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Hunstanton’s new horticultural trail offers a prize

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Visitors to Hunstanton are being encouraged to explore the town’s parks, gardens and open spaces as a new horticultural trail is launched, and one lucky participant could win a four-night stay at Searles Leisure Resort Hunstanton.

The 1.5-mile trail, which has been created by the Borough Council as part of Hunstanton’s Britain in Bloom campaign, begins at the Tourist Information Centre.  The route takes in 14 locations including popular spots like the Esplanade Gardens as well as lesser-known corners of Hunstanton where new show gardens are taking root or where, beds, tended by local organisation, can be discovered.

Trail leaflets, including a map and interesting background information about each location, are available from the Tourist Information Centre, free of charge.

People following the trail before the 31 August are invited to take part in a competition to win a four-night break at Searles Leisure Resort. To enter people have to take a picture of their favourite spot en route and email it, along with their contact details, age and a brief explanation (of no more than 100 words) of why they like visiting Hunstanton to westnorfolkinbloom@west-norfolk.gov.uk. Terms and conditions apply. Full details are available on the council’s website www.west-norfolk.gov.uk

Cllr Elizabeth Watson, Chairman of the Hunstanton in Bloom committee, said: “Hunstanton has a wealth of beauty spots to explore. This new trail helps to highlight these horticultural and historic features and showcases the hard work of all those involved in the Hunstanton in Bloom campaign. I hope lots of visitors and residents enjoy taking the trail and take part in the competition to be in with a chance of winning the fabulous prize donated so generously by Searles Leisure Resort.

“I am really looking forward to seeing people’s snaps of their favourite spots and hearing about why they love the town that we’re all so proud of.”

Younger explorers might want to stop off in Boston Square to meet some of the creepy-crawlies that live in the gardens and take part in the Boston Square Bug Hunt. Bug spotter cards, highlighting the insects that can be found in the Boston Square Sensory Garden, are also available from the Tourist Information Centre and magnifying glasses are available for hire. The information collected will help the Hunstanton in Bloom committee to monitor wildlife in the area. It is hope the bug hunt will also help to the raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity in the town.

Posted in Council News, Hunstanton In Bloom, In Bloom, News | 7 Comments »

Discover Hunstanton’s watery world 10-11 August

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Posted by Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk
Photo by Stella Gooch

Exploring for beach life at the foot of Hunstanton Cliffs

Exploring for beach life at the foot of Hunstanton Cliffs

Amidst the golden sand and weed-covered rocks of Hunstanton’s beach there’s a watery rock pool world just waiting to be discovered!

On 10 and 11 August families will once again be invited to delve beneath the surface of the shallow waters on the shoreline to learn more about the creatures that live around our coast.

From five-armed starfish to blue-shelled crabs, there’s a host of extraordinary creatures to explore on the rock pool rambles.

Sonia Reveley, Community Outreach Officer, Natural England and the Borough Council’s Rural Partnership Officer, Jackie Squires will be on hand to help people learn more about this hidden world.

Cllr Brian Long, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We’re lucky to have so many natural habitats on our doorstep. Events like this are a great way of enjoying our fantastic open spaces and help to foster interest in the environment and a respect for nature.

“Last year around 150 people had fun taking part in the rock pool rambles and we’re hoping that they’ll be just as popular this year. With budgets at the forefront of everyone’s mind at the moment, this free event is a great way to get the kids enjoying the outdoors this summer without breaking the bank!”

Sonia Reveley said:”The Wash estuary is the largest estuary in the UK with fascinating wildlife and dramatic landscapes. The rock pool ramble will introduce young people to nature, providing an ideal opportunity for children and their families to learn more about The Wash, its habitats and wildlife.”

It is free to take part and no special equipment is required, although explorers should wear clothing and footwear suitable to the wet conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet on the Green, north promenade (near to the sailing club) at 10.30 am on Tuesday 10 August or 11.00 am on Wednesday 11 August.

For more information call Sonia on 07920 295237.

Posted in Council News, Events, News, Wash Week | Comments Off

70’s / 80‘s Pop Party in the Park! 4 Sept at Holkham Hall

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Bjorn Again

Bjorn Again

Saturday 4th September is set to be the date for the perfect pop party in the park when the internationally acclaimed Australian Abba Show, Bjorn Again will be entertaining the crowds in Holkham Park.

Bucks Fizz

Bucks Fizz

The band will be on stage at Holkham on September 4 (supported by 80’s sensation the ‘Original’ Bucks Fizz) and the show runs from 7pm to 9pm with tickets costing £29.50 for adults and £15 for children.  The stage will be on the south side of the Hall.

 Tickets are available from the Holkham Box Office on 01328 713111 or online at www.seetickets.com

Michael Daley, general manager of Holkham Enterprises, said: “This band will provide a great evening of family entertainment where people can bring picnics, enjoy the music and sing along to their favourite Abba songs.”The band, which was created, by Australian musician and director Rod Stephen in l988 is not seen as a copy or tribute act but as a show in its own right having been endorsed by all the members of ABBA. Bjorn Again is recognised today as an international brand all on its own producing a show, which has reached worldwide cult status.

Dig out your flares and join us for and evening of incredible entertainment and unforgettable memories.

Posted in Events, News | 1 Comment »

Tour of Britain cycle race

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Photo courtesy of Kings Lynn Council staff

Tour of Britain 2010Thursday, September 16 is the start of Stage 6 of the Tour of Britain cycling race (Stage 6: King’s Lynn – Great Yarmouth, 189km).   The Norfolk stage of the Tour of Britain starts in the Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn.

Preparations are well underway to ensure that this is a spectacular sporting occasion and that these top athletes are given a warm West Norfolk welcome.  To kick off the publicity for the event in King’s Lynn, keen cyclist and Borough Council Cabinet Member for Sports, Arts and Open Spaces Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds will accompany Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Culture Cllr Derrick Murphy, on the first stretch of his journey along the 117-mile route.

Councillors do Tour of Britain route

Cllr Murphy and Cllr Nockolds with others heading off for the bike ride along the route of the Norfolk stage of the Tour of Britain

Cllr Nockolds, who will set off with Cllr Murphy at 8.30am from the Tuesday Market Place, on Friday, 30 July, will join him as far as Sandringham.  Cllr Murphy, who has committed to travelling the entire route of the Norfolk Stage of the Tour of Britain to promote the event’s visit to the county, will be raising money for the local St Edmund’s Community Foundation School in King’s Lynn.

Cllr Nockolds explained: “Excitement is already building for this prestigious event.  We are really looking forward to welcoming these top-class athletes to West Norfolk, and are privileged that they have chosen King’s Lynn as the start for the Norfolk stage of the Tour of Britain.”

“I’m really hoping that people will come along on 16 September to line the route and cheer on the competitors.  I’m also hoping that this event will inspire people to take up cycling as a healthy activity.  I’ve always enjoyed cycling because it’s something you can do on your own or with your friends and family.  West Norfolk has a really good network of cycle paths which makes it a safe an accessible activity.”

The Tour of Britain Norfolk Stage sets off from the Tuesday Market Place in King’s Lynn on 16 September, and will become the longest single stage in the history of the Tour of Britain.  One hundred riders from 18 different countries are expected to compete in the Tour of Britain, which will be televised in over 100 countries across the world. 

Roger Partridge, Sports Development Manager at the Borough Council, explained: “We are putting together a packed programme of events in the Tuesday Market Place to make a real occasion of this event.  We’ve got a concert planned for the night before, organised by the Festival Too committee, so people can come down and stay in town if they wish, so that they are ready to give the cyclists a good send off.  We are also hoping to have a display of veteran bikes and local schools have been involved coming up with ideas about how to customise their bikes.”

After King’s Lynn the Tour will head off past the Sandringham Visitor Centre and on to Hunstanton, where the Town Council are organising a fun-packed day of celebrations for visitors and residents including watersports and special activities on The Green.

Further details about Tour of Britain activities in West Norfolk will be published once they are finalised.  For information about the Tour of Britain go to www.tourofbritain.norfolk.gov.uk.

Norfolk County Council have issued two documents about highway closure/restrictions with regard to the forthcoming Tour of Britain Cycle Race , a copy of which can be downloaded from this site:

1. The Order

This allows the Traffic Authority (Norfolk County Council) to temporarily
restrict or prohibit the use of a road and/or footpath.

2. The Notice

This is the public Notice that must be advertised  before making an Order.

The proposed order comes into effect on the date shown. The date on the
notice when it will appear in the Eastern Daily Press. If we have to change
any dates, we will let you know. If you have any questions, please contact
the Area Highways Office on the number given on the notices.

If you have any questions about the order and notices, please contact Marcia
Lee on (01603) 222957.

Posted in Council News, Events, News | 4 Comments »

Arthritis Care: King’s Lynn & District Self-Help Group

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

Posted by Thelma Holland
Photo supplied by Thelma Holland

Arthritis Care Walk in Sandringham

Arthritis Care Walk in Sandringham

Arthritis Care is a  self help group set up so that people with arthritis can offer help and support to each other.  It is really good to talk to some-one else with the same or similar illness as yourself as they really understand how you feel, and maybe they have some suggestions from their own experiences, that may help you. It often does you good to know you are not the only one battling with this depressing disease.

The group was set up in February 2009, following a Challenging Arthritis Course run by Arthritis Care, because some members felt that they gained so much from the course that they wanted to continue meeting and supporting each other, and also to offer this to other people suffering from arthritis.  We are a small group although we are slowly increasing our membership. We all have arthritis, the most common types being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

 We meet at 10-30am on the third Thursday of every month at the Nora Building (just off the Southgates Roundabout on the Wisbech Road).  Besides having plenty of coffee or tea and a good chat, we often have speakers, who talk about things that relate to our problems.  For example we have recently had talks about gardening tools, garden layout and plants that need less work, benefits available, advice on diets, and for our September meeting we are having an osteopath to give advice. At our last meeting we brought our own gadgets from home, to share the usefulness or not of them with each other, and that again highlighted the fact that we all have similar problems.  Earlier this year we organised a sponsored amble in Sandringham, raised £343-80p and enjoyed a picnic.  We have a summer event in August and this year we are spending a day at the Sailing Club at Hunstanton with a fish and chips lunch.  We also celebrate Christmas by getting together for a lunch – last year it was at the Riverside Rooms.

If you have arthritis, do come and join us, we will make you welcome and we are guaranteed to make you smile!

 For further information please ring Arthritis Care  01553 671529.

Posted in Charity, Events, News | 4 Comments »

Hunstanton Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Report August 2010

Saturday, July 24th, 2010
Posted by Dawn Davies and Jan Wiegand
Photos supplied by Dawn Davies
 
Rainbow Princesses

Rainbow Princesses

HUNSTANTON RAINBOWS

Hunstanton Rainbows took part in Hunstanton Carnival joining up with Heacham Rainbows and Brownies and Hunstanton Brownies to make globes and flags to carry.

To celebrate the centenery the 1st Hunstanton rainbows had a princess party with a birthday cake, we sang happy birthday to girlguiding, they dressed up as princesses and we made tiaras as well as played princess themed party games.

1st Hunstanton Rainbows have spaces for any new rainbows who wish to join, Rainbows are open to girls between the ages of 5 and 7.  For more details contact Jenny on 01485 534107 or dolphinj2001@hotmail.com.

HUNSTANTON BROWNIES

Brownies have also been preparing for Hunstanton Carnival, and joined with Heacham Rainbows and Brownies and Hunstanton Rainbows to make flags and globes to carry in Hunstanton Carnival, where we had a lovely sunny day.

We have been getting prepared for a Norfolk Centenary event Seaside Sparkle at Great Yarmouth in September, this has involved tie dyeing the scarves we will wear and sewing on badges.

1ST HUNSTANTON GUIDES

1st Hunstanton Guides had a great time at the carnival this year and enjoyed being part of the procession on our float.  We have already booked the lorry for next year and have our theme all sorted.  Well you know the Guide motto is “Be Prepared.”

By the time you read our article, we will have been to Norjam.  We look forward to telling you all about it in future issues.  I just wanted to add, in last months newsletter, the Lions reported all their good deeds for which we applaud them.  However, I feel I should point out that it wasn`t 1st Hunstanton Guides that received assistance from them to attend Norjam or the Centenary camp, we paid for it ourselves.  As we are pleading for money to help with renovating HQ,  I just thought I should clear up that point in case you think we are being extremely greedy. 

We are looking forward to our summer break, then starting back again in September with a full and active programme to take us through the coming months.

SENIOR SECTION

At a recent meeting it was decided to start a Senior Section in Hunstanton and District.  

The Senior Section is the section of Girlguiding UK for young women aged 14 to 26. Young women can apply to become members if they are 13+.

The Senior Section is self led, and the girls will make the decision when and where to meet, and how often to meet, it could be once a month.  The girls will also make the decision on what programme to follow and what they wish to do in meetings, I am sure FOOD and OUTINGS will have an important part to play. The leaders will be there to offer guidance and support.

Dawn Davies and Kay Drewell both CRB’d and experienced leaders will be running this new and exciting development in local guiding.

It is our intension to get together any Girls who wish to join us in late August/early September for an inaugural meeting, date will be confirmed to all interested parties nearer the time.  If you are interested in joining this Girl Led unit, please register your interest ASAP.  Dawn Davies 01485 535282 dawn.daviesuk@virgin.net

CENTENARY DISTRICT SLEEPOVER 

Tardis fun

Tardis fun

On the weekend of the 10th and 11th July 2010, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from Heacham and Hunstanton joined together for a District Sleepover to celebrate Girlguidings Centenary. We worked through the Decades to earn our Decades badge we started in 1910 by doing Semaphore, then learnt the Charleston in 1920, celebrated the 1930’s with a Scavenge Hunt, in the 1940’s we learnt about folding and carrying a flag, the 1950’s saw us making crowns and going Hula Hooping, the 1960’s saw us making Tardis’s and Daleks culminating in a 5 aside football match, which the Tardis’s won by Penalties.

The 1970’s saw us tackling a space hopper obstacle course, the 1980’s was the start of Rainbows so we did some rabbit crafts and 1990’s saw our uniform being redesigned so we designed and made a uniform and had a Fashion Show, then finally we did 2000, where we took old songs, and composed new words for them and performed them in a concert. The Lions did a BBQ for us and then we had a Campfire.  We had a great time and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Posted in Clubs, Guiding, Hunstanton Brownies, Hunstanton Guides, Hunstanton Rainbows, News | Comments Off

The Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company wins Festival Awards!

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Posted by Sandra Hohol, Press Officer from Lavender Hill Mob
Photo supplied by Lavender Hill Mob

Awards for Lavender Hill Mob

Tim Rock (Musical Director), James Hohol (Newby Cup for 'Best Youth Actor'), Les Miles (group founder, Artistic Producer/Director)

This year’s Hunstanton Festival of Arts, Adjudicated Drama Section saw the Lavender Hill Mob win two awards. The Adjudicators Award, the Shakespeare Cup for overall presentation, inclusivity and the ‘Wow’ factor! 

Plus a real achievement for the group as it was a ‘first’ because a teenager received a nomination and won the Newby Cup for ‘Best Youth Actor’! This went to a highly delighted James Hohol, age 13 who has been a regular at Lavender Hill since he was 7!  Everyone is so very proud of him as well as the whole group as every child and adult, no matter what their capability or ability always has a part in every show.

This is the third year on the trot, the Shakespeare Cup has been awarded to the group. Hopefully next year Hunstanton’s Princess Theatre will still be able to host this very popular competition for local drama groups and organisations.

Posted in Awards, Clubs, Lavender Hill Mob, News | 2 Comments »

Leisure Card Lite upgrade for free

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Kings Lynn Borough Council logoFollowing the Government announcement in June that it would be cancelling the funding for its free swimming initiative for the over 60s and 16s and under with effect from 31 July, Kings Lynn Borough Council is now set to offer free Swimming to those aged over 60 and 16 and under.   These age groups are being given a free upgrade to their Leisure Card Lite so that they can benefit from a discount on the cost of swimming, once the Government’s free swimming initiative ends.

Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, Cabinet Member for Sports, Arts and Open Spaces, said: “The free swimming initiative has been excellent and has encouraged many people to take up the activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.  It is disappointing that the funding has ended, but in the current climate we are all having to look at our expenditure.

“We have looked into the implications of this announcement and, whilst it is not possible for us to offer free swimming, we are pleased to be able to announce that we will be giving Leisure Card Lite holders a free upgrade to a junior or concessionary leisure card which will enable them to swim at a reduced price. 

“We hope that by offering this upgrade it will reduce the impact on people’s pockets and encourage them to continue swimming,” she continued.

Existing Free Swim Leisure Card Lite holders will be automatically upgraded to either a junior or concessionary leisure card.  Leisure Card Lite holders who live outside of the borough will be upgraded to a junior or adult leisure card.  The upgraded leisure cards will be valid until 31 March 2011, in line with the original end date of the Government’s free swim programme. Free swimming for under 5s will continue to be available as this was available before the Government introduced its free swimming programme.

For information about the borough’s swimming pools visit http://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/

Posted in Council News, News | Comments Off

Civic Society News – August 2010

Monday, July 19th, 2010

By Martin Chown, Chairman Hunstanton Civic Society

A great deal has happened since last month – the proposal to build a 6 storey block of flats on the old Kit Kat site has been withdrawn, and the situation regarding the motorcycles on The Green has been regularised by the Borough Council who were themselves in breach of planning regulations since 2006.

However, Wash Week for Hunstanton beckons. There are events all around The Wash between 7 and 15th August – in celebration of the rich and diverse heritage of The Wash and the North Norfolk coast.  In Hunstanton there will be an exhibition in the Coal Shed Gallery, Le Strange Terrace of photographs and fossils relating to the cliffs over the past century.  Open the whole week from 8th – 15th between 10am and 4pm.

(Contact 01485 532376 – Civic Society event supported by Borough Council)

On Tuesday 10th there will be a special fossil identification day with Cindy Howells from the National Museum of Wales – at the Coal Shed, and she will be giving a Talk in the evening on local man James Frederick Jackson, who from a difficult childhood became a geologist of genius and passion and at age 15 wrote the definitive book on the geology of Hunstanton cliffs in 1910 – now re-published by John Smith.  This is at the Town Hall at 7pm – entry on the door £3 or in advance £2.50 from Witley’s newsagents, High Street, Hunstanton.

(Civic Society event supported by Town Council)

On Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th the family can enjoy a Rock Pool Ramble – 10.30 am North Promenade (contact: 01553 818503).   On Thursday 12th., the Civic Society is organising a Family Fossil Hunt with a guide from Natural England along Hunstanton beach– meet on the beach by the cliff at 11am (Contact 01485 532223)

Hunstanton made the television news over the Kit Kat site meeting with local MP Henry Bellingham. Civic Society members, Residents Action Group and other residents and visitors heard views from the MP, local Councillors, the Action Group and Civic Society. The opposition to the proposal for a six storey block was quite clear. Many people had also written to the Borough Council with their own strong views, and opposition came from the independent architectural advisory body, Inspire East.  The Civic Society believes that there has to be a lot more discussion and full consultation before the next plan hoves into view – which we certainly believe to be the case.

The Borough Council have also regularised the parking of the motorbikes on The Green. Civic Society met with them recently and there was some discussion about the merits and demerits of access to parking on the promenade. Health and safety played a large part in keeping the status quo, but for the purists within the argument, The Green is sacrosanct, and there is frustration that the stipulations of the original covenant have been flouted.

So we have again looked to the future, but during Wash Week we will look firmly at the very distant past, and hoping that a revival of interest in geology, along with our glorious beach environment, will add even more reason for visitors to make the long trek along the A149 in holiday time to make Hunstanton a firm regular year round destination.

Posted in Clubs, Hunstanton Civic Society, News | Comments Off

Hunstanton celebrates Wash Week 8-15 August

Monday, July 19th, 2010
Hunstanton beach alongside the prom with the Wash on the right

Hunstanton beach alongside the prom with the Wash on the right

Photo by Kerry Ibrom

There are a variety of fun filled activities lined up for Wash Week in Hunstanton this year.  Check out the details below:

EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHICS, ROCKS, FOSSILS relating to the Hunstanton Cliffs and associated activities in the past 100 years.
When: daily 8-15 August (10am to 4pm)
Where: Coal Shed Gallery, adjacent to Totesport in Le Strange Terrace, Hunstanton
Entry: FREE (donations welcome)

SPECIAL FOSSIL IDENTIFICATION DAY with Cindy Howells
When: Tuesday, 10 August (10am to 4pm)
Where: Coal Shed Gallery, adjacent to Totesport in Le Strange Terrace, Hunstanton
Entry: FREE (donations welcome)

TALK BY CINDY HOWELLS “ABOUT BOY GEOLOGIST JAMES FREDERICK JACKSON”: Tuesday, 10 August (7pm)
Where: Hunstanton Town Hall
Advance tickets: £2.50 each.  On the door: £3.00 each.

Tickets for talks available from:
1. Andrew Murray 01485 532376 (Email: andrew.murray1@virgin.net
2. John Smith 01485 532908 (Email: jsmithhunstanton@aol.com or any member of the Civic Society Committee
3. Witley’s shop in Hunstanton

FAMILY FOSSIL HUNT ALONG HUNSTANTON BEACH with expert guide.
When: Thursday, 12 August (11am – 1pm)
Where: Meet at the bottom of the ramp on the North Promenade of Hunstanton Beach
Entry: FREE
Children: Must be accompanied by an adult
Note: Hammers and goggles are available for adults to use on the day to help extract the fossils

Posted in Events, Hunstanton Civic Society, News, Wash Week | 2 Comments »

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