But just prior to this, we had the second annual Wild About the Wensum day there – which also turned out particularly well.

Having dropped my wife off in the early morning with rain pounding down the prospects were not good to begin with. But somehow the rain relented, the clouds stayed fairly high and hundreds of cars rolled up to experience the delights of the reserve and a host of hands-on activities.

Singer David Gray did the opening honours, declaring his new-found enthusiasm for wildlife after having moved to this area three years ago.
Diversions on the day included pond-dipping, archery, model-making, country dancing, traditional crafts like thatching and ironmongery and, of course, birdwatching.

Since taking over the park from Bill Makins – what is it about the name Bill and bird enthusiasts? – Debbie and Bill Jordan have invested heavily in expanding habitats and introducing even more exotic species such as flamingoes and the African crane.

While I would never deny the pleasure of the bird's-eye view afforded by Springwatch and its myriad of hidden cameras, nothing quite matches a leisurely walk in the park itself at this time of the year. And it's only a mile or so from the town centre.

l I've become a regular at the Thursday night jazz sessions featuring the Bowler Hat band at the Hempton Bell.

With so many pubs closing down and others struggling to get by these days, there often needs to be a real effort by management to attract customers through their doors. More than just a good pint is required.

Led by the irrepressible Dave Giddings on saxophone, I would guess the average age of this sextet – or sometimes septet – is over 70.

For a couple of hours their driving rendition of some old traditional jazz favourites – think Sweet Georgia Brown, Doctor Jazz and Whistling Rufus – brings smiles all round.

There's an infectious joy to their playing and singing which sends everyone home in a good mood at the end of the night.

You can experience the band every second and fourth Thursday of the month. There's no specific charge, but if you enjoy the entertainment – there's a bowler hat collection around half time which helps pay for petrol and other expenses.

l Tesco team leaders have so far spent a couple of days tidying up the Millennium Park as part of their commitment to the community. More such team-building exercises are scheduled and the town council has worked out a programme for the coming months.

Certain areas of the town do get neglected and it's pleasing to acknowledge a regular obligation by the company to send some of its workforce outside the store and into the town environs.

The old railway cutting gets more than its share of litter and will certainly benefit from a clear-up. As will the Queens Road cemetery where weeds around the graves are particularly intrusive at this time of year.

Having given the flower beds in the park a thorough makeover and covering with bark – donated free by Focus – these will also look so much better when planted with appropriate shrubs.