September 16th - 30th 2012

Tuesday 18th September - Five-a-Day, Walk to Mundesley, Cormorants, Mr Kew's Pies, Blackberry Picking, Walking to Cromer and Wetherspoons.

Nearly a week since I last updated my diaries; question is – where do I start! Answer - one day at a time and I hope; concisely as possible!

Kicking off with Thursday and Five-a-Day 2 - a joint exhibition with the Belfry Arts Centre and Overstrand Gardening Club. I know this year’s weather has been variable but I do feel the vegetable and fruit side was lacking compared to last year. The variety of artwork, with no contribution as far as I could see, from the school, was also down but having said that the final presentation was still an inspiring display for visitors.

Trug of Vegetables

Artwork

Friday was spent shopping and in preparation for the arrival of our youngest son and his partner; so not much to report here. Saturday was glorious and just before low tide, we all walked along the beach to Mundesley. There is always something of interest on this walk; this time it was Cormorants and a Seal. Peter took some photographs of the Cormorants, three of which I have put on Overstrand Life’s Facebook page (see Welcome page for link) with

another here. I counted about fifty lined up on the sands; an amazing sight considering we do not normally see more than about four all at the same time. In time for lunch at the café on the promenade in Mundesley; we sat and watched people enjoying the beach and sea while we struggled to eat the generous, well-cooked

Queuing

portions of food we ordered. We took the bus back to Overstrand around mid-afternoon with time to relax and look at photographs before taking a taxi in the evening into Cromer to eat at the Bella Vista. We have heard nothing but good reports about this restaurant, located in the old Dolphin pub building and we were not disappointed. Overlooking the Pier, Bella Vista cannot be beaten for location and with good dishes and friendly service, we will be returning. We rounded the evening off, all stood in the garden, heads tilted upwards; taking in the spectacular vista of stars.

Nearing Mundesley

We spent a quiet morning Sunday, before walking to the White Horse for lunch. Roast Beef followed by their sticky toffee pudding with ice-cream and Peter and I wanted little else to eat for the rest of the day! Our son and partner headed back home in the afternoon with one of Mr Kew’s Steak, Shallot and Red Wine Pies (purchased last week at Southrepps Farmers Market and then frozen). A Mr Kew’s Pie is something they can only enjoy following their visits to Norfolk but after talking to Mr Kew, this hopefully is set to change. Along with his son Ben,

Mr Kew is setting up an on-line/telephone shop where customers anywhere in the UK can order pies; these will be packaged and delivered to their doors. This service is planned to be up and running mid-October. When we talked to Mr Kew, he

Dragonfly

stressed he was not prepared to compromise on the quality of his award winning pies, so we can rest assured that quality will not be sacrificed to quantity. There is another Farmers Market on its way too, at the Priory Maze on the outskirts of Sheringham, starting Saturday 27th October. Keep an eye on Mr Kew’s Facebook Page and Website for further details.

Puff Ball

Out walking Barney on Sunday afternoon and Peter was able to photo using his mobile phone, a well camouflaged Dragonfly at the side of a footpath. After a slow start there seems to be an abundance of different insects etc. and our Himalayan Honeysuckle has attracted moths, bees, Red Admiral and Comma butterflies.

Moving on to Monday, a sunny morning, we walked to our favourite spot to pick blackberries. Not a good year for berries and fruits of most kinds; picking was slow work and by the time we had finished it was lunch-time. This provided a good excuse to stop on our way back at the Foundry Arms. It was Chef’s day off so there was a reduced menu, not a problem as we just wanted a sandwich to tide us over until the evening. Tasty ham between good crusty granary bread, garnished with crisps and salad was just right for us.

Woodland Path

Safely Gathered in

Nearly up to date – Tuesday and sunny again. These September days are perfect for walking; observing the seasonal changes while enjoying the sunshine. Today we wanted to go into Cromer town; we took the healthy option, walking across the cliff tops, stopping on our way back for coffee at the Pavilion Theatre and then along the beach. The east side of Cromer beach could best be described as filthy; with areas of rubbish, particularly near the

beach huts, it does nothing to promote tourism for the town. Overstrand beach is kept clean by individuals, on a regular basis and is far more pleasant to walk along. The vessels in view varied from tankers, container ships, a ferry to our

Refurbishments

own smaller fishing boats, heading back to shore with their haul of crabs and lobsters. The Pier is undergoing £1.2 million pounds of repairs and refurbishments which I understand forms part of the total £10 million pounds available for this and work to the sea defences. Cromer gets £10 million pounds and Overstrand gets repairs to the steps down to the beach (see diary entry for Wednesday 12th September), mmmm….. what can you say!

Rubbish on Cromer Beach

Just to round off, I read on the North Norfolk News website that the Wetherspoon chain of pubs and hotels is looking to expand its empire and are exploring the possibility of new outlets in Cromer, Diss and Lowestoft areas. Although I have no problems with Wetherspoons as a company, I do have concerns as to the effect their presence could have on existing businesses in the Cromer area; not just pubs but food outlets and if it’s a Wetherspoon Hotel, local accommodation providers could suffer too.

Saturday 22nd September - Patchwork Quilting, Lottery in Overstrand, Great Lamb Dish, WI Federation Meeting & Rainbow

I don’t believe that any Overstrand WI members expected to be quite so ‘wowed’ at our monthly meeting on Wednesday. Our speaker was Sue Oakes on the subject of Alternative Patchwork who started by explaining a little about her life and how she came to start making a patchwork quilt. Sue bought with her several samples of her work, starting with her first quilt which is now in the dog’s bed (really, I would have been happy with this but not so, Sue). She then produced three further bed quilts, each one more complex than the last, followed with a pair of curtains. This was where the ‘wow’ came in – not just a patchwork but with appliqued trees and flowers; an absolute work of art. Not stopping there, Sue produced another pair of curtains, even more detailed and intricate, with embroidered dragonflies etc. With such an eye for colours, textures and detail, Sue is a true artist.

WI Wednesday evening meant we had to miss out on Tapas Night at the White Horse but after a busy day on Thursday (including moving furniture, following the fitting of a new carpet), we decided to treat ourselves in the evening. As we walked to the pub, we spotted a sign on our Village Stores door announcing; from 28th September National Lottery facilities will be available in the shop. How much more will Michael Maher offer in his store; he already provides villagers with a post office, newsagents, off licence, grocery, pet foods, stationery. Anymore and he will have to extend his premises! At the White Horse we both chose the special of the day, Griddled Lamb Steak on new potatoes, heritage tomatoes and chorizo, topped with a stuffed pepper, this was followed by a trio of ice-creams on sable biscuits. Absolutely delicious, we are lucky to have a pub serving such imaginative, well cooked and presented dishes.

Friday afternoon the Norfolk Federation of WI’s held the first of the regions Autumn Meetings at Northrepps Village Hall. With no WI in Northrepps, Overstrand Evening WI was called upon to provide tea and biscuits for 120 attendees. The biscuits were made by members, of course, and I baked shortbread using my own recipe (I will include this under the Recipe pages at a later date). With cups and saucers and urns at the ready there was also the hall to lay out with tables for displays plus rows of chairs. The meeting covered a resumé of activities and events, proposed changes to the constitutions plus an interesting presentation from the Norfolk Records Office. At the end, within half an hour both the hall and kitchen were cleared and cleaned - that has to be team work.

On our return along the beach with Barney first thing Saturday morning we were caught in a shower. Nothing too heavy but it was a good job we were wearing waterproof jackets. It was worth getting damp to witness the rainbow which formed behind us. A complete arc but I was unable to capture it all in one frame on my camera. I have put a photo looking towards Cromer and across the sea on Overstrand Life’s Facebook page (see Welcome page for link) and another here of the cliff side. The rest of the day has been dry, a bit of a chill in the wind but in the sun it was very pleasant. A good opportunity to do some of the jobs in the garden I had lined up for the autumn; starting with digging up the strawberry plants I carried on and by the end of the morning I had completed all of the tasks I had on my mental list. Peter busied himself wiping of the spider ‘droppings’ on the outside window ledges and conservatory (because of the construction of our home we do tend to get more than our fair share of spiders!), tending the vegetable plot and picking runner beans and courgettes.

Rainbow

Wednesday 26th September - Dismal Day, Additional Recipes, Visit to a Printer and Two Anniversaries

Weather-wise, Monday was a pretty dismal day. We did manage a walk along the beach with Barney first thing but it was not long after our return that the rain started in earnest - it continued for most of the day. We don’t get many days like this here in Overstrand but it is not long before ‘cabin fever’ threatens, bringing with it a touch of gloom. On days like these, it is case of finding something positive to compensate and for me, it provided an opportunity to tackle an accumulating and lengthening list of indoor ‘to do’s’. But first the beach; the tide had left behind mounds of foam against the groins with bands across the flint strewn sands. The winds (not strong) had an odd effect on the foam; it quivered – just like jelly on a plate. I have put one of the photographs I took on Overstrand Life’s Facebook page (see Welcome page for link) but of course I could not capture the quivering effect. Indoors, I investigated an invitation I had received to set-up a display of my photographs on an on-line artists gallery. Flattered as I am to be invited, I decided this is not for me. It has also been suggested that I enter a local photography competition, I decided against this too; after all, my camera is little more than point and press and I don’t feel I could compete against those with more professional equipment. I then formatted three of my recipes (Mutton in the Oven, Tuna Stuffed Peppers and Shortbread); and posted these us on the Recipes M-Z page. Several other jobs completed and what do you know – I had shortened my list and filled the day.

'Quivering' Foam

Tuesday’s weather was in stark contrast to Monday’s; it was an altogether pleasant autumn day. It was also housework for me; my regular weekly blitz from top to bottom. I find this mind bogglingly boring! Maybe I should adopt Quentin Crisp’s philosophy of ‘After four years, you don’t notice the dust’ but then, maybe not. In the afternoon we went to see a printer. I have been shamed by a friend, who has just published his second book when I have yet to get mine to the printed book stage. As I do not intent to publish this for general sale, I have a distinct feeling that the costs could well be prohibitive; in which case I will have to think again. More about this in due course, except to say I find it ludicrous that ISBN numbers are only available to purchase in blocks of ten costing just over £120. There is no consideration for self-publishers, who may only want just the one number.

Wednesday and we have had Barney for three years. We adopted him as an eleven month old juvenile/puppy whose previous owners had put him into FAITH Animal Rescue for adoption because he dug and chewed. What we have now is an endearing, well behaved (most of the time!) dog who I cannot imagine life without. This is something for me to say; when it comes to domestic animals, I am essentially a cat person. Tomorrow; another

Foam Bands

anniversary, it will be two years since we adopted Poppy our cat, again from FAITH Animal Rescue. Her previous owners were moving and could not keep her and her kittens. She is small but an extremely effective mouser (plus the occasional rabbit too) and is really Barney’s cat. She loves to greet him on his return from a walk, rubbing herself round him and in return Barney is her minder and protects her from other larger cats that may stray into our garden. FAITH, situated on the edge of Hickling Broad, take in all sorts of unwanted animals for rehoming and on Sunday we will going on their annual walk to help raise funds for this deserving charity. See the Links page for their Facebook page and further details about their policy and mission.

I am taking another break from my Diaries, this time our eldest son and his fiancé are joining us for the weekend – back again in October!