marvel.com

Lowestoft station stands in Station Square, quite centrally in the town and in a difficult position to reach the countryside.


This walk is therefore a town trail exploring the old north part of the town as distinct from the later Victorian part to the south. There are a number of leaflets about the town available at the Tourist Information Centre, a place visited on the first part of the walk. The Station was probably designed by John Thomas to resemble the original Norwich Thorpe station and erected in 1854. Today it forms the terminal junction for the East Suffolk Railway and the Wherry Line linking with Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

Lowestoft was established by the Danes, is Britain's most easterly town and is often known as the 'Town of the Rising Sun'. It has a sea-faring tradition based on fishing, its port and more recently the oil and gas industry, as well as being a holiday resort. The town is divided by the river and Lake Lothing that serve as an inner harbour, providing access to Oulton Broad and acting as a gateway to the inland waterways.

Walk Route
From the station turn right over Lowestoft Bridge, the third bridge to be built at this point. The first was opened in 1830 when a cut was made from Lake Lothing to the sea, the second was opened in 1897 and called Victoria Bridge and the present structure was opened in 1972. Follow London Road South as far as the first pedestrian crossing and turn left, using other pedestrian crossings to reach the East Point Pavilion, housing the Tourist Information Centre. The south side of the town was developed by Sir Samuel Morton Peto in the 19th century as a holiday resort to rival Brighton and a leaflet describing the Peto Trail is available inside.


Return back across the bridge, at the other side, on the corner of Waveney Road, stands the former Tuttles department store with its ornate front. Walk through the centre of the town along London Road North, now partly pedestrianised, to The Prairie, a narrow arcade on the left next to WH Smiths. This is so called because it is thought to have once been part of a private estate where deer roamed and is now part of the Britten Centre. At the junction with Gordon Road stands St. Margaret's Villa, built in the Italian style for the Rev. Charles Herbert, who was Rector of Lowestoft from 1860 to 1870. It later became the residence of Colonel Seppings JP, the first provisional Mayor of the town.

After passing the United Reform Church built in 1852 we come to the Wheatsheaf pub on the corner of Herring Fishery Score. The pub was once known as the Herring fishery and was owned by the Old Company of Beachmen. This section of the town is built on the cliffs and access to the shore was through the many Scores or alleyways that lead down the beach area. A leaflet describing the Lowestoft Score Trail is also available from the Tourist Information Centre.


Triangle Plain Market was once the main shopping centre and marks the start of the High Street. The Old Blue Anchor Stores pub stands on the corner of Dukes Head Street, formerly Blue Anchor Lane, and has the longest pub name in Lowestoft. On the right is Martin's Score where an information board is displayed describing the Armada Post, put down to mark the defeat of the Spanish Armada 100 years after the event.

The Town Hall dates from 1860 and is built on the site of the old Chapel of Ease, a curfew bell tolls out every night at 8 o'clock on a bell made from brasses taken from the parish church in 1644. The Royal Falcon is looking a little less royal these days but was formerly North Flint House, said to have been built about 1551. It was once the home of Sir Thomas Allin, the Lowestoft Admiral, who on retirement bought Somerleyton House.


Walk on to reach the lighthouse known as High Light, given this name to distinguish it from the Low Light, the light that was on the beach until 1925. The lighthouse was opened in 1874 and became fully automatic in 1975. Coal was used to power the lights until 1788, then oil was used until 1938 when electricity was installed.

Cross Cart Score and enter Belle Vue Park, walking past the thatched lodge to the War Memorial. The park was the site of a battery of cannon, later becoming a communal drying ground until opening as a park 1874 when it was laid out as an arboretum. The war memorial was erected after World War II and stands on the site of a former band stand, the three cannons probably represent the three batteries that once protected the town.

Turn left at the war memorial and then right across the Ravine Bridge, erected in 1887 to Commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Turn right along North Parade to the corner and right down a set of steps to the Ravine at the junction with Cart Score. To the left is Denes Oval, the home of Lowestoft Cricket Club and once the town's allotments. Enter the Sparrow's Nest Park, where there is the opportunity for refreshments, and walk down past the Armada Beacon to the exit on Whapload Road.


Turn right to the Lowestoft and East Suffolk Maritime Museum, housed in the bowling green cottage, formerly a house provided by the church for a church warden.

Continuing south, on the other side of the road are The Denes, an area marked with unique posts and rails used for hanging nets, ropes and fishing gear to dry. On the right are the old net stores and fish houses, now used for a variety of commercial purposes. Walk past the modern Birds Eye Walls frozen food factory, the modern way to deal with the products of the sea, and turn left along Wilde's Street. At the junction of Newcombe Road you will find JT Cole, the last fish smoke house in the beach area.


Return to Whapload Road and turn left to Christ Church, built in 1869 for the beachmen and fishermen as a monument to the Rev. Francis Cunningham MA, a former vicar of Lowestoft. Continue on to Hamilton Road and turn left to view the Hamilton Dock, the last dock to be built and opened by Lord Claude Hamilton in 1903. Return to the roundabout and turn left along Battery Green Road, the site of the South Battery where, in 1782, about 300 men manned a fort with 13 pieces of cannon.

Walk on past the Bethel fisherman's church built in 1899 to Waveney Road with a good view of the Trawl Basin through the railings. The Trawl basin was opened in 1865, to the north of it lies the Waveney Dock, opened in 1883 by Lord Waveney. At the junction with Station Square return to the start of the walk at the station.

Thank you for taking the time to explore this walk. We would love to hear your comments about this site and about your day out.

Please email us at nxea.customerrelations@nationalexpress.com

Source and credits: www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com
Lowestoft Railway Station is the terminus of two routes; the Wherry Line from Norwich and the East Suffolk Line from Ipswich. The station is served by National Express East Anglia (Train Operating Company).

Please beware of the latest telephone scam

And if you have elderly or vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives, please let them know and warn them about this scam.

This was sent in to us and we thought we should let all our readers in on what's been gong on:

"I received a call from a ‘representative’ of BT, informing me that he was disconnecting me because of an unpaid bill. He demanded payment immediately of £31.00, or it would be £ 118.00 to re-connect at a later date..

The guy wasn’t even fazed when I told him I was with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental!

I asked the guy’s name - the very ‘English’ John Peacock with a very ‘African’ accent - & phone number - 0800 0800 152.

Obviously the guy realized I wasn’t believing his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning someone else of my own choice - he would disconnect my phone to prevent this.

AND HE DID!! My phone was dead - no engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again.

Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was enough proof that he was with BT. I asked how the payment was to be made & he said credit card, there & then.

I said that I didn’t know how he’d done it, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him , I didn’t believe his name or that he worked for BT.

He hung up.

I did a 1471 which was withheld & phoned his fictitious 0800 number - not recognised.

I phoned the police to let them know, I wasn’t the first! It’s only just started apparently but it is escalating.

Their advice was to let as many people know by word of mouth of this scam. The fact that the phone does go dead would probably convince some people it’s real, so please let as many friends & family be aware of this.

This is good but not that clever. He gave the wrong number - it should have been 0800 800152 which takes you through to BT Business.

The cutting off of the line is very simple, he stays on the line with the mute button pressed and you can’t dial out - but he can hear you to trying (This is because the person who initiates a call is the only
one who can terminate it).

When you stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back. You could almost be convinced! The sad thing is, that it is so simple that it will certainly fool the elderly and vulnerable."

Your brand new pair of shoes might look really great and cool to wear, but may not be the type you need for driving.

The simple task of changing gears could cause major accident.

The sole of the foot could become trapped under the pedals whilst raising your foot to change gear, flip flops and shoes without ankle support can lead to your foot slipping off the pedal, and could miss the pedal completely.

Avoid high heels as these can be just the same hazard.

These types of hazards will cause accidents and may not give you ample time to recover from any given situations.

Many surveys by drivers have found flip flops to be the most dangerous.

Footwear must be of a thin sole but enough to feel the amount of pressure on the pedal to assist braking and acceleration.

These pedals are operated by the heel of the foot (keeping heel on floor of car and pivot toes on pedals).

High heels will also obstruct this as they raise the heel and hamper the operation of the pedals.

Trainers are also best avoided as they have thick and padded soles.

Using Pumps and Deck shoes in the car ready for use is important, making sure your ankles are positioned in them to reduce the level of discomfort, this will increase your control and safety.

Watch driving on wet roads, slippery soles make it more likely your feet can miss the pedals or slide off.

Try to avoid driving in bare feet as you do not get the same braking effect, this also being the same in stocking feet.

Five Ways to Wellbeing Event
October 4th 2009

With thoughts of the recession on everyone’s mind, it’s not hard to understand why depression is on the rise. Evidence suggests that small changes in your everyday routine can improve your mental wellbeing.

Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Foundation Trust Clinical Psychologist, Gillian Bowden, MBE believes The “5 ways to well being” approach is a most welcome development as there is growing evidence that demonstrates that simple actions such as investing a little more time and thought in our social contacts, physical exercise or allowing ourselves time simply to notice things around us can have a cumulative, beneficial effect. In difficult and uncertain economic times, it is good to remind ourselves that some of the best things in life are still free.

A ‘fair at the forum’ will highlight ways in which you can improve your wellbeing. Different stalls and activities for all the family will represent the five ways to wellbeing - connect; be active; keep learning; take notice; and give.

For example, if you want to get active join in with the Bannatynes interactive class; or visit the Norwich in Bloom stand, which will offer gardening for children.

‘Take notice’ attractions will include photography and art displays, and face painting for children.

A ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ singing session will take place at 12.30pm - and plenty of other entertainment will take place through the day.

Those who visit each area of wellbeing, and collect 5 stamps, could be in with the chance to win one of many prizes, including a bike and a hot air balloon ride!

The interactive ‘five ways to wellbeing’ event will be held on Sunday, October 4, from 10am- 4.30pm. For more information contact Oz Osborne on 07771 608327 or oz.osborne@rethink.org

For further information visit www.nwmhft.nhs.uk or call 01603 421494.

The BFI DVD 'Electric Edwardians: The Films of Mitchell and Kenyon' is available to buy at http://filmstore.bfi.org.uk/acatalog/...

This film is part of the Mitchell and Kenyon collection - an amazing visual record of everyday life in Britain at the beginning of the twentieth century. For more information about the films of Mitchell and Kenyon see http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/mk/

Bruce has created an exhibition book which will be on sale and includes his images of Albert Cooper, Elaine Delmar, Sir John Dankworth, Albert Lee,Thomas Stanko, Dave Swarbrick, Martin Carthy, Todd Rundgren, Honeyboy Edwards, T-Model Ford, Kinky Friedman plus another 7 or 8 musicians, and has around 36 photos in total.

Kelling Heath Holiday Park in north Norfolk is the perfect Half Term escape for families set in natural, surroundings. Just over one mile from the beautiful north Norfolk coastline, you will find a special and memorable place to which you will want to return time and again and it won’t cost you the earth.

Guests can choose from a host of activities which all the family can enjoy just perfect for answering ‘What to do with the Children?’ over Half Term!

Fungi Foray
Monday 26th October at 10.30am.
Dr Tony Leech, a member of the British Mycological Society, makes a welcome return to guide you on a walk through the diverse habitats on the site where you will collect fungi for analysis.
Duration: two hours
Cost: Free

Bat Walks
Thursdays and Fridays at dusk (call for times and dates)
Learn all about bat species, habits and habitats from our experts. Listen to bats at Kelling Heath using special bat detectors.
Duration: Approx 1.5 hours
Cost: Free

Wildlife Walks
Times vary (call for times and dates)
Join Kelling Heath’s resident wildlife expert Peter Walton to find out all about moths, insects, trees and reptiles, Peter can bring you closer to the diverse natural world as it’s happening at Kelling during the cooler months.
Cost: Free

Pond Dipping
Times vary (call for times and dates)
Dip for and identify all manner of beetles, fish and other creepy crawlies in the ponds at Kelling Heath.
Cost: Approx £2 per child (must be accompanied by an adult)

Cycle Hire
Cycle hire is available from the park’s Huff & Puff Cycle Hire Service. Cycle around Kelling Heath’s own cycle paths or venture off the park to explore the quiet surrounding country lanes. Cycles available for riders of all ages.

Cost: Bikes are £9 each per day for all 24 to 26-inch wheel cycles. Child cycles below these sizes are £6 each per day. Child seats available at £3 each per day. Discounts available for groups over four or more and long-term hire.

Children’s Entertainment (The Forge Restaurant)
Date: 24th to 31st October
Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm
Have an early evening meal at the Forge Restaurant while your children are entertained by clowns, puppet shows or balloon modeling, which leaves you to eat in peace!
Cost: Free

For more information on Kelling Heath, call 01263 588181 or visit www.kellingheath.co.uk

Things We Do To Enjoy England
from Diss Norfolk

In Diss we celebrate famous people from the town's past. In recent years we have commemorated Tudor poet laureate John Skelton, an award-winning festival that included his play Magnificence.

Another poet laureate, John Betjeman, was celebrated at his centenary. This included a re-make of the film he made about Diss in the 1960s.

Thomas Paine, author of Rights of Man, worked in the town in the 1760s. The bicentenary of his death in 1809 was commemorated with many events, including a film The Staymaker about his life.

All these projects were generated by Diss Museum.

Aylsham Food Festival cooking theatre to feature top local chefs

The popular free Cooking Theatre which is an essential part of the Aylsham Food Festival will this year feature top local chefs Steve Norgate and Derrol Waller(pictured below) while Jo Burdett from Fakenham's artisan bakery, The Cooking Angel, will be demonstrating her cake making talents.

The chefs will each demonstrate one of their favourite dishes - with samples of course for the audience - while Jo Burdett will be making her Fairtrade Brunch Muffins, again with free samples.

Steve Norgate is head chef at the renowned Beechwood Hotel in North Walsham and Derrol Waller has built his reputation as a freelance, working at a number of different locations. Jo Burdett started The Cooking Angel four years ago and has quickly built a top reputation for her traditional and gluten free range. In 2007 she received a Highly Commended award in the Waitrose-sponsored Small Producer of the Year competition.

The Aylsham Food Festival Cooking Theatre takes place in the Town Hall on Saturday 3rd October from 11am to 3pm. It will be run as a 'drop in' event so there is no need to book, just turn up and stay as long as you like - and best of all, it's free!

Other events in the 2009 Festival include, on Saturday 3rd, Aylsham's FARMA-accredited Farmers' Market, plus Kids Cooking Workshops for 4 to 11-year-olds in the High School. On Sunday morning, the Town Hall will welcome guests to the Big Slow Breakfast when members of Slow Food Aylsham will cook and serve a traditional English breakfast using local ingredients. Tickets, available from Salad Days fruit and veg stall in Aylsham's Market Square, are £4 or £14 for a family of 4 with two children under 12.

Supporting the Food Festival are two events in Aylsham's library: the first, on Wednesday 30th September at 10.30am, will feature an illustrated talk, "The Millers Tale", by Mike Thurlow on Letheringsett Mill - its restoration, flours and bread making. Tickets are just £1 and include refreshments - contact the Library on 01263 732 320 for more details.

"Apple Sunday" is the second event and will be on Sunday 4th October between 11.30am and 1.30pm. There will be the opportunity to meet Francis James from The Apple and Pear People of Hoveton and also to taste the true flavour of Norfolk apples. Entry is free and more details are again available from the Library.

More details of all the events making up Aylsham Food Festival 2009 are available at www.aylshamfoodfestival.co.uk

South Norfolk Council are encouraging local pensioners to get out more and socialise by joining the Wymondham Pensioners Association.

Run by pensioners for pensioners, the Association was set up in February 2009 and the Council provided £250 of funding to help subsidise days out.

Currently they have around 30 members who meet once a month at Rothbury Hall in Wymondham.

Now they are looking to expand on their success and want more people to get involved.

South Norfolk District Councillor Joe Mooney, who represents Northfields, Wymondham, said:

“We are glad our small contribution has helped get this association up and running and hope that many more people from Wymondham and the surrounding villages will get involved.

“This is one of many community-led projects that we support, but I am always touched by the enthusiasm and commitment of volunteers who work hard to make it happen.”

Sixty-nine-year-old Treasurer Bob Carpenter said:

“We really want to get the message out there about what we do and encourage as many pensioners as possible to come along to our meetings and take part in some of the fun activities we have on offer.”

As well as holding regular talks on subjects such as wildlife and fire safety, the group raise money through bingo, raffles and bring and buy sales and take regular coach trips.

“Recently we hired a mini bus and visited Hunstanton before going on to Norfolk Lavender,” said Bob. “It was a great day out and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Often pensioners can’t drive so it’s a real treat for people.

“We’ve got lots more trips planned for the future, in September we hope to hire a coach and spend the day in Great Yarmouth.”

Bob’s wife Ann who is the Association’s Secretary said:

“There are lots of lonely elderly people out there and this is a great way to bring them all together. We enjoy helping out and it is good to put in the effort while we are still fit and able to do so. It’s brilliant to be giving something back to the community.”

Wymondham Pensioners Association is part of the National Pensioners Convention, which represents over 1,000 local, regional and national pensioner groups. They campaign on everything from health and social care, pensions and winter fuel costs to free travel and post offices.

In June, the Wymondham off-shoot sent two committee members to join 2,000 other delegates at their annual AGM to represent local views.

Anyone interested in joining the Association should come along to Rothbury Hall in Wymondham on the third Thursday of the month from 2-4pm. Membership is £1 per meeting. Or call Ann and Bob Carpenter on 01508 488337 for more information.

Source: South Norfolk Council

Contact;
Debbie Storey
Email: DStorey@S-NORFOLK.GOV.UK

marvel.com

Come and join us for a ‘Fringe Event’ in Support of the Lives we Lead – New Horizons summit

Putting people at the centre of everything we do

By working together, we aim to help Suffolk flourish in these challenging times.

Through innovation and collaboration we can learn how to achieve more together

‘Person-centred’ approaches to design help providers put local people at the centre of everything they do.

Qualitative research methods can give real insight and perspectives into the service user experience

Come and join us for an ‘innovation lunch’, where we will demonstrate some person-centred approaches to research and design using original research with UCS students.

When: 12 – 2pm, 8th October 2009
Where: Suffolk Sitting Room, Endeavour House, Ipswich
Please contact jayne.brown@suffolk.gov.uk to book a place