marina Theatre. To have one of the best orchestras in the world resident for another year is just fantastic."

Chairman of the Friends of the Marina, Peter Wilson also welcomed the news, "With the reduction in the theatre programme over recent years and the current worry regarding the outsourcing of the venue, the news that the RPO has agreed to stay with the Marina for another year is an enormous boost. The Marina's association with the RPO is the envy of many towns and cities across the country and I am delighted that the Orchestra has shown and continues to show such commitment."

Tickets for the seventh year of residency will be available from mid September to coincide with the launch of the venues forthcoming Autumn season. Before that music lovers can look forward to the RPO performing a special Opera Gala on October 2 with virtuoso Chloë Hanslip featuring in a programme to include Beethoven's Violin Concerto on November 27. For more information please call the box office on 01502 533200.

The fair has been running for over 30 years as an annual event, each year changing and adding new events and displays to the show. Last year was the the biggest show we had ever put on and from your feedback everyone agreed the best yet. For 2010 we've raised the bar again and by the time September comes, we hope you'll agree the this one was the best yet!

The fair starts at around 11 am in the morning with the first flying display at around 12 opening events in style. During the day there are other displays of Vintage cars, working Steam Engines and threshing machines as well as the traditional dog show, terrier & ferret racing and Clowns for the kids. Add to this the Model Aircraft Display and the East Coast Pirates American Car Club and you have a great day out.

This year we have a display from the Knights of Chivalry. From the first moment visitors set eyes on their tented arena ringed with heraldic shields and flags, the Knights, Squires and Ladies of the Swords of Chivalry dedicate the day to bringing alive all the pageantry, sights and sounds of circa 14th Century England.

With authentic fighting skills honed by hours of practice, coupled with more than a dash of courage, and leavened with humour, the Swords of Chivalry recreate the magic and excitement of a Medieval Tourney. You will be able to look and touch the weapons as well as get involved supporting you favourite knight.

For the children we have a Bouncy Castle, the traditional slippery pole as well as new for this year, Andy the Clown and displays from the Funky Feet dance troop. Add to this a display of Flying Owls, more Live music than ever before and you have an event that will keep everyone happy all day and into the night.

There's music throughout the day and "El Gato's Men" take over to take the fair late into the night with music and dancing in a corn field. The bar runs throughout the day and night providing Adnam's beer, wines and soft drinks. There's also various food, Hog Roast, BBQ and Cakes stalls running throughout the day with a final "Hot pasty" delivery late in the evening.

The aim of the fair is to raise money for local charities, whilst having fun for all the family. The proceeds are split between many local groups providing the much needed funds to develop local playgrounds and support the Scouts as well as many other smaller community organisations.

It’s become a common feature of modern cars to be fitted with a spare tyre or space-saver tyre which is a different size in order to save room and weight.

DSA would like to remind driving instructors that any vehicle presented for test must be fitted with:

• the same size tyre on the same axle

• tyres that are not subject to speed restrictions

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is back and this year the charity needs your help even more than before due to the economic climate. Can you help them? If so all you need to do is register to take part and you will receive a free fundraising pack so you can help even more people living with cancer.

Helen Chapman, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support said: ‘Last year £184,000 was raised in Norfolk from 800 events. We desperately need more people to take part in the event this year to help us raise over £330,000. Currently in Norwich City Centre we only have 7 coffee mornings taking place and with so many companies in the centre and staff who have tea and coffee breaks every day, it’s really an event we’d like them to be involved in.’

There are currently 2 million people living with cancer in the UK and one in three of us will be affected by cancer at some point during our lifetime.

Macmillan is most famous for its nurses but we do provide other support including a free phone line for anyone affected by cancer, financial support for things like hospital trips and we also campaign for better cancer care. So every cup of coffee on 24 September really will count.

Everyone can make their cuppa count by holding a coffee morning, at home, at work or at school. To hold a coffee morning for Macmillan, register by calling 0845 602 1246 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee. Unable to hold an event? Then why not make a donation to Macmillan by calling the above number and paying by debit or credit card.


For more info Please Contact:
Helen Chapman
Norfolk Fundraising Manager
Macmillan Cancer Support


Tel: 01603 724360
Mob: 07793 579365

The popular tearoom gallery at RSPB Minsmere nature reserve hosts an exciting exhibiton by award-winning young photographer, Harry Emmerson, during September.

Harry, who is studying for an A-level in photography, won 2nd prize in a 2009 British Wildlife Photographic National Competition, so his shots are sure to inspire visitors to his exhibition, which runs from Saturday 28 August to Friday 24 September.

Funding for Harry’s exhibition came through a grant from the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB’s Connect scheme, which raises funds for conservation projects on the Suffolk coast. Connect helped Harry to print and frame his photos, allowing him to exhibit his work locally.

In recognition of this funding, Harry has kindly offered to give some of the money made from selling his photos to Connect, so that others may benefit in future.

Louise Gibbs, who co-ordinates the Minsmere art and photographic exhibitions, said, “When Harry approached us about displaying his photos, we were really pleased to help. His winning shot, of a stunning drake mallard flapping its wings, displays great skill, especially given his age. The head is perfectly framed, yet the movement of the bird’s wings is clearly demonstrated. I’m sure his pictures will inspire others to watch wildlife and maybe take up photography themselves.”

Malcolm Farrow, Communications Officer with the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB added, “Harry is a gifted photographer and is clearly inspired by the wonderful landscape and wildlife of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. We are very happy to support his exhibition as it showcases just what makes the AONB such a special place.”

The exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm in the Minsmere tearoom. Entry to the visitor centre is free, although there is a charge to visit the nature reserve.

Saturday, September 11th 2010

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham is staging its first Dog Show on Saturday, September 11th from 10.30am to 4pm.

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

There are 10 categories in the Dog Show including best puppy, waggiest tail, best trick, scruffiest mutt, prettiest bitch and most handsome male. It costs 50p to enter each category and all proceeds will go to local rescue centres. There is no need to enter in advance, just bring your dog along on the day and join in the fun.

Other activities are terrier racing, doggy dancing with Barbara and Snooker, agility displays, behaviour advice and children’s entertainment. The Dogs Trust, F.A.I.T.H Animal Rescue Centre and Pets as Therapy will all be at the show, along with doggy stalls and a pet photographer.

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

Full List of Dog Show Categories

11am best senior dog (over seven)

11.20am best puppy (under one)

11.40am waggiest tail

12noon best trick

1pm best rescue

1.20pm prettiest bitch

1.40pm handsome male

2pm scruffiest mutt

2.30pm best in show

3.15pm awards presentation

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

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. Admission: adult £5, concessions £4.50, child £2.50 (under 5 free).

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

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is organic, only garden leaf soil, farmyard manure and the product of the annual dyke clearance are used as fertilisers. There are 30 species of tree, and more than 95 species of bird, 11 species of butterfly and six species of dragonfly have been recorded. The garden was created by the Second Lord Fairhaven from 1947 until his death in 1973. A charitable trust was then set up to care for the garden, and open it to visitors.

One of the UK’s leading writers of natural history books, Richard Mabey, will be at RSPB Minsmere nature reserve on Sunday 5 September to sign copies of his highly acclaimed books, including The Barley Bird: Notes on the Suffolk Nightingale.

Now Norfolk-based, Richard has been hailed by The Times as ‘Britain’s greatest living nature writer’, as well as being a popular naturalist, conservationist and broadcaster. He’ll be at Minsmere from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm, chatting to visitors about his work and signing copies of his books, many of which will be available to purchase on the day.

Speaking about why he writes, and what it means to him, Richard said, “I get an astonishing emotional joy out of the material aspects of the natural world. It is the colour of a feather, the sound of a song that is important to me.”


RSPB Minsmere Visitor Centre Manager, Tim Rose said, “Richard Mabey’s books are always popular as they offer superb insights into the natural world yet are easy to read, helping to bring natural history into many people’s homes. We’re really excited to welcome Richard to Minsmere, giving visitors the chance to discuss his work and meet the man himself.”

Among Richard Mabey’s acclaimed publications are Food for Free, The Unofficial Countryside, The Common Ground and Nature Cure, his autobiographical account of recovery from depression and his relationship with landscape and nature. and was awarded the Whitbread Prize for his biography of Gilbert White. His book, The Barley Bird: Notes on the Suffolk Nightingale was published in spring 2010.

Richard devised, researched and wrote the ground-breaking best seller, Flora Britannica, which won the British Book Awards’ Illustrated Book of the Year and the Botanical Society of the British Isles’ President’s Award and was runner-up for the BP Natural World Book Prize.

Richard has also written columns in many national newspapers and magazines and was awarded an honorary doctorate at the University of Essex for his contributions to nature writing.

The East Suffolk Railway connected Beccles with Ipswich and opened in 1859, incorporating parts of the earlier Halesworth, Beccles and Haddiscoe, and the Lowestoft and Beccles Railways. The Waveney Valley Railway from Tivetshall on the Ipswich to Norwich mainline reached Beccles in 1863 making the town an important junction on the expanding network. However, by 1966 the Waveney Valley Railway had closed, together with the line to Haddiscoe north across the River Waveney because it had become too expensive to maintain.

Beccles Marsh was given to the people of the town in 1584 by Queen Elizabeth I by granting a charter, now depicted on the Town Sign to commemorate the event. The Town Council, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the Broads Authority maintain the marsh as a haven for wildlife and have provided waymarked trails of up to 4 miles and this walk incorporates a route all the way around the marsh, although various alternatives are available if preferred.
Walk Route

From the station walk straight into the town centre along Station Road, Beccles past interesting Victorian houses and the Martyrs Memorial Church where a plaque on the front describes the burning of three men on 21st May 1556 for their beliefs. Continue on across Newgate Street and along Market Street to reach New Market. This area was developed in the 13th century by the Abbot of Bury to cater for growing trade, the quaint little shops stand on the sites of the original 17th century wooden stalls. Turn right along The Walk past the red brick octagonal shaped Town Hall, built in 1765 and standing on the site of the original medieval Market Cross. Continue on to the Tower of St. Michael's Church, housing a peal of 10 bells and built separately away from the dangerous cliff at the rear of the church. A guide book describing the church is well worth obtaining if you are entering and is available within for £1.50.


Continue straight on down Salt Gate and past the end of the Old Market Place, probably the original Anglo Saxon site of Fairs and Markets. Walk along Northgate noting several plaques on the walls describing various buildings, including the house of Adrian Bell, writer and father of Martin Bell the former war correspondent. Also note the Scores, access lanes to the staithes or quays on the river where goods of all kinds were loaded and unloaded. Cross Bridge Street and walk on along Fen Lane to reach The Quay. Information about the history of the town, river and the surrounding area is available at the Broads Authority Information Centre to the left. Bear right and cross the water of the yacht station via the footbridge, turning left along the quayside path on the other side. At the end of the Tarmac path turn right along the bank of the River Waveney and under the bridge carrying the A146 Beccles by-pass. Just before passing under the bridge there is a map on the fencing showing a plan of the marshes and the routes of the trails.

Walk on past Beccles Sailing Club where there is a junction of the paths and the point where the red walk turns right off the main walk. Continue along the riverside, now on a grassy path on the bank, following the path for some considerable way until you reach another path junction giving access again to the red walk.


The main walk continues straight on along the riverside embankment. This section of path is also part of the Angles Way, a 77 mile path from Great Yarmouth to Knettishall Heath Country Park following the valleys of the River Waveney and Little Ouse. The next feature you will come across is the pumping station, used to regulate the water level in the dykes of the fen and, a little further on, the site of the old swing bridge that once carried the railway over the river. The railway from Beccles to Great Yarmouth was built across the fen and river in 1854 but proved to be expensive to maintain and was eventually closed in the 1960s, the bed of the track across the marsh is now used for access.


The riverside path eventually reaches a yellow topped waymark post at the end of the maintained trail at a right turn down the embankment away from the river. Follow the path as it meanders through the fen and between the trees, following the Worlingham Wall marking the eastern boundary of the marsh separating the Beccles level from Worlingham.

Follow the path at a right turn over a footbridge and then straight on to the right of a dyke, along a willow tree lined track. At the end of a long straight and a junction of tracks turn left and then follow round to the right at the next junction, heading for the farm buildings ahead. At the farm, at a junction of the tracks, turn left past the cattle pens, now walking on the former bed of the old marsh railway through the trees.


After passing through a gateway at the pits there is another board with information about the marsh and the trails. Turn right under the height barrier on the grassy track to reach another gate with a stile at the side and leading out to a small car parking area. Walk along the waste site access road and turn right past the allotments to the next bend where the track turns sharply right. There is another Marsh Trail information board here close to the bend.

Turn left on the path alongside the fence and up a few steps to the main A146 road. Cross with care and walk down the steps at the other side past the Fen Lane car park to reach Fen Lane. Turn left and follow Pound Road round the bend to reach the red brick Pound at the junction with Common Lane North. This circular structure was once used to contain stray animals found on the Common and was restored in 1982 by the Town Council and the Beccles Society.

Walk along Common Lane North and right along George Westwood Way to return to the start of the walk at Beccles Station.

Beccles Railway Station is served by National Express East Anglia (Train Operating Company), who operate services between Ipswich and Lowestoft – East Suffolk Line.

Burgh St Peter Towermill
Burgh St Peter towermill was a five storey mill built c.1825 in red brick and was probably built to supplement the nearby Wheatacre postmill that was also worked by James Sayer.

In 1839 it was advertised as being nearly new and was equipped with patent sails on an iron windshaft with stones and a flour mill. A steam auxiliary engine had been installed by 1872 and the mill was mainly producing grist rather than flour using 3 pairs of underdriven stones on the 2nd floor.

An additional 2 pairs of 4ft 6ins French burr stones were added in 1906. The mill had 4 double shuttered sails, each with 10 bays of 3 shutters, a boat shaped cap with a gallery and 6 bladed fan with a chain pole.


News from the past . . .

Wheatacre Burgh
TOWER & POST WINDMILLS Land & Cottages at WHEATACRE BURGHTo be Sold by Auction at the White Lion Inn, Beccles on Friday 26 April instant at 4 o’c (Unless previously disposed of by Private Contract of which Notice will be given)

Lot 1. All that substantial Freehold Brick TOWER WINDMILL, nearly new, with Patent Sails, Winding Tackle, Iron Shaft, Flour Mills, Stones & Jumpers complete, together with half an Acre of land attached thereto. Early possession may be had of this lot.

Lot 2. All that POST WINDMILL … (Wheatacre)

Lot 3. All those Freehold Tenements or Cottages, Stable, Piggeries & other Buildings together with 2 Acres of Arable Land in the Occupation of Mr. James Sayer & Robert Moore.

Lot One will be Sold with the Trade attached to both Mills, as Mr. Sayer is withdrawing from the business.

Apply to Mr. James Sayer or to Mr. Barnard, Conveyancer, Lowestoft.

Norfolk Chronicle - 13th & 20th April 1839

To Millers WHEATACRE BURGH Mills. Between Beccles & Lowestoft.

To be Sold by Private Contract. Together or separately.

All those Tower & Post WINDMILLS, Cottages & Two acres & a half of Land in the occupation of Mr. James SAYER, with every convenience for the Trade. This is an established situation – both Mills stand upon remarkably high ground in a fine Corn District & very near the Navigation from Beccles to Lowestoft & possession may be had immediately.
Apply to Mr. BARNARD, Conveyancer, Lowestoft.

Norfolk Chronicle - 18th May 1839

Situations Vacant TO MILLERS Wanted immediately, in a Country Mill, a Young Man who has been accustomed to Steam Power & the Grist Trade. None need apply who cannot have a good character from his last employer.

Apply to Mr. G. HAMMOND, Burgh St. Peter near Beccles, Suffolk.

Norfolk News - 20th July 1872

Burgh St. Peter 1 ½ miles from Aldeby Station, 1 ½ miles from the Burgh Staithe & 4 ½ miles from Beccles.
Messrs. SPELMAN have received instructions from Mr. George HAMMOND who is retiring from the business to Sell by Auction on Saturday 13 June 1874 at 2 for 3 o’c at the Rampant Horse Hotel, Norwich the well built Brick Tower WIND FLOUR MILL. In substantial & good working order, has 5 floors, drives 3 pairs of Stones, with Dwelling house, Stables, Gig house, Cart shed & roomy Barn attached

Also 2 Cottages adjoining.

Particulars of Mr. T.M. Baker, Solr. Great Yarmouth or of the Auctioneers, Norwich & Yarmouth.

Norfolk Chronicle & Norfolk News - 9th & 25th May 1874

To be Sold by Private Contract
The well built Freehold WIND FLOUR MILL situate in the Parish of Burgh St. Peter, 1¼ Miles from Aldeby Station, 1½ Miles from Burgh Staithe & 4½ Miles from Beccles.

The Mill is in substantial repair & good working order, has five floors, drives three pair of Stones. Slate & Brick Stable, Gig house, Cart shed, Brick & Tiled Barn & Slate Building adjoining the Mill for Portable Engine. The Dwelling house has a garden in front & contains …

The Engine & usual Mill Fixtures will have to be paid for by the purchaser at a valuation in the usual way.

Immediate possession will be given if required.

Also two Freehold Cottages adjoining the Mill.

The Attention of Millers is called to this property. The Mill stands in a good Corn District & commands a fine retail & bag trade. An energetic man taking the premises would undoubtedly ensure a first class business.

Apply to Mr. T.M. Baker, Solr. Great Yarmouth.

Norfolk Chronicle - 4th, 11th & 16th March 1876For more history about this mill and many others, please visit -
www.norfolkmills.co.uk

The excitement is mounting as the cool clear, but dew spangled dawns show us that autumn is soon to arrive. The call of the Dunnock, more noticeable now than the spring and summer really gets me going knowing that the change from an abundance of flora and insects will soon make way for bird migration, post breeding flocks and Fungi. Most mycologists have been the first to notice that the fungi season is not from September to October in the past but mid October.

Well this year we have thrown the baby out with the bathwater as the woods, fields and hedgerows have produced and abundance of species in August. Most frequent has been the Weeping Bolete, (Suillus granulatus) found under or near Pines. In the grounds of Beccles Hospital there have been troops of 20 or more.

Field Mushrooms have also been seen in the most unlikely of places such as behind a bin in Peddars Lane (Beccles)

Word soon gets around I am hunting for fungi and a colleague of Eileen's informed her of a good site (a field edge and sandy bank) at Gillingham which coincidentally is the last recorded site of the very rare (extinct?) Pepper pot Fungus.


Here we found several Field Mushrooms and a few rings of Marasmius oreades, The best find and most notable were the large agaricales of Brown Roll Rim (Paxillus involutus)

we found and photographed some with 8" caps and they were in the prime of health,

Deadly poisonous and look it too they are common and similar to the more acid loving Lactarius turpis (Ugky Milk Cap.)

What a great start to the fungi season and this is only the start, I wonder what goodies we will find in the area whilst trying to locate the Pepper pot!

"Warning" The author is an expert and at no time should you eat any fungi unless you know what the species is.

He is happy to assist with identification and hold fungus forays.