NEWS AND INSPIRATION

GET MARRIED AT REDWINGS HORSE SANCTUARY! Redwings Horse Sanctuary is offering couples the chance to marry at one of its Norfolk visitor centres. Picturesque Caldecott Hall at Redwings Caldecott, in Fritton near Great Yarmouth, is now taking bookings for weddings and other celebrations. As well as a beautiful ceremony room, a large marquee with built-in bar and its own gardens are available to hire for the wedding celebrations. Caldecott Hall has also been renovated to include stunning self-catering rooms – perfect for the wedding party, guests or anyone simply looking for a night away. After saying “I do”, couples will even have the opportunity to explore the centre and pose with some of the charity’s adorable, rescued horses and donkeys for truly memorable wedding photos! Weddings at Caldecott Hall are being managed by Norwich-based event planning company Ginger Lily Catering and any profits from the venue hire will go towards supporting Redwings’ work to rescue, care and rehome horses in need. Lynn Cutress, Redwings’ Chief Executive, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer weddings at Caldecott Hall. It is a beautiful building and we have had long-held dreams to see the Hall, its marquee and lovely surroundings used to their full potential. “It’s an especially great setting for anyone who loves horses and donkeys, and couples can celebrate in the full knowledge that choosing to host their wedding at Caldecott Hall will support our work and all the wonderful four-legged creatures they see around them.” Sam Brown, Managing Director at Ginger Lily Catering, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Redwings on this exciting new venture to bring weddings and private functions to Caldecott Hall. Now restrictions on weddings have been lifted, we’re looking forward to welcoming brides and grooms for the 2022 season – and enquiries are already coming in! "Also, if you’re looking to host a party or corporate celebration, please get in touch to find out more about this unique venue and support an amazing charity at the same time.” The Sydney Suite at Caldecott Hall can seat up to 85 people for the wedding ceremony, while the marquee is able to host day time and evening celebrations for up to 105 people. The self-catering accommodation includes three ensuite rooms, as well as a living area and kitchenette. Couples are welcome to book tours of the new facilities, while a special wedding open weekend at the venue is also being organised for this October, with further details to be released soon. For more information about weddings at Caldecott Hall, please visit www.gingerlilycatering.co.uk . Bookings for the self-catering accommodation can be made via www.norfolkholidayproperties.co.uk .

"What are we doing neeeeeeeeeext...?!" We’re halfway through the holidays and at the point at which many parents might be worrying that they’ve exhausted every idea in their “what shall we do today” ideas bank and wondering themslves “what can we do next?!” So it’s time to bring in the big guns – the experts if you will – and to grab yourselves a free copy of our Great Days Out in Norfolk and Suffolk booklet from your local leaflet rack (or browse online HERE ). Sometimes you just need a bit of a reminder of what’s out there and a bit of inspiration to get your summer holiday planning back on track – and to avoid faces like these! Oh and you might just find some money off vouchers too! All of Norfolk and Suffolk’s biggest, best and brightest attractions are here and, whatever sort of day out you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. While we’re proud to represent the household names like Africa Alive , Banham Zoo , Bewilderwood , Pleasurewood Hills , Pettitts Animal Adventure Park , Roarr! and Wroxham Barns we’re here to help you find new destinations too. So here are our suggestions for this week’s Top 5 for a great family vibe that you may have not already thought of…. Why not give them a whirl! 1.) Kentwell Hall . Long Melford, Suffolk. CO10 9BA www.kentwell.co.uk Give your kids (and you) an amazing history lesson – without them even realising it! This sensational Tudor manor house is set in over 30 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. It’s like stepping back in time but in a lively and engaging way – and it’s anything but boring. Their Living History events take place from 14th August to 22nd August – see HERE for more details. Join in with the activities – crafts and cooking, music and dancing and meet a whole community going about everyday life, as if you had travelled in time back to the year 1599. Spend a whole day lost in the sights, sounds and smells of the sixteenth century at Kentwell. Kentwell Hall is the kind of place that once you’ve been you’ll wonder how you never discovered it before! 2.) Muckleburgh Military Collection. Weybourne, Norfolk. NR25 7EH www.muckleburgh.co.uk Sometimes it’s great to be spontaneous and to just wake up and go! Muckleburgh is one of those places where you can do just that. On the North Norfolk coast, the Muckleburgh Military Collection is the finest private Museum of military memorabilia in the United Kingdom and is open 7 days a week during the summer with no need to book. The Collection includes tanks, guns and vehicles that have been gathered from all over the world. There is also a vast display of militaria including missiles, weapons, ammunition, and historic exhibits. Young and old alike will be fascinated! And they may even learn a bit too! 3.) Easton Farm Park . Near Woodbridge, Suffolk. IP13 0EQ. www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk Sometimes the weather just isn’t all that. So it’s great to know that there’s somewhere that offers family fun together whatever the weather. Easton Farm Park is simply lovely and somewhere that all ages will enjoy, but especially little ones. There are plenty of opportunities to get up close to a variety of farm animals, including beautiful rare-breed Suffolk Punch mares. There are also daily rides and animal activities like feeding. Explore the Greentrail Woodlands and let off some steam in their outdoor adventure play area and on the ginormous bouncy pillow. You can even camp there on their own wonderful campsite for an even bigger adventure! 4.) Time and Tide Museum . Great Yarmouth. NR30 3BX. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/time-tide If you’re planning a trip to Great Yarmouth to see the Banksy’s then why not take in Time and Tide on your visit. Great Yarmouth is a seaside town with a fascinating history and at Time and Tide you can discover its rich maritime and fishing heritage and meet some of the colourful characters who made their living from the sea. Wander through a Victorian 'Row' and see inside a fisherman's home. Experience the heady atmosphere of a 1950s quayside, take the wheel of a coastal Drifter and hear gripping tales of wreck and rescue on the high seas. Follow Great Yarmouth’s transformation from a sandbank to the present day, through times of boom and bust and of war and peace. It is a gem of a museum and is really interactive with lively hands-on displays, games, puzzles, free audio guides, film shows and children's activities. 5.) Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden . South Walsham. NR13 6DZ. www.fairhavengarden.co.uk Fun, fresh air and adventures abound in these wonderful 130 acres of wildlife and woodland gardens. Fairhaven is a real haven for wildlife enthusiasts and you can’t help to be inspired by the nature around you. With nearly 4 miles of woodland pathways to explore you’ll be getting your steps in here too. There’s plenty to see, spot and do, including views and trips across Fairhaven’s own private Broad. Look out for special events like Paddle Boarding and Bat Walks too. For lots more ideas on great days out in Norfolk and Suffolk click HERE to see our guide or search our website HERE .

Wroxham Barns Welcomes Selena Goatmez to the flock! Wroxham Barns has recently welcomed lots of rare breed pregnant sheep, along with those, they have also welcomed to Junior Farm a Boer Goat, who is pregnant with twins and due to give birth in just a few weeks’ time! They have been searching for the perfect name for their cheeky new addition and asked people on social media to put their best name suggestions forward. The verdict was it had to be Selena Goatmez! Selena joins Ant & Dec the Alpacas to finish Wroxham Barns star studded fury line up. General Manager, Ben Marshall says “We all need a little chuckle to keep our spirits lifted and we loved looking at the hundreds of name suggestions for our new goat, but this one stood out and made us laugh, we thought adding Selena Goatmez would work perfectly as her paddock is opposite Ant & Dec the Alpacas who joined us a year ago, and are somewhat local celebrities with everyone wanting an Ant & Dec selfie, Selena is very vocal when it comes to feeding time, so we knew this was the perfect name for her!.” Selena Goatmez is due to give birth early Mach to twin kids and these will be Wroxham Barns first ever Goat Kids that they have birthed on Junior Farm. Along with Selena, Wroxham Barns have 8 rare breed sheep which are due to give birth in early April.

Expansion will see Gallery Clothing at Wroxham Barns Become Norfolk’s Biggest Robell Retailer Wroxham Barns has been part of the Norfolk community for 38 years and welcomes 150,000 visitors annually to its site, which is a mixture of Artisan Studios and Craft Centres, with catering facilities. Along with a Junior Farm and Fun Park, so has something for everyone! Like most businesses Wroxham Barns has had to adapt to the ever-changing pandemic, but, unlike most businesses, Wroxham Barns is pushing ahead and still growing even in such uncertain times. Wroxham Barns has offered ladies fashion for many years in Gallery Clothing, which boasts many well-known brands like Seasalt, Marble Fashions, Joe Browns, Pomodoro, Alice Collins, Jessica Graaf, Grenouille, Lily & Me and more. Gallery Clothing has lots of regular and loyal visitors who shop there for their renowned personal service, hassle-free experience, avoiding all the usual high street hassle. Whilst many businesses have been cutting costs, streamlining and even mothballing their operations to get through to the other side of the pandemic, the team at Gallery Clothing are pushing forward with an exciting new venture. They are using the time over lockdown to refocus and rebrand to create a dedicated area which will focus on Robell trousers. Robell is a brand well known for its style, comfort, fit and quality. The expansion will see the newly created Wroxham Robell Room become Norfolk’s largest and premier Robell retailer. Offering a relaxed atmosphere, with a dedicated seating area, complimentary coffee and pastries, within the lovely setting of Wroxham Barns – along with fitting rooms that are open with measures in place to ensure they are Covid secure! Julie Garner the owner of Everything Outdoor and Gallery Clothing, which has a branch at Holkham too says “We are so excited to expand this much-loved brand to Wroxham Barns, our customers have been asking for us to broaden the range, and after speaking to Robell, we were delighted to push this forward. Robell has been really helpful with their representative spending time instore so he could understand our customers. He then helped us to put together a broad offering to include customer favourites from Robell’s ‘Never Out Of Stock’ Customer on season stock range and an exciting order for next Spring. It’s always scary expanding, especially in a pandemic, but we can’t sit back, we have to push forward, we have to keep things fresh and not just follow trends to ensure our valued shoppers have the best experience possible with us.” Ulrik Godske owner of the Godske group who owns Robell commented that the "expansion was a bold move at what is a very tough time." He went on to say "As a company, we have made a similar move in ensuring that we have not allowed the pandemic to compromise our design and quality or production. Our trousers are still made in our own factory and our commitment to ensuring that we continue to stock over 1 million pairs of trousers for our Customer in-season stock service means that we can support our retailers at this difficult time. We wish Julie and her staff well in their new venture.” We cannot wait to re-open on 3rd December and hope to see lots of familiar faces, who we really miss!’ The Wroxham Robell Room opens from 2nd December and will have lots of fantastic introductory offers. Along with a chance to win one of 3 pairs of Robell trousers. Wroxham Barns continues to invest in its site, recently completing a six-figure investment into its family Fun Park. https://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/

The City of Norwich Aviation Museum is pleased to announce that it has secured a new exhibit The new aircraft arrived overnight on the 30th/31st October flying in from Norwich Airport by heavy lift equipment. The aircraft is a RJ85 passenger jet formally operated by City Jet. The aircraft type has been a regular sight at Norwich Airport since Air UK took delivery of the original Avro 146 aircraft type in 1983. The Bae146/Avro RJ aircraft is a 4 engine high wing aircraft which operated out of many city airports for which its quiet operation has been the key to its success. The aircraft was produced in a number of variants the 100, 200 and 300 the designation in the Avro designs versions being the RJ70, RJ85 and the RJ100. The City of Norwich Aviation Museum’s goal is to try to link the majority of its exhibits with operations in Norfolk. The RJ85 certainly has many links with operations from Norwich where the type has been a regular visitor over the years. The aircraft will be the only RJ85 on display at an aviation museum in the UK. The new aircraft will be on display from today along the other commercial aircraft the Handley Page Herald and the Fokker Friendship which were also operated by Air UK. The Museum would like to take the opportunity to thank all involved in securing the new aircraft in particular City Jet, Quinto Crane and Plant, Air Salvage International (ASI) and Norwich Airport without whose help this acquisition would not have been possible.

Enchanting Christmas activities at Pensthorpe Natural Park Brave winter’s icy chill and enjoy a heart-warming encounter with the natural winter wonderland of Pensthorpe Natural Park, near Fakenham, which hosts a programme of special Christmas-themed events for all the family. On Sunday 6 December 2020, the popular Pensthorpe Christmas Market returns, providing shoppers with a welcome break from the high street with its pop-up food, drink and craft stalls. To comply with the latest government guidance, the market will be taking place completely outdoors, offering shoppers a welcome break from the confines of city shopping and heavy parking fees. Discover bespoke creations, creative gifts ideas and delicious treats made from boutique producers, many of whom are local. Soak up the festive ambiance from the Pensthorpe courtyard, which will be adorned in thousands of twinkling lights. The Market is free to enter. Parking is also free. Plus, there will be complimentary mulled wine and mince pies for members. 10am – 4pm. For those who prefer to do their Christmas shopping ‘after-hours’, Pensthorpe’s four late night shopping events on 10, 12 and 19 December 2020 provide an opportunity for evening browsing. Peruse the Pensthorpe shop, which is a treasure trove packed with Christmas decorations, gifts, local food and drink, toys, jewellery, homewares and nature books, plus items for bird-care and wildlife watching. There will be special discounts for members on these evenings. Be enchanted by the wonders of the natural world at this year’s school Christmas holiday event, running from Saturday 19 December 2020 to Sunday 3 January 2021 (note that Pensthorpe will be closed between 23rd December and 30th December). Suitable for all ages, the event encourages visitors to explore the beauty of Pensthorpe’s natural habitats. Pull on those wellies and button up coats to follow the winter trail around the reserve, uncovering enchanting stories and winter wildlife and hibernating creatures along the way. Situated 11 miles inland from the north Norfolk coast and with the beautiful River Wensum winding through it, Pensthorpe Natural Park encourages visitors to explore its diverse habitats and get acquainted with the thousands of bird, plant and wildlife species that call it home. Muddy wellies are encouraged and a sense of adventure is a must! By visiting Pensthorpe Natural Park you are contributing to the great work of the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust. A portion of your entry fee will help to safeguard threatened species and support educational projects to raise public awareness of protecting and enjoying nature. For more information about Pensthorpe visit pensthorpe.com or call 01328 851465 or visit www.pensthorpe.com

Festive Trains 2020 North Norfolk Railway Plc. The North Norfolk Railway based at Sheringham has invested in special measures to ensure the highly popular Santa Specials and the Norfolk Lights Express trains can continue to operate this festive period. The Santa Specials will operate from 28th November weekends until the 18th December then daily up to and including the 24th December. There are 4 trains planned each day the first departing Sheringham at 10 am. Each family booking will reserve an individual compartment, currently for up to a maximum of 6 people, to comply with the current Covid measures required by H. M. Government. Trains will continue to be treated with a special spray which the Railway has been using, since it restarted it operates in July, to fight the Covid virus. In addition, all compartments will be cleaned after each trip all to provide a safe environment for our passengers. The Santa grotto will also provide a safe walk through of festive scenes including 100 Christmas Trees and light displays. Santa of course will be there to ensure a piece of normality during these testing times. The Norfolk Lights Express will start operations from the 16th November operating with the same safety measures as the Santa trains. Both events must be prebooked for further information www.nnrailway.co.uk or contact the North Norfolk Railway (01263 820800).

DIVERS ENJOY SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH SHARKS FOR CHARITY FUNDRAISER Divers from Sea Life Great Yarmouth dropped into shark infested waters for a spot of Sunday Brunch and to support Stand Up To Cancer. Shane Breadmore (26) and Leo Coucher (25) took a break from their cleaning duties in the 250,000-litre tropical ocean display to enjoy an underwater brunch and raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Cancer Research UK is urging people across Norfolk to bite back at cancer by putting Sunday brunch on the menu this autumn and serve up a fundraising feast Surrounded by black tip sharks, conger eels and Noah, an inquisitive Green Sea Turtle, Shane and Leo decided to do their bit for Stand Up to Cancer by holding a very unusual Sunday brunch, 20-foot underwater with a vast array of curious marine friends as company. The daring divers are calling on people across Norfolk to join them and cook up some cash with a special Sunday Brunch for Stand Up To Cancer. They are urging foodies and fundraisers alike to create a restaurant-style experience at home by hosting a brunch bonanza for their household – with family or housemates donating the bill to life-saving research. Stand Up To Cancer is a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 which aims to get new cancer tests and treatments to people who need them the most. Shane and Leo, strapped on their Oxygen tanks and spent 20 minutes on the bottom of the aquarium floor with their unusual brunch guests including naughty Noah, who was desperate to get in on the action and join the two divers for brunch. Shane, who has been working as a diver at Sea Life Great Yarmouth for the past five years, said: “Having Sunday brunch just a few feet away from sharks, eels and turtles might not be everyone’s cup of tea but we clean the aquarium every week so we are used to getting up close to the marine life. Noah is a real character and always wants to get involved. I just hope we can help raise awareness and get people involved by inspiring them to hold their own fundraising Sunday brunch event. It certainly the most unusual place I have ever sat down for a bit of brunch. Leo added: “It was great to get involved and help raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK. Everyone is touched by cancer sometime in their life, be it a loved one, friend or family member and we all need to do our bit to fight this dreadful disease. So please do get behind this very important fundraising campaign and the next time you sit down for Sunday brunch please donate the bill to a good cause and help raise money for Cancer Research UK so they can continue with their life-saving work. Shane and Leo have put Sunday brunch for Stand Up To Cancer firmly on the menu in Norfolk and, along with their colleagues at Sea Life Great Yarmouth, they will continue to raise money throughout the half term holidays with collection boxes. Patrick Keely, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Norfolk, said: “We’re grateful to Shane and Leo for helping us to continue our mission. Cancer doesn’t stop in the face of a pandemic. It can affect anyone’s life, at any time so we only have one option: accelerate life-saving research. Around 35,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the East of England*. It can affect anyone’s life, at any time so we only have one option: accelerate life-saving research. “We are not expecting everyone to have Sunday brunch 20 foot underwater with sharks and turtles but thanks to the extra time spent at home lately, many of us now know our way around the kitchen much better than before. So why not put these new-found culinary skills to use while inspiring guests to dish up the dosh for a great cause “Cooking a special Sunday brunch for your household is a safe and simple way to show support during these challenging times. By taking part, you’ll be rewarded with more than just empty plates. The donations your family or housemates make in support of your efforts really could save lives.” Supported by Channel 4 show Sunday Brunch, an array of celebrity chefs - including co-host Simon Rimmer - have donated recipes. From Davina McCall’s kedgeree, to Jamie Oliver’s super spinach pancakes and Asma Khan’s courgette sabzi – there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds. Or participants can simply choose to conjure up their own culinary creations. For added inspiration, during October four special episodes of Sunday Brunch will be shown on Channel 4 showcasing some of the delicious Stand Up To Cancer recipes. Co-hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer know first-hand the devastation a cancer diagnosis can bring and how important new discoveries are to help more people survive. Chef Simon, who has donated his recipe for blueberry and cottage cheese pancakes, said: “I remember vividly the moment that I was told my dad had cancer. I was only nine years old and it hit me like a ton of bricks. He’s the strongest man I know and thankfully he’s still here with us today. Stand Up To Cancer is such an important cause, funding research to help people just like my lovely dad. “So I’m thrilled that Sunday Brunch is teaming up with Stand Up To Cancer this year. We’re asking everyone in Norfolk to hold their own special brunch with their household or bubble - the more the merrier if they’re dialling in over video! I’ll definitely be facetiming my good old dad over a cuppa.” Co-presenter Tim Lovejoy added: “I didn’t think cancer was something that would affect my life or my family; I just didn’t really think about it much at all. Then my brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 37. It was such a shock. And when James died, I almost couldn’t believe it. “But one in two people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer**. So really, it affects all of us. That’s why I’m asking people across Norfolk to join me and Stand Up To Cancer this October.” Get a free fundraising kit at su2c.org.uk/brunch . A Sunday Brunch mug is also available from Stand Up To Cancer’s online shop. Click here for more about Sea Life Great Yarmouth.

Wroxham Barn's Pumpkin Festival is back and it's bigger and better than ever before! There's fun for all the family between Thursday 22nd October and Sunday 1st November. See here for details and to book! Hurry and don't miss out! Book Wroxham Barns Pumpkin Festival