Sparring ponies put on wild Wicken show
ThESE dramatic photos show Konik ponies fighting for dominance as the mating season begins.
The small horses have been captured sparring and squaring up to one another with powerful kicks at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve on Tuesday (March 26).
They can also be seen grazing on the grassland and trotting through pools of water.
The Konik ponies were introduced to Wicken Fen in the early 2000s and are one of the largest of the ‘pony’ breeds. They provide an eco-friendly means to maintain the wetlands and help encourage biodiversity.
A Konik filly – female foal – was the first pony of the season to be born at the National Trust site on March 16.
OVER 5,000 UK bank branches have shut since 2015, leaving many communities without vital banking and cash services. Among those affected are residents of the Norfolk village of Great Massingham.
When it was announced that all three banks in the nearby small town of
Fakenham were to disappear in 2023, many feared they would be left “stranded”. The nearest bank is now 13 miles away in King’s Lynn and a single hourly bus journey is the only means of transport for some.
But essential banking services provided by the Post Office have provided a lifeline for residents and businesses in the village.
Postmaster Mark Eldridge says, “So many people still use cash, and not everyone is tech savvy or wants to use banking apps. They like coming into the Post Office to pay cash in or take it out.
“This is more than just a Post Office. It’s a community hub.
We’ve become an increasingly vital support for residents and local businesses, giving them crucial banking services on their doorstep.”
With more than 11,500 branches, Post Office is the biggest retail network in the
UK, and 99.7% of the population is located within three miles of a Post Office branch.
Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office. You can also take out the exact amount of cash you need – right down to the penny. And with branches often open much longer than bank branches, the service is available when customers need it most.
of the population live within three miles of a Post Office