The files come from my previous Hethersett village web site which is no longer in existence. So I am trying to take the best parts from that site and building the new one at www.hethersettherald.weebly.com. I am particularly pleased by the way my Hethersett History Project is beginning to come together. Eventually, when I have checked through this, I would like to offer it to schools and anyone else interested to use in any way they wish. There is nothing better than sharing information.
The writings bring up a number of interesting points and topics that are still relevant today. I comment on the vital nature of the King's Head which is now, alas, falling into disrepair. There's also a suggestion of the land opposite the King's being used as a village amenity. That never happened.
Business and shops have changed. Sophie Emms Florists is now the solicitors' office, Grinders is now the PACT Charity Shop and the business centre mentioned is now Rowan House well being centre. Many new roads have been added on the new North Hethersett Development. The village hall is still being referred to at the turn of the millennium as the "new village hall." Concerns over litter and dog mess were still being voiced. Interestingly I mentioned the lack of a community effort to clear up litter. This has now been addressed in a fantastic way by the regular litter picks organised under the HEAT (Hethersett Environmental Action Team) banner.
In the new millennium Hethersett entered what I like to refer to as a "golden period" in the village's history - something that I hope many residents feel is continuing today.
* * *
Things may come and things may go but the Steward Strolls go on forever (apologies for bastardising one of the longest album names of all time "Things may come and things may go but the art school dance goes on forever" by Pete Brown and Piblokto - how obscure is that)?
Today it was off to Caistor St Edmund again to take more photographs of the lovely rolling countryside. We were fortunate to come across the owner of High Ash Farm on our wander. Chris Skinner was recording for his weekly slot on Radio Norfolk and so had microphone in one hand and camera in the other.
He told us that one part of his farm had well over one million Bumblebees and explained how he had estimated/worked that out.
Chris has a very delicate balancing act to maintain the balance between human beings and nature. He has done a wonderful job of opening up much of the farm to the public but is aware that he cannot afford for the place to be overrun by visitors.
He told us about one irresponsible family who a couple of weeks ago took a barbecue into an area where there were horses and proceeded to light it. When they were told that they couldn't do this they became abusive, pointing out that the Government had given permission for families to have barbecues. I sometime wonder where these people come from. Their arrogance and stupidity is at times mind numbing!
Chris is a regular consultant to the Spring Watch programme on the BBC and speaks regularly with leading naturalist Chris Packham.
I hope you like the photographs of this, my second blog of a Saturday - one of which is a rather sneaky one of Chris Skinner who told us that he "has a good face for radio."