Queen's Pigeon Keeper Passes

A man with lofty ideas, the wonderfully named Carlo Napolitano has died at his home in Wolferton on the Royal Estate near Sandringham. Boyhood boxer and heir to family hairdressing business, Mr Napolitano was the Queen's pigeon keeper in Norfolk.

Matthew Usher/EDP

Incidentally the birds were for racing, not shooting and eating.

Chisel Apprentice Quest, Foul Fowl Assassins, Foreign Crustacean Foray & Burgh Castle Boat Builder's Boom

Any school leaver wanting to cut into a new career could do worse than contact Colin Smith. A stone engraver for 48 years, Yarmouth based Mr Smith wants to pass on his hand crafted skills to an apprentice. 

I particularly like his self scribed headstone for, hopefully far distant, future use, 'Just Walking The Dog'.

© J Reed

Distressing news of shot gunned swans north of Dereham. If the RSPCA can catch the culprit hopefully they will contact the Queen, although death penalty hopes for a treasonable offence are, unfortunately, just an urban myth.

Although more used to stories of more human sized Chinese immigrants to King's Lynn, a more sinister looking invader has appeared at nearby Great River Ouse. The Chinese mitten crab has been spotted before and seems to harm river banks more than indigenous crabs at the levels they are .

Better boat news from Burgh Castle where Goodchild Marine have secured a two boat, three year contract to build pilot boats with a unique French hull design. Norfolk showing the way in these troubled water times.

Accession Anniversary

Today marks the 58th anniversary of the death of King George VI at Sandringham and the accession to the throne by QE2.

As usual, lots of great information from the Norfolk Coast blog.

Reign takes the strain

Get used to them, can't resist a pun.

EDP reports on regal respite retreat route.

Sovereign says stop selling stolen snitch pap snaps.