The Norfolk Folklore Society: Our Favourite Stones
Our next Norfolk Folklore Society Talk
Our next Norfolk Folklore Society Talk
The Norfolk Folklore Society: Our Favourite Stones
Wednesday 10 May 2023
£4.50+ Eventbrite fee
Doors open 6.45pm / talk starts at 7.30pm
Arboretum, 43 St. Benedicts St, Norwich NR2 4PG
The Artists Formerly Known as Weird Norfolk talk about stones
As we have already introduced the subject for our next Norfolk Folklore Society newsletter in February’s Substack ahead of our (cancelled) talk, we thought that instead, we would tell you all a little bit more about us.
Here’s a Q&A through a Norfolk lens to give you a little bit of an insight into us and the things we love.
A bit about us
Siofra was a founder member of Weird Norfolk and founded the Norfolk Folklore Society, a group which explores folklore, oddities, magic and the paranormal in the county. Siofra also works with Shuck Zine, a publication all about the stranger side of Norfolk which is illustrated by Matt Willis and written by (actual) ghost writer Ada Nemesis. She lives in Norwich with husband Pete, dog Peanut and chinchillas Princess Yue and Quasar.
Favourite memory:
I should probably say my wedding or something like that, but one of my favourite Norfolk memories is the day I met the Ickeny for the first time. The Ickeny is a Norwich Pagan Moots 'Oss. He is similar to the Welsh Mari Lwyd and is made from a horse's skull mounted on a pole and covered with a sheet. He walks around events causing general mischief and attend rituals. I was honoured to lead the Ickeny at Norwich Pagan Moot's Brocante in Norwich from a couple of years ago.
Favourite Norfolk landmark:
I love the Stockton Stone. It's a glacial erratic on the outskirts of Stockton and it's said that anyone who tries to move will be cursed. I guess most people pass it all the time without even realising it's there. But I always shout "Stockton Stone!" whenever I drive past. I remember the first time I actually stopped off to see it with Stacia. We were travelling back to Norwich form Lowestoft and it was pitch black. Stacia pulled into the layby where it sits, and I leapt out and ran through stinging nettles to see it. It was worth it though!
Favourite attraction/day out in Norfolk:
Norwich Castle Museum is one of my favourite attractions. It's full of unusual exhibits - my favourites include Sir John Heydon's severed and mummified hand, Bellarmine bottles (also known as witch bottles), mourning jewellery made from hair and death masks. I can't wait for it to reopen fully!
Favourite Norfolk pub:
It's not technically a pub, but my favourite bar is Arboretum on St Benedicts Street in Norwich. It's just so atmospheric, has some of the best cocktails in the city and there are dogs, lots of dogs. It’s also home to the Norfolk Folklore Society’s talks.
Place to eat in Norfolk: If my husband and I are really looking to treat ourselves we head to Shiki on Tombland in Norwich.
Favourite Norfolk Beach:
It has to be Mundesley for me. I've watched many a sunrise there.
Favourite Norfolk shop:
Abstract Sprocket on St Benedicts Street, Norwich. I've been going there nearly every Saturday to pick up comics for over 20 years.
Favourite Norfolk export
I may be biased, but I'm going to say my favourite export is Shuck Zine. I work on this little publication with illustrator extraordinaire Matt Willis and ghost writer (she's literally a ghost) Ada Nemesis. I'm so proud of what we do and the fact that we send copies of the zine all over the country and the world. There has been a recent resurgence in interest in folklore, witchcraft and traditions and I'm extremely proud to be part of a talented team who are shining (the Lantern Man's) light on Norfolk.
Favourite walk in Norfolk:
I enjoy a wander around Rosary Cemetery in Norwich. It's such a beautiful, magical place, especially in the spring when you get snowdrops, then primroses and then bluebells. There is also lots of wildlife to look out for.
Stacia was a founder member of Weird Norfolk and has just joined the Norfolk Folklore Society after leaving the EDP and Norwich Evening News. She is also brand and social media manager for The Assembly House in Norwich and designs and its themed afternoon teas. She lives in Norwich with husband Richard, has two adult children, Ruby and Cole and she writes. A lot.
Favourite memory:
Taking my children to Disneyland: the moment they found out, getting married, watching my Mum realise a life-long dream of leading heavy horses at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse.
Favourite Norfolk landmark:
Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus. Built by legendary showman George Gilbert in 1903, this is my favourite building in the whole world. It’s where knives have been thrown, swords have been juggled, bears have danced, Lillie Langtry has sung and Houdini staged his escape acts and it’s been preserved so beautifully by owner Peter Jay, who I am lucky enough to count as a friend. Everything about this treasure of a building is a feast for the eyes and the shows are jaw-droppingly brilliant. Just you wait until you see the water feature.
Favourite attraction/day out in Norfolk:
See above: the Hippodrome. But I’m also partial to the seaside, Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, North Elmham Cathedral, ruins, old churches…there are just too many. Norfolk is AMAZING.
Favourite Norfolk pub:
I am the definition of a cheap date. My ability to down a dozen double vodkas in my 20s has been replaced with feeling quite tipsy after one cocktail, so if I’m going to a pub, it’ll be to eat. The Warham Three Horseshoes does an amazing vegetarian Sunday roast and it’s next door to the incredible Warham Camp. You can read about Wareham camp HERE.
Place to eat in Norfolk:
I mean if I don’t say The Assembly House, I might be sacked.
Favourite Norfolk Beach:
I love the seaside so much: it’s hard to choose. We definitely visit Great Yarmouth the most – it’s FULL of amazing stories and weirdness (plus chips, doughnuts and ice cream) – but if I had to choose a beach, it would be Eccles of sea monster fame. I used to go there with the kids after school all the time with a picnic and stay until sunset.
Favourite Norfolk shop:
My husband and I LOVE a shop called Littleblood in Walsingham. It is a highly dangerous shop (to us) so we have to limit our visits to when we stay up the road at our favourite bed and breakfast in the county, The Control Tower at Egmere – if we didn’t, Littleblood would have no stock. It’s a cabinet of curiosities and treasure which is jam-packed full of unusual and unique objects, vintage furniture and quirky decorative items.
Favourite Norfolk export
Siofra’s gone for Shuck Zine, and I am in agreement, but I’d widen the net to say Black Shuck himself. Other counties claim him, but we don’t need validation. He is ours.
Favourite walk in Norfolk:
It would have to be one of a few in Old Costessey, where I grew up. Either Snakeshill Woods, which the villagers helped to buy for The Woodland Trust and which is full of bluebells in spring, the Old Cricket Ground (you have to be a local to know where it is) where my Dad taught me to ride a bike or Greenhills Woods where I camped as a Brownie Guide. We ran about in the dark being owl-girls, created our own bonfires, heated up minestrone soup and heard stories about the witches that live in the village. No wonder I am where I am…
Don’t forget that newsletter subscribers get early access to event tickets, so get yours now. They’ll go on general sale on Sunday 30
Some interesting things to do in Norfolk in May:
May: online - Gather the family and settle down for a fantastic wintry tale from the Learning Team at Norwich Castle. The Green Man tells the story of a boastful squire and the beauty of our natural world. Suitable for ages 5+ https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle/whats-on/events/the-green-man
May 9: Mannington Hall: A rate chance to visit the moated hall built in the mid-15th century and home to one of the county’s most famous ghosts https://norfolkrecordofficeblog.org/2022/10/31/the-ghostly-mystery-of-mannington-hall/ - find out more here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/manningtonhall/863730/
May 12 to 28: Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2023 - https://nnfestival.org.uk
May 13: Church Tour organised by the Round Tower Churches Society – Herringfleet, Blundeston and Gunton: https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/events/church-tour-organised-by-the-round-tower-churches-society-herringfleet-blundeston-and-gunton/
May 14: Gravestones and Tombstones of Great Yarmouth Minster Guided Heritage Walk - https://www.visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk/whats-on/gravestones-and-tombstones-of-great-yarmouth-minster-guided-heritage-walk-p1442521
May 21: Free tour of The Assembly House including the crypt hosted by The Assembly House Trust, spaces must be booked in advance https://www.eventbrite.com/e/assembly-house-tour-tickets-559534110587?aff=erelexpmlt
May 23: Kirstead Hall: This 450-year old hall near Brooke in Norwich is filled with treasures and also boasts anti-witchcraft charms etched into paint on the porch walls. Find out more here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/kirsteadhall/786171/#
May 25-28: Great Yarmouth Beer and Circus Festival. Does what it says on the tin: https://outtherearts.org.uk/events/great-yarmouth-beer-circus-festival/
May 26: Beer with Strangers, a City of Ale event: A special event for City of Ale at Strangers’ Hall. Discover four amazing Belgian and Norfolk beer collaborations and chat to the brewers behind them, in an event hosted by renowned beer writer Roger Protz and held in a beautiful historical garden https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/strangers-hall/whats-on/beer-with-strangers
Very interesting post, thanks. I am not familiar with a Norfolk Moot 'Oss. But it's got me thinking about where the crossover is between Mari Llwd, Moot 'Oss, 'Obby 'Oss and Old Tup? I bet if someone mapped them, they'd crop up all over the place.
So lovely to read about your favourite places! Sounds like there are so many gems to explore, it’s invaluable to have your wealth of experience in all things mystical and weird to draw on 💜 I was slow to open my emails so sadly missed out on tickets to the next talk but look forward to hopefully listening back on the podcast if it gets recorded🤞