River rovers and recyclers ~ Life is like a tin of chocolates

All manner of uncanny things turn up on the wind and the tide of the rivers. One person's rubbish can be used afresh by someone else. 

 Among the funniest items floating on the River Bure was a big silvered gym or birthing ball ~ floating up to Wroxham Launch Hire quay at King's Staithe in Hoveton early on a slumbering Sunday in the 2000s. The offbeat sight of an inflated orb rolling towards the boat station resembled the menacing white rover ball, utilised to control captives in the "village" (idyllic Portmeirion, North Wales) on the cult and stylish ATV television series The Prisoner created by Patrick McGoohan in the mid 1960s. Thankfully the premise of a world of paranoia and subjugation magnified by technology never materialised.

In the spring a big old 2 3/4 lb Mackintosh's Quality Street tin, packed full of sundry ironmongery items was left by the boat refuse bins at the Free Moorings, Hoveton. Mackintoshs have a connection to Yorkshire and Norfolk. The family operated sweet factories in both counties after purchasing AJ Caley and Son in 1932 ~ and later even made a home in Norfolk. Quality Street tins of hybrid chocolates and toffee came about in 1936 ~ with charming and original Regency era artwork.

Chris