living on the North Norfolk Coast
The Strand Club’s AGM & March Meeting
Our chairlady opened the meeting held at the White Horse, Overstrand greeting us and many visitors. Chris began her 25/26 chairlady’s report again thanking her committee colleagues for their continued support, enthusiasm and expertise. Her report identified some of the highlights of 2025 notably the very successful August Charity event at Northrepps Village Hall when £600.00 was raised for the West Runton Animal Sanctuary.
The Club this year will be raising funds for the local charity Break which supports vulnerable young adults, many of whom have recently left care at age eighteen still requiring guidance and advice into adulthood.
Pauline’s treasurer’s report confirmed a healthy bank balance but she added a severe note of caution as bank charges continued to spiral upwards! It was therefore necessary for both officers to stress the need for regular attendances to the Club’s meetings to maintain funds. Sadly last year attendance was often very sparse. It was therefore a joy to welcome five new members and note seven visitors present at the AGM meeting this month.
This year’s programme, now completed, would again have Mark Stuckey presenting his experiences with the BBC “Repair Shop” and a guided visit to Happisburgh Lifeboat Station in the summer.
Tea and coffee was then served and the popular NNUKES prepared the floor whilst the raffle was drawn. The musicians began to strum their instruments playing the popular songs of the 60s and beyond and encouraging members to sing along. Their rhythmic tunes lifted our spirits and revived many happy memories. Their spirited playing of the fondly remembered duo Morecambe and Wise show’s closing song/lyric,”Bring me Sunshine”, was a very joyful ending to a successful fun and socially active afternoon.
Please join us at our next open meeting in the Barn, White Horse PH, Overstrand, May13th 2026 commencing at 2 pm when Pete Goodrum is returning (Norfolk broadcaster and author) to present “50 Gems of Norfolk”.
We always have a raffle and there is a £3.00 entry fee for visitors which includes refreshments.
Contacts: Chris Wood— thegables8@gmail.com / tel.01263 579433
Jean Fermor—jean.fermor@btinternet.com / tel.01263 578248
The Strand Club’s January Meeting
Members of the Strand Club met in the Barn this month at the White Horse PH.Overstrand. East Anglia’s Break is the Club’s chosen Charity for 26/27 and with this in mind Peter Marron, Break’s Projects Manager, had been invited along to talk of the charity’s vision and explain the organisation’s mission purpose to us. Peter began by telling us that residential homes and disability homes are situated throughout East Anglia and mentors are supporting young people as they transition into adulthood and remain supportive as long as needed. Retail Break charity shops are in many of our local towns.Volunteers sort through donations and engage with customers which is such a rewarding experience.
Peter continued explaining that after a young adult leaves care at age eighteen Break then steps in and assists in finding life and career opportunities and empowering and enabling young people to overcome challenges well into their adulthood. Peter’s talk was inspirational and generated much interest and subsequent questions from our members when he concluded.
Anne warmly thanked him and asked him to join us for refreshments adding she hoped to see him again in August at our Break fund raising event.
The club had received a letter from West Runton Animal Sanctuary thanking us for the £600 we raised for the Sanctuary and another thank you letter from St. Martins Church in Overstrand for the club’s participation in their Christmas tree festival which raised £1148 for their charities.
The AGM meeting is next month, Wednesday, March 11th in the Barn, White Horse PH in Overstrand @ 2 pm. The NNYukes will be playing at the end of the Club’s business matters!
Non-members are very welcome. Entrance fee is £3.00 and includes refreshments,and there is always a quality monthly raffle.
Contacts:Chris Wood thegables8@gmail.com tel;01263 579433
Jean Fermor jean.fermor@btinternet,com tel; 01263 578248
The Strand Club’s December Meeting
Members of the Strand Club in Overstrand enjoyed a very festive afternoon on Wednesday this month celebrating at their annual Christmas tea party in the White Horse PH. Anne, with her strong soprano voice and Harry (at the key board) led the members in a cheerful Christmas Carol sing along, most members in good voice but a few not as tuneful ! The staff of the White Horse cheerfully served a well presented plate of savouries and mince pies and were warmly thanked for the service they had provided throughout the year. Secret Santa presents were much appreciated and demonstrated thoughtful selections by members when choosing their gift.
Our chairlady welcomed Dawn and her colleague who represented
Hillside Animal Sanctuary, the charity the club had chosen to support
during 2025 and she proudly presented a cheque for £600.00. Dawn
thanked our members efforts and hard work and gave a brief
description of the Sanctuary’s recent projects.
Overstrand’s St.Martins Church is repeating last years successful Tree Festival. Two members of the club volunteered to decorate our entry and asked for support for this local village event. The church doors will remain open for viewing until 23rd December.
Our next open meeting will take place on 11th February in the Barn at the White Horse PH, Overstrand, when a representative from the Norfolk charity Break will be explaining their mission statement and recent projects.
Non-members are very welcome.Entrance fee £3.00 including refreshments. A monthly raffle is also held.
Contacts: Chris Wood tel-01263 579433/thegables8@gmail.com
Jean Fermor. - 01263 578248/jean.fermor@btinternet.com
