A few months ago you read it on this Blog, a warning to all parents, but I am correct in saying it is still still going on.

Many parents are insuring their sons or daughters in their name on car insurances and THEN ADDING their offsprings as a SECOND DRIVER.

This is illegal and classified as fraud, this is a way of short term money saving but the risks outweigh the benefits.

There are serious problems if any is caught fronting and insurances will be invalidated

Figures show one out of every 20 drivers drive without insurance, this adds £30 a year to every honest drivers premium

Uninsured drivers now face having their car clamped in their driveway, seized or destroyed when new regulations come in to force in June

This also apply to motorists who may simply have forgotten.

The new system  Continuous Insurance Enforcement will make it illegal to keep a uninsured car without a SORN notification.......while at the present time it is ONLY an OFFENCE to drive UNINSURED.

CUT THE COST
It is in the interest of your children to be the MAIN DRIVER from day one (yes it may be costly) but they must build up a insurance history.

PASS PLUS a course taken after someone has passed their basic L test MAY give a 35% discount but you are paying for the course.

YES WE MUST GET NEW DRIVERS on Motorways and extra life skills behind the wheel, but it is not just a insurance discount course.

Perhaps paying premiums monthly could help, but again this may increase by 10 to 25%

Premiums can be reduced by opting for a higher excess...but be careful.

WATCH third party cover it may not be the cheapest as now some comprehensive policies can often be affordable.

Third party could be more expensive as the insurance company might assume you don't care about the car and more likely be a accident risk!

A number of insurers are bringing in black box technology to monitor young drivers - a few miles a month!

But personally not sure on this one yet whether it works or not. What are your views? Watch this space over next few weeks we will give it a try...

Bibs at the ready for this documentary showing the journey of the oyster from seabed to dinner plate. We see the oyster smacks (fishing vessels used for trawling) hauling in their plunder, the shellfish being packed for delivery to London and, inevitably, being shucked with gusto by a restaurant's portly clientele.

The film was shot in Whitstable, a seaside town known as the "Pearl of Kent" for its famous oysters. Beady-eyed viewers may spot prolific early film producer Charles Urban sampling the oysters in the beach footage, squatting on the right. (Alex Davidson)

Two of Norfolk’s best-known photographers have teamed up to stage an exhibition of images capturing the county’s unique landscape.

Entitled PhotoEclectic, the show opens at St Margaret’s Church, Norwich on April 25 and features work by former Professional Photographer of the Year David Morris and John Higgins, who specialises in panoramic images capturing 360 degree views of scenes ranging from Norwich city centre, to the rugged north Norfolk coastline.


The pair decided to join forces after meeting at Cromer’s Garden House Gallery, where they are both artists in residence.

“Although we photograph many of the same places, our approach is very different,” John said. “But, because we are both fascinated by Norfolk’s amazing and captivating light and we both try to get that unique take on what might be a very familiar scene, I think our work complements one another’s perfectly.”

David, who was named Professional Photographer of the Year in 2009, last year won the reportage section of the Black and White Photographer of the Year competition for his image of a pair of Cotswolds sheep farmers.

Work by David featured in the exhibition includes landscapes ranging from a black and white image of foaming waves battering the rocks on Norfolk's rugged coastline, to a photograph of a storm-filled sky looming over Cromer Pier, as well as a selection of images from an ongoing European “Bar Life” project.

"I am an available light photographer," David said. "And that means that I work with whatever I'm given, whether it's the glorious big light of the Norfolk coast, the misty first light of the Broads, or the dark, atmospheric interior of a smoke-filled bar in Amsterdam."

After studying graphic design at Hull College of Art, Yorkshire-born David worked for a number of London advertising agencies before embarking on a career teaching graphic design and advertising.

He then worked as a senior lecturer at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, before becoming a freelance lecturer.

Since moving to Cromer in 2003, David has divided his time between working at universities in the UK, Holland and Italy and concentrating on his own work.

He recently embarked on a series of portrait studies of interesting and unusual individuals at Cromer's Red Lion Hotel, which he plans to use as a studio.

"Because the Red Lion faces the North Sea and has huge plate glass windows, the quality of light is ideal for portraits," David said.

Norfolk-born John, who says he spent 20 years as a “computer nerd” before giving up his job as an analyst programmer to become a full-time photographer, first picked up a camera as a teenager.

“I was inspired by the Norfolk coast and countryside then and the county continues to inspire me now,” he said.

“What is wonderful about it is that It is forever changing and the spectacular skies are, quite literally, the mountains of Norfolk.”


Born to Scottish parents, John has spent many hours taking pictures on the islands of Mull, Skye, Iona and Islay, also photographing Aldeburgh and Southwold in Suffolk.

“I look for what inspires me,” he says. “Because if there is some notion I have about taking photographs, it is that if you only take pictures that others approve of, then you will never do anything original."

John came up with the idea of a two-man show after meeting David at Cromer. “We were introduced by a local art gallery owner and, because we both take landscape photographs of the “big view”, I thought exhibiting together would work well,” he explained.

“What is nice about St Margaret’s is that it is a big venue with unusual light and I think bringing contemporary work into a Medieval setting is a fantastic idea.”

The very first holidays were those originated by the church. Christmas and Easter were always set aside, as were Sundays when anyone whose work allowed them to, had the day off. Bank holidays followed and these became general holidays. Those rare days off mean’t a great deal to people who worked long hours seven days a week, sometimes from dawn to dusk and had no annual holiday. There was no income other than that which they earned to support their families. 


When Sundays were recognised as a day of rest there were many restrictions and things they could not do. Unlike today when many families do their weekly shopping as well as other tasks such as the washing and ironing. There were strange rules they had to adhere to. For instance, women were able to knit and embroider on the Sabbath but not sew. Perhaps it was because sewing was part of their household duties. The average mum was obliged to spend a great deal of her time darning, patching and doing make and mend on their children’s and their own clothes.  

Consequently they did all they could to ensure Bank Holidays and any day they had off was organised to be one to remember and hopefully better than any they had the previous year. Everyone was keen to contribute and join in the celebrations. These were great times and often the only opportunity families had to all get together and really enjoy themselves. You can be sure they did! Such occasions might also have been one of the few chances young ladies had to meet potential suitors.

The jobs we do now are not nearly as backbreaking as those done by our forefathers and although we no longer have to work such long hours or every day of the week, the number of Bank Holidays has increased over recent years. These are in addition to the number of weeks annual leave built into the contract of employment we all get.

How nice it would be if everyone could get together and find the time to re-enact the old ways of having a good time. It would go some way to restoring the friendship and neighbourly companionship that was so important in days gone by when people of all Classes in the Community had to support each other. There was no one else for them to depend on. 

Now in its 6th spectacular year, the East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival is proving as popular as ever, as companies, organisations and clubs from across the region, sign up what they hope will be winning teams. This much celebrated annual event returns to Nicholas Everett Park, Oulton Broad in Lowestoft on Sunday 8th May – and the inter-company rivalry is already building, not least between the teams representing BBC Suffolk and BBC Radio Norfolk!

BBC Radio Norfolk will be entering a team for the first time into the event and assistant editor, Martyn Weston, comments; “BBC Radio Norfolk is thrilled to be involved with such a fun yet important event raising money for a very worthwhile cause. As well as covering the race on the radio, I'm delighted the radio station is putting in a team to compete. The sports team are leading our entry and have so far recruited one of our travel reporters, our web journalists and members of the BBC Radio Norfolk news team. They appear to be taking it very seriously and have already started training! We look forward to seeing just what the team can do against our rivals at BBC Suffolk and others from around Norfolk and Suffolk!”
Also swapping microphones for paddles and seeking to put one over on the competition this year will be the team from BBC Suffolk led by weekend breakfast show presenter, Rob Dunger. Rob is a multi-talented guy and is hoping to bring some of his many talents to bear in the dragon boat race. Fluent in English, French, Spanish and Dutch with a smattering of Greek and Turkish, Rob is a former florist, racconteur and according to his team mates an ‘all round lovely bloke’ although they are not sure he's much of a rower!

Rob is more at home in the gym than on the water but like everything will give it his best shot! Rob started his broadcasting career on BBC Radio Suffolk as a guest newspaper reviewer on Saturday mornings. He caught the radio bug and soon started helping on the phones at the weekend for a few hours, which turned into every Saturday morning and practically all day Sundays. It wasn't long before he began presenting his first programme, the Dawnshift and then working with breakfast presenter Mark Murphy as travel reporter. Rob has lived in Suffolk for more than 25 years and truly believes it is the finest county in the land.

Rob and the BBC Suffolk team are keen to improve on their 25th placing last year and had this to say about the event; “We had a great time last year even though we were awful sailors and came somewhere near to last! This year is going to be different as we have renamed our team BBC Radio Suffolk Seadogs and want to sink the chances of team BBC Radio Norfolk beating us!"
To be part of this fantastic event and join Rob and the radio crews on the water on 8th May, all you need to do is raise a team of up to 11 people (squads can be larger) and you’ll be ready to ‘race the dragon’! The dragon boats, qualified helms and racing equipment are provided, each team gets a minimum of three races and no previous experience is necessary, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! All the teams will be seeking to knock ‘The Sugar Babes’ of British Sugar off their pedestals as reigning champions and challenging 2010 top fundraisers, Howes Percival, for the charity trophy and prize of a day’s use of the spa with lunch at the Marriott Sprowston Manor.

The Festival offers a full day of fun on land as well as water with plenty of activities on the bankside to entertain teams and spectators between races and Carol Lester, Director of Festival organisers, Gable Events, comments, “The Festival appeals to lots of different organisations as it is perfect for a company seeking to team build or raise their profile or for those simply wishing to try something completely different and enjoy a superb day out. The generosity of teams taking part in the dragon boat festival has raised more than £85,000 to date for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and we are looking forward to raising more money for EACH and seeing the radio stations battling it out for supremacy on the water this year!”

To make sure your company, club or group of friends is on the start line in May, call Gable Events on 01780 470 718 or visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia.

Photographs courtesy of Satalight Photography

The National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk has five gardens opening over the Easter and May Bank holiday period. Each garden will have an abundance of flowers on display together with all the sights and sounds which show spring has well and truly arrived after a long hard winter.

For the Easter weekend:
Wretham Lodge, IP24 1RL at East Wretham takes centre stage on both Sunday and Monday with displays of tulips, naturalized daffodils, hellebores,and a bluebell walk a particular feature. The walled garden provides shelter from the easterly winds and many fine plants benefit from this including two white wisterias grown in pots and which are protected in a greenhouse during the winter.

The May Bank Holiday weekend sees Croft House, PE31 6YW at Dersingham open on Sunday with water features, statuary and many unusual plants on show.

At Brundall Lake House, NR13 5LU opens on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. A steep, wooded valley of spring flowers and bulbs, many of which are unusual, overlooking the Broad.

All the gardens except Lake House have home made teas and every garden has free admission for children under 16 free.

Fashion has long been integral to the appeal of royal weddings, not least in the build up to the lavish nuptials of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles in 1922. Princess Mary, the Princess Royal (1897-1965) was the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary and the sister of Princes Edward and Albert (later Edward VIII and George VI). This Topical Budget newsreel snippet shows how even a flu epidemic was no match for invited society ladies, who made the best of the situation with chic morning dress in place of the usual low-necked court gowns.

For more about Topical Budget and Royalty visit BFI Screenonline:
http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/584159/index.html

Join us for our famous Easter Egg Hunt, which will be taking place from Good Friday 22nd April to Monday 25th April 2011 and our Eggcellent Easter Quiz running throughout the school holiday. The fabulous Jenny’s Ark will also be with us on Monday 25th April, with her array of weird and wonderful animals. Never held a snake before or seen a giant millipede? Now’s your chance! Or simply come and brush a beautiful bunny – a lovely relaxing way to spend a bank holiday!

In addition there are at least two spectacular flying displays every day, with a chance to see some of the world's most beautiful birds of prey show off their aerial prowess.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through our woodland walk; spot the shy red squirrels and laugh at the antics of the chipmunks or simply sit and soak up the spring sunshine, while the kids have fun in the Mini-Maze and Play Area.


Come and help us to celebrate the nuptials of Prince William and his bride to be, Kate Middleton, here at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary on Bank Holiday Friday 29th April 2011.

In honour of the occasion, there will be special Royal Afternoon Cream Teas available and the fabulous Jenny's Ark will be visiting, with her enticing entourage. We will be hosting a best dressed Prince and Princess fancy dress competition, with fabulous prizes to be won. As always, you will have the opportunity to see at least two of our spectacular flying displays, where some of the world’s most striking birds of prey take to the skies in all their magnificent splendour.

We are open daily from 10.00am – 5.00pm. For more information call us on 08456 807897 or email us at info@owl-help.org.uk

Since the beginning of the year we have been running with our new, earlier start time. Music now begins at 8pm. As always, doors will be open earlier for admission. The organisation of the evening is unchanged, with two 60 minute sets divided by a 30 minute break. Music ends at 10.30pm. Generally the response has been good from audience and musicians alike.

In case you are unaware, we have decided to reduce the overall number of gigs we present during the year, but still maintain a weekly club. In 2011 there will be two series of weekly Wednesday concerts. The first will be the “Spring Collection” from February through to the end of May. The second will be the “Autumn Collection” from August to mid December. By offering fewer gigs in the year and longer breaks, we hope to boost average attendances. The new structure will still enable us to present the wide variety of jazz styles which have been the hallmark of Lakeside Jazz.

We have recently been given a significant number of jazz CDs and LPs which were special to DJS members who are sadly no longer with us. By making these available for a few pounds at the Wednesday gigs our Club has raised a useful sum of money. Passing on some well-loved music to like-minded jazz fans and supporting a Club where good times have been shared can only be a very fitting way to redistribute some prized possessions.

Neatly following the last item, why wait for the catastrophic event? You can sort out your jazz jumble for us right now! DJS will be at the “Stately Car Boot Sale” at Houghton Hall on 30 April 2011, selling our Club CD and raising our profile generally. If you have jazz CDs, LPs, magazines, books, or jazz-associated bric-a-brac that you would be prepared to donate, just let us know. Contact details are below and Fred, John or Richard can arrange collection. Lord Cholmondeley (the big boss at Houghton) is an active jazz fan, so perhaps we can flog him some stuff.

The Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra concert takes place on 20 April, see overleaf. Tickets are £16 and are on sale now at Wednesday gigs or by post from Jean Webbing, John Clark or Richard Nelson (addresses below). Cheques payable to Dereham Jazz Society and please include a stamped addressed envelope. Last year we sold out, so be quick!


13 April – Good Vibes

Last spring Roger Beaujolais played one of the most delightfully satisfying gigs at Lakeside and this is the first opportunity to repeat the pleasure. The vibraphone is capable of great tonal variety, from tinkling icicles to a warm, pulsating cloud of sound and Roger will deploy it all with consummate skill and delicacy. You will enjoy his arrangements of well-known standards as well as the distinctive Beaujolais originals all delivered in an entertaining, agile, fresh and inventive playing style.

Roger Beaujolais, vibraphone; Chris Ingham, piano; Ivars Gallenieks, double bass; Russ Morgan, drums

Admission £10, 8pm start


20 April – Especially for Big Band fans, the

Do you want to be made to laugh out loud with delight and amazement? Then don’t miss MYJO. The Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra is recognised as one of the UK’s top big bands with a reputation founded on its high quality performances over two decades. Audiences can’t help but be infected by the enjoyment exhibited by the young musicians and the excitement the band generates. Their repertoire is intentionally very broad and covers virtually the whole period of big band music. At the same time as making his students aware of their musical heritage, Music Director, John Ruddick is developing a more contemporary emphasis to the band’s performance, seeking a balance between good ensemble playing and exciting solos. We sold every ticket for their last visit to Lakeside – get yours NOW!

Admission by ticket only £16, 8pm start


27 April – Top trumpeter and jazz vocalist

Get ready for a highly entertaining evening of stan- dards and foot-tapping jazz. Enrico Tomasso started playing the trumpet at the age of five. His biggest inspiration was Louis Armstrong, whom he met and performed for in the 60s, leading to a friendship lasting until Louis' death. Rico is one of Britain's brightest and most versatile jazz stars. He played with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, had a long stint with Ray Gelato, plays trumpet for Acker Bilk and has made several appearances at The Norwich Jazz Party.

Enrico Tomasso, trumpet; Chris Ingham, piano; Ivars Gallenieks, double bass; Russ Morgan, drums

Admission £10, 8pm start


4 May – Swing and sophistication

This sextet brings together some of the best jazz artists on our local scene. Playing melodic and enter- taining jazz guitar, Jasper Smith has performed for us on many occasions. It is on his recommendation that we are renewing our acquaintance with the young vocalist Laura White. Laura has developed into a very special jazz singer, with a string of excellent reviews.

Laura White, vocals; Jasper Smith, guitar; Simon Brown, piano; Ivars Galenieks, double bass, Colin Brady, drums

Admission £10, 8pm start


11 May – Mainstream standards and swing

Al is one of the most swinging tenor sax players in the country. As well as club appearances, he is very busy with his own popular mainstream band Blue Harlem. Jeff is a London based trombonist and vocalist whose playing has taken him all over the world. These two musicians are ambassadors for tuneful, foot-tapping jazz and make regular and highly acclaimed club appearances all over the UK.

Al Nicholls, tenor sax; Jeff Williams, trombone; Chris Cooper, piano; Bernie Hodgkins, bass; Bob Doré, drums

Admission £10, 8pm start


18 May – Great music and entertainment

Simon Nelson’s DixieMix has developed into the best traditional band for miles around. Tonight, to the delight of their regular supporters, they are back on their home ground. Simon says: ‘the band just gets tighter and tighter. We’ve added loads of new material to the repertoire and we look forward to playing it for you’.

Simon Nelson, cornet; Chris Wigley, trombone; Pete Oxborough, reeds; Kevin West guitar and banjo; John Benson, bass; Tony Wilkins, drums

Admission £10, 8pm start


25 May – Back by popular demand

Led by saxophonist, Julian Landymore, this exciting 17-piece big band is made up of the best jazz musicians from the Cambridge and Peterborough areas. The 78 RPM band has had great success in the BBC Big Band Competition, where Julian was also a winner of the Marty Paich Arranger’s Award. The music features the best charts from all eras of the big band and boy, does it swing! Come early for the best seats.

Admission £10, 8pm start



Richard Nelson – Publicity Tel 01362 696741
Woodforde Lodge, Union Drift, Dereham, NR20 3AZ
e-mail: rvnelson@freedom255.com

Fred Webbing – Booking Tel 01328 863511
Jean Webbing – Treasurer and membership
5 Chappel Hill, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 9HW
e-mail: phredd@f2s.com

John Clark – CD Sales Tel 01328 820179
Hazel Cottage, Station Road, Little Walsingham, Norfolk, NR22 6DG
e-mail: clarkclarkja@aol.com


Doors always open. Music 8.00 until 10.30pm Bar and Meal Facilities available. No membership needed, ample parking. Pay at the door unless otherwise advertised.


 

Wing and a Prayer Wild Bird and Owl Haven is a privately run bird and owl rescue centre, based in Stratton Strawless, just outside Norwich. It is funded entirely by donations from the public and is staffed by volunteers. With the exception of our annual Open Day, we are not open to the public, as the aim is to provide a quiet haven for the birds. Each year, we take in hundreds of birds, some injured, some sick, some just tiny nestlings. All are cared for until such time as they are ready for release back to the wild.

Haven Birds need a New Wing!!
I reported last time that the hospital needs to expand to continue to provide the same level of care for the increased number of birds we are taking in, and this moved a little closer this week with the help of a Pets at Home grant of £5000.

This large injection of cash is a major step forward both in terms of getting things moving, and also to volunteer morale. Many, many thanks go out to Pets at Home for this great contribution. Incidentally, Wing and a Prayer will be making an appearance at the Sprowston Pets at Home on May 21 if you would like to come along and meet some of the volunteers and resident birds on that day. You will be able to purchase our merchandise, adopt a bird or just drop a few pennies in the box whilst stocking up on all your pet supplies.

It is that time of years when we are slowly but surely beginning to see baby birds arriving through the door.

The first ‘naked’ baby was this little chap ‘Peanut’. Unfortunately a cat had disturbed the nest and his siblings taken, but lucky Peanut was saved and brought to us. At the time of writing he is doing fine, although we are not exactly sure what he is yet! He’s very responsive and feeds well, so the outlook for him is good, and we will keep you posted on his progress. As well as fund-raising for the hospital expansion, we also need more brooders which will be so desperately needed now that baby season is here. Peanut is a good example, as without the brooder he is currently living in, the job of purely keeping him alive would be so much more difficult.

So If you are out shopping in Norwich the Saturday before Easter, why not visit us in the Castle Mall, where we will have a stand outside the Canary Shop. There again, you will be able to purchase some of our merchandise, adopt a bird and meet some volunteers and Lucy, the barn owl (see above). If you’re looking for a last minute novelty Easter gift for someone, or have forgotten to buy your Easter chocolate, come and see us – we may just have what you’re looking for!

Although we are essentially a wild bird rescue centre, nothing is ever turned away and we over-wintered 3 juvenile hedgehogs who were too young to hibernate as they did not have enough body fat to see them over the winter. These 3 hedgehogs faired well at the Haven, and were released successfully about a week ago, once the weather had broken. Lovely to see them go from very small bundles to good size hedgehogs able to go out and forage on their own.

We have also taken in a beautiful Cockerel, Dave, who was taken in by a vet. It is difficult to find new homes for cockerels, but Dave is very handsome and would love a new home with some lady friends, so if you can help, please see the contact details at the end of the article.

As the weather warms up and the insect kingdom comes alive there is obviously much more food available for the birds, but it is still advisable to continue to feed them, and it is especially important to ensure your bird baths are topped up. We have had a particularly dry March and it is surprising how quickly any rain fall is absorbed into the dry earth, so any help we can give is always beneficial. Ensure your feeders are high enough off the floor and away from places where they can be ambushed by a lurking cat, and putting out a variety of foods will ensure different species will visit your garden.

And for more of the day to day antics, why not follow us on www.facebook.com/wingandaprayerhaven and/or @WAAPHaven.Twitter.com, or give us a look at www.wingandaprayerhaven.org.uk.

Come and join the fun at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and enjoy Norfolk in all its stunning Spring glory this Easter from Saturday 9th to Monday 25th April 2011 between 10am and 5pm daily.

Follow the Egg-stravaganzer Trail and discover fun and informative facts all about Easter and the wildlife that call Pensthorpe home at this time of year. Guide yourself along the trail with eight fun hands-on activities all based around an Easter theme and the diverse range of wildlife at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve.

The trails and quizzes are designed with children as well as adults in mind, encouraging the whole family to get closer to nature. Pensthorpe Nature Reserve has designed quizzes and trails have been tailored for two age groups - under six years old, and those over six - and activities are included in the price of admission (£9.50 for adults, £6.00 for children and £7.75 for seniors)

The Wild On Wildlife Activity Booklet has been revamped to incorporate different questions and activities. For those who complete the trail and fill out their booklet there is an Easter Egg prize to collect!

There will also be regular interactive activities such as pond dipping, following the Wildlife Tracker Trail and becoming a bug detective on the Bug Walk.

Plus the popular Wensum Discovery Tour* which takes visitors across hidden areas of the Reserve and parts of the estate the public wouldn’t normally have access to!  The tour explains about the history of the reserve, farming methods, Springwatch hotspots from the last three years and a chance to spot birds and wildlife with one of the expert guides.  It is also a great chance to see rare breed Long Horn Cattle with their calves and Norfolk Horn Sheep with their lambs – what better way to mark the start of spring!

Commercial Manager for Pensthorpe Nature Reserve Mark Noble comments: “Pensthorpe is beautiful all year round but no more so than in spring, all the new arrivals in flora and fauna make it a really special place to be! Easter is traditionally the time of new birth and new beginning and there is certainly plenty of that at Pensthorpe, be it the new born Norfolk Horn Lambs bouncing around the meadows or newly hatched fluffy ducklings in the brooder room.”