Overland To Australia....

.... My talk at Plumsted Road Library was well received & very enjoyable on my part. Thanks to Matthew Salmon for the photograph.

This was the pre-description of my talk. 

"Adventure and new horizons have always been in Malcolm’s blood. Back in 1939, he left his family home as an evacuee during WW2. Then at 19 years of age, he became bed-bound with tuberculosis of the spine for more than a year. Every day, Malcolm would read a world travel book he had been gifted by his brother. He vowed that when he got better, there was no holding him back and he would travel the world. And that’s exactly what he did! So much so that he now goes by the nickname of ‘The Michael Palin of Gorleston’.

For this global adventure, Malcolm set himself a budget of £250 and challenged himself to travel overland all the way to Australia. This man doesn't do anything easy! To find out how he managed this epic feat, and what he did when he got there, the only place to be at 2pm on Wednesday, 21st of October, is the Plumstead Road Library.

You only have to spend a few seconds with Malcolm to realise that he is one of a kind. He is a natural storyteller with such a big heart. Nobody tells Malcolm that he can’t do something! He really is an inspiration, and we can’t wait to learn more about his adventurous life.

No need to book. Just turn up and enjoy. There's even a bus stop directly outside the library. And that's exactly how Malcolm will be arriving... with his much-used bus pass!"

Sea Shanties....

.... The Lowestoft Longshore men gave a very entertaining and enjoyable afternoon of entertainment at Gorleston Library.

I am pictured with Eric, leader of the Longshoremen.

Village Signs Times....

.... I'm on the cover of the 'Village Sign Times' the biannual magazine of The Village Sign Society.

There's also an article in the magazine by Bob Mitchell, editor of the magazine.

Bob has become a great friend of mine and I thank him for the trips out, where he imparts his great knowledge of village signs to me.

www.villagesignsociety.org.uk

Malcolm Rides Pillion....

.... Down the driveway of Narborough Museum on a Yamaha AS1, first registered 18/05/1971.

Gorleston Rangers v Attleborough....

.... I paid my first visit to the East Norfolk Six Form College Football Ground, Church Lane, Gorleston.

What a surprise awaited me on entering this superb state of the art ground. Two comfortable seated stands and a huge car park that was nearly full.

I had come to see Gorleston Rangers V Attleborough, A seven a side womens match, kicking off at 2:15.

Several other matches were taking place with youngsters. The matches are played on all weather pitches. 

Gorleston Rangers beat Attleborough 9-3.

Thanks to MGCPhotography for permission to use the photograph of me in the stands.

https://mgcphotography-eastanglia.merlin-site.com/

New Paintwork....

.... I've been busy today painting the garden sheds.

They were black, now they're blue.

Gorleston FC v Bury Town FC....

.... On Saturday September 19th @ 3pm. I went to the Wellesley Recreation Ground to watch Gorleston FC play Bury Town FC in the Emirates F.A. Cup, 2nd qualifying round.

Bury are in a league higher than Gorleston and right from the start looked a very slick passing side.

However, in the 23rd minute Gorleston scored a surprising goal from winger Joseph Marsden. Sadly this did not last as before half time Bury had scored three goals.

I and most of the Gorleston supporters thought the match was lost, then to everyone’s surprise Gorleston scored two goals in the second half to make it level at 3 all. Although Gorleston had many chances to get another goal it was not to be and in the 79 minute Bury scored the winning goal.

A memorable afternoon.

Wellesley Recreation Ground is famous for housing a Grade II listed wooden grandstand built in 1892. It is widely considered the oldest surviving football grandstand still in regular use in Britain and potentially the entire world.

End Of The Pier Show....

.... On Friday 18/09/26 at 2:30pm I was privileged to attend the 2026 Cromer Pier Summer Show, at the iconic Pavilion Theatre. The show celebrates a monumental 125 years of Cromer Pier.

Although this was the antepenultimate show of a long season, the cast showed no sign that it had been running since June 1st. It still had a high energy, superb dancing, stunning costumes and brilliant stage scenery.

l would love to see it’s Christmas Show. 

Thank you to all of the performers and support staff.

For 24 years this seaside spectacle has been the world's only remaining full-season end-of-the-pier variety show. The production mixes classic British seaside humor, West End-style visuals, and high-energy choreography.

Norfolk Broads Sailing....

.... After catching the x1 bus to Acle on Wednesday September 9th, l only had to wait five minutes before David Buchanan arrived with my lift to South Walsham Broad, where David was going to take me sailing. Luckily the weather was fine and there was a good breeze, ideal conditions.

On arrival David had lots to do before our start. First the jib sail had to be put in place, followed by the main sail. An outboard motor rudder and tiller were then fitted.

After being helped aboard we moved a few metres before getting into the broad proper.

For the next three hours we sailed across the broad. David telling me which rope l had to pull etc. Later we travelled through to another broad belonging to the Fairhaven Trust.

During our trip we passed by a dozen cormorants resting on post, three very large young swans, six great crested grebes and came past a grey heron waiting to catch a fish.

I must say that my very first time of sailing was an absolute pleasure. David was an excellent captain and very interesting to talk to. Telling me of the times when he played the trumpet with the famous Trevor Coleman Dance Band of the 1950's and 1960's era, at the Floral Hall, Gorleston, and the Tower Ballroom, Gt Yarmouth. David then drove me back to Acle for me to catch the X1 bus bus home.

What a day! Thank you David.

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve....

.... It's the last Bank Holiday before Christmas and  I was taken to this wonderful wildlife reserve by friends Jeff, Margaret & Wendy. Watatunga is situated near the village of Watlington, Norfolk.

You use electric buggies to drive yourself, in a convoy behind a tour guide buggy, around the 170 acres of woods grassland and lakes

Many types of deer, antelope and buffalo are seen.

I am pictured with Edward Pope, founder and owner of Watatunga.

https://watatunga.co.uk/

    

All Saints' Church Catfield....

.... I was taken to All Saints' Church Catfield by friend Bob Mitchell, editor of the Village Sign Times, the magazine of The Village Sign Society.

www.villagesignsociety.org.uk

It was lovely viewing the rood screen, kneeling cushions and sundial.

Sutton & Signs....

.... After visiting All Saints' Church Bob Mitchell and I ventured on to Sutton, viewing the windmill and quaint thatched cottages.

It was then a tour of the village signs of Sutton, Brunstead, Sea Palling and Lessingham.

Thanks to Bob for a very interesting and informative excursion.

    

Attleborough v MADRA....

.... I caught two buses to get to The Rec. on Station Road in Attleborough to see a ladies 7 a side football match.

Attleborough v MADRA (Mundesley And District Recreation Assocation), who are from Knapton. Attleborough won 2-0.

I was accompanied by Nick King, who sponsors Attleborough Ladies shirts. Nick was kind enough to drive me home, arriving at 10pm.

USAAF Station 145....

.... I enjoyed a visit to the USAAF Rackheath wartime airbase. Driven there by my friend Doug.

We were met by Ivan Barnard, leader of the group of volunteers who are clearing and working on this huge project.

Built in 1943 for the United States Army Air Force. It was designated Station 145 and was a major base for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 8th Air Force. It was occupied by the 467th Bombardment Group, affectionately known as the "Rackheath Aggies," who flew B-24 Liberator heavy bombers.

In 1945 Station 145 was vacated and the Royal Air Force operated there until 1954.

Further information -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Rackheath

Salhouse Railway Station....

.... Very close to USAAF Rackheath is Salhouse Railway Station.

It played a significant wartime role. Military staff, ground crew, and airmen regularly used Salhouse Railway Station to travel to and from the base, while the station's goods sidings helped handle heavy equipment and supplies for the war effort.

The modern photograph shows the rear of the 14:51 Norwich to Sheringham service.