January 2025: Too Young to be Old - Christine Webber
Christine spoke all about positive ageing and gave some hints and tips on keeping fit and healthy
February 2025: National Coastwatch Station, Gorleston - Steve Fordham
Steve gave a very interesting talk on the role of the Coastwatch. The station, located at the end of the pier in Gorleston, is manned by 35 volunteers during daylight hours.
Assisted by a wide range of electronic equipment they scan the coast for incidents large and small that can range from a boat in distress to a bather in difficulties. Every vessel from tankers to jet skis seen from the station has to be logged and every incident recorded for future reference.
As soon as an incident has been identified they will contact the appropriate authority including the the Humber RNLI, the police and the ambulance service.
The entire operation is run on donations from the public.
April 2025 - Jack Cates, a Norfolk Wherryman - Dale Wiseman
March 2025 - The Gloucester - story of a Royal Wreck - Professor Claire Jowitt
The Gloucester ran aground at 5.30am in 1682 with the loss of well over 150 lives and among those on board was James, Duke of York, the brother of Charles II and future King of England.
Claire delivered an absolutely fascinating talk, crammed with information about the significance of the wreck and its impact on the politics of the day. We saw pictures of several of the artefacts that have been found including wine jars and a petticoat.
Thought to be one of the most important finds since the Mary Rose, Claire gave us an insight into just some of the plans to keep the story of the Gloucester alive.
May 2025 - Great Yarmouth Summer Shows of the 50s and 60s
David McDermott
1 May 2025 - Great Yarmouth Summer Shows of the 50s and 60s
David McDermott followed by our VE Day Tea
A local musician who was lead in a local band and provided backing for stars such as Gerry and the Pacemakers on their Great Yarmouth visits talked about the stars who visited during the heyday of end-of-Pier shows.
Our whistle stop tour named all the greatest comedians, band leaders, vocalists and up-and-coming bands that already were or became household names. Along the way we also realised how many of the great entertainment venues in Great Yarmouth have now closed.
After discovering he was a distant relative of Jack Cates, Dale's interest on Jack's life as a Wherryman increased resulting in a very interesting talk.
Able to carry 40 tons of cargo, Norfolk Wherries transported cargo all around Norfolk. When trade began to trail away in the 1940s, a trust was set up to preserve 'The Albion', a wherry that Jack Cates had skippered before WW2 and he was first in line to skipper the fully refurbished craft when it was relaunched.
'The Albion' is still going strong and available for hiring.
June 2025 - The Crystal Palace and The Great Exhibition of 1851
Geoffrey Kay
5 June 2025 - The Crystal Palace and The Great Exhibition of 1851
Geoffrey Kay
From the initial idea and how it developed to its final demise, Geoffrey told the incredible story of the Crystal Palace.
Showcasing exhibits from around the world including an American steam engine, a stuffed elephant and a crystal fountain, over 5 million people toured the exhibition in awe and wonder.
3 July 2025 - AGM
3 July 2025 - AGM
If you have a flair for design and the ability to make bespoke aids for the disabled, you may be interested in joining the volunteers. Alternatively learn about the service offered by Remap.
September 2025 - The Peninsula War- History could have been very different
Pat Akers
2 September 2025 - The Peninsula War- History could have been very different
Pat Akers
We welcome Pat again and her fee will go to the Project Dukan to support the Ethiopian school. The Peninsular War(1807–1814) was fought in the Iberian Peninsular. Portugal Spain and UK against France
October 2025 - Forty Years with BBC Radio Norfolk
Wally Webb
7 October 2025 - Forty Years with BBC Radio Norfolk
Wally Webb
A well known voice from Radio Norfolk over 4 decades, Wally produced many programmes and visited every part of Norfolk. A very popular talk with our members, Wally traced his career from the RAF to a much loved radio presenter who raised thousands of pounds for local charities, created long standing community hubs with his phone-in programmes and all with a smile on his face.
November 2025 - Hidden in Plain Sight by Mary Newton
4 November 2025 - Hidden in Plain Sight by Mary Newton
By members' request, a third visit from Mary Newton, a retired forensic scientist. This covers murders where the police targeted the wrong suspect or the evidence was not at first obvious
December 2025 - Christmas Party
2 December 2025 - Christmas Party @ 2.15
In a break with tradition, this year we are having a proper Christmas Party including:
- Carol Singing
- Christmas Quiz
- Raffle
- Festive Tea
If you have any food allergies, please bring your own tea