The Wherryman's Way Partnership Group - Norfolk County Council, Broads Authority, South Norfolk Council and the Chet Valley Development Partnership - invited the public to an exhibition of artwork and interpretation (Jan 2005), which will be used by the project. The exhibition was held at the Loddon Jubilee Hall.
People were asked to recall any stories or memories of the days of the Wherries, and any books or photographs, which might help add colour and interest. The Wherryman's Way is building upon the heritage of Wherries and the people who sailed them to develop a tourist destination along the Yare Valley.
Woodfordes Ales, a local brewery from Woodbastwick contributed display material, showing how the Wherry image had already been successfully used to promote Wherry Ales. The Wherry Lines Railway Partnership added further information - again linked to the strength of the marketing image of the Wherries.
The interest shown in the project was very encouraging with a broad range of visitors raising many questions and offering many fascinating tales, photographs, and stories, which will help to ensure a tale which is told will be accurate and rooted in local memories.
The information gathered on the day has enabled the project to finalise its artwork and look forward to the launch of the Wherryman's Way on Saturday 28 May.
