Wildeye introduction to wildlife film making weekend at the Animal Ark in Norfolk.

Over 45 plumbers and heating engineers from East Anglia were at Lowestoft College on 28 October for a seminar run by the Norfolk branch of national educational charity, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).

The seminar, themed 'Sustainability', featured presentations on water conservation, plus the latest technology for home heating and its controls.

East Anglia is one of the driest regions in the country and with a growing population, water conservation is becoming increasingly important. Paul Millard, Water Supply Regulations Manager at Anglian Water was on hand to speak of what the company is doing to meet the challenge while at the same time underlining the importance of efficient plumbing systems.

Charlie Lamb, Low Carbon Manager at leading boiler manufacturer Baxi stayed with the conservation subject but this time covering carbon emissions. He explained in depth the technology of Micro-Combined Heat and Power where a domestic gas or oil boiler can be used not only to provide heat but also to create electricity which can be used either in the home or diverted to the National Grid. Already established in Europe, this technology is now being trialled in the UK and is likely to become widespread in the coming years.

An efficient domestic heat source is no good unless it is managed properly and Rob Simon, Regional Manager for controls manufacturer Honeywell stressed the importance of modern thermostats, thermostatic radiator valves and central heating programmers. With the average home using over 80 percent of its total energy consumption on space and water heating, many people can make enormous savings simply by having their controls updated.

Commenting on the event, CIPHE Branch Chairman Roger Willis said, "This is the second seminar the Branch has organised in East Anglia and we have been delighted with the response. The support from Lowestoft College, our presenters and PTS Plumbing Trade Supplies in Lowestoft has been invaluable, allowing us to provide a free event to a wide range of delegates, not just CIPHE members. The feedback we received was extremely positive and hopefully we will be able run something similar next year."

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering is an educational charity, established in 1906. It has some 12,000 members and is supported by more than 250 leading manufacturers and service providers. It received its Chartered status in 2008. There are 50 Branches across the UK, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Essex. The Norfolk Branch has around 200 members.

More information is at www.ciphe.org.uk

This clip of a Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) was taken along side one of my photographic projects on Exmoor National Park, England, recorded during October 2009 on the River Exe near Dulverton.

For a high res image go to: www.wildaboutimages.co.uk

RSPB More about the Dipper

© Paul Bunyard

We have reached that time again when the summer holidays are a distant memory, and the children are already on their first half term holiday of a new year.

That often seems to be the signal for a spell of warm sunny weather even though there is invariably a very discernible coolness in the breeze. This year, following an unusually dry spell, the leaves on many of the trees have already changed their colour with many fluttering to the ground. People generally enjoy an ‘Indian Summer’ but it is bad news for the farmers and gardeners.

We have all read stories or listened to songs about the autumn leaves falling in September but some years there are not enough to sweep up for the bonfires on Guy Fawkes night. No doubt this will be seen by some as another indication of Global Warming. Whatever is responsible, it is something we have experienced before and most of us find the weather far easier to cope with than the rapidly shortening days.

Did You Know?

Every year there seems to be a debate about the benefits of adjusting the clocks for double Summertime but that would not help us now. This has always been a rather depressing time of the year when we have to start adjusting our daily routine to accommodate the changing seasons.

The dark evenings and mornings must have had a much bigger effect on people living in days gone by. Whatever the time when dusk fell most manual workers had to call it a day and wend their way home, usually on foot and often down dark or ill lit narrow roads.

Oil lamps and candles would already be burning when they got there and at this time of the year, there would have been no added light from the fire unless it had been lit to cook a meal. A kettle or saucepan of hot water, on an oil stove if there was no fire, was ready for the man of the house to have a quick wash in the scullery before the family were all called to the table for their meal.

Many of the houses were terraced and much too small for the large families occupying them. Most had one room and a scullery with a built in staircase winding round the chimney leading to a bedroom with a small box room, just large enough to accommodate a bed. There wasn’t much to do outside after dark and families had to get used to finding a way of passing the time in the evenings while they were all confined to one room.

Of course some of the men went off to the pub and the older children often had clubs or things like the Guides and Scouts meetings to attend but these took a certain amount of money for subscriptions etc. and were out of the reach of some of the poorer people.

It is only in recent years that Halloween has been so widely celebrated. Perhaps because it was not so long ago that witches and demons were thought to exist. However, it certainly has a strong foothold now with all kinds of events planned in many places for the evening of October 31st.

Each year the shops increase the number of grotesque masks together with broomsticks, pointed hats and assortment of attire they have for sale to help capture the spirit of the occasion. Some children still venture from house to house offering ‘Trick or Treat?’ but they are usually wise enough to confine these activities to the households where they are known. It would be too risky to go too far afield these days.

The next such date we celebrate is 5th November! -- Guy Fawkes. It has been with us a long time and although the way we celebrate it has changed everything still evolves around bonfires and fireworks.

There have always been organised parties with people of all ages clustered around a fire watching the magical fireworks and the guy, that had taken hours to make, being thrown onto the fire and quickly enveloped in the flames. Between the wars many families had their own bonfires in the back garden or on the allotment. It was a good opportunity to get rid of the garden rubbish as well as any worn out or unwanted articles from the house.

Very often friends and neighbours would be invited to join them bringing their own contribution of squibs, jumping jacks, catherine wheels and other assorted ‘pretty’ fountains. Not forgetting the sparklers and a rocket or two that always seemed to be the most expensive but captured the most OOH’s and AHH’s from the spectators.

Nowadays, with Health and Safety in mind, parties and firework displays are far more organised and controlled with individuals responsible for lighting them and keeping those in attendance well out of harms way. The fireworks obtainable today are much bigger and more powerful than they used to be and consequently more dangerous. For some reason, large displays have always been popular and able to attract crowds of people to many different kinds of events. Needless to say, none have any real bearing on the activities that originated such celebrations.

When these celebrations are over winter will be upon us and everything will be getting geared up for Christmas. Evenings and mornings are now getting really dark. Never mind! The shops are preparing for Christmas and the festive season tends to come and go very quickly: - Then it is downhill to the time we will again feel the warmth from the sun’s rays and listen to the songs from the birds while the green buds start to break out into leaf on the trees and bushes. Of course there is a downside to that, -- We will all be a year older!

valley lad - [SEVENTYFOUR]

Halesworth Station was built in 1859 and, in 1888, was provided with a moveable platform, designed to allow traffic along the main road. This was also once the junction with the Southwold branch line that opened for business in 1879 until it finally closed in 1929. It was also planned to extend the Mid Suffolk Light Railway from Haughley on the Ipswich to Norwich main line to Halesworth on the East Suffolk line. However, construction only ever reached Cratfield near Laxfield and the Middy, as it was known, closed for business in 1952.

Had the railways continued to develop, Halesworth would have been an important junction. Today the station building houses the Halesworth Museum and, together with the moveable platform that was restored in 1999, still provides an attraction for its many visitors. Evidence of the old Southwold Railway can be seen on the walk route.


Walk Route
Walk down Station Road to Quay Street, a road with an interesting mix of houses including Magnolia House on the right that was the home of Sir William Aitken MP. Turn left for about 50 metres along Quay Street and right into the wide access approach to Ridgeons, walking through the steel arch to the path between fences to reach a footbridge over the river.

This is the site of the original Town Quay, once a bustling area that supported five public houses and many storage areas for the coal, iron, corn, bricks, timber and other goods carried on the river. The first boat arrived from Southwold in 1761, laden with coal and shortening the journey time considerably. However, the river gradually became silted up and the new railway took on most of the transport business in the area with the result that the last boat arrived in 1882.

After crossing the footbridge turn left across the grass to the left of a brick wall to walk along the shady path at the edge of the New Cut channel, cut to connect Halesworth with the River Blyth. Continue straight on past the turn over a bridge to The Folly Millennium Green, keeping the water on the left. Where the water flows under the railway pass through a kissing gate into the pasture and then left through another kissing gate, following the path through an arch under the railway.

On the other side cross a footbridge and turn left along the fence and river bank to a bridge marking the site of one of the locks on the canalised river. At the other side turn right along the riverside path, using the numerous stiles and footbridges to eventually reach the road at Mells. At points along this path there are views to the left of the Holton Post Mill on the B1123 road and which was working from 1749 to the early 1900s and restored in the 1960s. It is open to the public on Spring and August Bank Holiday Mondays only, otherwise by appointment although the exterior can be viewed at all reasonable times.

At Mells turn left up the road to cross the old Southwold Railway bridge to reach the Southwold Road.
Turn right along the grass verge to the end of the gravel workings and left on the path through the trees to Blyford Lane, a sandy track. Cross the track and continue up around the quarry edge to a concrete track on the top at other side. Most of the gravel used in the construction of Halesworth airfield came from here and has left an important habitat for wildlife. Turn right along the concrete track to reach the Beccles Road.

Turn left down the roadside footway and right up the access track and path to St. Peter's Church. The unique round tower and double roof are reputed to have been used by smugglers who brought their booty up the River Blyth. In the bell tower are three bells dating from between 1498 and 1674 that have not been rung for over 30 years. Turn right on the path in the churchyard towards the housing estate and left between the hedges to reach Lodge Road, named after the lodge of the now demolished Holton Hall. Turn right along the road to reach a Tee junction.

Turn left past the entrance to the turkey factory, standing on the site of the former World War II Halesworth airfield, to reach Gypsy Corner, an old camping place. There are two airfield memorials on the right. The Bomber Group memorial is dedicated to the men of the 489th Bomb Group USAAF who flew from here from April to November 1944, they flew 106 missions in B24 Liberator bombers. On the top of the memorial is diagram showing the original layout of the runways. The Fighter Group memorial is dedicated to the men of Zemke's Wolfpack 56th Fighter Group, the 61st, 62nd and 63rd Fighter Squadrons, stationed here from 8 July 1943 to 18 April 1944.

On the bend of the road turn left down the cultivated field edge path, following the hedge down to the Bungay Road. Cross with care to the gate in the railings on the other side and turn right for a few metres before turning left into the hedge lined path known as Lovers Lane. There are many native tree species here, including pollarded oak and hornbeam. The age of the hedges in this old lane have been estimated at 700 - 800 years, found by multiplying the number of species in a 30 metre length by 100 to give rough calculation.

At the top of the path follow the hedge to the right, turning left at the corner of the field and then right through a gap in the hedge to reach Loam Pit Lane, the access track to Town Farm. This was once known as the Pest House where people from the town with contagious diseases were isolated, before a proper hospital was built about 1880.

Turn left down Loam Pit Lane to reach Quay Street, opposite the brick abutment of the former Southwold Railway bridge.

Turn right under the East Coast Railway bridge, there are several buildings of note in this area, including the converted maltings offices once owned by Sir William Hooker, renowned botanist and the first director of Kew Gardens, and Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker who was the second director of Kew Gardens and a close friend of Charles Darwin.

Turn right up Station Road to return to the start of the walk or straight on towards the town to extend your visit for refreshments etc. The name of Halesworth comes from the Saxon Healesuurda meaning Heale's enclosure or corner of land. A Town Trail leaflet is available describing a short tour of the town and its history, all marked out with information boards and waymarkarrows bearing a duck symbol.

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
Halesworth Railway Station is served by National Express East Anglia (Train Operating Company), who operate services between Ipswich and Lowestoft – East Suffolk Line.

RSPB events on the Suffolk coast
November 2009 - March 2010
minsmere@rspb.org.uk

All of the events below are at RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, Westleton, unless otherwise stated


Events November 2009 to March 2010
click here for more details

November
Wed 4 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sat 7 - Introduction to the Wildlife of the Alde Estuary, Snape Maltings: 11 am
Thurs 12 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sun 15 - Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am
Fri 20 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sat 21 – Binocular and telescope demo: 10 am – 4 pm
Sun 22 – Binocular and telescope demo: 10 am – 4 pm
Wed 25 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sat 28 - Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am

December
Wed 2 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sat 5 – Christmas at Minsmere: 10 am – 4 pm
Sat 5 - Introduction to the Wildlife of the Alde Estuary, Snape Maltings: 11 am
Sun 6 – Christmas at Minsmere: 10 am – 4 pm
Thurs 10 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sun 13 - Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am
Fri 18 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sat 19 - Introduction to the Wildlife of the Alde Estuary, Snape Maltings: 11 am
Mon 21 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sun 27 - Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am
Wed 30 - Winter wander: 10 am

January (dates TBC, more to add):
Sat 2 - Introduction to the Wildlife of the Alde Estuary, Snape Maltings: 11 am
Thu 7 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sat 16 - Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am
Fri 22 - Winter wander: 10 am
Sun 31 - Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am

February (dates TBC, more to add):
Mon 1 – Winter wander: 10 am
Sat 6 - Introduction to the Wildlife of the Alde Estuary, Snape Maltings: 11 am
Wed 10 – Winter wander: 10 am
Sat 13 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am
Thu 18 – Winter wander: 10 am
Fri 19 – Birdwatching for beginners: 9.30 am
Thu 25 – Winter wander: 10 am
Sun 28 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am

March (dates TBC, more to add):
Mon 1 - Discovering Minsmere: 9.30 am
Sat 6 - Introduction to the Wildlife of the Alde Estuary, Snape Maltings: 11 am
Wed 10 - Discovering Minsmere: 9.30 am
Sat 13 - Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am
Thu 18 - Discovering Minsmere: 9.30 am
Sun 21 - Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am
Fri 26 - Discovering Minsmere: 9.30 am
Sun 28 - Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30 am

Visiting arrangements at Minsmere

Entry charges to the reserve:
adult £5,
child £1.50 (under 5s free),
families £10(two adults and up to four children),
concession £3.
Free for RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members.
Your entry fee will be refunded if you become a member on the day of your visit.

Opening times
Nature trails and hides open daily.

From 1 February to 31 October:
Visitor centre open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Shop open 10 am to 5 pm.
Tearoom open 10 am to 4.30 pm, with last orders 15 minutes before closing.
Hot food served 11.30 am to 2.30 pm.

From 1 November to 31 January:
Visitor centre open 9 am to 4 pm
Shop and tearoom open 10 am to 4 pm.
Reserve and all facilities closed 25 and 26 December.

Facilities at Minsmere
Access to the visitor centre is free. At the reception desk, you can hire binoculars or borrow a free children’s Explorer Backpack and Discovery Trail booklet. You can also find out more about the reserve and the RSPB. The shop stocks a wide range of books, outdoor clothing, gifts, binoculars and telescopes. You can enjoy a light meal or snack in the tearoom. There are toilets, with baby changing facilities, and a large car park beside the visitor centre.

A permit is needed for the two nature trails, which are each about 1.5 miles long. Two of the eight birdwatching hides are accessed via steps, and two via the beach. The rest of the hides and trails are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. A free trail guide is available from reception. Sorry, no dogs on the nature trails, but they are welcome around the visitor centre and car park, where there is a limited amount of shaded parking.

Local web site, Great Yarmouth on Film, was created in 2006, and has become the leading database for photographs of the Great Yarmouth area.

Its primary aim is to encourage people to take more of an interest in Yarmouth's rich history.

Over 3000 photographs & publications have already been submitted and categorised.

Great Yarmouth on Film