Kessingland beach has always held a fascination for those who enjoy their local history, with metal detectors frequently turning up military relics that reveal the town’s wartime history.

Thanks to the nearby Pakefield rifle range, and the military units based on the coast during World War 2, the beach is a hotspot for local historians, with historical relics being uncovered all the time.

The latest find is a vintage grenade, rusted and deformed after years of erosion beneath the pebbles. As it was unclear whether the grenade was live or an inactive training model, army bomb disposal experts destroyed it in a controlled explosion. They discovered that the grenade was live and probably dated back to U.S. Army exercises which were carried out on the beach during World War 2.

As well as the grenade, the last year has seen amateur archaeologists discover bullets, cartridge cases, coins, arrowheads and much more, as the beach gives up more and more of its history.

Only a couple of miles down the beach from where the grenade was found, flint tools were uncovered which provided evidence of the oldest-discovered human settlement anywhere in the UK, and ancient tools are still discovered along the beach.

Kessingland’s two wind turbines have divided the community since they were erected in early 2011, with some residents welcoming the move to sustainable energy while others expressed concern over the impact on house prices and potential disturbance to daily life.

One of the biggest concerns was with the flickering shadows cast by the turbine blades, which can cause an unpleasant strobing effect in homes nearby. Now EcoGen, who operate the two turbines, have apologised to local residents and fitted a special device which will reduce disturbances.

The device monitors light and shuts down the turbines if shadows are cast over homes, which will eliminate the flickering shadows and ensure that villagers can peacefully coexist with the new turbines.

Despite the concerns of some villagers, the turbines are proving to be a boon for the local tourism industry, providing new landmarks which are hugely popular with visitors.

The two turbines, which were built by Triodos Renewables and operated by EcoGen and Lowestoft company SLP, generate enough power for 3,000 homes, and now fulfil nearly all of Kessingland’s energy needs, placing our village at the forefront of the green revolution.

Since its closure, Kessingland’s Hollies campsite has stood derelict, waiting for new investment and new ideas. But now, thanks to new owners the Beeston Group, it looks like there’s a bright future in store for this sadly neglected seaside treasure.

The Beeston Group hopes to revolutionise the site, by building up to 140 specially designed wig-wams, yurts and other exotic semi-permanent tents, all of which will feature iron beds and other comforts designed to take advantage of the new ‘glamping’ craze, which sees traditional camping glammed up into a sumptuous indulgent break.

The council have held meetings with the Beeston Group and it’s understood that plans are moving forward as local councillors greet news of a new holiday boom with anticipation.

The redevelopment of the Hollies will also lead to a range of new facilities for holidaymakers and Kessingland residents alike, from nature trails and cheap cycle rentals to swimming pools and bars, and it is hoped that the site will create up to 60 jobs in the local community.

This New Year’s Even, Kessingland residents have a great opportunity to support a local star in the making at the Kessingland United Working Mens Club.

Kevin Barry is a multi-talented singer and instrumentalist who will be performing a headline show at this Year’s KUWMC New Year’s Eve bash, and word is spreading that it will be a night to remember.

With a full bar and plenty of New Year’s Surprises in store, be sure to check out the Kessingland United Working Mens Club website for more details.

With years of experience in many different genres, Kevin Barry is a master entertainer, and as a Kessingland local he’s sure to bring a real sense of community to this year’s festivities.

Kessingland, as Britain’s largest village, has always had a healthy property market, but local agencies are facing increasing competition from national firms with huge marketing budgets and hi-tech online services, but what can be done to close the gap and rejuvenate local businesses?

New Lettings Software from CFP is proving to be a vital tool for struggling agencies to compete with the big boys.

By allowing simple, out-of-the-box access to cutting edge tools like social media marketing, web-based portfolios, virtual tours and even smartphone apps, smaller local agencies can level the playing field.

Since local firms can provide a more personal touch than a faceless national corporation, estate agency software might give local agents the crucial edge that they need in order to survive.