 |
Dougal's Pet Corner
The place for your pet stories and pictures, let me have them |
Hi, my name is Dougal and I am honoured to have been asked to write a regular column in
this new publication. I look forward to hearing from you all about your pets and their
antics. Photographs would be great. However, as this is my first column I am going to
broach a subject close to my tail!
I am a Shannock, born and bred, and I have some statistics for you all. The company of a
dog blesses One in Ten households.
Thanks to my friend Postman Pat, who loves me as I greet him daily with an affectionate
nibble on the ankle, I know that there are over 4,000 domestic premises in Sheringham,
which, using my doggie brain means 400 dogs. Now, if 400 dogs all did their business three
times a day on the streets of our fair town you would need hiking boots to get to the
shops! However, most of my friends are quite respectable and either our owners clear up
behind us or we do our business when in the privacy of our gardens. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE
FELINES! One in seven households have a cat, which means there are more of these
delightful creatures. Do their owners make them suffer the degradation and humiliation of
putting a collar around their necks, attaching a long strap and taking THEM walkies?
Nooooooooooo………….
They get let out night and day to wander at will, DO THEY NOT POO? Yes they do. My
question is; how do you know that the doo-doo you have just trodden in originated in the
bowels of a dog? The answer my friends in many cases. Is that you don't. Please also bear
in mind that many Fox also wander our town at night, so some of it belongs to them. Even
us dogs are aware that an excreta on the pavements is a problem, I don't particularly like
it between my claws either, and I bet you don't fancy cleaning it off the way I have to,
but it is not just the dog owners you should be talking to.
This is the only time I will broach this subject and the Editor has assured me that to
spare my feelings they will attempt to avoid the subject entirely.
Don't forget to write to me, Dougal, with your tales.
Dougal
|
 |
|
|
| Is
Birdwatching For You? |
Living or holidaying in North Norfolk puts you at the heart of one of the best places in
Britain for birdwatching. So what is birdwatching all about? Surely it is sitting in one
spot for hours, often in a hide, or dashing the length and breadth of the country, at the
drop of a hat, 'twitching' rarities. Well yes at its extremes it can be pretty obsessive,
but in the middle, it is an activity that can add a whole new dimension to a walk in the
country, a trip abroad, or even a sit in the garden. Don't be put off by the crowds of
super-equipped enthusiasts at hot spots like the Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Cley reserve.
Despite their obvious dedication, they are simply just taking pleasure in finding and
watching birds, an activity available to anybody, to be enjoyed anywhere.
In order to start, you do need some basic items. First and foremost is a pair of
binoculars, 8 times magnification is perfectly adequate, although some prefer10, and it is
best to avoid compacts unless you really must carry them in your pocket. A good pair of
binoculars is literally an eye-opening experience, and we at Cley-Spy will be pleased to
help you choose the right pair for you. One of the many excellent books now available is
also indispensable, but in the early days it is best to stick to one that covers only
British birds, rather than becoming confused by a large number of species that are
unlikely to occur here.
Watch, listen and learn. In North Norfolk there is a whole bird-filled countryside to be
explored.
Cley-Spy
|
Pigeons
Can anyone help me, I am looking to farm pigeon squab. Does anyone reading this paper know
where I can get 200 breeding pairs - anywhere in the UK or France. Any contact would be
useful.
Please Email: archiewilson@members.shines.net or if you reply to the @ Sheringham Paper
they will pass it on.
Thankyou. |
|
|
LOCAL COMPOSER
Did you know that Mr John Bush of JEB Linen Supplies in Sheringham is a local celebrity?
John initially composed the song 'A Lady's Fight For Life' in remembrance of his late, and
dearly loved, wife Elizabeth. It is available from him on CD and Cassette and a percentage
of the profits made are donated to Breast Cancer Research.
After he had recorded that CD, he went on to compose another musical delight in honour of
the Queen's Jubilee, entitled '50 years of Glory'. John himself performed this song at The
Royal Norfolk Show earlier this year. This is also available on CD and cassette, it
includes a solo performance of 'Jerusalem' by John himself.
CD number three is on it's way, so watch this space for more news. A percentage of the
sales will be going to Quiddenham Children's Hospice near Attleborough.
So, next time you want to buy good quality linens, John stocks Towels from India, Egyptian
Cotton sheets and made-to measure sheets. While you are there you can pick up one of his
CD's an ideal Christmas Present.
|
|
|
