Play
(All images below taken at the 4.45pm performance today).
Circus entrance.
If you’ve read our previous entry, or read our recent tweets, you’ll know that the Circus is in town. What fun then, to take ringside seats at the opening performance, along with a just-turned-three Little Man, for whom it was his first ever circus.
From start to finish, this family-oriented operation was was an example in excellent customer service – everyone was polite, friendly and helpful. Refreshingly, fairground-style food and drink offerings inside the ‘Big Top’ were reasonably priced and parking was free.
Excitedly waiting for the show to open.
The show began with ‘loveable clown’ Pom-Pom, who also filled in at various times throughout, ensuring the audience never got bored. Not one of your freaky, coulrophobia-inducing clowns, he was more like a mad old man, communicating mostly through some sort of kazoo. He was forgiven for dragging me onto ‘centre stage’ at one point for his later (somewhat surprising) performance as Freddy Mercury in an ‘I Want To Break Free’ skit.
Pom Pom the Clown.
We were then treated to act after act of talented, and clearly passionate, performers that ranged from the jaw-droppingly awesome (Nataliya Vasileva and Aleh Zhur-Kursevich performing breathtakingly beautiful feats involving aerial straps) through the impressive and fun (juggling and boomerang hat-chucking Juan Pablo Martinez) to the perfect for kids (giant bubbles!) and slightly edgy (fire-eating, sword balancing).
Aerial Straps display.
Juan Pablo, juggling.
Acrobatics on a tiny bike!
In two parts with an interval, the level was just right for a crowd of pre-school age and above, with enough real skill and slightly nerve-wracking moments (Russian-bar acrobats the Four Vasiliev were very impressive) for adults too.
Russian Bar Acrobats, the Four Vasiliev.
In all, if you liked acts such as Spellbound from a certain reality tv show, get yourself down to the real thing, close up, with less Cowell-esque over-production and much more reality.
Rather them than me...
A giant sized candy floss later (another first) and Little Man concluded that the circus was “fun”. We spent the rest of the way home explaining why he really must not try most of it at home…
Sword balancing.
Sword balancing plus table-cloth trick.
Oh and if you don’t want to risk being dragged up to help Pom Pom out with his general silliness, don’t sit at the front. Actually, it probably won’t save you – he gets pretty much everywhere. Bless his stripy socks and oversized red clown boots.
Circus Finale.
The NETHERLANDS NATIONAL CIRCUS
performs under the Luxury Theatre Big Top at
NORFOLK COUNTY SHOWGROUND
COSTESSEY, NORWICH NR5 0TT
EVERY DAY from
TUESDAY 14th to SUNDAY 19th JUNE (and then on to Royal Green, Lowestoft Tuesday 28th June – Sunday 3rd July).
Standard Tickets from £12 Adults, £10 Children (online discounts available).
BOX OFFICE on site daily 10am to 8pm, or ring 0844 415 5228 – Early bookers’ DISCOUNT at www.netherlandscircus.eu
Peter Johns with his prestigious award.
Peter Johns, Manager of Eaton Golf Club in Norwich since 2008, has had an excellent start to 2011 after being awarded the title of ‘Golf Club Manager of the Year’ in a national competition organised by the Golf Club Manager’s Association.
Incredibly, this is Peter’s first job as a golf club manager, having been a member of Eaton Golf Club since 1979.
Turning 100 years old in 2010, Eaton Golf Club is a rare and delightful component of the Norfolk golfing scene. Described previously as “a golfing oasis” and “the hidden gem”, it can be found literally just outside the City Centre, accessible via the A11 Newmarket Road. This fact is easily forgotten since the beauty and serenity of the course easily belie its situation.
A worthy challenge for golfers of all standards and abilities, the undulating parkland course measures 6118 yards (par 70) for Men and 5562 (par 72) for Ladies. Being extensively tree lined, accurate and intelligent shots are essential, particularly off the tees.
Throughout his time as Manager, Peter has introduced a number of initiatives, designed to increase membership and social membership to the club (which has risen from 40 to 130 social members through Peter’s tenure), and to modernise the way the club operates – all vital in securing its future for the next 100 years. These include bringing the perviously franchised catering provision in-house and the introduction of an online tee booking system. Personally, Peter has successfully taken the Certificate in Golf Club Management at Bucks New University.
Fundamentally, Peter’s success lies in his obvious devotion to the club. Viewing his accolade as ‘adding value to the club, he paid tribute to past and present board members and is known to have remarked: “People say if you cut me in half you would find Eaton Golf Club written through me”.
Clearly delighted (and rightfully so), Peter says this is “the pinnacle of my career”.
Working with Eaton Golf Club for several years now, we at EnjoyNorwich.com would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Peter and all at the club in receiving this well-deserved honour.
Peter Johns gives his acceptance speech.
Eaton Golf Club.
Newmarket Road, Norwich, NR4 6SF.
Tel: 01603 451686.
www.eatongc.co.uk
Typical Gymboree class layout.
The nominees for the prestigious ‘What’s On 4 2011 Junior Awards’ in association with Konfidence have just been announced – and Gymboree Play & Music is delighted to be amongst them.
The award programme, which is once again supported by Prima Baby & Pregnancy magazine, is now in its fifth year and celebrates the best activities from throughout the UK as nominated and voted for by parents and parents-to-be.
Gymboree Play & Music from Norwich is a nominee in the Best National Pre-Schooler category which means they will now go through to the national voting stage!
Babies enjoying Gymboree in Norwich.
This year, the awards are bigger than ever, covering 18 different categories ranging from Best National Pre-Schooler Activity to Most Outstanding Community Group Volunteer for children. A record 3300 nominations have been received - over 33% more than in 2010 and so this nomination is a great achievement.
Parachute fun at Gymboree.
Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 30 years. Today there are over 550 locations in 30 countries, making them the global leader in early childhood development programs. Designed by experts, their age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. The Gymboree programs are also recognised for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development.
Ruth Moate from Gymboree Norwich said: “We are delighted to be nominated yet again for this award, it means so much to us that parents take the time to show how much they love Gymboree”.
Ruth Moate, Owner of Gymboree Norwich.
Each and every children’s activity, party venue, entertainer and volunteer from throughout the UK has had the opportunity to be nominated, thus ensuring these awards are a true representation of parents views and a reflection of their eagerness to reward the very best!
From 7th March to 6th May 2011, parents can log onto any of the award winning on-line directories – www.whatson4littleones.co.uk to vote for their favourite from all of the nominees which have qualified.
The winners will be announced on 9th June 2011 at the Hilton Cobham at a champagne award ceremony where the winners of the community awards will also receive prizes for their groups. Everyone who votes or nominates will be in with a chance to win 2 VIP tickets to the award ceremony and meet the finalists, presenters and other VIP guests.
Bubble fun at Gymboree Norwich.
Clare from Gymboree Norwich.
Fun for Toddlers at Gymboree Norwich.
- 18/05/2012 - Victorian Shell Artistry May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Shipwrecked! Back to 1897 May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - A Walk Through Time: The Victorians May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Norwich 20 Group – Looking into 20 – paintings and sculpture at The Forum May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Tony Foster Paintings/Angela Harding Prints May 18, 2012