Norfolk Overland Explorers

A small group of us have started The 'Norfolk Overland Explorers'. There are several people in the Norfolk / South East area of the UK who enjoy Overlanding, so we opened up a Facebook page to bring everyone together, to share ideas and knowledge.
We have already had one member do her very first Overland Adventure to France, and another is about to head off to Iceland, and another one is going to Portugal.
We have started having regular social gatherings to either discuss trips or to work on the vehicles.
Plans are being put in place for a group NOE Expedition to Cape Wrath in Scotland in 2015.
Members vary from experienced to complete novices, and include children, dogs, wifes, girlfriends, and hangers on.....   

If you are in the Norfolk area then why not join the NOE's and share your adventures.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Norfolk-Overland-Explorers/393551210783537

The 'NOE's' now have a web site, forum and online calender of events.

http://www.norfolkoverlandexplorers.org.uk/aboutus/

Several members will be at the AO 14 show.

Hey All,

Like Scott has mentioned above,
Feel free to join in and share your thoughts

Hi scott
Would like to meet up with you guys at the show, ask the nice lady at the gate giveing out ticketts and taking your money if you have not paid, were to find yoda (thats me)

Ok 'Yoda',
Will try and find you, if not you can't miss my Defender. It will be the one covered in stickers, with a Howling Moon large rooftent.
The NOE gang intend to try and all pitch together in the campsite.
Will PM you my Mob number....

Scott.

I will be in charge of camping field, let me know how many motors, and I will save an area for you,
tell the first one who will arive to let me know.

That's great!
3 motors, but possibly 4 as I know Ralph (a NOE member) is heading up there early, so he may have pitched up already..... We will have several kids and dogs with us!
3 of us are traveling up in convoy so will all arrive together.

So why don't you ask ...

"Hey Tom, any chance that Norfolk Overland Explorers can have a Club Display Stand at AO`14?"

I would reply, "Sod off!"  

Nah I wouldn't, I would say, "That's a cracking idea, why didn't I think of that?"  

Better for me as an organiser if you are there as a club (or a group) in the heart of the show rather than stuck over in the back of beyond. The knowledge the likes of Scott can impart is priceless, that after all is what Adventure Overland is all about. I've always said it's a show for 'us', this is a classic case in point. Far better for me (and I would have thought you) to be near the action than residing in the campsite all weekend. If you have a banner/sign for NOE then great, if not then scribble on the back of a cardboard box. Folk aren't concerned about image, they want to look at your motors and chew the cud. A photo board however always goes down well, if nothing else it speaks volumes about where you've travelled to.

As for yourselves, you go walkabout whenever you want. No need to be rooted to the spot all weekend. When you're around then folk can chat to you, when you're not you're not ... simple as!

Well, it's a cunning plan, what do you reckon - campsite or an official pitch? Your call entirely, me I'm cool either way.

I shall be arriving around 4-ish and we were planning to hog a space for another 2 cars as we are meeting up with my brother and some friends from our trips.

We're all happy to clash awnings and camp together and I'm sure we won't mind being in the middle or near the edge.  There's plenty of room around the braai.

Tom, Between us we've all got stories to share of Morocco, the Alps, Corsica, Tunisia, Iceland and the Arctic Circle.  Overlanding in a 90, 110 and a disco, together and separately.  So I'm sure we can entertain a few people if were in the middle

So that sounds like 6 cars to me.

Yep Tom that would be great! I have asked the 'group' and they are happy to 'clash' awnings as Ralph put it...

Our small group comprises of seasoned travellers to some who are just starting out on the Overland lark!  so there will be some great discussions around the Braai!
The NOE's have some young members who have just had their stabilizers taken off their bikes, and also some around the teenage years (remember Kevin from Harry Enfield?!) all the way up to some who are knocking on retirement age!  We also take our four legged furry friends with us whenever we can.

From the top of my head NOE members have been to the list Ralph mentioned above,  plus - Botswana, Ireland, Over the 'border' to Scotland, Portugal, France, Norway, Belgium, Italy.
We also do 'green lane runs' and are running a Far from Help first aid course in the new year, and also have social nights.

You will have to excuse the state of my Land Rover as I returned from Portugal and flew overseas for work the very next day. I get back to UK the day before the show, so my Defender will still be covered in sand with missing rear access ladder (ask me how this happened) and ripped roof tent cover...

Will try and get a banner and the group is putting together some photos of past trips.

Great your group will be most welcom, and it sounds like you enjoy your self's,

Do not wash off that sand. It's a 'real vehicle' so folk should see it as god intended.

As you know I've slotted you in alongside the pitch for "4x4 Overland Travel" forum, that way you can pitch up in the centre between your mates in NOE and a bunch more potential mates in the forum display. Just as well there's not a wooden fence in between, you could develop a lot of splinters over the weekend sitting on it!

Norfolk Overland Explorers are going from strength to strength!

Over the winter 11 of our members completed a 'Far from help first aid course' and the certification lasts 3 years. Many of of our members now have new roof tents supplied by Tuff Trek, and have been busy preparing thier vehicles for adventures this year.

We have had several social events, including pub meets, talks from other Overlanders, Green lane days, Offroad days and in April had our first camping weekend in a private wood to test out all equipment and enjoy a few drams around the campfire.




We have a weekend in Belgium planned so those who have never driven on the 'wrong side' can see how easy it is, and we are going via Eurotunnel so those who have never used it can see its much better than the ferry! Everyone is looking forward to the Chocolate shops and Belgium beer!

Then later in the year we have a 10 day expedition up to the tip of Scotland to Cape Wrath, which will include some exploration offroad led by a contact we have up there. The route will include Scottish Islands, searching for Nessy, and some cracking campsites and of course whisky!

As well as organised events, some NOE members have had trips to Morocco and used local Berber guides to explore Marrakesh, Todra, Tizi n'Tichka, Erg Chebbi and other sights, and others are also planning their own expeditions to various places.



Training is continuing for members and some are heading up to Liverpool for some more training with 'Expedition Care Programme' later in the year.

We are already looking at 2016 expeditions, and plans are getting put in place for some big adventures in 2016.

If you spot a NOE sticker on one of our members 4x4's then give us a wave or come and say hi!!

Some members will be at AO15....

I've already pencilled in a pitch for NOE at AO`15, so simply email me via the website when you have an idea of what area you'll require.

Definitely going from strength to strength ... nice one!

Cheers Tom,
I have passed on your message to the rest of the NOE gang....
Personally I cannot attend as my work rota has me back in curry land, but I know other NOE's are planning on going and I think they are bringing with them some 'hangers on'....

'Thunder' Vodka has been ordered....

Scott.

scott.l. wrote:

Cheers Tom,
I have passed on your message to the rest of the NOE gang....
Personally I cannot attend as my work rota has me back in curry land, but I know other NOE's are planning on going and I think they are bringing with them some 'hangers on'....

'Thunder' Vodka has been ordered....  

Scott.

"chunder vodka" ... help!!!