Time out on a budget

Everywhere I look at the moment everywhere is talking about the rise of the cost of living, prices are rising, but the needs I have are the same, and cutting back is challenging. I need to start planning. 

I remember when I was a little, and I mean 5/6 years of age, we could go the corner sweet shop and get 10 back jacks or fruit salads for 1p. Now you can buy a packet of black jacks as a retro sweet for 50p, with as many as 15 in,  )that’s 10 for 20p at todays prices). The one thing we can guarantee about prices is that over time they will rise, although lately the price rises are racing away, and for the time being the tortoise has lost. 

Time out is not a luxury but a need, the rejuvenating power of taking a break has been well documented, with many studies written about how holidays improve your health, well being and even your productivity. One such study can be found here https://www.alexandermaerecruitment.com/6-reasons-why-holidays-are-important/ 

1. Choose your accommodation:  

Taking timeout on a budget is all about planning, firstly decide where you want to go and what type of accommodation you want to have. At Hippersons we offer floating houseboats and our new floating glamping pods. The houseboats are the less expensive option, still sleep 4, come with exclusive use of your own private rowboat, and if you have a pet, they are pet friendly. No need to pay for separate pet care, your pet can come too.  

2. Look for ways to pay 

This year at Hippersons we offer two ways for your to pay. To secure the booking a £100 deposit is required, you can then pay the balance a month before you come on holiday, or you can ask for bespoke payments to be turned on. With the bespoke payment path you decide when and how much you want to pay. One of our guests is about to finish paying for her accommodation and then is going to pay for one experience each month. By the time they arrive on holiday only the food will need to be bought. 

Talking of food, all of our overnight stays at Hippersons are self-catering so you can cook as much or as little as you want. If you are like me, a holiday is only really a holiday if  I don’t have to cook everyday. There are ways to eat out on a budget locally. Before you arrive check the local restaurants, for example, currently Royal Oak Fired pizza often have a great bundle that is good value and will deliver to the boatyard for free (book your delivery in advance). http://www.oakfired.co.uk/downloads/menuV4.pdf. Then you can dine alfresco on your decking, watching the sunset, and making the most of your money.  

Whatever your needs are, ask in advance, plan ahead and choose the experiences that suit your budget. Then you can relax and enjoy, knowing you deserve your holiday and you are making the most of your hard earned money.  

We cant wait to help you bring the river to life in 2023.  

October 2022

The weather has well and truly turned autumnal, and in preparation I have switched over my summer and winter wardrobes. One way of creating extra space in our boat is to put away clothes that are not being used. Twice a year I switch my wardrobe and rediscover old favourites, its like going shopping without spending any money. This year however, I have finally got back to the weight I was pre baby, pre cancer, pre everything that prevented me from focusing on me, and when I rediscovered my winter wardrobe, a lot of it was too big. A good problem to have, as Simon tells me. So this autumn I am going to try and find new homes for some wonderful clothes, and then find some new clothes for myself.

Autumn really is a great time to get out and explore the outdoors before the indoor fires of winter are calling and everyone starts to hibernate. This October we had some guests and were able to spend a Sunday on a short day on the river with them. The timings, 11-3, are perfect for going down to Geldeston and having a Sunday lunch. We tried the Wherry with our guests, and it was delicious https://www.wherryinn.co.uk/. I have since seen the Autumn menu for the Locks and so now I am going to have to do another short hire to try this out, it looks delicious https://www.thelocksinn.com/menu047bdefe.

Whichever Sunday roast you choose, there are still a few days left for you to explore the Waveney this autumn before we put all the boats to bed. Wrapped up warm in your wardrobe with a hat and a scarf, there is no time more beautiful for seeing a rainbow of autumn tones across the river, and with the occasional bright blue speeding spot - a kingfisher enjoying the season - it really is a feast for the eyes as well.

September 2022

A song I have been known to throw a few shapes to on the dance floor is “Wake me up when September Ends” by Green Day. It talks about summer passing and and moving on, and in a way  summer often has a dreamlike quality allowing memories to be created as our stories unfold whilst we follow the paths that life presents us with. If you are curious you can listen below:  

'When September Ends' - Green Day

 In the dream like summer I have learnt to sail a little better (but I have a long way to go) I have been swimming with the family in the lido and in the sea at Gorleston. I have been sailing with Nate for the first time - a very special moment for us, and he said I was not too bad, making me feel quite proud. Simon surprised us with short break on Marthams boats above Potter Heigham, it was idyllic. This is a place on the broads where our barge would never fit and somewhere we had always wanted to explore, so we did and it was great. If you want a short break on a cruiser we can highly recommend Martham boats, and I am quite taken with the idea of going back but this time making use of our newly found sailing skills… https://www.marthamboats.com 

 Taking a little time to look back on my best memories of the summer really inspires me to think abut our next adventures and the experiences that Simon and I want to share with Nate before he leaves the nest for adventures of his own. 

 If you are like me you might be planning for your next holiday at Hippersons to have fun and enjoy the wonderful place we are lucky enough to live in. 2023 is already open and bookings are looking good already. Wild Cat Island has proved really popular since opening so why not try it for yourself next year, but if you are quick there is still time to pop in a short autumn break as a few spaces left in October check for bookings here https://www.hippersons.co.uk/stay 

 However you wake up after the dreams of the summer, I hope your dreams were as magic as ours, and we look forward to seeing you again, soon.  

August 2022

The Great British summer has well and truly landed and we have seen some real heat this year which always makes me very thankful to be near a river and the breeze this creates. The temperature of the water and the air collide and cause a reaction, one that we love in hot weather, a gentle breeze,

This year for us the end of the school year was one with a difference as Nate finished his years at primary school, and what an end of term he had. St Benets https://www.st-benets.suffolk.sch.uk has been a wonderful place for Nate, as he has learnt and began to develop independence ready for high school. He has made some very good friends, been privileged to receive some fantastic teaching and is sad to leave, so if you need a great primary for your children it comes highly recommended.

This summer we will have some family adventures together, and part of the summer will be making sure Nate is ready for high school in September. As we live in such a glorious place he will be taking part in sailing regattas, spending time paddling on the river, camping under the stars and visiting some great places for great days out. The beach at Gorleston is high on our list with Jay Jays at the Beach cafe a must https://www.facebook.com/jayjaysatthebeachcafe/. I am hoping we might sneak a little visit to Bewilderwood as he may be getting to the age where he out grows the magic they offer. https://norfolk.bewilderwood.co.uk

We also hope to catch up on some of our own boat jobs, as the weather is perfect for sorting out the outside ready for the winter, and we will definitely take part in our twilight paddle tours running till the end of August on Wednesday and Thursday. Twilight is a special time out on the river, and being with our guides ensures you are able to feel comfortable and safe, whilst enjoying the best we have to offer. https://www.hippersons.co.uk/explore#/canoehire

Whatever your great British summer brings, make sure you take the time to make stories that become your memories, because the trouble with summer is as soon as it starts it finishes. Make hay while the sun shines and spend time enjoying all that life has to offer.

Early summer 2022

Marys Yard Yarns

Those who read my monthly blogs will be perturbed about the absence of May, I was so busy blowing the cobwebs away I clean forgot to do any writing. Apologies to you all, but I am getting organised and sorting out life and promise to do better going forwards.

Over the last few months I have been busy as I have spent time organising my mother for her move to care, and it has made me reflect on life. We have one life, live it well and keep enjoying to the full as long as your body and spirit allows.

We have been watching our swans avidly, but at the date of writing still no cygnets and they are still diligently looking after the 8 eggs, so fingers crossed that some will appear soon.

In the spirt of blowing my own cobwebs away and living life to the full, last week my friend Justine and I took ourselves off for a 2 day introduction to sailing course, at Eastwood Whelpton on the Upton Dyke, only a 40 minute drive away.

We had the best time, and, so far, we have not capsized but we have run aground on the bank once or twice - most the fault of the wind you understand and nothing to do with our knowledge base. High praise to our instructor Andrew who was very patient and calm (mostly), and when we expressed a desire to return in September to move to the next level, he didn’t look too alarmed. We came away with RYA1 start sailing and a sense of achievement. We both are keen to do more sailing and learn more and are refreshed because, for once, we were sailing and not watching our sons learn to sail (at the moment they are definitely the better sailors, but with time, who knows).

Taking timeout on the water, is a great way to rebalance and regroup, creating memories through shared experiences that become your stories to pass on. We have a great story about a lady named Barbara who we met for maybe 3 minutes, but its a great tale over a sundowner. Treating yourself to an experience or a stay at Hippersons is treating everyone you care about, as they will see your smiles, hear your laughter and share your tales of your very own Barbara (ask me more about her next time you see me).

Look forward to meeting you soon bringing the river to life

April 2022

April when we Explore the Unexplored

April is a month full of showers, and sings of spring appear everywhere, we are seeing crocuses and daffodils bloom around the yard, and the buds are appearing on the leaves. This month I have heard the kingfishers singing morning greetings, and when I peek through the portholes I see kingfishers sitting on branches.

April is known for the showers though, regardless of where you are in the country. During the month of April, a band of strong winds, known as the jet stream, moves northwards. The band changes the air pressure and leads to an explosion of cumulus clouds — the type of clouds that create rain showers. I found this poem about April showers, and it sums up why we need the showers to bring the beauty of nature for the season

April Showers by Mary E Wilkin

There fell an April shower, one night:
Next morning, in the garden-bed,
The crocuses stood straight and gold:
"And they have come," the children said.

There fell an April shower, one night:
Next morning, thro' the woodland spread
The Mayflowers, pink and sweet as youth:
"And they are come," the children said.

There fell an April shower, one night:
Next morning, sweetly, overhead,
The blue-birds sung, the blue-birds sung:

"And they have come," the children said

There is still lots of exploring to be done in April, and all our dayboats have canopies on them, which you can snuggle under to take shelter from any shower that may occur/ As April continues the weather changes and you may find yourself out on a day where you want the canopy down so you can breathe deeply on the clean air and smell the wonderful smell of flowers beginning to bloom. Whichever you do, there is plenty to see. www.hippersons.co.uk/explore. To warm up afterwards you can always book a pizza dinner at the Royal oak, http://www.oakfired.co.uk which is just a 5 minute walk from the yard.

We know Spring is coming, as this week our swans have nested and they already have two eggs, I cant wait to watch the progress of the new swan family.

March 2022

Everyone Welcome

Everyone is welcome to our award winning boatyard, and a huge thank you to all we have already welcomed to help us achieve this accolade.

It was a very exciting night when we took the whole team in a taxi to the East of England tourism awards, held this year at IWM Duxford Museum. ( https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford). Arriving after dark to a places lit up in a rainbow of colours across the hanger with a wonderful voice singing swing, which was such a suitable choice for the history the aircraft hold.

We were all feeling really thrilled to be part of an event that recognises the myriad of talent in tourism across the counties of the East of England (Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk). We all enjoyed the evening and met many lovely people who work across the industry. We felt honoured to be finalists in Self Catering, Customer Excellence and Small Visitor Attraction. We received highly commended for Customer Excellence, and won Small Visitor Attraction.

After being here for 8 years and working hard to make our business provide the service and welcome to everyone, it was truly emotional to win and have our slice of paradise recognised in such a way.

There are too many wonderful businesses to tell you about, but if you want to know who the others are then take a look here https://www.tourismawards.co.uk/live/en/page/home.

We are now getting really excited as the beginning of the season will soon be upon us, we get to meet new faces and catch up with more familiar ones. Stories will be made, shared and told, local food will be savoured and delighted upon and we will be bringing the river to life in many exciting ways.

New in the summer of ‘22 with be guided twilight tours on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and there will also be the introduction of Wild Cat Island, the new floating pod. Many more ways to ensure everyone is welcome and everyone brings the river to life.

Oh, by the way, if you want to see the award, just ask, we are more than happy to have the opportunity to show it off.

February 2022

Marys Yard Yarns 

February - What is love? 

February is the month when love is highlighted, some of us look forward to valentines days with bated breath, will this be the year it happens, love finds me? Whilst some of us hide as far away from it as possible, ‘its all just a commercial rip off” they mutter under their breath. So what is this love that Valentines celebrates? And is it just for smug loved up couples?  

Love is an emotion we all feel but can’t always control and it can hit us at unexpected moments. Love can be for that one person in your life who completes you, but there is also your powerful love for your children, love of your pets, things that you do, places that you visit time and time again. “This is my happy place, I love being here”, is often said by people when they have found a place they can be at peace and themselves in. We are so humbled when we hear our guests saying this, as we love our own piece of heaven on the Broads National park, but when we have guests who get that same feeling, we know we have managed to create a haven where you can take time out and just be you, writing your own story. It’s truly a privilege to achieve this. 

 We also know there are other beautiful moments we love that we would like to share with our guests, and one of these is the river at twilight in the summer. It is so magical as the sun sprinkles the river with little pits of gold, yellow and red as it slowly drifts to sleep. The river is often still and quiet,  all the motorboats have stopped for the day, and by paddling gently and slowly you can see nature from a completely new angle. So this summer we are going to offer twilight tours on a Wednesday and Thursday, which will add extra magic to your story creation with us this summer.  

 We still have spaces left for this July and August, so don’t forget to book your space and add your own twilight tour, all bookable online at www.hippersons.co.uk/stay and www.hippersons.co.uk/explore. 

 To really take the pressure off your holiday planning, you can always add a hamper from Beccles Station cafe, or have breakfast delivered to your door every morning, getting you ready for the adventures of the day. All of this must be booked through the cafe by speaking to Pauline through https://www.facebook.com/becclesstation/. 

What ever and whomever your loves are, don’t forget, love is all year round, not just the 14th February, and spending time with your loves is one of the best things for your wellbeing. So go on, treat yourself, get loved up this year.  

January 2022

2022 is here - lets get ready for Fun

January has arrived and all the festive season is over, I hope you all had a good one. For us it was mixed, we have some great family time, and even managed to get time out on the river with Misterton. There was sadness as Big Ollie the boatyard cat became poorly over the New Year and we made the difficult decision to have him put to sleep.

Big Ollie was a great cat, although he was definitely selective about who and when he gave attention to. He was a fan of all the guests, and across the summer he often put weight on, it did not take us too long to realise he was scrounging tit-bits from all and sundry. He wasn’t so good with Nate when he was little, so Nate wanted his own Ollie, and the baptising of Big and Little Ollie as names occurred.

Although it was sad, we have to look forwards and have decided that we might opt for a totally different Christmas this year, we will see. I have begun researching ways we can have time out as a family, but I want time out too, so I want someone else to do the work. Does that sound familiar?

It was this thinking that created our Sparrows and Amazons package. It proved really popular last summer, and we already have bookings for this year. The package puts together a holiday plan for you, organised by the team at Hippersons and includes a reservation (you just pay the bill) at the award-winning Oak Fired pizza: http://www.oakfired.co.uk . If you want to find out more take a look at this page on our website https://www.hippersons.co.uk/sparrows-and-amazons , and if it takes your fancy you can add it as an extra once you have chosen your accommodation.

However you like to spend your time, don’t forget to book yourself a few treats throughout 2022, the year can fly by and it is important to make the most of every moment. If you like sweet treats than award winning Harris and James chocolate could be for you https://harrisandjames.com/collections/chocolate-collection , or if you prefer to taste alcoholic beverages perhaps a visit to the Adnams brewery in Southwold https://www.adnams.co.uk .

This year in 2022, Nate has challenged me to stay calm all the time, and Simon wants me to spend time with him. I will achieve both of these by booking the family on a twilight tour with Stephen in the summer. We will all be calm as the river is so relaxing, and we will be spending quality time together making our own stories. Happy 2022 everyone.

December 2021

It’s December and somehow the month manages to fill up so quickly with Christmas preparations and it passes so fast you have to be careful not too miss it. It is a time I love - putting up the decorations, fixing Christmas lights and sneaking secret packages into hidden corners and hoping no one uncovers them before the big man officially visits. It can also be a demanding time trying to work out what gift will fill the receivers face with the golden glow of gratitude and happiness, and as the giver feel grateful that the tricky choice was made correctly.

Somehow, the better I know someone the harder it is to buy for them. Maybe it’s because a lot of family and friends don’t like gifts that aren’t useful, they prefer ones that don’t leave waste behind and I know a lot of what they already have. Although I guess I am not that easy to buy for anymore either, and I do love thinking and trying to get the gift right. Over the last few years, I have invested heavily in the gift of time, spending time with someone doing something they love, or giving someone I love time to do what they love. Experience vouchers have become my best friend, a flight experience for Nate this year, afternoon tea for Simons’ Mum and Dad and even day boats for our family and friends, getting to see why we love our home so much.

In the yard we get calls from people wanting to buy a voucher as a gift for someone, so we added custom vouchers onto the Explore page found under the book now button. https://www.hippersons.co.uk/explore We added a custom voucher option so you can choose the amount to match the experience you want to give to light up the face of the one you are giving too. The great thing with most of our experiences is that you can go with them too, so part of the gift is time you are giving to spend with them making magical memories. The big man himself would love time to have experiences.

Other local providers are offering gifts you can send to experience in different ways. The National award winning Harris and James chocolates from our lovely town of Beccles, can send gifts directly to someone’s home: https://harrisandjames.com/collections/chocolate-selection-boxes. Alternatively why not buy someone a pass to spend time discovering about the local birds at Minsmere and other RSPB reserves at https://www.rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/gift-membership/. Whatever you choose, think about how the person likes to spend time indulging in their favourite things and match the gift accordingly.

Enjoy the festive season, I know I am going too, so looking forward to a warmed mince pies with a hot glass of gluewein to keep the cold of winter away, and maybe a few carols too.

November: get the covers on and get cosy for the winter

November, when there can be no doubt that winter is on the way and summer is well and truly over. The month to hibernate, get the covers on and get cosy for the winter. Some would say that the hedgehogs, bears and squirrels have the right idea, live it up when the sun is shinning, but once the cold weather arrives, sleep for a few months till the sun comes back. It sounds appealing but doesn’t really work in the human world, there are so many things to be done and our DNA won’t let us sleep for a few months without waking.  

Boats often come out of the water for the winter, as they need to dry out, have the anodes checked and often the anti-foul needs a freshen up. In November the yard can be very busy with boats coming out, catching the right tide for the right size boat and making sure the most efficient use of storage space, all are cosy and secure. Many owners then put a winter cover on, and it looks like the boat has gone to sleep, but the cover stops rainwater, and other natural debris, from filling up the open area of the boat.  

All of our day-boats get taken out over the winter for their annual maintenance, and whilst they all have new covers, this year we are going to redo much of the upholstery. We use Creative Covers https://www.facebook.com/Creative-Covers-269609269716230/ for all our cosy cover needs and they are excellent, we are always happy to recommend them to anyone who wants a cover made. 

This month we need to layout our action plan for making sure all jobs are completed, and that we are ready for opening again next April (fingers crossed). Five months seems like a long time, but once you start scheduling the tasks that need completing it never seems quite long enough. It is the month when part of me hopes that this is the winter when we will have enough time to complete the interior of our back cabin. The place where I am one day going to hibernate and drink gin, but even time I start I schedule I have a mild sinking sensation as I realise this might not be the winter it gets done, there really is a lot to do. Still work on Misterton will carry on and one day we will get it all complete, and then what would I do? 

October 2021

October, possibly the best month of the year, partly because it’s my birthday month - maybe that is the reason why I love this time of year so much. Perhaps somewhere inside there is a deep connection to my first glimpse of the world with leaves turning colour, and helicopter seeds drifting in the wind, carrying their precious cargo to find a nice home for the new life to begin in.

 We know that the winter is on its way as we dust down the boots, hats, gloves and scarfs and begin to think about all the festivals coming our way - Halloween, Guy Fawkes and even Christmas (yes, much to Simons annoyance I have started shopping for this before he has worked out what to get for my birthday, but I cant help myself, so much to do and I like to be prepared).

 As the days draw in and fires at home become a very appealing way to spend an evening, we have added a new offer to our experiences this month, a short day hire on a day boat. The boat is yours from 11-3, and you can have a lazy morning, potter down the river to the Wherry Inn, https://www.wherryinn.co.uk, or the Locks Inn http://www.thelocksinn.com, have a spot of lunch and take a gentle cruise back. You will be home in time to light the fire as the sunsets. This short day hire is available for October only and marks the month the river begins to quieten as we prepare for boats to hibernate over the winter.

Hibernating over the winter is a good time to get those indoor jobs done that the sun of the summer tempt us away from on a daily basis. Going through wardrobes and seeing what no longer fits or suits us, passing to charities to repurpose and make space for the new that the festivals may provide. Dusting behind corners that never quite get reached when the beach is calling for a stay on the sand, and mixed up in the dust finding a little shell that makes you stop and remember the laughter as the waves lapped the toes of those you were with. A wonderful time to remember the memories that you made throughout the summer.

 It's also a time to begin planning to make more memories over the next year, and our bookings are already open for 2022, like so many of our peer group, our peak holiday periods are already being to fill. If you want to come and bring the river to life with us again next year don’t forget to book early at www.hippersons.co.uk/stay , we cant wait to see you again - once our hibernation has rejuvenated us all.

September

September is a time of endings and new beginnings, the school holidays are finishing and children are returning to the classroom to learn. Returning to the classroom to learn has made for many bouncy steps in grown ups across the land as we hope this year to avoid the compulsory home school situation. Fingers crossed we manage too.

 So whilst we are able to have time out and get on with what needs to be done (at least between 9 and 3 in my case), September is a great time to prepare for all that is to come over the autumn and winter season. The first step to preparing for the busy time ahead is to take time out to revitalise and refill all energy reserves.

 I love going for a paddle on the river at the end of the day, and it’s great way to catch with friends and family, my best paddles are with my female friend as we natter and catch-up, pausing to see the odd kingfisher, take in the stunning scenery and pass the time swapping tales and seeking advice. I can highly recommend time out this way. If you like the idea of canoeing or kayaking but are not overly confident, you can always book a canoe tour, and to see what it is like take a little peak here to see how Lesley enjoyed her tour https://youtu.be/ss3DA1GJTCk .

 When I am properly taking time out, I love not cooking and eating out, letting someone else think about what to buy, catering for everyone’s tastes, the timings and the washing up, it really is a treat and one that everyone should indulge in regularly. We are so lucky in Beccles to have some fabulous eateries all within a 10 minute walk of the boat yard. If we are out as a family then Nate will always choose pizza, and the fabulous http://www.oakfired.co.uk Oak Fired Pizza is must. For the grown ups, there are some fabulous wines that truly compliment the perfect Neapolitan pizzas.

 If we are on a date night (these seem rarer these days), then Graze at the white horse is often our choice. With a great menu that has offerings for all tastes, a fantastic setting and the best porn star martini I have ever had, Simon ticks lots of boxes when he announces a meal out here. https://grazewhitehorse.com. What I am hoping in September is to finally find time to go for a meal and the Bear and Bells https://www.bearandbells.co.uk, with new owners this years and fabulous reports from many guests over the summer, I am hoping September will allow us some time to eat out as we slowly prepare for the Autumnal colours. However you take time out this September, you deserve it, you have worked for it and you are truly fabulous.

August 2021

The Great British summer always has an air of anticipation and excitement,  in many different ways, and for so many different reasons for so many people. For a young child it means freedom, freedom from the classroom and from learning at a desk. They still learn but in a freer way and through play, rough and tumble whilst having their own mini adventures.  

Parents look forward to spending quality time with their children of all ages, although often balanced with a slice of what on earth am I going to do for the whole holiday? Grandparents gear up for childcare support for working parents who are lucky enough to have them nearby, and friends rally round to show support. 

Singles look forward to time off work and having adventures on holidays with friends, sitting watching the stars with a glass of their favourite tipple recounting the tales of the day. Some are hoping that this great British summer will be the one when the stars collide and bring a special someone into their lives, some hope they stay single for a long time to come, as they enjoy the fun  the single life affords them.  

For many this great British summer has been extra special, as after the lockdown of the last 18 months finally family and friends got to meet IRL (in real life). Even hugs have been allowed and the simple pleasures of life are being enjoyed by all. 

At Hippersons we are hosting lots of groups of friends and family, either staying or visiting for an experience, as they catch up and start to create new memories. The sound of laughter floats across the air filling our summer days, and whatever the weather the smiles and laughter remain. In true Great British summer style, we have seen sun, rain, hail, wind and rainbows, and through them all we have seen guests enjoying all the different tastes of the summer. The smell of the fresh rain in the air, the feel of heat as it warms the land and the water through,  and the wind that shapes your hair into styles you had never even dreamt of but look quite quirky.  

Our summer has been fabulous so far, lots of wonderful guests and time together. Nate went away to stay with friends for a few days, and Simon and I had 4 days together for the first time since before he was born. After the initial, what we will do and talk about it, it flew by. We tried the new landlords at the Bear and Bells, and they are superb, we are planning to return and eat there as I am sure they will soon be on our recommended list.  https://www.bearandbells.co.uk We  ent out for our first ever twilight paddle on our kayaks, and what a great time we had, it really is so beautiful on the river Waveney and we are so lucky to have it as our doorstep.  

What ever you do with your summer, enjoy catching up with loved ones and making new memories, I know everyone at Hippersons is.

July 2021

Let's all treat ourselves to some Fun.

 Fun is great for the soul: a great big laugh with those you hold dear - so that your belly aches and the tears stream down your face - is an amazing mood changer.

 On a website called Mind Apples (https://mindapples.org/2012/02/16/why-having-fun-is-good-for-you/), there is an interesting read about why fun is important for your overall health. There has been a good deal of research carried out into this, and what is found was ‘that individuals who spend more time engaging in enjoyable activities did in fact have greater psychological and physical well being…..individuals.. who took time to engage in these activities showed lower levels of depression and higher positive affect”. There’s plenty more to read if you are interested just follow the link. What we do know that giving yourself permission to take time out and have fun, laugh, smile and make magical memories can enhance your quality of life.

 Fun is something that we have to make time for, and when working in a beautiful place surrounded by people having fun, we have to remind ourselves sometimes to stop and join in the fun. One of the reasons we choose this lifestyle is because we love the river, we love boats and we love being together.

 This month saw the return of the local Sailing school after nearly a two year break,  watching the young ones learning to sail (including our son Nate), and simply messing about in boats, whilst their laughter filled the air, made my spirit sing with joy. This is what I have been missing in lockdown - fun social interaction.

 This year we have added Stand Up Paddle-boards to our repertoire, and in our usual way of bringing the rive to life safely we have added lessons to this offer. You can hire a pair for a day, but you will need to demonstrate, you have experience when you arrive. If it is a new experience then book a lesson, groups size of up to 4, and you will be shown the basics, how to self rescue and taken out on the river once your confidence has grown. We want to make sure your memories made at Hippersons are full of laughter and fun and you are happy to tell the story of your time afterwards. Find out more here https://www.hippersons.co.uk/explore#/canoehire.

 However you decide to have fun and make memories, do it safely, share with others and keep the fun alive. As the famous quote says “Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth”

June 2021

Adventures on your Doorstep

When you live somewhere it is so easy to miss what is on your doorstep and think nothing ever changes, but walking around the yard there are so many changes, it never seems to stay still. The wild flowers on the bank we encouraged just over two years ago, create a riot of colour behind Misterton. Every morning as I clamber up the stairs rushing to make sure Nate is not late for school, they look so picturesque I have to stop at the wheelhouse door and breathe their beauty in. Pausing to appreciate natural beauty is a wonderful way to reset your sense of self.

On another morning, we were feeling very pleased that our new morning routine meant we were ahead of schedule for getting Nate to school, and just as we were about to leave Simon shouted quickly the swan had her cygnets. We stopped again to creep carefully and quietly towards the nest and take a peek at the brand new life that had arrived. “Mum I can see four”, said Nate in a voice full of happiness, “which one do you think is Jeffrey?” he asked. Jeffrey is Nate’s chosen name for something that needs one, he wants a pet called Jeffrey and likes the idea that one of the swans is his. I tell many people the swans are our feral pets, as we feed them swan food throughout the year, and try and keep them safe. Swans are very loyal and seem to have adopted us as extended family, and have even entered an uneasy truce with our cats. However, once the cygnets arrive they become incredibly protective and the uneasy truce is definitely in the balance. I was able to set up my camera to film the cygnets on the nest over their first 24hours and if you want to see how cute they are, take a look at my short video on YouTube

As we approach the wonderful months of summer we decided we needed to add a couple more experiences to ensure our offer is truly inclusive for all ages. This season we have added double kayaks, and Stand Up Paddle boards (SUPS), these are both in response to our customer feedback. We offer lessons on the SUPs and also full day hire, but our full day hire is only available to those who have experience and can prove this to us with a self rescue. Lessons with us ensure you are given lots of information about how to self rescue, how the tide can affect your paddling and what to look out for with other boats, canoes and kayaks on the river. They have been proving very popular over the last week.

Nate has also been enjoying learning about the SUPs, and I have just become the proud owner of a pair of neoprene shorts, so who knows I might try not to fall in soon too. There is so much to explore and enjoy on our own doorstep we really are so lucky. We also have lots of guests to meet, welcome, and meet again, our life is full or variety and friendship at Hippersons.

May 2021

Time to get up close and personal with the River.

 May has begun, and in typical bank holiday Britain fashion the wind and the rain decided to make an appearance. Not great for boating, but we are able to do some planning and thinking and we are making the most of the time. This is the month that we say it’s time to get paddling, and all our canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are ready for you to take on an adventure.

 Whilst I can’t get up close and personal with the river in the rain just yet , I am getting up close and personal with our new work boat, which arrived last week. Simon and I have had two ‘date nights’ painting so far, - who said romance was dead? There will be more about this boat over the next few weeks, so keep following our social media channels.

 New for 2021 we are adding Stand up Paddle board hire and, thanks to some great customer feedback, double kayaks. Lovely Lucy got in touch with us via Facebook and said did we do double kayaks, she explained that for her to go out with her son they really needed a double. Simon and I thought about this and as we want to bring the river to life for all, so we decided to make purchase.  These  will be available from mid May onwards as soon as I can get them onto the booking system (not as straightforward as you think, but when it’s done it will be fabulous).

 We were privileged this year to be asked to support the Broads authority making their new paddle-craft video, and it really is beautiful. Stephen has a starring role in it and worth a look, so just click here to see https://youtu.be/eKSasaX0MV0

 As lockdown is easing we are allowed to meet with our social bubbles outdoors and lots of our local restaurants and cafes have done awesome work to get ready for our guests. Recently we had family visit so we decided to take the opportunity to try out the garden dining at Oak Fired pizza http://www.oakfired.co.uk. Here is a short film of our experience, I can honestly say it was enjoyed by all and somehow the pizza tastes even better in situ (although we have loved the take out too) https://youtu.be/c6t_DTcgwYg

 Finally for May, our new land pod is live and accepting real guests. I was beside myself with excitement that the first guests were a couple on a surprise honeymoon arranged by one of the fathers. They arrived to a hamper, bubbles and also had a breakfast delivery all arranged for their first morning as Mr and Mrs. What a wonderful way to open our new Secret Garden.

PS if you like the tray that were made for us by Gifts with a cherry on top, https://www.withacherryontop.co.uk. I certainly think they add a cherry to our pod.

April 2021

Finally our first guests are here, our first day boats are out and our first logo is complete and in use (thank you Johnny Wyer). I want to shout it from the source of the river and let the news roll with the waves, out to sea, and around the coastal waters. It is a great feeling to open your doors after spending the winter hibernating, and preparing for the arrival of spring.  Finally we are watching the boatyard awaken, with guests and the wildlife, exploring, and bringing the river to life.

I can’t work out who has been more excited on our first day, us or the guests. When you have worked hard and crossed all your fingers and toes hoping that the regulations will allow us to trade, finally having it happen seems a little unreal. I almost want to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming.

 What a great start to the season we have had as well, we hosted the wonderful Isabel Choat and her son from the guardian last year, and she wrote a great article about her experience which was printed this April https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/apr/07/floating-cabin-break-boating-on-broads-norfolk-suffolk. It was another first for us, to be the focus of an article in a national broadsheet. I remember asking in a workshop a couple of years ago, how do you get to be in a paper like the guardian? the answer was, “by working for it”. At the time I didn’t really understand what was meant by that, but now, on my journey to learn about digital marketing, I am understanding more about what needs to be done.

 The article has been brilliant for us and given a great surge to our bookings, so much so that August is jam packed although we still have spaces before and after. All bookable here https://www.hippersons.co.uk/stay.

 A few years ago, when I was still a single lady (till Simon put a ring on it) I decided to always try and do something for the first time each month. I felt that I had got into a rut and needed to liven my life up a little. My April has been full of firsts without even trying, but I still try and do something each month, and it can be very simple like cooking a new recipe, to much more elaborate. Another first I had this month was attending the technical run through of the Woodland lumiere

https://raveninghamsculpturetrail.com/woodland-lumiere/ I absolutely loved it and it really inspired me, I am sure it gave my endorphins a push too as I felt really happy after seeing it. Now the last lockdown is finally opening, don’t forget to lift your spirits by doing something new and treating yourself to something that makes you feel happy too.

March 2021

March Madness

A saying we often hear about March, is that it comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. I am really looking forward to the lamb exit of this month as it definitely roared me into action at the start. Finally we have a roadmap to guide us, and it laid out for the Broads clearly here .

For us this means that self drive day boat hire can start on the 3rd April, in single household bubbles. From the 12th April up-to 6 people from 2 bubbles can take a day-boat out. It means our Moorers will be able to go out on their boats for overnight trips from the 12th April, and those who are local can do day trips in late March. From the 12th April guests can stay overnight in all of our quirky houseboats and secret hideaways. This means there is lots to be done, and Simon (if asked) would say he can hear me roaring like a lion as I try and make sure everything is ready to be safe and enjoyable for all of our guests. We need to get all the boats back in ready for Moorers to bring the river to life; the parking signs need to be put up; the day boats need to be back in and charged; the houseboats need painting outside, the interiors all need to be laid out and cleaned, and new photos of the yard looking it’s best need to be taken at the end of the month.

Sit alongside this home schooling Nate, and day to day tasks that we all need to do, and you can understand Simon hearing lion roarings now and again. We have been slowly getting ready for opening, but getting a date gives a sense of urgency. We want every guest to have a good experience and enjoy their time with us at Hippersons, and for that to happen every part of the jigsaw that is our business, needs to be in the right place. This takes time and patience and the occasional roar. As the month continues, the weather will begin to warm up, the snow, slowly melts, the flowers slowly start to appear and the signs of new life bring hope and a sense of positivity. We will all find our way to a new normal. People will meet with their loved ones in person over the next few and new memories will be created. Smiles, laughter and shrieks of pleasure will once again fill the air. It seems fitting that with all these demands on us amidst the March Madness, we celebrate Mother’s Day. You don’t have to be a mother to celebrate this day, you can celebrate your mother, your grandmother, being a god mother, or knowing you are some one who guides and nurtures people to learn about the world and want to help make it a better place. We hope at Hippersons in our own way, we are helping to make our little bit of the world a better place, and by the end of the month when guests begin to arrive, the playful laughter and fun of lambs frolicking across the yard will be felt by all.

February 2021

February, the month of love, and the month with lots of cold weather. Perhaps they made it the month of love so you are encouraged to stay indoors and snuggle up in front of the fire and spend time with those you love? I don’t know if that’s true but as the weather is cold I do prefer to stay indoors and keep warm and think about all the things I would like to do this year, when the regulations allow us to.

 I think in a lockdown February,  we all need to think about loving ourselves and ensuring we look after our own well being and mental health. Nationally there has been a  focus on children’s mental health this month https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk with Children’s mental health week. Lockdown is hard for everyone, but when I begin to feel sorry for myself I think about Nate and how difficult it is for an only child. He only has us to play with, us to talk too, us to teach him and us to exercise with. Sometimes when you are 10 you just want to be silly and laugh at things that make no sense to grown ups;  make crazy shapes around the boat as you move with absolutely no desire to sit still, although he promises  that he can listen whilst hanging upside down off the sofa!

Thinking about others and how to help them can make ourselves feel better, as by helping others we are helping ourselves to take action, and this is a positive step. A lot of friends I talk with say it’s difficult to take action, as they want to book time away and give themselves something to look forward too, but are worried to book as the goalposts are continually changing. Simon and I thought about this and came up with our own Covid Interruption challenge, to read about it click here https://www.hippersons.co.uk/stay

We hope this promise will give you confidence to book a break to look forward to, knowing your investment is protected in these challenging times.

 There are lots of signs appearing in nature that slowly spring will arrive, swans are beginning to mate, snowdrops are appearing and the birds continue to sing a lovely tune to lift our spirits. We are excited that this year we are continuing out partnership with Beccles Station Cafe, ( https://www.facebook.com/becclesstation/ ) but the offer for our guests has expanded. We still have the breakfast delivery service available to all our guests and Moorers; the picnic hampers that can be ordered to add to your day experience, a new taste sensation this year the cafe are offering are hampers of bespoke local products that can be waiting for you in your accommodation on arrival.

 However you decide to spend the month of love, make sure you spend some of it planning all the wonderful memories you will make once regulations allow. I am planning to go to Gorleston beach and having lunch at Jay Jays at the Beach cafe (https://www.facebook.com/jayjaysatthebeachcafe/). They do truly amazing fish finger sandwiches, a favourite with all the family, and the beach is a great place to build castles and try out bodyboarding.

Meanwhile, we will continue working on our engine, and improving our boat, looking forward to when we can once again take the ropes off and go on a little river cruise. Don’t forget you can see what is going on around the yard and our barge at our own you tube channel Hippersons, like and subscribe and you will always know what we are up too. Click here to find out why wine and gin is useful on a boat.