May Newsletter

Posted on May 9, 2013 by kerry

At last, Spring has arrived on the Broads and as we are writing our newsletter the sun is out and the sky is clear, it’s a really beautiful day. The Bank Holiday is just around the corner and it looks as if the good weather is going to continue so we can all enjoy the sunshine.

We do have lots to tell you this month, so grab a coffee and sit back for a good read!

May Bank Holiday Weekend

It’s not too late to get away, so if you haven’t yet made plans for the weekend, we do still have limited availability on our Cruiser Hire. We have discounted our few remaining boats by 25% on normal tariff prices – so make the most of the long weekend and get out on the water.

To take advanted of these discounted rates, call our booking office on 01603 782625 or email bookings@barnesbrinkcraft.co.uk

Customer Loyalty Scheme

We are pleased to announce our new Customer Loyalty Scheme which will start on the weekend of 3rd May. All customers who have previously holidayed with us in the past 4 years, and who rebook with us direct, will receive a delicious local food Hamper supplied by Farm to Fork. This will be delivered direct to the boatyard prior to your arrival for the start of your holiday.

There are two tiers to the scheme:

Thank You Hamper – For hire terms up to £600
Hamper includes:- Small loaf, butter, free range eggs, bacon, ham, seasonal fruit and chocolate brownies.

Welcome Back Hamper – For Hire Terms from £601
Hamper includes:- Large loaf, butter, free range eggs, bacon, chipolata sausages, ham, mushrooms, vine tomatoes, salad leaves, salad dressing, seasonal fruit, local apple juice and chocolate brownies.

If you have any queries regarding the new Loyalty Scheme, please contact Mags on 01603 782625 who will be happy to help.

May Booking Offer

Up until the 21st May we are offering a ’3 level discount’ on holidays booked:

Book 15-21 days before departure – receive 10% discount on brochure prices
Book 8 – 14 days before departure – receive 20% discount on brochure prices
Book 0-7 days before departure – receive 25% discount on brochure prices

These discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and of course are subject to availability. We know it’s tempting to leave it until the last minute but with the good weather forecast to continue – don’t leave it too late and miss out!

Call our booking office on 01603 782625 to make your booking, these discounts cannot be applied online.

Horning Boat Show

This coming Saturday (4th May) the first Horning Boat Show will be will be held in the village. Barnes Brinkcraft will be exhibiting so please do pop along and see us at our stand on the village green. There is lots going on throughout the day for the whole family, parking and entry is free and we are holding a free prize draw. Open 10.00am – 5.00pm

Norfolk Boat Sales Open Day

On Sunday 5th May Norfolk Boat Sales are holding an Open Day at their Brundall & Wroxham offices. If you have have ever fancied owning your own boat, this is an ideal chance to have a look around the wide range of new and used boats for sale, they even sell some of our ex-hire craft which are always popular. If you are already own a boat and are thinking of selling or changing, they do offer a full brokerage service. Open 10.00am – 5.00pm

Bosuns Locker

Have you taken a look inside our ‘Bosuns Locker‘? With the help of local suppliers we have put together some delicious treats which can be delivered free of charge to the boatyard prior to your arrival. Hampers are full of locally sourced foods, carefully selected wines and celebration items including mouth watering Sponge cakes from our friends at ‘Sponge’ who are offering Barnes Brinkcraft customers 10% discount on orders until the end of May.

Day Boat & Canoe Hire

Our day boat office will open all over the Bank Holiday weekend and because of the weather forecast we are expecting to be really busy. Don’t be disappointed, give Ian a call and reserve your boat 01603 782625 – option 2.

Don’t forget you can enjoy a quiet 2 hour early morning cruise from 8.30am-10.30am or an early evening cruise from 6pm-8pm for just £20. Local business ‘Bouchon’ can put together a delicious picnic for you from their deli, even providing the wine if you like – just give them a call on 01603 784990.

Sara’s 3 City Cycle Ride, London – Brussels

On the 28th August Sarah Thwaites will be cycling 300 miles in 4 days (London – Brussels) to raise money for MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association).

This is a very worthy cause and Barnes Brinkcraft will be supporting her, if you are able to help by sponsoring Sara, please visit her fundraising page where you can make an online donation.

Share Your Holiday Photos

We love to see your holiday photographs, if you’ve had a great time and would like to share your pictures with us, email them to kerry@barnesbrinkcraft.com or add them to our Facebook & Twitter pages.

Help Raise Money for MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association)

Posted on May 9, 2013 by kerry

Sara Thwaites is raising money for MNDA (motor neurone disease association) by cycling 110 miles from London to Brussells – via the North Sea ferry.

Also to raise money for the charity a Quiz Night is being held in Neatishead Village Hall on Saturday 8th June at 7.00pm. Tickets are £8 each and include chilli con carne/veggie chilli. Come along individually or make up a table of 6.

Raffle prizes are also needed!

If you are able to help in any way, please contact Sara on 01692 535238 or 07920 841045. Online donations/sponsorship can be made via www.doitforcharity.com/SThwaites

What’s On – Norfolk Broad Easter Holidays

Posted on March 27, 2013 by kerry

If you are coming to the Norfolk Broads during this Easter holidays, we have put together a whole host of ideas to keep everyone entertained – and yes, we have included some indoor warm ideas just in-case the weather is not so kind!!

Good Friday, 29th March

Easter Egg Trail @ Fairhaven Water Garden from 11am to 4pm. Follow the ‘Guess Who?’ Easter Trail through our garden to the glade. There is an eggy prize at the end!
Face painting and Easter crafts for children. Normal garden entry prices apply £2 extra per child for Easter egg trail. (Every child gets an egg.)

Boggle Bow Tie & Bonnet Bounce Off @ BeWILDerwood Friday 29th March – Friday 12th April. Join in our bonkers Bow Tie & Bonnet Bouncing this Easter where you’re invited to decorate your own Easter bow tie or bonnet (the barmier the better!) When you’ve finished your craftiness, weave your way through our Wobbly Route. There will be a yummy prize awarded for all the bouncy Boggles and Twiggles who take part.

The Croods, rated U @ Hollywood Cinema, Great Yarmouth. Showing at 5.30pm and 7.45pm. The Croods is a prehistoric comedy adventure that follows the world’s first family as they embark on a journey of a lifetime when the cave that has always shielded them from danger is destroyed. Traveling across a spectacular landscape, the Croods discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures — and their outlook is changed forever.

Easter Saturday

Arts & Crafts Fayre @ St Benets Hall, Horning. Local artists creating designs in glass, artwork,prints,and water colours, and creations in wood , clocks, lidded bowls, jewellery and unique gifts All tastes and prices. A small event were you can meet the people who make and craft all the items being sold.

Identity Thief rated 15 @ Hollywood Cinema, Great Yarmouth. Showing at 3.20pm, 5.45pm and 8.15pm. When a mild-mannered businessman learns his identity has been stolen, he hits the road in an attempt to foil the thief — a trip that puts him in the path of a deceptively harmless-looking woman.

Greyhound Racing @ Great Yarmouth Stadium from 7.30pm. Greyhound Racing is an action packed evening. Regular televised races. 240 cover trackview restaurant, diner, 4 licensed bars, small children’s play area, fast food cafeteria, grandstands and seating.
The evening will have between 11 to 14 races for you to enjoy. If you are new to Greyhound Racing, then no need to worry. Inside your race card are clear instructions on how to place a bet. Admission £7.00 adults, children under 16 free

Easter Sunday

Dawn Service @ St Peters Church, Clippesby at 6.00am – everyone welcome
Holy Communion @ St Mary’s Church, Martham at 10.30am – everyone welcome

Easter Eggspress @ Bure Valley Railway, Friday 29th March – Monday 1st April. Free Easter Egg for every child when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (maximum of 2 children per adult). Trains depart Aylsham 10.00, 11:30, 12:40, 14:20 and 15.30; Wroxham 11.10, 12:40, 14.00, 15:30 and 16:40.

Stock Car Racing @ Great Yarmouth Stadium from 5.30pm. Come and enjoy the thrill of motor racing at Great Yarmouth Stadium, in conjunction with Spedeworth International Motor Racing. We have three Raceview Bars, a Raceview Diner serving the best in bar food, a ground floor snack bar & amusement area, plus a fourth separate licensed bar so you can be sure to enjoy the racing while relaxing in a great atmosphere.

Bank Holiday Monday

Horse Racing, Easter Family Fun Day @ Great Yarmouth Racecourse. Join us for a fantastic time at the races and maybe go home a few pounds richer! Great Yarmouth offers a relaxed atmosphere and is welcoming to all with plenty of facilites, including a new grandstand, a childrens playground and expansive family lawns. This is our first meeting for 2013 and there is plenty of additional entertainment for the children including competitions, donkey rides and inflatables. Don’t forget that all children Under 18 enjoy free admission to all fixtures. Grandstand and Paddock £16 (£12 when booked online)
Premier £23 (£19 when booked online

Wreck-It Ralph rated PG @ Hollywood Cinema, Great Yarmouth. Showing at 1.10pm . Ralph is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, the “good guy” star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he’s tired of playing the role of a bad guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

Wednesday 3rd April

Guided Walk, South Quay & The Fishermans Hospita – Great Yarmouth. Once described as the finest quay in all of Europe, learn more about the stunning architecture present on South Quay opposite the bustling river port of Great Yarmouth. Join in one of our Holiday Special South Quay & St George’s Guided Walks at 2pm on Wednesday 3 April and Wednesday 31 July 2013 and you can find out about Yarmouth’s witches and the oldest gaol in the country, discover the newly refurbished St George’s Theatre and visit Greyfriars Cloisters. Walk includes refreshments int he Great Yarmouth Row Houses. Meet at the Fishermen’s Hospital gates at the northern end of the market at 2.00pm . Length of walk: 1.5-2 hours. Price £6.50 adults, £4.50 children (7-16), Under 7′s free. Places must be booked in advance on 01493 846346 or by calling into Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre on Marine Parade.

Friday 5th April

Dip Dyke Dabbling @ Hickling Broad Come and learn about the wonderful wildlife that can be found in the dykes around Hickling – drop in and have a dip at the custom built dipping platform. The experts will be on hand to help you tell your boatman from your beetle larvae. 1.30pm-3.30pm Cost: £1.50 child, accompanying adults free

Sunday 7th April

American & Classic Car Display at Anchor Plaza, the Seafront, Great Yarmouth. Join the East Coast Pirates Car Club throughout the summer at the Anchor Plaza to enjoy some of the finest classic vehicles ever to be produced by Uncle Sam. Visitors to the show can expect to see classic Hot Rod’s, Harley Davidson bikes and trikes along with many other all American classics. Perfect for enthusiasts and just for fun! Free entry!

Swimming Pools

The Marina Centre, Great Yarmouth, 01493 851521
Riverside Leisure Centre, Norwich 01603 625166
Splash, Sheringham, 01263 825675

Cinemas

Odeon, Riverside Norwich, 0871 224 4007
Cinema City, Norwich 0871 902 5724
Vue, Castle Meadow, Norwich 0871 224 0240

Bowling
Regent Bowl, Great Yarmouth, 01493 856830
Wellington Bowl, Great Yarmouth, 01493 845947
Hollywood Bowl, Riverside Norwich, 0844 826 1466

Theatre
Theatre Royal, Norwich 01603 630000
Norwich Puppet Theatre 01603 629921
The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich 01603 620917
Norwich Playhouse 01603 612580

All information given is correct to the best of knowledge but is not guaranteed.

March Newsletter

Posted on March 21, 2013 by kerry

MARCH NEWSLETTER

In just over a week the new season will be well underway, it doesn’t seem
5 minutes since Christmas yet here we are already getting ready for Easter.

During the winter we have been busy working on the yard, replacing the
quay heading and raising the car park, decorating in the Houses and
getting all the fleet boats generally spic and span ready for the year ahead.
It’s been quite challenging this year with the snow and high tides, but we
are ready and looking forward to the summer.

Easter Availability

We do still have limited availability for the Easter holidays, take a look at
our ‘Offers‘ page where you will find 15% discount on our Self Catering
properties for week commencing 6th April and 30% discount on our
remaining Cruisers going out on either Good Friday or Easter Saturday.

Welcome Aboard!

This year when you arrive at Barnes there will be a ‘welcome pack’ on-board
your boat or waiting for you in your holiday property so that you can enjoy a
cuppa and a biscuit before you start unloading and unpacking. We want you
to start relaxing and enjoy your holiday from the moment you arrive.

Bosuns Locker

Have you taken a look inside our ‘Bosuns Locker‘? With the help of local
suppliers we have put together some delicious treats which can be delivered
free of charge to the boatyard prior to your arrival. Hampers full of locally
sourced foods, carefully selected wines and celebration items including mouth
watering Sponge cakes from our friends at ‘Sponge’ who are offering Barnes
Brinkcraft customers 10% discount on orders.

Something to Celebrate?

Is your holiday with us part of a celebration, a special birthday maybe, hen or
stag party or perhaps a honeymoon? Let us know when you book and we will
have a bottle of bubbly waiting for you when you arrive to help get your
celebration started. If it’s a surprise you’re after and need some help planning,
give Mags in our booking office a call 01603 782625 – she will be happy to help.

Day Boat & Canoe Hire

Our day boat office will be fully open again from Easter, you can enjoy a quiet
2 hour early morning cruise from 8.30am-10.30am or early evening cruise
6pm-8pm for just £20. Local business ‘Bouchon’ can put together a delicious
picnic for you from their deli, even providing the wine if you like – just give them
a call on 01603 784990.

Share Your Holiday Photos

We love to see your holiday photographs, if you’ve had a great time and would
like to share your pictures with us, email them to kerry@barnesbrinkcraft.com
or add them to our Facebook & Twitter pages.

Waterside Properties – Easter Holiday Availability

Posted on March 13, 2013 by kerry

Easter is fast approaching and we are all ready for the long weekend and Half Term Holiday. If it is just a bit too chilly for you to get out on a boat, have a look at our lovely Norfolk Broads waterside properties – we do still have limited availability.

Heron – 2^nd April – 4 nights – sleeps 8 to 10 – £801
Waterside – 6^th April – 3 nights – sleeps 8 – £801
Spinnaker – 6^th April – 7 nights – sleeps 8 – £1,059
Coot – 6^th April – 3 nights – sleeps 8 to 10 – £801
Grebe – 6^th April – 3 nights – sleeps 8 to 10 – £801

Don’t forget that you will also have the use of a Day Boat for the duration of your stay – FREE OF CHARGE!

Broads holidays can’t get better than a week afloat on the stylish Concerto

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Richard

With the worst of the winter behind us (hopefully!) now’s the time to think about the summer holidays. If you’re think of coming with family and friends, the Brinks Concerto will have to be on your shortlist.

Barnes Concerto

This is a really comfortable cruiser which sleeps four to six people in great comfort and style. It is a boat designed to be easy to handle so perfect for novices and experienced helmsmen alike, and is equipped with all the facilities you’d expect in your own home. For instance there is a colour TV, CD/Radio, warm air heating, fridge and cooker. There are two double beds both with en-suite showers and toilets, and the centrally located sitting area converts very quickly to a third double. All bed linen is included as are life jackets for everyone on board.

Inside steering on the Concerto

Dual steering positions mean you can sit on or out depending on the weather, there are bow thrusters to help you moor, and an electric anchor winch to save you pulling on ropes if you want to stop for a while in the middle of one of the Broads.

As with all of our Cruisers, don’t worry if you’re a novice to boating, one of our experts will give you full tuition with a short trip up the river to make sure you are comfortable with boat handling before you set off on you own.

Concerto class cruisers can be hired from £865 a week out of the peak season. In high season they cost £1539 for the week. Shorter breaks are also available.
See our site for a selection of holiday boats available from our Wroxham base, in the heart of the Broads.

Hear more about what our Customers say ….

Posted on March 8, 2013 by kerry

The Norfolk Broads are a wonderful place to visit, but don’t just take our word for it, hear what our customers have to say!

Fiona Bulloch: What’s there not to love about the Broads, scenery is fabulous, moving from place to place at your own pace and a very relaxing holiday.

Taken by Bruce Stock

Anita Jane Muscroft: What’s not to love about the Norfolk Broads, its a place of peace and tranquility, a place you daydream about, when you are home and back amongst the ‘ratrace’. The ability to move from location to location at your own pace, which is a world away from the humdrum working life. And the calming lapping of the water against the Boat. We will return ASAP. ))

Carol Gray: “Beyond the Wild Wood comes the wild world,”said the Rat.”And that’s something that doesn’t matter, either to you or to me. I’ve never been there, and I’m never going’ nor you either, if you’ve got any sense at all.” ― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows. Just change Wild Wood to Broads ……

Carol Gray: “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” ― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows. When I’m on the Broads – that’s me!

'Stanley' - taken by Simon Truman

Alex Rotherz: There is only 1 word – Heaven.

Yvonne Rimmer: The Broads offer peace, tranquility and being able to potter along at no more than 6 mph for a week. Beautiful scenery along with being able to have quality family time. My youngest son’s favourite is looking out for baby ducks, coots, swans etc…

taken by Claire Wood

Try these cruisers for a perfect Easter holiday on the Broads

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Richard

Easter isn’t far away and now’s the time to book a family holiday for the holiday from our huge selection of luxurious Broads cruisers, and with 15% off on all bookings now is a great time to book your week or short break.

For a family of four the Brinks Royal is an ideal cruiser, access is very easy from the stern and this sitting area adjacent to the cockpit makes a great place to watch the world glide by. It is very easy to steer as there is a bow thruster fitted which makes mooring a piece of cake, warm air heating means you won’t be cold in the evenings and there is a fully equipped galley.

Holiday fun: Brinks Harmony

For larger familes, then the Brinks Harmony could be what you’re looking for.
This sleeps eight or nine people and has three showers and three toilets, there is a raised saloon and which has a sliding canopy giving easy access. Again, steering and mooring are simple thanks to the bow thrusters and therev is even an electric anchor winch should you want to moor in the middle of one of the Broads. There is a fully equipped galley and warm air heating in case it gets chilly.

If you would like more information or for advice before booking, please call our booking office on 01603 782625, we are happy to help.

What’s On in the Norfolk Broads – February Half Term

Posted on February 5, 2013 by kerry

If you are coming to Barnes Brinkcraft this Februay half term, there is lots going on in the local area to keep you entertained . We still have limited availability on our Norfolk Broads Riverside self catering, check out the offers page …

Saturday 16th February
Chinese Dragon Childrens Workshop 11.30am – 1.00pm @ The Norwich Puppet Theatre. After constructing the basic puppet form, your child will be free to create the puppet’s character using the vast array of materials provided. The only restriction will be their imagination and at the end they will have a wonderful puppet to take home!

Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February
Bogglewish Bonfire @ BeWILDerwood 10.00am – 5.30pm, Guess the wishes of your favourite BeWILDerwood characters, warm yourself around the BeWILDerwood bonfire and make your wish for the coming year the secret Boggle way…..

Bogglewish Bonfire at BeWILDerwood

Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February
Signs of Spring week @ Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, 10.00am – 5.00pm, Celebrate with us by looking for signs of Spring in our gardens to win a prize.

Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February
Teddy Bear Express @ The Bure Valley Railway – see website for train timetable. Join our new mascot Bear for a week of fun! Free travel for every child who brings it’s own teddy when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. (maximum of two children per adult.)

Monday 18th February
Nesting Necessities @ Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), Hickling Broad, 10.00am – 11.30am. How can you provide a great home for a great tit and a safe spot for a sparrow? Join us at NWT Hickling Broad before the start of National Nest Box Week to find out about the nesting bird basics. Don’t worry about the weather, we have a warm retreat of our own in case of rain!

NWT at Hickling Broad

Friday 22nd Februay
Crafty Creatures @ Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), Hickling Broad, 1.30pm – 3.00pm. Join us at NWT Hickling Broad to create woodland works of art; look out for wildlife as we collect natural materials, then use these materials together with some clay to create masterpieces on the trees.

Friday 22nd Februay

Hard Rain playing at the Dog Inn @ Ludham 8.30pm – From Bob Dylan to Johnny Cash, from Amy Winehouse to Sade, and from the Beatles to Frank Sinatra – even some Blue Grass and Country, local band.

Swimming Pools

The Marina Centre, Great Yarmouth, 01493 851521
Riverside Leisure Centre, Norwich 01603 625166
Splash, Sheringham, 01263 825675

Cinemas

Odeon, Riverside Norwich, 0871 224 4007
Cinema City, Norwich 0871 902 5724
Vue, Castle Meadow, Norwich 0871 224 0240

Wellington Bowl Great Yarmouth

Bowling
Regent Bowl, Great Yarmouth, 01493 856830
Wellington Bowl, Great Yarmouth, 01493 845947
Hollywood Bowl, Riverside Norwich, 0844 826 1466

Theatre
Theatre Royal, Norwich 01603 630000
Norwich Puppet Theatre 01603 629921
The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich 01603 620917
Norwich Playhouse 01603 612580

All information given is correct to the best of knowledge but is not guaranteed.

Our Customers Holiday Experiences ….

Posted on January 28, 2013 by kerry

During the winter months we have been busy working on a short film about the Norfolk Broads. Some of our customers helped in the recording of this, Chris West and his family, Sean Chapman, Louise Morton & Damien Roberts and Mike Griffiths and his friends, if we have missed anyone out, we do apologise but we would like to say a big THANK YOU to you all. Finally, last week we put it onto You Tube for everyone to see.
The Norfolk Broads as seen by Barnes Brinkcraft – turn up your volume.

From our Facebook page I asked you to send me a short piece about your favourite Norfolk Broads holiday experiences, and yet again our Customers have been fantastic !! Here are just a few, (more to come). Please keep sending them in, along with any photographs to kerry@barnesbrinkcraft.com Thanks

A perfect holiday !! By Claire Wood

Coltishall

Is there such a thing ?? I say yes.

My family and i have been holidaying on the Norfolk Broads for the last 8 years, and I have got to say each one has been amazing. We have had hot sunny ones, cool autumn and a frosty winter break, all magical experiences. From the wildlife, peaceful rivers to the lovely little villages, its all wonderful.

One of our favourite places to visit is Loddon, on the river Chet. It’s off the main river very tranquil and relaxing. We visited many great places, too many to mention but the Norfolk Broads Museum at Stalham was very interesting, loads to see! Great Yarmouth also had loads to see and do, and only a bus ride away. Overall these holiday’s get my vote every year.

The thing that amazes me about the broads is that you can drive by road, from yarmouth down to Lowestoft. Acle. Norwich over to wroxham north walsham, barton turf, stalham, hickling in a matter of hours and you dont feel like you’v gone all that far. But when you jump into a boat and leave the staithe or mooring etc, you’v gone away from the roads villages building traffic and your somewhere completly different and you can go for hours and days and experience non of that except the odd bridge or two!

The broads is fantastic everyday of the year … By Tim Rice

When i was young the broads seemed a massive place! And it was only when i was old enough to drive I realised the area it actually covered. For me that’s what made it magical!

Norfolk Broads - beautiful at any time of the year!

The broads is fantastic everyday of the year, always changing in shape and colour, from long rich sunsets to a total white out with snow and ice. What i enjoy the most its knowing you can take a boat and poodle off down a river in total isolation, listening to the reeds and the gentle sounds of water vowels bobbing around. Then, throw a mud weight over and do NOTHING! Just sit back, sip on a good drink, chew some good bread and stare into the sky. At the same time knowing your never too far from a pub with a friendly welcome good food and a lovely pint!

Some say avoid the summer and go in the quieter times. With the hassle of fighting for moorings and pubs bursting at the seems this can make sense and the quiet seasons are just as beautiful but you can’t beat the good atmosphere of boats lined up, bbqs on the go and the sound of laughter. It’s great to see so many people enjoying the same pleasure all having had the same great idea!

See you there August 2013!

Boating or Land Based Holidays By Joanne Pitts

My husband has been visiting the Norfolk broads on boating holidays since he was a small boy in the 1970’s. When we met in the 90’s he tried and tried for 4 years to get me to come on holiday to the Norfolk Broads, but me being a city girl didn’t want to know and no amount of him going on would change my mind.

After 4 years together I eventually gave in and we booked a weeks boating on the Broads, now I’m the first to admit that boats are definately not my thing, but I said I’d give it a go. We arrived on a sunny day and collected our boat, as we chugged down the front at Wroxham and Horning I began to appreciate some of the beautiful riverside properties not to mention the pubs and pretty shops. After our week I admitted it was beautiful but still was convinced boating was not for me. Next visit we stayed on a house boat which I really enjoyed, this convinced me to visit more often and from then on we came to the Norfolk Broads at least once a year on holiday, and any free weekends we got were spent in Norfolk.

Messing around on the river

We had our two children and we introduced them both to Norfolk as babies, both on boating holidays (still not convinced ) and land based holidays with Barnes Brinkcraft (def more my style!) which is the best of both worlds as Graham gets a day boat for the week and on some dates its even included in the holiday price!! Bargain.

Its now 14 years since my first visit to the broads and guess what? In December 2012 we sold our house in West Yorkshire and moved our little family to our new home in Norfolk. We are so happy and contented with our new life we are in the process of setting up our childminding business again, our children are happy in their new school, and life is looking rosy. so who says you cant change a city girl into a country bumpkin! Defiantly not me !