We all met up at the Tonbridge fire station at 10.30 so we could all go together. Gordon said goodbye to Eileen and got in the minibus with Nikki (who arrived eventually!!), Lee, Barry and Roy. Clive and I got in the car and we set off at breakneck speed. Clive desperately trying to keep up with the minibus. A pub break was required (surprisingly!!), so we soon stopped at a suitable watering hole, having a hearty lunch just for good measure at a very hospitable Colchester Pub called The Magpie. We stayed until 2.00, then we got going again and carried on to Norwich where we stopped off and emptied the shelves of the Tesco supermarket for holiday provisions. Then we carried on to Neatishead, arriving at 4.30 where we unpacked the shopping and the entire luggage. Robin and Dave arrived soon after and after all the introductions we had a cup of tea. Then we chose which bedrooms we were having I shared the bedroom with Nicky, Clive and Barry shared and Gordon shared with Roy and Lee had a room all to himself. Then at 7.30 we had the barbeque outside in the garden and a game of Scrabble rounded the day off nicely.
Today the weather was wonderful we got up about 7.30 and had a hearty breakfast of poached egg, baked beans, mushrooms and bacon. After breakfast we all got ready to go out sailing, collecting our buoyancy aids as we walked down to the boats to take us to Barton Broad and our sailing base The Ark. A good day's sailing followed with a welcome lunch break of cheese and pickle rolls a cup of tea on the Ark. Then we had a rest and got ready go to the White Horse Pub along the end the road where we had a lovely meal.
Today was another full days sailing on Barton Broad, although today was more training and learning how to sail the various boats properly. Despite this, or maybe because of this, the day was just as much fun as yesterday and we concluded the day with a full Chinese and Indian take-away from the local town of Wroxham.
Today we decided (on Robin's advice) to try our hands at a gentle, short canoe trip. We met Robin and "Norfolk" Dave with the Canoes (specially adapted to provide a very stable double canoe) at Wroxham. We then set off on what Robin informed us would be a gentle paddle to the pub 3 miles away. On the way, we passed the world-renowned "O-Ring" public house (actually a "no mooring" sign with a few letters missing!!) There were plenty of photo opportunities on the way and we were able to see a lot of wildlife at water level, due to our quite mode of transport. We arrived at the pub in Coltishall feeling a bit tired but the glorious lunch set us up for the return journey. It was only when we got back completely shattered and checked the map that we realised Robin's 6 mile round trip was in fact 11miles!! Thank-you Robin. Back at base a barbecue followed by an early night, after a brilliant days canoeing.
Today we awoke to light winds, so we made the decision to sail up the river Ant to Stallam, where we all topped up on ice creams. Time was short, so we didn't visit the Broads museum that we will leave for another time. We then motored back to the Ark to drop Robin and Dave off. Unfortunately the weather turned sour and so the only option was to motor to the nearest pub - The Barton Angler where we had something to eat while we waited for the rain to stop (any excuse!!). The day was concluded with a generous helping of tuna pasta bake and a few games of cards.
Nearly the last day of the holiday we all got up and had a hearty breakfast of baked beans and poached eggs on toast we were going to have mushrooms but someone or something ate them during the night. On arriving at the Ark the wind had picked up to a force 4, too strong for us to sail in, so a river trip to How Hill was the order of the day. Some us jumped into the White Boat and the rest of us went in the Randmere with Dave, we then sailed down to How Hill to have a few drinks and some food. Later in the day we sailed back down to Barton Broad and the wind had died down a little, so we spent the afternoon sailing around the Broad. Then later we motored back to the ark to get everybody back to the bungalow to get ready for our traditional last evening meal at the White Horse, the table was booked for eight o'clock, so we couldn't hang around
Unfortunately it is our last day of holiday. Most us got up early and had breakfast, after which we tidied the bungalow. Some of us had a last quick sail with Robin in the Yeoman, while Sally and Barry took out Randmere. Those that didn't sail went to see the beginning of the Three Rivers Race at Ludham Bridge.
After sailing, we joined the others at Potter Heigham Bridge where we waited… and waited… and waited for Dave to appear in the race. We passed the time with fish and chips and ice creams until six o'clock and Dave had still not gone through the bridge. We decided to go, but as we were going over the bridge we suddenly saw Dave coming up river so we all got out of the minibus and stood cheering Dave on. Then we got back in the minibus and the car and headed home.
Another wonderful week was had by all and we thank everyone involved for making the trip possible…
Robin and his team at The Nancy Oldfield Trust.
Kent Association for the Blind for the loan of their minibus.
Everyone at The White Horse, Neatishead for their warm welcome and wonderful food.
Everyone at The 3H fund for their kind donation.
2003
Mariners of Bewl - Nancy Oldfield Trust Holiday 2003.
MOB Go Large (maybe they do; maybe they don't)
The cast:
Glynn, Barry, Peter, Lee, Derrick, Graham, Roy, Nicky, Wendy & Clive.
The Location:
The Nancy Oldfield Trust, Neatishead, Norfolk.
Sunday - Day 1
We all met up at Seven Springs Cheshire Homes in Tunbridge Wells at 10.00am and by the time everyone and all luggage (most people bent Gynn's rule of only one case per person slightly, others totally ignored it!) we finally left at 11.00am, Glynn soon disappearing off into the distance, with Clive and Peter in Clive's car in hot pursuit, desperately trying to keep up. Clive and Peter's first stop was for fuel and burgers, and by the time we'd caught up with the minibus, Glynn, Wendy and Barry were doing the shopping (to stock up on food and "provisions") in Tescos. The shopping done and we were off again, this time at a more leisurely pace to locate a suitable watering hole for lunch. After a few wrong (and right) turns we happened upon a pleasant pub just off the main road and had a very nice meal. All loaded up and we were off again on the final leg of our journey, Nicky opting to travel in Clive's car (nothing to do with Glynn's driving of course!).
We arrived in Neatishead at The Nancy Oldfield Trust bungalow at around 5.30pm, time to unload, sort out sleeping arrangements (or who was snoring where!), and have a quick game of cards before lighting the Barbeque. Then it was off to The White Horse to announce that MoB had landed and weren't turning back (at least not for a week). Back from the pub, a quick game of cards before retiring to bed at 2.00am.
Monday - Day 2
We woke up to heavy rain showers, Robin and Dave (from Nancy Oldfield Trust) turned up at 9.15am to sort out and organise the day's itinery. Due to the inclement weather we decided on a trip on the Mary Kenyon (a converted motor cruiser). Off we went with pilot Dave (keeping us thoroughly amused with his jokes and anecdotes) at the helm, we crossed Barton Broad and cruised up the river Ant and the river Bure to Ranworth. On the way we stopped to assist some very experienced tourists in their one year old "stinky" that had broken down, two morals here. - Making too many cups of tea runs you battery flat and always carry a mobile phone that works!
When we arrived at Ranworth, some of us chose a leisurely stroll around the nature reserve and information centre furthering our knowledge of The Broad's superb wildlife, habitat and history, others (names withheld to protect the innocent) stayed in the pub! On the way back, Dave allowed some of us to take the helm; everyone agreed that Lee's new technique of tacking and gibing a motorboat along the river deserved a special mention!
Arriving back at The Nancy Oldfield Trust, Peter hopped over next door's low fence with the bow line to tie us up, what he hadn't seen was the Alsatian snoozing on next door's quay, the next moment the dog was fully alert and was heading at full speed towards the now panicking Peter who managed to scramble back on board before the dog could get too friendly! - Unfortunately no one had a camera ready, but it will go down in MoB history as a truly memorable moment! Thank you Peter, 10 out of 10 for entertainment value.
In the evening we went to The White Horse for a fantastic three-course meal. Sadly Graham became ill in the evening and had to go home and so we were now down to 9. MoB's good wishes go out to Graham and we all hope that you become fit and well very soon.
Tuesday - Day 3
The weather today had improved greatly, so we all agreed to go sailing. Off we all went down to the quay to prepare the boats and take them out to the Ark (a purpose built raft on Barton Broad solely for the use of The Nancy Oldfield Trust as a staging post with shelter, kitchen and toilet. A good day's sail followed with pleasant weather. We all got to try out the boats, a Randmere 55, a Whiteboat and the newly acquired Yeoman - all different beasts to sail and get used to, but very good sailing for people of all sailing abilities.
That evening we settled down to a Chinese take away meal, which had to be delivered by taxi from the local town of Wroxham as both Clive's car and the minibus were blocked in by trustees of The Nancy Oldfield Trust who had come to look at the terrific newly acquired Yeoman boat which was moored at the Ark.
After that we all retired to the lounge for the rest of the evening (and half the next morning!)
Wednesday - Day 4
Wednesday was outing day as Robin had another group booked for sailing and as it turned out weather wise it was a good choice of activity.
Last year we travelled into Norwich and then on to Great Yarmouth, this year we decided to head in the opposite direction, towards Cromer, on the way checking out the glassworks at Langham where we spent the morning learning how to make various animals in coloured glass. Lunchtime we travelled to Sheringham and found a nice hostelry for lunch. Just as we walked in the heavens opened, but three hours later when we walked out the rain had stopped and we were greeted by glorious sunshine and so we continued our journey to Cromer where we parked up and walked down to the beech and along the promenade to the pier.
Then we journeyed back to the bungalow where we had a lazy early evening until it was time to go to the pub (this is becoming a bit of a habit…)
Thursday - Day 5
We awoke at 7.30am to glorious sunshine and a clear blue sky with a brisk wind, perfect for a days sailing, but not until Peter had made a pigs ear of cooking Derricks "sporran scratchings."
Today we had two special guests joining us, Natalie a photographer and Hillary from Norfolk Afloat a monthly magazine dedicated to all water activities on the Broads. So we had to be on our best behaviour…fat chance!! Results of the day's sailing can be seen in the July edition of Norfolk afloat, I for one am looking forward to reading the article.
Picture of the White boat and the Yeoman being tested by MOB "sailors"
Lunchtime we made bacon sandwiches in the ark washed down with copious amounts of tea and coffee. Another good days sailing was had by all.
In the evening we had another barbeque, lovingly prepared by Barry and Peter, which included some of yesterdays left over Chinese meal!
Friday - Day 6
Sadly we lost another cast member this morning when Nicky had to leave and so we were down to eight…how many would survive the entire week… only time would tell…
On waking we were confronted with a monstrous cooked breakfast created by the multi-talented Peter, which would last us until the evening when we had a table booked at The White Horse for the last supper. A very good last days sailing with plenty of brisk winds of force 3 with plenty of gusts to keep us on our toes.
Then it was off to the pub for a lively last supper, then back to the ranch for a final game of cards before going to bed to the sound of the dawn chorus lovingly played out by the local bird population.
Saturday - Day 7
The last day and it was up at 8.00am for a quick pack and tidy up before heading out for a quick last sail. Glynn, Barry, Peter, Roy, Clive and special guest Rachel travelled out to the ark with Robin where we prepared the Whiteboat and the Yeoman for sailing. A good mornings sail with plenty of wind, the only downside being the loss of Clive's sunglasses, which disappeared to the bottom of Barton Broad. Early indications are that a rather cool looking pike was wearing them at the local fish bar where he was trying to pull a mussel, although as yet these are unconfirmed reports.
Then it was back to the bungalow to load the minibus, say our goodbyes and head for home, 2 ½ hours and 160 miles later we arrived back at Seven Springs where our adventure began 7 days previously. Nothing much to add really, other than roll on next year…and I'm off to work for a well-earned rest!
Our grateful thanks to all who made this holiday possible and a thoroughly enjoyable experience, those who deserve a special mention:
3H Fund - for their financial support
Seven Springs Cheshire Homes - for use of the minibus.
Robin - Warden - Nancy Oldfield Trust - for being so helpful and ensuring we did everything we wanted to in a safe and professional manner.
Dave - Instructor - Nancy Oldfield Trust - for being a great instructor, keeping us thoroughly entertained with his jokes and stories and being an all round good bloke.
The White Horse Public House, Neatishead - Jillie, Andy and Rachel for looking after us all so well in the evenings after the days sailing.
