Sheringham
on the North Norfolk coast, where the big skies meet the
waves |
I was born
by the sea in Sussex, and my forefathers were sea captains,
so it's no surprise that, though I live inland, every now and
then I have to recharge my batteries soaking up the salt spray
and the smell of seaweed.
I usually
take the dog, and sometimes a sympathetic daughter to North
Norfolk, where the big skies meet the waves.
One of the
places I return to regularly is Sheringham – a town steeped
in marine history, where you can walk along the promenade under
the cliffs to the Lifeboat Shed in the winter months, wrapped
in warm coat and gloves, and watch the setting sun cast a golden
glow on the incoming breakers.
Above the
town, gorse and heather grow in pretty profusion. In summer,
the beach is filled with the chatter of families building castles,
and elaborate trenches to the sea….. memories of days spent
with small children and grandparents, sitting against the breakwater
clutching buckets and spades, towels and flasks, and eating
ice creams, while keeping a close eye on dripping swimmers.
After a
long day in far too much ozone and freshly-cooked fish and chips,
a seat at a local theatre is all I ask.
In Sheringham,
I have passed delightful summer evenings being entertained by
the Bridge Theatre Company in rep at the Little Theatre.
A drive
further afield brings a picnic at Westacre ahead of a performance
among the Priory ruins, or a run into the city a first class
drama at the Norwich Theatre Royal, which has become a kind
of spiritual home to me over the last few years.
Good wine
and stimulating company brings to an end a perfect day. Just
some of the many reasons I have spent 25 years in this lovely
county where I intended to stay for just two.
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