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POWDITCH WORLD GATHERING - MORSTON, NORFOLK, UK
17 - 19 September 2004

"Oh Lord, we thank you for watching over our family throughout all ages  We thank you too,
that in time of plague or war or personal troubles, as also in times of happiness, that you are
always there to listen to our pleas and thanks."
Words from The Powditch Prayer.

John C Algar, your Powditch Family Historian,
together with
Joc Wingfield, Secretary of the Friends of Morston Church,
of Morston, Norfolk, UK,
invite all Powditch's and their descendants,
to the first ever International Gathering of the Powditch Family,
for three days of enjoyable cultural experiences with a Norfolk flavour.

Norfolk
For the traveller in search of the English heritage, Norfolk is a paradise.  
It has great cliffs and chalk downs, a history far older than any written documents,
delightful rivers, uniques still waters, low-lying fens, captivating towns, an historic roll of famous folk, and a group of Saxon, Norman and medieval churches crammed with the beauty
that makes England the matchless country of the world.

From Norfolk's proud history have come famous men and women whose names today are household words.  Such naval men as Horatio Nelson, Cloudesley Shovell, John Narborough
and George Manby.  Authors such as George Borrow, Roger Lestrange, Harriet Martineau
and Rider Haggard.  Immortals, such as Elizabeth Fry, for her heroic spirit, and Colman for
his world-renowned 'English Mustard'  -
whilst the County has also been the birthplace of many successful familes, including the Howards, Greshams, Townshends, Pastons and Gurneys.  

If anyone says to you that Norfolk is 'flat' and uninteresting, then they have never been there,
for Norfolk is understandably proud of its heritage and it is also famous world-wide for its beautiful scenery and friendly people. It is a fascinating county, having the largest incidence
of Churches anywhere within Britain, a major Cathedral, and several Castles.  
Within the County its scenery can dramatically change with the seasons,
although its visitors are welcomed at many other attractions,
both indoor and outdoor, with each having a variety of pursuits.

Morston
With fewer than 100 residents, Morston has a special character of its own.
Morston's ever-changing local coastline with its Seal Colonies, combined with its own
historic buildings and those in Villages further afield, plus the area's varying face of farming, meandering rivers and large Manorial properties, all seek to provide Visitors with the
opportunity to explore them, either in an adventurous -  or positively lazy  -  way.

Whatever your interests, there are a variety of indoor and outdoor pursuits available
both within the Village itself as well as in its surrounding area.  Indeed, if you allow yourself
time to explore the surrounding area, you will discover the huge range of
recreational attractions that both Morston and North Norfolk have to offer.

There is a tempting taste of North Norfolk’s unique culture at every turn.
From Restaurants,  Pubs, and visiting the local renowned Seal Colonies, or Bird watching in Morston, to visiting art galleries, theatres, museums, antique shops and
weekend markets further afield,  
Morston has lots of flavours. Come and have a taste!

THE POWDITCH WORLD GATHERING 2004 PROGRAMME
Please see the Registration Form for the detailed programme with dates and times for the gathering. There are some excellent events planned including:

Reception, and issue of a Registration Folder - including a programme of events etc.
A tour to North Creake Church - (Powditch grave-slabs and Bells) , to Creake Abbey ruins and to Creake Abbey Farm.
Group Photos
Afternoon tea with the present owners of Creake Abbey Farm  -  where one branch of the Powditch family lived during the 17th and 18th centuries.  It is from the pre-Creake Abbey Farm branch of the Powditch family that the Chilean and New Zealand branches of the Powditch family are descended.
A delicious Powditch Family Meal in the especially named "Powditch Room"
Special Morston food with a 'Powditch' flavour.
Worldwide Powditch displays and items for sale
The "Old Wild Rovers" a popular Norfolk Group, singing shanties, classical folksongs plus a few surprises.
Raffles and an Auction
Speakers on various topics.
A tour to Wells-next-the-Sea, and to its waterfront.   Wells was where the Powditch family lived from the 1600s-1900s, and is now represented by families living in Australia, Canada,  England, Scotland and Wales
Welcoming Cold Buffet Lunch
An unique Family Reunion Service of Commemoration & Thanksgiving Church Service
The Unveiling and Dedication of the Powditch Memorial at All Saints Church, Morston, celebrated by the Bishop of Norwich  
A tour to Blakeney Quay, Cley Church, round Cley Green, and stopping at Wiveton Church.  Wiveton was where the Powditch family lived in the 1500s and 1600s prior to some members moving to Morston.
Boat trip on "the Powditch Ferry" to see the seal colony (one mile out, in the harbour)
(NB - The Raffles and the Auction are not included in any of the prices shown on the "Registration Form")

Tours and Excursions
We are delighted to be able to offer some optional day tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 17th, 18th and 19th September, to areas of interest near Morston (see programme). Full details and instructions on how to book for the tours are set out on the Registration Form.

Registration Fees
Please note that all Registration Fees have been waived by your Powditch Family Historian, however, if you can fill in and return your Registration Form, and pay for the Gathering events prior to 1 March 2004 it would be much appreciated.

To Register for the Powditch Gathering, and for more information including accommodation and travel details please see the Registration Form, or email me for further details




"We count it a huge honour and privilege to be hosting the Inaugural Powditch gathering in our ancient village of Morston, within beautiful Norfolk, and do implore you all to come, and to bring your friends and family to enjoy the experience of a lifetime!"
Chairman, "Friends of Morston Church"