Lives On The Lines
Folklore, Fossils and Fishing along the Bittern Line
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Episode notes
In the final leg of our journey we uncover the secrets of Norwich, explore leisure on the water, walk in the footsteps of mammoths and uncover an age-old knitting tradition amongst fishing families.
It’s all to be discovered, and so much more, along the Bittern Line.
Norwich tour guide John takes us on an olfactory adventure in the market, through an art deco arcade to castle ramparts on high with stories and secrets from Norfolk’s unofficial capital. Find out how Norwich had its own great fire (well ahead of London!) as we pass through Tudor streets on the way to the city’s beautiful cathedral.
Out of the city and into the serene landscape of the Broads, we explore Hoveton and Wroxham – a gateway to the Broads, and home to a busy tour company. Ruth worked here as a teen and came back as director of the company years later. She explains the unique magic of this place to tourists and locals alike.
As the lines wind along the coast, David, a curator from Norfolk Museums, joins us with his top tips for fossil hunting and to explain some of the incredible finds along the Deep History Coast. He tells us about the West Runton Mammoth and paints a picture of an ice age Norfolk where rhino, hyena and giant deer roamed the landscape! He also explains how you can safely hunt fossils on the beach and the vital role the public plays in uncovering these seaside secrets.
Cromer and Sheringham are two iconic seaside resorts to be enjoyed along the Bittern Line, and we meet local museum founder Tim who tells us how fishing heritage in the area is being preserved by locals today; from fishermen nicknames to the fantastic gansey tradition where close-knit woollen jumpers were worn like a family crest .
Lives on the Lines is created on behalf of the Community Rail Partnerships with Greater Anglia.
Presented and produced by Katharine Kerr for Fresh Air Production.
Explore the Bittern Line at https://bitternline.com
And explore travel with Greater Anglia at https://www.greateranglia.co.uk
Norwich Guided Walking Tours https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/service/guided-walking-tours/
Broads Tours https://www.broadstours.co.uk
Norfolk Museums https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Deep History Coast https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/Deep-History-Coast/
Norfolk Coast Path https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/out-and-about-in-norfolk/norfolk-trails/short-and-circular-walks/norfolk-coast-path
Sheringham Museum https://www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk
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