At our zoom meeting in May, 34 members joined together to be addressed by Queen Victoria – who seemed to show some resemblance to Georgette Vale.
Her Majesty graciously talked to us about her life, her likes and dislikes – including the men in her life – and made several interesting references to the events taking place in Watton during her long reign. Although she is famed for not being amused, once or twice there was a glimmer of a smile! We thanked her most humbly for spending time with us.
On the evening of Wednesday, 17th March thirty seven members of the Watton Society joined together for a very interesting and well presented talk on the Mid Norfolk Railway by Paddy Anstey. We all enjoyed this presentation and our chats with each other and Paddy. Prior to the meeting Paddy had given a lot of help to the committee and he hosted the meeting, as it was our first attempt at hosting. We still have things to learn but are gradually getting there. The talk covered the history of railways in Norfolk, the present day and hopes and plans for the future. For those of you who may not know, the Mid Norfolk Railway runs from Dereham to Wymondham and holds several special events during the year which will be on their website.
The Watton Society
Watton In Bloom
A few weeks ago the committee of the Watton Society once again toured the town looking at front gardens showing a good display of colour. A list of nearly forty gardens was sent to the Mayor of Watton, Pat Warwick, who is also President of the Watton Society. The Major made several visits to the gardens before making her decision on a winner, a highly commended and seven commended gardens, who all received certificates. It was not an easy decision.
A highly commended certificate was also awarded by the Society to the Town Council for the excellent display of floral colour in the High Street
Our photograph shows the winner, Mr. R. Mikulik of Nelson Court, receiving the winning salver and certificate from Watton Mayor Pat Warwick and Watton Society Chairman John Kerr.
The Watton Society February Meeting
On the 19th 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, 18th 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.
The Watton Society Picture Competition for Children
The topic for 2019 was…
What I Want To Be When I Grow Up
We had sixty four entries from schools and Brownie Groups. The children had a wide variety of aspirations for their future occupations – many wanted a job involving animals, including dinosaurs. Others wanted to be teachers, firefighters, work for NASA, be archaeologists, actors, pilots, singers and dancers, and many more. Well done to all the children who did a picture for the competition and good luck with your future careers. Our picture shows some of the Brownies of the 2nd Watton (RAF) Brownie group receiving their prizes.
Watton Society’s first meeting of 2020 began with a full house all fascinated by the story of the Honeybee. Trevor Nash’s interest in bees began as an 11 year old school boy, and he finds it still absorbing today. He is now the vice chairman of the Norfolk Bee Keeping Association. The number of different types of bee you wouldn’t believe. The way the honey bees organise the working of the hive, and their interaction with each other is riveting.
Our February meeting is on Wednesday 19th February at 7.45pm in the Watton Christian Community Centre.
The speaker will be David Spain – Photographer. David has had an impressive career in photography which he will tell us about. The list is too long to put here but includes film, military, fashion, travel, National Trust, politicians, pop stars, and much more.
All are welcome, non-members £3.50. Watch out for our posters.
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 18th 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 had its Annual Quiz which was again well attended with teams of up to four players competing for a much fought over Trophy.
This year the winners were a team from University of the Third Age, comprising of Anita Taylor, Keith Taylor, Arthur Rawbone and Marian Smith. They won in a tie break with Northern Lights . A prize is also given to the team that came last to encourage them to reach higher scores. Looking forward to seeing you all next year.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and support.
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.