The Steward Family From Hethersett

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Just Friends Walking Group  2009

Previous Walks 1

Previous Walks 2

Previous Walks 3

Below are details and photographs from some of our 2009 walks (for larger images just click on the photos

February 3rd - The snow of the previous day had virtually melted and so the walk around the streets of Norwich went ahead. We looked at many of the rejuvenated areas of the city and afterwards Peter wrote the following entry on his regular internet blog which can be viewed at www.petersteward.org.uk

Wednesday 4th February

Yesterday the walking group to which I belong had a nice five mile stroll around the regenerated parts of Norwich. I know I'm biased in rating Norwich as one of the most lovely cities in the country, but I have had my doubts over the years with areas falling into disrepair.

But the walk illustrated how much hard work is going on to regenerate the area. The old hospital is being ripped down and replaced by tasteful apartments. And tasteful is one of the key words. New buildings merge in sympathetically with the old. Nowhere is this more evident then in the Fye Bridge area where old warehouses have been replaced by new apartments that blend in beautifully with historic buildings like the Merchant House.

Placing the new in with the old has actually enhanced the city. Nobody would have given the Merchant House a second glance when it was situated amongst rotting buildings. Now, however, it stands out again. There are plans to help pedestrians by building two more bridges over the River Wensum and the riverside walk now covers much of the city and is very attractive.

If anything Norwich seems to have modelled itself on York, which is no bad thing. It is a shame that we are so far off the beaten track that we receive relatively small numbers of visitors. For anybody reading this, Norwich is now well worth a visit. It has two excellent shopping centres, an award winning Forum building, a large outdoor market, two Cathedrals, a Norman castle, a picturesque cobbled street in Elm Hill and any other number of delights for walkers willing to look beyond the surface.

Click on the images below to enlarge them (the images were taken at Pull's Ferry and on the riverside walk at the back of Norwich Cathedral).

February 17th - Bright and relatively warm weather in the midst of a very cold and wet winter saw the group undertake a five mile walk around the Costessey area arranged by Maureen. The walk took in urban areas as well as woodland and ended with lunch at the Cherry Tree on Dereham Road, Norwich.

March 3rd - A very pleasant walk around the Brooke area organised by Peter and Helen and concluding with lunch at the local cafe followed by the purchase (for many) of Spurgeons sausages.

March 31st - The Norfolk Broads around Ranworth was the venue for this walk with Bill taking the photographs below. Click on them to see a larger image.

April 14th Being the Easter break there was no walk

April 28th - Coffee at Hethersett Methodist Church was followed by a walk round the fields and roads of Hethersett and the Meltons and lunch at Hethersett Queen's Head

May 12th - A very pleasant walk around the Bowthorpe and Earlham areas of Norwich with lunch at the Clock Tower (two roasts for £10)

 Below are photos by Bill Adcock of the walk at Wroxham Barns in November.

December 8th - Framingham Pigot