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COOTS AHOY!
Eastern Region
Belsey Bridge CC, Ditchingham, Norfolk May 22-25th 2015
Belsey Bridge Conference
Centre, Ditchingham,
Nr Bungay,
Suffolk NR35 2DZ
May 22 – 25, 2015.
Eastern Region invites all TARS to return to the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads on the 25th
anniversary of the formation of the Society. Young and old can relive their experiences
of Coot Club and The Big Six by visiting the Northern and Southern Broads in the
course of the weekend.
The excursions and evening talks are designed to bring these experiences vividly to
life. The Broads are still clearly recognisable today from the two books.
Despatches p. i
COOTS AHOY!
Belsey Bridge CC, Ditchingham, Norfolk May 22-25th 2015
The Venue
Belsey Bridge Conference Centre is a very
popular, well equipped conference centre on
the edge of the southern Broads in the beautiful Waveney Valley. It can accommodate
up to 120 for meetings, with ample en-suite
and non-en-suite single, double, twin and
family accommodation.
It has numerous meeting rooms and areas
for the TARS Library and Stall, and for relaxation, reading and chat; an outdoor football pitch, tennis
courts, play area and outdoor swimming pool. All communal areas and ground floor bedrooms are accessible. Residential and Day rates include a contribution to the cost of the meeting rooms - hence the
reduction in our registration fee. We hope that the opportunity to house participants on the same site
will provide the benefits of meeting and mixing we have enjoyed in Barnstable and Bowness-onWindermere. The catering at Belsey Bridge is first-class with locally sourced ingredients and the ability
to cater for dietary needs. A bar will open before the evening meals. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
Camping can take place at the nearby Outney Meadow
Caravan Park (NR35 1HG: half an hour away on foot;
http://www.outneymeadow.co.uk/) surrounded by the
meandering Waveney River and affording ample facilities for tents, campervans and caravans, with opportunities for cycle and canoe hire and sailing your own dinghies on site. Members wishing to camp need to make
their own bookings with the campsite. Being a bank
holiday weekend, Outney Meadow charges for a minimum of three nights, at £25 per night including electricity. Book with Mary on 01986 892338 on a first-come,
first-served basis. You will also need to book for the
Belsey Bridge day rates which include use of all the facilities, tea and coffee and a contribution to meeting
room hire, and book any meals you wish.
How to Get There
By Car
From the Midlands,
take the A14 towards
Felixstowe and follow
the A143 towards Bungay, then join the
B1332 as below. From
the south, take the
M11 towards Cambridge , on to the A14
and the A143.
From Norwich, follow signs for Lowestoft/Beccles/
Bungay on the A146. After going under Norwich bypass (A47) get in the right-hand lane ready to turn
right at the traffic lights onto the B1332 to Bungay.
After passing the Mermaid Balti House at Hedenham,
by about 0.7 mile take the next left-hand turn signposted Belsey Bridge Conference Centre, Convent
and Church. Go past the Church on your right and then the Convent, and you will see signs to Belsey
Bridge. Follow the directional arrows on the signs, and at the T-junction turn right into Thwaite Road.
The entrance is on the right. There is ample parking.
Despatches p. ii
COOTS AHOY!
Belsey Bridge CC, Ditchingham, Norfolk May 22-25th 2015
By Rail
Make for Norwich station (having
the best onward connections to Belsey Bridge). (There is a direct service from London Liverpool Street
taking around 2 hours). There are
usually taxis waiting at the station
but you might want to pre-book (as
a guide, Five-Star Taxis - 01603
555555 might charge about £25 to
the conference centre). Alternatively, take the number 7 bus from
Norwich train station to Norwich
bus station then the number 88 Anglian bus from Stand K to the Belsey
Bridge Road bus stop just before the
Ditchingham stop. Walk for 10 minutes along Belsey Bridge Road, pass
the convent, turn right onto Thwaite
Road and right again to enter the
conference centre.
By Air
Norwich airport is 40 minutes from
Belsey Bridge by taxi and has useful
connections to Amsterdam as well
as Manchester, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Five-Star Taxis (see above)
typically charge about £35 Norwich airport to Belsey Bridge
Registration
Please complete the booking form and return to Lorna Hammett
with your payment, by cheque or using your credit card via the
PayPal pages on the TARS website (www.arthur-ransome.org.uk/
TARS_Payments.html). The booking form includes accommodation
and meals at Belsey Bridge only and excursions. Rooms at Belsey
Bridge will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis on receipt of the booking forms and monies. If we are unable to comply with your request (e.g. for en-suite) you will be allocated nonen-suite and the balance refunded. Campers need to book their
pitches directly with Outney Meadow (with Mary on 01986
892338; see p.ii), but also need to book at the Belsey Bridge day
rates and meals etc., on the booking form.
During the weekend, registration will be held in the conference
centre reception from 15.00 on the Friday and from 08.30 on Saturday and Sunday. Each registrant will be provided with a welcome pack containing badge, maps, up-to-date programme etc.
If, due to an unforseen emergency your booking is cancelled, we
hope to be able to make a refund. This will not be possible after
May 10th.
Junior Programme
Horning Staithe
Will be run by Bobby Wilson, Susan Gouldbourne and helpers. It will focus on The Big Six with opportunities for the Juniors to become detectives!
Despatches p. iii
COOTS AHOY!
Belsey Bridge CC, Ditchingham, Norfolk May 22-25th 2015
Activities
(See also summary on page vii)
Friday:
Arthur Ransome’s Norfolk and Suffolk
Broads: illustrated talk by Robin Godber
(TARS member and Chairman of the Broads
Society).
Saturday: Northern Broads Day.
Coaches leave Belsey Bridge (BB) at 09.00 for
Wroxham, where we board the Queen of the
Broads for a 4-hour boat trip to Ranworth
Queen of the Broads
Broad and back via Horning, with opportunity to have your packed lunch on board. A commentary and map will pick out key places from
Coot Club en route. Then the party divides, half
being taken by coach to the Museum of the
Broads at Stalham and half to Hunter’s Boatyard
at Ludham. There will only be time to visit one of
the two venues. Numbers are limited to around
50 in each half, so members will need to choose
on the booking form which venue they prefer (on
a first-come, first-served basis).
Waveney Princess
The Museum of the Broads contain exhibits on
Arthur Ransome and the history of the Broads
and includes the possibility of a steam launch trip.
Hunter’s Boatyard contains memorabilia of the making of the BBC Coot Club film including the transome of the Teasel, the Titmouse and Dreadnought, and the Death and Glory, in addition to the only
surviving fleet of wooden, engine-less yachts for hire – the Hustlers, Woods and Lullabys, dating
from the 1930s. There will be an illustrated talk
on the history of the Broads and the Yard.
Coaches return via the famous bridges at Potter
Heigham and Acle.
After supper, Sophie Neville (TARS President)
will give an illustrated talk on the making of the
BBC Coot Club and Big Six films.
Sunday: Southern Broads Day.
The day starts with an optional interdenominational Christian service. Coaches then take us to
Oulton Broad for a trip on the Waveney Princess
around the Broad and Oulton Dyke.
The coaches then take us to Beccles for a picnic
lunch at the town staithe and a walk following
Mrs Barrable, Tom and the Ds up the famous hill
visiting the shops and the church tower for superb views over the Waveney Valley.
In the afternoon, the International AGM will be
held in the Norfolk Hall of BB at 15.30.
After the evening meal, Hugh Lupton (greatnephew of Arthur and professional story-teller)
will give one of his dramatic talks on Arthur’s
life. The evening closes with the Dick Callum
cup.
Despatches p. iv
COOTS AHOY!
Belsey Bridge CC, Ditchingham, Norfolk May 22-25th 2015
Monday
Participants are free to embark on optional trips and walks to the nearby beauty spots. These include
the locations listed below.
We had hoped to arrange two half-day trips on Albion Unfortunately, Albion was withdrawn at short
notice. Instead, we have been able to arrange a trip on a private wherry yacht, the Maud from Thurne
Mouth at the junction of the Bure and Thurne rivers on a first-come, first serve basis to those who had
shown an interest in the Albion.
Sailing, Walks and Excursions
Families can make their own arrangements to take advantage of the many facilities within an hour of
BB.
N.B.: because the Broads are situated in very rural country, with narrow winding roads, journeys can
take longer than your map might suggest!
Outney Meadow Caravan Park for cycle and canoe hire and launching sailing dinghies (10 minutes
from BB).
Reedham (30 min across chain ferry): lovely riverside, boatyard.
Loddon (15 min) charming village and waterside.
Whitlingham Country Park and Water Centre (NR14 8TR; 01603 632307) 25 minutes from BB by car.
Instructor-led sailing in 2 hour sessions at £56 per hour for each group of eight, using a combination
of Oppies and Toppers. Also available at the centre is canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boards,
raft building, climbing and archery.
Horning (about 45 min): The Swan, Staithe and Ferry Inn and self guided walks.
Rollesby Broad (about 45 min): Nature trails, electric boat trips, boat hire (01493 740531)
Hickling National Nature Reserve (NR12 0BW; Norfolk Wildlife Trust about one hour from BB). Walks,
boat rides, nature trails. Book direct (01692 598276) particularly for the boat rides. Guided tour available.
Oulton Broad Watersports Centre (NR33 9JR 01502 587163); about ½ hour.
Waveney Sailability (01502 566533).
Explore Waveney Valley: 7 Towns in Sound. A novel way of walking through the towns of Beccles,
Bungay, Diss, Eye, Halesworth, Harleston and Loddon listening to downloadable audio apps on your
mobile phone devices (Apple or Android) introducing you to the local history and gossip.
Berney Arms Wind Pump (access by rail to Berney Arms request stop, and foot only).
Horsey Wind Pump (NT: about an hour from BB).
The Stracey Arms Wind Pump (about 40 mins away).
Burgh Castle: remains of third century Roman Fort situated on the edge of the river Waveney with
views over Breydon Water and Halvergate Marshes.
How Hill (NR29 5PG; Field centre set in the heart of the Norfolk Broads on the banks of the river Ant).
Beautiful house in beautiful surroundings. Accommodation, walks, courses. (1 hour).
Somerleyton Hall and Gardens (NR32 5QQ; 25 min). Beautiful grounds and House, once owned by
Samuel Peto.
BeWILDerwood, Hoveton (NR12 8JW; about one hour from BB). 50 acres of (expensive) wild outdoor
adventures for children including treehouses, zip wires, Crocklebogs, marsh walks, café.
Day boat hire from Potter Heigham (Herbert Woods; 1 hour); Wroxham (several boatyards)
Bure Valley Railway (about 1 hour).
For further afield, including Norwich and Lowestoft, see page vi
For more details of these and other activities, visit the Broads Authority website:
http://www.enjoythebroads.com/area
Despatches p. v
COOTS AHOY!
Belsey Bridge CC, Ditchingham, Norfolk May 22-25th 2015
Pre- and Post- IAGM activities
see Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex Tourist websites:
www.visitnorfolk.co.uk
www.visit-suffolk.org.uk
www.realessex.co.uk
NT = National Trust; EH = English Heritage.
Nancy Blackett
During the week before and that after the IAGM, Nancy may be available for trips for members and
guests of the Nancy Blackett Trust. Contact John Smith of NBT ([email protected]).
Norwich (25 min): Magnificent Cathedral with cloisters, lovely old quarter and castle, shops, river.
Lowestoft: (25 min) where Peter Duck’s Wildcat started her voyage: harbour, beach, classic ship museum.
Ipswich
Newly-developed waterfront; lively pedestrian streets; many historic churches; Christchurch Mansion
and Park; the Ancient House—built before Australia discovered! (37M by road from BB)
Sutton Hoo (NT)
This the chief National Trust attraction in the Woodbridge area, especially with its new Visitor Centre,
Treasury displaying replicas of the priceless ship burial treasures, walking trails alongside the River Deben. Allow a day. (33M)
Aldeburgh
Home of the Britten-Pears Music festival; picturesque coastal town. Model boat pond. (IP15 5BJ; 27M)
Framlingham (EH): most complete castle in Suffolk, spanning many periods. (IP13 9BP ; 25M)
Orford (EH): Beautifully preserved Henry II keep with spectacular views over Orford Ness, and in a
lovely coastal town, site of the first performance of Britten’s Noyes Fludde. (IP12 2ND ; 33M)
Flatford Mill (NT)
18th Century Water Mill owned by the father of John Constable, near to Willy Lott’s Cottage, featured in
Constable’s paintings. Both in the lovely Dedham Vale on the river Stour. Rowing boats for hire. (CO7
6UL ; 50M)
Colchester
Britain’s ‘oldest Recorded town’: Largest Norman castle keep in Europe and museum. Colchester Zoo a
must for juniors (53M)
Lavenham
‘England’s finest medieval village’. Famous half-timbered wool town with magnificent Guild Hall (NT).
(CO10 9QA; 50M)
Melford Hall, Long Melford (NT)
Something for everyone of all ages (CO10 9AA; 50M)
Clare
Beautifully timeless collection of half-timbered houses and church. (CO10; 53M)
Despatches p. vi
COOTS AHOY!
Belsey Bridge CC, Ditchingham, Norfolk May 22-25th 2015
BELSEY BRIDGE IAGM 2015 OUTLINE PROGRAMME
Friday 22 May
15.00 onwards: registration in Reception
18.30 bar open
19.00 evening meal
20.15 talk: Introduction to the Ransomes’ Broads
by Robin Godber, Chair, the Broads Society
Saturday 23 May: Northern Broads Day
08.00 breakfast and collection of packed lunches
08.30 registration
Sunday 24 May: Southern Broads Day.
08.00 breakfast and collection of packed lunches
08.30 inter-denominational service.
09.00 coaches to Wroxham
10.00 Queen of the Broads trip from Wroxham to
Ranworth Broad and return
14.15 coaches from Wroxham to Museum of the
Broads (Stalham) and Hunters Boatyard (Ludham)
17.00 coaches return if possible via Potter and
Acle bridges
09.30 coaches to Oulton Broad
10.00 Waveney Princess trip round Oulton Broad
and Dyke
12.00 coaches from Oulton to Beccles; picnic and
walk up the hill
15.00 coaches return to Belsey Bridge
18.30 bar open
15.30 IAGM
19.00 evening meal
17.30 bar open
20.15 talk: Sophie Neville on the Making of
18.00 evening meal
Coot Club and The Big Six films
19.00 talk: Hugh Lupton with stories from AR’s
Life
20.15 Dick Callum Cup
Monday 25 May
08.00 breakfast followed by Handover of Flag to
Scotland
Optional trips to Reedham Ferry, Loddon,
Chedgrave, Hickling Nature Reserve etc. (see pp
4-6)
Half-day cruises on Maud
Despatches p. vii
“Coots
‘Coots
Ahoy!”
All prices are perNorfolk
person andMay
include
VAT. Under
6 yrs go free;
COOTS
AHOY! Ahoy!’
Belsey Bridge CC, Ditchingham,
22-25th
2015
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
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Br i dg e C C ,
S u f folk
B o o k i n g(PLEASE
F o PRINT
r m )(PLEASE PRINT)
Please read the rest of Despatches before completing.
When
completed,
please send this form with full payment
Membership
Number:
by Pound (£) Sterling Cheque payable to "TARS ER" to Mrs
NAME of member:
Lorna Hammett, 36 Neptune Sq, Ipswich IP4 1QH, or use
Address:
the
TARS PayPal site (p.. A receipt will be sent. Your actual
tickets will be in your welcome pack.
NAME of member booking:
Post Code
Membership Number:
Tel:
Address:
Email:
Circle underlined options.
juniors (6-16 yrs): half price.
FULL WEEKEND (3 nights and meals)
No.
Cost
No.
Cost
No.
Cost
En-suite adult (£191
(£191)pp)
En-suite junior (£95
(£95)pp)
Non-ensuite adult
Non-en-suite
adult(£155)
(£155 pp)
Non-ensuite junior
Non-en-suite
junior(£77)
(£77 pp)
PART WEEKEND (2 Nights B&B)
En-suite adult (£97
(£97)pp)
FriFri
| Sat
| Sat
| Sun
| Sun
(£48)pp)
En-suite junior (£48
FriFri
| Sat
| Sun
| Sat
| Sun
Non-ensuite adult
| Sat
| Sun
Non-en-suite
adult(£73)
(£73 pp)FriFri
| Sat
| Sun
Non-ensuite junior
FriFri
| Sat
| Sun
Non-en-suite
junior(£36)
(£36 pp)
| Sat
| Sun
Please send WHITE form to Mrs Lorna Hammett, 36
Neptune Sq, Ipswich IP4 1QH, with full payment by
Pound (£) Sterling Cheque payable to "TARS ER" or use
PostTARS
CodePayPal site (see p. iii). A receipt will be sent.
the
Your
Tel: actual tickets will be in your welcome pack. Keep a
note of your choices on this yellow copy.
Email:
Full Names of others in your party; + DoB for Juniors
Full Names of others in your party; + DoB for Juniors
PART WEEKEND (1 Night B&B)
(£61)pp)
En-suite adult (£61
Fri Fri
| Sat| Sat
| Sun
| Sun
(£30)pp) Fri Fri
| Sat| Sat
| Sun
En-suite junior (£30
| Sun
Non-ensuite
Fri Fri
| Sat| Sat
| Sun
Non-en-suiteadult
adult(£49)
(£49 pp)
| Sun
Non-ensuite junior
Fri |Fri
Sat| |Sat
Sun| Sun
Non-en-suite
junior(£24)
(£24 pp)
PLUS PART WEEKEND MEALS
No.
Cost
Room preference (please circle): Single | Double | Twin |
Family
Adult Lunch
| Ground
(£7.80)
Floor | Ground
Sat | Sun
Floor disabled.
Junior Lunch (£3.90)
Sat | Sun
NON-RESIDENT DAY RATES
Adult Dinner
(£9.00 teaFriand
| Sat
| Sun
(includes
all facilities,
coffee)
No.
Cost
Juniorindicate
Dinner below
(£4.50)any meals
Fri | Sat
| Sun
NB:required.
TOTAL
RESIDENT
Adult
Friday:
no chargeCOSTS
EXCURSIONS
No.
Cost
Saturday: Northern Broads (Coach, Boat trip, etc.)
EXCURSIONS
No.
Cost
Adult (£22) Broads Museum | Hunters
Saturday: Northern Broads
Junior (£15) Broads Museum | Hunters
Adult (£22) Broads Museum | Hunters
Sunday: Southern Broads (Coach, Boat, Beccles)
Junior (£15) Broads Museum | Hunters
Adult (£12)
Sunday: Southern Broads
Junior (£8)
Adult (£12)
TOTAL EXCURSION COSTS
Junior (£8)
REGISTRATION
FEES
TOTAL
EXCURSION
COSTS
Adult (£22)
REGISTRATION FEES
Junior (£10)
Adult (£22)
TOTAL RESIDENT/ NONJunior (£10)
RESIDENT COSTS
TOTAL
TOTAL RESIDENT/
EXCURSIONNONCOSTS
RESIDENT COSTS
LATE BOOKING (£10 per
TOTAL EXCURSION COSTS
booking after April 30th)
LATE
BOOKING
GRAND
TOTAL (£10 per
booking after April 30th)
No.
No.
TOTAL
TOTAL
Please send …….Junior Consent Forms
GRAND TOTAL
Junior
no charge
Room Friday:
preference
(please circle): Single | Double | Family |
Ground Floor | Ground Floor disabled.
Adult Sat (£15 pp)
NON-RESIDENT
No.
Junior
Sat (£7 pp) DAY RATES
(includes all facilities, tea and coffee)
Adult Sun (£15 pp)
Adult Friday incl dinner (£9)
Junior Sun (£7 pp)
Junior Friday incl dinner (£4.50)
PLUS PART WEEKEND MEALS
No.
Adult Saturday incl lunch & dinner (£45)
Adult Packed Lunch (£7.80 pp) Sat | Sun
Junior Saturday incl lunch & dinner (£22)
Junior Packed Lunch (£3.90 pp) Sat | Sun
Adult Sunday incl lunch & dinner (£45)
Adult Dinner (£9.00 pp)
Fri | Sat | Sun
Junior Sunday incl lunch & dinner (£22)
Junior Dinner (£4.50 pp)
Fri | Sat | Sun
TOTAL NON-RESIDENT COSTS
TOTAL COSTS
Cost
Cost
If unable to arrive by 7.30 pm Friday, would like cold meal
Ifonunable
arrive byrequired:……………
7.30 pm Friday, would like cold meal
arrival:toNumber
on
arrival:
Number
required…….
Special diets (give number required) : Diabetic…….
Vegetarian…….. Vegan……… Gluten-free………
Special
diets (give name(s)): Vegetarian……………….
Other (specify)………………………………..
Diabetic………...Vegan……...…….. Gluten-free….………
Other (specify)…………………………………………...
Monday: DefiniteInterest in Sailing on Albion
Full Day
(9- Number
Half Day
(£16.25)on Maud
Number
Monday:
Definite Interest
in Sailing
5 @ £32.50)
AM | PM
(£10)
Number