Latest news with #NorfolkBroads
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Yard sale' book showcasing the Broads goes under the hammer
A rare book of historical black-and-white images of the Norfolk Broads discovered during a house clearance in America will go under the hammer in London on Thursday."Life and Landscape on the Norfolk Broads" was published in 1886 by the pioneering Victorian photographer Peter Henry Emerson and artist Thomas Frederick Goodall. The volume is a first edition - one of only 25 deluxe copies produced when the artists visited the waterways - and comprises 40 platinum prints mounted on India Wallis, head of sale at auctioneers Roseberys said the book - expected to fetch up to £50,000 - was an "exciting find" in "remarkable condition". The anonymous Maryland seller of the book said it was found in their 98-year-old mother's home, buried in the back of her wardrobe. They said: "She and my dad were avid 'yard salers', always looking for little treasures."They also collected first editions of popular books so we can only surmise that this was another one of their treasured finds." Emerson (1856–1936) was born in Cuba and raised partly in America, before settling in photography often focused on the everyday life of people in East Anglia. The book contains a series of platinum prints, mounted on India paper and would have been very expensive to make. The photographer inspired his great-grandson, Stephen Hyde, to become a photographer. Mr Hyde said the book represented a "love letter to Norfolk"."He (Emerson) had a profound connection to nature, and that tenderness comes through in these photographs," he said. "I'd love to own this book myself, but it belongs in a museum." Mr Wallis said Emerson was trying to elevate the new technology of photography into an art said it would appeal to a range of buyers. "It'd be fantastic if it could make its way back to Norfolk, to a private buyer interested in 19th Century photography."It's a really important piece of photographic history and of Norfolk so could also be an institution, a museum or an art gallery, or possibly even just a private collector who buys it." While 175 copies of the book were published covered in green cloth, this book is one of only 25 covered in estimate of £30,000 to £50,000 ($40,000–$67,000) has been put on the book which will be auctioned on Thursday. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
08-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Concern over worsening tilt of Cross of Peace on Norfolk Broads
A large cross erected in part of a ruined monastery more than 30 years ago has become a cause for concern because of its tilt, an onlooker has Cross of Peace at St Benet's Abbey, near Ludham on the Norfolk Broads, was created from wood from the royal estate at Sandringham and donated by Queen Elizabeth II in 20ft (6m) cross is set in a concrete base, which is still stable, but the tilt appears to be from the point where it sits in the regular visitor said: "It is quite striking how much it is tilting now. In previous years, I hadn't really noticed." They added: "I hope there is a way it can be saved before it leans too far and becomes unsafe." The cross was erected on what was the monastery's alter, but is now open the years, hundreds of coins have been pushed into grooves in the Diocese of Norwich, which previously owned the St Benet's Abbey site, said it had no remaining responsibilities for the Norfolk Archaeological Trust manages the site, but states it has no responsibility for the Cross of Peace. St Benet's Abbey was founded in 1019 when Canute, King of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and England, gave the land to a community of parts of the gatehouse remain in relatively good condition, but the wider monastery has fallen into Norfolk Archaeological Trust said the monastery was irreparably damaged by graffiti etched into the gatehouse's limestone in summer an open-air Church of England service is held at the Cross of the Peace, with the Bishop of Norwich arriving at the location aboard a traditional type of boat known as a wherry. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. This article was written by a trusted journalist and then edited for length and style with the help of AI, before being checked again by a BBC Journalist. It's part of a pilot.
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Haddiscoe Island wind pump gets first set of sails in a century
A Norfolk Broads wind pump has been fitted with a new set of sails for the first time in a Monks Wind Pump on Haddiscoe Island near Great Yarmouth was last used in the 1930s when it was superseded by steam, then electric pumps, to drain the tower and much of its mechanism had been preserved by the previous owner but was sold in 2022 after being featured in a national newspaper as one of the UK's top 50 restoration Adam Singer said: "We got drunk, came here, looked at it, had two more cognacs and by the end of the afternoon, bought it. "Woke up next morning with a terrible hangover wondering how on earth we were going to fund it, but we've managed."The previous owner did a fantastic job ensuring the building didn't decay beyond repair." Planning permission has been granted for a small dwelling, as well as the restoration of the wind pump and the rebuilding of a steam engine house, to which he intends to allow public about the budget, he said: "You're going to have to ask my kids; it's their inheritance I'm spending. I'm having fun!" Essex-based millwright Paul Kemp was responsible for restoring and remaking much of the said: "There's been an awful lot of effort gone into just the ironwork on this job, let alone the timber-work."I've been involved with this for about two years now before the original cap was removed, and it's amazing we've got to this stage in an 18-month period, going from a very derelict mill to something that's almost back in working condition again." James Forsyth, of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Millwrights, said: "A lot of these are derelict now, unfortunately, so to bring one of these back to life after 100 years - the history of this place, is phenomenal."There's a few more pieces to finish it, but very soon it'll be turning to wind and doing what it should be doing. It will be a real sight to behold." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Norfolk dog owners warned about South Walsham Broad algal bloom
People have been warned to be careful when visiting an area of the Norfolk Broads this summer due to an outbreak of blue-green Environment Agency has issued an alert about the potentially harmful bloom in South Walsham Broad and the surrounding have been warned to avoid contact with the water and to ensure that dogs do not go in or drink the Environment Agency said that blue-green algae can be toxic and cause illness or rashes for people but can be fatal for animals. A Broads Authority spokesman said: "Blue-green algal blooms are a natural occurrence that is usually caused by the hot weather."The blooms are often more likely to occur following periods of warm, sunny and calm weather conditions."Our responsibility as an authority regarding blue-green algae extends as far as informing users of the waterways about it to make them aware of algae and the associated risks."We know that people who paddle in the Broads, or own dogs, find this information particularly useful due to the dangers it can pose to human and dog health."A warning was in place for Gay Staithe and Lime Kiln Dyke, near Neatishead, in May but the Broads Authority does not currently have any other warnings in blooms also use up oxygen in the water, which can suffocate fish, with the Environment Agency encouraging people to report suspected outbreaks of algae to its incident hotline. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Guardian
16-05-2025
- The Guardian
‘Drift along, stop for a picnic and immerse yourself in nature': your favourite boat trips in the UK and Europe
Hunter's Yard in Ludham, Norfolk looks after a fleet of 1930s cabin yachts and day boats, some now with electric motors. Beautifully maintained and easy to sail, they provide a restful, beautiful holiday. I used to go on organised cruises in spring and summer as a teenager, then skippered boats for young people on the same cruises. Away from the obvious and popular spots, the Norfolk Broads remain wild and full of birds and animals. Go to your bunk early, with the sound of water, ducks and rigging. Get up early and sail past the sleeping gin palaces. Moor up early near a pub for your evening drinks. Hunters Yard staff are friendly and happy to advise; I'll never forget the smell of wood and varnish in their It was while cruising the Cheshire Ring on a narrowboat that I started to write poetry. Why? I had never seen such glorious, contrasting scenery in England from this angle before – from old mills and factories casting their shadows on the water, to gliding through verdant countryside watching wildlife, to hearing the hustle and bustle of street-life above the canal in Manchester city centre. The circular route is 97 miles long, incorporates six different canals and takes up to two weeks to complete. And, who knows, by the end you too may be writing poetry. Graham Lilley Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - Catch the paddle steamer from Dresden, nicknamed Florence on the Elbe, to Bad Schandau (about €30 for adults) in Saxon Switzerland with its rock formations, views and its walking. The passing steamers welcome each other with a blast from their funnels, startling the somnambulant day trippers. As we wound our way through the river's bends during the six-hour voyage we passed beautiful villages and regal palaces and sometimes were accompanied by birds in flight such as herons. The waiters ensured a steady flow of refreshment including pilsners and wurst. Dave Henry Canoeing down the River Wye makes for an idyllic escape. Many companies offer trips ranging from half a day to four days, suitable for all levels of enthusiasm and ability. We chose the scenic stretch from Hoarwithy to Symonds Yat, camping overnight at picturesque Ross-on-Wye. The river is ideal for novice canoeists – it's calm throughout, surrounded by constant, stunning scenery. Drift along, stop for a picnic and immerse yourself in nature. A perfect summer adventure – just remember, canoes don't offer much shelter from the Crane My two boys and I had a four-day break on the Lancaster canal, where you don't encounter locks for the entire 41 miles. It was an absolute joy; the boys enjoyed it and didn't look at their phones once. Even in the rain it was great fun. We hired our boat from Bluebell My 12-hour, €70 river cruise along the Douro River last autumn was a beautiful way to embrace the benefits of slow travel and enjoy the subtle, soulful vibe of the colours and atmosphere of Portugal. We chugged out of Porto and were soon sliding past rolling green vineyards, tinged with yellow and gold as the September sun cast its rays and magical shadows on deck. Sitting there watching the sun set over the hills and valleys as we glided along felt surreal. The village of Pinhão was a delight, with the grape harvest drawing a lively crowd for festivities. Yasmin Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Forget the blue lagoons and glass-bottom boats beloved of Mediterranean tourist resorts and step on board the Yorkshire Belle (adults from £25) at Bridlington. This historic boat will take you out around the craggy bulk of Flamborough Head to the vertiginous cliffs at Bempton for a puffin's eye view of one of the largest sea bird colonies in the UK. The sounds and the smell will hit you first before the boat takes you within touching distance of the cliffs where during the nesting season you will see thousands of gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes and of course puffins, wheeling and diving above and below the water. Back on terra firma a short distance north of the town you can see the birds from a viewing area on the grassland above the cliffs where you may spot the burrows housing the puffin chicks. John I recently enjoyed a superb cruise on Loch Shiel near Fort William, the fourth longest in Scotland and one without a road running along it. The cruise offers beautiful scenery but for birders it's extraordinary, with a good chance of seeing white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, black throated divers and more. A variety of cruises by Highland Cruises on the MV Sileas are offered, from about 90 minutes long to a full day, and cost from about £25, but consult the timetable to find one that suits Dale Last year, while travelling around northern Italy, I took the advice of a waiter in Milan and headed out to the pretty lakeside village of Porto Ceresio and waited for the public boat to Lugano in Switzerland. From the open-air deck of the gleaming white boat we could see pine-clad hills and snow-topped Alpine peaks soaring up in the distance. The journey took just over an hour. There was enough time to explore the town and have a swim in the clean energising lakeside waters before returning. This was also brilliant in the early evening We hired a cottage in the Marais Poitevin (known as the Green Venice), which is partly in the Vendée between La Rochelle and Niort, which came with its own large canoe. Rather than exploring the wider area as planned, we spent almost the entire week paddling up and down the marsh's canal network with its lush, green backwaters full of kingfishers and, in places, with vines laden with grapes hanging down to the boat. Jo Baker
