The view from St James Hill is familiar to many of us but this walk on Mousehold Heath enabled us to appreciate the many different aspects of this wonderful amenity. When owned by the Cathedral Priory the Heath, which was primarliy used for grazing cattle, stretched to Wroxham in the north and Blofield to the east. When grazing ceased at the end of the 19th century, the Heath grew into the wooded landscape we know today when it was much appreciated by the Edwardians as a very popular Sunday treat at the end of the tram line. At this time rangers managed the Heath from a house (undergoing renovation) for accommodation.

Overlooked by the Victorian Barracks, which are now part of Norwich Prison, the Heath remains popular today with its many users. At times this causes conflict between the conservators and those seeking to enjoy the facilities. A good example is the unofficial mountain bike course which many see as a great way for kids to enjoy exciting outdoor activity. Others see it as spoiling the natural beauty of the woodland. Another ongoing controversy is whether or not to use herbicides to kill invasive foreign weeds attacking the Vinegar Pool area. The debates continue but meanwhile we remain fortunate to have 184 acres of delightful Heath and woodland to enjoy by all.

Then on to a visit to Kelling Hall, designed by Edward Maufe and built 1905-1910 for the Deterding family who still live in it. We were guided around the exterior of the house and toured the wonderfully restored gardens. The party took lunch at another Edwardian house, now a hotel and restaurant, the Sea Marge.

In the afternoon, the group took a guided walk of Overstrand and a tour of The Pleasaunce designed by a young Lutyens at the beginning of his career and built 1878-79. The impact of Voysey is to be seen in the clock tower. The house is not normally open to visitors and we felt very privileged – not least for an excellent cream tea.

Many of us can remeber a Magdalen Street before 1960 with a picturesque Bank at its junction with Botolph Street and thriving little shop known as the Dolls Hospital. Alas that is now replaced with the ugly Magdalen Street flyover. However, the Street remains rich in historical significance and equally well endowed with fascinating buildings. Add to that the knowledge and personality of Rod Spokes, our guide, and we all enjoyed a wonderful tour blessed with somewhat rare summer sunshine.

This was perhaps an expected highlight but, perhaps surprising to many, is the variety of other architectural and historic gems within the Old Town. The nonconformist church is a delight as is its neighbour, the "ultra-modern" (in fact 1970s) black glass of the Norman Foster - Willis Faber building.

Finally, we were made very welcome by the Ipswich Society at the Christchurch Mansion. This contains some wonderful pictures by Constable and Gainsborough which are a "must see" but the way this museum was able to display its costumes in period rooms should encourage Norwich to do something as effective.

On our first outing of 2007, members of the Norwich Society visited Holkham Hall, the vast Palladian mansion which adorns our northern coast, home to the Earl of Leicester.  The house is not unfamiliar to most members, but it always impresses and the landscape and setting provide a wonderful experience of calm and  spaciousness. 

In the morning the party were given a private viewing of the state rooms, including the fine library that has been called the finest room in England.  Lunch was served in  the Old Stables after which Susannah Wade Martins of the East Anglian Study Centre at UEA led a walk to the Monument. The party returned to the coach for a visit to Longlands and the Great Barn with commentary by Dr Wade Martins, followed by tea. 

     The opportunity for a private viewing with special guides attracted  a high demand for tickets and we had to increase the coach size and ask Holkham to accomodate more people.