At sheringham paper, norfolk uk

@ Sheringham Community Paper - Issue 94 - 21 November 2008

Norfolk Coast PartnershipNorfolk Coast funding still available

Do you have a fantastic project in mind that will care for the environment and people of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) now and into the future? Do you just need to find the money to turn it into reality? If so, the Sustainable Development Fund may just be able to help you!

This fund, administered by the Norfolk Coast Partnership, has granted over £153,000 to projects in the AONB since it began in 2005. Projects can be large or small with grants ranging from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. Previous funding has helped produce walks leaflets and information flyers, establish community gardens, increase accessibility and therefore enjoyment of the AONB, install renewable energies and restore historic features, to name just a few.

This year's SDF fund still has money available for innovative projects which fit with the criteria and can be spent before March 2009. Community and External Funding Officer Kate Dougan, is looking forward to hearing from people who could benefit from the SDF: "A huge amount has been achieved by the fund so far and we want to see that continue. So if you're an individual, a local community group or organisation with an idea to benefit the people and environment of the Norfolk Coast then the SDF could make it happen for you."

The fund is easy to apply for and Kate is on hand should you wish to discuss any of your ideas or have any queries about the process. For more information, refer to the Norfolk Coast AONB website www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk or contact Kate on Tel: 01328 850530; Email: kate.dougan@norfolk.gov.uk.

Sheringham Museum Trust

Yes, it's here again and didn't the summer pass quickly! Well, 13th October started the winter suppers, again arranged by Chrissy Foster Worton and hosted by Steve at The Burlington Hotel. The event was supported by 47 Museum Trust Members who enjoyed a very good two-course meal followed by tea or coffee, a raffle and a very entertaining speaker.

We then had a ten minute break to allow us to reseat in ourselves in comfort and on returning the raffle was drawn and first prize, a bottle of whisky was won by Bryan Pigot.

For our entertainment Bryan Pigot (that name keeps cropping up) had arranged and then introduced our guest for the evening, Richard Blake from Melton Constable, a Wood turner by trade who gave us a talk about the 'Dulcimer' and played a number of old Norfolk Folk tunes on this fine old instrument.

In the late 1800's and early 1900's, Norfolk, and Norwich in particular, had many makers of these old instruments. Richard was inspired some 20 years ago to learn to play the dulcimer by listening and watching a local lad by the name of Billy Bennington, the last of the old virtuosi's of the dulcimer. Richard also plays various other old folk instruments but the dulcimer is his favourite, and ended the first of the winter suppers and a jolly good time was had by all. I am sure we will be asking Richard back again.

Richard tells me that Sheringham Museum has a dulcimer in its collection and we may see one on display in the future.

Members please make a note in diary the next supper is on Wednesday 5th November so fill in your booking form and get it off quickly... so always remember the 5th November and watch out for the fireworks.