North Nortfolk Living Autumn 2011

H e l p i n g y o u t o g e t t h e m o s t o u t o f l i v i n g LO C A LLY

NORTH NORFOLK LIVING home & garden/food & drink/people & places

Go East young man (or woman!)

Amanda Loose discovers a property bargain hot spot in the East of our region Oh wrap up!

Look chic on the beach this winter with Sarah Morgan’s top fashion tips FREE IN NORTH NORFOLK £1.50 where sold Autumn 2011

ISSN 1744-2885 www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk 04

And the winners are…

Discover who you voted as your Favourite Producer at North Norfolk Food fest

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Farmers’ Markets

WINNER

Best Farmers Market

5th November

40+ stalls bursting with seasonal produce!

3rd December Christmas food shopping feast with 40+ stalls plus cookery demonstrations hosted by Mary Kemp.

Introducing the Big Green Egg and how to cook a whole turkey within it!

Shops & Studios open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm:

Come and enjoy a steaming latte or cappuccino and browse the shops for Christmas goodies including beautiful childrenswear from Bells and Whistles Kids, antiques and gifts from Home by Annie Lambert, top quality country wear from Christopher William Country, soft furnishings and jewellery by Love & the Rose or bespoke lead-work and decorative art by local artists Saskia Townsend and Dany Evans. Tidal Therapies is offering Christmas pampering packages – please visit our website for more details.

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

check our website for special events throughout the year:

www.creakeabbey.co.uk

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NORTH NORFOLK HELLO

AUTUMN 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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s much as I love the heat of summer, picnics in the sand dunes, drinks on the terrace listening to the swifts screaming overhead – I also love the changes that autumn brings.

I love waking up to a box of autumn abundance on my doorstep from my lovely friends and neighbours. Apples, pears, damsons, paid for in return with a jar of something for the Christmas table.

If you fancy trying your hand at something a little stronger turn to page 18 and let Mary Kemp show you how to put those sloes and blackberries to good use!

As the light outside fades, Amanda Loose keeps us bright and cheerful with colourful ideas and accessories for the hub of the home - the kitchen.

The garden also gets its fair share of my attention this time of year as I ‘pack it up’ for the winter. Can I put a little plea out to all you super tidy gardeners out there - leave a little bit of untidiness as a nice snug winter retreat for all our bugs and beetles! And remember, lots of bees wake up in early spring and need a good feed before they get going. Make sure you put in some early flowering bulbs and plants for them now.

The cooler evenings prompt thoughts of winter wardrobes and long walks on empty beaches. Sarah Morgan demystifies that elusive goal – outdoor chic.

Moving seamlessly from a beach walk to a lunchtime visit to one of our many welcoming hostelries has never been so glamorous.

A HUGE ‘well done you’ goes out to all involved with the 2011 North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival, what a triumph!! Can’t wait for next year. And finally the hardworking winner of North Norfolk Living’s ‘Favourite Producer’ competition is… read on to find out who won!

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

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

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

8 ‘Favourite Producer’ comp winner is… The very wonderful Brays cottage Pork Pies 10 Business Keeping an eye on our hardworking local businesses 12 Fashion Sarah Morgan shows us how to look chic outdoors 14 Property Go east young man! Amanda Loose finds a property hot spot in the east of our region 16 Great Walshingham Barns Café A new lease of life for the old village post office 17 Lady sings the blues Eroica Mildmay discovers an ancient dye industry flourishing in Beetley 18 Food and Drink Mary Kemp shares family recipes for using up hedgerow bounty in a tipple for the Christmas table 19 North Norfolk Veg Patch Preparing for the winter 19 Books Burnham Market Literary Festival 20 Travel Kate Cleaver talks to Simon Wilson Stephens about his adventure travel company Smokesilver Travel 22 Interiors - kitchens Amanda Loose asks ‘Are you a kitchenista?’

26 Local cinema clubs Who says there’s nothing to do in the countryside!

27 Motoring Brian Vertigan guides us through some money saving tips prior to your MOT visit to the garage 28 Your Dog In the first of an occasional column dog trainer and behaviourist David Brice dispels a few doggie myths 30 Natural surroundings Raymond Monbiot takes us to a ‘dingly dell’ at Bayfield Hall near Holt Front cover image: ‘Evening Hunter’ Barn owl hunting in the evening light in Norfolk by Stephen Clark of Pebbles Photography www.pebblesphotography.co.uk

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

Phil Walker

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 in UK, £20 overseas (surface mail), both including postage. Please enclose cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd. NORTH NORFOLK Living AUTUMN 2011

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Image copyright of Eastern Daily Press

For hand chosen beautiful things

Beaver House, Norwich Road, Reepham, Norwich, NR10 4JN

Titchwell Manor Hotel and Restaurants Coastal boutique hotel serving great food. Dine in the informal Eating Rooms with its sea view terrace or the Conservatory which also offers Eric’s tasting menu.

50% off the Eating Rooms menu on Wednesdays throughout November, lunch and dinner, booking essential.

Pre Christmas party menu £25 per person.

Find us next to the entrance of The Victoria & Holkham Estate Main Road, Holkham, Norfolk NR23 1AD T. 01328 713093 www.bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk 10:30 – 4:00 / Closed Tuesdays

Titchwell Manor Hotel Titchwell Nr Brancaster King’s Lynn Norfolk PE31 8BB

01485 210 221 margaret@titchwellmanor.com www.titchwellmanor.com

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LOCAL NEWS

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

A THIRD OF GRESHAM’S STUDENTS ACHIEVE 3 ‘As’ + Gresham’s School in Holt is celebrating another excellent set of A-level results which reflect once again the academic rigour and intellectual creativity of its Sixth Form students.

Overall three-quarters of all A-levels sat were graded A*-B. Several departments have achieved unprecedented results; 100% of all candidates who took Spanish achieved an A* or A grade. 75% of all candidates who were entered for English Left to righ t: Jackson have achieved either an A* or an A grade.

Bringing the Outside In – the unique coastal Partridge, N ancy Colom As Gresham’s continues to build upon its interiors shop at Holkham has now got its bé, Robert Coo ke academic success it is pleasing to see new 2012 calendar for sale. Calendars are this high level of attainment replicated priced at £12 and feature 12 images of the across the board.

North Norfolk coast taken by owner, Martin The results of a number of students Billings. Perfectly designed to give a balance are particularly noteworthy. Jackson of atmospheric images and plenty of space Partridge and Robert Cooke both of to write. Calendars available from Bringing Norfolk achieved 4 A*s. Nancy Colombé, George Searle also the Outside In, Main Road Holkham www. from Norfolk and Ondrej Komora from Slovakia achieved 3 A*s and an A. With over 40 of bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk Gresham’s students achieving the equivalent of at least three ‘As’ or above.

Headmaster Philip John said, ‘I am delighted with this fine set of A-level results. The sheer number of our students who have achieved excellent grades is indicative of the scholarly passion and self-discipline that our academic The Pathfinder Business Advice Project is continuing to advise businesses situated in the eastern staff routinely engenders in our students. end of our region on how to tackle coastal erosion issues and the subsequent problem of business and property blight. Several dozen companies drawn from diverse sectors have benefited from a ‘business diagnostic’ and have taken advantage of the professional advice vouchers and business planning services offered by the scheme.

There are a handful still working with the Pathfinder team but many have now Windsor Bishop, long completed their involvement established jewellers in and have benefited from Norwich, are bucking consultancy from many the economic trend different types of advisers, and expanding their including planning, marketing world-class collection and architectural services. of fabulous jems by Pathfinder is now moving doubling the size of their into a new phase and is set to shop in London Street examine a set of points that Norwich. the business themselves have The new shop will drawn up. The team hopes to be showcasing famous explore ways to implement brands such as Patek some of these requests, such Philippe, Panerai, as improving signage in key Breitling and Hublot in their own individual areas of North East Norfolk. branded boutique areas. The new shop will A three-year East Norfolk also feature East Anglia’s largest Links of Tourism Marketing project London showroom. to promote the area has also Windsor Bishop have responded to just commenced, which aims feedback from their customers and are to highlight attractions in East Norfolk along with accommodation and places to enjoy locallyintroducing an extensive range of stylish, produced food and drink. more affordable jewellery for under £100.

For more information on the Pathfinder initiative contact Nigel Tompkins at The North 41-43 London Street Norwich NR2 1HU Norfolk Business Forum on: New Ideas for Business, 01263 822427, 07860 206565, nigel@ 01603 620638 www.windsorbishop.co.uk ni4b.co.uk

IT’S A DATE!

NORTH NORFOLK COASTAL BUSINESSES BENEFIT FROM PATHFINDER SCHEME

A LOT MORE SPARKLE!

NORTH NORFOLK LIVING AUTUMN 2011

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BEACHCOMBER

Bradfields of Heacham Interiors & Lifestyle Shop

• EXCELLENT COUNTRY AND CASUAL CLOTHING FOR MEN AND WOMEN •

Fabulous styles and colours for Autumn and Winter from MUSTO. ALSO BARBOUR : SEASALT : LAZYJACKS : DUBARRY : MOORE AND MOORE : OWEN BARRY : LE CHAMEAU

55 Staithe Street, Wells Next The Sea

01328 710496 - www.beachcomberwells.co.uk

80-86 High Street Heacham PE31 7DB 01485 570225

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LOCAL NEWS

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

PHOTO: PROFESSIONAL JEWELLER MAGAZINE

NORTH NORFOLK JEWELLERS REVIEW THEIR YEAR AND LOOK FORWARD TO A GLITTERING FUTURE

NORTH NORFOLK, A PAINTED LANDSCAPE: AN ARTIST’S DIARY

By Rachel Lockwood Wild open landscapes, remote marshes, seamless sea and sky vistas and a vulnerable wilderness like no other in England, the North Norfolk coast is an artist’s dream. With the call of the curlew never far away and wild geese ‘whiffling’ over marsh pools, there’s always something to take your breath away along this coastline.

In her new book, artist Rachel Lockwood takes you on a journey around her home in Cley next the Sea in search of her perfect painting locations. Through her diaries, the reader gleans an intimate insight into the mind of an artist. Not only does she explain how she creates some of her work, we are also privy to the events and moods that heavily influence her paintings.

Rachel Lockwood, part-owner of the Pinkfoot Gallery in Cley next the Sea, will be signing copies of her new book at the Gallery on the 29 & 30 October. An exhibition with some of the paintings from the book runs until the 12th November.

For more information please contact Pinkfoot Gallery or Red Hare Publishing – info@redharepublishing.co.uk or info@pinkfootgallery.co.uk 01263 740947

A fabulous new children’s play area has opened at The Pigs pub in Edgefield, aimed at youngsters aged two to 12. Designed and built by BeWILDerwood, The Curious Treehouse Adventure Park in Wroxham, the new facility at The Pigs features all sorts of exciting activities, all of which are free. For two to six-year-olds there’s a slide, play den, ‘dig for a pig’ sandpit, Lego and Brio. For older children there’s a double slide, zip wire, den-building pen and an assault course.

Tim Abbott, Head Chef/Landlord of The Pigs, said: Our new outdoor play area is going down a storm and the children absolutely love it – it’s completely different from any other pub’s playground and means that the kids can have a great time while the mums and dads relax. Along with our new children’s menu, Saturday kids’ cookery classes, indoors playroom and baby-changing facilities, The Pigs is now about as child-friendly as a pub can be.’

The Pigs, Norwich Road, Edgefield, Holt, NR24 2RL. Tel: 01263 587634.

Website: www.thepigs.org.uk.

PHOTO: RODNEY SMITH

GREAT NEW CHILD’S PLAY AT THE PIGS PUB IN EDGEFIELD

Charles and Brygida Bourn run successful jewellery store Urban Armour in the charming town of Burnham Market, and this year the husband-and-wife team are celebrating an especially fruitful 12 months as they have recorded a sales jump of 50% year on year.

It has also had its challenges, however, as the Bourns closed down three concessions that they ran in Selfridges, London, for brands Pandora and Monica Vinader. ‘It was not easy to close our three counters in Selfridges, coping with the loss of income and cash flow,’ says Charles. ‘We had to release 17 staff but happily all of them found alternative employment within four weeks of leaving.’

However, the Bourns are taking the closures in their stride and are planning to develop their second shop in Norfolk and have plans to open two or three more shops within the next 18 months, although there are no firm ideas about where. They also intend to launch an e-commerce website and grow the wholesale side of the business – Charles is the UK distributor for Spanish silver brand Luxenter.

Despite all of the achievements, Charles, in his typically happy-go-lucky way, picks a rather interesting event as his cherished memory of 2011.

‘Highlight of the last 12 months was the visit of Steve Wager to open our exhibition of British Silver Week when he took a silver ingot and made it into a spoon in 20 minutes,’ laughs Charles.

Congratulations must also go to Charles and Brygida for winning a place in the Jewellery industry’s prestigious ‘Hot 100’ annual awards run by Professional Jeweller Magazine and The Company of Master Jewellers The magazine’s editorial team select 100 individuals in the UK jewellery industry who it believes have shown true innovation and have driven their businesses, and so the industry, forward over the past 12 months.

Well done Charles and Brygida and all the best for 2012!

Urban Armour Ltd, The Old Chapel, North Street, Burnham Market, Norfolk PE31 8HG Tel: 01328 738 880 email: charles@ urbanarmour.co.uk www. urbanarmour.co.uk NORTH NORFOLK LIVING AUTUMN 2011

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PEOPLE

And the winner is…

The very worthy winner of our Favourite Producer Competition was Brays Cottage Pork Pies – Great Taste Awards Gold Star Winner 2011, to name but one of their many awards

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am sure that many of our readers are very familiar with the amazing pies produced by the dedicated team at ‘pie HQ’ near Holt. You may not however, be as familiar with the brains and drive behind the business – Sarah Pettigrew (right).

Determined to produce pies that truly are the best pork pies in England, Sarah sources her meat locally from Perfick Pork of Fakenham and uses only the finest cuts, not the leftover bits! The meat is then packed into a deliciously biscuity hot water crust pastry with a little quality cured bacon.

Giving the pies ‘their distinct smoky note.’

Add to this Sarah’s ‘top secret herb and spice mix’, which she calls ‘her delicious little secret’ and the result is spectacular.

Sarah prides herself in only using ‘ real kitchen ingredients’ not strange sounding chemicals or worst still e numbers!

There are several varieties of pie to choose from including the traditional pork pie, or as Sarah calls it, ‘the naked pie’, which won the 2011 Great Taste award. My all time favourite is the Onion Marmalade version and there is also chilli and chorizo. Other products in her range include posh pork scratchings.

Just recently, I needed a centerpiece for

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a celebration annual supper for my local North Creake Amateur Dramatics Society. Sarah produced two lovely big pies with the ‘happy and sad’ theatre masks on them. So if you want to grace you table with a bespoke pie – call Brays Cottage.

She has even made a wedding cake pie, which made the national press!

Although virtually superhuman, Sarah is the first to sing the praises of her ‘pie elves’ back at ‘Pie HQ’, all pie professionals who share Sarah’s passion for top quality local food. She readily admits that without Fi and the gang and her ever-efficient partner Derek, her world would be a lot more chaotic!

Sarah herself is very much the local food champion of North Norfolk and our ambassador on the national food scene – although Sarah herself wouldn’t accept this as she is far to humble for her own good!

One of Sarah’s many strengths is her incredible mastery of the ‘dark art’ of social media. To you and me that’s Twitter and Facebook! Love it, loathe it or just plain don’t understand it, social media is here to stay and is playing an increasingly important role in business marketing.

In fact, so proficient is Sarah on twitter that

she has been asked to lecture on the subject and has been approached by companies keen to ‘pick her brains’.

If you would like to find out where to buy a Brays Cottage pork pie go to www.perfectpie. co.uk or if you would like to speak to Sarah about pies or social media related issues please call 01263 712 958. You could of course tweet her at @Brays_cottage – she’ll be impressed with that!

At the incredible North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival at Holkham this year North Norfolk Living ran a competition to find the top three producers as voted for by the many thousands of visitors to the event.

As an added bonus all the completed voting cards were put in a hat and one lucky winner was drawn out to receive a fantastic meal for two at the Flying Kiwi Inn of their choice up to the value of £100! I’m please to announce that the lucky winner is Mrs Willis from Hertfordshire. Chris Cuborough will be in touch Mrs Willis! Congratulations…

NORTH NORFOLK Living AUTUMN 2011

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GALLERY

AS EVER, AN ECLECTIC SELECTION!

1. A Book of Symbols – the first of sixteen 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. Quirky and certainly different, Original ceramic pieces by Jane Muir are hand modelled, painted and fired in the artist’s London studio.

Jane exhibits her work in America, Japan and Europe – we are thrilled to have a collection in Holt.

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3. Heirloom Cushions – we have added to this ever popular range, black, chocolate and golden Labradors abound…..fetch!

See a great selection at www.thereddotgallery.com 4. ‘Electra’ the rather exotic cat – is just one from a range of original paintings and silkscreen prints that feature adorned animals, Artist Kate Leiper is one of the most popular artists at The Red Dot – visit us to see why!

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5.Golly it’s Polly! Just one of Guy Allen’s lovely original etchings, this Jack Russell won’t be sitting around too long as

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there are just 15 in the edition. From a selection in the gallery.

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2 Advertisement Feature

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BUSINESS

Still harnessing natural green renewable energy after all these years!

Although many of us are just waking up to, and trying to make sense of, the world of green energy, local firm Drakenergy have been experts in the field for years.

Energy is the buzzword for today. For the energy conscious amongst us, this is not only to protect the environment but also to address the ever-rising cost of running our homes, our cars and our businesses.

For T K Drake it has been an important part of daily business for over 15 years. When they started their electrical business back in the 80’s, they had the clarity of vision to see that energy conservation and development was going to play a big part in the future of their business.

By 1996 people had begun to recognise the bank of expertise that the T K Drake team had built up and as a consequence they were commissioned to complete the first installation of solar photovoltaic panels, a wind turbine, a solar thermal and ground source heat system for none other than the National Trust at Dial House, Brancaster Staithe, here on the North Norfolk Coast.

T K Drake has recently embraced the growing interest in renewable energy and has set up a separate facet to their business by creating Drakenergy. Drakenergy will have the specific role of focussing on the renewable energy market, happily for Drakenergy, an area in which they are already recognised as specialists.

Having built up strong working relationships with local building firms and businesses Drakenergy is working closely with them to help choose the right green technology for their needs, and their budget!

For the homeowners amongst us you will be pleased to hear that there are grants and payment schemes to help us work toward a lighter carbon footprint in this era of energy management and control. Speak to Drakenergy for more expert information. www.drakenergy.co.uk 01760 725665 0844 858 0400

Ed Stubbings – Kingsley Builders

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Kingsle

Flick through the television channels any time of the day and you will, almost inevitably, find a programme highlighting ‘rogue’ builders! It’s a daunting task to choose a builder! A person to whom you will hand over vast sums of your hard earned cash and then allow them free reign over your most valuable possession, your house!

However, do not despair! Not all builders are ‘cowboys’! In fact there are thousands of firms out there working hard and doing a good job. Here in East Anglia we are lucky to have one such builder in the shape of Edd Stubbings.

Edd of Kingsley Building and Ground Works Ltd from Sculthorpe has good reason to look back over 2011 with a certain sense of pride. Early this year they scooped the prestigious Federation of Master Builders (FMB) ‘Master Builder of the Year Award’, taking the prize for the Best New Homes Project in the Eastern Counties.

No mean feat if you consider that they had to go up against hundreds of other building firms displaying not only the very best technical building skills but proving that they could deliver top level customer service also. In fact, to enter the competition they had to be nominated by a satisfied customer in the first place.

Helen Osgood, Eastern Counties Regional Director for FMB said, ‘what really stood out this year was the extent to which the builders were prepared to go – way beyond the call of duty – to build a good working relationship with their clients.’

Having returned from the glitzy awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Hotel in London where he received the award from Location, Location, Location star and property guru Phil Spencer, Edd now has time to reflect on his achievements.

When asked what qualities won Kingsley the award Edd is quite clear about this.

‘We listen to the client first and foremost, encouraging them to share their ideas with us, so that we can build on them. The design aspect of the project is very important to us and the earlier we can get involved the better.

‘We can also help the client source materials and products and often for a much cheaper price!’

Despite his busy schedule Edd manages to get involved with local charities, most recently scaring himself witless by completing a bungee jump! Kingsley’s current nominated charity is ‘Scotty’s Little Soldiers’, set up in memory of Corporal Lee Scott to support children who have lost a parent whilst fighting for their country.

See Edd’s top ten tips for designing your kitchen on page 24!

Edd Stubbings: Kingsley Builders, 01328 864 570/07786 345 405 www.kingsleybuilding.co.uk www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk

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FASHION

Coming in from

the cold Keeping fashionably warm is a breeze, with a little advice from image consultant Sarah Morgan

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Top tip: If you need to create h, how good can it get? You were the illusion of svelteness, go quietly hopeful when you signed up for one colour head to toe – it to MySingleFriend.com but lo, you’ve been doesn’t have to be dark. This courted from cyberspace by an arable farmer always looks classy and is also very slimming. with 1,000 acres near Blakeney. And he’s got a Over the dress go for a long sleeveless knit Land Cruiser and a chocolate lab and what he waistcoat – can be peeled off at the inne if describes as a ruggedly square jaw. they’ve been over zealous with the logges but And now it’s your first hot date, and he wants still cosy on the beach. Top with a snugly puffa to take you for lunch in a centuries olde inne coat with a lovely big collar that has maximum with a blazing logge fire. To tell you about his rambling farmhouse and get to know you better. wind-shielding properties. Look for one with a bit of shape at the waist to avoid the lagged Oh wow. tank look.

Preceded by a walk on Holkham Beach. Oh Go for touchy-feely accessories that are both buggery damn. feminine and warm. Fair Isle is very ‘in’ this That’s Holkham Beach where slicing winds season - a lovely long scarf wound up to your shred your blow dry to bits, your Bad Gal nose would pass the Holkham test.

Lashes go gluggy and stream down your Actually I take back the bit about the Muck cheeks and the facial capillaries of grown men Boots; wear them have been known with knitted welly to flame red and warmers peeping explode. out of the top for You could maximum warmth. refuse to go but Or a lovely pair of your online profile Dubarry boots, if said you were the your purse allows. adventure-loving The only outdoorsy sort; stumbling block of wimping out of ‘beach-to-bar style’ a stroll in the is headgear. A tight dunes would blow beanie will cause everything. helmet hair so best Of course, any opt for a floppy sane person would Leather bag. Tannery for Women, Bull Street, Holt, beret or looser don thermal base 01263 713642 www.thetannery.co.uk knit hat so your layers, a 20-tog blow dry won’t be gilet topped by completely squished – or better still, a faux fur something sensible in Gore-Tex. And possibly Dr Zhivago jobby.

Muck Boots and waterproof trousers. But And finally, a lovely big cross-body remember the inne and the logge fire and the messenger bag. This will contain your make-up hot date? repair kit, a pair of pumps to change into in So here’s the thing. Come winter time, you the pub, a hairbrush and some hankies. It also usually have two choices: Looking good or ensures you have two hands free to casually being warm. You can achieve both, but it takes take your farmer’s arm as he knowingly points aforethought. Opt for all-out glamour and to mixed flocks as they swoop low over the you will be cold and miserable and look pretty windswept dunes. stupid. Go the whole outdoorsy hog and you’ll With luck, he’ll be too busy pondering the resemble Ranulph Fiennes. larks and pipits (or his forthcoming pint of There’s a simple solution: Layers. Slim ones Woodforde’s) to notice your runny nose – or is that you can peel off at the inne to reveal something in a feminine touchy-feely fabric. Not he silently wondering how you make walking on the beach look so darned stylish? too revealing, but most definitely alluring.

Start with a fine merino wool vest. It will Sarah Morgan is a qualified image consultant keep your kidneys warm and no-one will see based in north Norfolk. For down-to-earth, it. On top, wear a fine knit dress – yes! A dress! professional colour and style advice call – perhaps with a cowl neckline or a pretty 01263 721207 www.sarah-morgan.co.uk hemline frill. This is to be worn over thick tights.

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Yaya knit dress and cardigan. Annie & Boo, Feathers Yard, Holt 01263 712020 www.annie-boo.co.uk

NORTH NORFOLK Living AUTUMN 2011

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Yaya puffa coat.

Annie & Boo, Feathers Yard, Holt 01263 712020 www. annie-boo.co.uk

Seasalt knit dress and fair isle beret - Beachcomber, Staithe Street, Wellsnext-the-Sea 01328 710496 www.beachcomberwells.co.uk

Dubarry. Morstons, Shirehall Plain, Holt NR25 6HT 01263 713932

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PROPERTY

discover a property hotspot in the east of our region Go east young man! Go east! The secret is out. Cromer and its surrounds are fast becoming one of North Norfolk’s newest property hotspots. By Amanda Loose

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Overstrand, which is a hotspot village, according you do get far more for your money the further to Bruce, with its thatched pavilion on the east and inland you go. We sold a very stylish cricket green and extensive beaches. Heading holiday flat overlooking the sea in Cromer only further east is Mundesley, which buyers are also a few months ago and could have sold it many discovering (I loved Mundesley and Overstrand times over, which suggests there’s already a on recent visits). shift in people’s ideas. We are currently in a Sue Hall at Howard Page has also been busy: difficult market and people who are buying “Being on the North Norfolk coast we do have want as much for their money as possible, be it the best of both worlds, the sea and the fine as a second home or a permanent residence.’ sandy beaches only minutes away. Mundesley So what can you get for your money? I gave and surrounds have very good transport links Tracey Khalil at Foundations Estate Agents in with buses and trains running from North Cromer three notional budgets to spend in the Walsham and Cromer.’ area. The results were interesting. She says that Bruce agrees. ‘The coast here is clearly my £150,000 would buy me a Victorian terrace the biggest pull to buyers, along with the or small flint and brick cottage; my £300,000 region’s low crime rate, slower pace of life and should get me a good size family home, an countryside.’ And as Lydia says it has something executive bungalow or large apartment and for everyone, schools, amenities and a rail link my very notional £500,000 plus would get me to Norwich and from there, to London. Go on, a substantial property with land or stunning head east. It’s worth a look. views.

• Brown & Co 01263 713143 Second homeowners, investors and people • Foundations Estate Agents 01263 511919 looking for retirement properties mainly drive the market around Cromer and the summer has • Howard Page 01263 721172 • Sowerbys 01263 710777 been a busy one. And buyers, says Tracey have • William H Brown 01263 513764 coined the phrase ‘Cromer Old Town’: ‘We have seen a steady increase in second home Cherry Tree Cottage, Thorpe Market - £390,000 www.sowerbys.com owners from the Cambridge area over the summer and Cromer seafront has seen some significant sales at surprisingly high prices. A tiny three storey cottage needing complete refurbishment in Jetty Street which leads to the sea front in the conservation area was sold at auction for £173,500 on a guide price of £100,000.’

Two miles along the coast is the lovely village of

PHOTO: www.sowerbys.com

ith beautiful beaches and countryside, sleepy villages and a relaxed air, with good for Norfolk transport links to boot, the area in and around Cromer, Overstrand and Mundesley has much to offer.

And canny buyers are starting to cotton on.

‘It’s like chalk and cheese,’ says Peter Sargeant at Brown & Co. ‘As you travel west from Cromer to Sheringham and across, prices go up dramatically the further west you go, especially north of the A149. Prices are hugely different even between Sheringham and Cromer, and Sheringham, Cromer and Holt.

There has been much more interest in this area than there used to be and some properties have sold more quickly than in the past. It’s very recent, since 2008 and the main housing recession.’

The comparisons can be surprising, and what you can get for your money can be very different depending on whether you head east or west. ‘The housing market in and around Cromer is very active, says Bruce Page at William H Brown in Cromer: ‘Property prices in Cromer are much cheaper than places further along to the west on the coast in villages like the Burnhams and Blakeney. We recently had a buyer deciding between a two-up two-down terraced fisherman’s cottage in the Stiffkey area and a similarly priced yet roomy and fully renovated Edwardian semi-detached house with three bedrooms, garden and sea views in Overstrand.’

Lydia Brotherhood at Sowerbys in Holt agrees: “The hotspots for buying second homes are still, I believe, in the Blakeney/ Cley and nearby areas, but I think that more and more people are starting to cotton on to the fact that

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LIFESTYLE

NEW ROLE FOR FORMER VILLAGE POST OFFICE T

he former village post office in Great Walsingham has been given a new lease of life, after being converted into a bakehouse and café.

The conversion is the brainchild of Norfolk couple, chef Paul Stretton (38) and his wife Nisa.

The couple had previously been running their small business in a catering trailer in the back garden of their home in Kelling.

“We started supplying a butcher in Holt with a few meat pies and attending a few events and shows, but we really needed larger premises,” said Paul.

A friend was walking her dog in Great Walsingham and saw a notice in the old post office at Great Walsingham Barns saying it was available to rent.

After much heart ache and a lot of hard work

the premises have now been converted into a smart modern café and a large kitchen where Paul is producing around 800 pies and flans a week, with such tempting names as ‘Spiced Venison and Sloe Gin’, ‘Five spiced Belly of Pork’, ‘Apple and Cider’ as well as more traditional fillings, using wherever possible local seasonal produce. He is also baking a range of tarts and cakes. Just take a look at the display cabinet with its tempting range of goodies!

As well as selling his goods in the Café, he also attends local Farmers’ Markets in North Creake and Fakenham The Café is now open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, with a Full English Breakfast on the menu in the morning. The Café’s Sunday lunches (12 -4.30pm) are already proving to be popular, and later this year Paul will be putting

By Brian Vertigan

on ‘Speciality Evenings’ – watch this space, or the log onto the Café’s new website, www. piespudstarts.co.uk At the moment the café does not have a drinks licence so customers are invited to bring their own wine.

“We have already had a great response to our venture, and we are sure this will bring new life into this area of Norfolk and the other businesses by us,” added Paul.

• Booking is advisable – ring Paul and Nisa Stretton on 01328 822255

SENIOR TEACHER, BASED IN HUNSTANTON CONTACT 01485 532207 / 07980 302 366

EXPERT TUITION

EXPERT TUITION IN MATHS, LATIN, FRENCH (ALL LEVELS)

IN

MATHS, LATIN, FRENCH

(ALL LEVELS)

EXPERT TUITION IN MATHS, LATIN, FRENCH (ALL LEVELS) SENIOR

TEACHER, BASED IN HUNSTANTON CONTACT 01485 532207/ 07980 302 366

SENIOR TEACHER, BASED IN HUNSTANTON CONTACT 01485 532207 / 07980 302 366

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EXPERT TUITION NORTH NORFOLK Living AUTUMN 2011 IN MATHS, LATIN, FRENCH (ALL LEVELS)

29/9/11 16:08:28

LIFESTYLE

The History of Blue Eroica Mildmay gets to grips with Woad

W

oad is old, I mean ancient . . . even the name sounds old, and sure enough Indigo, the name of the colour of the blue dye derived from the Woad leaf was first recorded in the English language in 1289. As a plant, Woad looks remarkably unremarkable, and is similar in appearance to a rather full-bodied dandelion.

Yet, Woad has a bright future ahead of it and that is saying something, considering the contribution that this little plant has already made to civilisation, past and present. Just, for example, does anyone think denim is likely to go out of fashion any time soon? No, of course not, and whilst denim remains a mainstay fashion then Woad arguably has a place in modern culture. Except that there is so much more to Woad than simply fabric dye. It is also being investigated for cancer treatments, is currently an ingredient in HIV/Aids medicine and has anti-viral, anti-tumour, and anti-fungal and antiinflammatory properties, giving rise to the old adage that the cure to just about everything is probably under our noses, providing we’re prepared to look closely enough.

Indigo can be naturally extracted from Woad (Isatis tinctoria) and also from the shrub True Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) both very different looking plants, yet which have both helped to dye textiles for generation upon generations. It would be fair to loosely say that in the past True Indigo was largely indigenous to Africa, Asia and India whilst Woad was found throughout Russia and Europe, which ensured that Indigo was traded everywhere, so the colour blue went truly ‘global’ before ‘globalisation’, as a concept, was properly hatched.

More recent history has seen the dye in the workman-like uniforms of millions of Chairman Mao’s Chinese Cultural Revolutionaries and then in the ‘blue jeans’ fashion revolution which began sweeping across America in the 1960’s.

Levis Strauss & Co. was there for that, having started up his overall business in 1869, with his first pairs of jeans appearing on the scene in the

1920’s. The term ‘blue collar worker’ is still the by-word for the manual labourer derived from the uniform of denim work wear. And many of these fabrics were dyed using natural Indigo, at least until the early part of the 20th century.

Woad was the dye in the dark blue uniforms of the British police and the famous and very classic ‘RAF blue’ of the RAF uniforms here in Britain until the 1930’s.

But, the last Woad mill based in Lincolnshire closed in 1932. This end came about because of cheaper Indigo imports from Asia and the march of mass-produced synthetic dye. However, Ian and Bernadette Howard of Woadinc are successfully carving out a new niche for Woad here in Norfolk, with their elegantly still shop in Beetley, which carries Woad-dyed fashions in hues of baby to a midnight blue and Woad toiletries, including a very soothing moisturiser made from oil harvested from Woad seeds. Incidentally, some of their customers report back that the Woad toiletries help with eczema, but this is just hearsay.

Their passion for Woad started

after experiments into crop diversification from standard arable fare in 1998. They now have twenty acres of Woad and they harvest and extract the dye and design the products on site. They also offer dyeing workshops too. Their burgeoning clientele are people who want a naturally-dyed product, as some modern synthetic dyes present in our clothes, something we probably give little regard to, can contain cyanide as well as a cocktail of other chemicals. Now, it’s obviously not in lethal levels, but many people want a pure product, and a determined and dedicated customer backlash means a path is being beaten to Woad-inc who offer this. So, Ian and Bernadette are currently creating a denim collection and looking at world work wear classics with others, for design inspiration. The interest is out there, the future is retro denim, no doubt about that, but with the original purity of the Indigo dying process in the fabric? Well, how authentic can you get?

• See what Woad has to offer at Woad-inc.

Woad Barn, Beetley, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 4HH. See more details at www.woad-inc.co.uk and for further info email info@www.woadinc.co.uk or phone 01362 860218.

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COOKING

c o o k i n g

w i t h

m a r y

k e m p

A blackberry and sloe recipe for the grown-ups!

B

lackberry picking was a seasonal family ritual when we were children. We would return home with purple mouths and hands, often having eaten more than we gathered.

The real reward for our labours would be Mum’s blackberry and apple crumble or simply stewed apple with berries in, smothered with custard.

When we managed to pick serious amounts of them they would be turned in to bramble jelly to be enjoyed in the winter months on homemade scones or fresh buttered bread.

It is said you shouldn’t pick blackberries after a certain date. It’s one of those folklores that changes depending on what part of the country you are from. Some say its the 29th September others 10th or 11th October. One adaptation of the myth is that after the devil was thrown out of heaven he was seen taking his anger out on blackberry bushes, stomping and spitting on the brambles. But then my grandfather’s version of this story was that it was in fact witches that spat on the berries.

Another blackberry fact I found whilst researching was written by food writer Dorothy Hartley, who suggests you should pick blackberries from the bottom of the bushes upwards. The lowest and first ones ripened are the sweetest and should be picked and eaten raw, the ones in the middle of the bushes are the next to ripen and should be made into pies and puddings and the ones at the highest points of the hedgerows, that you have to reach up and pick, are best for jams and jellies. These ones are best when the pulp is strained, as they have a higher pip to fruit ratio. I have to say I pick the ones I can reach and that are ripe, I haven’t notice a sequence to which part of the bushes ripens first. But I will look from now on!

If I have a moment at this time of year I try and make some blackberry whiskey. It’s my mother’s family recipe and makes lovely rich dark liquor. It tastes of a mixture of summer berries and chocolate, and if made now it will be ready to decant and drink at Christmas.

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

Blackberry Whisky This is perfect on a cold winters evening. You can add cinnamon and cloves to the infusion which will give you a faint winter spice taste, but that is purely optional.

To every- 450g (1lb) of blackberries; Add: 2 cloves (optional) 1 small piece cinnamon (optional) 675g (1 1/2lbs) sugar 2 tsp glycerine Whisky Place the blackberries into a large, wide necked kilner jar, until the jar is half full. Slightly squash the fruit with the back of a wooden spoon then add the sugar, and if using the cloves and the cinnamon add them too. Fill the jar with whisky and seal tightly. Leave in a cool place, turning the jar occasionally. After 2 – 3 months, strain the whisky and decant into bottles.

T

he other wild fruit to gather at this time is of course sloes; and this year they are a good size and plentiful. Sloe gin is one the most popular liqueurs to make. If you can’t find sloes you can equally use damsons.

Sloe Gin For years we would prick the fruit with a needle to help release the juice, but now I freeze the fruit, it’s so much easier and as the fruit thaws the thick outer skin cracks and all the lovely flavours are released.

I add a few drops of almond extract to the jar, I also lay a few flaked almonds on the top, which I retrieve from the jar in November and add them to my Christmas cake mix.

You can use a mix of brown and white sugar, half and half, this will give a richer taste to the finished liqueur.

To every - 600g (1lb 5oz) sloes Add; 200g (7oz) Sugar 426ml gin a few drops of almond extract 2 tbsp flaked almonds 4 tsp glycerine Spread sloes on a baking tray and freeze.

Tip the sloes into a large kilner jar. Once they are thawed add the sugar and the gin followed by the almond extract, glycerine and the almond flakes.

Seal tightly and store at normal room temperature, shake the jars every few days to help dissolve the sugar for a good month then leave for another two months before straining and bottling. If you can bear not to drink it this Christmas it will be much better the following one!

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GARDENING

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

The North Norfolk Veg Patch My focus now is on four major areas.

Gathering crops and processing them is a priority. We love pesto and every year I grow enough basil to enjoy it throughout the winter. Make a batch (garlic, salt, cashew or pine nuts, basil, oil and parmesan) and divide it into portions. Dollop one onto a square of cling film and fold it as if wrapping a sandwich. Twist the ends and freeze.

Making sure of a late winter harvest comes next. Peas have been cleared, wellrotted muck is about to be spread, and the bed mulched with straw. Spring cabbage seedlings will be planted out and protected from the last of the white butterflies for a crop next April.

I “tuck up” the beds that are not cropping so that they are fertile and workable in the spring. I muck them lightly (except for where carrots and parsnips are planned) and mulch them (weed suppressant, black plastic, straw). Alternatively, I sow green manure.

Deal with rough ground by spreading manure, wetting thoroughly and covering to keep out the light. Digging in the spring will be so much easier.

As for maintaining equipment... I’ve made a

1

2 3

BOOKS

list... I think I’ll just stop for a cuppa.

Sow or plant: Broad beans (S/O), Spring cabbage (P/O/C), carrots (S+/C), chard (P/O/C), sugar loaf chicory (P/C, will do outside if sown in July), Florence fennel (S/C), garlic (P/O), winter varieties of lettuce (S/P/O/C), overwintering onion sets (C), oriental veg Pak choi, Tatsoi, mustards (S/C), peas shoots (S in trays/C), rocket (S/C), spinach (S/O/C), turnips-autumn (S/C).

Harvest: Thanks for feedback on the usefulness of this column. As a result, this section will be cut (!).

As was pointed out to me, if you haven’t got it in, you won’t be harvesting it, and if you have, you will.

Key: S = sow seeds, S+ = sow seeds for successional cropping, P = pot on or plant out, C = cover in an unheated greenhouse/ polytunnel, O = outdoors.

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

‘The phaecelia is my green manure of choice. It improves the soil fertility if dug in and is a magnet for bees if left to flower.’

A festival of ideas for North Norfolk book lovers

by Amanda Loose

B

ook lovers are in for a treat. The third Burnham Market Book Festival takes place at The Hoste Arms, from 14th to 16th October, and the line-up is really rather exciting. Local boys, photographer Harry Cory Wright and Patrick Barkham author of ‘The Butterfly Isles’ will both take us on their unique journeys round the British Isles. They’ll be joined by Dan Cruickshank who’ll be exploring ‘The Secret History of Georgian London’ and Norman Stone on ‘The Atlantic and its Enemies’.

History lovers will be spoilt for choice with Helen Castor on ‘She Wolves – The Medieval Queens of Britain’, David Edgerton Patrick Barkham PHOTO: Martin Godwin on ‘Britain’s War Machine’, and journalist Simon Heffer talking about his book ‘A Short History of Power’. I’m particularly looking forward to Rosamund Bartlett discussing her latest book about one of my favourite novelists, Tolstoy – A Russian Life.

The festival is the brain child of Rosalind English and Catherine Bennett of Whitehouse Books in Burnham Market. Rosalind says: “About four years ago we put our heads together. I’m a great fan of the Hay Festival and it occurred to me that north Norfolk and Burnham Market in particular would be good constituencies for an Harry Cory-Wright intelligent series of talks which would at Beachy Head stimulate a bit of Q&A afterwards.

PHOTO: me@harrycorywright.com “It’s a festival of ideas. People really like to come and learn something and history goes down terribly well. And the authors come back. Military historian and novelist Allan Mallison is back for his third year, this time chairing three of the talks.”

For tickets and further information: Whitehouse Books 01328 730270 www. burnhambookfestival.co.uk

I

have just read a charming children’s book, The Rescue, by Olivia Faire from Burnham Overy Staithe. It’s a beautifully illustrated tale about a family of mice rescuing their shipwrecked father in a boat they cobble together from all sorts of bits and pieces (I love the umbrella bowsprit and broom boom). Olivia is similarly resourceful: she has written the book to buy a camera she needs to make her final year film at Central St Martins and hopes to become a fashion film director. Definitely a name to watch.

The Rescue (£12.50) is available from The Brazen Head Bookshop, Burnham Market and Burnham Overy Boathouse

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BUSINESS

SMOKESILVER TRAVEL TALKS

I

Whilst on land Simon cycled 1250 miles through Tanzania, nspirational speakers and travel writers from around the world Uganda and Rwanda and then completed 500 miles by kayak have been invited to Norfolk to talk about their expeditions, on Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika – the world’s longest travel experiences and conservation issues. The new series of freshwater lake – before finishing at Ujiji, on the exact spot Travel Talks are being launched this autumn by SMOKESILVER where Stanley found Livingstone and uttered the famous TRAVEL and will take place in the Prince of Wales Stand at greeting ‘Dr Livingstone, I presume?’

Fakenham Racecourse.

Not only does Simon recall his own experiences but he delves The first talk, on Thursday 6th October, will be given by Rob deeper to discover what it must have been like to be an explorer Caskie. Rob, a world-renowned storyteller, is the senior guide during the Scramble for Africa in the late 1800s and what it was at Fugitive’s Drift Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Zulu that motivated Stanley to put himself through such physical and War of 1879 is famous throughout the English-speaking world

By Kate mental hardships in the name of ‘exploration’. for the great battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Fugitives’ Cleaver Simon recalls “The Royal Geographical Society talks in Drift, where Rob lives, overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorke’s London inspired me to organise, take part and complete my own Drift and includes the site where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill expedition. I hope the SMOKESILVER TRAVEL Talks will help to motivate lost their lives attempting to save the Queen’s Colour for their regiment. people in Norfolk to do the same and ‘explore the great outdoors’.

Caskie’s audiences feel as though they are actually standing on the battlefield at Rorke’s Drift watching the Anglo Zulu battle raging around SMOKESILVER TRAVEL (www.smokesilvertravel.com) arranges them as the story unfolds. tailor-made holidays and active challenges around the world that help Rob Caskie trained and worked alongside the late David Rattray to inspire people to ‘explore the great outdoors’. who made famous the stories that took place during the extraordinary Future talks will include the following speakers: defence of Rorke’s Drift. Rob tells the stories of the soldiers - not only • Alastair Vere Nicoll – Riding the Ice Wind, by kite and sledge across before and during the battle but what became of them afterwards. With Antarctica his combination of humour and compassion, his detailed knowledge and • Praveen Moman – Gorilla Conservationist ‘’With only 700 Mountain reflection, you can feel, smell, hear the battle and understand what it Gorillas still alive, can they survive another 50 years?’’ meant to those who were there.

Contact: Simon Wilson Stephens. 01485 528 285.

This new Travel Talks series has been organised by Norfolk based, simon@smokesilvertravel.com Simon Wilson Stephens of SMOKESILVER TRAVEL. Ever since 1995, when Simon went to work as a safari guide in Uganda, he has been fascinated Smokesilver Travel Talks by explorers throughout history who have ventured to far flung places in Cost £15 per adult. 16yrs and under £10.

Africa, the Americas and Asia.

Venue: Prince of Wales Stand. Fakenham Racecourse. Norfolk Simon is the living proof that ‘getting out there,’ can have a positive, NR21 7NY powerful impact on people’s lives. He tells his own story on Tuesday Licensed bar opens ONE HOUR before each talk December 6, when he relates the compelling story of his ‘Minds do Talk dates in 2012: 6 talks a year on the first Tuesday of February, Matter’ expedition across East Africa by bicycle and kayak, following in April, June, August October and December. the footsteps of Henry Morton Stanley’s 1874 Trans Africa Expedition.

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Welcome to The Nelson – Superb drink, food and accommodation, set in the heart of Burnham Market on North Norfolk’s beautiful coast.

The Nelson Bar

Offering a great selection of beers, spirits and soft drinks, as well as an extensive wine list. Selection of bar meals and snacks available.

The Nelson Restaurant

We pride ourselves on an extensive seasonal menu of locally sourced ingredients, including an exciting Vegetarian menu.

The restaurant is also available for functions and parties as well as special events and demonstrations

th Much more

at just a Del

i!

A note for your diary :

Santa’s Grotto is coming to the Deli - Magical experiences and presents for everyone.

Saturdays & Sundays from the 3rd to 18th December1 - 4pm 

New Autumn Menu



Deli lunch specials - 2 for £12.00 Mon– Fri (26th Sept - 30th March)



Enclosed children's play area with sandpit, toys and chalk boards



Themed evenings until 31st October



Outside catering including parties and private functions



Indoor seating for up to 80



Christmas Hampers and meat orders taken



Christmas Parties / Lunches

Stay at The Nelson

With four individually designed double or twin bedrooms, all with en-suites, your stay will be a relaxing and memorable one.

t: 01328 738321

e: stay@the-nelson.com www.the-nelson.com Creake Road, Burnham Market, Norfolk, PE31 8EN

Dine, relax and enjoy!

The Village Deli Thornham, Main Road, Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LX Tel :01485 512 194 www.villagedelithornham.co.uk

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HOME INTERIORS

the hub of the

home...

Are you a ‘kitchenista’? Have you caught the kitchen fever that is sweeping the land? If so, fear not Amanda Loose has all the info you need to put you right!

I

22

blue kettle she wanted co-ordinated with her blue walls. It did, thankfully for the rest of us, and she is now trying to pick the perfect toaster (you have been warned).

“We do tend to congregate in kitchens.

When I go to a girlfriend’s I go straight into her kitchen,” says Nanci Gillett at Burnham Interiors. “The old adage that the kitchen is the heart of the home still runs true and with open plan living the kitchen is much more part of the main living space and it all flows together.

It’s an entertaining space as well as a food preparation space. It’s a kitchen, dining room, living room and family room often with a sofa or upholstered chair. It’s not just tucked away and played safe with.

“People’s styles are much more individual now and they can express themselves in their kitchens. Just about anything goes with materials and finishes, and mixing them to get a personal look. People’s choice of appliances is now much more informed, as they do cook more. There is definitely a fashion cross over with appliances now. ” And for the well dressed kitchen, it’s the accessories which complete the look and as Sophie found, can be tricky to choose and are very much a style statement.

“People are brand and fashion led,” says Nanci. “What you have on display on your counter is very much a statement about you, who you are and what you do in your kitchen.”

Maureen Hooker at Bakers & Larners in Holt finds that customers are brand and trend aware and also very busy in their kitchens: “Entertaining at home is back and popular television shows like Come Dine With Me, MasterChef and the Great British Bake Off all help sell the entertaining at home idea.

People are making more jam and baking and customers even swap recipes with us.”

In fact Maureen says things like food covers which used to be thought of as old fashioned are now back in, decorated with flowers, strawberries and spots. Colour is also back, with aubergine, plum and lime certainly on trend for the coming season.

So what should the well dressed kitchen be sporting? Pam Bradfield at T. G Bradfield & Sons in Heacham has her finger on the style pulse: “There has been a huge emphasis on the kitchen in recent years because not only is it used for cooking, but entertaining and dining Continued on page 24 ▲

think it must be contagious. For over a year now, friends around North Norfolk have been coming down with kitchen fever.

Symptoms include an overwhelming urge to visit kitchen showrooms, hours spent pouring over magazines and brochures. This is almost inevitably followed by a total revamp of their kitchens. Walls have come down and floors have come up. Units have been ripped out or attacked with a sander. The editor of this magazine is currently suffering from a bout of kitchen fever, and she’s loving it. Just don’t get her started…

Some sufferers have gone high gloss, sleek and modern (one is about to install a German number complete with integrated double drawer dishwasher and fridge) others have gone retro with a contemporary twist. There’s been lots of shaker and beech, granite and gloss. But getting the look that’s right for them has been crucial in a room where we all spend an increasing amount of time cooking, socialising and relaxing, not to mention an increasing amount of our decorating budgets.

And that’s before you choose the right on-trend accessories to complete the package.

As one of the ‘kitchenistas’ told me, the kitchen really is the heart of the home, now more than ever as our kitchens increasingly see more action. We all seem to gravitate towards them, and I’ve spent countless hours slumped against friends’ AGAs or sitting round their kitchen tables, or my own, and with my brothers round the family kitchen table, drinking far too much coffee and dissecting our lives, and in my brothers’ cases, raiding the sweetie drawer.

We are also increasingly a nation of foodies and bakers, and entertaining at home, cooking whilst your friends congregate in the kitchen is the norm. We need the right equipment for these culinary extravaganzas and as the kitchen has become a more social space it and the accessories we display in it are really quite a statement about our individual styles. And to kitchen fever sufferers, the latest shade of KitchenAid mixer is as covetable as the newest Mulberry handbag to the most dedicated fashionista.

Whilst recovering from a serious dose of kitchen fever, my Mother spent a considerable time agonising over which colour KitchenAid mixer to purchase, eventually, and impressively, plumping for Green Apple. My friend Sophie deliberated long and hard over whether the NORTH NORFOLK Living AUTUMN 2011

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A ‘Real Life’ kitchen Emma and Shane Noakes recently gave their kitchen a total revamp and with flair and their budget spent in the right places, the results are stunning. Extending their original kitchen into the conservatory, they opted for high gloss Ikea units, beech work tops and a Norfolk pamment floor to create a light and airy space which seamlessly blends modern and traditional materials.

Emma says: “I don’t know that we really had a look in mind to begin with. We just went to Ikea and worked by process of elimination.

This was the only one we both liked and I think it works really well having shiny modern units with the traditional pamment floor. The floor cost a fortune but was worth every penny.

We originally decided to have black units but changed our minds at the last minute and I’m glad we did – the room is so light.”

JOHN LEWIS KITCHENWARE STYLE This season the retro look has been reborn throughout the John Lewis Kitchenware assortment, lots of new products are arriving with a quirky, clean and contemporary look. Painted metal appliances lend an Industrial feel, while blocks of colour add character.

John Lewis Norwich, Kitchenware expert Andy Prichard says ‘’it varies from each customer as to what appliance is right for them, many customers are easily attracted to design and colour on smaller appliances such as toasters and kettles, whereas for larger products such as food mixers and processors functionality and good quality are their key priorities.’’

Andy says ‘’Some of our most popular products of the moment are the Kenwood kMix Boutique toaster and kettle set £94.95 which comes in yellow, blue, pink and red adding a splash of colour to any room, the Kitchenaid Artisan stand mixer in Raspberry Ice £419 and the Masterchef cookware range as used on the popular TV show with it’s classic polished steel look ranging from £30- £135.

Some of our favourite new products are; 1. Kenwood kMix Fire Cracker food mixer £369 2. Umbra Grapevine wine rack in black £25 3. Kitchenaid Artisan burr coffee grinder in red £169 4. Typhoon Novo bread bin in cream £60 5. Panasonic stainless steel bread maker £159

Pam Bradfield’s autumn predictions: ‘The retro look – 50s, 60s and 70s. KitchenAid mixers – baking mania has hit the country. Lots of colour – orange, yellow, bright blue, pastels, aubergine (Joseph Joseph are introducing an aubergine range).

Tagines and Mediterranean cooking, tapas and sharing meals, caring meals.’

A lick of paint works wonders!

For a spot of recessionista chic, try painting your existing units like Zara and Tim Ashby, which along with a new lino floor and handles on the units quickly transformed their kitchen. Using a rich slightly caramel cream on the units, topped off with blue and white china knobs, yellow on the walls and oak effect flooring, they have created a light but warm space.

‘By just painting and getting new lino it’s more of a transformation than it sounds, more than the sum of its parts,’ says Zara.

‘It was all DIY but it has totally changed the way I feel about walking into my house. Even the white Formica work tops no longer jar!’

In fact it’s a designer’s trick: Nanci Gillett did the same in her own kitchen, having her existing run of solid wood units painted and fitting new work surfaces, handles and a sink. Then add a splash of new accessories, soft furnishings and lighting to complete the look. ‘It was an easy, inexpensive way to get a new kitchen and there are some fantastic paint ranges out there’ says Nanci.

T. G. Bradfield & Sons stock a wide selection of paints, including Farrow & Ball, Paint Library and Little Greene Paint Company, who are introducing a new 32 colour range from the 60s and 70s. Pam Bradfield says: ‘We have also discovered a great paint company called Alcro from Stockholm who do wonderful metallic paints and amazing retro colours, lots of brights and pastels.’

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HOME INTERIORS as well. This means that this space has become an important statement of your style and there are loosely two categories.

“The first is Industrial/ Minimalist. In this type of kitchen the trend seems to be accessorising with natural wood and slate products. Black, cream, white and stainless steel appliances always sell well with this look, but the new thing is to inject one or two items in bright colours.

“The second is Country/ Retro. These kitchens are less structured, often using unfitted furniture and different paint colours.

The key thing is to be individual, mixing up colours and styles.”

Burnham Interiors, Burnham Market 01328 730989 T. G Bradfield & Sons, Heacham 01485 570225 Bakers & Larners of Holt 01263 712244 www.johnlewis.com Norwich

The ‘Kingsley Code’

Edd Stubbings of Kingsley Building and Groundworks Ltd gives his top 10 tips for planning your perfect kitchen

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Plan your new kitchen for now and for the future. If lucky enough to be building new, design your dream kitchen - it is the main room in the house.

A window in the right place can make all the difference. Plan your kitchen with the perfect door and window location, it may not be as difficult to move a door or window and may not cost as much as you think.

Check the structural limitations of your kitchen space or kitchen extension.

Make sure there is adequate provision for good extraction in the existing or new chimney features?

Discuss your ideas and the design with your builder. He will help you avoid expensive mistakes and oversights.

Check the location of your drains and ask who is responsible for the plumbing and electrical work and what is needed. Additional work indentified later may increase your building costs if not addressed in the early stages.

Establish who is organising the kitchen installation. Sometimes it is more cost effective and less stressful to ask the builder to liaise with the kitchen manufacturer.

Does the kitchen supplier deliver the carcasses of the units ready made?

This can save valuable time and money on installation.

Establish who will install the kitchen.

Sometimes it is more cost and time effective to ask your builder to fit it.

Discuss your flooring choice with your builder, as it may need to be laid before the kitchen is installed.

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3 4 5 6 7

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9 10

Edd Stubbings, Kingsley Builders: 01328 864570/07786345405 or email edd@ kingsleybuilding.co.uk

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The AGA

By Amanda Loose

Local interior designer Ann Harding has had an AGA since 1976. Her first dated from 1945, ran on solid fuel and was identical to the one in the National Science Museum! It was bought for £50 from the back of a lorry which they noticed had ‘THE AGA’ on the back and managed to “intercept” says Ann. ‘It was a bit battered but functioned well for the next 30 years. I could never claim to be a good cook and there were no numbers on the temperature gauge, but the AGA food always tasted better. The fact it dried all the washing on an overhead pulley, heated two rooms and the water was a bonus. When it was very cold T G Bradfield’s AGA in their show home we even sat on the front.’

– the ultimate iconic kitchen piece A few years ago Ann replaced this with a gas AGA (also a bargain): ‘Having had an AGA as part of the family, even when my son dried his smelly boots on it or in it, I could never go through the winter months without it.’

Angela le Strange Meakin at Potter & Dibble in Dersingham has had her AGA (aka Mrs AGA) for about 7 years. And she’s hooked: ‘People say they are the heart of the home, and you think it’s nonsense until you have one. It’s always warm and comforting and just does so many things in the house. The dogs love it. When you come in with wet shoes, coats and dogs, you just plant everything on the AGA and in the morning it’s sorted.

‘People always go to the kitchen no matter how many times you might try to direct them somewhere else and bottoms always get planted on the AGA. In the summer we just turn it down. It does brilliant cooked breakfasts, baked potatoes and you can put food in it in the morning and it’s ready to go when you’re back in the evening. For a lump of iron she’s almost cuddly. You just get used to Mrs AGA’s ways. She’s steady and like an old Mother hen.’

Potter & Dibble 01485540117 (This is the fantastic reply we got from interior designer Miv Watts when we asked for her opinion – I have printed it in full ‘cos I think it’s great! – Ed)

Kitchens... Now there-in lies a story... by Miv Watts

A kitchen design very much depends on the cook. No good having a beautiful fitted kitchen if no one ever entertains or cooks. Otherwise you are creating a kitchen as a status symbol, and oh dear! that would be very inauthentic! A good thing to remember is that one doesn’t need a fitted kitchen to cook a delicious meal.

My kitchen in France is made of concrete. It has a rural feel; it goes with the stone and ancient fabric of my house, while giving a modern and practical design option.

My daughters kitchen, on the other hand is an American kitchen, so often the favoured option of kitchen suppliers. I recently was the chef in said kitchen, all clean, shiny, marble tops and glossy cupboards. I couldn’t find a damn thing and nearly lost a digit in the ferocious waste disposal unit! Not to mention the ice making refrigerator that sent a shock like a jackhammer through the entire ground floor every half hour.

In my kitchen everything is visible, hands on and accessible, there is a profusion of everything from pottery to pots and pans. Colours and herby smells are everywhere, and I wallow in and am inspired by the sensual delights all around. From this my imagination and cookery skills combined can produce mouth-watering results. Not to mention the pleasure my small grandchildren find in collecting reachable implements and accompanying me in make believe style, with their version of my meal.

I don’t imagine any of this will be of use to your article... much too personal. It’s my guess every kitchen is though.

Miv Watts Burnham Market 01328 730 313

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Advertisement Feature

THE DUCK INN, STANHOE Now managed by the award winning team from the Wiveton Bell. Wine and Dine for just £9.99

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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.

Renowned for the quality of their food and drinks menu’s the new team at the Duck, led by William Chandler, are working exceptionally hard to ensure your visit is perfect in every way.

From the 3rd of October you can dine at lunch or dinner and enjoy a main course, glass of house wine or pint of beer for just £9.99 Monday to Thursday.

The Wine and Dine offer runs alongside the terrific seasonal menu which offers a whole host of local fare from only the best suppliers. The new light lunch menu is particularly tempting with a variety of options from just £6.95.

The beautiful Garden Room, featured below, can cater for up to 30 people. It is fully heated with antique furnishings, gilt mirrors and chandeliers making an eclectic setting for lunches and dinners. Set menu’s in the Garden Room start from just £12 a head for two courses, add a winter pudding for just £3.50.

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

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ACTIVITIES

LOCAL CINEMA SCREEN-NEXT-THE-SEA THE MALTINGS, WELLS NEXT THE SEA 10 October

THORNHAM CINEMA CLUB

In a better world 15

119 mins

24 October

matinee evening

Water for elephants 12a Water for elephants 12a

120 mins 120 mins

14 November

matinee evening

West side story pg West side story pg

151 mins 151 mins

The tree of life 12a

135 mins

Jane Eyre 12a Jane Eyre 12a

120 mins 120 mins

28 November 12 December

matinee evening

Wed 26 Oct Wed 23 Nov Friday 16 Dec

Bridesmaids Beneath Hill 60 The Way

The Thornham Village Cinema Club was made possible with a grant from the ‘Active at 60’ fund which provided 50% of the funding. The rest was raised by village members.

Full details of programmes: www.thornhamvillage.co.uk Box Office: 0781 802 8687.

2nd and 4th Mondays in each month matinees 2.30 pm evening 7pm prompt Subtitles for all matinees All enquiries: 01328 711085 Teletickets: 01328 710883 http://www.wells-cinema.com

CINEMA IN THE CREAKES THE VILLAGE HALL, NORTH CREAKE Tuesday 11th October The Athlete (Cert 12A) We have been given the rare opportunity to screen this amazing film, not yet available in the UK, as part of Creative Arts East Black History Month. We will be one of only three Cinemas in Norfolk to premiere this film that tells the amazing story of Abeke Bikita a previously unknown barefoot Ethiopian runner who stunned the world by winning Olympic Gold in the 1960 Rome marathon.

Tuesday 29th November Beginners (Cert12A) Just recently released in the UK to great reviews.

A romantic comedy with some serious undertones about truth and relationships. Ewan McGregor stars as Oliver, a guy who has a closer relationship to his dog than anyone else. This film had great reviews when released in August 2011. Please note our new screening date of 29th November Tuesday 20th December Jane Eyre (Cert 12A) A definite version of Jane Eyre for all ages stars Judi Dench as Mrs Fairfax Tickets are £ 5.00 each and are available (in advance only) by calling 01328 738959 Performances start at 7.30pm in North Creake Village Hall. The admission price includes a complimentary drink with the Bar opening at 7.00pm Further screenings of current films will continue to be shown on the 3rd Tuesday of the month throughout the winter months with a few extra classic or foreign films to be shown on specific dates. To be added to our E-Mail future events list and become a Supporter of Cinema in the Creakes please fill in the registration form on the web site Tickets : 01328 738959 or e-mail phillips.npp@ btinternet.com www.northcreake.org.uk

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ROUND-UP

GETTING READY FOR YOUR CAR’S MOT By motoring journalist Brian Vertigen

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his time three years ago many motorists were the proud owners of a new car – the new registration plate in September still attracts large numbers of customers to the car dealer showrooms.

But now the shining new car will need an MOT. There are a number of jobs you can carry out yourself before taking the car to the MOT test centre.

Book the MOT for a month before you need it. Then if your car fails the MOT you will have time to get the repairs done.

Carrying out regular checks on your car will help spot minor issues before they become dangerous or expensive. Do these at least once a month.

The following checks will help your car to pass the MOT: • Are the windscreen wipers working and in good condition? Do the washer jets work and spray over the wiped area. Adjust as necessary.

Is the windscreen free of chips and cracks – the car will fail if there is a chip in the main field of vision?

• Inspect the car’s tyres and are they at the right pressure. Check the side walls of the tyres for cracks and bulges. Check the tread wear indicators. The minimum depth is 1.6mm. But after 2mm performance reduces and it is time to consider replacements, especially with the autumn/winter weather approaching. A three year old car with an average annual mileage of 12,000 now probably needs new tyres on the drive wheels • Check the car’s engine oil, coolant levels, brake fluid and screen wash • Don’t forget the seat belts – are they working properly and check there are no cuts. Make sure the car’s doors, boot lid and bonnet open and close correctly. Are the brakes in good working order – does the car go in a straight line when the brakes are applied? If not see your local garage.

• Are all the bulbs working correctly – side lights, headlamps, rear lights, brake lights, indicator lights, reversing lights – a faulty bulb will mean a failed MOT! Get someone to help you check the bulbs first.

• The MOT will also include an emissions measurement of your car’s exhaust gases. If you do a lot of short runs, this could lead to a false reading particularly for diesel engines. Give the car a high-speed run over 20 or so miles and this should clear out the exhaust system and prevent an MOT failure.

If the car does need repairs ask the garage to show you the faulty parts

the car has been failed on. If you pass, you may be given an advisory report showing items that were not serious enough to fail the car, but will need attention sooner rather than later. Ask the tester to go though these with you and suggest a timetable for replacing the various parts.

Finally check the car’s handbook for any extra checks for your vehicle and how to carry them out.

Opening of Christopher William Country

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hristopher William Country is a small, family run top draw outdoor clothing business and they are opening the door to their new shop at Creake Abbey Courtyard this autumn.

Owner Tricia Cheney says: ‘having always loved both the countryside and clothes we decided to put the two together and develop a business around it. Our aim is to provide a range of shooting and country clothing, gifts and accessories that are of a high quality with a friendly, but not overbearing, service. The brands and products that we stock are those that we think will suit a purpose, but that we would wear or use too.‘ The brands that will be on sale are renown for their quality and include: • Loake Shoes • Toggi • Gurteen / Hucklecote • Dents • House of Cheviot • Magee of Donegal • Aigle The shop will be the first in the area to stock Magee ladies wear.

Brands include Hucklecote

Christopher William Country will be opening on the 9th October 2011 from 11am to 3pm at Creake Abbey Courtyard and will be selling online also. enquiries@christopherwilliamcountry.co.uk 07725550970 NORTH NORFOLK Living AUTUMN 2011

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LIFESTYLE

You and Your Dog

In this, the first of an occasional column local dog behaviourist and trainer David Brice dispels the old wives tales that insist that puppies have to be six months old before you can begin training and that you ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks.’

PHOTO: Chris Betts

Never too young! Never too old!

Gone are the old days when people thought dogs couldn’t be trained until they were 6 months old. With the advent of professional trainers who understand how puppies learn, it is now quite common for puppies to start obedience training at the tender age of 9 weeks. The classes are held in a sterile environment, usually at the vets, as the puppies will not have had their first vaccinations. The only hard work for the owner is carrying their bundle of fun to and from the car to prevent them picking up any infections.

If well run these types of classes can prevent a multitude of behavioural problems developing. The puppies meet other puppies at an age when they are learning how to act in their new world, and this is done in a controlled manner so the shy puppies don’t get bullied and become defensive and the ‘bullies’ get to play with other puppies who can stand up to them and learn to control themselves with their less out going companions. This sort of interaction is a vital part of a dog’s development as it can prevent them developing a fear of other dogs, or from acting inappropriately, both of which can lead to aggression later in life.

The added bonus of well-run puppy socialisation ‘parties’ is that you get medical advice from the vet staff thrown in! The vet nurses can monitor the puppies’ development and also train YOU to teach your puppy the basics of obedience. After all what better time to teach a recall than when the puppy is still dependant on his or her owners, and really doesn’t want

David Brice with his rescued Australian shepherd cross Alfie

to be away from them?

At the other end of the scale, it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks.

Yes, they may have many learned behaviours already – some of which may be inappropriate (to humans anyway). However, if you have an older dog or have taken on a rescue and want guidance then why not call in a qualified professional to help you? If you know how to train the behaviours you want, or even how to teach the dog an alternative to any inappropriate behaviour, then life becomes so much easier. You will need to be consistent, patient, and it may be hard work initially but the rewards are really worth the effort; you should even find that the bond between you and your dog improves greatly, simply by helping him or her to understand exactly what it is you really want.

Dog training classes can also be of great benefit to both dogs and owners; the dog gets to socialise and starts to learn new behaviours, and so do you! If you are thinking of taking your dog to classes I would, if you will allow me, offer some advice. Please contact the trainer, ask them if it will be possible to go and watch a class without your dog, before you commit to signing up or paying any money. If they don’t like the idea, possibly you should look elsewhere; if you go and don’t like the methods used, then you can leave without losing your money and try somewhere else. Methods of training dogs have thankfully progressed hugely in the last twenty years or so; modern, educated trainers understand about learning theory and motivation and will in most cases have spent months and years learning (and continue to do so) on how to ply their trade without resorting to compulsion, bullying and abuse. There is no need for methods that involve yanking dogs around on choke chains, shouting, or forcing them to the floor should they dare to do something that displeases the ‘trainer’ or owner. Training sessions should be relaxed and fun whilst being educational for both the owner and their dog and based on a combination of reward, positive association and an understanding of breed differences and how the dog’s mind actually works. • David Brice DipCABT,CAPBT is a qualified dog behaviourist and he and Nadine Fletcher RVN, CertAAB,Dip Dogpsy, ACAI run K9skills4life puppy and junior dog training classes. www.k9skills4life.co.uk - David: 07788 857 092 Well trained dogs are a pleasure to walk!

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SUBSCRIBE TO NORTH NORFOLK LIVING Commercial and Domestic Laundry

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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, £20 overseas (surface mail), both including postage. Please enclose cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd.

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29/9/11 10:35:48

LIFESTYLE

ANDREW CANNON

NATURAL SURROUNDINGS

A little hidden treasure in the woods at Bayfield Hall near Holt is well worth a visit – and the coffee and cake’s great!

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ucked away in the woods at Bayfield Hall, Natural Surroundings is a unique wildlife garden and reserve where visitors of all ages are made welcome and can experience and interact with nature.

Creating a friendly community of wildlife enthusiasts is the objective of Andrew Cannon who with his business partner Steve Hinder took over the longestablished ‘Wildflower Centre’ earlier this year.

Their ambitions are to encourage observation and learning about wildlife at close quarters, to enable community participation in running the reserve and above all to make the natural world accessible and fun for families.

“I’m especially enthusiastic about developing our Little Cafe in the Woods” says Andrew. “ I really enjoy cooking and sharing wholesome food, such as our fresh soup made from scratch out of real vegetables, home made cakes and real fresh coffee. My bread pudding and flapjacks are extremely popular!”

The cafe has a rustic charm despite its modern kitchen. It gives onto eight acres of open space with freedom for the kids to run around, chickens often with broods at their feet, a story teller’s little open air theatre, butterfly walks, harvest mice, a badger’s house, a raised platform to see the trout in the beautiful River Glaven and pond dipping with nets provided.

There are observation cameras for close ups of wild birds and a range of organised activities including ‘Early Bird’ and wildlife workshops.

Not only is Natural Surroundings an interesting day out for all the family but it is becoming a destination of choice. It is ideal for birthday parties – recently for 25 six year olds - and school visits. And it is outstanding value for money at £3 per adult and £2 per child, or £8.50 for a family ticket.

Trained as an engineer in the broadcasting

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industry Andrew never lost his affinity for natural history and decided to move his career along by becoming qualified in that field. He earned a first class degree at the Open University, then a Master’s Degree in public understanding of science and a PhD at Sheffield University.

When Andrew returned to Norfolk after gaining his PhD he had four degrees and no job. Like many in Norfolk he invented a portfolio of part time jobs, which included making beds for holiday, lets in Cley and running nightjar walks.

When he heard from Steve that the previous owner of Natural Surroundings had moved on and the lease was available they took it on and set about giving it new life.

Previously Andrew ran the British Trust for Ornithology’s Garden BirdWatch with 15000 enthusiastic volunteers. Rather than chasing rarities, his interest always has been in ‘keeping common birds common’. Certainly in North Norfolk the battle to restore numbers of yellowhammers and corn buntings has yet to be won.

“Norfolk is a rich haven for wildlife and has many visitors who come, identify, list what they have seen and pass on. I want to encourage a different culture of wider

community participation in the appreciation and conservation of the everyday wildlife that should be all around us but is rapidly disappearing. This means that we, as land managers, have to be prepared to let go a measure of control. We hope to gain the support of the local community, some of whom are already volunteers on the reserve, and to inform, inspire and gently educate visitors with an emphasis on quality of experience rather than maximising numbers. As visitors and volunteers interact with wildlife they will make friends and have fun. We want to encourage volunteers to realise their own vision and take ownership of their part of the project.”

Andrew has won prizes for his poetry in local competitions and through these contacts has been delighted to welcome a ‘poet in residence’ whose work so far has celebrated the wonders of common plants and the harvest mouse.

It is unusual to encounter ‘a PhD in a pinny’ as Andrew describes himself when creating and serving the meals in the Little Cafe in the Woods. But then Andrew is an unusual character. In his shop there are bird feeders, bird food and practical books. Bird and bee friendly plants and wild flower seeds are on sale. He is a mine of information about encouraging natural gardening. His business partner Steve Hinder is the landscape expert and is busy developing the orchard, walks and features making Natural Surroundings at Bayfield an ever more rewarding project in which to participate as visitor or volunteer.

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Our beautiful shop, located in Holt, Norfolk, is set out so that you can select and try on your lingerie in relaxed and discrete surroundings.

Our primary aim is to ensure that we expertly fit your bras. We also aim to build your confidence in your choice of underwear and make the experience fun as well.

fine lingerie in Holt 36 High St, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6BH Tel: 01263 714011 Email: info@pollardandread.co.uk

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28/9/11 15:08:21

Fall in Love this Autumn with The Tannery

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Let us inspire you at www.thetannery.co.uk 28/9/11 15:08:37