Norwich Backpackers Hostel - A new eco-friendly tourism market for Norwich - New life for landmark city centre site

Norwich is soon to have its first backpackers hostel, a whole new tourism market for the city and the next venture for father and son, Alister and Jason Borthwick.

The team behind the award winning, eco-friendly tourism facilities at Deepdale Farm on the north Norfolk coast, are in the process of developing a hostel in the centre of Norwich, having just purchased the somewhat derelict Ferry Boat Inn on King St.

“The Ferry Boat will make an excellent location for our second hostel. King Street is an easy walk to the main attractions of the City, train and bus station. The river access means we can offer canoe hire and with national cycle route no1 passing the front door we can also offer cycle hire. We are really excited about the opportunities this site offers. The planners like our ideas to regenerate the site and we look forward to working with them to develop a really exciting landmark for Norwich.” said Alister Borthwick.

The Ferry Boat Inn has been closed for over 3 years. The only way it could compete with the chain pubs was as a live music venue, but after much of the river frontage was developed into flats, live music was no longer welcome and the pub was forced to close. Greene King, the previous owners, had considered developing the site into a pub restaurant, but decided the £1m to £2m price tag wasn’t a viable investment. Instead they put the building on the market and the Borthwicks bought the property in early February.

“Our primary use for the site will be backpackers accommodation, mainly private ensuite rooms and family rooms, with a few dorms, which will all be accommodated in a new eco-friendly building on the site. We plan to lease out the hostel, much as we have done at Deepdale, and the canoe hire, cycle hire and café may go to the same tenant or to separate tenants depending on who approaches us. Now that we have bought the site, plans will develop.” said Jason Borthwick.

“We know groups like CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) are keen to see the pub reopen. We definitely feel that a small real ale pub on the site as part of the overall development, would be an excellent addition. This might be run by the tenants of the hostel or as a separate entity, maybe CAMRA know of interested parties and can put them in touch with us. In the meantime we’ll be developing plans for the accommodation, canoe hire, cycle hire and café, looking for tenants for the whole or parts of the site and the possibility of a pub will develop as and when interested tenants approach us.”

Norwich Backpackers Hostel will link up with the well established Deepdale Backpackers & Camping on the north Norfolk coast and with any other backpackers style accommodation that exists in the county or region, including hostels and campsites. The new hostel will open up Norfolk and Norwich to a market that is virtually untapped currently. Most other historic cities, such as York and Bath, support two or more hostels. Norwich’s YHA closed over 7 years ago and no other backpacker hostel accommodation is available, yet the city and the surrounding area fit perfectly with the backpacker market.

The backpacker travel market is quite simply unique. Backpacker hostels offer simple clean quality accommodation, but with one major difference to hotels and other accommodation - the social interaction of fellow travellers, passing on stories and experiences. “Many friendships you develop when backpacking, stay with you for life. Staying in a hostel is a very ‘unBritish’ experience, you chat to people, join people for activities and food. Backpackers are all ages and from all backgrounds, it’s a state of mind!” said Jason.

“The best thing about the backpacker market, is the positive effects on the local area. Hostels work closely with many other local businesses, from those offering activities to attractions, museums, restaurants, pubs and more. We are really looking forward to creating jobs, working with Norwich businesses and adding to this great city.”

Norwich Backpackers Hostel plans to open its doors to customers in 2011. In the meantime watch www.norwichbackpackers.co.uk for the latest information.

End Press Release

For further information on Norwich Backpackers Hostel please contact:
Jason Borthwick, Diversification Partner, Deepdale Farms
Tel: 07776 254019, Email: jason@deepdalefarm.co.uk

The Ferry Boat Inn site is in the centre of Norwich - 191 King Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 2DF

For further information on Deepdale Backpackers & Camping, the eco-friendly backpackers hostel, campsite, tipis, yurts and group hostel on the north Norfolk coast, please visit:
www.deepdalebackpackers.co.uk

There will be a display at the North Norfolk Coast Earth Day, explaining more about the plans for Norwich Backpackers. The event is FREE to attend and takes place between 10am and 4pm on Thursday 22nd April at Deepdale Backpackers & Camping, Deepdale Farm, Burnham Deepdale on the north Norfolk coast. More details can be found at: www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/earthday

January Newsletter - Deepdale Backpackers & Camping

Tel: 01485 210256      www.deepdalebackpackers.co.uk

January Newsletter 2010

Louise and I want to thank everyone for a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We had a lovely time cooking Christmas dinner for you and we hope to welcome more of you next year. The Stables is already fully booked for New Year 2010/11 so if anyone is thinking about the 18 bed group hostel you might want to get in there quick!


Thoughts of beaches, warm weather, and a sunny summer are keeping us going through the freezing snow and ice that has besieged us since before Christmas. Our Yurt is fully booked for August bank holiday already! We are expecting the second Yurt on site in February, so if you are thinking about a get away this summer, try something a little different on the North Norfolk Coast. Early booking is recommended for all types of accommodation at Deepdale during all peak periods to avoid disappointment.


If you are looking to get away for some fantastic walking or other winter activities, we have some wonderful accommodation available at Deepdale, and don’t forget our dog friendly room and Tipi is available all year round so you can bring your best friend with you whenever you come!

Over 50's Winter Warmer Offer

We have extended our over 50’s winter warmer offer until the end of March (excluding February half term). Four midweek nights for the price of three! Please see the website for more details. Terms and conditions apply.

Walking Week

We are also running our Walking Week on March 14th 2010. Four days of planned walks in the local area, guided by a local expert and surrounded by like minded people out to enjoy the North Norfolk Coast. Good company, lots of laughs, and beautiful surroundings. What more could any walker want! Please see website for more details.

Conservation Weekend

The Annual Deepdale Conservation Weekend, March 5th 2010. A great way to spend a weekend with nature, working the land with your own bare hands, making new friends and finding out what it really takes to maintain the beautiful British countryside we all know and love. Some of this years projects include Forrest Management, tree and shrub planting, fence building and more. Please see website for more details.

North Norfolk Coast Earth Day

On Earth Day 2010, Thursday 22nd April, Deepdale Backpackers & Camping and Deepdale Farm will be hosting a whole range of eco friendly organisations for an Earth Day exhibition about the environment, including environmental technology installers, advisors, pressure groups and other related organisations.

Scrap Heap Art Challenge

As part of the North Norfolk Coast Earth Day we are hosting a Scrap Heap Art Challenge. Artists and school groups will be creating artworks to display around the hostels and campsite from recyclable material and scrap that is available around Deepdale. Artists interested in being involved should contact Andrea at Deepdale, Tel: 01485 210256 or Email: andrea@deepdalebackpackers.co.uk

Congratulations, The Winner Is ...

You may remember that we asked you to answer a few questions in return for the chance to win a stay in one of the tipis. Well the names have been drawn from the digital hat and the winner is:

Adam Bailey

It's too late to win the competition, but you are still welcome to fill out the survey by visiting: www.surveymonkey.com

Football World Cup

Also, for anyone thinking of staying at home to watch the world cup, just a quick reminder that Deepdale does have a TV lounge in the hostels, so you don’t have miss any of the action while you are on holiday! We hope to have a projector and screen in the courtyard, so watch this space.

Dalegate Market News

Since our last newsletter there have been quite a few changes at Dalegate Market. In early December, Julie opened her jewellery and accessories shop, called Relish. Last week, Oliver, Rebecca and Paul took over Deepdale Cafe. In March, the shop at the rear of the site will become an artists studio. So now you have even more excuses to visit and get a little retail therapy. I'm sure all the new and established businesses look forward to welcoming you.

Norwich Backpackers Hostel

Alister and Jason have almost completed the purchase of a building in Norwich to open another backpackers hostel there. There will be many link ups with Deepdale, including possibly a minibus service between the two. We'll let you know how things develop or visit the Norwich Backpackers Hostel website.

Facebook Users?

Deepdale has a Facebook Page
Deepdale Backpackers & Camping
Please add your photographs, videos and of course comments

Scrap Heap Art Challenge - Eco Artists Wanted

Scrap Heap Art Challenge

Eco Artists Wanted

Deepdale Backpackers & Camping and Deepdale Farm are holding their annual North Norfolk Coast Earth Day on Thursday 22nd April. They are looking for artists or school groups who would like to get creative with scrap and recyclable materials to take part in a Scrap Heap Art Challenge.

The Scrap Heap Art Challenge will take place throughout the day. Artists will be welcome to use any of the recyclable or scrap items available on the Deepdale site to create sculptures or art pieces that will then be displayed around the hostels and campsite.

Artists will have from 9am to 3.30pm to create their artwork, when they will be judged and prizes awarded.

The Scrap Heap Art Challenge will be judged by a small panel of judges, who will be looking for creativity, unusual use of recyclable materials and even audience participation. “As a judge I’ll be looking for an artwork which makes me stop and think”, said Andrea, one of the judging panel.

Artists will be promoted on the Deepdale website (www.deepdalefarm.co.uk) and the winning artist or school team will win a stay in a tipi and be invited to be a judge at next years Scrap Heap Art Challenge.

Interested artists should contact Andrea Bramhall at Deepdale, Tel: 01485 210256 or Email: mailto:andrea@deepdalebackpackers.co.uk?Subject=Scrap Heap Art Challenge Enquiry

For more information on the North Norfolk Coast Earth Day please visit www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/earthday

End Press Release

Interested artists should contact Andrea Bramhall at Deepdale, Tel: 01485 210256 or Email: mailto:andrea@deepdalebackpackers.co.uk?Subject=Scrap Heap Art Challenge Enquiry


For more information on this press release or the North Norfolk Coast Earth Day please contact:

Jason Borthwick
Tel: 07776 254019
Email: jason@deepdalefarm.co.uk
www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/earthday

Free and Impartial Environmental Advice for Businesses in Aylsham

Free and Impartial Environmental Advice for Businesses in Aylsham

Throughout the whole of March 2010 our team of expert Environmental Business Advisors will be available to complete a FREE and impartial on-site review to help your business Reduce Risk, Reduce Costs and Reduce Environmental and Carbon Impact.

We will also be holding drop-in surgeries for one to one advice on all aspects of environmental issues affecting businesses including consumption of resources and production of waste. In addition there will be two seminars covering these aspects.

Drop-in surgeries in the Green Room, Aylsham Town Hall
10:00 to 16:00 on 10, 11 and 12 March

Free seminars in the Green Room, Aylsham Town Hall
11:00 to 13:00 on 23 March
and
18:00 to 20:00 on 24 March

Both Seminars will conclude with a complementary buffet

For more details and to book a review or seminar place please call 01603 222089 or email environmental.advice@norfolk.gov.uk

Is a computer male or female?

Something a little more light hearted for a Thursday morning. Thank you Kim for sending this to me.

A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'
'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'

A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself
spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

(THIS GETS BETTER!)

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador'), because:

1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;

2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;

3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

Humanitarian disaster could have been avoided - The Iraq War

Alistair Campbell is clearly beyond redemption, as he opens his mouth and out comes complete and utter rubbish. Somehow he has convinced himself that Blair didn’t have an agreement with Bush to go to war regardless of whether weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq or not. However in the same evidence session, Campbell produced letters that prove Blair did agree with Bush to go to war regardless of what happened.

Does Campbell not realise he is no longer in the employment of Blair, or is he just trying to cover his backside in case he, like Blair, is held responsible for the war and face recrimination or war crimes? After all, he did write the dodgy dossier, which encouraged parliament to vote for war.

There was some interesting discussion on the radio this morning about the part people’s families played in the war and the sacrifice of the armed forces. I couldn’t agree more, that the men and women of this country who have fought, rebuilt or carried our humanitarian work in Iraq and Afghanistan, have done so with bravery that most of us would never find and should be honoured and thanked for their work.

However I’m still of the opinion that going into Iraq the way we did was wholly wrong. I for one marched in London to protest against the war. Not because I think Saddam Hussein should still be in power, maybe removing him could have been an honourable action if done in the right way and with honesty. Not because I don’t respect the armed forces, actually I hold them in very high regard. But because Bush and Blair took us into a war that hadn’t put in place any of the humanitarian backup required to deal with the aftermath.

Blair was purely thinking of the lecture circuit and other back handed jobs he could get by cosying up to the Bush family and their oil rich mates around the world. Bush simply wanted to finish his Dad’s job and give a whole bunch of oil contracts to his friends. There was nothing right about the approach taken by Bush and Blair and I can’t think of a better reason to march in an anti war march.

Had the humanitarian backup been there and a proper plan been put in place for the aftermath, then its possible that far fewer lives could have been lost. It becomes increasingly clear that a timetable for invasion was set and everything else had to catch up or miss out, which included equipment for troops, training of multi national forces (which could have avoided some of the friendly fire incidents) and most importantly notifying the humanitarian organisations and giving them time to mobilise and prepare for the post war situation.

Today we heard about an inner core of advisors and ministers who huddled around Blair and prepared for war. Who were they all and most importantly how many of Labours front bench are directly responsible for this complete failure to plan properly and for pulling the wool over the eyes of parliament and the public.

Many years on, I can only hope that Blair and his cronies are made to pay in some way for the humanitarian disaster they caused and could have avoided.

Bible bashing politicians!

Oh how I love the religious nutters we have in the UK, and the way they ram their beliefs down peoples throats, yet justify to themselves that breaking their sacred ten commandments and generally being immoral is ok.

The wife of Northern Irelands First Minister is a prime example. She mouths off about how homosexuality is an abomination, yet is happy to sleep with other people behind her husbands back. Hypocritical and selfish would be kind descriptions. There are many other words that would be more accurate.

I know there are a million reasons relationships hit the rocks and I'm not judging their relationship, that is for them to work through and deal with. I'm critical of a bible basher, who slaps down those who don't agree with her twisted version of Christianity, yet has so little moral sense for her own actions.

Surely people can't still vote for this woman? At what point does a politician wake up to the fact that all their moral authority has evaporated and they must leave public office. Clearly a rhetorical question, as the various political scandals recently show that most politicians have no moral compass at all. Ho hum, will things ever really change?