Hazel Ashley has produced another great calendar, as she does every year, of Wells-next-the-Sea. I have created the following video with Hazel’s permission from the 2014 calendar.
Hazel can be found at The Ashley Studios, 19 Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea
The December 5th flood and strong winds must have been a worrying time for the owner of the Albatross. However the next day revealed that the boat was still in good shape and floating in the harbour. This could not be said for one of the pontoons that finish up on Wells quay.
[lightbox link=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/albatross4.jpg” thumb=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/albatross4-620×465.jpg” width=”620″ align=”left” title=”Albatross” frame=”true” icon=”image”] [lightbox link=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Albatross-pontoon.jpg” thumb=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Albatross-pontoon-620×465.jpg” width=”620″ align=”left” title=”wells-next-the-sea quay” frame=”true” icon=”image”]What a difference a few months make. First there is a picture looking towards Wells Quay in July and then from the same position in December on the day after the flood. Not so many visitors and holiday makers around to see Wells this time of year, much better for some however.
Some boats still there, some taken out for the winter and at least one damaged by the strong winds and flood.
[lightbox link=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/wells-summer.jpg” thumb=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/wells-summer-620×463.jpg” width=”620″ align=”left” title=”wells-next-the-sea summer” frame=”true” icon=”image”] [lightbox link=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Wells-December.jpg” thumb=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Wells-December-620×443.jpg” width=”620″ align=”left” title=”Wells December” frame=”true” icon=”image”]After storm conditions across Scotland and the North Sea, spring tides, strong winds and a tidal surge caused flooding down the east coast of the UK. Wells was affected, but not as severely as forecast. The flood water had already started to recede before the time of local high water. it was difficult to take decent photos as the authorities were keeping people clear of the flood barrier and there were just so many people crowding around.
Some businesses suffered and here are two pics of the Standard House Chandlery at the height of the flood and twelve hours later to have a feel for how high the flood water was.
Here is an indication of how high the flood level was with this picture of the water mark on the side of a gift shop on Wells quay.
[lightbox link=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Flood-level.jpg” thumb=”http://wells-next-the-sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Flood-level-620×465.jpg” width=”620″ align=”left” title=”wells flood” frame=”true” icon=”image”]Both fallow and red deer can be found at Holkham Park, two miles from Wells-next-the-Sea. Both breeds can be seen in these photos taken at the turn of the year.
Generally, the male (stag or hart) red deer is typically 175 to 230 cm (69 to 91 in) long and weighs 160 to 240 kg (350 to 530 lb); the female is 160 to 210 cm (63 to 83 in) long and weighs 120 to 170 kg (260 to 370 lb). Read more about the European red deer.
Photos by Don Wilks
There has noticeably more seals seen on Wells beach this winter, both common and grey seals. Here are a few pictures taken at the end of December.
The grey seal is a large seal, with the bulls reaching 2.5–3.3 m (8.2–11 ft) long and weighing 170–310 kg (370–680 lb); the cows are much smaller, typically 1.6–2.0 m (5.2–6.6 ft) long and 100–190 kg (220–420 lb) in weight. Read more here.
Photos by Don Wilks
Sheringham Shoal Wind Farm support boats had Christmas Day in port but continue their support services afterwards.The Vidar, Wylfa Head and Rosinante are seen coming and going.Continue reading
Wells-next-the-Sea lifeboats exercising on 28th December 2011. Both the lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat were seen exercising in Wells harbour.Continue reading
Members of the Iceni Car Club held a Brass Monkey Run from Brandon to Wells-next-the-Sea on December 27th 2011. Here are some of the hot rods.
Photos by Don Wilks
I am trying to figure out what is going on in Wells harbour opposite the Harbour Office where the marsh is seemingly being extended for some reason. A couple of people have asked me what it’s all about so I will contact the Harbour Office to find out.
Photograph by Don Wilks
Wells Harbour Office kindly replied with the following information.
It was the repair of the training wall, please see the news article on our website
Outbound fishing boat passing the harbour dredger Kari Hege at Wells-next-the-Sea on a nice Saturday afternoon.Continue reading
Wells-next-the-Sea lifeboat outside the lifeboat house on a pleasant November 2011 afternoon.
Photographs by Don Wilks