Go Wild for Whitlingham's action-packed open day
Whitlingham Country Park, Trowse 10- 4pm
Go Wild at Whitlingham and get out on the water in boats of all ages and sizes on Thursday August 18th when Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse, just a stone’s throw from the city, comes alive with a host of activities for its annual open day.
Wherry sailings, windsurfing, sailing and canoeing are on offer alongside music, outdoor theatre, and landrover safaris from 10am – 4pm. Waterborne transport is even provided from the city aboard a riverbus.
Go back in time aboard the historic wherry yacht Olive, which will be giving half hour sailing trips on the river, while the pleasure wherry Hathor, which is celebrating her centenary this year, will be welcoming people on board while moored. A special centenary display will chart the history of the wherries.
Try your hand at windsurfing and sailing in 1 hour taster sessions from the new Outdoor Education Water Activities Centre, or paddle your way round the Great Broad in a Canadian Canoe.
Explore the woods and a working quarry on a landrover safari with a Broads Authority Countryside Ranger, relax on the beach of the Little Broad where music will be played from a bandstand, and look out for the roving Wherryman Mardler who will be telling tales from times gone by.
The popular Nutmeg Puppet Company will be back to perform their new educational show “Windy Old Weather” at 11.30 am and 3pm. It tells the story of Michael who is picked up by a kindly wind and dropped into a world of wherries, giants, witches and smugglers.
Raindrop Kites will present their new airbourne show, “Wherryman’s Way”, depicting the story of wildlife and wherries through the medium of spectacular kites and verse, at 10.30 am and 1pm.
At 6pm Spin Off Theatre Company present their frothy 1920s musical comedy, “Snapped Again!” which has been woven from local history, jazz, myths, and intrigue.
Displays and exhibitions include Norfolk Police Mobile Station who will be on hand to talk about their work.
Factfile
Car parking: £1 for 2 hours, £3 for over 2 hours.
A river bus service departs on the hour from Elm Hill Quay, and every hour on the quarter hour from Station Quay from 10am to 4pm. Return fares cost £5 for adults; £3 for children. Contact City Boats, tel: 01603 701701.
Wherry Trips: £3 for adults, £1 for children. Viewing is free.
Windsurfing and sailing: £7. The minimum age for children is 12 years. Take a change of clothes.
Canoeing: £5. Minimum age is eight.
Half hour landrover safaris: Departing every quarter hour from 10am-4pm. Cost: Adults £2, children £1.
Bookings for wherry trips, sailing and windsurfing sessions and landrover safaris at the Flint Barn Meadow.
More information: Broads Authority, 01603 610734.
09/08/2005
