Sunday 27 November 2011

Broads on the radar

Yesterday was the monthly Humbleyard Hoofers walk. We went to Horning, parked at the village hall (where we bought home-made cakes), and did a circular walk of six and a half miles in good walking weather. Not too hot, not too cold, and dry. There was a bit of a keen wind which encouraged a good pace.


One highlight was the WWII radar installation at RAF Neatishead. The radar dish was impressive (visible on the skyline above the person on the left in the above photo).


The station was operational for more than 50 years from 1941 until after the end of the Cold War. My 1997 Ordnance Survey map doesn't show it, but more up-to-date OS maps do.
It's now a museum.


I'll have to return when it's open. Although it's not on the same scale as the Secret Bunker at Hack Green (on the Shroppie) I'm sure it will take me at least double the two hours it suggests!


The huge green dish dominated the skyline for a good part of our walk.


St. Peter's Church, Neatishead provided a good stop for coffee (and there was even a loo!)


I'm sure someone will be able to tell me the name of this red-stemmed bush. There were several planted in a new-looking hedge. Aren't they what you see in municipal parks and formal gardens?


Horning is known to many as a village on the Norfolk Broads, but our route took us away from there. We glimpsed Hoveton Little Broad a couple of times through the houses, but that was it.


The end of the walk. Off with the boots and home for lunch.

9 comments:

Nb Duxllandyn said...

The shrub looks like a red dogwood (Latin name is Cornus, I think).

Mike
Nb Duxllandyn

Adam said...

I agree, it's probably a dogwood. I've got one in my garden.

ann said...

long dogwood stems weave very well into a wreath shape , to make an advent wreath....wind ivy and other evergreens, a few jack o lanterns or red berries and you have a cheerful door decoration....done in mins,

Halfie said...

Mike, Adam and Ann, thank you all.

Anonymous said...

One in our garden!

H.S.

Halfie said...

H.S., Where?

Brian and Diana on NB Harnser said...

A remember some of the Acle retained firemen losing their lives when they attended an underground fire at Neatishead. It must have been about 1965

Brian and Diana on NB Harnser said...

It was 1966 and 3 firemen died, details can be seen here
http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1966/aug/08/raf-neatishead-radar-station-fire

Halfie said...

Thanks Brian. A tragic tale of a Leading Aircraftman deliberately setting fire to the place.