In deepest hidden Norfolk you sometimes find the the unexpected.

Disturbing a coven in heated discussion about revealing all for the camera and the secret hidden dens of lust in small slumbering villages is not what you expect at all.

Well, you have to catch up on the local gossip don't you .... its what Post Offices are for! 

Yet again I have been asked for directions to Nelsons birth place in Burnham Thorpe. As there's now only a sign showing where the demolished house once stood I have managed to miss it on many visits.

But now I know, with help from a friend , so can direct tourists to the very spot. Having carried out further research on the great man, a very informative website lists that local tales indicate that he was, in fact, born in a barn that still stands at the entrance to the village. Very interesting.

The site also has a great comment about the 320 odd souls of the village, but as I know some of the villagers, and know that some read this blog, I'm still deciding if I dare quote it for fear of my own safety!

Having hunted wild mushrooms for many years finding a new species to try is always a real treat.

Carrying this large fungi back, through the woods with its beech and chestnut trees and and sweeping views of the coast, wondering if I'll ever be confident enough to use it in the cooking pot, all adds to the joy of the moment.

Once back home the reference books are consulted .... with most confirming the item as good to eat .. but as usual one shows the warning skull and cross-bones.

But I am confident - I think - its Chicken of the Woods. It looks and feels so much like real cooked chicken!

A few days later, and after trying a small piece of the mushroom to ensure its safe for me, its off to the the kitchen for mushroom soup.

Large chunks of Chicken of the Wood (cooked in butter) are added to gently fried onions, puff balls and field mushrooms, add a bit of game stock and water to cover and cook gently until ready to serve, whisk in some cream and some chives and serve with fresh country bread..........fantasic, steaming hot and filling!

But please don't use wild mushrooms or fungi unless you are certain of their identification!   

Talking of skulls and cross-bones it appears that the previously mentioned star may have a residence in the area, or so the gossip goes!

Victory is won in the battle of Burnham Norton. Vintage telephone box designated for removal is saved on appeal by the box designers son who lives in the village! Residents are invited to celebration party.

Meanwhile a gas main is hit on the main coast road - police take urgent action and divert traffic off the main road ....... but then the directions end resulting in many day trippers seeing far more of the area than they had planned!

Newsflash ......... the grapvine is on full alert due to reports that a local estate agent is in contact with a Mr J Depp!