North Norfolk Living Winter 2011

HELPING YOU TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIVING LOCALLY

NORTH NORFOLK LIVING HOME & GARDEN/FOOD & DRINK/PEOPLE & PLACES

COME ON CITY! Frank Watson and loyal supporters of Norwich City Football Club SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS! Shun your online accounts and keep it local...

A BUTCHER FOR ALL SEASONS Kate Cleaver meets the legend that is Arthur Howell

FREE IN NORTH NORFOLK £1.50 where sold Winter 2011

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SHOPPING • CAFÉ • FARMERS’ MARKET • SPECIAL EVENTS CHRISTOPHER W I LLIAM COUNTRY

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Purveyors of fine country wares

• AIGLE • TOGGI • LOAKE • HOUSE OF CHEVIOT • DENTS • HUCKLECOTE • MAGEE • • FORT AND STONE • MUSTO • FALKE • We would love you to come and visit us at our newly launched shop at Creake Abbey for all your Country and Shooting Wear, Accessories and Gifts. There are some fantastic brands of the utmost quality in a lovely environment and very friendly atmosphere.

Telephone: 01328 738983

OPENING HOURS: 10am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday

www.christopherwilliamcountry.co.uk Creake Abbey is delighted to announce the arrival of Christopher William Country which complements and adds to the range of shops situated here. Open year round for shopping and special events check our website for all the visitor information you need.

Our award winning farmers’ market is held monthly on the 1st Saturday (except January). With over 45 producers attending it is the largest market in Norfolk of its kind selling everything from bread to fresh meat, from Continental style tarts to macarons and from speciality vinegar to locally brewed beer.

Creake Abbey North Creake, Norfolk NR21 9LF T: 07801 418907

SHOPS, STUDIOS & CAFÉ OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND 10am – 4pm check our website for special events throughout the year: 2

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www.creakeabbey.co.uk

WINNER

Best Farmers Market

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NORTH NORFOLK HELLO

WINTER CONTENTS W W W . N O R T H N O R F O L K L I V I N G . C O . U K

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’ve been editor for a whole fantastic year! I’ve met lots of great local people, written about all sorts of interesting things and have learnt (and am still learning) lots of new skills.

I really want to thank the people who make this great magazine fly…my hardworking contributors who are the very solid backbone of North Norfolk Living, adman Mr Stuart Henman and all our loyal advertisers. Without you the editorial integrity and high standards that you have come to expect from North Norfolk Living would not be possible.

No small thanks also go to Steve, Rachel and Nik, my ever patient and knowledgeable design team who have guided me gently through the trials and tribulations of putting together a top quality magazine. Oh… and thanks to Nicholas Rudd Jones my publisher and mentor who gave me the job in the first place!

My theme for this edition is unashamedly Keep it Local this Christmas! Put away your online shopping accounts, pick up your shopping basket and get out there and shop!

To make this easy I have sought out all the very best places to shop and you can see a selection of the results in my Editor’s Choice – Places to Shop this Christmas on Page 8. I’ve even included present ideas and some tasty treats for the Christmas table.

Us Norfolk folk, although we tend to hibernate a bit in the winter months, do like to socialize and we do, of course, like a bargain! To satisfy this need see Page 21 for a very useful guide to some of the best winter dining out offers available in North Norfolk this season!

I’d also like to welcome on board two new contributors.

Firstly Daniel Loose who will be sharing his incredibly insightful knowledge of local artists and their work and secondly, and no doubt this will raise a few eyebrows, I am delighted to introduce Mr Francis Watson, retired House master (Repton School), English teacher and enthusiastic Norwich City Football Club supporter. Frank will be keeping us up to date with the fortunes of the ‘canaries’ in his new football column.

Enjoy!!

Happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year from the myself and the North Norfolk Living team.

Lin Murray

Editor

@NNorfolkLiving Editor Lin Murray Email: lin@linmurray.co.uk Write to North Norfolk Living Magazine, PO Box 208, Stamford.

Lincs. PE9 9FY Advertising Manager Stuart Henman 07711 615032 Email: stuartnnl@btinternet.com Head of Design Steven Handley Email: steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Assistant Designer Nik Ellis Email: nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 Email: nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY www.bestlocalliving.co.uk 01780 765571 Printed by Warner’s of Bourne

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Beachcombings What’s on! What’s good and where to go!

Beachcombings What’s on! What’s good and where to go!

Shopping Christmas Shopping Guide – Keep it local this Christmas people!

Art Daniel Loose highlights the importance of local artist Edward Seago Fashion Sarah Morgan puts a bit colour in our lives this Christmas People The legend that is Arthur Howell the butcher Food Gill Carrick-Cowlin visits the Gunton Arms in North Walsham and is impressed!

Local produce Saffron…! Grown in North Norfolk!!?

Goodbye A fond farewell to the lovely Phil Walker Interiors Amanda Loose discovers that shabby is most definitely chic!

Design Eroica Mildmay meets designer Brigid Warner Special offers Winter dining specials that will bring you out of hibernation this winter Gardening Trish le Gal talks beans on The North Norfolk Veg Patch Cooking Carla Phillips proves that simple is not boring Football New boy Frank Watson kicks off our new ‘Canaries’ column Drink Olivia Heal tackles a juicy topic featuring the quince Food Mary Kemp comes to the rescue in the kitchen this Christmas Motoring Winter motoring and how to prepare: top tips from Brian Vertigan Books What to read snuggled up in front of the fire this Christmas People Front cover image: Raymond Beautiful, unique pieces available from Monbiot talks Vintage Home and Garden, to Phillip Drove Orchards, Thornham Woodhouse ‘the PE36 6LS 01485 525 714 www.coastandcountryhome.co.uk AGA man’

The faces behind this issue

Raymond Monbiot

Sarah Morgan

Amanda Loose

Eroica Mildmay

Subscribe to North Norfolk Living

Claire Conway

Carla Phillips

Gill Carrick Cowlin

Trish le Gal

Mary Kemp

Valerie Boon

Frank Watson

Stephen Clark

Stuart Henman

If you would like to subscribe to North Norfolk Living Magazine (5 copies per year), please write to Local Living Ltd. PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY. Annual rate £15 (UK only) including postage. Please enclose cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd. Or you can subscribe via the website at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk NORTH NORFOLK Living WINTER 2011

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BEACHCOMBER

• EXCELLENT COUNTRY AND CASUAL CLOTHING FOR MEN AND WOMEN •

Luxury faux fur accessories from Moore and Moore Just a taste of the highly desirable quality clothing, bags, boots, scarves and knitwear that would make cherished and memorable Christmas gifts BARBOUR : SEASALT : LAZY JACKS : MUSTO : DUBARRY OWEN BARRY : MOORE AND MOORE

55 Staithe Street, Wells Next The Sea

01328 710496 - www.beachcomberwells.co.uk

It’s Christmas at Storm Fine Arts and this year we have a fantastic selection of work providing the opportunity to find the ideal gift. We will open our Christmas Exhibition on 2nd December and it will continue straight into our New Year exhibition, both of which will have an exciting selection of work. We provide everything from masters, tapestries and antique pottery through to modern British, urban and pop art, jewellery, woodwork, furniture and a selection of rare art books. Excitingly, we have recently painted a mural with a countryside theme at the gallery to promote awareness of urban art in rural areas, so please bring children and family to see the piece! Based in Burnham Market, Norfolk.

Exhibition open : 2nd December - 30th January Monday - Saturday : 10AM - 5PM Website : www.stormfinearts.com Email : info@stormfinearts.com Telephone : 01328 730 675 4

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LOCAL NEWS

SWEETNESS AND LIGHT!

On Thursday 17th November award winning Big Blue Sky in Wells Next The Sea re opened after a ‘whistle stop re-fit’ with a little surprise inside…. a Shop within a Shop!

Sweet Raspberry is Big Blue Sky’s new shop within a shop concept. Introducing the colourful Irish brand Avoca to North Norfolk, alongside a collection of homeware, fashion accessories and furniture.

‘Sweet Raspberry is a warm and cosy mix’ says owner Catherine Edgington ‘we just know that you will love it. There are some vintage finds, some upcycled furniture and some very lovely other things from British designers and sometimes from further afield. Things we hope you won’t find anywhere else nearby’. [I particularly loved the wonderful range of greetings cards and fantastic wrapping paper, definitely a must visit this festive season - Ed] • Big Blue Sky, Wells next the Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1QA, 01328 712023, www.sweet-raspberry.co.uk

Beachcombin gs What’s on , What’s good and Where to go!

A VIN-STITCH IN TIME…

Trained in Fashion Design in Johannesburg South Africa in the early 90's Shane Patrick took his redundancy pay and bought a plane ticket to London. He arrived two weeks later with £130 to his name and the address of a boarding house in Parsons Green scribbled on a bit of paper. Since then Shane has gone from strength to strength working for such prestigious fashion houses as Karen Millen and Michael H. Having been bitten by the ‘Norfolk bug’ as Shane describes it, he decided to move to the coast and has since left his position in London to work full time in Norfolk.

‘Vin-Stitch is essentially an alterations and mending business,’ Shane said ‘but I love to cut patterns for anyone wanting that special piece they could never find on the High Street. I have just been commissioned to copy and update four vintage dresses for a client who adores them but they are either too delicate now for use, or no longer fit as they should – this is a lovely commission a I will also get to see how the old craftsmen worked and learn new tricks of the trade.

‘I’ve had a recent enquiry about prom dresses, so the work is varied and I am happy to take on any challenge, no job too big or too small.’

• Shane Patrick works from his studio in Titchwell. Contact: 07890 349 586 /shane@shanepatrick.com

Apitherapy Wellbeing for busy little bees.

nurture with nature

Beekeepers Ali and Richard Williams produce their top quality bee hive products at their home, set in the idyllic surrounding of North Norfolk with their bees and a ramshackle collection of rescued chickens, ducks and sheep.

The nutritional and health benefits of bee hive products are well researched and documented. Our own range was developed ten years ago during which time our name and reputation for quality & service has grown nationwide. www.apitherapywellbeing.co.uk

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FABULOUS JEWELLERY AND ACCESSORIES We have just launched an online boutique with a number of jewellery designers including: Ashiana London • Beau and Arrow Pomegranate • Ice London Scosha of New York

www.violetandroselondon.com twitter:violetandrose11

SUBSCRIBE TO NORTH NORFOLK LIVING OR ORDER ONLINE @ WWW.BESTLOCALLIVING.CO.UK If you would like to subscribe to North Norfolk Living Magazine (5 copies per year), please write to Local Living Ltd. PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY. Annual rate £15 in UK including postage.

Please enclose cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd.

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LOCAL NEWS

Beachcombin gs What’s on , What’s good and Where to go!

A SEASON OF GOOD WILL… [I received this letter in my editor’s mailbag and I think it deserves printing pretty much as it was written – the CD is great, please buy one] ‘Dear Lin.

Thanks for your time, Kind regards, Christine

PICTURE CREDIT: EASTERN DAILY PRES S / JERRY DAWS

My name is Christine Rayner and I live in Wells next the Sea (local born and bred).

I'm a trained, experienced perfoming pianist, also a former music specialist teacher in Norfolk Primary Schools. Last year I raised £1700 from a few piano recitals I gave in October, in celebration of the tenth anniversary of my own recovery from breast cancer, in aid of Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie Cancer Care. The music I played was by Ludovico Einaudi.

The audience response was fantastic, and many of them suggestedI should record my own CD of Einaudi’s lovely, restful piano music. This I have now done. The project has taken me all year so far and I have funded it entirely myself.

'THE CALM OF EINAUDI' was released on November 21st by the 'Proper' Music distribution company in London (one of the biggest music distributors in UK). The selection of Einaudi's pieces I have chosen to play for this compilation is comprised of his most peaceful works, with the hope of giving the listener an hour of calm relaxation.

Music by Ludovico Einaudi is very popular and only two days after emailing my ideas to the managing director of 'Proper' Music , he was on the phone to me, wanting my disk because of Einaudi but also because the cancer fundraising aspect was appealing to him.

Proceeds from my CD will enable me to support UK Cancer charities and in particular, research into a new treatment that will hopefully replace chemotherapy in the future (Antiangiogenesis). I also support a professor developing this new treatment at Birmingham University; details are all in the CD booklet.

The most wonderful thing for me is that Ludovico Einaudi himself has supported me by sending his own words of endorsement to be included on the CD cover: "It's very nice when music can help other people and I wish all the best to Christine Rayner's beautiful project."

This is from a man with hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide. I met him during his solo tour here last year, when he played at Buxton Opera House, which was packed to capacity. This year through his tour manager I communicated with Sig. Einaudi concerning my CD and the fact that I am using his music to generate funds for these charities, and he has been absolutely charming and supportive of my venture.

My CD will be available from HMV throughout the British Isles, other large UK music retail stores, internationally through Amazon and through reputable international download sites such as I-Tunes etc. The album will also be available from myself, through my website (www. braveamazons.com), £7.99, plus £1.00 P&P Personal customers ordering direct from me will receive a discount, they will also be given the opportunity to select one of the four UK Cancer Charities I'm supporting during the first twelve months, and I will send £2 for every copy I sell personally to their choice of Charity: • Cancer Research Uk • Breakthrough Breast Cancer • Children with Cancer UK • Marie Curie Cancer Care.

NORFOLK’S WILDLIFE JUST GOT A BIT CLOSER A new venture at Burnham Deepdale aims to bring the wildlife of Norfolk under closer observation for everyone with an interest in natural history.

The ‘One Stop Nature Shop’ opens it’s doors on the 1st December 2011 at Dalegate Market, Burnham Deepdale and will feature a wide range of equipment from binoculars and telescopes, to bat detectors, nest box cameras, magnifiers, night vision scopes and a comprehensive selection of microscopes.

Director Richard Campey said ‘there is so much good equipment available now at very reasonable prices, it means we all have the chance of viewing wildlife without actually disturbing it.’ He added ‘with the huge interest in programmes like Spring and Autumn Watch, it’s now possible to set up inexpensive trigger cameras in your own garden to get a close up glimpse into the secret world of birds and mammals.’

Richard’s background as a former Biology and Science teacher, Wildlife presenter, and his work with binoculars and telescopes over the last twenty years as Director of In Focus at Titchwell on the North Norfolk coast make him ideally placed to advise people on how to choose the best equipment.

The One Stop Nature Shop will be open seven days a week 10am – 5pm and will also be running a series of courses based around nature conservation.

[I know where I will be sending Santa for my prezzies this year! –Ed] NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2011

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SHOPPING

EDITOR’S TOP TIPS FOR THE PLACES TO SHOP THIS CHRISTMAS PUT AWAY YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNTS AND KEEP IT LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS. YOU CAN FIND IT ALL AND MORE IN A SHOP NEAR YOU! RELISH - 8 Dalegate Market Main Road Burnham Deepdale Norfolk PE31 8FB 01485 211211 info@relishonline.com I am, by nature, a magpie and love surrounding myself with beautiful, shiny, colourful things. Relish is perfect for me!

Bangle bundles are £5 - £7.50. Brooches are £5 - £10.

• Open every day 10am till 4pm. Visit the Christmas Market 3rd & 4th December

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN, MAIN ROAD, HOLKHAM www.bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk You are always guaranteed to find that something special here. I love Martin’s quirky taste!

Old Lobster Buoys, available many colours. Makes a perfect doorstop from £42 Vintage Krukup Cans, idea lanterns for cold winter nights £46 Opening 10:30-4 closed Tuesdays THE NORFOLK DELI COMPANY 60 Staithe Street, Wells Next The Sea 01328 711 914 10am–5pm Monday – Saturday For the foodie in your life, what better than a locally made saucisson sec or chilli beef chorizo or put together an entire hamper from the goodies on display in the fantastic food store. www.norfolkdeli.co.uk or follow Jules on Twitter @norfolkdeli

VINTAGE HOME AND GARDEN, DROVE ORCHARDS, THORNHAM A Christmas treasure trove, lovely original items and Christmas decorations. Get there quickly as the Christmas decorations are beautiful!!

Gorgeous Cox & Cox velvet makeup bag, it’s £9.50 and has a matching wash bag available.

• 01485 525714 www.coastandcountryhome.co.uk TIDAL THERAPIES Tidal Therapies, Creake Abbey 07854 001590/ Holt 07773 252170. www.tidaltherapies.co.uk.

Why not help your loved ones ease away the stresses and strains of modern day living with a gift voucher for a warming and relaxing hot stone full body massage? Normal price £50 now £40 when mentioning this advert when booking till 24th Dec.

CHOCOLATE DELI Another treasure in Staithe Street, Wells next the Sea, a chocoholics heaven! The most fabulous selection of chocolate to choose from.

Plaques, tree decs & table place names can be personalised to order last date 20th Dec. www.thechocolatedeli.co.uk • Their sister shop can be found at Guild St. Gt. Walsingham Norfolk NR22 6BU Tel 01328 820100

FISH AND SHIPS Andrew Ruffhead makes fantastic, quirky pieces from his ‘Fish and Ships’ workshop and gallery in Burnham Market.

• Fish and Ships, Seashell, 19 Ulph Place, Burnham Market, Norfolk PE31 8HQ 01328 738621 info@fish-and-ships.com

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PEBBLES PHOTOGRAPHY & PICTURE FRAMING - Brancaster - 01485 210810 Visit the Workshop & Gallery: Open Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm www.pebblesphotography.co.uk • Coastal Photography from £22.00 • Hand made Picture Frames from £5.00 Photography Workshops Full day £120.00 and Half day £80.00 Great idea for the man or woman who has it all and is difficult to buy for!

Gift vouchers and photography can also be bought on line

NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2011

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GALLERY

DELECTABLE AND COLLECTABLE – IN A MID WINTER SELECTION

1. Blickling Hellebores – one of the sixteen specially

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commissioned paintings from the collection ‘In Search of The Golden Caroline’ an exhibition by Lizzie Riches to be hosted by the National Trust at Blickling Hall next summer 2012. Call Red Dot Gallery for more information.

2. Flight of The Night Birds – just one of five new magical paintings from Artist Jenni Murphy – Red Dot is delighted to introduce Jenni and her work in A Mid Winter Collection. Each panel celebrates a moment in time we have either experienced, imagined or dreamt. Simply a pleasure to show!

3. ‘Maythen’ a white goose and ‘Cynegyth’ the brown hare are just two of Kate Wyatt’s lively impressions of her favourite birds and animals – a selection of these ever popular limited editions from around £80.00 to £200.00 at Red Dot Gallery in Holt.

4. J’adore Labrador! – if that’s you then the selection at Red Dot will not disappoint – Heirloom Cushions made from 100% New Zealand wool and backed with cotton velvet, give a dog a home!

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ART

Creating an impression ‘Norfolk Landscape’ by Edward Seago The work of one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters, and one of Norfolk’s own, can be viewed this Christmas at Storm Fine Arts in Burnham Market. Daniel Loose explains the importance of the work of Edward Seago and explains why we should take time to go and appreciate this painting

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he work of one of Norfolk’s most acclaimed painters, ‘Norfolk Landscape’, an oil painting

by Edward Seago (1910-1974) is being shown in North Norfolk this Christmas at Storm Fine Arts, Burnham Market, as part of their ‘Merriest Christmas Exhibition Ever’ opening 2nd December and running until 30th January.

Norfolk born and enjoying the patronage of the late Queen Mother, Edward Seago is the unquestionable master of the Norfolk Landscape. James Reid writes in his biography ‘Edward Seago The Landscape Art’ that it’s Seago’s ‘depiction of his native East Anglia that would alone guarantee him an unrivalled place among major British artists.’

Seago’s main contribution to 20th Century British art has been in keeping the British tradition of landscape painting alive. While many artists in Britain in the 20th century were looking to avante garde art in Paris, Seago took inspiration from Constable, Gainsborough, Crome and Cotman, whilst using his own loose, almost impressionist technique to bring this tradition to life.

Impressionism, a style of painting done en plein air (in the open air) was pivotal in the development of modern art and broke with the traditional academy style painting that had gone before. Concerned with light, atmosphere and colour, this radical approach to painting proved effective for Seago in capturing the essence of his beloved Norfolk.

Although self-taught, Seago was in regular contact with artists who influenced him. The most notable, Bertram Priestman, a Yorkshire born painter who painted in East Anglia, encouraged Seago to maintain nature as the absolute ideal and to capture the beauty that was before him rather than pure topography.

Seago also received important training from Sir John Arnesby Brown RA, who lived in Haddiscoe, Norfolk. Seago was always elated on returning to what he called the ‘cool greens and

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‘Norfolk Landscape’, Edward Seago. Courtesy of Storm Fine Arts. The Green, Burnham Market

‘WIndy Day’, Edward Seago. ©Estate of Edward Seago, courtesy of Portland Gallery.

‘Upton Dyke’, Edward Seago. Anonymous contributor, many thanks!

greys’ of East Anglia and his home, the Dutch House in Ludham.

In 1956, Seago accompanied Prince Philip on Brittania back from the Olympic Games.

Seago was enthralled by the “space, loneliness and greatness” of the magnificent scenery of the Antarctic. The pictures painted during this trip were shown at St James Palace during the summer of 1957.

The Portland Gallery, London, who are holding a Seago retrospective in June 2012 and represent the Estate of Edward Seago, say that ‘his skill and technical ability in both oil and watercolour is extraordinary.’ His many admirers would marvel at his ability to create a quick impression of a place with a minimum of brushstrokes. Seago had, and continues to hold an influential position in the tradition of British

landscape painting, including ‘amateur painters who look to his work for guidance’, says Emily Johnston of Portland Gallery.

‘Norfolk Landscape’ is a masterful painting that affirms Seago’s position within the canon of the history of art and for £22, 500 Jolyon Mason, of Storm Fine Arts, will let you take this stunning painting home. Not cheap, but Seago has sold for up to £150000!

Enjoy the show.

‘The Merriest Christmas Exhibition Ever’ opens at Storm Fine Arts, Burnham Market on 2nd December until 30th January. Gallery opens 10-5 closing Wednesdays at 1pm.

Thanks to the Office of HRH Duke of Edinburgh with their assistance with this piece.

Portland Gallery, London Tel: 020 7493 1888

NORTH NORFOLK Living WINTER 2011

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FASHION

Jewelled up Armed with your invitation to a festive do, the temptation is to reach for the LBD... or you could knock ‘em dead in something a little more vibrant, writes image consultant Sarah Morgan

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or a necklace to add further hear it all the time: ‘Black’s so easy, it goes height. with everything...’

Designers are at last getting the message, But here’s a thing: Have you ever considered along with the drive by Mary Portas to whether it actually goes with YOU? recognise the needs of women over 40, and I have been a colour consultant for many years, more sleeves are appearing in dresses six of them in north Norfolk, and I’d say (halleluyah!) I meet few who love that only twenty percent of women I their upper arms, while many see here really suit black. Possibly women still have good legs. So it was those flaxen-haired if your pins are shapely, show Vikings, raping and pillaging them off in a knee length dress all those years ago, but many – always elegant.

East Anglian women have Faux fur wrap, £27, La Shoes too have exploded light colouring, suiting a Redoute www.laredoute.co.uk with colour – clash a lighter, brighter palette. cerulean dress and emerald The remainder tend to look shoes – why on earth should their best in deep, vibrant blue and green never be seen? colours with a few suiting pretty For an extra shot of glam, this season pastels. there are lots of faux fur wraps around to Sure, on the right person, black warm the shoulders on a chilly night. They looks truly stunning. On the wrong are far tidier than a pashmina; I have rarely person, it can wipe out the wearer, leaving them seen a woman wear one without looking like a palid, drained version of themselves.

Red Riding Hood’s granny.

So this Christmas, put some colour into your And of course, a jewel coloured dress is the life!

It could be something as simple as a beautiful perfect backdrop for some dangerously great jewellery. Bright red dress? Just add diamonds, jewel coloured scarf or a jade green handbag then turn up and sparkle... or shoes. If you are really brave, go for colour Sarah Morgan is a qualified image consultant with colour – English women are wary of doing offering colour and style advice to the lovely this and tend to wear colour with a neutral, for ladies and gentlemen of Norfolk (and wishing example, black trousers and a red jumper. Try it them a Merry Christmas, of course!) www. anyway – I guarantee it will lift your spirits. sarah-morgan.co.uk 07919 608692/01263 But back to that Christmas do...

721207 The palazzo pant is big this party season, though it does tend to suit taller women who can carry the flurry of fabric. But if you are Livia palazzo pants, leggy, go for it! Keep your top half neat to £80, Monsoon, balance the wider leg.

Chapelfield, Norwich The maxi dress is a good bet for shorter www.monsoon.co.uk women. Shoulder-to-floor colour gives the illusion of length, drawing the eye up and down and therefore making the wearer appear taller – keep interest high with great earrings

Red maxi dress, £80, Warehouse, Chapelfield, Norwich

Emerald shoes, £85, Monsoon, Chapelfield, Norwich www. monsoon.co.uk

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Red satin bow dress, £69, M&Co. Church Street, Cromer; Millers Walk, Fakenham, www.mandco.com

Red cowl neck dress by £69, gold knot belt £20, both M&Co, Church Street, Cromer; Millers Walk, Fakenham

Purple clutch bag, £50, Monsoon, Chapelfield, Norwich www.monsoon.co.uk NORTH NORFOLK Living WINTER 2011

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PEOPLE

Arthur Howell bringing in the bacon at Christmas Kate Cleaver meets the legendary Arthur Howell Junior, butcher, family man and all round nice guy

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was one left, otherwise it was generally pork.’ hen Arthur Howells switches the These days the Howells don’t rely on leftovers Christmas lights on in Wells this year, for their family Christmas dinners. His wife, Liz he will be getting ready to deck out his three said: ‘When we get up bright and early in the butcher’s shops – in Binham, Burnham Market morning and pull back the curtains we hope to and Wells next the Sea with over 700 turkeys – find a little flurry of snow. We put continuing a family tradition which the turkey in the oven and Arthur started in 1889. always makes the stuffing. We Next to the Christmas tree, have an English breakfast, open the turkey is pretty central to our presents and usually have millions of families’ Christmas day Christmas lunch at about 2.30pm.’ celebrations. The local butchers’ The birds are supplied by shop, stuffed with hanging birds Maurice Clarke, of North Elmham, and filled with locals out shopping one of the farmers who have for their Christmas dinner, is a Three generations regularly worked with and supplied genuinely traditional festive scene. of Howells Howells over the years.

They don’t come much more The fashion for turkeys has local than this family’s butcher gone from black and bronze to whites and now business, run continually for four generations back to blacks and bronze again,’ said Arthur

by Arthur Howells. who has also monitored changing fashions for The current Arthur, in his distinctive ‘chief birds. ‘We stock a mix now. First turkey, then butcher’ red coat, is famously familiar to geese, beef, chicken, pork and duck.’ everyone in the area and not likely to escape In the old days Howells started killing cattle that label -under any circumstances. He said: three weeks before Christmas: Arthur said: ‘When I had my hip replacement I remember ‘Dad would go to the livestock auction and buy being wheeled to theatre on a trolley and prizewinning cattle and sheep and put them in just before they put me to sleep the theatre the shop window with rosettes on them. They doors swung open and a nurse came out and looked good but were very fat. Then we would said - Arthur that turkey I had from you last pluck the turkeys 14 days before Christmas. The Christmas was lovely - I still wonder who she shop floor would be thick with barley straw and was.’ with the turkeys hung round the shop it looked Like the story of the cobbler’s new shoes, great. They come in already plucked now but Arthur grew up eating what had not been sold: in those days we had a machine which did four ‘We only had a turkey at Christmas if there

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chickens in 30 seconds!’

The Howells business started in Binham where there is still a shop – now extended to selling cartridges and guns. They have always bought all the meats locally - within 20 miles of their own Wells abattoir. ‘We cook meats at our main Wells shop where we also have a smokehouse for gammons, bacon and venison, which comes from the Holkham estate during the game season. Fresh venison, pheasants, partridges, duck, rabbits and pigeons are also sold seasonally and the shops supply shotgun cartridges and clay pigeons, which we find go hand-in-hand with the game.’

Arthur was born in what is now his office over 53 Staithe Street. He lived over the shop until he was ten before moving to the aptly named Angus House in Wells. In the early days they used to send a van round the Wells campsite and go up and down the rows of caravans ringing a bell and calling out butcher.

‘I would have been about eight or nine years old and if the driver was going too fast or there was a bump you would come off the back.’

He said: ‘The North Norfolk farmers are some of the best in the UK. We get the rolling mist from the sea which gives nutrients to the land which helps to make our beef, pigs and lamb some of the most flavoursome around. Having our own abattoir means we can source meat from local farmers and graziers for our own retail shops. My favourite joints are sirloin and loin of pork.’

NORTH NORFOLK Living WINTER 2011

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Advertisement Feature

Editor’s top shopping destination this Christmas!

Vintage Home and Garden at Drove Orchards in Thornham

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lifestyle boutique with ‘old fashioned shop keeper’ standards, hundreds of unique present ideas and the most wonderful collection of Christmas decorations that you will proudly bring down from the loft year after year!

It’s different! What a refreshing change Everything in the shop is hand picked by owner, sales person and chief coffee maker, Jo Griffiths. Jo selects carefully and in small quantities, often just oneoff’s and is always on the look out for new products. I personally love this about the shop, lots of unique things and not just repeats of major brands that you see everywhere. You can always expect many lovely new things and sources of fresh inspiration.

A beautiful and inspiring ‘Christmas wonderland’ Jo’s choice of Christmas decorations certainly has the ‘wow’ factor when you walk in the door. She works hard to ensure the store displays are easy to achieve at home and have a seasonal element to them. I am always inspired by my visits to Vintage Home and Garden

whether I need a present for a friend or am looking for that certain piece for my home. I never, ever leave empty handed!

Latest purchase was a coconut matting floor runner. Perfect on my wooden floor in the kitchen.

It’s like having your own personal buyer.

Jo work tirelessly to source fabulous pieces and even holds an order book of customer ‘wish list’ items. Recent finds include outdoor furniture to add to an existing set, an oversized cream linen scarf for a wedding and pressed glass salt pots for a collector. ‘I’m constantly on the look out for things I know my customers will love and will go the extra mile to get it’ she says. TOP TIP: Drop in and see Jo for some ideas – the kettle is always on!

An ‘old fashioned’ shopkeeper service Jo is an ‘old fashioned’ shopkeeper through and through! She’ll gift-wrap, deliver your shopping parcel to your house locally, and carry your bags to the car. Better still, she remembers the styles that you like, and can even tell

your husband/partner what you want for Christmas…. so come chaps – no excuses!

• Vintage Home and Garden Limited, The Blue Studio, Drove Orchards, Thornham, Norfolk. PE36 6LS Tel. 01485 525714 www.coastandcountryhome.co.uk

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24/11/11 10:36:26

FOOD

The Gunton Arms, North Walsham Gill Carrick-Cowlin finds a new new kid on the culinary block and appears extremely impressed – no mean feat!

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ost of us would probably rather prop-up the bar, or enjoy a meal, where it feels like home - sans the tug-of-war over the remote.

And I rather think the Gunton Arms, which has risen splendidly from the foundations of the former Elderton Lodge Hotel, could be my new des res.

The pub’s had a ‘soft launch’ since opening in November so any glitches can be sorted out quickly. And while Christmas lunch is unlikely this year – presuming most people have made arrangements already - they’re hoping to host some belated festive parties in January.

The team have obviously had a lot of fun putting together this new venture. I mean, there can’t be too many pubs where antlers from a seven-million-years’ old elk hang over a Frenchstyle open fire where you can watch your grub being cooked - can there? But then the Gunton Arms is not what you’d call your average pub.

Chef Stuart Tattersall doesn’t mind what you call it; as long as you enjoy yourself.

A Lancashire lad by birth, Stuart arrived in

north Norfolk from London - where he was introduced to the Gunton Arms’ owner, art dealer Ivor Braka - and loves his new home. ‘It’s a wonderland – I love foraging on the estate.’ Stuart’s been eyeing-up edible shrubs, berries and lots of lovely venison which he’s incorporated into his new menus.

A mixed grill of Gunton fallow deer with crab apple jelly is his piece de resistance and with his own smokehouse, smoke bloaters and treacle-cured salmon (a Lancashire staple) will delight, surely. Sea buckthorn berry posset for afters, anyone? No towers, wilting spinach, pan-fried this-and-that here. Keep food simple, Stuart says. ‘There’s nothing worse than a confused palate.’ Quite so.

With my palate all-a-tingling, Stuart showed me around a couple of the bedrooms: Langtry’s, named after Lily who was Edward V11’s mistress and would visit the King when he stayed on the estate; and the connecting

Harbord room which boasts a fab gentleman’s wardrobe from a Cunard liner. There are no TV’s, to encourage guests to head for the private snugs off the bar to relax on squidgy sofas, as outside deer chomp away merrily.

Further information: The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market, NR11 8TZ. Tel: 01263 832010; www.theguntonarms.co.uk

LOCAL PRODUCE

Saffron growing?

In North Norfolk??

Sally Francis aka ‘the Norfolk Saffron lady’ tells of brings saffron growing back to North Norfolk….after a 200 year absence!

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orfolk Saffron started trading in 2009, but I have been growing saffron since 1997 when I was given 20 corms as a birthday present by my mother.

Norfolk was once a major saffronproducing area. People always think only of Saffron Walden in Essex, but my research has uncovered a forgotten story of saffron growing on the North Norfolk coast, and even of saffron exports from Wells and Blakeney. Norfolk Saffron has re-introduced a traditional crop to the area after an absence of over 200 years.

I’m a botanist and have been interested in ‘alternative crops’ for a long while. In spring this year, Norfolk Saffron was awarded grant funding from the Rural Development

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Programme for England (Norfolk Coast and Broads Local Action Group) to develop the business.

Our HQ is in Burnham Norton, at the smallholding that’s been in my family since 1935. My family are local North Norfolk people.

The saffron grows within sight, sound and smell of the sea! My family helps me run the business.

Saffron comes at a price because 150-200 flowers have to be gathered by hand, and picked over by hand to get each single gram of dried saffron. It’s not possible to mechanise saffron harvesting.

Norfolk Saffron is strong and potent because (a) we only sell the most recently harvested saffron, never old stock, and (b) it comprises the red stigmas only and no ‘floral waste’ (petal fragments, stamens etc). Floral waste is a serious issue in some brands of saffron. It does not provide colour or flavour, but increases the weight and effectively

weakens the saffron. With Norfolk Saffron, only a very little is needed for each recipe because of it’s strength.

Norfolk Saffron’s provenance is unique. We are in full control of all aspects of the growing process, harvest, drying and packaging.

The saffron is traditionally grown and is not sprayed/treated with any chemicals.

Our new book ‘Saffron’ will be launched in early December at £12.00. It contains information on the history of saffron, and delicious saffron recipes -many contributed by North Norfolk chefs. Available from local book shops.

Saffron Lover’s Kits’ available - boxed set of everything you need to get started with Norfolk Saffron: our book, a mini pestle & mortar ideal for grinding saffron, one of our gorgeous “I love saffron tea towels” and of course, a jar of Norfolk Saffron. Makes an ideal Christmas present! sally@norfolksaffron.co.uk

NORTH NORFOLK Living WINTER 2011

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PEOPLE

A few words and fond memories of a colleague, a mentor and a good friend: Phil Walker P

hil Walker passed away on Friday October 7th, peacefully at home in North Norfolk, with his beloved wife Sharon by his side.

Phil contributed for many years to North Norfolk Living Magazine. We were very lucky to have him.

He had previously enjoyed an illustrious career on The Mirror, then as Associate Editor on The Express and latterly as Editor of The Daily Star, where I knew him.

I was a bit nervous when he suggested he applied his tabloid skills to writing about ‘birds’ for our magazine, but it turned out he meant the feathered variety. He was a very keen ornithologist, and we shared a common interest in butterflies.

And so begun a bird column for North Norfolk Living Magazine, and then a walks page, which became one of the most popular pages in the magazine.

But above all, we will miss Phil for being Phil.

Giving you his undivided attention and affection when you entered a room, his big bear hug, his joie de vivre. He lived life to the full in every way; we will all miss him terribly.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Publisher Local Living Magazines

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was physically shaking as I walked into my first contributors meeting as the new editor of North Norfolk Living. These weren’t young cub reporters refining their skills on their local magazine, these were Fleet Street hardened journos, editors and well published writers with a string of titles behind them, people with a whole lot more life skills than I had.

Needn’t have worried though! Everybody was delightful. However, a couple of people in that room deserve special comment - Phil Walker and his wonderful wife Sharon. I learnt more that night from those two guys, about the scary world of magazine editorship, than I could possibly have hoped.

Turned out that Phil loved bird and butterfly watching - great passions of mine also. We got on like a house on fire and they were ceaselessly generous with their offers of advice and information as I progressed with my first edition.

I only had the pleasure of working directly with Phil once, a beautiful piece on a walk through Warham Camp and would dearly have loved to spend more time with him.

A good man that Phil Walker…

Lin Murray Editor

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hat horrible news, you really do feel that one of your own has been taken when you’ve worked alongside them over the period that Phil has been ‘walking and watching’ with NNL. So sorry for his family.

I’m really saddened by this, truly am.

Eroica Mildmay (author and contributor)

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INTERIORS

SHABBY CHIC

Shabby chic is the perfect excuse not to get rid of that beautifully made although slightly faded piece that you love. By Amanda Loose

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ust when you think it must be time to smarten yourself up, relax, breathe a sigh of relief. Shabby chic is still in vogue. In fact this season it’s really rather up there. Rachel Ashwell, Queen of Shabby Chic has published Shabby Chic: Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces (Cico Books, £25) and launched Shabby Chic, an interiors collection at House of Fraser including soft furnishings, china and furniture.

Rachel’s book showcases 12 very different shabby chic homes, and although each is pure shabby chic, the owners have made the look very much their own. One has beautiful faded raspberry sofas and aqua walls with mementoes of foreign travels, another mixes shabby chic with industrial, a third incorporates a 1970’s silver leather sofa into her scheme.

And I think that’s part of its appeal. Although there are common design threads (sometimes quite literally) like muted palettes, faded linens, vintage style and furnishings which look as if they’ve led exciting lives, shabby chic is a relaxed and indulgent look allowing us to collect and celebrate pieces we love and to display our favourite treasures however worn they may be.

“It’s not a trend, it’s a way of life.” says Jane Cave, who has had a busy year at her shop at The Old Stables, Bayfield Hall, selling the stuff shabby chic is made of: “It’s a comfortable way of living, a relaxed easy look and you can make it your own. My shabby chic could be completely different from someone else’s – you can mix it with other looks, from 1960s Danish furniture or traditional brown and contemporary pieces. Shabby chic is moving on.

It’s not just whites and muted shades, people are also using more colour.”

Local interior designer Annie Lambert says:

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“I always think of shabby chic in terms of pieces having a faded grandeur and elegance about them. In my shop I usually describe such pieces as being ‘rather shabby but very chic’. They are usually 19th or early 20th century and French in origin. I think of them as much loved treasures and have no problem with paint flaking off and the odd knock here and there.”

Jo Griffiths at Vintage Home and Garden in Thornham agrees. “It is a very feminine look, almost romantic, so has mass market appeal.

It is easy to live with: if you have a busy house with dogs and children you need furniture and accessories that are beautiful to look at but not so precious that a few knocks will ruin them. For me, shabby chic is furniture or accessories that due to history and age have flaws but are still beautiful and desirable.”

New shabby chic pieces can also fit into schemes and like Rachel Ashwell’s range for House of Fraser, sit well with older pieces, as do Kate Forman’s beautiful faded floral fabrics. It’s a flexible look.

“New, white sofas with washable covers can fit perfectly in a shabby chic scheme,” says Jo “just as an old chaise with worn patches can be absolute perfection. For bedrooms pretty vintage pillowcases and white French sheets teamed with a soft floral eiderdown can transform a bed into shabby chic heaven. Great colours to include are pale pinks, lilacs, peaches and lavender, as well as pale blues, greys and old florals, particularly garden flowers.”

Accessorising is key in any shabby chic scheme. Jane’s favourites are fresh flowers in lovely old glass jars and vases, collections of china, candles, gilt mirrors, chandeliers, faded floral fabrics, cushions and velvets. Her top tip is to go with what you like and not with what’s

in fashion, then you will always love it: “It’s about collecting over time, building it up and fitting it together.” Guess I can keep those very faded but lovely curtains a while longer.

Vintage Home and Garden and T G Bradfield & Sons stock Rachel Ashwell’s book.

Vintage Home and Garden Limited, Thornham 01485 525714; www. coastandcountryhome.co.uk Home by Annie Lambert, Creake Abbey 07796656384; www.homebyannielambert. co.uk The Old Stables at Bayfield Hall includes several interiors shops and interior designer Allan Urquhart 01263 715538; www.bayfieldhall. com House of Fraser Norwich 0844 8003750; www.houseoffraser.co.uk Local Kate Forman stockists include J Kelly & Son, Great Walsingham 01328 821601

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SWEET RASPBERRY If you fancy giving yourself a bit of winter TLC then head to Sweet Raspberry, the new shop-within-a-shop at Big Blue Sky, Wells-next-the-Sea. The shabby chic backdrop is packed with all you need for a cosy, colourful winter.

Catherine Edgington discovered the Irish brand Avoca on a trip to Ireland and was hooked. She says: “How could I have missed it all these years? I thought how can I make this work and realised that there was no reason why I couldn’t have a second shop at Big Blue Sky.” Sweet Raspberry is filled with colourful Avoca rugs and throws, (bags me the Mohair) along with brightly patterned ceramics including mugs, jugs and teapots. There are also Avoca scarves, gloves and funky long socks, perfect for the coldest North Norfolk days. Catherine also stocks Avoca soaps and scented candles – Raindrops on Roses is definitely worth a sniff.

There are other brands too including Charlotte Macey textiles, the cosiest slippers from Ruby & Ed, and glamorous velvet cushions and pouffes by Ragged Rose. Pure unadulterated luxury, not just for your home. My companion bought an Avoca Buttons patterned teapot – for his boat. It takes all sorts…

Sweet Raspberry & Big Blue Sky is on the coast road, Wells-next-the-Sea. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays in winter and for January except by appointment. 01328 712023; www.sweet-raspberry.co.uk

Above: Pam Bradfield - some are her own and some are vintage handed down to her.

Above right: Brown leather chair ‘Fulham Chair - House of Fraser’ Right: James Lambert “Local interior designer Ann Harding’s kitchen, displaying the fruits of a life time of collecting” Left: Jane Cave Bedroom: ‘Gilt 19th century bed picked up at local auction, curtains found locally, 19th century French armoire, aubusson rug from 1940’s’.

Below: Vintage cup and saucer ‘Kensington China - House of Fraser’

S

harpen your scissors and polish your thimble. The ranks of knitters, bakers and crafters are swelling as the craze for all things homemade continues. Whether its cupcakes or chutney, patchwork or paper chains, coming up with that homemade something is de rigueur this Christmas.

Big names are doing it. Kirstie Allsopp’s Kirstie’s Handmade Britain on Channel 4 has been compulsive viewing and is accompanied by her book Craft (Hodder & Stoughton, £20). Cath Kidston has just brought out Patch! (Quadrille, £16). Where Cath and Kirstie lead, hoards of us follow.

As the nights draw in and a chill descends, North Norfolk girls (and boys) are honing their skills and crafting their own little piece of recessionista chic.

“Folk are intent on having a “Homemade” Christmas this year,” says Pam Bradfield at T G Bradfield & Sons in Heacham. “With the abundance of fruit and vegetables this summer and autumn combined with the economic downturn, there has been a big surge of a new generation honing their skills with home preserving and baking, turning homemade produce into Christmas presents.”

John Lewis in Norwich has a new haberdashery department and Fanny Parkes there says customers are making a whole host of items, “from knitted cushions and rag rugs made from strips of materials to kitchen accessories such as tea cosies, tea towels and felt or knitted cupcakes.”

Catherine Edgington at Big Blue Sky and Sweet Raspberry in Wells-next-the-Sea is selling out of kits fast. Customers are snapping up Make Your Own kits by The Homemade Company for bath bombs and lip balm and kits by Norfolk based companies Farrell & Holmes, Colabean Curios and Love 2 Bake for pudding cakes (I’m torn between Chocolate Orange Polenta and Almond and Norfolk Lavender).

The wreath making workshops at Potter & Dibble in Dersingham have gone down a storm.

Angela le Strange Meakin says she has some very innovative customers: “A number of them pounce on the gardening section and seize on things like twines, raffia and slate labels with great delight, few of which ever grace the garden.” Angela will be developing a series of craft-based workshops next year, starting with Valentine gift-making in January.

We’re a creative bunch in North Norfolk. My own craft credentials have been sadly lacking until lately (well until I was asked to write this piece actually) but I have joined in. Kirstie’s scones were a hit with my expert panel of tasters and the local bird population devoured the birdseed cakes - another Kirstie recipe. I’ve used the kit which comes with Cath Kidston’s Patch! After a few incidents with needles and pins, my cushion is progressing. I quite fancy trying her patchwork dog bed, for my cats. I might finally manage to impress them…

Check out: Handmade Home by Mark & Sally Bailey (Ryland Peters & Small, £19.99) Rediscovered Treasures: A New Life for Old Objects by Ellen Dyrop and Hanna Kristinsdóttir (New Holland, £9.99) T G Bradfield & Sons 01485 570225, John Lewis Norwich 01603 660021; www.johnlewis.com Potter & Dibble 01485 540117; www.potteranddibble.com NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2011

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24/11/11 14:53:03

DESIGN

Riotous Colour

Eroica Mildmay meets designer Brigid Warner

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olour and the application of it, is an instinct of sorts, as with style – and some cultures and people have a startling sense of colour, whilst others give little thought to it. There are also unspoken colour rules everywhere, social codes if you like. For example, why do so many people in Britain opt for wearing the obligatory putty beige as a colour later in life? And, why are pink and lilac now completely highjacked by all things ‘girlie’ and ‘princessy’ in a commercial overdose kind of way? And, look at the Eighties, which were defined by neon colours . . . and black, which has long been the colour of mourning, for pretty self-explanatory reasons. However, our codes go right out of the window, in places like Africa, India and the Far East, with their veritable explosions of bright, brilliant and decidedly unorthodox colour combinations.

Brigid Warner has that same startling sense of colour and arguably this comes from a doggedly unorthodox approach to life and design she has, a creative instinct that extends into a number of other areas too. But, with her current fashion collection, she is favouring unusual and interesting quality fabrics which often have recognisable historical, geographical and cultural references – and using them together in a curiously sophisticated way that evokes subconscious memories. And they also make you smile.

Yet, her creative beginnings came to a rather premature halt, after she was ejected from art school after only one term, due to her being ‘too curious’ which apparently made her a ‘rebellious influence’. “I thought that was what art colleges wanted, energy and curiosity, but no, all the tutors wanted was a quiet life”, says Brigid, smiling. Undaunted, she made her way to Bath and joined a street theatre project, where she felt at home, then onto a spell in Norway, where she didn’t . . . “I stood out a mile in my outfits amongst all those pastel ski suits.”

From there she went onto the Institute of Choreology in London where she studied Movement Notation, a system used internationally by ballet and dance schools, which uses abstract symbols based on figurative representations of the human body, to document forms of dance or human movement (invented by Joan and Rudolph Benesh in the late 1940s). Brigid emerged three years later with a Diploma which took her backstage at the Scottish Ballet and created a lifelong love of dance as well as fashion. But, in the meantime she had acquired exceptional skills as a seamstress and machinist and went onto work for Frank Usher making high quality cocktail dresses, using the finest fabrics, worked to the highest finish. This would eventually lead onto working for designers like Bruce Oldfield, Tomasz Starzewski and Amanda Wakeley. Plus, the opportunity to work at the elbow of Zandra Rhodes, in her small London base with its output of famous on-site hand

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Brigid Warner

screen-printed silk designs, an experience Brigid particularly enjoyed.

When a move to Cromer beckoned, at the behest of her ex-husband, Brigid didn’t like the place at first, but it grew on her and it is where she has brought up her two children.

She created a workshop on site at home, and carried on working with her high design clients (even as wages were going down, with outsourcing to China becoming the thing to do) as well as promoting her own collections such as ‘Wake without Alarm’ ‘Storm Brewing’ and ‘Flowering in the Tundra’. With two children to look after without support, she had no choice, but to work constantly. Unfortunately, such pressure on her as sole provider eventually

The Mayor of Cromer’s unusual finery especially made for the Coast Festival by Brigid Warner

caught up with her and made her ill. But, after a period of meaningful recharge, she is back with new zest and her most recent creations, photographed here, are coming out under the umbrella of ‘Many Splendid Things’. So, the future is orange . . . and turquoise and pink, red, green, yellow and blue – obviously in no particular order, but it’ll still make perfect sense!

For queries about ‘Many Splendid Things’ call Brigid Warner on 01263 514203 or email her on bwarnered@hotmail.com. Also see her lovely designs at Big Blue Sky, Warham Road, Wells-next-the-Sea. Norfolk, NR23 LQA. Contact them on 01328 712023 or email shop@bigbluesky.uk.com

NORTH NORFOLK Living WINTER 2011

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Beachcombin gs What’s on , What’s good and Where to go!

WINTER WINING AND DINING SPECIAL OFFERS Don’t hibernate – you can afford to eat out with these offers!

THE PIGS, EDGEFIELD Offer valid Monday to Friday lunch or dinner.

Weekly Market Menu 2 courses 14.95 3 courses £19.95 Sample menu Wild mushroom, Bacon and Barley broth Sweet potato cottage pie Cinnamen spiced Red cabbage Fine apple tart and clotted cream The Pigs, Norwich Road, Edgefield, Holt, Norfolk NR24 2RL Tel: 01263 587634 Email: info@thepigs.org.uk www.thepigs.org.uk VIRGINIA COURT HOTEL, CROMER 10% discount off all food bills, open for dinner every evening and Sunday brunch/lunch! Sunday Roasts from £7.95. Must book in advance Tel: 01263 512398 and mention this offer. www.virginiacourt.co.uk or www.thediningroomcromer.co.uk THE WHITE HORSE, BRANCASTER STAITHE In the bar Mussels are on the menu £9.95 Monday evening special a choice of mussels cooked 4 ways with fries Monday to Thursday 11am to 9pm - Pie and a pint £10.00 Weekly changing guest ale served with the pie of the week Thursday evenings - Steak night From £12.50. Local 28 day matured, served with chips, salad and a glass of red wine Anytime, any day - The Walker £7.95 After a healthy walk try The Walker, a hearty soup of the day with a bap.

The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe PE31 8BY Tel: 01485 210262 THE DUCK INN, STANHOE Winter Warmers – Wine and dine for £9.99 Daily Specials from Monday – Thursday til Easter 2013 Example dish include shin of beef in red wine, chicken in tarragon, braised oxtail, game pie, Thai and Indian curry.

The Duck Inn, Stanhoe, PE31 8QD Tel: 01485 518330

WANTED: ARTHRITIC DOGS NEEDED FOR CASE STUDY – CAN YOU HELP? North Norfolk Living contributor and author Gill Carrick-Cowlin is working on a follow-up to her arthritis book Arthritus: The Guide published earlier this year. This time the emphasis is going to be on arthritis in dogs.

Gill is keen to hear from anyone who has an arthritic dog and would be willing to allow her to use their dog as a case study.

She is particularly interested in smaller dogs and those with an inflammatory form of the disease. Readers should contact Gill on the email or mobile number below: 07850 767788 gillcarrickcowlin@yahoo.co.uk NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2011

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24/11/11 14:55:38

GARDENING

In her regular gardening column Trish le Gal gives inspiring advice to get us ‘growing our own’!

The North Norfolk Veg Patch T

he bean is my favourite vegetable of the moment – probably something to do with having just gathered in my crop of heritage varieties. I sort out a few for seed (16-20 of each to maintain genetic variation) and store the rest in jars to enjoy eating as paté, soups and stews throughout the winter.

Seed saving is easy for some crops and a bit more complicated for others. Beans (peas, tomatoes and lettuce) are self-pollinating, and while some crossing can occur, they are easier than other veg to get to come true – provided you start off with non-hybrid varieties. A hybrid is usually labelled F1 on the packet.

In late May, to avoid frost, sow single bean seeds in root trainers or 9cm pots to avoid bean fly. This pest can distort new shoots in open ground. Plant the young seedlings out after the first true leaves have formed. Give climbing varieties support. If you haven’t got much space then settle your poles and seedlings into a large tub. In the ground, I set climbing French and runners out 8-10 inches apart and dwarf French about the same.

Different varieties of French beans should

FOOD

be kept 6-12 feet apart. The risk of crosspollination is greater with runners and the recommendation here is about a quarter of a mile, but that’s impossible on an allotment site. Grow the plants to maturity and identify a few strong ones to save seed from.

Dry them off thoroughly and keep them somewhere dark and cool. Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library and the Real Seed Company are good sources of more detailed information.

Oh - a reminder to gather up leaves. Rotted down they are one of the best soil improvers you can get, and usually come free.

Sow or plant: Broad beans (S/O), carrots-for an early harvest (S+/C), coriander (S/C), Florence fennel (S/C), garlic (P/O), winter varieties of lettuce (S/P/O/C), overwintering onion sets (P/C), landcress, oriental veg Pak choi, Tatsoi, mustards (S/C), peas shoots (S in trays/C), rocket (S/C), spinach (S/C). Divide rhubarb sets from now on.

• Visit Trish at her allotment in Wellsnext-the-Sea (east) or email her through her website: www.growyourownbooks.co.uk

Blauhilde

SIMPLE BUT SUMPTUOUS It doesn’t have to be complicated…says Carla Phillips

The dish This is one of the nicest of meat dishes. First prepared for me, many years ago by Tom Faire.

Its ingredients are brisket of beef, onions, a sprig or two of thyme and two tablespoons of olive oil, nothing more. All depends on the quality of the meat.

The ingredients You need whole brisket, about a kilo. This will provide for several meals –see below - a kilo of onions, the thyme and olive oil. Real time is also required as long cooking is required.

The method Slice the onions finely. Heat up a heavy bottomed saucepan, and then toss the onions in it. Stir them well and when they are just starting to change colour, add the olive oil and thyme, then reduce the heat. Stir them occasionally as they cook gently, until they are a caramel shade. Season them with salt and pepper, then remove the onions from the pan and turn up the heat again.

Brown the brisket thoroughly on all sides.

Once this is done, remove the meat, add the onions, place the meat on top, then either cover the saucepan, reducing the heat underneath to the minimum possible

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or transfer the contents into an ovenproof casserole before placing it in a very slow oven.

If you have a slow cooker, this is a time to use it.

Don’t add any liquid but do take your time before looking at it; this recipe takes at least four to five hours to cook. I usually remove it from the heat, allowing it to cool completely. I skim off most of the fat that has risen to the top before reheating it for about half hour.

It’s superb served with Yorkshire pudding and roasties. The onion gravy works a treat. Sliced thinly, it should be a faint pink colour in the middle.

The next day The cold meat, thinly sliced, makes perfect sandwiches, a wonderful cottage pie, using some of the gravy. If there is any gravy left, add some red wine and a little water. Heat, place some croutons on top, grate Gruyere cheese over and grill it briefly. Voila!

French onion soup!

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On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…

Twelve sailors sailing, Eleven lamps a-lighting, Ten curlews calling, Nine trawlers trawling, Eight fish a-fleeting, Seven seals a-swimming, Six waves a-washing, Five life rings, Four lobster pots, Three reclaimed frames, Two turtle necks, And an anchor from the bottom of the sea!

Original Christmas gifts straight from your favourite coast.

Can’t make it to Holkham?

Order online and get the sea air delivered direct to your door. www.bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk

Find us next to the entrance of Th e Victoria & Holkham Estate Main Road, Holkham, Norfolk NR23 1AD T. 01328 713093 10:30 – 4:00 / Closed Tuesdays 23

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FOOTBALL

As Norwich City make a solid start to life back in the top flight of English football, Frank Watson tells why Paul Lambert is the Norfolk club’s

Miracle Worker I

t’s a well-known fact that if you support Manchester United you rarely come from Manchester, and with modern football beamed around the globe it is undeniable that clubs generally have a decreasingly local significance.

This is just one of the things that makes Norwich City special. Here is a club which is truly representative of its community and, crucially, not just the city, but the whole county of Norfolk. Even in the dark days of third tier football, attendances were the envy of many socalled bigger clubs, and with the Canary Faithful including 22,000 plus season-ticket holders, a large percentage of whom dwell within the county, the good times are back!

For the reason behind this renaissance, look no further than manager, Paul Lambert, once a Champions’ League winner as a player.

Recruited by shrewd Chief Executive, David McNally, as recently as August 2009, what

DRINK

the seemingly shy Scotsman has achieved since is genuinely worthy of the overused term ‘miraculous’. Successive freescoring promotions have brought City to the Promised Land of the Premiership, and the manna of massive television money has allowed those in pin-stripes rather Frank Watson - loyal supporter! than tracksuits to begin the huge Trafford and Anfield plus consecutive home task of clearing debt. wins saw Lambert’s side, assembled mainly On the field several dismal seasons have as a result of superb scouting of lower league been forgotten and those who make the potential, sitting comfortably in the top ten with fortnightly pilgrimage to Carrow Road have a quarter of the season played. new iconic figures to worship; for Iwan Roberts Some City fans call Lambert ‘St. Paul’ and and Darren Huckerby, read Marc Tierney and the ground his ‘cathedral’. Whilst Wren’s Grant Holt. The new campaign began slowly masterpiece has recently been closed by but the Canaries were hugely encouraged by protesters, the Norfolk version is very much their showing in defeat at Chelsea. Further open for business! impressive away performances at Bolton, Old

DROVE ORCHARDS

Olivia Heal talks to Lin Murray about a very special place on the coast at Thornham

‘I

came a year ago to work at Drove Orchards, and have had the pleasure of working on one of the most splendid sites in North Norfolk. With its back to the marshes, spread over seven hectares of the Norfolk coast, Drove is home to over 150 varieties of apples, with also, pears, plums, soft fruits, a market garden and quinces. Each season holds its beauty, the bare lines of trees in snow; the spring blossom; but autumn, perhaps because of the utter fruiting abundance, is quite the best season to experience the orchards. Boughs hang heavy to the ground as one after another, the apple varieties blush red and sweeten.’

Drove Orchards make up to twenty different juices, with the ‘Tasting Notes’ as lengthy as a wine list. One of the most exceptional juices, the quince juice, is a stunning, floral blend of pure quince and apple juices, and was recognised earlier this year in the Great Taste Awards. Awarded a two-star Gold, ‘we were delighted to see the awards concurring with our own opinion that the juice is “exquisite”’ says Olivia. Amongst a pile of acclaim, the Guild of Fine Food described the juice thus: ‘Pleasant honey flavour; Good tartness; ‘Grown-up’ product – this would be lovely even with a mixer.’

For those of you unfamiliar with the quince, the fruit is hard and yellow. Quite unbecoming, it has the most beautiful scent, so much so that it is often sat on kitchen tables, so that the smell might pervade the room. Otherwise, it tends to be cooked up with sugar, as in quince jelly, or Membrillo, a Spanish quince paste that is eaten with cheese. Rare however to enjoy the fruit raw, and this is surely where the art of Drove Orchards’ quince juice lies, in the capturing of the raw fruit, with no additional sugar, in a bottle – the very essence of quince.

There is a Farm Shop at Drove Orchards where you can discover the many varieties of local and heritage apples, and taste the pure pressed fruit juices including the quince.

Drove Orchards, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LS - 01485 525652 www.droveorchards.com droveorchards.blogspot.com - @droveorchards Although Olivia Heal no longer works for Drove Orchards, she continues to live in Norfolk and writes a food blog: labonnebouffonnerie.blogspot.com

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COOKING

c o o k i n g

w i t h

m a r y

k e m p

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS E

lizabeth David, one of my favourite cookery writers, said that if she got her way, her Christmas Day menu would consist of an omelette, cold ham and a nice bottle of wine at lunchtime then a smoked salmon sandwich with a glass of champagne on a tray in bed in the evening. She did admit it was a selfish un-Christmas dream with a complete lack of hospitality, but one she felt was shared by most women who spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning chopping and peeling, mixing, roasting, steaming.

But its Christmas and we all do it, but we love it! So the best we can do is to stay focussed on what’s important, family and friends.

The more you can cook or prep now the easier Christmas will be. Cranberry and bread sauces can be made now and frozen, wrap the sausages in bacon, the ingredients for stuffing’s can be prepared and all packed in the freezer too, ready to finish on Christmas Eve. Canapés and party food can take ages to prepare so a few made ahead of time or ready to cook will make life easier. Blinis are not difficult to make. Fill a container with them in the freezer and take out what you need for unexpected guests or to have with a glass of fizzy on Christmas morning. Thaw, refresh in a warm oven for a few minutes, top with crème fraiche and smoked salmon or sun dried tomatoes.

Quick and Easy Blinis You can either make small bite sized ones or if it’s easier make pancake sized and cut them out with a small pastry cutter.

• 225g plain white flour • 1/2 teaspoon of salt • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar • 25g melted butter • 2 eggs • 175-225ml milk • A non stick frying pan Sieve the dry ingredients into a bowl or processor, add the butter then the eggs

Champion of local food and cookery Mary Kemp shares her ‘top tips’ with us in her regular column. Send in your culinary conundrums to Mary at enquiries@ northnorfolkliving.co.uk

followed by half the milk making sure all the flour is combined and then add the rest of the milk. Allow the mix to stand for an hour.

Oil your crepe pan wiping or pouring out any excess fat, heat the pan then pour in the batter, depending on what size you want either fill the pan or spoon in small dollops of the mix. Quite often you need to have a practice go, to work out how much mixture you need. Cook until the bubbles burst on the top. Flip over and cook the other side. Cool on a wire rack.

I store them in an airtight container with greaseproof paper between each layer, cutting them before I need them.

One of my favourite canapés bases are parmesan biscuits. These I make, freeze before they are cooked, then just have to slice them and lay them on a baking tray and pop in the oven.

You can equally have these made and in an airtight tub, they keep for several days.

Parmesan Biscuits with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto • 110g plain flour

• 110g Parmesan finely grated • 110g butter • 55g Cheddar cheese finely grated • 55g pecorino cheese finely grated • Salt, freshly ground pepper and a pinch of cayenne.

Whiz the flour, parmesan and butter together in a processor to bread crumb texture. Then add the cheddar, pecorino and seasoning giving it another quick whiz, it will come together at this point, then transfer to a bowl and work together to form dough.

You then divide the dough into three, and roll each piece into a thin even sausage shape, wrap in cling film, and chill for a good hour.

If you want to freeze uncooked do so at this point.

When the dough is chilled and firm cut the rolls into small discs and place on a nonstick sheet on a baking tray, pressing each one to flatten slightly.

In an Aga - Cook on the grid shelve on the floor of the roasting oven on the floor for 10 – 12 minutes, using the cold shelf on the third set of runners if they start to brown too quickly.

In a conventional oven preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/Gas 4 Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking tray then store in airtight container, or freeze them.

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto • 150g Sun dried tomatoes • 2 cloves garlic • 20g pine nuts • Light olive oil • 50g grated parmesan (the trick here is to whiz cut up pieces of parmesan in the food processor-much quicker!)

Process all ingredients until smooth and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will keep in the fridge for up to four days or freeze well.

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motoring

GETTING READY FOR WINTER Be prepared this winter with our very useful guide to safe driving by our motoring Journalist Brian Vertigen

Phillip Woodhouse and his revolutionary new approach to the hub of the home. by Raymond Monbiot

L

ast winter’s snowfalls followed by the harsh winter weather has really got motorists considering winter tyres.

Motorists still fear wintry road conditions and rightly so. The risk of accidents is six times greater than in the summer with more than half of all accidents occurring on the roads in the cold weather.

When the snow blanketed the country last winter motorists rushed out in droves to buy winter tyres - in the past less than one per cent fitted such tyres But the picture is changing, with garages recording record sales because of the snow.

But in fact one does not need snow to need winter tyres. Winter tyres work considerably better in all conditions when the temperature drops below 7 degrees C .In some parts of the UK this can be as early as September and as our average winter temperature is

just 3.7 degrees C, the benefits are obvious.

Winter tyres offer 60 per cent more grip than summer tyres.

In a recent test with winter tyres a car with such tyres braking from 62 mph on a cold, wet road will stop about 16 feet shorter than a regular summer tyre.

Winter tyres have specially designed rubber compounds and tread patterns that will give more tractions and steering response, and importantly, reduced stopping distances in the winter months. Our Continental friends fit these tyres to negotiate not just snow but also icy, rutted with compacted snow wet or merely dry and cold roads Many manufacturers and tyre outlets are now offering special deals on winter tyre packages. Don’t try to save money by just fitting them to the driven wheels, buy four.

Just fitting to the driven wheels can provoke

instability through compound differences and may also affect your insurance. But if you do fit winter tyres you do need to inform your insurance company, and also make sure your existing tyres are stored securely away.

Mercedes is offering a cold weather tyre packages as is Porsche and Suzuki and some such as Audi and VW will supply winter tyres on existing wheels.

Finally if you are venturing out on snow bound or icy roads this winter make sure someone knows your route and expected arrival time. Make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone, extra warm clothing in case you are stuck, a large bar of chocolate is also a good idea, and if conditions warrant it, a snow shovel. It is also a good idea to make sure the car has been recently serviced and all the lights etc are working.

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BOOKS

READING MATTERS

By Amanda Loose

D

raw the curtains and stoke up the fire. The nights are dark and there’s a distinct chill in the misty air. It’s time to settle down with a good read and while away a few pleasant hours.

And if you’re looking for something with a local flavour, you’re in luck. It’s been a busy year or so on the Norfolk book scene. In fact you may well be spoilt for choice.

If fiction is your thing, there’s plenty to go at. Hot on the heels of her first novel, the best seller Hothouse Flower (Penguin, £7.99), North Norfolk resident Lucinda Riley has recently published The Girl on the Cliff (Penguin, £7.99). Set in Ireland it’s an absorbing story of love and loss, family and friendship which takes us on an emotional journey from 1914 to the present day, from Ireland to London, New York and back again as a family is divided then reunited.

Elspeth Barker’s O Caledonia and Short Stories (Black Dog Books, £16.99) make quite an impression. O Caledonia, a chilling gothic tale of girlhood will haunt the reader long after its done while several of the short stories are played out on our North Norfolk coastline.

‘Carborundum’ is perhaps the most moving story I have read this year.

If you prefer a thriller, then give The House At Sea’s End by Elly Griffiths (Quercus, £6.99) a go. It’s the third outing for her North Norfolk based forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway and doesn’t disappoint. Gripping drama as a mystery is unearthed dating back to the Second World War is played out against no less gripping dilemmas in the lives of Elly’s modern protagonists.

It’s been a busy year for local author Kevin Crossley-Holland. Catch up with your favourite Vikings in his new edition of The Penguin Book of Norse Myths (£12.99). Enter the world of Odin, troublesome Loki, Thor and a cast of

giants and dwarves, heroes and villains in tales of shape shifting, cunning, beginnings and endings.

Kevin’s intriguingly titled The Mountains of Norfolk (Enitharmon, £10.99) was published this autumn, a collection of his poems old and new. Relationships are one of his main themes: those between human beings and the phases of our lives- youth, loves and friendships, old age and loss - to our relationship with nature, the landscape and the elements and theirs with each other.

The Perfumier and the Stinkhorn by Richard Mabey (Profile Books, £9.99) is also concerned with our relations with the natural world, and the differing yet perhaps not irreconcilable approaches of the scientist and the Romantic to it. As the title suggests, Richard explores this question through our sensory responses to nature, and effectively writes two biographies through this – his own and the readers who will undoubtedly share in the universal moments he recalls – like the sound of a blackbird on a warm April evening, when the scent of lilac is in the air. “If you are lucky” says Richard “you will have one such moment every year of your life, and each time it will remind you of all the ones before.”

Of course John Clare is a real presence in this book, which leads to our final choice, At Helpston Meetings with John Clare (Black Dog Books, £20). Beautifully illustrated with works by Suffolk artist, the late Mary Newcomb, this collection of essays by Ronald Blythe, president of the John Clare Society since its foundation 30 years ago gives us Clare the poet as well as Clare the man. It also tells of Clare’s cultural context and influence, the fate of the world he recorded and his revival by the likes of poet Edmund Blunden.

I

f you’re stuck which book to buy for your nephew, grandchild, god daughter or niece, this Christmas, then John Lewis’ Children’s Top Ten Books for Christmas could come in rather handy.

1 Head Shoulders Knees and Toes sound book £6.99 2 Jingle Bells sound book £6.99 3 The Night Before Christmas book and CD £7.99 4 The Jolly Postman £11.99 5 Lego Star Wars Ultimate Activity box set £12.99 (exclusive to John Lewis) 6 The Lego Ideas Book £16.99 7 The Peter Rabbit Library £19.99 8 Pretty Pink Tea Party £19.99 9 The Gruffalo & Gruffalo’s Child £20 10 The Famous Five 10 Adventures boxed set £35 Prices are accurate at time of print John Lewis Norwich 01603 660021

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Advertisement Feature

THE DUCK INN, STANHOE After a 200K refurbishment, the team at the Duck Inn welcome you to enjoy their wine and dine menu for just £9.99 during weekdays.

The Wiveton Bell Fine Ales, Wine & Food

An Award Winning Pub with Stunning Rooms

T

he Duck Inn at beautiful Stanhoe, just 3 miles from Burnham Market has recently undertaken a 200K makeover and is now managed by the award winning team from the Wiveton Bell.

The kitchen is managed by Jamie Murch, now executive Chef of both the Duck and the Bell and the front of house by William Chandler, previously the assistant manager at the Bell.

The menu incorporates seasonal favorites such as mussels and lobster and we also offer a good choice of light lunches starting from £6.95.

Weekdays see the return of our popular winter warmers where for just £9.99 you can enjoy our daily special main course and a glass of beer or wine. In our beautiful Garden Room we can cater for parties of up to 30 people, ideal for shoot lunches or dinners and Christmas parties. Fully heated with antique furnishings, gilt mirrors and chandeliers, the Garden Room offers a set menu that can be designed to meet all budgets and taste.

Sunday lunch at both the Bell and the Duck is second to none and booking is advisable as both venues are popular all year round. Booking not normally required at other times, so pop in if passing - we look forward to meeting you.

Dogs are welcome in the Bar and Garden Room.

• Visit the web site for further information www.duckinn.co.uk. Call 01485 518330 for reservations or to book the Garden Room call Will on 07725 978986

2011 Michelin Pub Guide – Editors Choice Winners of the Good Food Guides East of England Readers Award 2010, Eastern Daily Press Best Food Pub in 2007, runners up in 2008 and an AA rosette

•

Traditional village pub where

people can wander in with walking boots and dogs to enjoy good company as well as fine ales, wine and food.

•

Enjoy alfresco drinking and dining in our garden with stylish armchairs, topiary and decking. A sheltered sunny position, candle lit and heated by night, it’s the perfect place to be anytime.

• Four stunning rooms to ensure you relax, wind down and enjoy every minute of your stay.

Whether staying a few nights or visiting for lunch, dinner or simply drinks, we look forward to greeting you at the Wiveton Bell.

The Green, Blakeney Road, Wiveton, Holt, Norfolk

T:01263 740101 www.wivetonbell.co.uk 29

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24/11/11 14:32:19

PEOPLE

THE AGA Phillip Woodhouse and his revolutionary new approach to the hub of the home.

By Raymond Monbiot

P

hillip Woodhouse was born in Muckleton in 1947. His father, captured by Rommel in 1940, spent the war as a prisoner of the Germans in various POW camps until liberated by the Russians in 1945. Phillip went to Burnham Market School first at the old building and then to the new in Friars Lane.

“I was good at maths at school but because I had extreme long sight found it difficult to read a book. I passed the exam to enter the Technical College at Kings Lynn aged 15 and spent two and a half years there. I was always good with my hands and made models out of Meccano. I wanted to do agricultural work and saw an advert in the paper for a vacancy as an apprentice at Eastern Counties Farmers. I took this up and worked at ECF Fakenham until I was 21 gaining City and Guilds qualifications.

I became farm mechanic for Roger Lyles at Painwhin Farm, Helhoughton for many years. We won the agency for Fiat tractors and later Valtra tractors. Together with other farm machinery such as grain driers and combine harvesters I gained long experience in the technology of fuelling through oil pressure jets. “ Phillip saw the potential to use this much more efficient and versatile fuel system in the home. New boilers were already based on pressure jets but Agas and Raeburns were well behind, many relying on 1940s technology fired

30

by a lighted wick which remains on 24/7 using heat whether one wants it or not and cannot be turned on and off at will. They are wasteful of oil and generate unwanted heat in summer and at times when the Aga is not wanted for cooking.....”

Meantime the ‘Snugburner’ had been developed which replaced the wick, and could be used to adapt oil fired Agas and many Rayburns at a cost of approx. £2000. This could be turned on and off by the user either by throwing a switch or by setting a time clock.

“It does not need expert assistance to re-light once turned off. The advantage of turning it off every night and on again in the morning is not only cost saving but reduces the amount of unwanted heat to everyone’s advantage at a time when oil prices are soaring. It has application too for second homes where it is unnecessary to keep the Aga on between occupation but which switches itself on at week ends etc. Once turned on it will be hot enough to boil a kettle in 30 minutes and come to full heat in 4-5 hours.

“The wick system consumes approx 60 litres of fuel a week whereas the pressure jet system can reduce this to 27 litres a week if switched on and off as required. This is a saving of 33 litres a week which at 55p per litre amounts to £18 per week at present oil prices. On this basis the pay

back is approx two years.

“I can usually install the system in three weeks from first contact. The equipment itself is small and unobtrusive and fits into the Aga door space. It needs some brick installation to direct the heat into the top oven and avoid stress on the cast iron casing. Only one service a year is required.

“The cooking efficiency is remarkable. At Christmas I decided to cook the largest turkey we had ever had – 32 lbs – and put it in the oven at 8.30 a.m. I decided to take a look at its progress after 4 hours and found when I unwrapped it that the legs had already fallen off so well cooked had it become in that time.

We cook the whole Christmas dinner in the Aga including two puddings and the trimmings. “ And the disadvantages....? It is noisier on start up than the conventional system but Phillip says they are working on that.

Phillip and Judith Woodhouse have a son who is a renowned expert in restoring Spitfires and two daughters one with a masters degree in marine biology and the other with a degree in environmental studies.

He is a keen vegetable gardener and has an affinity for the natural world about him.

• Phillip can be contacted at barberlyles@hotmail.com or tel: 01485 528601 or 07831 795483

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24/11/11 15:03:51

Berber Interiors Features Moroccan design on two floors of a magnificent Norfolk flint barn.

Discover a large selection of traditional hand woven rugs, stunning mirrors, lamps, candles, hand woven fabric together with a range of garden pots, tagines, barbecues and mosaic tables.

The ceramics are from Safi, leather bags from Casablanca, silver cabinets and tables from Marrakech. Berber Interiors is a treasure trove of handcrafted, original artefacts both large and small, providing a rich addition to the home or an ideal present.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10 am – 4pm From the centre of Holt take the New Road towards Cley.

After one mile follow signs up the farm track to Bayfield Brecks

Berber Interiors, Bayfield Brecks, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7DZ - Telephone 01263 715555 Email: enquiries@berberinteriors.com

www.berberinteriors.com

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