A rumour that pirates will be taking over Great Yarmouth’s Town Hall have been confirmed.
Mayor’s secretary Laura Goodman confessed that guides for this year’s tours of the building during the Maritime Festival have been so hard to recruit that she has turned to seafaring bandits.
“In fact they are really council staff who have jumped at the chance of dressing up for two days,” admitted Laura.
“It will set a light-hearted tone to the two days. As well as the entertainment on South Quay and the river we will be inviting people to come and enjoy a guided tour of the Town Hall.
“And despite the exterior being shrouded in scaffolding and plastic sheeting this is an ideal time to see some of the borough’s treasurers and learn the history of the building.”
The Town Hall will also play host to local historian Colin Took who will give 30 minute talks during the two days on Newtown, South Quay, the town centre, and topically in its 800th anniversary year King John’s Charter.
If the large boats moored at the quay are a little overpowering an exhibition of model boats, by Gorleston Model Boat Club, is this year boasted with special exhibits around replicas of the Titanic and one of its tender’s Nomadic.
“The original Nomadic has just been taken to Ireland for refurbishment,” explained Sylvia Secker the club’s events organiser.
“One of our member’s Robin Burrows has built a replica of the Nomadic whose history also includes being a tender for the SS Olympic, a rescue boat during the war and a floating restaurant in Paris.
“Robin has also built a model of the Titanic which will be on display with one built by my husband Bob. There will also be memorabilia from both of the original boats.”
The exhibition also includes models of working fairgrounds and there will be a tombola in aid of three charities Chernobyl Children, Quidenham Hospice and for children with Treacher Collins syndrome.
Teas will also be available.
“The proceedings will begin on Saturday September 6 at 10am with the Mayor Councillor Terry Easter leading a civic procession to the South Quay,” added Laura.
Colin Took’s talks are:
Saturday - 12.30 Newtown, 2pm King John’s Charter, 3.30 South Quay
Sunday - 11am King John’s Charter, 12.30 Town centre, 2pm South Quay, 3.30 Newtown.
For further information contact Mayoral and Civic Events Officer Laura Goodman on 01493 846125.