Heritage Open Days runs from the 10th to 13th September 2015. Find out more here. HEART Communications Assistant Flo Reynolds and volunteer Basha take a look at some of this year’s war-themed events.
On this year’s Heritage Open Days, why not take the chance to delve into an area of the not-so-distant past with the vast range of wartime-themed events?
From spies and intrigue to the reality of everyday life in wartime Britain, experience the events that have shaped our country in the last century, or travel further back in time to Nelson’s sea battles. And, of course, this year there are plenty of opportunities to commemorate and discover the centenary of the First World War.
With only a week to go before Heritage Open Days is finally upon us, make sure to plan your itinerary and drop in to the HEART offices in Norwich’s Guildhall to snap up your pre-book tickets!
With 240+ different events to choose from – taking place from 10th to 13th September – here is our pick of some of the festival’s wartime highlights.
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Assembly House: Special Operations Executive of World War II
Hear all about the covert operations of the Special Operations Executive, the branch of the British Secret Service responsible for conducting acts of sabotage and subversion abroad during WWII. Dr Derwin Gregory of the UEA will be giving a talk on this fascinating subject that has formed the basis of his PhD.
Drop-in, Fri: 11.00 – 12.00.
TS Nelson
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Norwich Sea Cadets
Get hands on with history on the TS Lord Nelson, headquarters of the Norwich Sea Cadets. With tours of the ship provided throughout the day, you can experience what life was really like for soldiers living aboard the ship. The unit’s extensive history – dating from 1912 – is illustrated through a collection of historic photographs, allowing visitors to gaze back into the past.
Drop-in, Sat: 10.00 – 16.00.
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St John Maddermarket: World War I Roll of Honour talk
Hear about the WWI parishioners who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Drop-in, Thu: 14.00-15.00
Norwich Cathedral: Edith Cavell. Copyright © Paul Hurst, all rights reserved
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Edith Cavell Pilgrimage Walk
Celebrate the life of Norfolk’s famous WWI heroine on this seven-mile walk from Swardeston to Norwich Cathedral visiting sites of importance in the life of Edith Cavell, nurse and martyr, finishing at her graveside. The event has been organised by Norwich Cathedral. Allow up to 3 hours.
Thu, Fri, Sat: 10.00. Book via Norwich HEART.
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They Are Not Dead: A Norwich Parish in the First World War
Join this talk by local author Stuart McLaren on his book St Augustine’s in the Great War, followed by a tour of the war memorials in St Augustine’s church.
Sat: 14.00. Pre-book from Norwich HEART.
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Dad’s Army Museum, Thetford
A classic British comedy, Dad’s Army has close links with Thetford where the location shots were filmed. Here you can follow the story of the show across the impressive nine series, and learn how its content relates to true experiences of the Home Guard. And while you’re here, why not relax and put your feet up at the Marigold Tearooms before heading off to make the most of all the free events that the Heritage Open Days have to offer?
Drop-in Sat: 10.00 – 16.00.
Dads’ Army Museum
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Ancient House, Museum of Thetford Life
This Grade I Tudor merchant’s house tells the story of the local area and Thetford’s residents of yesteryear. Enjoy the WWI kitchen and new displays as part of the Thetford Remembers 1914-1918 commemorations. You can also meet Old Bill Busby, hear some traditional wartime stories and songs, handle real WWI objects and discover who the Old Contemptibles were!
Drop-in Sat: 10.00 – 17.00. Old Bill Busby 10.00 – 12.00, 13.00 – 15.00, 15.15 – 17.00.
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Thetford’s Great Information Centre
See the significant sights in Thetford related to the WWI on a tour with local historian David Osborne. Allow up to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Sat: 14.30. Book directly via 01842 751957 or in person at Thetford’s Great Information Centre.
RAF Coltishall
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Former RAF Coltishall
You can journey in style on an open top bus tour around the 600-acre Norfolk County Council site with expert Spirit of Coltishall Association Guides. From up on high, you will see the WWII and Cold War airfields, buildings, heritage displays, and not forgetting the brand new Scottow Enterprise Park and solar farm. Allow for up to two hours.
Thu, Fri: 09.30, 12.15, and 14.30. Book in advance via Eventbrite at http://norwich-heart.eventbrite.co.uk.
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Royal Naval Hospital
Built in 1811, this former Navy hospital was built for Nelson’s men. It was never used for them but treated naval staff, some of whom suffered from mental illness. In 1815, 600 soldiers injured at Waterloo were shipped here for treatment. It was taken over by the NHS in 1958. Access for wheelchairs is limited, as the chapel entrance is very narrow and has steps, and the ward space has a number of stairs.
Drop-in Fri, Sat, Sun: 11.00-15.00.
Royal Naval Hospital
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Blitz Street, Great Yarmouth
Visitors are in for a treat with this hidden gem in a Scratby Garden! Walk around a life-size street scene all made up of garden sheds to see what life was really like for ordinary people living in Britain during the 1940s. Visit Nanny Morrison in her well-kept cottage; buy sweets in the authentic corner shop; stock up on your potions and lotions with the chemist; see Dad’s Army in the flesh at the full-size replica of Captain Mainwaring’s office. If you’re brave enough, step inside the original Anderson Shelter, a reminder of the turbulent times in which people were living. Disabled access may be difficult due to the narrow pathway.
Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10.30 and 14.00. Book via Great Yarmouth TIC on 01493 846346.
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On the Warpath: Piers and Bombs Guided Walk
Hear about the Victorian piers and the former jetty, from which Nelson embarked for the battle of Copenhagen, and the role they played in seafaring activities from the 1650s onwards. 100 years ago the first Zeppelin bombs to strike the country landed in Great Yarmouth. Discover more about the town’s efforts during both World Wars and how the seafront played its part with army billets, access to sea defences and digging for victory in the seafront flower beds.
Thu: 14.00. Book via Great Yarmouth TIC on 01493 846346.
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389TH Bomb Group Memorial Exhibition, South Norfolk
Drop in to this WWII airbase chapel/gymnasium building, which contains a unique crucifix mural. Th exhibition includes 389th Bomb Group and 466th Bomb Group photos and memorabilia. New for this year features a second reconstructed Nissen Hut.
Drop-in Sun: 10.00 – 16.00.
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Harleston: Tea and Memories
If you’re feeling nostalgic, bring along your memorabilia to The Swan Hotel to share memories about days gone by. This can be letters, photos, recipe books, medals, or anything else that holds special memories for you. You can also hear about the Great War project currently being run by the Waveney Archaeology Group, ‘The 8th in the East’, and even get involved with their work! Tea and cake will be provided!
Drop-in Sun: 15.00 – 17.00
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Harleston: The Hidden Commemoration in the Waveney Valley 1914-1919
This drop-in event will introduce you to this Heritage Lottery Fund supported Great War project, and show how you can get involved in discovering and researching the impact of WWI on the Waveney Valley. Anyone can take part in unlocking the hidden memorials and other traces of the War that have lain largely unrecorded – until now.
Find out more about the project at http://waveneyarchaeology.org/main-story-2/hidden-commemoration-in-the-waveney-valley/
Drop-in Fri: 10.00 – 16.00
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Norfolk Tank Museum
The Norfolk Tank Museum is an independent museum housing a collection of Cold War armoured vehicles, weaponry, and tanks, many of which are in working order. Drop-in to see some serious wartime hardware!
Drop-in Sat: 10.00 – 16.00
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Edith Cavell’s Village of Swardeston: Guided Walk
Walk with the local ‘overseer of the poor’ Ezra Parr as he tells you about Swardeston in the 1880s and the Cavell family. See a special exhibition about the Cavells and a new DVD in the Cavell Room by the church. The walk is about a mile long and will take up to 50 minutes. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the story of Norfolk’s most famous WWI heroine.
Thu, Sat: 14.00. Book directly via 01508 578468 or email enquiry@edithcavell.org.uk.
The Control Tower
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Control Tower Old North Creake Airfield, North Norfolk
Stand on the roof of the Control Tower, in the footsteps of those who counted the aircraft out each night and hoped they would count them back. The tower has had many uses since the war – Claire and Nigel have opened it as a period-style bed and breakfast.
Sun: 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30. Book your place directly via 01328 821574 or email mail@controltowerstays.com.
Norwich HEART 