November '24 - Festive History Quiz
I am very sorry for the delay in letting you all know the speaker for next week's History Group talk. Unfortunately, I had a late cancellation, which, sadly, is not that unusual. So, for better or worse, it will be me again and I will be holding a quiz, which I hope you will find interesting.
There will be some History questions, but also other subjects too, and it will not be too difficult, I promise. There will be small prizes for the winners. What seems to work quite well is to have teams of four where possible and add any extra people as necessary. I hope as many of you as possible will come and that you will enjoy it.
November '24 - Festive History Quiz
I am very sorry for the delay in letting you all know the speaker for next week's History Group talk. Unfortunately, I had a late cancellation, which, sadly, is not that unusual. So, for better or worse, it will be me again and I will be holding a quiz, which I hope you will find interesting.
There will be some History questions, but also other subjects too, and it will not be too difficult, I promise. There will be small prizes for the winners. What seems to work quite well is to have teams of four where possible and add any extra people as necessary. I hope as many of you as possible will come and that you will enjoy it.
October '24: Jessie Ward - Pip Canwell
Pip delivered a fascinating talk about a young girl, passionate to do her bit during WW2. After volunteering for the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) and after undergoing rigorous training, Jessie joined a mixed Anti-Aircraft Crew and became an Ack-Ack Girl.
Based at a station in Great Yarmouth, Jessie married very early in the war but sadly became a war widow not long into her married life. Jessie, however, continued to work tirelessly day and night to protect the country from German bombers.
After the war, Jessie worked closely with the British Legion, often representing the ATS at the Remembrance Parade in London and when she died, at the grand age of 98. she was still selling the iconic poppies that mean so much to those who have (and still do) serve our country.
September '24 - The Caister Lifeboat Disaster of November 1901 - David McDermott
David related the chilling story of a once-in-a-lifetime storm off the coast. A distress flare was spotted by the Caister Lifeboat crew who immediately scrambled to launch Beauchamp. Heavy seas, enormous waves and a fierce wind forced them back to the shore, time and time again, but they didn't give up. At 2am in the morning they were once again driven back to the shore where a wave capsized the boat, trapping the crew underneath. Only 3 men survived.
July '24 - The Rows of Great Yarmouth (Part 2) - Mike Teun
Mike continued his fascinating descriptions of Rows long gone and Rows that are still thriving. Mike's talks are always interactive and a knowledgeable audience added many a tale
June '24 - Quiz
May '24 - Illustrated Talk about Winterton - Andrew Fakes
Very much a 'local lad', Andrew gave us a colourful insight into the life of many of the local people including many tales of fishing
April '24 - Great Yarmouth Rows (Part 1) - Mike Teun
It is impossible to imagine Great Yarmouth without the Rows and little is known about many of them. Mike explored Rows 1-10 and gave us an insight into how and why they were constructed and some background into their names
March '24 - Talk about Queen Mary 1st - Pip Canwell
Pat told us the fascinating tale of one England's most mis-understood Queens
February '24 - Fishermens' Hospital - Illustrated Talk - Pat Ashbourne
Pat gave a very informative talk on the history of this significant Great Yarmouth institution. Using many slides, Pat took us through the history of these Alms Houses and told us a great deal about the restoration that took place in the 1980's
January '24 - A Yarmouth Miscellany - David McDermott
A fascinating afternoon with David as he reminisced about shops, industries and landmarks in Great Yarmouth. Bird's Eye and Erie Resistors featured a great deal and many members of the audience had first hand knowledge of working for them