EXTREME SPORTS IN SHERINGHAM

Trials biking originally began when motocross trials bikers wanted to practice tricks on ordinary pushbikes, this created a whole new sport which has been around for more than twenty-five years.  The sport consists of riding up, riding over obstacles man made or natural.  Trials biking can be found in built up areas such as towns and cities, but it is mostly found on off-road terrains.  Trials bikes have to be light and must have very good brakes, these things are very important for them to obtain total control of their bikes.  Trails bikes have one gear, a bashplate and a large rear tyre.  Some trials bikes can be mistaken for BMXs.  Trials biking has become popular in Sheringham, trials bikers can be seen along the sea front and along the streets.  They are not out to cause trouble and I'm sure they would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Skateboarding is also very popular in Sheringham and because of the Skate Park many skateboarders come from other surrounding towns, to skate in Sheringham.  It takes years to get good at skateboarding and for many people it is a massive part of their life, always striving to get better and to complete certain tricks.
Matthew Waterman

  SHERINGHAM EVENING W.I.

A successful "Evening with Keith Loads" was held recently as part of this year's fund raising efforts.  Following a two-course supper prepared by the catering team, Keith, the very popular comedian who is best known for his spot in the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, entertained us with his own brand of "Norfolk Squit".  Members, together with friends and visitors from neighbouring Institutes, were left with aching sides and tears of laughter as the comedy flowed non-stop for well over the allotted time.

The speaker at our June meeting was Maureen Rispin, a member of Sandringham WI. who, dressed as Mrs Alfred Watt, took us back to 1919 when Sandringham WI.  Was formed at the personal request of Queen Mary.

After remarking that she appeared to be the only member present wearing a hat, "Mrs Watt" told us how she had travelled from Canada in 1915 hoping to spread the WI movement to and around the UK.  The first Institute to be formed was in September 1915, and in October 1918 Mrs Watt attended a meeting at Caxton Hall in London at which Queen Mary and her daughter the Princess Royal were present.  She was then invited to Sandringham house, and gave us a vivid account of that visit.  The sheep on the estate impressed her greatly, reminding her of her Canadian home, but the highlight of the after noon was when Queen Mary poured tea for her visitor.  Queen Mary was persuaded that membership of the WI would make an enormous difference to women of the commonwealth far and wide, and encouraged by this Royal encouraged by this Royal endorsement, the first meeting of the Sandringham Institute took place on 25 march 1919.  Queen Mary agreed to become the first president and also started a needlework group among members.  The tradition of Royal Presents has continues to this day.

Moving forward in time, Mrs Rispin brought us up to date with an account of the protocol for the visit of the Queen, as current President, to the Sandringham Institute in January each year during her winter break at Sandringham house.  Mrs Rispin was very warmly thanked for bringing the early day of the women's Institute so entertainingly to life.

THE ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION

On Saturday 17th June the Sheringham & District Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association acting on behalf of the Alexandra Rose Day Organisation collected in Cromer, Holt and Sheringham.  They raised £543.38 in Sheringham, £338.71 in Cromer and £218.32 in Holt.  In all, a grand total of £1100.32 out of which the Branch received £825.24 towards its Wings Week campaign in September.  The remaining £275.08 goes to the Alexandra Rose Day collection.  The Branch wishes to thank those many hundreds of people, who by their generosity made this total possible.