This article has been difficult to write as was the decision to accept an offer to sell The Wheatsheaf Inn.  Indeed, until the end of July 2008 we continued to work on the conversion of our function room into our own 3-bedroomed accommodation which would have allowed us to create two additional letting rooms.  Along with other ideas for holiday cabins in the grounds this was our plan for 2008/9.

It is pretty well accepted that accommodation and meals are now the way forward in what has become recognised as a very difficult trading period for traditional public houses as evidenced by the increasing number of closures nationally.  Over the past six and a half years we have invested not only money but a considerable amount of personal time and effort to provide both a business and a home for ourselves and our two young sons.  However, despite a King Canute moment where we continued to believe that our current plan would succeed, the economic argument "won the day".  A difficult decision was "made easier" only by the goodwill and advice of our many customers who have become good friends along the way.  "Opportunity knocked on the door" and the rest is now history.

Going forward, Stella will be devoting her time to Heacham and Hunstanton On Line so that this little part of Norfolk continues to get the recognition it deserves.  Our young sons will remain at the same school and for myself, I intend to pursue my main hobby in sailing by taking some much needed training to gain RYA qualifications.

We hope that the many customers who have appreciated our parties, accommodation, food and service over the years will have some fond memories to look back on as we do.  We would like to thank our many customers, friends and family for their support and encouragement over the past six and a half years including our staff who have shown loyalty and dedication (whilst retaining a sense of humour) - particularly those who stayed with us pretty much from the beginning.

Tony & Stella Gooch at The Wheatsheaf Inn, Heacham
December 2001 - September 2008