Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Bank Holiday weekend Country Craft Day at Bircham Windmill

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

Posted by Stella Gooch

Children wave from Bircham Windmill's upper floors

Children wave from Bircham Windmill’s upper floors

Bircham Windmill is always a great visit but they do consistently put on a special Bank Holiday and this one is no exception.

It’s a day of animal treats and country crafts at Bircham Windmill this Bank Holiday Monday, May 27th.  A day the sheep all look forward to as they get their coats off for the summer as well as getting to be centre of attention for the great annual sheep race.  There is much excitement in the paddock this year as we have two of the fences sponsored.

One is a proper horse hurdle kindly lent to us by Fakenham Racecourse who need it back in one piece ready for their Lady’s Day on June 2nd, the other is a straw bale fence from GJL animal feeds which the sheep love as they can jump on and off.  Elly Chalmers who runs the windmill with her husband Stevie particularly loves the sheep events ‘I used to be a full time shepherdess before we took over the mill from my parents’ said Elly ‘It takes a couple of weeks to train the sheep to jump, but they absolutely love it’  Elly’s favourite sheep ‘Squiffy’ is one of the runners that visitors to the Country Day can bet on.  ‘We’ve got some super badges and ginger bread sheep for anyone who backs the winner’ said Elly.

There will be children’s show jumping (no ponies – just children!), horse dressage and meet the horse, a dog show starting at 1pm, all dogs very welcome, a wild flower competition and lots of country crafts including pole lathe woodturning, bee keeping, pottery, lace making and more as well as plant and jam stalls.  There will be pony rides, a tractor for the children to climb on and landrovers and trailers. The sheep milking will be on at 2pm

The windmill museum, cycle hire, bakery and tearooms will be open as usual, with extra refreshments served in the marquee.

Entrance to the Country Day is £3.50 for Adults, £2 for season ticket holders and FREE for children, there are small fees to enter the dog show, bet on the sheep racing and pony rides. Come along for a superb family fun day out and learn a little more about our countryside.  Don’t forget your dog!

Coastal Tweetup returns to Golden Lion 22 May

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

By Stella Gooch

at-coastaltweetuptextcoastaltweetup-plainLOGOThe third Coastal Tweetup meeting is back at the Golden Lion on Wednesday, 22 May from 6pm.

We aim to meet roughly 3 weeks apart with every other meet taking place in Hunstanton.  So if you are a small business or freelancer living in and around the Norfolk coast why not get involved – you don’t even have to come for every meeting.  We also hope to have speakers from time to time to create some variety.  It is a great way to network and make new friends too.  

The idea is based on the lead by @NorfolkTweetUp which was born to allow low cost networking amongst Twitter followers in the county.  As these meets are often very inland and quite a distance from the coastal areas we have started @CoastalTweetUp under the auspices of Hunstanton-On-Line.

If you can’t make this week’s meet then put the next date in your diary and Twitter for venue details.

FORTHCOMING COASTAL TWEETUP DATE:
Date:
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Time: 6pm
Place: TBC

If you would like to join in but do not use Twitter please do not let that put you off.  We would love to see you!  If you want any further information about @CoastalTweetUp please contact Stella on 07788 645157.

 

Psychic Medium, Tony Stockwell at Princess Theatre

Monday, May 20th, 2013

Posted by Stella Gooch

tonystockwell-psychic-princesstheatrejune2013It’s NOT creepy or kooky, mysterious or spooky. It’s Psychic Medium Tony Stockwell demonstrating his belief that those who have passed can communicate with their loved ones.

At its best, Mediumship has the potential to change someone’s life and to instil in them a sense of peace, comfort and purpose.  Psychic Medium Tony Stockwell is not a new kid on the block and during his 20 years working as a medium he has constantly worked to improve his game and push the boundaries of his communication.  In that time he has had umpteen television programmes, taught at some of the most respected schools for mediumistic development as well as setting up his own training school for developing mediums.

Tony Stockwell: Sensitive and inspirational, his messages are amazingly detailed and always humorous.

Show details:
18th June, 7.30pm
Tickets: £19.50. £18.50
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Tony Stockwell,  one of the UK”s well known and respected is hosting an Evening of Psychic Mediumship at Hunstanton’s Princess Theatre on Tuesday 18th June 2013.

Tony Stockwell uses his Special Gift to help people in their quest for consolation and on the 18th June he will be appearing in Hunstanton, bringing messages of comfort to those who need to hear and understand that a friend, loved one or someone they cared about can still be with them. This he does to a breathtaking degree in his truly remarkable show. Often working with photographs or objects, Tony uses his extraordinary paranormal abilities to communicate amazingly accurate messages. For those who do not receive a message, the use of a big screen allows the audience to become deeply involved in the entire process, taking them with him on a spiritual and emotional roller coaster which would force the most hardened of cynics to rethink their views on the afterlife.

Even as a child Tony knew he was different from other children. From an early age he was aware of seeing people before him that others could not see. It was common for him to hear his name being called by someone unseen, and also common for him to be aware of events before they actually happened. To him, all this was perfectly normal. Over the years that followed, Tony took every opportunity to develop and demonstrate his mediumistic ability, endeavouring to reunite relatives with their departed loved ones. He is always striving to push the boundaries of his work, wanting each message from the other side to be as perfect as possible to prove, beyond doubt that our spirits are eternal and are able to communicate with us.

Tony hopes that through his current work he will make others aware that there’s something more than just our current lives.  “ Whether through mental or physical mediumship, on TV or through small groups, if you can bless one person’s life to absolutely believe beyond doubt that their mum, their dad, their son, or their daughter is actually going to be there waiting for them and it gives them comfort, then that’s worth doing.”

Recent legislative guidelines insist that any Evening of Mediumship should be billed ‘for entertainment purposes’. Tony certainly uses his natural wit, showmanship and Cockney charisma to entertain but more important, Mediumship has the potential to change someone’s life and instil in them a sense of peace, comfort and purpose.

“Tony is the best Medium I have ever seen. I’ve recommended him to all my friends” Maureen – Andover
“What a brilliant and accurate man he is. He is all that the reviews say”. Kim – Newmarket
“I will be making sure that I see him again – the best evening for me for a long time” Loraine –Beckenham
“I was moved, entertained and amazed. He is very gentle and sensitive and there was both laughter and tears. His accuracy was spot on with names, dates and ages given. Go see for yourself.” Ester – Frome

Don’t take their word for it, click here to see what other visitors to the show have to say or watch the current re-runs of Street Psychic and Legend Detectives on Living TV.

You can also buy tickets to this enlightening evening by contacting the the Princess Theatre Box Office 01485 532252.

Jimmy Cricket in Hunstanton

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

Posted by Stella Gooch
Photo courtesy of Princess Theatre

 Jimmy Cricket and Anni Larkin (left) & Rachel Davies (right)

Jimmy Cricket and Anni Larkin (left) & Rachel Davies (right)

Well known, family entertainer, Jimmy Cricket recently visited Hunstanton to help promote the Princess Theatre’s Great British Seaside Special.  The show planned to run through the school summer holidays is is a traditional seaside show with lots of fun guaranteed for all the family.  Also on the bill will be balloon illusionist, Bob Wooding and The Princess Show Team.

Many locals attended the Princess Theatre to shake his hand and welcome Jimmy to town.  I went along to make my acquaintance and was delighted that I had done so.  In real life he is a really engaging personality and is just like his persona.  Jimmy, and visitors to the Princess Theatre, enjoyed refreshments including some truly scrumptious cupcakes made by the Princess Theatre’s very own Michelle.

During his visit, Jimmy Cricket took part in the official re-opening of the Hunstanton’s new-look Tourist Information Centre on Saturday, 11 May.  The new Tourist Information Centre is now more user-friendly, with electronic doors, a ramp and a wealth of relevant information for visitors. The TIC sells tickets to local attractions, gifts and now the TIC also has its own clothing range too.  Town Mayor, Elaine Clutton, cut the ribbon before Jimmy Cricket provided his own brand of entertainment for the crowds.

This year’s summer show will run from 5th August to 4th September with afternoon and evening performances.

Tickets can be purchased from the box office 01485 532252 or the website

Hunstanton Fun Dog Show celebrates dogs!

Monday, May 13th, 2013

By Stella Gooch
Photos by Stella Gooch

Dogs, dogs, dog.  Hunstanton’s Glebe House School was teeming with dogs this weekend attending the 2013 Hunstanton Fun Dog Show.  Primary organiser Amanda Knight was justifiably pleased with the support the event received as countless dogs of all breeds and sizes and their owners turned out to take part in a fun day out for all the family.

Some of the entrants line up for the judges

Some of the entrants line up for the judges

Much loved pets

Much loved pets

Many families enjoyed the regular boot sale in advance prior to the show and some went on to enjoy a picnic on what turned out to be a slightly windy but generally pleasant day (until the rain which came much later).

The highlight of the show for me was when Frodo Cavalier, the show’s mascot, actively participated in the Cavalier class and selected his preferred winners.  His overall favourite was Hettie complete with a pink ribbon!  I am reliably informed that Hettie is a young girl and was really excited about winning.  Bless her!

Hettie gets a pet from her owner at the show's end

Hettie gets a pet from her owner at the show’s end

Hettie - Frodo's favourite soaks up the glory after the show

Hettie – Frodo’s favourite soaks up the glory after the show

Photographic seaside memories needed to promote Hunstanton

Friday, May 10th, 2013

By Stella Gooch

Kings Lynn Council logo

 

The Regeneration Team at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk are keen for all Hunstanton visitors and residents to send in their photographs illustrating seaside memories, breathtaking seascapes and scenes of yesteryear in Hunstanton to incorporate them in a scheme that will re-shape the Spinney area of Hunstanton.  Preserving some of Hunstanton’s history as a fantastic Victorian holiday resort in this way will create a wonderful feature showpiece for the town.  Photographs should reach the council by 27 May 2013.  Digital images can be sent via email to: alan.gillings@west-norfolk.gov.uk.

The Spinney redevelopment project plans were approved on 7 May as part of regeneration of the area.  The plans are intended to support the town centre and provide a focal point for events as well as connect key areas of the town.  The net result should be the creation of a public event space as well as attractive landscaping.  It is hoped that the area will attract people who want to relax and enjking the area become an attractive place to sit down and relax a while. There are also plans to change on-street parking and access on the north side of the site to encourage increased pedestrian access.

So dig out your prized old photographs which show off Hunstanton’s heritage and send them in so they can be considered for inclusion in to the  design of a curving wall made up of approx 25 images on ceramic tiles.  This wall will surround the event space and will be the centrepiece of the new scheme.

Councillor Elizabeth Watson, Chairman of the Hunstanton Civic Society and town councillor, Andrew Murray and the borough council’s Public Space Manager and Conservation Officer, will review all the images recieved and select those that will be made into tiles.

The landscaping scheme has been developed by landscape architects Wynne Williams Associates on behalf of the Hunstanton Regeneration Project Team. The final design has been created in consultation with the Hunstanton Town Team, Hunstanton Chamber of Trade and the Hunstanton Town Council. Local consultation events have sought the opinions of residents, businesses and stakeholders.

Work is due to start on site during the autumn.

More information about this can be found on the Council website.

Blossom Day a great success

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013
By Kate Dunbar

Kate Dunbar with local children following Rig-a-Jig-Jig through the orchard as they play an old Norfolk tune on the fiddle and piccolo

Kate Dunbar with local children following Rig-a-Jig-Jig through the orchard as they play an old Norfolk tune on the fiddle and piccolo

Spring has arrived at last and what a brilliant time we had on our special orchard Blossom Day on the 4th May. We have high hopes that we can build on our success this year in order to to make it an annual event.

We had a fantastic Day celebrating jointly, the first year of our Community Orchard and Hunstanton Town Council taking over management of the Community Centre. Although we did get some out of town visitors, it was mainly a day where local people came to admire the growing orchard, socialise and relax. First school children showed off their country dancing skills, whilst others listened to stories from the Yarn Weaver, chased bubbles supplied by Anna from Heartbeeps, did bug hunts with Norfolk Wildlife Trust, had fun on the Bouncy castle, played football,  enjoyed cakes and ice cream! The Hunstanton Concert Band gave a festive boost to the occasion and Rig-a Jig-Jig provided authentic Norfolk folk music.

Whilst we are very proud of The Green as it is a wonderful space for the town  with a magnificent view of the sea, the Community Centre Field is a safe green space for local families to enjoy. We are waiting with baited breath  to hear if it is to be protected for 999 years by Queen Elizabeth Fields in Trust, for future generations. That really will be something to celebrate!

Coastal TweetUp – networking for business & fun too

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

coastaltweetup-plainLOGO at-coastaltweetuptext

Thanks to Hunstanton’s Golden Lion Hotel we had a fantastic venue for our very first Coastal TweetUp networking event on 10 April 2013.  There were two different time slots to enable as many people to make contact with organisers, Stella Gooch (Hunstanton-On-Line and Stella Gooch Executive Business Support), Rosie Kitchen (PR Active) and Amanda Knight (The Hunstanton Fun Dog Show.

The lunch time meet was a smaller gathering than in the evening but in all there was a turnout of 16.  The people we met on this occasion included members of @NorfolkTweetUp, Mel (@socialmonkey) and Julia (@Juliawordfire).  Among our new contacts were a graphic designer, a lady who works with the deaf, a holiday cruise agent, a local directory provider, a local holiday home provider. based in Heacham.  It was a fantastic opportunity to become better acquainted amongst the organisers and to also have a more in-depth chat with Zoe, the Manager of The Golden Lion.  Some of us also enjoyed the great food on offer at The Golden Lion.

Our second Coastal TweetUp was on 1 May 2013 in Wells-Next-the-Sea.  It was a lovely evening to visit The Albatros (an old Dutch seafaring vessel moored in the Quay) and another great opportunity to make connections with small business owners.  As expected, this TweetUp was very different from that at the Golden Lion but just as rewarding as a networking experience.

The group aims to meet roughly 2 to 3 weeks apart with every other meet taking place in Hunstanton.  So if you are a small business or freelancer living in and around the Norfolk coast why not get involved – you don’t even have to come for every meeting.  We also hope to have speakers from time to time to create some variety.  It is a great way to network and make new friends too.  

The idea is based on the lead by @NorfolkTweetUp which was born to allow low cost networking amongst Twitter followers in the county.  As these meets are often very inland and quite a distance from the coastal areas we have started @CoastalTweetUp under the auspices of Hunstanton-On-Line.

COASTAL TWEETUP NEXT MEET:
Date:
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Time: 6pm
Place: Lion Inn at The Golden Lion, Hunstanton
Refreshments: As ever great food and ales are available.

If you would like to join in but do not use Twitter please do not let that put you off.  We would love to see you!  If you want any further information about @CoastalTweetUp please contact Stella on 07788 645157.

Musical Evening at St Edmunds Church 11 May 2013

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Kempston Choral Evening 11 MAY

By popular request, the Kempston Musical Society will return to West Norfolk and present a concert of light choral music and show pieces.  What a great way to spend the evening now that the nights are getting lighter and (we hope) warmer too.
All contributuions will go to a retiring collection in aid of St Edmunds Church Funds.

 

Blossom Day 4th May 11am -5pm

Friday, April 19th, 2013

Blossom Day 2013It is Spring, the sap is rising and life is bursting and buzzing in our beautiful community orchard. We want the opportunity to share it with you, to celebrate all we have achieved so far and our hopes for the future.

Plus, as a double celebration, your Town Council is taking over management of the Community Centre and field including the orchard area.

So come along and enjoy a special day, with children’s activities including we hope; crafts, story telling, hog roast and stalls. Norfolk Wildlife Trust will be running bug hunts and other wildlife activities. And a there will be a chance to learn about the extensive variety of fruit trees that have been planted, both heritage Norfolk fruits and some more exotic kinds such as apricot and quince.

Come along to the Community Centre in Avenue Road for a fun filled day.  Here is an example of the activities lined up for the programme:

Folk Music, cakes & refreshments, a variety of stalls, wildlife activities, bug hunts,
childrens craft activities, hog roast, town band and possibly pony rides?

If you would like to contribute in anyway, or would like to run a stall (free for charity or local community organisations), then you can contact Carol, Elaine or Kate:

Carol Bower 01485 532392

Elaine Clutton 01485 535915

Kate Dunbar 01485 534041