In October, ALHS were pleased to welcome Paul Dickson to celebrate the diverse contribution of black people to the history of Norwich and Norfolk. From street traders in the 18th and 19th centuries to Pablo Fanque, the UK’s first black circus impresario, the American servicemen who brought rhythm and blues and soul music to the city and Lucas, the 1960’s US airman, who settled in Norfolk and gave soul to the Orford Cellar.

Paul has worked in the tourism industry in Norfolk for 33 years, initially for the National Trust and then as an independent PR practitioner.  Seven years ago he fulfilled a long held ambition by qualifying as an official City of Norwich tourist guide. Since then he has developed his own guided tours business in Norwich and has expanded into the Broads National Park. Paul additionally works as an independent guide for the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich.

Paul is also an independent publisher working in partnership with Norfolk based authors.

You can view his latest Walking Tours in Norwich and the Broads National Park at https://www.pauldicksontours.co.uk/

Following the excellent lecture on the Viking Age by Tim Pestell in May, in lieu of any payment ALHS have donated to the Norfolk Museums Development Foundation’s ‘Adopt an Object’ project.

The gold bracelet we have adopted was originally decorated with two red garnets in tapered oval settings, one garnet has amazingly remained in place since the 13th century! The inscription translates as “I am here in place of the lady”, so the brooch was probably worn as a love token by a wealthy man. It was found by a metal detectorist in Alby with Thwaite in 2006.

If you would like to adopt one of an eclectic range of medieval objects – from a precious gold ring to a knight’s sword – each with their own fascinating story, please follow the link above.

The history of pubs in a north Norfolk town is explored in our newest book which was launched in November 2018.

The Aylsham Local History Society has produced ‘A New History of Aylsham Public Houses’, covering all the known and many newly discovered sites of licensing premises in the town, including alehouses, beer houses and inns. The book is a revision of the work published by Elizabeth Gale in 2001 and also looks at the important role of women in the business.

As you might expect, the present situation has meant that it has been decided that the meal at the Cliftonville Hotel 25th March, Barbara Miller’s talk 26th March and all of our Summer series: Museum Mardles, have been postponed for healthier times.

There are two other events planned for the Summer, an Embroidery Workshop (22nd June) and a talk about the book ‘Imperial Mud’ (16th July) which we will keep you informed if we can to go ahead with them.

Our 2019 AGM will be held before the talk on Oxnead.