A47 Road Closure....

.... I was attending a cricket match at 1pm in Narbourough.

The Excel bus from Norwich to Narborough had to make a long detour via Drayton, Taverham, Attlebridge, Lenwade, Bawdeswell, Billingford and North Elmham to get to Dereham.

Then there were further delays from Swaffham onwards for the movement of a large load.

The bus finally got to Narbourogh nearly an hour late.

Narborough v Matishall....

.... Narborough CC were playing Matishall CC at the cricket ground in Narbourough Hall.

My hosts, David Turner and his wife, gave me a superb ham salad lunch.

Narborough batted first and went on to beat Matishall by 158 runs.

I was invited to the Mattishall v Great Witchingham match next Saturday, June 6th.

I managed to eat the biggest ice cream that I've ever had.

Fellow Medal Holder....

....  An enjoyable morning coffee with a fellow Empire Medal holder, David Down MBE.

I've known David & his parents for many decades.

David was the driver on the first bus that I caught when embarking on my bus journey around England.

He also featured on the cover of my book.

An Unusual Certification....

.... I've passed my exam and am now certified to practice!!!

Ukulele Strumming....

.... I had the opportunity to strum a few notes on a superb carbon fibre ukulele.

I strummed all the correct notes, but not necessarily in the right order!

Plantation Gardens Norwich....

.... Today I visited the Plantation Gardens in Norwich.

I have always wanted to visit this hidden gem and I was not disappointed.

The small charge of £2 is the biggest bargain in Norwich.

A link to their excellent website:-

https://www.plantationgarden.co.uk/

Norwich v Garboldisham....

.... I much enjoyed my first ever cricket match on the afternoon of Saturday 23/05/26.

It was between Norwich & Garboldisham.

Norwich had a great innings of 282, with number one batsman hitting 128. A Norwich win.

The match was played at the lovely Ingham ground.

Thanks to Len Soards for taking me there & his wife for supplying me with a super lunchbox.

I'm looking forward to attending my next cricket match on Saturday 30/05/26.

Malcolm's Musings....

.... I love going to Narborough Museum.

All of the volunteers are very friendly and are generous with the mugs of tea and cake.

John Atkinson recorded this interview.

Eats And Drinks....

.... It's wise to have a good breakfast at the start of a day out.

At the end of a day out, an enjoyable pint.

Back To The 60's (Pt1)....

.... A trip to the East Anglia Transport Museum.

A ride on a trolley bus, tram and a narrow guage railway.

Back To The 60's (Pt2)....

.... A very enjoyable time watching The Austin Beats perform.

Links to YouTube videos:-

https://youtu.be/qlejhw5K0r4?si=onAk5UnG6ZJpXg-Y

https://youtu.be/ILklPIHOnxA?si=aYMJIPbaWJ__VNHw

About Anglia News....

.... A visit to my home by Natalie Gray from Anglia Television News. To film and interview me regarding yesterdays presentation of my British Empire Medal.

The article was broadcast on the About Anglia program.

Link to YouTube snippet of the program:-

https://youtu.be/TtmiN23vjAw?si=WgNVgzlHp1B-sOd8

The Granary Café.....

.... Before attending the presentation of my British Empire Medal, my godson took me to the Granary Café, Ranworth.
We were very warmly welcomed and I thank them for these words:-

"The Granary Café Ranworth is feeling honored.
Today we had the honour of welcoming Malcolm Metcalf (92) and the lovely Alan to The Granary Ranworth ahead of receiving his British Empire Medal in recognition of his outstanding charitable service to the community in Gorleston.
Malcolm has dedicated so much of his time helping others and supporting his local community over many years, and it was a real privilege to spend time with him on such a special occasion. A thoroughly deserving honour for a true gentleman whose kindness and commitment have clearly made a lasting difference to so many people.
Congratulations Malcolm from all of us at The Granary Ranworth , we hope you have a wonderful and memorable day celebrating this incredible achievement. 👏💛🇬🇧"

Medal Presentation....

.... It was a privilege for me to be invited to The Norfolk Club in Upper King St. Norwich.

There to be presented by The Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, Lady Dannatt, my British Empire Medal.

The event took place at 17:00 until 19:00.

Canapés & sparkling wine were served.

Radio Program Broadcast....

....On the 22nd February 2026 I visited the Radio Norfolk Studios to record a program for Anya Culling's radio series 'No Limits'.

This program was broadcast on 11th May 2026.

Link to BBC program web page:-

(You may only listen to this program if you are in the UK & logged into your BBC account.)

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nhsp0s

Link to blog page of the recording of this radio program:-

www.mmfundraiser.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-visit-to-radio-norfolk-studios.html?m=1