Mariners of Bewl - Nancy Oldfield Trust Holiday 2005.

words by Clive..

pics by Mark..

The Holiday At Norfolk Broads 2005

Sunday 29th May 05

We all met up at Tonbridge fire station at 9.30 so we could all go together.We set off at 9.45 - Barry, Lee, Roy, John, Big Roy and Jamie in the minibus, Sally, Mark and Clive in the car. First stop was Tescos to stock up on provisions and the obligatory bottle of wine and gin - purely for medicinal purposes of course. We loaded up the bus with the shopping and continued on our merry way - the car going the correct way and the minibus in the opposite direction!! 10 minutes later a phone call to the car occupants confirmed our suspicions that Barry had in fact gone in the wrong direction and they would meet us at The Magpie (pub) for lunch. They duly arrived half an hour later. Lunch ranged from a tuna sandwich to large cod and chips. We left the pub around 3.00pm and without any further wrong turns, we arrived at the Nancy Oldfield Trust bungalow just after 4.00pm We unpacked all the luggage and food and alcoholic beverages, organised who was sleeping and snoring with who!! Time to explore and a re-introduction to the boats we will be using during the week and then a gentle game of cricket followed by a superb barbecue. Then it was off to the White Horse to re-acquaint ourselves with the locals and to warn them that the rumours were true and that MoB had landed in Neatishead for the fourth year in succession.

Monday 30th May 05

We woke up today to heavy overcast conditions and rain. So after a hearty breakfast, the decision was made to go to Ludham Marine with our guide for the day - Pat - to collect Nancy B (an ex hire cruiser converted to carry passengers) for a trip to Sutton for a pub snack and then round to Stallham for an educational visit to the Broads museum. We left the museum and arrived back at base around 6.00pm, where Jamie began cooking our evening meal. Barry and John were given the job of spud bashing, Lee did the Carrots, Sally the onions and Roy was in charge of the onion gravy. Meantime, where was Jamie - the bloke who was supposed to be cooking our dinner? Then we heard the dulcet tones of Emmerdale coming from the lounge, Jamie was found stuck in front of the TV!! Barry had the bright idea of turning off the power to teach Jamie a lesson which he did, however, this backfired on us as he blew the main trip and we spent the next ten minutes looking for the main switch halfway through the cooked dinner!! Eventually it was found and the dinner finished. 5kg of mashed potato later, we'd finished dinner and were washing up. No pub tonight, everyone too tired.

Tuesday 30th May 2005

Woke to clear blue skies and a light breeze. Had a light breakfast, packed up the sandwich making ingredients and headed out to the ark in the all new electric cruiser and the Randmere. We used the ark as the base for the day and sailed the White Boat, Yeoman and the Randmere returning to the ark periodically for light refreshments. Returned to the bungalow to get ready for the meal at the White Horse public house.

Wednesday 01st June 2005

Once again we woke to clear blue skies, however today the blue skies soon turned grey with rain forecast, so the decision was obviously to go sailing!! The day turned out better than expected with only a little rain in the afternoon. The wind was blowing a force 3 and gusting to 4 which made gybing the White boat interesting (a Barry!!!) A good days sailing was had by all and was capped off by a stunning Chinese and Indian takeaway. Tomorrow we have been promised a day's canoe trip to Norwich hopefully with a few pub breaks on the way so an early night would be advisable!!

Thursday 02nd June 2005

Today's plan changed several times from the moment we got up to the moment we set off mainly due to other groups boat requirements. Eventually we decided to canoe in and around Barton Broad in the morning and sail in the afternoon. The morning's canoe took us a little way up the river Ant and then back onto the broad, where we stopped to check out an old rotting Wherry hull which was scuttled sometime around WW2. The basic shape and size could be distinguished, but there was little else remaining of this 150-year-old Broads workhorse. We then canoed back across the broad to the Ark where we had a leisurely lunch. The afternoon was spent sailing, utilising all of the NOT sailing boats including the two Bass boats. Back at the bungalow everyone was enjoying a leisurely game of cricket until "slogger" Roy came in to bat and smashed Jamie's tennis ball into the garden of the house 4 doors down... Oh well onto the barbecue... Another excellent day concluded with a trademark MoB barbecue - we really are getting good at these!!!

Friday 03rd June 2005

A bright and sunny, almost cloudless sky greeted us this morning. We took the Randmere and the White Admiral out to the Ark for our last full day of sailing with good winds and overcast and then sunny conditions. Dave taught us how to gybe the White Boat safely - some scary moments along the way… Yet another excellent day's sailing and then along to Ye Olde Saddlery for our last evening meal.

Saturday 04th June 2005

Our last day and an early start so that we could tidy and clean the bungalow before getting a few hours sailing in. All was well until Big Roy thought that it would be a groovey idea to control a severe gyb with his right ear on the kicking strap of Randmere. A (quick!) visit to the Norfolk and Norwich A & E department to ensure all was well and all packed, we were soon on our way home. We will, however, by back next year…

Once again Mariners-of-Bewl have had a fantastic week of sailing, relaxing and fun with the wonderful people at The Nancy Oldfield Trust and we thank from the bottom of our hearts the following, without whom the trip would not have been possible:
Robin, Dave, Pat and all the volunteers at The Nancy Oldfield Trust.
Mr Albert Brown of the 3 H Fund for their kind donation.
Kent Association for the Blind for the loan of their Minibus.

Mariners of Bewl - Nancy Oldfield Trust Holiday 2004.

words by Sally..

pics by Roy, Gordon and Nicky....

The Holiday At Norfolk Broads 2004

Attendees: Nikki; Sally; Roy; Barry; Gordon; Lee; Clive

Sunday 31st May 04

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.

Monday 1st June 2004

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.

Tuesday 2nd June 2004

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.

Wednesday 3rd June.

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.

Thursday 4th June

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.

Friday 4th June

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

Saturday 5th June 04

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.

Mariners of Bewl - Nancy Oldfield Trust Holiday 2003.
MOB Go Large (maybe they do; maybe they don't)

words by Clive..

pics by Nicky and Clive..

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.

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2002

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MOB on Holiday at the Nancy Oldfield Trust June 2002 pics by Glynn and Clive.. Departed from Severn Springs on Sunday 2nd June 2002 bound for the Nancy Oldfield Trust at Neatishead in Norfolk. 10 venturers, Glynn the Chair and group leader, Jenny, Sally, Carol, Lee, Peter, Derek, Neil, Anthony and Clive Our thanks to those who made it possible: Seven Springs Tunbridge Wells for the loan of their Minibus. 3H Fund Tunbridge Wells for a holiday grant towards the costs. The Nancy Oldfield Trust for being there, providing the facilities. Robin Slatter, Warden of The Nancy Oldfield Trust and his staff for looking after us in our adventures. Mariners of Bewl for subsidising the some of the costs. The MOB members who went for being good people and getting along for the week without a cross word ??

After an interesting trip up which included, getting lost twice, shopping in ASDA and locating a nice pub for lunch, we quickly settled in and got a couple of G&T's going over a game of cards, we won't mention Lee's cheating ! during the game Neil was heard to ask if anybody had seen Derek? Jenny said he was fine and sitting out the front, he was later discovered to be sitting out the front, stuck in the gravel!! The G&T's continued as we wolfed down a BBQ and once the litre of gin had gone we retired to the local pub

where we found the Jubilee celebrations in full swing, flags and bunting with Morris dancers, thanks to the staff and locals for a warm welcome. Monday started with a very close and very loud thunderstorm at around 3, Clive was heard to remark that it was quieter than my snoring but the snoring can't have been that bad as I slept through it and the Thunder woke me up! After breakfast we met The Nancy Oldfield Trust Warden - Robin, discussed the weeks plan and were taken out in the Mary Kenyon a motor boat, down Barton Broad and the River Ant to Thurne where we moored for an hour or so to watch some interesting racing by all sizes of sailing boats, returning to the centre just after 4 in the evening. The evening G&T's, card etc were followed by a tuna bake and of course a visit to the local where we watched Jubilee fireworks in the car park at the rear

Tuesday events for the day were canoeing in the morning, we took 2 pairs of canoes, braced together, and although they are very stable and easy to paddle they are not very comfortable for the likes of Derek, however we had a good paddle around and up little inlets and creeks not very accessable to larger boats. We managed to get as far as Barton Broad where The Nancy Oldfield Trust has a house boat and pontoons moored as a floating base, just like Bewl they suffer from guano so some scrubbing was in order. Lunch at the centre finished off the tuna bake and then it was off for some sailing in the afternoon, we took 2 boats out, a broads white boat and a dutch Randmeer 55, the wind was enough to be interesting and we had a good sail, returning to the centre by 4.30. The evening meal was taken at the White Horse where we were served by Rachael.

Wednesday was a rainy start so we abandoned the planned sailing and took the motor boat down to Ranworth, a large broad and nature reserve with a visitors centre, after a short while there the rain stopped and the sun came out so we repaired to a local hostelry - some mumbling about some football thing that was on, the late lunch meant we would be late back so Roger was called to bring a bus from the Centre, take me back to pick up our bus and between us pick up everyone from a mooring at Ludham Bridge. During the walk from the pub back to the boat Peter ably demonstrated his goose hearding instincts - I hope we have a printable picture of that The weather when we got back was so good we changed our plans from a take away and had a BBQ instead, follow of course by a visit to the local

Thursday was our day out, we were on the road at 10 and travelled to Norwich, parking under the castle walls for a visit to the castle and it's exhibitions, well worth the effort. We left the Castle and headed East to Stokesby to visit the Candle Factory, Anthony ably assisted by Sally managed to do some dipping and produce a nice multicoloured candle, from here we continued East into the wind and rain to Great Yarmouth, it didn't take long on the pier to decide it was too cold, too windy and too wet to be out so we walked along the front trying to find a chippy with wheelchair access - there was only 1, Harry Ramsdens, the welcome was warm and were accommodated with the minimum of fuss, the food was good and the portions generous, the service from our waitress Mary was top class.

Friday better weather, sailing in the morning, back to the Centre for lunch and then a boat trip on the Ra, this is a quiet, solar powered boat, and is ideal for nature trips, thanks to Charlie the Captain for an interesting and instructive hour and a half, we then dragged Roger out for some more sailing. The last supper was at the White Horse and we said farewell to our hosts and our second home of the week Then it was Saturday - time to pack up and go.

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