This year our annual outing saw 28 members go to Great Yarmouth on Friday 26th April. On the way down a few of us stopped off at Angelsey Abbey which is a National Trust property on the outskirts of Cambridge.
After settling in we all met up for our first evening meal. Some daring members decided to try the Chefs Special which turned out to be meatballs in a BBQ sauce which was an interesting combination to say the least.
Saturday:
After a hearty breakfast (some members having two breakfasts) our first destination of the day was Caister to photograph the groynes. It has become somewhat of a tradition that cake is eaten at every opportunity on our breaks and so we partook of elevenses consisting of some very nice fruit cake made by Sue.
Our next stop was Horsey Windpump which is a National Trust property and not far from Caister.
As it is on the Broads there were ample opportunities to photograph not only the wind pump but also the surrounding area. Unfortunately due to weather conditions the pump was not open to visitors but the cafe was where some of us had lunch.
We then travelled about a mile up the road to see the seals. We were amazed at how close you can get to them as they seem to be used to people. Many a shot was taken and we could have spent much longer there but time was pressing and we needed to be back at the hotel. However, before we left the carpark we were treated to another lovely slice of cake, this time provided Rosa.
The evening meal was uneventful and as usual after tea we rearranged the chairs in the lounge to accommodate us all. We chatted and were treated to even more lovely cake this time provided by Sharon.
Sunday:
Today we said goodbye to a few members who had to return home. Our first stop of the day was Ranworth Broad Nature Reserve where we had a gentle stroll to the visitor centre. There was a viewing platform there where we could watch the birdlife on the water and surrounding reed beds.
Another Nature Reserve was our next stop but unfortunately with the exception of a couple of Marsh Harrier in the distance, we did not see anything so we went back to the carpark and partook of cake.
The Lion Inn was a welcome sight and it was here that we had lunch. Being an inn some local ales and ciders were tasted. Thorne Mill drainage pump was a short walk away and we were blessed with good weather conditions allowing us ample opportunity to get some shots of it and also another windmill further up. It was a beautiful setting with sailing boats, windmills, and reed beds, just how you would imagine the Norfolk Broads to be.
On Monday the last of the weekenders left this morning leaving 12 of us here for the rest of the week. After saying goodbye we headed off to Sea Pallin to photograph the sea defences. On the way there, as the weather was sunny we had a pit stop at Horsey Windpump to see if we could get different images from the day before.
Lunch was at a lovely cafe called Poppylands. This cafe is decorated with 1940’s war time memorabilia and had been recommended to us by members who had gone there at the weekend.
After lunch as it was sunny we went to photograph the seals again then before we knew it, it was time to head back to the hotel. Time flies when you are enjoying yourself.
Norfolk has many windmills but it also has lots of pretty villages, seaside resorts and other interesting places such as Burgh Castle, Southwold and Ludham. The rest of the week was spent visiting such places.
These breaks don’t come about by themselves, they take a lot of organising. As usual Pete and Angie have done a brilliant job for which we are all very grateful.
What Our Outings Offer
Local Locations
Visits to parks, towns, and nearby areas offering a variety of photographic opportunities.
Photography Practice
A chance to try new techniques and improve your skills in real-world settings.
