Normal for Norfolk

Normal for Norfolk was a derogatory term used by doctors at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to categorise some of their more ‘intellectually challenged’ patients. The term was then abbreviated to N.F.N. which could easily be added to case notes for the purposes of quick reference.

In some ways N.F.N. has been embraced as a term of endearment, and its popularity demonstrates the admirable ability of Norfolk folk to laugh at themselves.

But what Normal for Norfolk means to us is winding by-roads, curious creeks, secret woods, green, yellow, orange, red, brown, black fields, rainbows, food fresh from the sea and the soil, and most of all, the time to enjoy it all. Nelson’s county is almost completely devoid of motorways, shopping malls, multi-story car parks, nightclubs and mobile phone signals. TV reception is fuzzy during storms, when it’s very sunny, when it’s misty, or when there’s any kind of weather in fact. So turn off the telly and the Blackberry, stop talking so fast, throw away your briefcase, take off your shoes and socks, roll up your trousers and go paddle. The water’s fine. But mind the tide.

Normal for Norfolk is about appreciating the best of Norfolk and celebrating what makes it unique, a relatively unspoilt backwater where most things are best left just as there are.

Classic beachwear and sailing gear, linen suits for croquet or cocktails, a smart jacket for dinner up at the hall, flirty floral frocks and shocking shorts for teen princesses and glamorous grannies, a treasure trove bursting with costume and semi-precious jewels, sunglasses to show off or hide behind, witty postcards to send quips home, hats to keep off the sun, and the rain, mugs for tea and conversation, cushions to scatter were you will, quilts to curl up under at the end of the day, and loads of bags to put it all in. Normal for Norfolk.

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Originally uploaded by the star of the east

The Normal for Norfolk quilt collection

Welcome to the seaside shop that is all about fresh air, wide open spaces, friendly faces and lovely quirky things. Normal for Norfolk.