Library Re-opened....

.... My first visit to the Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library after its 3 month, £1.3m refurbishment.

I was very much impressed with the new layout, especially dozens more very comfortable seats.

Plumstead Road Library Talk....

.... My talk at Plumstead Road Library was very well received.

I've been invited back in October to give a talk on a different subject.

Thank you to all involved.

The following speaker bio is very complimentary & I thank the writer for the composition:-

"The Plumstead Road Library Friends have a real treat in store for you this month. They are delighted to announce that globetrotter Malcolm Metcalf, fresh from receiving his British Empire Medal from the King for his services to fundraising, will be talking to us all about his ‘90 Things to do Before I’m 90’ fundraising challenge for Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity. This man really has been there and done it. And even now at 92, he’s still doing more challenges to raise money! To hear Malcolm tell us all about his adventures, and how you can take on challenges at any age, the place to be at 2pm on Wednesday, 29th of July, is the Plumstead Road Library.

Adventure and new horizons have always been in Malcolm’s blood. Back in 1939, he left his family home as an evacuee during WW2.  Then at 19 years of age, he became bed-bound with tuberculosis of the spine for more than a year. Every day, Malcolm would read a world travel book he had been gifted by his brother. He vowed that when he got better, there was no holding him back and he would travel the world. And that’s exactly what he did! So much so that he now goes by the nickname of ‘The Michael Palin of Gorleston’. 

From travelling to Australia with only £250, to going the length and breadth of England in only one month with just his bus pass when he was 82, Malcolm is always up for a challenge. One of his most recent challenges was set by Priscilla Bacon Hospice to do 90 things before his 90th birthday.  Malcolm revealed, “I gave it some thought. My godson said I’d never do it, and that was all I needed. I needed someone to say I couldn’t do it! There was no stopping me!” His challenges included flying a plane, editing the EDP, taking a ride in a Formula 1 car, and many, many more! 

To find out how he got on with his fundraising mission, and to learn about his latest challenge: 93 things to do before he’s 93, the only place to be at 2pm on Wednesday, 29th of July, is the Plumstead Road Library. You only have to spend a few seconds with Malcolm to realise that he is one of a kind. He is a natural storyteller with such a big heart. Nobody tells Malcolm that he can’t do something! He really is an inspiration, and we can’t wait to learn more about his adventurous life. 

No need to book. Just turn up and enjoy. There's even a bus stop directly outside the library. And that's exactly how Malcolm will be arriving... with his much-used bus pass!

See you there." 😍

    

Summer Holiday....

....  On Wednesday 22/07/26 my Godson, Alan Collier, drove me the 200 mile journey to my wartime village of Dry Sandford near Abingdon, Oxon.

A nostalgic visit for me, where I was an evacuee 86 years ago. On the way we stopped at the lovely village of Spaldwick in Cambridgeshire for lunch.

In Dry Sandford I had a long talk with some good friends and visited the village church, where I sang in the choir in 1945.

On a visit to Abingdon we climbed the 100 steps to the top of the Museum. We then took a bus to Oxford visiting the lovely old covered market, several Colleges and watched several fishermen catching fish in the river.

We then spent two days visiting two of my nieces in Cheltenham.

From there we enjoyed a bus trip to Ross on Wye via Gloucester.

On our return journey home, on Sunday 26/07/26, we enjoyed a break in the journey at Bassingbourn Cum Kneesworth.

Praises Given....

.... What a wonderful email received from Linsy Harvey, the Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Priscilla Bacon Charity.

From: Linsy Harvey

Subject: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Events Team

Date: 21 July 2026 at 11:58:03 BST

To: Malcolm Metcalf

Dear Team,

As we come to the end of an incredibly busy few months, I wanted to say a huge thank you to every one of you for your hard work, enthusiasm and dedication in supporting our events.......

Linsy then goes on to thank many individuals for their efforts including.......

....... A very special thank you also goes to Malcolm Metcalf B.E.M, who is currently halfway through his incredible 93 Challenges for his 93rd Year. Your enthusiasm and commitment are an inspiration to us all. Whether you're joining in with Knit and Natter, line dancing, volunteering in our 10 retail shops, taking on fundraising challenges, or finding yet another way to support the charity, you do it all with energy, humour and a smile. You truly embody the spirit of volunteering, and we're so grateful for everything you continue to do for PBHC.

Charity Cake Stall....

.... The Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity stall was set up in St. Stephens Square, Norwich.

The Stall had a wonderful selection of delicious sausage rolls and dozens of cakes, many that had been made by volunteers.

Clive Evans BEM the charity Volunteer Ambassador said, “It was especially lovely to welcome Malcolm Metcalf BEM. Who set up camp on one of the tables and kept our guests so well entertained.“

Summer Fair....

.... I won a luxury hamper at The Priscilla Bacon Summer Fair 💐

There was something to interest everyone:

🛍️Priscilla Bacon retail pop-up stand.

🤩A variety of stalls selling jams, crystals, stained glass, and more!

🦩Outdoor games.

🧸Raffle and tombola.

🍔BBQ.

Thanks to everyone for a great occasion.

Caister Men's Shed....

.... I have much enjoyed my visit to the Caister 'MEN'S SHED'.

Robert Hunt drove me there and I was given a very warm welcome by the secretary Alan Walker.

I then met members Nolan Donohgue and Stephen Lewis, both woodturners.

There is a superb garden tended by several members including Lionel Mobbs. This was a piece of waste land just two years ago but has been transformed into a fantastic garden full of vegetables, all in top condition.

Pictured is Richard with his bird box.

There were 21 members present on my visit. I spent 5 hours in the most enjoyable company.

Those present donated £22 to the Priscilla Bacon Charity.

Thank you all.

Parcel's Postal Journey....

.... Malcolm's contact cards were ordered online in Gorleston, UK.

Printed in -

1) Venda do Pinheiro, Portugal.

Travelled via -

2) Aveleda, Portugal.

3) Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain.

4) Coventry, UK.

Delivered to -

5) Gorleston, UK.

Quite a journey!

A Parcel For Malcolm....

.... Containing 1000 printed 'contact cards'. . 

Malcolm's Musings No.2....

.... Malcolm recollects about American Air Force friends that served in Norfolk in the 2nd World War.

Retired RAF Thorpe Abbots....

.... Today, my friends, Jeff & Margaret, drove me to the Retired RAF Thorpe Abbotts. The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum.

During WW2 this was known as USAAF Station 139.

I knew two of the American airmen who were stationed there during WW2.

Archie “Happy“ Holladay, whose plane was named “Hard Luck“. He lived in Manning, South Carolina. I've stayed with him and his family six times.

The other American airman was Al Fretius. His plane was named “Our Baby“. He lived in the Napa Valley near San Francisco and I've stayed with him and his family many times. He has stayed at my house three times.

Alas both my friends have now died.

It was wonderful to see their old 1944 base again.

I am pictured on the roof of the control tower & with Ron Barely, veteran volunteer for many years.

A Lick Of Paint....

.... I travelled to Stratton Strawless, there to paint one of my godsons gates.

All Priscilla Bacon Shops....

.... On Saturday 4th July 2026 I completed my personal challenge to help out in all of the 10 Priscilla Bacon Charity Shops.

I've travelled to all of the 10 shops by bus from Gorleston.

I'd like to thank all of the staff for making me welcome, making me laugh and making me refreshments. 😀😃😄

Didgeridoo....

.... This didgeridoo was in the Priscilla Bacon Charity shop in Dereham.

I just had to have go!

Dereham Priscilla Bacon Shop....

....In Nelson Place, Dereham.

I worked for 2 hours, meeting with the staff of Caroline the manager, Alison, Robyn and Cameron.

I helped hanging dresses onto rails, ticket pricing goods and displaying toys in the shop.

Thank you all for making me so welcome