Archive for June, 2010

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Business backs Hunstanton In Bloom

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Anchor shaped planting in Lincoln Sq for Hunstanton in Bloom 2010

Anchor shaped planting in Lincoln Sq for Hunstanton in Bloom 2010

Photo by Stella Gooch

Hunstanton’s High Street and promenade are about to be festooned with flowers as Hunstanton businesses get behind the town’s Britain in Bloom gold-award bid.

A new pilot scheme, devised by the Borough Council, has met with approval from the local business community. Under the scheme traders take charge of wheeled planters. The 2ft wooden planters are planted up by the Borough Council and provided free of charge. In return local businesses look after maintenance.

The Borough Council, working in partnership with the Hunstanton Chamber of Trade and local businesswomen Diane Hallard, Liz Searle and Becci Terrey has now seen 44 businesses get involved in the In Bloom campaign. As a result 49 baskets and 41 planters full of colourful bedding plants are about to take up their positions for summer.

Hanging baskets cost £46. The Borough Council prepares, installs and waters the hanging baskets and replaces plants as necessary throughout the flowering season.

Diane Hallard, who also represents the Hunstanton Chamber of Trade, said: “Since 2004 the In Bloom campaign has really helped to transform the town. The flowers should make Hunstanton High Street and the promenade look spectacular, bring the commercial sector of the town in line with the fantastic displays along the cliff top, and make shoppers feel welcome.

“We wanted to get involved as we’re proud of Hunstanton, but it also makes good business sense too. If we can achieve a Gold Award in Britain in Bloom it gives Hunstanton another draw, encouraging day-trippers to come and see our bountiful blooms and sample Hunny’s hospitality.”

Other prominent local businesses have also offered generous support. Thaxter’s Garden Centre, Dersingham will be sponsoring the front garden competition for the third time this year. Hunter’s Landrover will be providing In-bloom-mobiles for the judges’ visit once again and Heacham Lavender Fields is providing a range of plants for planting projects around the town. Searles Resorts and the seafront traders are also supporting the campaign.

Borough Councillor Elizabeth Watson, Chair of the Hunstanton in Bloom campaign said: “I’m so pleased that businesses have shown such enthusiasm for the campaign this year and thank them all for their efforts. The planters and baskets should look fabulous so I’d urge people to head to Hunstanton and take a look.”

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Bircham Windmill welcomes John Ruskin Primary School Choir

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
John Ruskin Primary School Choir

John Ruskin Primary School Choir

Photo supplied via Bircham Windmill

The John Ruskin Primary School Choir – from Camberwell in South East London are being welcomed to East Anglia once again and will sing at the Anglican Shrine in Walsingham, Bircham Windmill, Holkham Hall and Ely Cathedral between  2 – 5 July,

The Choir began in 2003, when it made its first appearance at the Globe Theatre in Southwark. Subsequently the choir has performed at St James’s Church, Piccadilly, the Thames Festival, Ely and Norwich Cathedrals, many churches throughout Norfolk, at several gala charity events for Save the Children (where they have sung for Princess Anne) and alongside many talented performers including Bernard Cribbins, Sue McGregor, Pip Torrens and sundry cast members from The Archers on Radio 4…

Why not try and see them when they appear at the Anglican Shrine in Walsingham, Bircham Windmill, Holkham Hall and Ely Cathedral in July.

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In Bloom competition rewards kerb-appeal

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Photo by Helen Gooding

Kerbside view of Peacock House in Hunstanton 2009

Kerbside view of Peacock House in Hunstanton 2009

Beautiful front gardens in King’s Lynn and Hunstanton are to be rewarded in this year’s West Norfolk in Bloom Front Garden Competition organised by the Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk and supported by Robin Tacchi Plants (of Diss), Thaxter’s Garden Centre (of Dersingham) and Gaywood Tesco (of Gaywood, King’s Lynn) . Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, Cabinet Member for Sports, Arts and Open Spaces, and chairman of the King’s Lynn in Bloom committee said: “Front gardens play an important role in creating a welcoming first impression of an area and show that people take a pride in where they live. “The front garden competition is a great way of acknowledging residents’ efforts and the impact that their work has on the wider community.” To enter, people from King’s Lynn simply need to complete a nomination postcard, available from council offices and the Tourist Information Centre, and return it to the pre-paid address on the reverse of the card. King’s Lynn entrants can also call Cllr Nockolds on 01553 670264 to nominate their garden. Nominations must be received by 2 July. Cllr Nockolds added: “King’s Lynn Nominations can only be accepted from the owner of the garden, but if you know of a front garden in your area that is particularly lovely, I would urge you to collect a postcard and encourage the owner to enter – often people are quite modest about their own achievements and a nudge from a neighbour might persuade them to enter.” In Hunstanton the competition is being over-seen by the Hunstanton Gardeners’ Association. This year the association will view the town’s front gardens and nominate those which are deemed to make the most significant contributions to the overall street scene for entry into this year’s competition.eter Davidson, representative of the Hunstanton Gardeners’ Association explained the association’s approach to this year’s competition: “This competition is all about recognising the fact that everyone’s individual efforts contribute to the whole picture. It is not about horticultural excellence, but gardens that have a positive impact on the street scene. Because Hunstanton is getting such a good reputation for horticulture, having been a Britain in Bloom finalist for two consecutive years now, we felt that some people, who really should have their gardens recognised, were too shy to take part, hence our decision to hold a judges’ tour and draw up a list of nominations.” Robin Tacchi Plants (of Diss) and Thaxter’s Garden Centre (of Dersingham) are generously supporting the competitions this year and prizes are as follows:

KINGS LYNN:
1st selection of plants to the value of £100 from Robin Tacchi Plant Ltd
2nd Picnic table and chairs donated by Gaywood Tesco
3rd Football style kettle style barbeque donated by Gaywood Tesco

HUNSTANTON:
1st £75 voucher to be redeemed at Thaxter’s Garden Centre and plaque
2nd £50 voucher to be redeemed at Thaxter’s Garden Centre and plaque
3rd £25 to be redeemed at Thaxter’s Garden Centre and plaque

Gardens must be visible from the public highway. Judging will take place in July. The judges’ decision is final. Winners will be notified by telephone or email. Presentation events will be held in later in the summer.

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Iconic Kings Lynn sights shown in a new light by a photo exhibition

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Photo by Peter Rye of Lenzman

Kings Lynn Custom House at night

Kings Lynn Custom House at night

Captivating scenes of King’s Lynn by night were unveiled at a special exhibition at the King’s Lynn Custom House this week.

The exhibition, which includes sixteen photographs, was created by King’s Lynn-based Lenzman photographer Peter Rye. Shot by night and making imaginative use of lighting, the images provide a fresh view of King’s Lynn’s historic gems and familiar vistas.

Cllr Jason Law, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, who is responsible for tourism in the borough, said: “The Grade-I-listed Custom House provides a beautiful exhibition space. As it houses the Tourist Information Centre it made perfect sense to include an exhibition like this that really showcases the town’s assets.”

Cllr Law went on to say: “We hope visitors and locals will drop in to explore the exhibition and find out about the many attractions West Norfolk has to offer.”

The exhibition is free of charge and will run until 1 September 2010. The exhibition is open Monday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm and Sunday noon – 4.30 pm.  Further information may be obtained from Kings Lynn Tourist Information or visit www.lenzman.com.

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Hunstanton B&B celebrates first year in business with a thank you BBQ

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Photos by Stella Gooch

John bravely carries on BBQing in the rain

John bravely carries on BBQing in the rain

B&B owner/operators, Liz and John of Ashleigh Lodge wanted to mark their first year in their Hunstanton bed and breakfast business by saying thank you to everyone who had helped them redevelop the original business and become freshly established.  As a result a wonderful BBQ event was organised by the couple from 2pm on a Sunday afternoon. 

All those who had contributed to ensure their success were invited to come along and help them celebrate at their Hunstanton B&B.  Among the guests were other local bed and breakfast owners, Hunstanton Tourist Office, Hunstanton-On-Line and friends and family of Liz and John.  Guests were also invited to take a tour of the lovely guest rooms which had been a year in the making.

Guests enjoying the party

Guests enjoying the party

John – a chef by trade – did a grand job providing wonderful fayre throughout the afternoon.  Despite the periodic deluge, John smiled and carried on with the show and the sun shone through after a time.  The party continued to warm up and got seriously underway by early evening, finally coming to a close around midnight.  Now that’s a party

Guests enjoying the garden at Ashleigh Lodge

Guests enjoying the garden at Ashleigh Lodge

One of the new bedrooms at Ashleigh Lodge

One of the new bedrooms at Ashleigh Lodge

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Birds – Recent RSPB Titchwell Sightings & Tides

Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Bittern Active nest confirmed in reedbed, feeding flights regularly seen by female
Red-crested pochard 2 pairs seen around reserve
Teal 18 on Fresh marsh 9/6/10
Pochard 16 on Fresh marsh 9/610
Hobby 1 over Fresh marsh 7/6/10
Marsh harrier Seen daily over reedbed, 4 active nests onsite
Avocet Regularly seen around reserve on lagoons, 63 birds on 9/6/10
Black-winged stilt 5 birds on Fresh marsh between 5/6/10 and 6/6/10, the first record since 2005
Little ringed plover 2 on Fresh marsh 5/6/10
Curlew sandpiper Single bird on Fresh marsh 7/6/10
Knot Large numbers regularly seen on Fresh marsh, 700 birds on 5/6/10
Black-tailed godwit Good numbers regularly on Fresh marsh, 236 on 9/6/10
Bar-tailed Godwit 78 birds on Fresh marsh 7/6/10
Greenshank 2 on fresh marsh 9/6/10
Little Gull 6 first summer birds on Fresh marsh 5/6/10
Turtle Dove Occasionally heard calling around visitor centre and Fen trail
Cuckoo Heard regularly around reserve
Barn owl 1 seen over reedbed 5/6/10
Cetti’s Warbler Frequently heard calling close to West Bank Path
Bearded tit Good views of birds feeding on exposed mud by Island hide 8/6/10

Tide Times

Day Date Time Day Date Time
Thu  10/06 17:47 Mon 14/06 08:26
Fri  11/06 18:35 Tue 15/06 09:09
Sat  12/06 07:03 Wed 16/06 09:54
Sun  13/06 07:44 Thu 17/06 10:40

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Hunstanton’s Great Egg Hunt

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
Egg hunters show off their finds

Egg hunters share their finds with Sonia

Photos by Stella Gooch and Sonia Reveley

On Saturday, 5 June Hunstanton Beach became an artists canvass as Natural England (based at The Green Quay in King’s Lynn) held a Marine Animals Sand Sculpture Competition on the beach.

Sonia Reveley of Natural England said: “The Sand Sculpture event was a great success and an enjoyable event.  The beautiful sunshine (accompanied by just the right sea breeze) was a primary factor for the high number of participants in this event.

Conversely, Natural England’s Great Egg Hunt held the day after on Sunday 6 June did not fare so well with the weather.  Instead the sky was overcast and rain threatened but it held off long enough for the Egg Hunt.  The skies literally erupted soon after though!

With assistance from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk , Natural England invited the general public to meet near the North Promenade just up from Hunstanton Green.  We assembled around 10.30am and we willing hunters listened to Sonia explain what it was all about.  What an education it was for me. It was all about egg cases on behalf of the Shark Trust.  Why do the Shark Trust want us to record egg cases?  Good question.

Egg hunters search Hunstanton beach

Egg hunters search Hunstanton beach

According to the website for The Great Egg Hunt (www.eggcase.org), in recent decades several species of skate and ray around the British coast have dramatically declined in numbers.  The empty eggcases that wash up on to our beaches all year round are an easily accessible source of information on the whereabouts of skate and ray nursery grounds.

The keen hunters were asked to see how many “mermaid purses” they could find along Hunstanton’s shoreline.  We were looking for the strange shaped black shells which encase skate and ray eggs when laid in the seabed. 

It was important that a reasonable amount of searching time was carried out in order that conservationists could determine where eggcases wash up around our coastline and – more importantly – where they don’t.  This kind of survey work assists conservation workers all over the world and is crucial in maintaining our eco systems.

The Shark Trust encourages other conservation bodies to run the Great Egg hunt on local beaches annually, and some practical and financial assistance is provided by Natural England and other conservation groups around the British coastline.  This enables them to keep up to date with the breeding habits of the skate and ray community.  The results of the species of skate or ray “mermaid purses” found are collated and analysed so that it can be seen if certain species were declining or growing in their number. 

After an hour and a half of searching we came up empty handed.  Despite our poor results, my boys and I enjoyed the fresh air as we searched in vain for “purses” along the Hunstanton cliffs.  Joining us were a number of other families with young children conducting their own searches.  Some of these egg hunters were more successful and proudly displayed their finds to Sonia on their return.  Sonia was delighted to see the “purses” and was particularly excited by the production of a “Thornback Ray” specimen.  Later, Sonia reported that chats with the locals suggested that we are seeing a decline in the ray and skate species living in the Wash, as many had told her that the beach used to be covered with mermaid’s purses after each high tide and now they are hard to find.

Details of the total eggcases found on Hunstanton Beach on 5 June 201o are being reported back to the  Shark Trust and these were:

 -   46 ‘Spotted Ray’ eggcases

-   26 ‘Thornback Ray’ eggcases

 If you are on the beach at any time and you spot what you think might be an eggcase of a skate or ray then Natural England:

1. would like to know where you found it;
2. on what date you found it; and
3. the eggcases are packaged and sent to the following address:

Attn: Sonia Reveley
Natural England
The Green Quay
Marriott’s Warehouse
South Quay
Kings Lynn
Norfolk PE30 5DT

Mermaid eggcases

Samples of Mermaid eggcases found on the beach

So the next time you are out and about on a UK beach why not take the time to explore nature and see what you can find – you will be helping preserve eco systems and a whole species.  Check out the relevant websites (www.eggcase.org and www.sharktrust.org) if you need help in deciding whether your discovery is in fact a “mermaid purse”.

Star Fish Sand Sculpture

Star Fish Sand Sculpture

Crab sand sculpture

Crab sand sculpture

Speaking on behalf of Natural England, Sonia said: “‘Both the marine sand sculpture competition and eggcase hunt allowed Natural England  and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk to raise awareness about the diversity of life living in the different coastal habitats found around the Wash.  We want people to realise that the beach is a whole ecosystem, not just for sunbathing.  In addition, 2010 has been declared the Year of Biodiversity – an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about our wildlife, plant life and varied habitats. To continue with this important conservation survey, Natural England will be hoping to run another Great Eggcase Hunt next year on Hunstanton Beach.”

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Regional Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

The 2010 regional Enjoy England Awards has been officially launched.

This is a really great opportunity to shine a national light on the Hunstanton and district region and highlight the best tourism businesses in Norfolk. If you are a local tourism business why not consider taking part and highlighting your choices for any/all of the categories.

The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010 celebrate the best of English tourism. Now in their twenty-first year, the Awards are known throughout the industry as the ‘Oscars’ of tourism. They promote healthy industry competition and high standards, helping to ensure England’s place as a world-class destination.

There are  fifteen categories in this year’s regional awards:  
·         B&B / Guest Accommodation
·         Small Hotel (up to 50 bedrooms)
·         Large Hotel (min 35 bedrooms)
·         Self-catering Holiday
·         Caravan Holiday Park
·         Small Visitor Attraction (up to 50,000 visitors pa)
·         Large Visitor Attraction (over 50,000 visitors pa)
·         Sustainable Tourism
·         Tourist Information Centre
·         Business Tourism
·         Best Tourism Experience
·         Outstanding Customer Service
·         Taste of England
·         Access for All
·         Tourism Event of the Year

**** The closing date for entries is Wednesday 30 June 2010 ****

Further details and relevant forms can be found on the EET website (www.eet.org.uk/awards).

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Regenerating Hunstanton … the story so far

Monday, June 7th, 2010
Exploring for beach life at the foot of Hunstanton Cliffs

Exploring for beach life at the foot of Hunstanton Cliffs

Photo by Stella Gooch

News from the Borough Council re Hunstanton’s regeneration released today confirm that an information board and leaflets, featuring key elements of Hunstanton’s regeneration story, have gone on display in the town.

Jason Law, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Hunstanton ward member, explained: “Hunstanton is a much-loved seaside resort which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far each year.  Local business, residents, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Hunstanton Town Council and Norfolk County Council are all committed to working together to ensure that Hunstanton retains its popularity and continues to attract visitors, residents and businesses long into the future.”

“We have put together a leaflet and information board to share with residents and visitors Hunstanton’s regeneration story.  The board and leaflet show what has been achieved so far and what is planned for the near future.”

The display board has been erected at the town’s Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre.  Leaflets are available from the Oasis, Hunstanton Tourist Information Centre, the Council Information Centre in Valentine Road and Huntanton Town Council offices.

In 2008, a masterplan for the town’s regeneration was developed setting out a vision for Hunstanton as an active town; a local town that meets the needs of its residents, a more attractive seaside destination; a town that respects its heritage and one that makes the most of its natural assets.

Sarah Glenn, Economic Development Projects Officer at the Borough Council, said: “Local organisations, residents and businesses took part in the consultation on the masterplan.  We want to make sure that people know about the progress that partner organsiations have made towards the masterplan vision as well as being aware of opportunities to voice their views about planned developments.”

One such development is the proposal to create a piazza-style gateway to the sea, improving a key through-route from the car park at Beach Terrace Road, through Seagate, to the promenade.

“The Borough and County Councils have consulted a range of local stakeholders to develop this scheme,” said Sarah.  “We would like residents and visitors to give us their views, and to tell us what area of the town centre or seafront they would like to see improved next.”

To view the plans, head to the Oasis in Hunstanton, read the leaflet and complete the tear-off slip.  Alternatively, you can view the proposal online by visiting the regeneration pages at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk and e-mail your comments to hunstantonregeneration@west-norfolk.gov.uk.

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Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company News

Monday, June 7th, 2010
Lavender Hill Mob tries ventriloquism

Archie Andrews and his 'vent' Steve Hewlett

This is the very first report from me, Sandra Hohol, the Publicity Officer for the Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company, based in Hunstanton in Norfolk. 

Our website contains a wealth of information about our organisation www.lhmtc.co.uk for all to investigate!  There are ‘Words from our Patrons’ including Amanda Holden; photos from all events, gigs and shows, details of our committee and so much more!

This year’s first outside event was the Scarecrow Festival at Millbridge Nursing Home in Heacham.  The weather outlook was good and we had only just finished making preparations with everyone looking forward to a great afternoon of fundraising.  We were all busy admiring other stall holders’ beautiful Gala Tents after putting up our own two basic gazebos which had seen better days.  It was then that we decided that a ‘proper’ gazebo was next on the agenda for funding – hoping that the current two would last the season. Unfortunately there was no more future for one of the gazebos which, as ferocious gusts of wind, accompanied by stair rods of rain lashed viciously onto Millbridge Gardens. 

LHMTC at Heacham Scarecrow Festival

LHMTC at Heacham Scarecrow Festival

The Committee and other stallholders bravely held on to the gazebos, praying that the heavens would stop and everything would remain intact.  Not so, it was a case of batten down the hatches and save as much as we could.  That was until disaster struck and a tremendously violent gust of wind took one of the gazebos in to the air, twisting some of the supporting poles and wrecking some of the stall contents.  The aftermath saw us recovering as much as we could like wreckage from a ship and endeavouring to salvage prizes and tickets so we could carry on.

However, all was not lost, the generous people from the Scout stall asked us to share their tent for which we were very grateful.  We thought they deserved a donation for all the kind help they gave us and we would also like to say a very big thank you to everyone for helping us in our soggy, rescue mission so we could continue with the fund raising – which needless to say will go towards a new gala tent.  However, if anyone has a very stable, windproof gazebo, 3m x 6m which they would like to donate or sell at a reasonable price, please let me know!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

There are many more events to come throughout the summer and we hope that the weather will fare well for everyone, not just us!

Sunday 20 June –     Ringstead Open Gardens

Sunday 27 June -      Hunstanton Carnival Day

Friday 9 July -          Adjudicated Drama at the Princess Theatre –  (Hunstanton Festival of Arts)

Saturday 10 July -    Burnham Market Carnival and Flower Festival

Saturday 17 July –   Docking Devils Fun Day

Sunday 11 July -       Norfolk Lavender Festival, Heacham

Sunday 1 August -    Gayton Village Fete at Gayton Hall

Sunday 8 August -    Fun Day at the United Services Club, Hunstanton

Sunday 15 August –   Fete and Dog Show at Millbridge Nursing Home, Heacham

CHRISTMAS SHOW

11, 12 & 13 November sees our own Christmas show ‘Searching for Santa’, a wonderful family show which will touch the hearts of all the audience with it’s dreams, wishes and magical story – certainly not one to miss in the run up to Christmas!  More about this in forthcoming reports.

ARCHIE ANDREWS VISIT

Archie Andrews, another Patron, hopes to make a visit sometime in the summer pending his other commitments and commitments of his ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, so fans of the 50’s show Peter Brough and Archie Andrews Show will get to see this wonderful cheeky character in the flesh (so to speak!). Watch this space and our website for more info’.

FRIENDS OF LHMTC

We have gathered a few ‘Friends’ over the past months.  Some are just supporters who like to keep in touch so they can come to shows and gigs. Others like to make a regular donation to add to our funds.  If you would like to become a ‘friend’ please contact me. You will receive a regular newsletter with various other pieces of information about LHMTC, such as interviews, funding etc.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

LHMTC singing their hearts out

LHMTC singing their hearts out

We are an ‘inclusive’ group and registered charity, working with young people from age 4 upwards, whatever their disabilities or capabilities and we have no membership limit.  We work as a team, utilising the strengths and weaknesses of the youngsters to create a positive effect. No-one is turned away and there are no auditions.

Everybody is encouraged to develop existing or new skills and no-one does anything that they do not wish to do.  They gain confidence and learn to interact with others. All younger members have ‘shadows’ so they are looked after.  Everyone gets the chance to act, dance or sing in an informal atmosphere.  They are all stars and we are very proud to give them the opportunity to be so.  They love entertaining and coming to workshops, so we need to sustain the group into the future in order for them to continue enjoying doing what they can and are able to do.

The Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company welcomes  everyone from age 4 no matter what ability, disability or capability. Working on a similar ethos as the Chicken Shed Theatre in London,  there is no pressure to do anything – people do what they are able to, we do not hold auditions and there is no membership limit.  St Edmunds Church Hall, Hunstanton is our venue on Mondays (Dance & Movement 5 – 8pm), Tuesdays (Workshops for All – 5 – 7pm) and Wednesdays (Writing and Devising 5 – 8pm).   For more information please contact me, Sandra Hohol, Publicity Officer on 01485 534827, email s.hohol@btinternet.com or visit our website www.lhmtc.co.uk Reg. Charity 1134490

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