FUN & GAMES

There was plenty to be had all through history, it seems! Here are a few newspaper reports, and the page ends with photos bringing the village celebrations up to date:

Lowestoft Journal 10 April 1909 has photographs of Point-to-Point races at Flordon - 19th Hussars and Norwich Staghounds

Great photo of Flordon FC in 1913 - is the Rector the Manager?
Location uncertain - and most of these men would have gone to war a year or two later.... 
Any offers on names??   (photo thanks to Jean Cook)

Diss Express, 12 Oct 1923 reports 'In 2nd Round of Norfolk Junior Cup: Flordon United playing Diss'

Diss Express, Feb 1927 - In the 2nd round of the Norfolk Charity Shield, Flordon United played Diss Reserves and lost 2 - 5

ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW & GARDEN FETE

1932 - 'A flower show and garden fete took place on Saturday a the rectory grounds and was opened by Mr J A Christie, MP.... In welcoming him, the Rector (Rev H Martin Thorpe) spoke of the help given by Mr Christie to various organisations in the parish and the interest he had shown in them.... Over 400 people were present and various side-shows did good business.... The Long Stratton British Legion Band was in attendance and played selections throughout the afternoon and evening....'

1933 - 'A garden fete and show took place on Saturday in the Rectory grounds. It was opened by Miss Violet Kemp of Gissing Hall and in welcoming her the Rector (Rev. H. Martin Thorpe) spoke of the affection which the parishioners had for her father, Kenneth Kemp. who had a life-long connexion with the parish. Miss Kemp was presented with a beautiful bouquet by Miss Jean Cadman.
On the lawn and rectory meadow numerous side shows did good business.... In the evening two performance os the play "A Very Lame Dog" were given in the Rectory Room.... A baby show was judged by Dr Gibson, assisted by Nurse Sexton and Mrs Rackham.... The prizes were distributed by the Rector after which dancing on the lawn was indulged in. As a result of the fete it is hoped a sum of about £20 will be available for Church funds....'

1st August 1936 - 6th Annual Flower Show and Garden Fete were held in Rectory grounds. 'made possible by the willing help of many who have made a success of the three previous years. In this conncetion we welcome the Rev Aldwell and Mrs Aldwell as keen and willing helpers....' Mrs Hastings of Rainthorpe Hall was invited to open the Show at 2.30, followed by side-shows, children's sports (12 different races!), prize-giving at 7pm and auction of exhibits, followed by a dance with the New Buckenham Silver Band. There were 38 categories that amateur gardeners of Flordon, Hapton, Tharston, Tasburgh and Newton Flotman could enter. 'The horticultural show was held in the Rectory Room. The quality of the exhibits was considered an improvement on that of the previous year.'

CORONATION REVELS 1953
Flordon prepared for the weather with 'big farm carts, the space between them spanned by ladders and roofed with a [hay-] stack cover to keep all dry. Festivities included a children's fancy dress parade, races for all ages, a children's tea-party, with a Coronation mug for each; a meat tea and beer for the adults, with a glass of wine for the toasts - and everyone sang 'God save the Queen' before and after. After supper (and a rest) there was a soccer game played with a rugby ball between single and married men (score 2 - 2) followed by a tug-o'-war across the river - decided by the best of three pulls, and the single men won! Everyone was soaked, of course - but who wasn't on Coronation Day? Finally there was dancing and a bonfire to conclude.
[Summary of the the report by Jonathan Mardle in the EDP which you can download below to read in full]

FLORDON VILLAGE DAY

Flordon Village Day was born in 1980 when the village's only meeting room was being sold with the Rectory and 'village blight' seemed to have struck. 'But the Parish Council had other ideas. The village, once a year, should meet, they agreed. And they took the responsibility of organising an annual social for newcomers to meet neighbours, for friendships to be formed which would see the lonely through the winter and would enrich the lives of the more active.....
'So the formula for the last 4 years was repeated on Saturday (August 4th 1984). Food is from a barbecue, salads and puddings are donated by the village, The nearest pub from Tharston runs the bar and a gentleman with a delightful Norfolk accent is disco king.... 

The Village Day is now attended by literally everyone in the village and by those who have moved away.... No committee meets to organise the event, held in the orchard and Dutch barn of farmer and Parish Council chairman George Fincham. Everyone knows it takes place on the first Saturday in August so on the preceding Thursday, men from every walk of life meet to clear the barn, set up trestles for the bar, arrange a trailer for the disco and electricity supply, mow the meadow. Tables for side shows follow on Friday night when the barbecue is built and Saturday morning sees almost every family in the village arrive with food for the evening....' The EDP article (11 Aug 1984) goes on to describe the makeshift loos, the pony rides (free), children's races, sideshows, and the food: '300 are fed and watered by the time dusk falls and the disco starts.... The bar closes, the night comes to an end. No appeal for help clearing up the following day is necessary - everyone turns up anyway.'
[Photos, Ann Barnes]

21st Century
Since 2013 village events can take place in the Community Centre, with the refurbishment of Flordon Church. With pews removed, walls replastered, floor replaced and a kitchen and toilet added it has become a community hub for regular events and special occasion....