Capturing South Norfolk

South Norfolk Council is proud to announce the launch of a book called “South Norfolk – Through the eyes of an Illustrator” by Mr Raymond Everett.

The book has just gone on sale at Tourist Information Centres in Diss, Wymondham, Loddon and Harleston, and it takes visitors and residents on a journey through many of the special nooks and crannies of the district, which they may have missed.

It was the idea of the author, 78 year old Mr Everett, from Harleston, who realised there was a lack of such books specifically about South Norfolk.

He said:

“As I say in the book, people may just pass through this area to reach their destinations, thus missing out on a treasure trove of interesting places and historical facts – so I endeavoured to illustrate some of these, with the intention of encouraging more people to stop and study this beautiful part of East Anglia.

”I have spent around three years on the project. I set off at Aldeby and worked my way through to Wymondham, finding the most interesting bits and pieces of facts and information along the way, researching them and illustrating them.

“Without South Norfolk Council’s support the book may never have got into print, so I cannot thank them enough for their help.”

Geoff Rivers, Chief Executive of South Norfolk Council said that the book could help boost tourism in the district:

“We were delighted to be able to assist Mr Everett with the book – with verifying the research, refining the layout and the printing.

“It could be a real winner for us too - the illustrations highlight the beauty of South Norfolk, and by selling the book in our Tourist Information Centers we can attract visitors who pass through the area, to stay longer. It captures the special qualities of the district - and it will help us to raise South Norfolk's profile.”

Mr Everett says the book is “a little gem” and he is thrilled with its publication.

“It was a dream come true to see this work in print. It will be there for anyone who wants to know more about South Norfolk. And on a personal note, I have been struggling with glaucoma recently and have been warned not to continue with my illustrating, in case I put too much strain on my eyes. This has made me realise how lucky I have been to have had this book completed and now printed – to have achieved a dream I had begun to think would be unachievable.”

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