King's Lynn Web Log

Celebrate a greener Halloween

2009-10-29T22:48:00.003Z

Norfolk County Council is encouraging residents preparing for Halloween fun to think green and get more from their pumpkins. More than one million pumpkins are now sold in the UK each year and carved into lanterns. After next Sasturday's (October 31) festivities, most of these will go straight in the bin and end up being sent to landfill.

With a bit of effort, pumpkins can be used to create some extra treats both before and after Halloween. Pumpkins are surprisingly versatile and with some creative cookery can be transformed into soup, cakes, pies and even lasagne. Even the seeds can be roasted. After the event, the inedible parts (the shell) can be transformed into compost to give your garden a treat next year. Adding a few autumn leaves, can help give your bin the right mix.

Ian Monson, Cabinet member for Environment and Waste, Norfolk County Council, said: "When pumpkins are sent to landfill, they break down without any oxygen and create methane - a potent greenhouse gas. By having a go at using the pumpkin for cooking, much of the waste is avoided. Composting the rest of the pumpkin at home as well is more good news for the environment, as it creates a useful compost to feed your garden."

Reduced price compost bins are available, with prices starting at just £8 including home delivery. Call 0845 077 0757 to order a bin.

For pumpkin recipe ideas and more information on how to get composting visit: www.recyclenow.org.uk/compost

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Event

2009-10-29T17:34:00.002Z

Ghoulish ghouls, wicked witches and devilish devils return to Kings Lynn this Halloween!

The Vancouver Quarter shopping centre and King's Lynn Town Centre will be hosting the unique USA-style trick-or-treat event again this year following the success of last years event. Shoppers are invited to participate in the free event which takes place on Saturday 31st October.

The spooktacular family-friendly event includes performances from a group of parkour free runners from 2pm onwards - parkour also known as the art of movement is an extreme sport where individuals free run using street furniture and buildings. As well as entertaining shoppers with their athletic stunts the group will also be raising money for the charity ActionAid. There will also be performances from Alison's street dance.

The thrilling trick-or-treat event will be taking place from 4pm-6pm with the majority of shops in the Vancouver Quarter and Town centre handing out sweets and chocolate goodies to trick-or-treaters. Children and their mums and dads are invited to come along to the event in costume and take part in the fancy dress competition for a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Fawkes in The Walks

2009-10-16T18:38:00.011+01:00

There's firework fun to brighten a dark winter night, on Bonfire Night, Thursday 5 November.

Whirling Catherine Wheels, shooting rockets and sparkling firework fountains will streak the night sky at a special free family firework display in The Walks.

The Borough Council and the King's Lynn Lions Club have joined forces to organise the event being held on the main recreation ground adjacent to Tennyson Road.

The fun begins at 6.30 pm and includes a blazing bonfire, charity stalls, and spectacular firework display at 8.00 pm.

People are invited to come dressed as the fateful Mr. Fawkes and enter the fancy dress competition to be in with a chance of winning some great prizes, including tickets to see this year's Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, at the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton (8 December - 3 January). There are three categories, under 10s, under 17s and 'Old Guys' (18s and over). Winners will be announced by Borough Mayor Cllr. Michael Pitcher after the firework display.

After exploring the stalls and being wowed by the pyrotechnics, visitors can enjoy hot and cold refreshments from the Cafe in the Park.

Cllr. Elizabeth Nockolds, Cabinet Member for Sports, Arts and Open Spaces, said, "Bonfire Night is a traditional family favourite and a great way to celebrate the change in season. Since its restoration, The Walks provides the ideal place for an organised display such as this and means that families can enjoy all the excitement of the fireworks in safety. We hope lots of people come along to join in the fun."

Craig Campbell, Local Risk Manager, Norfolk Fire & Rescue said, "Bonfire Night is a notoriously busy night of the year for the Fire & Rescue Service. Unfortunately the evening doesn't always pass off without incident, with damage being caused, not only to property, but also to people.

People are advised not to bring pets to the park during the evening on the 5 November. Vehicular access to The Walks will be restricted on 4 November to enable preparation work to take place.

First Ordination for 1,000 years

2009-10-16T08:07:00.003+01:00

The Reverend Fr. Paul James Norwood has been ordained a Priest in the ancient Parish Church of All Saints', King' Lynn.

As far as the records show, Fr. Paul James is probably the only person ever to have been ordained there in the thousand year history of the Church.

The Service of ordination, conducted by the Right Reverend Father in God, Keith Newton, the Bishop of Richborough, was attended by over 150 people, and about twenty Priests who assisted the Bishop with the 'laying on of hands'.

The photograph shows Bishop Keith 'laying on hands' with the Rector, Fr. Paul and the other Priests present (courtesy of Daniel Gibbins at churchwebsitedesign)

Local film maker wins top award

2009-09-29T11:58:00.004+01:00

Rosalind Peters from King's Lynn has made it to the top 12 in a national film competition.

Rosalind's film, called Many Hands, was one of many submitted to The Life Channel Young Filmmakers' Competition, in association with the Daily Mirror's Stop Knives Save Lives campaign.

The winning films, with bright messages and ideas about tackling knife crime, will be shown nationwide on The Life Channel - a television network launched by Tony Blair in schools, and also found in surgeries and other community venues across the country.

The top 12 entrants all won Flip Ultra digital camcorders, and were judged by a high profile panel including king of the I'm a Celebrity jungle Joe Swash, Hollywood star Ray Winstone, actor Ashley Walters, Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland and Phil Austin, Chief Executive of The Life Channel.

You can see all the winning films, including Rosalind's, at www.thelifechannel.com

Borough's blooms impress judges

2009-09-18T18:34:00.000+01:00

Months of hard work were recognised this week at the Anglia in Bloom awards ceremony at Gorleston where all three of the borough's towns and a clutch of West Norfolk villages picked up awards.

Hunstanton was named overall winner in the coastal category and scooped the coveted Gold Award for which it has strived, whilst King's Lynn and Downham Market celebrated receiving Silver Gilt awards.

Heritage Open Day 2009

2009-08-22T11:06:00.008+01:00

This year's Heritage Open Day takes place on Sunday 13th September.

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore King's Lynn's historic buildings. The town is in for a real treat with over 30 places of interest to see during the day, expect a bumper day of history and heritage!

King's Lynn Civic Society working with English Heritage, the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, the King's Lynn Preservation Trust, the King's Lynn Town Guides and Friends groups have arranged a jam packed programme of open buildings some of which not normally open to the public.

Special events on the day will include talks and exhibitions including "Poetry in Stitches" at All Saints Church. Meet Charles Darwin and Roger Lestrange! A civil war re-enactment will take place at Greenland Fishery and cannons will be fired from the Purfleet Quay at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Loud!

FREE veteran bus will be stopping around the town at various heritage sites. So if some places seem too far to walk, then hop on the bus. A timetable can be found on the back of the programme.

A guaranteed day of fun for all the family plus the chance to have a sneak peak at buildings not normally open to the public.

The 2009 programme has been launched; pick up your copy from the Tourist Information Centre in the Custom House.

Join our new Discount Club

2009-08-10T15:00:00.002+01:00

Would you like to save up to £800 a year on your utility bills? We have just become an Authorised Distributor for a fantastic service that offers unbeatable value!

The Utility Warehouse Discount Club is already saving money for over a quarter of a million households and businesses throughout the UK on their home phone, mobile phone, broadband, gas and electricity. It's part of Telecom Plus PLC. a major UK company listed on the London Stock Exchange.

You may not have heard of them before, as they don't advertise. Instead, they rely on people like us to spread the word about the great value and fantastic customer service they provide.

And they're so confident you'll love what they can do for you, they won't tie you into a minimum term contract for most of their services. So you can try them out risk free!

Interested? Then call Jane on 01553 763122, or visit our new website GoPurple.co.uk

New Business Directory

2009-08-10T14:20:00.006+01:00

Our new interactive Business Directory went live today.

We are still working on listings, and experimenting with new features. If you would like to see how it's going then check out our New Business Directory.

If you would like a free entry in our Business Directory, please contact us with your details.

Sanctus bell baptised Gabriel

2009-08-03T11:45:00.003+01:00

On Wednesday 2nd July, Fr. Paul, the Rector of All Saints' Church, Hillington Square, 'baptised' and anointed a Sanctus bell which is to hang in the re-constructed bell-cote on the roof, at the east end of the nave of the church.

The Service followed an ancient rite used for the blessing or consecration and naming of bells which are used in Christian worship. The bell was 'baptised' Gabriel (which means the voice of God), and following the ceremony he was raised to the bell-cote where he will be struck to announce the elevations of the Blessed Sacrament during the Mass and also to accompany the thrice daily recitation of the Angelus, which reminds us of Jesus Christ's incarnation.

Lisa von Lubeck arrives in Lynn

2009-07-30T16:40:00.006+01:00

The majestic Lisa von Lubeck arrived in Lynn on Friday, with loud blasts from her cannon. Hundreds of people lined the River Great Ouse to welcome her from her home port in Lubeck Germany.

The Lisa von Lubeck, a reconstruction of a 15th Century caravel, will be moored at Boal Quay, and open to visitors Friday - Sunday 10am - 12pm and 1:30pm - 6pm. Admission £3 per adult. For health and safety reasons, there will be a limit of four children per adult.

Two historic buildings, one fantastic offer!

2009-07-28T14:37:00.005+01:00

Following a £4.3 million joint Borough Council and Heritage lottery funded restoration project, the grade I listed scheduled ancient monument, Red Mount Chapel in King's Lynn has opened its doors to the public.

Both the intriguing Red Mount Chapel and the iconic South Gate are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11am and 3pm throughout the summer until 23 Sept.

A joint ticket for just £1 will allow entry into both sites and tickets are valid for the summer season.

Hanse Festival

2009-07-27T08:43:00.004+01:00

This weekend King's Lynn will celebrate its historic links with the Hanseatic League with a maritime extravaganza.

The star attraction of the festivities will be arrival of the 15th century replica

sailing ship the Lisa Von Lubeck, coming home from her home port in Germany. The ship will sail up the River Great Ouse on Thursday 30th July and moor at Boal Quay at approximately 1pm

During the festival weekend visitors can enjoy the sound of sea shanties and songs of the sea along the quayside as they sample the delights of street theatre, an al-fresco food fair, puppet shows, European market, story telling, traditional maritime craft demonstrations, Hanseatic art exhibition, heritage walks, music from local bands and much more.

Hanse Festival Calendar

Summer Events in King's Lynn

2009-07-27T08:16:00.002+01:00

This Summer is packed full of events in and around King's Lynn.
So there's no excuse for not having anywhere to go!

Check out our What's On section for everything from Ancient Battles to Boot Sales. Fetes, Jumble Sales, Walks, Exhibitions and a whole lot more ...

King's Lynn What's On Guide

Pirate Pandemonium at Vancouver Quarter!

2009-07-25T08:51:00.006+01:00

Lynn's Vancouver Quarter will be joining in the fun of the Borough Council organised Hanse Festival on Friday 31st July. The centre piece attraction will be a fantastic, fully interactive pirate pandemonium show which will be performed on board an amazing pirate ship!

Shoppers will be entertained by the pirate captain and his four new young recruits who will be put through their paces learning to become a pirate - walking the plank, sword fighting, counting the doubloons, hiding the treasure and treasure map reading! There will be plenty of slapstick humour as the recruits do not always come up to scratch and the captain will have to invite members of the audience to see if they can do better! So it's "shiver me timbers - me hearty's" and full speed ahead to the new recruits! Show times on Friday 31st July are 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.

A Ghost Story

2009-07-21T14:23:00.004+01:00

We've received this Ghost Story from Annette Eastwood, who is now living in Gaywood:

"When, as a child shortly after World War ll, I stayed with my Grandmother who lived in what was then called Park Hotel I slept in one of the attic bedrooms. I awoke one night and saw what I thought was an angel guarding me whilst I slept. It was a lady in a grey cloak who leant over me and smiled - I was not in the least afraid.

Next morning I mentioned what had happened and I was told by the grown-ups that I should not worry about it. I only saw her the once but have never forgotten her. I believe this ghost is documented in a book called "The Ghosts of King's Lynn".

The location of Park Hotel is opposite St. James' Park and is now incorporated into the recently renovated building (the former Cozens Hotel). The part of the building I refer to is on the extreme left hand side viewing it with your back to the park. You can see the skylights of the attics and I think the room was the one on the right hand side. I am now 72 years old but firmly believe in the ghost."

Annette would be intrigued to hear if anyone else has something to tell about this particular room.

New Dominos Pizza store

2009-07-21T08:16:00.004+01:00

Several people have asked us "What's going on in Wickes car park?"

Well, they are building a new Dominos Pizza store. It's due to open in November.

Harding's Pits under threat

2009-05-26T14:40:00.007+01:00

Four years after it agreed to a 25 year arrangement for Harding's Pits to be managed as a Doorstep Green, King's Lynn borough council wants the land back.

The council says that it needs to divert the River Nar across the Green and to build houses and flats on the area of the green to the north. There has been a vague suggestion of an alternative site for another green (but not a Doorstep Green) further up the Nar.

A brief history of Harding's Pits:

* In the 12th to 14th centuries, the Green was among the lands of the Whitefriars, the Carmelite monks whose monastery gate still stands only a few yards away on the edge of the Friars area.

* In the 16th century the site formed part of the defences of the walled town.

* Later, the Green boasted a variety of industries, from brick kilns to timber yards and market gardens.

* During the First World War it was used to graze horses requisitioned by the army from farms all over Norfolk.

* In the 20th century it became one of the town's rubbish dumps, before falling into disuse.

* In the mid-1990's the green was rescued from development as a supermarket.

If you are interested in signing a petition to save the green, visit the Harding's Pits Doorstep Green Website

A public meeting is planned to let the public have their say on the council plans to divert the Nar through Harding's Pits to allow them to build a housing estate. It will take place at Whitefriars School on June 12th at 7.30pm. Attendance is open to all, and may be the public's last chance to influence council opinion before the formal planning process begins.

Lost cat found

2009-05-06T11:12:00.001+01:00

We are pleased to report that Dilly the missing cat has been found at last. Here is the message we received from her owner:

"Hello,
I am the owner of Dilly the Cat who's plight you have featured on your website. I just wanted you and your web users to know that today Dilly was found by one of my neighbours hiding in their shed. She is very thin and a little shaken but otherwise appears to be unaffected by her ordeal! She is now recovering at home with food, water and lots of cuddles!
Thank you so much for your concern for Dilly, I have been really touched by the kind words and support from all of my friends and neighbours.
Best wishes,
Rachel"

Lost Cat

2009-04-09T15:55:00.003+01:00

Have you seen Dilly?

She was last seen at the bottom of Cresswell Street, King's Lynn on Monday 30th March.

Being very timid and easily scared, so may be hiding, possibly in a shed or outbuilding.

If you see anything of this much loved pet, please Contact Rachel on 01553 762344 or 07840 398950. A reward is offered for her safe return.

7,000-mile hiker heads for Lynn

2009-04-01T16:54:00.005+01:00

A retired Royal Navy sailor, who is walking every inch of the British coastline with his two dogs, is getting nearer to Lynn. He has just left Cromer on day 58, having walked 1205 miles raising funds for St Dunstans.

Ges Laker, 53, set off from his home near Southampton about two months ago and expects his 7,000 mile trek to take about a year.

His only companions are his two black Labradors, Phoebe, aged six, and her two-year-old son Sumo.

His trek will boost the funds of the St Dunstan's Charity, which supports blind ex-service men and women to become self-sufficient, regain their optimism and make the most of their opportunities.

The self-employed landscape gardener has set up his own website called Lakers Coastline, where people can donate to St Dunstan's.

Look out for Ges and his dogs!

For more information see www.lakerscoastline.org

Kings Lynn loses landmark and gains new jobs

2009-03-29T23:01:00.001+01:00

One of King's Lynn's best-known landmarks is set to be demolished to make way for hundreds of jobs on a new business park. The former Campbell's Soup factory, part of which formed the local landmark Campbell's tower, is to be demolished to make way for a new Tesco superstore, a hotel and a major car showroom.

The plans, unveiled at the existing Tesco store on Hardwick Road and on display until 2nd April, are expected to create 300 jobs. The regeneration of the factory has been welcomed by local residents.

Holkham Events

2009-03-20T10:08:00.001Z

2009 Holkham Events

Sunday 12th & Monday 13th April, 12-4.00pm
Easter Trail in the Bygones Museum

Sunday 3rd May, 7.30pm
Celebrity Concert - Gresham’s School Choir

Sunday 14th June
Open Air Concert - Elton John

Friday 3rd July, 7.00pm
Diva Opera - La Bohème

Saturday 4th July, 7.00pm
Diva Opera - Orpheus in the Underworld

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July
Holkham Country Fair

Sunday 26th July, 7.00pm
Outdoor Theatre Production - The Taming of the Shrew

Thursday 30th July, 6.00pm
Outdoor Theatre Production - Cinderella

Thursday 13th August, 6.00pm
Outdoor Theatre Production - Merlin the Magician

Thursday 20th August, 6.00pm
Outdoor Theatre Production - The Three Musketeers

Thursday 27th August, 6.00pm
Outdoor Theatre Production - Babe, The Sheep-Pig

Fireworks likely over Kings Lynn Marina plans

2009-02-25T22:42:00.002Z

It's not Guy Fawkes', but you can expect a few fireworks in King's Lynn on Thursday night. More ...

King's Lynn on track to get new super trains

2009-02-17T19:30:00.002Z

Passengers on the London - King's Lynn line will be among the first in the country to travel on the new generation of Super Express Trains.

read more ...