3rd September 2017
Up at 7:30 washed and dressed, had breakfast before starting to get the van ready for the off. Left just on 9:30 and took the route up the hill to Newark and then the A17 through to Kings Lynn. Sat Nav then took us to Swaffham before turning North on the A1065. Arrived on site around 12:00. Nice area, a distance from the main road. Site has a problem with a broken sewage pipe so many pitches out of action. Only a slight odour problem, not noticeable in the van thankfully. Went exploring for an evening meal and ended up in Fakenham, missed the JDW and ended up in a local hotel. Very poor meal, commented so to the staff twice, but made no difference to what we had to pay. Will not go there again. 4th September 2017
It has rained overnight as was predicted in the forecast and foretold by Mark the site owner. Had planned to go to Thetford today, but thankfully looked at the Dad's Army website and it is only open on a Saturday and only possibly on a Tuesday. So, it is Thursford today and if we have time a trip to Sheringham. A first for Nana to see Thursford non-Christmas spectacular. For Jacob a first time ever. I came with Ben when we stayed at the Caravan Club site at Sandringham. All of us thoroughly enjoyed the visit, especially as we paid to go on the Back-Scene tour, which took us to the area used by the performers at the spectacular. Very interesting, especially to see how small an area it is that they must work and change in. From the performers area we were taken into the Winter Wonderland and the Cushing exhibition. Cushing was the founder of Thursford and an avid steam enthusiast and collector. From here to Sheringham and chance for Jacob to go on the beach and have a paddle.
For pictures and comments click the following link Thursford Collection 5th September 2017
Tried on numerous occasions to contact the Dads Army museum, but without success. We were even trying as we made our way to Thetford, on the basis that their web site said open on a Tuesday. So, we aborted our first objective and instead opted for Framlingham and the English Heritage Castle. We took ages to get there, due to a road closure and no deviation signs to guide us. This literally added 30 minutes to our journey. Arrived, thanks to Jacob acting as Sat Nav, gained access to the castle and immediately went to the cafe inside the castle. A poor selection, we were looking for a hot meal and in the end had to settle for sandwiches. Not my first visit to the castle, I first came here on a school trip, when Joanne was at Junior school, with Joanne and some of her class mates and class teachers. We came back this time using the sat nav, which took us back via Tesco at Dereham so that we could get essential supplies. Dads Army now down for a Saturday visit.
For pictures and comments click the following link English Heritage Framlingham Castle 6th September 2017
Another very pleasant day at the RSPB reserve at Titchwell on the Norfolk coast. Yet a frustrating time in some ways, failing to identify the various waders, which frequent the salt and fresh water margins. It has always been a problem and today, sadly, no different, despite buying DVD identification discs and being in possession of the most excellent pictorial books. At the last hide we visited there was salvation in the form of a knowledgeable local volunteer who in informing a couple was able also to help Jacob and I to the identification of waders that we had seen but could not accurately identify. A bracing day out, especially on the beach, were it was difficult to focus the binoculars as the wind kept buffeting you. We had walked to the beach before lunch, then walked back to the cafe for lunch, before returning to the reserve to sit in the two hides. It really is the case that you cannot do this hobby half hearted. To enjoy it fully means being able to recognise the birds that you see whatever the season, whatever their state of plumage, or whether adult or juvenile - decision time.
For pictures and comments click the following link RSPB Titchwell 7th September 2017
Norwich today with our aim achieved of visiting both the Cathedral and the Castle Museum. The Castle museum was very interesting, with much to see and more time needed to fully appreciate all that was available. Despite this being our third trip to Norwich, we need to come again. The Castle keep is an amazing building, re-clad from the outside but original within. The Cathedral equally dramatic, very little adornment, amazing in size and construction. Jacob did some shopping whilst we wandered around Norwich, frequenting Primark, Shoezone and Boots. We made our way, not without confusion and un-necessary anger on my part, to the Black Swan at Horsham St Faith on the outskirts of Norwich. A venue highly rated by Jacob, and justifiably so, that the family had visited last year. They stayed in the village prior to going on the Broads last year. Lovely food and paid for by Jacob as a treat, and some treat it was. Thank you, Jacob.
For pictures and comments click the following link Norwich Castle & Cathedral 8th September 2017
Blickling Hall and Gardens today, followed by a much belated return to Wells next the Sea. Sitting in the van, contemplating this visit, I could not recall a previous visit, but thought that we must have, when either camping or caravanning in the area in previous years. This doubt was soon dismissed as we walked towards the front gates of the house. I instantly remembered, helped by the impressive red brick three-sided façade of the building, yes, we had been here before. Thanks to the installation of a lift, I would presume by the National Trust, Pam was able to witness first hand all the ground and the first floor, only missing out on a trip to the basement, which we all passed on. It was raining as we finally emerged from the house, so Pam wisely passed on a walk, which Jacob and I did. “Wells” still very much un-changed structurally and therefore visually, although the grain store/warehouse, the largest building on the harbour front, now appears to be apartments. There is more development taking place but this is to the rear of the harbour front. Stayed and had fish and chips sitting in one of the harbour cafes watching the world go by – very pleasant end to the day.
For pictures and comments click the following link National Trust Blickling Hall & Gardens 9th September 2017
It is Thetford today and we managed to park close to the town centre and for free. I remembered my bearings, having travelled up and down the main street in a panic on our last visit, trying to locate our rucksack, with all our keys inside. Finally remembered that I put it down to have my photo taken in the Dads Army museum, which was our first and most important destination again today. Jacob is a genuine enthusiast of the TV programme, having all the episodes on DVD, that are available and numerous other goodies that can now be purchased. I am sure he will be adding more today to his collection. He was delighted to be there and to wallow in the history of the show that has been accumulated by the volunteers at the museum. The museum is excellently presented and information, pictures, scripts and personally signed items by the cast adorn all the walls of the museum, housed as it is within the ex-town fire station. Our next stop was to the Burrell museum, where they have “Jones the butchers” van on display along with a number of Burrell steam and traction engines. Next stop the “Bell Hotel”, where many the cast stayed whilst filming the episodes. We had lunch in the “Pike Bar”, as Pam and I did on our first visit. After being fully replenished we walked around to the Captain Mainwaring statute, which the town erected in honour of the programme. Mainwaring is seated on a bench and forces one in to having your photo taken sitting alongside him. Another great day, weather good, company excellent, we returned to the caravan to dry and then dismantle the awning ready for our journey home tomorrow.
For pictures and comments click the following link Thetford
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Norfolk Diary