Church Holiday 2010 to Norfolk
17 of us set off on Sunday September 4th for our Church Holiday to Cromer in Norfolk. 13 of us and the luggage travelled in the minibus driven by Pete and four travelled by car, driven by Hilary. We had lunch in Hunstanton before making our way to the Sandcliff Hotel in Cromer.
Monday morning dawned bright and sunny and after a hearty full English breakfast we set off for Sandringham calling in at the Norfolk Lavender Farm on the way.
At Sandringham some of us made friends with a giant squirrel before having a look round the house and gardens. Some even went by train up to the house!! The house was well worth the visit and the gardens, lakes and trees were beautiful too. It was also interesting to be able to go into the church where the Royal Family worship when they are at Sandringham.
Tuesday morning saw us all visiting Holt for a wander round and coffee. We then made our way to the North Norfolk Steam Railway. Howard and Pete took the minibus and met us in Sheringham after the rest of us had enjoyed a leisurely trip by train. 
The weather was lovely as we wandered around Sheringham and while some of us found places to have lunch others decided to go on the beach and have a paddle.
Unfortunately the weather suddenly deteriorated and Hilary, Howard, Alan and Judi got soaked while rushing back to the minibus. Memories of Corfe Castle came to mind.
On Wednesday the plan was for some to visit the Wild Fowl & Wetlands Trust by car, some to be dropped off at the Shire Horse Sanctuary and the rest to visit the Muckleburgh Collection of Tanks. The trip to the Wild Fowl Trust was enjoyed by those who went there. 
However things did not go according to plan as we found that the Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary had been flooded by the torrential rain the day before. By then it was also too late to get to Mucklburgh and back so we ended up in Wells next the Sea.
The 2 groups met up again that afternoon at Fellbrigg Hall (the ancestral home of the Ketton family) and had an enjoyable time looking at the paintings of the Ketton ancestors before wandering around the grounds and the walled gardens.
Thursday the morning was spent exploring Cromer and as the weather had improved from the previous day we set off again for the Shire Horse Sanctuary and the Tank Museum. It was very hot as wandered round the sanctuary and found there were not only Shire Horses but sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, pigs and many animals that had been rescued.
The rest of the group found the Muckleburgh Collection to be very interesting and especially so for Pete and Denis who had themselves driven tanks whilst serving in the Army.
Friday morning started very wet but it was decided to brave the rain and head for Wroxham to cruise along the Norfolk Broads. The boat was covered so we didn’t get very wet and we enjoyed the leisurely morning aboard the Queen of the Broads taking photos and relaxing in each others company.
In the afternoon we returned to Cromer and were served a great early buffet before walking to the Parish Church for a Concert by The Norwich City Concert Band together with a performance by Keith Loads ‘Master of Norfolk Humour’ which had us in stitches.
Again we thank Howard & Hilary for all the organising and giving us a such a great time on holiday. The Hotel, staff and food were really good. And our thanks also go to Pete & Hilary for driving us around.
Thursday 12 January 2012