Here we enjoyed an excellent early lunch (with efficient waitress service) before joining our train of miniature carriages and being transported at amazing speeds of up to 20-30 mph (with a good deal of swaying and rattling), through typical Norfolk countryside to Wroxham, where our Broads cruiser awaited.

On board one had the choice of the canopied upper deck or the more comfortable saloon (with bar), which if it didn’t quite provide the panoramic views of the upper deck was the choice of the more discriminating passengers.

Throughout the entire tour our skipper kept us entertained with a remarkably well-informed commentary on the passing scene and the history and wildlife of the Broads. I think everyone was impressed by the beauty of the places we traversed and the many waterbirds which inhabit these waterways, but sadly the only Kingfisher to be seen proved to be a stuffed one in a resident's garden. However we saw herons, coots, ducks, geese and swans aplenty and thoroughly enjoyed our voyage, only suffering one short sharp shower, which didn’t even drive the stalwarts off the upper deck. In fact all remarked how lucky we had been to get such a warm summery day.

Arriving back at Wroxham we were whisked off to the local Wroxham Barns, where many of us enjoyed an afternoon tea and a walk around the excellent craft shops, before rejoining our coach for the return trip. Our driver cleverly chose a route home that avoided Norwich and its traffic, and went cross-country to join the A11, then it was on to the M11 and M25 and home, getting into Brentwood at about 7.30 pm. All in all it was a splendid trip and reflected great credit on the organiser. Thank you Annette! (Report Geoffrey Spratt)