King's Lynn Web Log

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 ...

Regular Events updated

2009-02-16T08:58:00.002Z

Our Regular Events Page has been updated. New entries include Gaywood Parent Baby and Toddler Group, North Norfolk Karate Club and the St Ann's Garrison Roleplay and Wargames Club (with a link to their website)

Lots more events on there too!

Loved up Valentines at Vancouver Quarter

2009-02-12T14:27:00.005Z

The Vancouver Quarter will be all loved up on Saturday 14^th February making the day a very special occasion for Valentines day shoppers. There will be entertainment from street performers 11am-4pm, including the elegant stilt walking Valentina and cheeky winged cherubs who will be handing out roses and chocolate hearts to some lucky Valentines day shoppers.

Valentines day is one of a number of exciting events that the centre is hosting this year. Events planned later in the year include the Norfolk Hospice Pancake Race on Tuesday 24^th February, Easter activities including a mobile petting zoo in April, and Monster-Truck-Mania for the summer holidays, and of course the centre will be repeating the successful 2008 Halloween and Christmas activities.

Manager Brad Curcillo says "2009 will be a very exciting year for Vancouver Quarter, we have so many activities and events planned throughout the year so there will be plenty of reasons to visit us. Saturday 14^th February will be a loved up day of entertainment and I'm sure the roses and chocolates will be very popular with our customers!"

If you would like more information then please contact either Sophie Butler on 01926 611700 or Vancouver Quarter Manager Brad Curcillo on 01553 819901.

King's Lynn Festival 2009 line-up unveiled

2009-02-10T23:19:00.007Z

It's all go in the Festival office and the programme for the 59th King's Lynn Festival is well on the way. Summer 2009 in King's Lynn will be a feast of sights and sounds for all as possibly the most varied programme of events yet, takes over the town from 12 to 25 July.

For lovers of classical music, the Berlin Symphoniker visits the Festival for the first time to perform an all-Beethoven programme on the final night, the ever-popular clarinettist Emma Johnson, makes a welcome return, accompanied by Andrew West, while one of Europe's top chamber orchestras, the European Union Chamber Orchestra is joined by pianist and Festival Vice-President Freddy Kempf. EUCO teams up with the King's Lynn Festival Chorus to perform Faure's Requiem in St Nicholas' Chapel and Mendelssohn's wonderful Octet is performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in the Guildhall. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment provides 'a grand tour of Italy' in St Margaret's Church with music by Vivaldi and Corelli.

Blake are making their debut appearance in King's Lynn. Winners of Album of the Year at the Classical BRIT Awards in 2008, they bridge the gap between pop and opera.

An exciting list of authors includes Dame Stella Rimington, the first-ever woman to head up MI5 and prolific writer and observer A.N. Wilson who will speak at the Literary Dinner, while Tony Mallion is in conversation with Rt Hon Shirley Williams. Audiences of previous David Starkey lectures will delight in his return for another, uniquely delivered and enlightening, round on the Tudors.

And then there's the jazz, the folk and the children's events with a tribute to great jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli by the Mike Piggott Hot Club Trio, legendary folk-duo Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick, and a delightful children's concert The King, The Minstrels & The Restless Jester with lots of opportunity for audience participation.

Not enough? Then how about the coffee concerts and the chance to see rising stars in the setting of the Town Hall and enjoy home-made cakes and a chat before the concert. Or how does The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain sound? This group of 'uke' players have taken the UK by storm with sell-out concerts. Come along and see for yourself what all the fuss is about - it promises to be quite an evening!

This year's Festival Exhibition will feature works by Robert Whitmore (1908-1993), who was educated in King's Lynn. The list of umbrella events organised by many communities and individuals throughout Norfolk during the Festival fortnight provides a rich array of things to do and see.

www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk

King's Lynn Mart will open on Saturday

2009-02-06T08:52:00.002Z

Once again, showmen from around the country will gather in King's Lynn on Saturday 14 February for the ceremonial opening of the Mart, which will take place as usual on Dodgems.

Details of the history of the Mart can be found on our Town History page.

Historic photos of Lynn Mart have been compiled in an Internet gallery by the National Fairground Archive at Sheffield University. To view the online gallery Click here

New power station planned for Lynn

2009-02-06T07:55:00.005Z

King's Lynn has been earmarked for a new multi-million pound power station.

The new 1,020MW gas turbine power station could be built next to the current one at Saddlebow by Centrica, the company that owns British Gas.

If it goes ahead, construction will probably not start until 2012.

Norfolk Constabulary Launch Crime Mapping

2009-01-06T15:04:00.005Z

Communities across Norfolk now have access to the latest crime information through a new interactive mapping website located at norfolk.crimemapper.co.uk

Norfolk crime maps are the result of a national initiative driven by government which has seen the introduction of similar maps across the country.

The standardised maps visually interpret crime information allowing anyone to easily access and view where crime has occurred.

The technology developed enables viewers to discover the crime trends in their area compared with the same time the previous year.

Rachel Binns, head of digital media, said: "Norfolk is a low crime area compared with the rest of the country but now, for the first time, people can view the statistics in map format for their neighbourhood.

"It is probably best described as a visual picture of crime. Statistics are often meaningless but now they are brought to life with a simple key which is based on the county trends.

"It is important to note that the crime comparisons are against that experienced elsewhere within Norfolk. If the figures were a national comparison, Norfolk would be just one shade of grey denoting low crime area."

View Crime Mapping Website

More pictures of switch-on day ...

2008-11-22T11:39:00.007Z

Pictures from the town of Santa, reindeer, huskies,the Snow Queen and Frosty the Snowman.

Santa and his reindeer parade down the High Street.

Left: Raising money for Siberian huskies. www.shwa.org.uk
Right: Snow Queen on the ice rink.

Frosty the Snowman says hello!

Pictures of the lights coming soon...

Latest Pictures from town ...

2008-11-21T14:43:00.005Z

Here are the latest pictures of what's happening in the town.

Frosty the Snowman outside Santa's Grotto

Jack Frost posed for a picture. Scary!

Santa's reindeer resting on some straw in BroadStreet

More pictures soon. Looking forward to seeing Cyril Grant from the X-Factor switching on the lights in the Tuesday Market Place round about 6.30. Get there early to avoid the rush - last year the town was in grid-lock.

Santa Fun Run !

2008-11-19T11:32:00.005Z

Lynn's first ever Santa Run will take place on Sunday November 23. The 2km run is open to everyone, all ages and abilities - even dogs and babies in pushchairs can come along!

There is no emphasis on 'running' - walkers and joggers are more than welcome. Get in contact with Jessica to get your Santa suit and raise money for you local children's hospice!

The run starts from the Vancouver Quarter Bridge, Broad Street at 11am. contact: Jessica Hiscocks, phone: 01953 715533

More info at website: www.each.org.uk/events/santaruns

Big switch on - programme of events

2008-11-19T09:13:00.005Z

This year Lynn's Christmas Lights switch-on takes place on Friday November 21st. It will be a spectacular all-day event. Here's the full programme:

All Day Continental market in the Tuesday Market Place

12noon and 4pm Ice Skating Show, near Argos.

2pm Mayor opens Santa's Grotto next to the Card Factory in the Vancouver Centre.

5pm - 7pm Various events in Tuesday Market Place including KL.FM, local band The Brink and characters from Aladdin.

5.30pm Santa and his reindeer start procession around town from Saturday Market Place, via High Street, Norfolk Street, Broad Street and New Conduit Street.

6.30pm Cyril Grant (from the X-Factor) switches on the lights in the Tuesday Market Place.

All times are approximate.

We plan to add pictures of the events to our gallery on Saturday.

Winter Wonderland Fun at Vancouver Quarter

2008-11-05T13:05:00.008Z

Lynn's Vancouver Quarter will be transformed this Christmas into a winter wonderland spectacle, providing Christmas shoppers with a festive family fun atmosphere.

The exciting centre piece attraction this year is an eco-ice-skating rink which will be installed between Argos and Westgate Department Store. The eco-ice-rink will be open daily from Friday 21st November until Sunday 4th January 2009, including late night sessions on Thursdays and Fridays to coincide with late night shopping.

The grand opening on Friday 21st November, the night of the light switch on celebrations, will be a magical event. Throughout the day there will be spectacular 'Disney' quality performances and acts from several winter wonderland characters. Performances include Snow Queen and Jack Frost, two interactive characters who will be entertaining shoppers with an ice-themed pantomime.

Frosty the Snowman, a love-able and hug-able, cheeky faced character who will be melting the hearts of young and old. Finally majestic stilt walking, silver icicle Christmas trees will add a great visual spectacle to the winter wonderland festivities.

The shopping centre is guaranteed to be a white Christmas, with visitors 'Walking in a Winter Wonderland' complete with very realistic snow and spectacular icicle lights that will be brightening up the darkening nights.

The shop between Carphone Warehouse and Card Factory will be transformed into a magical Santa's Grotto, complete with wonderful animated scenes, characters and animals. The Grotto also has a magical Santa sleigh ride simulator which will enthral and excite children. The sleigh ride is very realistic, seating 12 children at a time with animated reindeer and moving scenery that depicts a magical journey.

Finally for those children who have been good this year they can meet Santa and his little helpers and tell him their Christmas wishes. Children will also get a personalised photo with Santa and a Christmas toy.

Vancouver Quarter Manager Brad Curcillo says "We are very excited to have the eco- ice rink and Santa's Grotto at Vancouver Quarter, the grand opening on Friday 21st November will be a winter wonderland spectacle not to be missed, shoppers will think Lapland has come to King's Lynn!"

For more information please contact either Vancouver Quarter Manager Brad Curcillo on 01553 819901 or Sophie Butler on 01926 611700 or sophie@lmmc.co.uk.

For more information about the eco-ice-skating rink, including opening hours and prices, visit www.ecoiceskate.com

Breaking News ~ Robot invades town

2008-10-04T16:20:00.010+01:00

News is coming in of a giant Monster Robot invading the town ...
The weird looking creature invaded the streets of King's Lynn this afternoon, chasing and terrifying shoppers in the Vancouver Quarter..

The first pictures are coming in ...

We will keep you posted!

Just kidding! It was actually a performance by Titan the Robot, celebrating the opening of the new Toys 4 Boyz store on Broad Street. Titan the Robot is 8ft tall, and very scary when he starts walking towards you. You can find out more about Titan at www.cyberstein.co.uk, and more about the new store at www.toys4boyz.com

Information wanted - KL Royal Regatta 1868

2008-10-03T17:53:00.003+01:00

Robert Smith has emailed us, asking if anyone can supply him with information about a Silver Plated Tankard with 'KINGS LYNN Royal Regatta 1868 Scratch Eights' Inscribed on the side.

He sent us this collage photo of the tankard and inscriptions etc.

If you have any info, please contact us and we will forward the information on to him.

Events for October

2008-10-02T12:17:00.005+01:00

The What's On Calendar has been updated for October with dozens of interesting ideas for things to do in and around Lynn. Auctions, jumble sales, car boots, concerts, bingo venues, gigs, fascinating talks, special markets plus much more ...
What's On Calendar

Lynn's new laser combat zone

2008-10-01T09:44:00.008+01:00

A new "laser combat arena" has recently opened in Lynn. Players wander around a darkened maze, where they can seek out opponents to shoot with their laser guns. UV lights, smoke machines and music all add to the atmosphere.

Quasar Elite is for all ages from 6 years to 60-plus, and is ideal for corporate and sports events, as well as families and groups of friends.

The business is run by Tony and Fiona Wilson from a former warehouse at Bryggon Road on the North Lynn Industrial Estate, with facilities including a snack bar, kitchen and seating area which makes it ideal for parties.

To find out more you can visit their website at www.quasarelitekingslynn.com

West Norfolk History Society Programme

2008-09-12T13:00:00.006+01:00

Secretary and Treasurer Peter Ward 01553-765527

Gaywood Church Rooms

Oct 7^th	David Higgins	A Town Transformed The 19^th century remaking of King's Lynn
Nov 4^th	John Dominy	Norfolk Building Flint & Gingerbread Stone
Dec 2^nd	Michael Begley	Topic to be announced
Jan 6^th	Elizabeth James	St. Faith's Church and Saint
Feb 3^rd	AGM	Social Evening
March 3^rd	David Grimes	King's Lynn - Part 3 Illustrated talk
April 7^th	Kate Parker	A Journey to London
May 5^th	Paul Richards	Topic to be announced
June 2^nd	Andrew England	Interesting individuals associated with West Norfolk during the Great War
July 5^th ? 12^th	?	?

All meetings at the Gaywood Church Rooms commence at 7.30pm. Visitors Welcome

September Events in West Norfolk

2008-09-12T12:53:00.010+01:00

More events coming up in September, that we have not yet had time to include on the What's On page ...

September Events in West Norfolk	Date	Contact Number
King's Lynn Corn Exchange	Various	01553 764864
King's Lynn Arts Centre	Various	01553 764864
Princess Theatre, Hunstanton	Various	01485 532252
Westacre River Studios and Theatre	Various	01760 755800
Guided Walks, King's Lynn Town Guides.? Meet at Tales of the Old Gaol House, Saturday Market Place.? No advance bookings necessary, all walks start at 2pm every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.	Various	01553 774297
Singers Inspired, Downham Community Choir, Methodist Church Hall, Paradise Road, Downham Market, 7:15pm	4	01945 430440
Painting with Acryllics, Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre.? Painting boats and coastal landscapes with Bob Larking at Brancaster and Burnham Overy Staithe.? All abilities welcome.? Booking Essential	5 - 7	01485 210719
Deaf Association Craft Fair, Town Hall Hunstanton.	6	01485 532402
The Magic of the Musicals, Oxburgh Hall. 7:30pm - 9:30pm.? Proceeds of concert to Oxburgh Gardens.? Booking essential.?	6	01366 328258
Farm Tours, Pensthorpe.? Find out how to run a conservation grade farm on this special land rover tour with Bill Jordan.? Limited Spaces.?	6	01328 851465
Robbie Williams Tribute. ?Live at the Bandstand on The Green, Hunstanton	7	01485 535150
Wild about Autumn, WWT Welney.? Learn to identify autumn waders and hopefully pick up a migrating rarity.? Booking Essential.	7	01353 860711
Craft and Plant Fair, Elgoods Brewery and Gardens.? 10am - 4pm	7	01945 583160
Titchwell non-birders Guided Walk, RSPB Titchwell. ?Free event starts at 15:00	8	01485 210779
Sushi Intermediate, Simms Reeve Hall, Brancaster 71 Club, a follow up course to Sushi for beginners, 7pm - 9pm ?20 per person.? Booking Essential visit the website	11	?07948 627243
Game Fair & Country Show, Sandringham.? Country sports and pursuits fair.?	13 - 14	01283 820548
Heritage Open Day, King's Lynn. ?The chance to see some of the town's historic buildings not normally open to?the public.??	14	01553 763044 or 01553 763983
King's Lynn Town Band, Live at the Bandstand in the Walks, King's Lynn. 2pm till 4pm	14	01553 768930
In Your Dreams (Duo).? Live at the Bandstand on The Green, Hunstanton	14	01485 535150
Massed Morris Dancing, Thornham.? The King's Morris and their guest teams dancing at 3 pub venues starting at The Old Coach House at 11.30am, The Orange Tree at 12.15pm and The Lifeboat Inn at 1pm.	14	01553 768930
Coal Shed Gallery Exhibition, Hunstanton.? Exhibition of railway photographs and memorabilia.? A collaboration between the Hunstanton Civic Society and Arts Development	17 - 30	01553 764864
Royal British Legion Show, The Town Hall, Hunstanton.	18	01485 532402
French Market, Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn.? 9am-5pm. Goods available include fresh bread, cheese, garlic, charcuterie, olives, wines, crepes, biscuits, jams, sauces, handbags, clothing, jewellery, basketwork, wooden sculptures, enamelware, terracota ware, dried flowers, pot pourri, tablecloths and soap.	19	?01553 616202
Exhibition of Local Artists, The Green Quay, King's Lynn.? In aid of the Mayor's charity appeal for East Anglian Children's Hospices	19 - 28	01485 534670
The Sandringham Stroll, by Wood Green Animal Shelters, Sandringham Country Park Registration is ?10 e-mail info@woodgreen.org.uk	20	?08701 904090 ext 307
Trash or Treasure, The Green, Gayton Thorpe.? Bring along your treasures and get advice from the experts, Refreshments, stalls, music?and games too.	20	01553 636253
Fick n Finn (Duo).? Live at the Bandstand on The Green, Hunstanton.	21	01485 535150
French Market, Southend Car Park, Hunstanton. 9am-5pm. Goods available include fresh bread, cheese, garlic, charcuterie, olives, wines, crepes, biscuits, jams, sauces, handbags, clothing, jewellery, basketwork, wooden sculptures, enamelware, terracota ware, dried flowers, pot pourri, tablecloths and soap.	21	?01553 616202
Flower Festival, Peckover House.? A special 60th anniversary flower festival using seasonal foliage, flowers and produce from Fenland.	20 - 24	01945 583463
Autumn Arts & Crafts Festival, St Nicholas Church, Dersingham. 10am-5pm.? Coaches by prior booking,?visit the website	25	01485 544561
King's Lynn Poetry Festival? At the Green Quay, King's Lynn.? Robert Crawford, Ruth Fainlight, Michael Hulse, Elizabeth Smither, (New Zealand Poet Laureate) Helen Ivory, Louis de Berniere with his father Piers Alexander, Alan Sillitoe, Alan Jenkins and Will Stone.?	26 - 28	01553 691661
Burnham Market Concerts, Burnham Thorpe, Concert to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Nelson's birth.? String Quartet and?Soprano (to be announced), the programme includes world premiere of a work by Joseph Phibbs.	27	01728 602216
Hunstanton and District Festival of Arts Craft Fair, The Town Hall, Hunstanton	27	01485 532402
Living History, Oxburgh Hall.? A presentation by aardvark productions of Elizabethan England.? Centred around an important household as it responds to the war in Spain.	27 - 28	01366 323258
Nelson Celebrations, An evening of entertainment celebrating the 250th anniversary of Nelson's birth, The Green Quay, King's Lynn, Tickets ?14 including supper, Advance Booking Essential.	28	01553 818500
March Brass 2000. ?Live at the Bandstand on The Green, Hunstanton	28	01485 535150
West Norfolk Minors Club, On the Green, Hunstanton.	28	01485 535150