Archive of Events
The Rise and Fall of the Yarmouth Herring Industry – Mary Fewster – April 2026
The talk explained why Yarmouth became such a major herring fishery centre, and then concentrated on the period between 1880 and 1960, charting the introduction of steam-powered boats, and increased catches to the ‘golden year’ of 1914. It looked at the different types of cure, and the impact of increasing Scottish involvement with the fishery. It…
Who put the Great in Great Yarmouth? – Stuart Burgess – March 2026
A look at the rise of the town of Great Yarmouth from the end of the Roman period to the 16th century. Stuart explored how and why the Saxon street pattern of Burgage Plots survived until 1945. He examined how the names of Gorleston and ‘Yarmouth’ developed and how the merchant’s of the town fought for…
North Norfolk Sea Defences through the Ages – Brian Farrow – February 2026
Brian told us about his work with the NNDC during which time he was responsible for coordinating work on the Sea Defences for our stretch of Norfolk’s Deep History Coast. Brian reviewed past and current Canutian activities
Annual Social Event for Members – December 2025
The winter social event for SHG members was a visit to the Quaker Meeting House on Cremer Street, Sheringham. A total of some 30 members attended what was both an interesting and entertaining afternoon hosted by the “Friends”, as members of the Society are called. Friend Sheila gave us a potted history of the Quakers in…
When Heroes Die-Sue Smart – November 2025.
A powerful and moving Remembrance Day talk with author Sue Smart. Sue shared the story of a single, fateful generation from Gresham’s School who answered the call to arms in the First World War and never returned.Sue, a former Deputy Head and history teacher at Gresham’s, brought to life the stories of over 110 former…
Norfolk 1945 – From War to Peace-Neil Storey – October 2025
For his annual talk in Sheringham, Neil Storey our Honorary President took a look back at the last year of the conflict, VE Day, VJ Day and life in town and county immediately after the war, vividly told in stories and historic photographs from Neil Storey’s remarkable archive.
Fishermen, Bathers and Beach Folk- Helen Murray – September 2025
Helen followed up her talk on Newhaven Court in Cromer with talk on the lives of those featured in artist Juliet Seebhom’s sketches. We were treated to very colourful account of turn of the 19th century beach life in Cromer. AGM papers were distributed ahead of the meeting. After the talk there was the opportunity…
Annual Summer Excursion
On July 5th some 24 members of Sheringham History Group held their annual Summer excursion, this year to the North Norfolk Railway. We were hosted by SHG member Andrew Munden, the retired Operations Director for the NNR, who provided an excellent overview of the company, and a privileged look behind the scenes! The visit concluded…
Don’t know where, don’t know when: living with uncertainty-Phyl Styles- June 2025
History Group member Phyl Styles marked the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) with a look at everyday life in the town after five grim years of war, and with loved ones still away fighting in the Far East.Based on extensive interviews with surviving residents who remember the day, Phyl revisited the very…
The Life and Times of Elizabeth Fry-Georgette Vale-May 2025
Georgette Vale gave members a live history presentation. They were transported back to 1845. Members heard about Mrs Fry’s life as a Quaker and her work as a prison reformer, philanthropist, anti-slavery campaigner and more besides.
Of Patient Bearing : A history of General Practice in eight generations-Stephen Gillam-April 2025
Stephen Gillam is a semi-retired GP and public health specialist who has written extensively in both fields. He comes from a line of Norfolk apothecaries and general practitioners dating back eight generations to 1770.The author of a book bearing the title of this talk, he has won awards from both the RCGP and the Society…
But for a simple twist of fate…..Phil Hawes-February 2025
The story of Tom Bourdillon, Gresham School’s “nearly man”. Phil will describe to us how, just days before Hillary and Tensing reached the summit of Mt. Everest in 1953, Bourdillon and his companion Charles Evans reached the South Summit of the peak, just 100 M from their goal. They have gone down in mountaineering history…
