Welcome to THE SUMMER NEWSLETTER - JULY 2026
SUMMER NEWSLETTER - JULY 2026
Welcome to the Summer edition of the ERRA newsletter and to any new residents.
SUMMER NEWSLETTER - JULY 2026
Welcome to the Summer edition of the ERRA newsletter and to any new residents.
There was a real carnival atmosphere on Eaton Rise on Saturday, 4 July 2026, as 16 generous homeowners opened their gardens to the community. The weather could not have been kinder: warm but not hot, with a gentle breeze that made wandering between gardens an absolute pleasure. The church was buzzing throughout the day. The café served a steady stream of visitors, stalls displayed local crafts and produce, and talks explored how our gardens can adapt to a changing climate — a topic that sparked much thoughtful conversation. A remarkable 246 tickets were sold, raising £1500 for the local NSPCC charity. Eaton Rise is fortunate to have larger gardens than many city neighbourhoods and each one offered something unique. Walking behind the houses felt like stepping into hidden worlds: ponds alive with wildlife, carefully tended borders, creative planting, and peaceful corners that reflected the personality of each gardener. Visitors were respectful, curious and full of enthusiasm. There was lively chat everywhere you turned, with people swapping ideas, tips, and admiration. The sense of shared enjoyment was unmistakable.
On Sunday, the “open gardeners” enjoyed their own relaxed tour of each other’s gardens, ending the day with wonderful food prepared by the group — and, of course, a welcome glass or two of wine. It was a warm, sociable finish to a weekend that was not only successful but hugely pleasurable for everyone involved.
On a different tack, the recent spell of prolonged hot, dry weather is likely to be causing water-stress to the small trees that have been planted in the verges of the estate over the past few years. If residents could give a helping hand by giving the plants frequent watering of ‘grey water’ from your household activities, then that would be beneficial.
On Sunday, the “open gardeners” enjoyed their own relaxed tour of each other’s gardens, ending the day with wonderful food prepared by the group — and, of course, a welcome glass or two of wine. It was a warm, sociable finish to a weekend that was not only successful but hugely pleasurable for everyone involved.
On a different tack, the recent spell of prolonged hot, dry weather is likely to be causing water-stress to the small trees that have been planted in the verges of the estate over the past few years. If residents could give a helping hand by giving the plants frequent watering of ‘grey water’ from your household activities, then that would be beneficial.
Eaton Rise Garden Club
What an amazing run of very hot, dry weather we have been experiencing and we hope that you are keeping safe, well-hydrated and spending lots of time in your gardens. This year we have had speakers from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, a talk on roses, their history and care, by Rachel Greengrass-Yates, Head Gardener at the Catholic cathedral and Gardening for Wildlife by Simon Harrap from Natural Surroundings in Holt. Our group has supported the new Eaton Rise Facebook page ‘Eaton Rise Garden to Garden’ which was launched in April. In September there will be a social event with a quiz. Our club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the URC and there is no joining fee, but an attendance fee of £5 per person is required at each event. Refreshments are provided. Contact Ronnie at [email protected]
What an amazing run of very hot, dry weather we have been experiencing and we hope that you are keeping safe, well-hydrated and spending lots of time in your gardens. This year we have had speakers from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, a talk on roses, their history and care, by Rachel Greengrass-Yates, Head Gardener at the Catholic cathedral and Gardening for Wildlife by Simon Harrap from Natural Surroundings in Holt. Our group has supported the new Eaton Rise Facebook page ‘Eaton Rise Garden to Garden’ which was launched in April. In September there will be a social event with a quiz. Our club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the URC and there is no joining fee, but an attendance fee of £5 per person is required at each event. Refreshments are provided. Contact Ronnie at [email protected]
Change of ERRA officers
After many years of dedicated service to ERRA, Jane Simpson has decided to stand down as Chair and Janet Bearman has decided to stand down as Secretary. We would like to thank them both warmly for the time, care and commitment they have given to ERRA and to the residents it supports. Both Jane and Janet will continue as committee members. Following our appeal in the last newsletter, no resident has yet come forward to take on the Secretary’s role. For now, some administrative tasks are being shared among other committee members. In the interim, Les Rowlands has kindly agreed to step into the role of Chair, with his appointment to be confirmed at the next AGM. If you have even a small amount of time to spare, we would be very pleased to hear from you. Your help would make a real difference in supporting ERRA and the excellent work it does for you!
After many years of dedicated service to ERRA, Jane Simpson has decided to stand down as Chair and Janet Bearman has decided to stand down as Secretary. We would like to thank them both warmly for the time, care and commitment they have given to ERRA and to the residents it supports. Both Jane and Janet will continue as committee members. Following our appeal in the last newsletter, no resident has yet come forward to take on the Secretary’s role. For now, some administrative tasks are being shared among other committee members. In the interim, Les Rowlands has kindly agreed to step into the role of Chair, with his appointment to be confirmed at the next AGM. If you have even a small amount of time to spare, we would be very pleased to hear from you. Your help would make a real difference in supporting ERRA and the excellent work it does for you!
Bugs & Beasts, Thursday 30th July 2026
The Science Festival at the Forum have chosen Harford Park as their location for their Bugs and Beasts event on Thursday 30th July. This free, nature-themed event for families features lots of brilliant drop-in activities and workshops, including the opportunity to get close to nature and meet some amazing invertebrates with Ed's Mini Monsters, animal inspired martial arts with Capoeira Communities and bug-themed crafts with the team from Norwich Making Space! No need to book, so simply drop-in on the day from 11am - 4pm.
The Science Festival at the Forum have chosen Harford Park as their location for their Bugs and Beasts event on Thursday 30th July. This free, nature-themed event for families features lots of brilliant drop-in activities and workshops, including the opportunity to get close to nature and meet some amazing invertebrates with Ed's Mini Monsters, animal inspired martial arts with Capoeira Communities and bug-themed crafts with the team from Norwich Making Space! No need to book, so simply drop-in on the day from 11am - 4pm.
ERRA Talk
Eaton Rise Residents Association have great pleasure in presenting a talk by Dr Robin Hanley, Assistant Director of Museums for Norfolk, on the recent restoration project of the Keep at Norwich Castle on Thursday 22nd October at 7pm at the United Reformed Church. An online booking facility called Eventbrite is being explored and should be available well before the event. If you have any questions regarding payment, please contact committee member Chris Higgins for further details at clewishigginsgmail.com. Further information will appear in the Autumn newsletter in October. Thank you.
Eaton Rise Residents Association have great pleasure in presenting a talk by Dr Robin Hanley, Assistant Director of Museums for Norfolk, on the recent restoration project of the Keep at Norwich Castle on Thursday 22nd October at 7pm at the United Reformed Church. An online booking facility called Eventbrite is being explored and should be available well before the event. If you have any questions regarding payment, please contact committee member Chris Higgins for further details at clewishigginsgmail.com. Further information will appear in the Autumn newsletter in October. Thank you.
ERRA Table Tennis
The Table Tennis Club would like to welcome a few more players. Play is from 7:00-9:00pm every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday in the month, all year round. We use the United Reformed Church (Blake Room). Players can turn up and finish when they like of course. We are a friendly bunch, of mixed ability, playing mainly doubles for fun. Either pop along for a taster or you can contact Tim if you have any questions on 07757 505426
The Table Tennis Club would like to welcome a few more players. Play is from 7:00-9:00pm every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday in the month, all year round. We use the United Reformed Church (Blake Room). Players can turn up and finish when they like of course. We are a friendly bunch, of mixed ability, playing mainly doubles for fun. Either pop along for a taster or you can contact Tim if you have any questions on 07757 505426
Data Centre opposite Hardord Bridge Tesco Store.
You might not be aware that a data centre is planned on land opposite the superstore. Lookout for publicity for the South Norfolk District Planning Application should you be interested or have any concerns, but please note that it was felt that the committee would not be dealing with any issues on your behalf. Thank you.
You might not be aware that a data centre is planned on land opposite the superstore. Lookout for publicity for the South Norfolk District Planning Application should you be interested or have any concerns, but please note that it was felt that the committee would not be dealing with any issues on your behalf. Thank you.
Derek - Editor
© 2013 Eaton Rise Residents Association (ERRA)