Big day out in Somerton
TOMORROW will be a big day in Somerton in more ways than one. The village will be celebrating the life of Norfolk giant Robert Hales - a mere 7ft 8ins tall - with a day of nostalgia and fun.
TOMORROW will be a big day in Somerton in more ways than one. The village will be celebrating the life of Norfolk giant Robert Hales - a mere 7ft 8ins tall - with a day of nostalgia and fun. And there will be lots of events for all the family, including a children's colouring competition, stalls, games and a performance by the Norfollk Broads Concert Band.
The event, nearly two centuries after Mr Hales' birth, comes after stone masons renovated his grave, reviving his story.
He was born in 1813 one of nine children all exceedingly tall and crammed into a cottage demolished in 1963, the centenary of his death aged 50.
Due to his height, he was snapped up by fairground people as a curiosity enabling him to tour Britain, Europe and America - albeit as a freak to be gawped at. He first showed himself off on Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth, accompanied at one time by his 7ft 2ins sister Mary, who died aged 20.
The fete at the village hall, Cottage Road, Somerton, from 2pm to 4pm, will be opened by Eastern Daily Press and Let's Talk Magazine writer and columnist Neil Haverson - and his wife - who believes he may be related to the Hales on his mother's side.
The Norfolk Broads Concert Band will be there to play all afternoon, and visitors can enjoy traditional stalls and games, a children's colouring competition, refreshments, beer tent and ice cream.
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The first prize in the grand draw is �200, donated by Martham Granite and Marble.
Proceeds will be divided between the St Mary's Church and the village hall funds.
The Norfolk Broads Concert Band will be back in the village on the following morning for an open air songs of praise on Somerton Staithe at 10.30am.
