The Watton Society February Meeting

On the 19^th February David Spain came to talk to us about his career in photography.  This ranged from film, fashion, travel, National Trust, politicians, pop stars, royalty and much more.  David enthralled us with his always discrete but absolutely delightful accounts of his life in photography.  He brought many photos for us to see and answered numerous questions. Thank you David for a wonderful evening.

The next meeting of the Watton Society will be on Wednesday, 18^th March When Malcolm Trayhorn will tell us of his carer over 32 years in the police mainly with the Metropolitan Police.

Visitors welcome – £3.50.

Watton Society November 2019 Report

The Society’s November meeting was interesting and informative as we had a talk from Colin Hawgood from Norfolksharp. He demonstrated knife sharpening and explained the techniques involved in the various ways from a very expensive machine to a file and wet stone. He also gave advice on garden tools both sharpening of Secateurs, Loppers, Shears ,Hoes and spades along with the aftercare of these items. The evening was rounded off with a very active question and answer session.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 18^th December Our Christmas meeting we have Bryan Thurlow with Musical Memories. This meeting will be accompanied with Mulled Wine and Minced Pies

Meetings are held in The Christian Community Centre at 7.45PM Visitors welcome £6.00 for members & £8.00 for non members

Watton Society’s October meeting began with the AGM.  The meeting was well attended by members with the President, the Mayor, in the chair.  All Officers and Committee were re-elected for another year..Thanks were given to the committee for the entertaining year, After the business, the evening was followed by the speaker, Gina Dormer, Chief Executive, Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind, soon to become Vision Norfolk.  Beginning with a bit about the history (it was started in 1805) and how it has progressed to the modern day.  Thomas Tawell House provides residential care, while Hamond Court is for independent living with warden cover. Organising outings and visits and entertainment is all part of the service.  Basic tools and equipment to make life easier are also available and were on show.  A very interesting talk and very well presented.  Vision Norfolk is a charity for all people with impaired vision.  Our next meeting is our last one of 2019, our Christmas event on Wednesday 18th December at 7.45pm at the Watton

Christian Community Centre when we will be entertained by Bryan Thurlow who is talking about “Music Hall Memories”.  Mulled wine and mince pies will be on the menu. 

£6 Members and £8 for non members. Looking forward to seeing everyone then.

Watton Society Sep 19 Meeting report

Watton Society’s re-start after the summer break was a talk by Roger Jones of Norfolk Wildlife Trust.  He began with a brief history of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.  Then how to connect nature reserves together so in case of emergency animals would have escape routes.  ‘RNR’ – most people will not know what this stands for.  ‘Roadside Nature Reserves’.  Because we have lost 98% of our meadows, roadside nature reserves have become vitally important for the preservation of wild plants.  They are marked by a post on the verge with a sign on which a number and arrow pointing in the direction of the reserve.  These still need managing to some degree, so volunteers are essential in maintaining the verges and recording species.  A very informative evening.  Our next meeting is at 7.45pm on Wednesday 20th November at the Watton Christian Community Centre when the speaker will be Colin Hawgood – talking about the history and anecdotes on being a saw sharpener.

July outing report

Watton Society’s July Outing was to the Thursford Collection.  A large group of members were met by the catering manager who showed us to reserved tables for a very enjoyable lunch.  We then gathered for a back stage tour where Mr. John Cushing himself met us and began explaining how it all started.  His father collected steam engines when they were becoming redundant, diesel  taking over from steam  Then became the problem, how to care for the engines, money was needed, so began the christmas shows.  Seeing all the costumes, how they are cared for, the vast number of people involved was amazing.  A truly memorable visit, well worthwhile, highly recommendable.  Our next meeting is back at the Watton Christian Community Centre on Wednesday 18th September at 7.45pm when our speaker will be Roger Jones from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust speaking about “Roadside Nature Reserves”.  Looking forward to seeing everyone on that date, everyone welcome