Originally published in the North Norfolk News, June 2009. Lightly proofread from the surviving column copy, with routine sign-offs or unrelated asides trimmed. The views, figures and circumstances are those of the period.
Recently I caught a glimpse of a high-brow magazine which was running a feature entitled ‘ten things to do in Norfolk before you die’. As you can expect for a sophisticated publication the usual suspects were in there such as the Poppyline railway and a look at Gresham’s school, but it got me thinking about what would be in an alternative guide for the every day person living in Norfolk…
Rather than a visit to the North Norfolk Railway, the typical Norfolk person has to have ridden the Great Yarmouth snails at least once in their life, while newcomers to the area need to ensure they have instantly had the full Norfolk experience by following a tractor as soon as they arrive in the county.
It has to be an ambition of everyone in Norfolk to have at least seen yourself, a friend or relative on local television at least once – whether it is because you are the focus of the report or because you are gawping at the reporter in the background.
Another experience that I must recommend as part of the most important things you have to do before you die in Norfolk is to tune to BBC Radio Norfolk on an early morning to hear the wonders of presenter Wally Webb. I tuned in very early one morning last year and heard an audio treat of a very confused Webb playing out some modern drum and bass music and being unable to stop it.
I would also vouch for expressing yourself at least once in the media. If you don’t manage to make it on to the television screen you ought to have at least written to the local newspaper and vented your frustration about a pot hole in the road or the state of our public transport. It will make you feel better, and it will make you feel healthier in the long run.
Also one must always try to see their idols at intimate venues such as Holkham Hall or Blickling Hall. As Elton John’s gig at Holkham Hall proved, there will always be a community spirit amongst the crowd throughout. Whether you are there despising the event and wishing for your money back, or enjoying the chance to see a pop star on your doorstep, it truly is the Norfolk way of doing things.
And no childhood in north Norfolk is complete without getting the chance to attend a party where Razz the Clown appears. For those adults deprived of such an opportunity they should ensure their children are treated to such wonders so they too can check this off their list.
However, most importantly, one of the things you have to do before you die in Norfolk is simple. It is to leave. Now this might sound strange but to fully appreciate the county we live in I firmly believe you have to take a trip out of the area and spend some time away. And then upon your return you will soon appreciate the finer things about this place…