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

June Meeting 2019

Watton Society had its first summer outing to Dale Farm at Dereham.  The inclement weather reduced the numbers of members somewhat, but didn’t mar the visit.  A very enjoyable walk around this magnificent garden well worth a visit when it is open for the NGS.  The afternoon was finished with tea and delicious cakes followed by purchasing numerous plants.  No meeting in August, but our next meeting is on Wednesday 18th September at 7.45pm at the Watton Christian Community Centre, when the speaker will be Roger Jones from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust speaking about “Roadside Nature Reserves”

Watton Society  –  May meeting report

Watton Society had another fascinating evening hearing about the Art Deco Period, presented by Genista Davidson. The people who were concerned with it, where the ideas came from, the influences and how it was effected by nature.  The style did not end, but went on to make people think, even today.  Very interesting.  

April Report

Watton Society’s meeting was a presentation by Shaun Jeffery on “The Burston Strike School”. When the school governors took a dislike to the teacher and his wife the headmistress, the parents and children started having classes on the village green which lead to a school, independent of the normal education system, being formed. – The Burston Strike School – this went on from 1914 to 1939 making it the longest strike in history.   A most informative and fascinating evening. 

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 15th May at 7.45pm at the Watton Christian Community Centre. 

The subject will be “Art Deco – An Iconic Era” and the speaker is Genista Davidson. This will be our last meeting at the hall for a while, until September, as we will be going out on visits during the summer months.

Our summer season now starts on Wednesday 19th June, when we have an afternoon visit to Dale Farm Gardens in Dereham. Members wishing to go, please complete your outings form if you haven’t done so already.  See you there.

Watton Society – March Report

“Oyez, Oyez, Oyez. Hear ye, Hear ye, Hear ye” Brenda Willison, town crier, told us the story of town criers, when and how they started, and the use of bells, whistles and horns to attract peoples’ attention.  Then, of course there are the competitions, both national and international of which she has won numerous times.  It was a very entertaining and “noisy” evening no need for a microphone. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 17th April at 7.45pm at the Watton Christian Community Centre. 

The subject will be “Burston Strike School” and the speaker is Shaun Jeffery . 

Report of February’s meeting

Watton Society’s speaker in February was born in 1802.  A social theorist and Whig, writer, the first female sociologist.  Although profoundly deaf from birth, she wrote books enough to earn a good living at a time when women were treated as second class citizens.  She travelled to America giving lectures on freedom for women.  A very interesting and enlightening evening presented by Georgette Vale.  Nothing less than fascinating. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 17th April, at 7.45pm at the Watton Christian Community Centre. when the speaker will be Shaun Jeffrey who will talk about “The Burston Strike School.” The longest school strike in English History.

Report of January’s meeting

Watton Society had a “Night in the Museum”.  

Question:-  How do you start up a Museum? 

Answer:- with a lot of hard work, dedication, determination,  a 500,000 year old hand axe is a good find and gifts from local people is a start.  Coins, more axe heads and an RAF radar magnatron isn’t bad either.  Entry is free and volunteers help to keep it running.  Watton has now got a museum to be proud of.  Well worth a visit.  Our next meeting is back at the Watton Christian Community Centre. on Wednesday 20th March at 7.45pm when we welcome Brenda Willison who will tell us all about being a lady Town Crier. Visitors £3.50. Refreshments and raffle available.