June 26th, 2010
Midsummer at 5 o’clock in the morning – clear blue sky, but golden in the east – even the trees’ topmost leaves are still and reverential of the rising sun. Only nature and the baker are active. The occasional coastal birdmakes a foray inland calling in their foreign tongue, distinct from the singing, chucking and chirruping of the garden and woodland residents. Bumble bees and honey bees are already foraging in the nectarous blossom enriched by the slanting sunbeams, or is it sunbalm?
Summer is fully under way at Norfolk Living. Our new Wimbledon range of green garden furniture is topical and our windbreaks and canvas stools are jolly but not garish. You can secure a bargain in the fashion department where we have leather bags at half price! Our own new collection of scented candles have intriguing fragrances and are looking very special in the Norfolk Living livery. Our own excellent soaps are now joined by shower gel, foam bath and body lotion all bearing the Norfolk Living name. In the courtyard we’ve introduced herbs planted in strawberry pots, troughs and vintage flowerpots.
So enjoy the Norfolk summer and don’t miss the traditional Burnham Market Flower Show and Carnival on Saturday 10th July.
Tags: blossom, midsummer morning
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April 17th, 2010
It’s a beautiful day, one of the warmest of the spring so far, I look up at the clear blue sky and think how good life is. But there is something missing. What is it? It’s the vapour trails left by aircraft. It really is a clear blue sky this morning with nothing to mar it. I’ve often been disappointed that aircraft passing the Norfolk coast leave the evidence of their progress in such a marked way, though at the same time, wished I had been up there on my way to another distant exotic location for two or three weeks exploration. Though we must feel compassion for those held up far from home, those wishing to leave home and the affected businesses, let us enjoy the big empty skies while we can. There may not be another opportunity in our lifetime. It’s an ill wind that blows no good.
The exciting news from Norfolk Living is that we are one of five finalists for the 2010 ‘Great’ award for the best independent gift shop in London, the south and south-east. We will be going to a lavish Oscars-style event at the Lancaster hotel opposite London’s Hyde Park next month hoping for glory, fame and a great big trophy!
Tags: Clear spring sky awards trophy
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March 17th, 2010
The Goosebeck is flowing
On Saturday a local resident on Market Place told me that water was seeping into her cellar. Was this a sign that the Goosebeck was about to start flowing? Indeed it was! It is a natural spring emerging in a pond at the western end of the village behind the surgery. When the water table is high enough the pond overflows and a stream runs from there behind Westgate church along the edge of Fairstead Green, then across the road in front of The Hoste Arms and past the little car park, across the road past Norfolk Living, across the green and then into an underground pipe eventually joining the River Burn. Children love to watch cars splashing through it, a sight that is often photographed by visitors. There are some pedestrian bridges across it but look out for vehicles might give you a soaking.
A stream of lovely new products are flowing into Norfolk Living to give a fresh spring country look. (How about that for a link!). We are about to launch our annual Spring Garden Sale, featuring special offers on garden furniture and stock clearance to make room for new lines. This is the time to pick up a bargain for this season’s outdoor living. Surely we’re going to have a fine summer after that cold, cold winter!
Tags: garden summer, Goosebeck, splash, spring
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February 16th, 2010
Snowdrops are showing their heads and when the sun is shining the birds are practising for spring; not very far away now. We are all in a state of anticipation, watching for the new buds to appear and for the soil to start breaking open with the force of new growth eager to see daylight.
We are excited by the new season in Norfolk Living as well. Our new buyers have been very busy searching out new products that will enhance our country look The end wall of the Old Stable has been rebuilt and we are redesigning the interior to complement the rustic nature of the building and to improve our displays. We hope this will look appealing to you and make it easier for you to make your selection.
Tags: birds, country, season, snowdrops, spring
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January 7th, 2010
During the icy weather travelling has been made difficult. of course, and keeping warm as well, but we have been treated to the most beautiful country scenes. Because the sun is not obscured by high hills Norfolk benefits from seeing the sun, when it is not hiding behind clouds, for most of the day. Shining through mist hovering a yard above the ground, finding the gaps through bare trees, the sun from its low angle highlights the textures of the land and transforms into a million jewels every drop of frozen water and ice crystal. Yes, our wildlife has suffered but our children have revelled in the rare joys of snowballing, tobagganing and building snowmen, without health and safety mishaps I hope.
The snow meant that Norfolk Living saw a few fewer visitors as we had hoped just before Christmas but that was to be expected. On the first day no staff could get in to work so the boss manned the till! It seems that he did OK – only two mistakes! We now have our January Sale in full swing with prices reduced by a third to a half on some very good products. We offer these bargains to make space for new ranges arriving from February onwards. Happy New Year to you all.
Tags: Burnham, countryside, Norfolk, sale, snow
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November 19th, 2009
As I write, the Christmas lights are being put up in the trees in the middle of the village. If you haven’t seen them lit up you have missed a treat. There are hundreds of small white lights twinkling away right up to the top of the horse chestnuts and limes and, with the addition of lights on shops and houses around the Market Place, it is a real festive spectacle enjoyed by young and old. Saturday 21st November is the day they are switched on.
Well, we are certainly in the winter season now. Hundreds of geese flying overhead, leaves scattered by the wind, woolly hats and scarves keeping us warm, hot soup for lunch. The varying seasons mean changes in colours and wildlife, a chill breath of wind on one side of your face, the warmth of the sun on the other. Walks in the woods are so much more rewarding now. Sunbeams find a way through the tangle of branches to spotlight a cluster of russet leaves and perhaps a bird busily searching for food. The beaches and marshes take on a bleaker but still beautiful character enhanced by the calls of our avian visitors and mists in the early morning. Surrounded by all this, it is little wonder that Burnham Market is so popular.
Tags: Burnham Market, Christmas, Christmas Lights, Norfolk, North Norfolk, winter
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