Bressingham Steam

It is a good many years since I had been to Bressingham Steam Museum. Although we visit Norfolk fairly often it tends to be out of season when the museum is closed so finding ourself that way in summer was an opportunity not to miss and we popped along last week. The museum was started by the horticulturist Alan Bloom in the mid 1960s and there are gardens on site as well. The museum has continued to grow and the main feature is three narrow gauge railways. One is the original 'Garden' railway that inspired the other two bigger and longer railways which you can ride as often as you wish during a visit. We were lucky that one was running steam on our visit.

In addition there are a number of traction engines and full size steam engines, models, memorabilia, artefacts and supporting displays together with a nice little cafe which we made the most of. Certainly worth a visit.

                                                                 

St Mary's Ickworth

This medieval parish church previously served the small village of Ickworth which has now ceased to exist but gradually became the church associated with the Ickworth Estate and is the main burial place for the Hervey family who owned and lived on the estate until the end of the last century. Along with Ickworth House the church is now under the care of the National Trust.

The chancel of the church dates to the 13th century and there have been various additions and changes through the years such as the triple decker pulpit in around 1775. It is an interesting little church even if you do not have strong religious leanings.

                                           

A major loss

It is reported that the Major Oak, a tree in Sherwood Forest that could be around 1200 years old, has died. The main cause is given as long dry summers. Ground compaction from numerous visitors over the years has not helped. The tree is tp be left in place. Here it is 5 years ago when we saw it.

Bucket and Spade Run 2026

The annual car show in Ramsgate. It's three years since I last went to this so popped along in the morning to have a look. It was a little overcast with a couple of spots of rain from time to time which is possibly why the turnout seemed a little down on 2023 but it was never the less a good show and worth making the effort to go.