Shepherds Hut at Bircham Windmill

Bircham Windmill is a lovely family- run attraction in the heart of West Norfolk which has extended its accommodation facilities ready for 2012.   This fantastic Norfolk holiday attraction is idyllically located, just a short drive from anywhere you want to be – beach, shops, castles, Sandringham as well as beautiful walks from the door.

Bircham Windmill is a unique tourist attraction where you can wake up and buy fresh bread for your breakfast, or come home early to have a cream tea just before closing time.  After closing perfect peace is restored as the mill rarely has passing traffic and only the owners live on site. The best of both worlds rolled into one.  A real escape from modern life.

Bircham Windmill’s self catering cottage sleeps 4 and is of 4* standard.  It adjoins the millers cottage and windmill and dates back to the late 1800′s.  Guests in the cottage enjoy free entry to the mill and gardens throughout their stay, use of the Bircham Newton swimming pool in the afternoons and can also enjoy the brand new (for 2012) indoor games room with table tennis, puzzles and games.  You can also make use of the readily available tea and coffee making facilities.

There is, however, a real gem for campers or caravanners.  In all there are 5 pitches at Bircham Windmill  and there are electric hook ups as well as a shower room and drying area (this is also new for 2012 and should be available by mid June).  Campers and caravanners are also welcome to use the new games room facility.

Due to the open space available here, campers can spread out and enjoy as much freedom as they desire.  The children can play on the playground and mingle with the animals whilst the adults enjoy the summer evenings.

Naturally, booking is essential for such a location, especially during the holidays.

Perhaps the most exciting accommodation available at Bircham Windmill is the newly completed Shepherds Hut.  This was built by Roger Wagg, the man who originally restored Bircham Windmill to its former glory.  The Shepherds Hut is the fulfilment of one of Mr Wagg’s lifelong ambitions as he built the complete structure himself and it is a stunning example of its type.  The Shepherds Hut sleeps two, is very cosy and it is extremely well insulated – designed to be warm in winter and cool in summer.  Inside is a heater for those chilly evenings, a kettle, a toaster and fridge, table and chairs and, of course, a sofa bed.  It is beautifully thought out and a delight to stay in.  Of course, Shepherds Hut guests get to enjoy the games room and use of the shower room and drying area too.

Well behaved dogs are welcome in all Bircham Windmill accommodation which makes this a great choice for those who wish to holiday with their beloved pets.  Shepherds Hut and cottage guests are also treated to a cream tea in their accommodation on arrival as well as tea, coffee and milk.

Elly Chalmers and her family very much look forward to welcoming all visitors to Bircham Windmill in 2012.

Paris and Kite family group & Batman show off their medals

The first ever New Year Resolution Ramble kicked off 2012 in Hunstanton at 10.30am on New Year’s Day.

It was amazingly warm for the time of year and some 50 walkers turned up to participate in what is hoped to become established as a regular feature in our local calendar.

Walkers were invited to turn up in fancy dress but only one little lad chose to do so and he presented a fine figure as “Batman”.  “Batman” walked with his siblings and other members of the Paris and Kite family and put in a valiant effort considering the ages of the children among their group.

There were many photo opportunities for those who wanted to have a picture of themselves holding the 1948 Olympic Torch which is due to leave Hunstanton very soon.

Mick Ennis proudly shows his medal and charity bucket

Hunstanton Mayor, Carol Bowers, and Editor of Hunstanton Newsletter, Elaine Bird, joined me and the other willing walkers to set the pace for a very enjoyable walk from Hunstanton Sailing Club to Heacham North Beach and back again.  My son, Jamie, took off sharpish and led us all the way there and back to Hunstanton without stopping for breath.  I gave up trying to catch him up and in the end my time was a respectable 90 minutes but I am sure I walked it a lot faster some years ago …  However, that is exactly the aim of the walk – to get us all out there being more active in 2012 the year of the London Olympics.  In other words, start as you mean to go on.  That is exactly what I am trying to do and I am sure many other walkers felt the same.

This year’s event was funded by Hunstanton Town Council and the Sports Council thus allowing all walkers to be awarded a commemorative medal of their achivements.  Personally, I much preferred the reward of some fantastic home made soup that Hunstanton Sailing Club served up on our return!

Also participating in the walk was Mike Ennis, who rattled his collection bucket throughout the walk to raise much needed funds for ”Friends of the stroke unit” at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital  (total raised was £36.05 – quite a result considering the numbers who were out and about).  Mike joined “Friends of the stroke unit” following the death of his wife three years ago after three stokes and cancer.  The aim of the “Friends” is to help acquire the best equipment possible for use in the stroke unit. This year the group hopes to raise £12,000 (in conjunction with the Stroke Association) for a state of the art bathroom with hoist for the unit.

Welcome 2012.  You are officially here.  Look out for details of the 2013 Resolution Ramble – it is a great way to start the year.

Walkers assemble at the start line

Richard Bird has seen us all off at the start

Elaine, Carol & Stella with the 1948 Olympic Torch

Hot delicious soup all round

Nearly at Heacham

Click here to see photos of the 2011 Hunstanton Christmas Swim

Hunstanton Carnival Queen among returning Christmas swimmers

The unseasonally mild weather was hardly appreciated by this year’s Hunstanton Christmas Swimmers as they rushed in for their annual dip in The Wash since it was undoubtedly colder than most swimmers would like.  The “Ghostbusters” (Round Table Chairman Leon Espley and Round Table Vice-Chairman Kevin Waddison) marked the point at which the swimmers had to “swim” out to in order to qualify as having honoured their sponsorship obligations and bravely stood their ground as the swimmers did their bit for this time honoured charitable event.

During proceedings, Richard Searle announced that 120 swimmers had registered for this year’s event and this was in fact a record number of participants.  The amount raised by just one swimmer had well exceeded £1,000.  The total raised overall was – as ever – more than £5,000 for the benefit of local charities.

Hunstanton Coastguard observes proceedings

The promenade along Hunstanton Beach was lined with the usual hordes of spectators and many ventured out to the beach and some even went into the sea (including me – armed with my wellies! but one keen photographer waded in to the sea in her bare feet!!!).  It was a real sight to behold looking back at Hunstanton from the beach with a huge crowd all dressed up in their various costumes and nowhere to go except a dunk in the sea!

2011 was the 53rd Hunstanton Swim and the event attracts more entries with every passing year.   It is now a real fixture on everyone’s local Christmas calendar.

IF YOU WISH TO TAKE PART IN THE NEXT SPONSORED SWIM PLEASE CONTACT:
Hunstanton Round Table, c/o Witley Press Ltd, 24 Greevegate, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 6AD
Tel: 01485 532543

Christmas swimmers returning to Hunstanton beach

Mayor Carole Bower marking the opening of the Narnia Santa's Grotto

Grotto’s last weekend for meeting Santa in Narnia is 17th/18th December – open 11am to 4pm

Following a lot of hard work and commitment from Hunstanton and District Lions Club volunteers, the basement of Hunstanton Town Hall has been turned into Santa’s Grotto ready and waiting for lots of eager children hoping to see Santa Claus.  The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe by CS Lewis is brought alive within this year’s grotto, complete with characters from the story.

White witch shows the way

You begin your Narnia fantasy by entering a child’s bedroom on Christmas Eve.  The scene is set, complete with a traditional stocking on the fireplace.  There is a child who seems to have gone to asleep while reading a copy of the book.  In the room is a wardrobe and members of the public follow in the footsteps of the child to enter the magic world of Narnia through the open wardrobe door, complete with snow-covered Christmas trees.  The well-trodden path through the snow leads visitors to find Father Christmas in his sleigh with a gift for each and every child.

The White Witch is on her best behaviour and is allowing Christmas to happen.  She also offers Turkish Delight and describes the scene at the door of the bedroom.  Aslan the lion is also in Narnia ready to say hello to the children.  There are also competitions for young visitors to enter. Throughout the day, the Disney film of the book will be shown and festive refreshments will be available.

White witch and Aslan at the wardrobe door

Santa feeds the birds at Pensthorpe

‘Santa Floodlit feeds’ are available at Pensthorpe from 17th December to 23rd December daily at 4.00pm.

These special events do need to be booked and cost £3.00 adults and £6.00 Children.

All the children will receive a gift from Santa when they visit him the the Pensthorpe grotto.

Please book by calling 01328 851465.

Posted by Hunstanton Lions

Hunstanton Lions Grotto Dates 2011:
10th/11th/17th/18th December.
Open from 11am to 4pm

This December bring the children to the magical world of Narnia.  Hunstanton’s 2011 Grotto’s theme is based on The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.  Meet the White Witch, Lucy, Aslan and receive a gift from Father Christmas.

Photo opportunies, competitions, refreshments (mulled wine for tired parents and guardians). Disabled access.  A fun event for all the family.

The Town Hall Basement, The Green, Hunstanton. PE36 6BQ

Entrance £4.00 per child (adults free)

Further details and information available from Amanda on 01485 534481

Hunstanton Town Band

Compared with last year, Hunstanton was unseasonally warm for the town’s 2011 Christmas Cracker event which kicked off at noon and ran throughout the afternoon until dusk.  There was a constant stream of visitors throughout the day.

Father Christmas welcomed hordes of youngsters eager to tell him what they would like in their stocking this year and have their photo taken with him – thanks to Tesco for supplying the gifts.

All the fun of the fair was there including some traditional fairground rides, face painting, cake stalls, a traditional tombola run by the Scouts and variation on the tombola theme run by the Hunstanton Carnival Committee.  An interesting addition to the stalls line up included the Kings Lynn Astronomy Society with an array of telescopes to admire.

William Searle welcomes you to Santa's grotto

Bacon baps by Hunstanton Chamber of Trade

Fabulous cake stalls (I managed to sample an amazing Toffee Apple Cake from one of them) plus a colourful stall selling marshmallow and other  goodies covered in melted chocolate alongside mulled wine, added to the general atmosphere.  Hunstanton Chamber of Trade members were hard at work on their bacon bap stalls which went down well with the visitors.  Of course it would not be a Christmas event without the compulsory festive hot chestnuts and mince pies too which were also appreciated by all.

Lavender Hill Mob do British Sign Language as they vocalise

Lavender Hill Mob guided by Tim

The air was filled with music throughout the event with Hunstanton Town Band ‘s classic Christmas carols and lively popular tunes by the fantastic live band DNA .  The entertainment line up was ably hosted by DJ/Compere Cliff Allman and the popular Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company also impressed the audience with their talents and their acapelo sounds.

Minis decked out for Christmas

Minis light up ready for the parade

The parade of festively decorated Minis and Hondas was a sight to behold as they paraded through the High Street with the Carnival Queen and Princess, Santa and his sleigh, as well as the cast of Hunstanton’s Christmas pantomime, Puss in Boots and the Christmas lights were officially lit up with Colin Sampson, Mayor of King’s Lynn in attendance.

Fundraising took on a whole new meaning when the local fire brigade joined the parade, pulling their engine for an impressive mile and a quarter, to raise money the QEH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Trasport Incubator Campaign. They were pledged £524 in sponsorship and donations on the day totalled £500, exceeding their £1,000 target.

Hunstanton Chamber of Trade would like to thank all the visitors for turning out to support the event.  They would also like to thank stallholders and everyone who helped to make it such a great afternoon.

Carnival Committee raises funds

Enrichetta's pretty Christmas decorations stall

1st Hunstanton Scouts & Guides are getting into the festive season this December at the following venues:

SAINSBURYS – Saturday, 3 December 2011 (10am till 12 noon)
Come and hear the youngsters sing their hearts out in true festive style

LE STRANGE ARMS – Sunday, 4 December 2011 (2.30pm till 6.30pm)
Come and support the Scouts & Guides at their Christmas Fair.  You will find lots of ideas for Christmas gifts.

Also …..

Come and hear THE LAVENDER HILL MOB THEATRE COMPANY sing Christmas carols their way on the following dates!
KNIGHT’S HILL FARM SHOP – Saturday, 3 December 2011 (10.30am till 12 noon)
KNIGHT’S HILL FARM SHOP – Saturday, 10 December 2011 (10.30am till 12 noon)
KNIGHT’S HILL FARM SHOP – Saturday, 17 December 2011 (10.30am till 12 noon)
TESCOS HARDWICK – Monday, 19 December 2011 (12.30pm till 1.30pm AND 6pm till 7pm)

Jacksons have now diversified into Quality Pre-Owned Mens and Ladies Clothes and Footwear, including bags and accessories.

Historically, Jacksons, run by sisters Dawn and Debbie, have focussed on quality new footwear.  More recently, the shop offers a good range of Quality Branded Clothes, Suits and Occasion wear that don’t cost the earth.

Jacksons are interested to hear from anyone who would welcome them holding a stall at local fairs or special events.  Dawn and Debbie are also keen to organise fashion shows and are happy to assist businesses and charities with fundraising, helping in the community whilst promoting their new venture a the same time for the benefit of all involved.  If you have any interest in any of these ideas or have some innovative concepts of your own to share with Dawn and Debbie which might help you and them, you are welcome to contact them (Email:jacksons.shoes@virgin.net).

Another Jackson family business is Cupcakedad who is also happy to assist businesses and charities with fundraising, helping in the community whilst promoting Cupcakedad at the same time for the benefit of all involved.  Please email Cupcakedad at: kirasdaduk@googlemail.com.

Paul Evans (foreground) shows off the 1948 Olympic Torch with Deputy Borough Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Watson, Hunstanton Town Mayor, Cllr Carol Bowers at the Hunstanton town sign

Organisers of the Let’s Get Active 2012 campaign are hoping that the 1948 Olympic Torch will spark interest in sporting activities in the borough and inspire even more people to make regular activity a part of their lifestyle in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics.

The Let’s Get Active committee is working with our local communities to offer Olympic-inspired events throughout the year.  Highlights include a tour involving the 1948 Olympic Torch (2-5 June 2012) being led by the West Norfolk Sports Council, where the 1948 torch will be carried into over 80 villages in West Norfolk and beyond. Many villages will be hosting events, full details of which will be released soon.

To celebrate the launch of this year of activity the 1948 torch was brought to Hunstanton Town Hall today by Cllr John Smith who personally collected it in a roundtrip journey from Loughborough College.

Gathering to celebrate the arrival of the 1948 Olympic Torch was the Deputy Borough Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Watson, Hunstanton Town Mayor, Cllr Carol Bowers, a representative from Downham Market Town Council, Hunstanton ward councillors, Cllr Richard Bird and West Norfolk Sports Council relay event co-ordinator, Paul Brandon.

Also marking the occasion was the next generation of Olympic hopefuls and young Sports Leaders from Smithdon High School who met with former Olympian Paul Evans who was happy to share his coaching skills with them.

Borough Council Cabinet Member, Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, said: ““The Let’s Get Active 2012 campaign will showcase the many fun and exciting ways people can celebrate the Olympics. As well as marking this momentous year, we want there to be a lasting legacy here in west Norfolk and hope that people will use the events to find out about new ways to get active in the borough this year and into the future.”

Paul Brandon said: “Villages that I’ve spoken to about the 1948 torch tour around the borough have been really enthusiastic. Many villages are making exciting plans for when the torch passes through. Downham Market is having the torch lead their annual carnival and RAF Marham is exploring unique possibilities. I’m sure the whole weekend will be an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all the communities involved.”

Olympian, Paul Evans & Olly the Elephant support Olympic hopefuls and young Sports Leaders from Smithdon High School alongside Cllrs Watson and Bowers

The year of activity will begin on 1 January 2012 with the Resolution Ramble – an invigorating 5-mile walk along the coast from Hunstanton to Heacham and back again. Entry is free. The ramble is being organised by Hunstanton Town Council for more information or to enter please visit www.letsgetactive.org.uk or call 01485 532189.

Cllr Richard Bird, who has organised the Resolution Ramble on behalf of the town council, said: “We in Hunstanton look forward to seeing as many people as possible at 10.30am on 1 January 2012 for the Resolution Ramble.  The five-mile ramble will start Olympic year with a commitment to a fit person year.  The 1948 Olympic Torch will be available for individuals to hold for photographs at the ramble – booking advised, please call 01485 532189.”

For more information about the campaign please visit www.letsgetactive.org.uk. The calendar of events will be posted here so residents are encouraged to visit regularly so that they can find out about events near them.