Bits and bobs from across the borough

A MIXED pairs darts contest will be held at Flints pub in Great Yarmouth tomorrow (Saturday) night. The David Smith Ten Year Memorial Competition starts at 8pm. Entry is �2 and proceeds go to Bab’s and Mary’s Friday Club.

Cobholm Primary School has its Christmas bazaar on Monday (2pm). As well as stalls and games, there will be a Santa’s grotto and raffle. The school choir will also be singing at Tesco on December 10 from 2pm.

Anyone heading to the Cliff Park Infants School Christmas Fayre tomorrow will get the chance to say hello to Santa in his grotto. There will also be a grand raffle, tombola, games and craft stall to enjoy. The fayre is from 10am till midday.

A free evening of Christmas music and carols organised by the three Rotary Clubs of Great Yarmouth will take place at Christchurch on Wednesday, December 15, from 7.30pm. Local musician Maxim Calver and the choir from St Mary’s Primary School will be performing.

Great Yarmouth First Responders has teamed up with Pub on the Shrubs, Hawthorn road, Gorleston to run fortnightly fund-raising quizzes from Thursday, January 6.

Stokesby hosts its own three day beer festival, starting today in the village community centre at 5pm with a dozen local ales. There will also be food, live music and a quiz over the weekend with reasonably-priced real ales and strong ciders from seven Norfolk and Suffolk breweries. The event continues tomorrow and Sunday from noon until late, with traditionally cooked lherring, bangers and burgers from the barbecue. Wine and soft drinks will also be on offer. Local musicians will perform tomorrow evening and the weekend will be rounded off with a quiz on Sunday evening.

Caister Lifeboat visitor centre, shop and station will be open Sunday from 10am till 1.30pm. Admission is �2, children free, with coffee and souvenir brochure.

A family history day is taking place at Yarmouth Library on Monday. Visitors can learn to use the Ancestry.com website to track down family history. Discover your home’s past at a House History day at the library on Tuesday. Both events run from 9.30 to 11am and 11.30am to 12.45pm. Free, but booking is essential on 01493 844551. On Wednesday the library has a fun Christmas activity session from 4 to 6pm with lots of free, fun things to make and do. Pre-school children are welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Burrage Centre, at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, has a Christmas Fayre on Monday and Tuesday from noon till 7pm. Spencer McCormack, organiser said: “This is a good opportunity for anyone near us or working at the hospital who otherwise might not have the time to do a bit of Christmas shopping.” Stalls are still available for �10 a day; contact Spencer on 01493 452684 or email burrage@hotmail.co.uk

Visitors to South Walsham’s Woodland and Water Garden can meet Father Christmas and his reindeer on Sunday from 5pm to 7pm, �5 per person, and every child receives a present. Music from Top Brass, children’s crafts, mini Christmas market, plus roast chestnuts and mince pies on sale. Pre-booking recommended – call 01603 270449. On Thursday December 16, there is a Christmas Wreath Workshop at 7p, �12 per person includes all materials and tea/coffee and biscuits. Boxing Day and New Year’s Day there are guided walks at 11am with head gardener Ian Guest. Normal admission charges apply.

This year’s pantomime at the Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth, is Peter Pan, which promises music and dance, fun and laughter. Tickets are �7.50, �6 or �24.00 for a family ticket. Performances are on Thursday 13 7.30pm, Friday 14, 7.30pm, Saturday 15, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Visit www.hippodromecircus.co.uk or call the box office on 01493 844172.