Brunch On Board Update....

.... An update to my Brunch On Board blog post - https://mmfundraiser.blogspot.com/2026/06/brunch-on-board.html?m=1

Also travelling on that train was The Fry Up Inspector.

He has very kindly allowed me to use a video of the experience.

Thank you very much.

The Fry Up Inspector is on Facebook (no need to log in or join Facebook, just click the 'X' in the top right hand corner of the prompt.)

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1733607944579199/?app=fbl

Amtrak Tales....

.... It was my pleasure to give my "RIDING THE IRON HORSE ACROSS AMERICA" illustrated talk to a well attended gathering.

The raffle was very well supported and the afternoon raised £335.47.

A lady thanked me and said, "It was a lovely entertaining way to spend a Sunday afternoon."

Thanks to all that turned up and those that helped run the show.

Malcolm Gives A Talk....

.... Malcolm Metcalf will be giving an illustrated talk entitled “RIDING THE IRON HORSE ACROSS AMERICA.“ Featuring some of his epic travels and adventures on the the Amtrak Rail system.

Sunday June 28th @ 2:30 pm. At the Shrublands Centre Magdalen Way Gorleston. Refreshments, raffle & free large car park.

Tickets £5.

Contact Malcolm on:-

Email-

43ironhorse@gmail.com.

Telephone-

01493 661138.

All proceeds go to the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity Norwich.

Waveney Bowls Club....

.... I was invited to a bowls match at Waveney Bowls Club in Oulton, by my good friends Grahame & Mary.

The match was in the Lothingland Division 1 League, between Waveney B.C. v Gorleston Conservative B.C. 

I had a good seat to view the match.

After 20 ends the result was Waveney B.C. 60 - Gorleston Conservative B.C. 82.

I will be visiting five more bowls clubs this summer. 

Brunch On Board....

.... I was invited to go to Sheringham on Sunday 21/06/26, by my friend Nick King from Attleborough. He picked me up at my home at 8 am. It was a nice ride through the Norfolk countryside.

He had arranged for a ride behind a steam train in a dining car with a superb full English breakfast, with coffee and orange juice, served to you at your table.

This was another first for me. I much appreciated the trip as we rode to Holt, passing through Weybourne en route.

The steam locomotive was :-

GWR 2-8-0T

Class 42xx

No. 4277 "Hercules"

https://nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/4277-hercules/

Thanky you Nick for a great day out.

https://nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/brunch-on-board/

I have now achieved 54 activities.

    

Eastern Daily Press Letter....

.... In the Eastern Daily Press dated 20/06/26 readers letters section.

Thank you Colin Burleigh of Toftwood.

Stalham Priscilla Bacon Shop....

....With the staff at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity Shop in the High Street, Stalham.

It was a long journey!

I caught the 7.30am X1 to Norwich. Traffic entering Norwich. I Missed the 9.15 bus to Stalham. The next bus was at 10.00am. This bus was also held up by traffic.

I eventually arrived at 11.15.

I was at once given coffee and biscuits, then I helped to carry boxes, jigsaws, books etc. into the shop.

I had to catch the 1.05 pm bus back to Norwich.

More road works, eventually I arrived home at 3.30pm.

Thank you to all the staff for your friendly help.

Dove Inn, Poringland....

.... I enjoyed a lovely cottage pie lunch with my friends at The Dove Inn, Poringland. 

Duck Caller....

.... Demonstrating this "no-blow" hunting duck call, designed to replicate waterfowl sounds via mechanical movement rather than breath.

One of the thousands of unusual items on display at Narborough Museum.

Gorleston Library Craft Group....

.... The Gorleston Library Craft Group meets every Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

It is a friendly, casual social group where you can bring your own ongoing craft projects, sit down with others, and create while having a chat.

Thank you ladies.

Newspaper Article....

.... A write up in the Eastern Daily Press, Tuesday 10/06/26 edition, about my upcoming talk. 

Sounds4Summer....

....On the 9th of June 2026, Great Yarmouth Minster hosted the Sounds4Summer concert, organized by the Great Yarmouth Schools' Music Association (GYSMA).

The event showcased local school children singing, with the performance beginning at 6:00 PM.

I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Thank you.

More Artificial Intelligence Pics....

....My good friend, John, has been busy again.

He always laughs when we go for fish & chippies, I only have fish & no chippies!

Gt. Witchingham v Matishall....

.... It was a showery & Windy Saturday when I went to see another cricket match.

Gt. Witchingham 2nd XI versus Matishall 1st XI at Great Witchingham.

Great Witchingham won by 13 runs.

I enjoyed a hot coffee in the very nice pavilion.

I also met Jason who was at last weeks Narbourogh v Matishall cricket match.

Sound And Gong Bath....

.... Friday evening I was invited to visit a Sound and Gong Bath.

A very relaxing and enjoyable evening. All of the people there had mats to lay on, I was provided with a comfortable chair.

A Sound and Gong Bath is a deeply relaxing experience where you lie down, close your eyes and relax. You are immersed in the vibrational energy of various instruments including a Gong, Crystal Singing bowls and other instruments including rattles and koshi bells played by the host. There is no water, swimming or physical touch involved, you just get comfortable under a blanket, close your eyes and listen. The soothing repetitive sounds help quieten your mind, release stress and tension and help your body go into a state of deep relaxation.

Thanks to Karen for this wonderful write up:-

"✨ What an absolutely magical evening! ✨

A massive thank you to everyone who joined me for tonight’s Sound and Gong Bath event at Shrublands Community Trust on Magdalen Way, Gorleston.

The energy in the room was incredibly beautiful, grounded, and pure magic. 🧘‍♂️💫

We were also deeply honored to welcome a very special guest tonight the wonderful Mr. Malcolm Metcalf! At 92 years young, Malcolm is on an inspiring mission to try 93 new things during his 93rd year, all while raising vital funds for charity.

Thank you, Malcolm, for choosing our sound bath as one of your adventures, and thank you to everyone who shared their energy with us tonight."

Aylsham Priscilla Bacon Shop....

.... It was the turn of Aylsham Priscilla Bacon Shop, on Red Lion Street, to have me steam cleaning frocks and blouses.

Thanks to Emma (manager), Gemma (area manager) and volunteers Sharon and Hazel for making me most welcome.

Further thanks to Grahame Lee and his wife for providing transport, coffee and two hot sausage rolls before my shop visit and steak & kidney pie with lots of veg, followed by strawberries and cream after my shop visit.

Ormiston Herman Academy....

.... I was welcomed by staff and pupils of Ormiston Herman Academy to give them a talk.

This is the write-up that they gave me on their Facebook page.

"Year 6 had a fascinating visit from local resident Malcolm Metcalfe, who shared his experiences of living through World War II. The children were captivated by his stories and enjoyed the opportunity to ask him lots of questions.

Malcolm also brought in some coins and other artefacts for the children to look at, helping to bring history to life. Among the items was a vase that had been given to him by an American serviceman 82 years ago, as well as his British Empire Medal, which the children were very interested to see.

A huge thank you to Malcolm for taking the time to visit us and share his memories, knowledge and treasured possessions with Year 6."

Thanks to Mrs. Jenner, the staff & pupils.

Volunteers Party....

.... Today I went to the Costessey Centre for the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Volunteers Party.

Lovely crowd, great food and coffee.

There was a super live music band playing music of the fifties & sixties.

I won a box of Black Magic chocolates in the free draw.

I am photographed with the organiser, Linsy Harvey.

Thank you to all.