Bury Edition February

The quality lifestyle magazine for Bury St窶右dmunds

FREE MAGAZINE Issue 12

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FEBRUARY 2014

Inside this issue...

ARTS

CULTURE

NIGHTLIFE

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CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2014

30

Welcome

42

29 5 • FIVE THINGS TO DO Our not-to-be-missed picks for February…

6-9 • NIGHTLIFE From club nights and comedy to live music, we’ve got the low-down on afterhours fun

30-31 • RECIPES Beat the February blues with some delicious Eastern inspired dishes 32-33 • FOOD NEWS Foodie news and event from around the county to get your taste buds tingling

11-14 • ARTS & CULTURE Soak up some culture this month at our choice of edifying local exhibitions and events

36-41 • INTERIORS Think that you have to sacrifice style for sustainability in the home? Think again, says interiors expert Angelina Villa-Clarke

17 • FAMILY It’s half term this month and we’ve hunted down a whole host of fun adventures to keep the kids entertained

42-44 • FASHION A guide to traversing the tricky terrain of February fashion, courtesy of editor Nicola

18-19 • LISTINGS Your go-to guide for events and activities in and around Bury

47-48 • BEAUTY NEWS Our beauty expert rounds up the best natural products on the market and we find out the latest updates from the Bury beauty scene

20 • COMMUNITY NEWS Keep up to date with news from your local community 22-23 • FIVE OF THE BEST We’ve come over all romantic this month and scoped out some of the best Valentine’s venues in Bury

50-51 • MOTORING Sue Baker tests out the latest Mazda model on the market

25 • VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE We make shopping for Valentine’s pressies a doddle with our one-stop arc gift guide

55-56 • EDUCATION Hectic work/home schedules can mean that staying informed about your child’s school takes a back seat. We speak to local experts for tips and advice to keep you in the loop

29 • FOOD COLUMN Alex Rushmer recounts some of the foodie delights he discovered recently on a trip to Morocco

58 • PETS Pets are as susceptible as we are to arthritis – our animal expert shares her top treatments to help relieve a pet’s pain

Hello and welcome to our February issue! As you might have guessed from our cover, we’re feeling the love this month – and if you are too and you’re looking to treat someone special in honour of Valentine’s Day, we’ve got plenty of ideas. As well as selecting some great gifts from the arc shopping centre, we’ve rounded up the top spots around town for a romantic meal to remember – turn to page 22 to find out more. Perhaps you’re after some activities to keep little ones entertained over the half term holiday this month? From kid-friendly theatre to outdoorsy adventures, Bury’s got it covered – turn to page 17 and get inspired for some family fun. There are also lots of opportunities to soak up a little culture this month, with no fewer than five top-class classical concerts over at The Apex, as well as the fascinatinglooking Concrete Spring photography exhibition at Smiths Row, plus some great new theatre productions swinging our way – turn to page 11 to get the low-down.

Enjoy the issue and see you next month!

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR

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EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor Nicola Foley nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com 01223 499459

Alex Rushmer, Daisy Dickinson, Alex Wylie, Angelina Villa-Clarke, Charlotte Griffiths, Charlotte Phillips, Sue Baker

Features Editor Jennifer Shelton jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com 01223 499463

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Editorial Assistant Megan Croft megancroft@bright-publishing.com 01223 499466 Sub editors Lisa Clatworthy, Hannah Bealey & Siobhan Godwood

ADVERTISING

Designer Emily Stowe 01223 499450 emilystowe@bright-publishing.com Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company using only paper from FSC/PEFC suppliers www.magprint.co.uk

Senior sales executive Tim Sloane timsloane@bright-publishing.com 01223 499458

PUBLISHING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

www.bright-publishing.com

BURY EDITION MAGAZINE • Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ 01223 499450, www.buryedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Bury Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. • Bury Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area

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5 THINGS TO DO

5

thingsthistomonth do THE BREAKFAST CLUB

BOOK NOW FOR EAST COAST LIVE What better way to chase away the winter blues than to start planning your summer? Chart queen Jessie J, Rizzle Kicks, The Saturdays and Jason Derulo headline a fantastic day of music at Chantry Park, Suffolk, taking place on 28 June. East Coast Live is a summer must for all pop fans out there, and tickets are now on sale, priced £39.65-£67.75. www.uklive.co.uk/east-coast

MEDIEVAL POT LUCK Discover Bury St Edmunds through the eyes of one of its former residents at Moyse’s Hall this half term (15-23 February, 10am-5pm, £2/£4) – not everyone was an upstanding citizen, and there are some with rather gruesome tales to tell. You will be allocated a character on arrival before being tasked with the challenge of discovering more about your Middle Age town dweller by exploring the museum. You can even continue the adventure outside and find the spot where your character lived or worked. www.moyseshall.org

CROCHET CLUB We’re rather excited about the new crochet club coming to town. Hosted by keen crafters Red Sparrow, the first session will be on 11 February at Oakes Barn, 7.30-9.30pm. Whether you’re an expert crocheter or new to the art, everyone is welcome to pop along. For beginners wanting to try out crocheting, there’ll be hooks and wool to borrow so you can dip in and have a go – although we won’t be held responsible for any crochet addicts born from this event! Search for Red Sparrow Crochet on Facebook for information.

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The staff choice of the month at the Abbeygate Picturehouse is blinder of a selection from head chef Alex Rotherham: The Breakfast Club. Get into the groove and start the first Saturday of the month off like it’s the 80s; music from the decade will be playing in the bar and you can grab a bacon butty and a cuppa for £3.50 from 9.30am too.

If you haven’t seen the film, it’s about the trials and tribulations of five teens at an American high school. They’re all in different cliques but all that changes after they spend a day in detention together.

It’s showing at the Arts Picturehouse on 1 February at 10.30am; tickets are £6/£7. www.picturehouses.co.uk

EXHIBITION TOUR & BRUNCH There’s an exciting exhibition over at Smiths Row to explore this month, in the shape of Jason Oddy’s Concrete Spring; a fascinating series of photographs which showcase some virtually unknown Algerian architecture. On 8 February, you can join gallery curator Natalie Pace for a free, informal tour of the exhibition, followed by coffee and croissants (10.30am). To whet your whistle, turn to page 13 for more on Concrete Spring. www.smithsrow.org

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WIN

RUBY WAX GIGS AT THE HUNTER CLUB Indie and alternative club night Washing Machine has two up-and-coming bands paying a visit in February. Up first are ridiculously cool psychedelic rockers Pale Fires, who will be getting the party started on 1 February from 7.30pm (£4/£5). Later on in the month, friendly Brighton-based band Tied to the Mast, comparable to a mellower Queens of the Stone Age with catchy riffs and slightly rough-round-the-edges vocals, will be at the Hunter Club on 15 February (7-11pm). There’s a tasty line-up of local support acts billed for both nights too, so it’s a brilliant opportunity to catch some great live music and discover new bands that might not already be on your radar. www.hunterclub.org.uk

Coming up on 30 March, larger than life comedienne Ruby Wax will be at The Apex with her show Sane New World, offering a sideways look at how our brains work – with a dose of her trademark sparkling wit.

Bury Edition is giving away a pair of tickets for the show, to be in with a chance of winning, head over to www.buryedition.co.uk or for more more info, see www.theapex.co.uk.

TWITTER TITTERS Comedic writer and performer Barry Cryer, who has written for more comedians than you can shake a stick at (including Spike Milligan, the Two Ronnies and Jasper Carrot) and was a quick-fire joker and long-standing panelist on the BBC radio show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, is coming to the Theatre Royal on 1 February (7.30pm, £8.50-£25) for his third (yep, you read right) farewell tour, Twitter Titters.

Taking his cue from the show’s title, Cryer shares his amusing tales of technological bewilderment, but catch him while you can; you never know whether this time it really is goodbye! www.theatreroyal.org

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NIGHTLIFE

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH...

RUTHIE HENSHALL Ruthie Henshall is perhaps one of the best known and certainly best loved (she’s been voted Most Popular Musical Actress of the past 25 Years) theatre performers of her generation.

She’s been a hit everywhere from Broadway to the West End and is now bringing her own show to Bury’s Theatre Royal on 23 February (7.30pm, £8.50-£25), performing pieces and songs from across her career including hits from Oliver! and Chicago. www.theatreroyal.org

GIGSPANNER Mighty fiddler Peter Knight, better known as part of popular folk rock collective Steeleye Span, has taken a new musical direction with his band Peter Knight’s Gigspanner. Peter, along with guitarist Roger Flack and Vincent Salzfaas on congas (the line-up alone gives you a flavour of the group’s style) are a force to be reckoned with, taking folk back to its roots and introducing a sprinkling of Eastern European, French, Cajun and African flavours.

Gigspanner’s talented trio make for an aweinspiring live band and are playing at the Constitutional Club on 21 February. 7.30pm; tickets £14. www.milkmaidmusic.co.uk

ALEX HORNE: LIES Former Mr Universe, original presenter of Blockbuster and triple Perrier winner Alex Horne is back with yet another sell-out tour, aptly named Lies. Alex, who you might know from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or Radio 4’s musical comedy show The Horne Section, is fast making a name for himself. His quick-witted, mischievous style is disarming audiences into fits of laughter the nation over.

In his latest tour, Alex picks apart the very nature of his job as a comedian, citing that it’s a comedian’s role to have an interesting enough life to share hilarious true stories with the audience. Regarding his own life as too mundane, Alex weaves a show based on the very cusp of the truth, leaving the audience in a tangle of lies and laughter.

If you go and see one live comedian this year, Alex is your man. Honest.

He’s at the Theatre Royal on 25 February (7.30pm, £12). www.theatreroyal.org

MITCH BENN IS THE 37TH BEATLE Even if you haven’t heard of him by name, there’s a strong chance that you will have come across him somewhere or other, as the endlessly talented comedian and musician Mitch Benn seems to get around a bit in the world of comedy. He’s a writer and performer on BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show, makes regular appearances on The One Show and has contributed to Channel 4’s Bremner, Bird and Fortune; he’s even released three albums.

We were thrilled to hear that Mitch has managed to find time to tour his hit show, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe: Mitch Benn is the 37th Beatle. Hanging on people’s hilariously tenuous claims to be the fifth member of the Beatles, scouser Mitch shares his own connections to the band. Get down to the Theatre Royal on 7 February, 8pm. £8.50-£20. www.theatreroyal.org

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NIGHTLIFE

THE BEAT From the same wave of two-tone heroes that also gave birth to The Specials and Madness, The Beat exploded onto the ska scene in the late 1970s, becoming famous the world over for hit singles including Mirror in the Bathroom, Can’t Get Used To Losing You and Hands off She’s Mine. Emerging from a backdrop of social and political upheaval in Britain, the group originally hail from Birmingham and (after various line-up changes), currently consists of Dave Wakeling, Ranking Roger, Andy Cox, David Steele, Everett Morton, and Saxa. They fuse punk, pop, ska and reggae to create a unique, high-energy sound and are known for their dynamic live shows. Catch them at The Apex on 28 February; tickets are £16 in advance or £18 on the door. The event starts at 8pm. www.theapex.co.uk

GENO WASHINGTON

FAIRPORT CONVENTION Championed by legendary Radio 1 DJ John Peel and attracting a flurry of critical acclaim throughout their 40-year career, folk rock band Fairport Convention are now touring the country with their latest show, touted to be one of the hottest tickets around. From humble beginnings rehearsing in rhythm guitarist Simon Nichol’s family home (after which the band is named) and playing in local churches, to scooping BBC Radio 2’s Lifetime Achievement Award and being hailed as the founders of the folk rock genre, a chance to see this band live is not to be passed up.

Tickets are being snapped up quickly (they have already sold out in a number of venues), so get moving if you want to catch this iconic band live, who always put on a fantastic show. They’ll be playing The Apex on 16 February, 8pm – don’t miss out!

(Tickets are £20/£22) . www.theapex.co.uk

Billed as an evening of ‘sensational soul, blistering blues and musical mayhem,’ Geno Washington’s visit to Bury this month is set to offer a real treat for local fans of 1960s soul.

With an unsurpassable reputation as a live performer, Geno is known for his electrifying stage presence and ability to get every person in the crowd up and grooving. Expect a great array of Northern soul and R&B when he stops

by The Apex on 20 February. Starts 7.30pm, tickets £13/£15. www.theapex.co.uk

TANGOMOTION Not that we’re hinting, but Tangomotion is on at the Theatre Royal on 14 February (7.30pm, £8.50-£25), and we reckon it would make for a top Valentine’s Day date...

Prepare to be whisked away to 1930s Buenos Aires as the world class and exceptionally talented dancers take to the stage for a mesmerising performance, backed by live music from Tango Siempre. After the show, dance the night away in the specially created Argentinean tango club. £8.50-£25. www.theatreroyal.org

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ARTS & CULTURE

We explore the arts and culture scene in Bury St Edmunds, showcasing some of the many exciting exhibitions and projects taking place around the area, as well as highlighting the local artists and events to look out for

CLASSICAL CONCERTS AT THE APEX A phenomenal five classical concerts are packed into The Apex’s schedule this month, bringing you everything from Beethoven to Ravel and Bach. This quintet of concerts kicks off on 1 February (7.30pm, £10/£15) with the East Anglia Chamber Orchestra who are relative newcomers to the scene having only been founded three years ago, but who are already making a bit of an impression.

Conductor Jacques Cohen will lead the musicians through Beethoven’s Egmont Overture through to Schoenberg’s Chamber Symphony No. 2, before the orchestra is joined by Russian violinist Maxim Kosinov, who has been wowing audiences across Europe, for Brahm’s Violin Concerto.

On 7 February, the Orchestra of St Paul’s is making the trip up from London to perform a collection of fairy tale-inspired arrangements, including Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, Ravel’s

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Mother Goose Suite and an original piece by award-winning composer in residence Solfa Carlile (7.30pm, £15-£18). As one of the most unique and exciting modern orchestras, a trip out to see them will be well worthwhile and you can give a big Bury welcome to conductor Ben Palmer, who grew up in the town.

Following on 8 February, Ipswichbased Wolsey Orchestra and Jamie Foreman will be playing a selection of uplifting pieces that includes Copland’s El Salón México and Marquez’s Danzón No. 2 (7.30pm, £10/£13).

The innovative Academy of Ancient Music will take to the stage on 23 February revisiting baroque and classical pieces, playing them as they were

intended to be played (wooden flutes, trumpets without valves and string instruments made from animal guts!).

This will be the Academy’s third visit to The Apex and the internationally renowned violinist, conductor and composer Richard Tognetti makes his debut as director and violinist with the orchestra – expectations are high and the Academy will certainly not disappoint (7.30pm, £19-£23).

Rounding off the Apex’s bumper month of classical concerts, you can catch the Bernadel String Quartet on 26 February (1pm, £5/£8) playing Haydn’s String Quartet in C Major and Bartok’s String Quartet No.2. www.theapex.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

FLIGHT MEETS BIKE

PYGMALION

In a madcap but utterly genius venture, the bike-barmy folk at the Krazy Horse are putting on their first art exhibition, featuring some incredible pieces by acclaimed modern aviation artist David Bent – we’re sure it’s the first of its kind in the region, certainly in Bury St Edmunds.

Alongside the aviation-inspired art, you can take a gander at the out-of-this-world collection of iconic motorbikes and threewheeler street machines with paintwork by the internationally renowned custom paint specialist, Ty Lawer.

Speaking about the pop-up gallery, Paul Beamish, Krazy Horse’s managing director, said: “This exhibition combines motorcycle engineering and art with the very best of aviation design and

A cocksure professor makes a bet that he can transform an unlikely cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, and pass her off as a duchess at the society ball, but will it all turn out as planned? Most of you will be familiar with Bernard Shaw’s ever-popular play Pygmalion, or have seen its musical incarnation My Fair Lady, but if you ever needed an excuse to see this classic 20th-century play again, 2014 marks Pygmalion’s centenary year! It will be showing at the Theatre Royal on 4, 5 and 6 February (7.30pm) and on 8 February (2.30pm & 7.30pm). Tickets are from £5 to £15, so head along and celebrate 100 years of this classic play. www.theatreroyal.org

engineering... This will be the first event of its kind for us – but we hope to stage more events featuring engineering and the arts during 2014.”

Opening on 8 February and running for a total of six weeks, we reckon that engine enthusiasts, petrolheads and art lovers alike will love this brilliantly unique event. www.krazyhorse.co.uk

SILVER JEWELLERY WORKSHOP Want to win some brownie points this Valentine’s Day? Book yourself into the Crafty Foxes’ jewellery workshop on 4 February (7-9pm) to learn how to handcraft silver earrings, a necklace, charm or cufflinks – perfect for a February the 14th gift, or as a little treat for yourself!

There’ll be drinks and nibbles provided and it’s £25 per person, or if you can convince two of your friends to join you, bookings of three or more receive a discount. If you needed any more convincing, it’s held in Bury’s newest pub the Oakes Barn, so you can have a glass of wine afterwards. For more info, search for The Crafty Foxes on Facebook.

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ARTS & CULTURE

JASON ODDY PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Travelling the world over to capture some of the most intriguing architecture forgotten, unnoticed, or off limits to the public, writer and photographer Jason Oddy’s latest project took him to Algeria to uncover the lesser-known work of famed modernist Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, whose designs helped to carve out his home country’s new capital, Brasilia. The fruits of Oddy’s labour, a captivating series of photos entitled Concrete Spring, has been generating a sensational buzz, recently being featured in The New York Times – but this month you can see them right here in Bury. Head down to Smiths Row to check out the exhibition, which runs until 15 March, and offers a chance to admire these thoughtprovoking images in the flesh – and even purchase them if you’re so inclined, as they will all be for sale.

Oddy was taking part in a photographic residency in Algiers when he first came across the relatively unknown structures that were instantly recognisable as Niemeyer’s, but with bureaucracy preventing him from photographing them at the time, he set about returning to the country, intrigued by not only the striking designs but also by the thinking behind them.

“The buildings are an example of an early attempt to galvanise the country through architecture,” explains Oddy.

“The idea that motivated these buildings was about enfranchising the people and giving them power. The very beautiful shapes of these buildings are the visible component of the ideas, they show the ideas in an abstract and seductive way, but it is the ideas behind them that really engaged me.”

Two university campuses – the University of Mentouri, Constantine and the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, as well as the sports stadium La Coupole – were all created by Niemeyer between 1969 and 1975 at the invitation of the then president.

These forward-thinking, confluent concrete structures were representative of the nation’s long, hard-fought struggle for independence and intense optimism for the future, but are now dichotomous with the country’s recent history of a bloody 15-year civil war, political

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stagnation and the political upheaval ongoing in today’s Algeria.

Oddy travelled to the tumultuous country in June 2013 and spent three weeks exploring Niemeyer’s work, shining the spotlight on these almost clandestine structures with his trusty 5x4 field camera. Nearly all of the images were captured in one take; using a film-based camera leaves little room for error, and the resulting exhibition is a breathtakingly stunning depiction of Niemeyer’s soaringly ambitious designs.

In addition to the exhibition, Smiths Row is hosting a discussion with Jason Oddy and Dr Tania Sengupta, lecturer in architectural history and theory at the University College London, during which the pair will chat about Oddy’s methods (19 February, 6-8pm, £3/£4). www.smithsrow.org

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ARTS & CULTURE

EGUSI SOUP Death and mourning are not the most conventional topics for a comedic play, but up-and-coming playwright Janice Okoh decided to shine some light into the dark corners of the sensitive subjects for her first full play Egusi Soup, and we are delighted to hear that the show’s tour will open at Bury’s Theatre Royal on 20 February (7.30pm).

Inspired by her British-Nigerian heritage and upbringing, Okoh’s play follows a family trip to Lagos for the funeral of a relative, reuniting members of the family previously separated by entire continents and causing inevitable family disputes. This play is a real mixture of light and dark, with moments of pure hilarity seamlessly providing comedic relief in some of the more poignant scenes.

Okoh is already establishing herself as a versatile and talented playwright, with a stint writing for TV soap Eastenders, as well as writing pieces for BBC Radio 4 and bagging the Bruntwood prize for

another of her plays, Three Birds. There is a lot to live up to for Egusi Soup, but having already enjoyed a successful stint in London, the play is set to win over audiences around the UK. If you can’t make it for opening night, fear not as

Egusi Soup will also be showing on 21 (7.30pm) and 22 February (2.30pm & 7.30pm), tickets are from £8.50 to £20.

We reckon this punchy play is going to go down a storm! www.theatreroyal.org

MARCH HARE COLLECTIVE Good news for local arts and crafts fans: The March Hare Collective is back for 2014 and will be opening its first pop-up gallery and shop of the year on 1 February at the Apex.

Some of the best designers and makers from around East Anglia will be setting up shop to sell their gorgeous handmade wares, which range from pretty painted cards to bags, knitted goods and jewellery. The Collective regularly draws a big crowd, and the events offer a great opportunity to find a unique gift or something for the home. www.marchharecollective.co.uk

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FAMILY

The Sooty SHOW

Old MACDONALD

It’s an unlikely but winning combination of missing farmyard animals, a friendly scientist with a time machine, singalongs and games that provides a good old laugh this February. Join in with the kids in this fun-packed interactive show and help to find all of Old MacDonald’s animals. Old MacDonald Had a Farm is showing at the Theatre Royal on 21 February (1.30pm, £8.50/£10). www.theatreroyal.org

Having been entertaining children for more than 60 years, the nation’s favourite bear is back with a brand new show that’s sure to delight little ones. Copresenter Richard Cadell has his work cut out trying to curb Sooty’s mischievous tendencies at the yellow puppet’s birthday party, where you can expect to see the usual host of guests. It’s on at The Apex on 19 February (11am and 2.30pm, £10-£12). What are you waiting for? Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy! www.theapex.co.uk

Hansel AND Gretel

Winter Wednesdays SURVIVAL

OUT & ABOUT

Bring your brood for a day of muddily magnificent adventures in the beautiful grounds of Ickworth (19 February, 11am-3pm). You’ll be investigating the wildlife area’s bug hotel and competing to find the creepiest crawly around, as well as crafting a bug of your own to take home. And for those following the National Trust’s 50 Things to Do Before You’re 11 and ¾, there will be at least two things (snail racing and bug hunting) to tick off the list! Normal admission fees apply (£3.50 per child). www.nationaltrust.org.uk

If you’ve got the next Bear Grylls amongst your clan, make a beeline for the bushcraft adventures planned at Nowton Park for 17 and 18 February (9am-5pm, £14). As well as practising fire lighting, campfire cooking and shelter building, there’ll be a string of fun games and challenges for kids to get their teeth stuck into. Children aged eight and above can take part, just wrap them up warm and send them off into the ‘wild’ for a day of adventuring. www.acleisure.com

Crafty FOXES

There’s not just one, but two fantastically crafty workshops up in the craft den at Denny Bros on 19 February, both run by the Crafty Foxes. We’re sure there isn’t a little’un around who wouldn’t jump at the chance to get their mitts on some clay, and as luck would have it, in the first of the workshops they will get to hand-make some lovely key rings using the stuff (11am-12.30pm). Then there’s more fun to be had with a stamp making and printing session (1.30-3pm, £8 per session). www.thecraftyfoxes.co.uk

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If you’re looking for Hansel and Gretel, you can probably find them playing video games or chomping down sweets – dear oh dear, what has become of them! But with a little help from the audience, we reckon they can be persuaded to get off the sofa and go and explore the great outdoors – there’ll be a sprinkling of magic and a few jokes along the way too. It shows at the Theatre Royal on 15 February from 11am, tickets are £5. www.theatreroyal.org

Build a home FOR NATURE

The creatures of Suffolk will be looking for a new home to move into come spring, so the friendly folk at Lakenheath Fen are putting on a weekend of making and building on 15 and 16 February (10am-4pm).

Come and help them as they construct new digs for your local wildlife, from insect hotels and bird nest boxes to toad houses. It’s £8 per nest box, but make sure you book in advance to guarantee a place. www.rspb.org.uk

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LISTINGS

WHAT’S ON A round-up of events in and around Bury St Edmunds for February 1 February

WASHING MACHINE Time: 7.30-11pm Location: The Hunter Club Price: £4/£5 Description: Uber cool psychedelic rockers Pale Fires will be raising the roof at the Hunter Club this February, supported by local bands Motor Tapes, Three Patch Problem and Beyond Revolutions. Head down to listen to some fresh talent on the cusp of making it big. hunterclub.org.uk

1 February

EAST ANGLIA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Time: 7.30pm Location: The Apex Price: £10/£15 Description: Soak up some classical music performed by the incredibly talented East Anglia Chamber Orchestra as they take you through Beethoven’s exhilarating Egmont Overture and Schoenberg’s Chamber Symphony No. 2, conducted by Jacques Cohen. Rising European star Maxim Kosinov will be joining the orchestra for their finale piece, Brahm’s Violin Concerto. theapex.co.uk

14 February

GERRY CROSS THE MERSEY Time: 7.30pm Location: The Apex Price: £17.50/£19.50 Description: A nostalgic trip back to the 1960s as Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers fame plays a selection of his band’s charttopping hits, interspersed with tales of the trials and tribulations from his years at the top with plenty of banter from this Liverpool lad. theapex.co.uk

8 February

DEPDEN SUPPER CLUB Time: 7pm Location: Depden Farm Cafe Price: £25 Description: It’s back! Depden’s ever popular supper club returns for the first event of 2014. As ever, there is a temptingly tasty three-course menu of homecooked dishes to choose from and it’s BYOB. We love the sound of the smoked fish platter and who could resist their tasty traditional bread and butter pudding? depden.com

6

FEB 8 February

SOCK KNITTING FOR BEGINNERS Time: 10am-4pm Location: Wibbling Wools Price: £40 Description: Keep your tootsies warm and cosy with a pair of gorgeous hand-knitted socks made by your own fair hands. Don’t worry if you’re a total beginner, you will learn all you need to know in this oneday masterclass; all materials are supplied too. There will be a light lunch provided and if you fancy taking on another woollen project, class members receive a 10 per cent discount at the wool shop on the day. wibblingwools.co.uk

9 February

WEDDING FAIR

NATIONAL YORKSHIRE PUDDING DAY

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Time: 11.30am-3pm Location: Jimmy’s Farm Restaurant Price: See website Description: We were delighted to discover that there is an entire

FEB

day dedicated to arguably the best part of any Sunday roast: the Yorkshire pudding. Jimmy’s Farm Restaurant is putting on extra Yorkshire pud-inspired dishes including a starter of filled Yorkshire pud and roast beef with all the trimmings. Three cheers for the pud! jimmysfarm.com

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TANGOMOTION Time: 7.30pm Location: Theatre Royal Price: £8.50-£25 Description: Things are hotting up this Valentine’s Day with the arrival of four world-class tango dancers. Accompanied by the acclaimed tango quartet Tango Siempre, the couples will perform tango to the soundtrack of 1930s Buenos Aires and the music of composer Astor Piazzolla. theatreroyal.org

Time: 10am-4pm Location: Suffolk Golf and Spa Hotel

Price: Free entry Description: With 40 exhibitors’ worth of gorgeous wedding paraphernalia, it would be easy to spend the whole day here getting inspired to create your dream wedding. You could also be in with a chance of bagging a prize in the prize draw. bespokehotels.com

15 FEB BREAD-MAKING COURSE Time: 9.45am-2.30pm Location: Rede Hall Farm Price: £39 Description: You can’t beat the smell of freshly baked bread, and under the guidance of the Friendly Loaf’s Mark Proctor you can learn to bake your own rolls and loaves using local flour, picking up some top tips and useful tricks along the way. thefriendlyloaf.co.uk

16 February

FAIRPORT CONVENTION Time: 8pm Location: The Apex Price: £20/£22 Description: Championed by legendary DJ John Peel, Fairport Convention have been hailed as the founding fathers of folk rock. They’re continuing to play sell-out gigs around the UK and return to The Apex for what’s sure to be a great show. theapex.co.uk

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LISTINGS

IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Fairport Convention are raring for a good show on 16 February at The Apex, or for a more comforting February event why not try your hand at sock knitting on 8 February? And for Valentine’s Day, get involved in a bit of tango, taking place at the Theatre Royal.

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES

22 & 23 February

17-21

Time: 11am-3pm Location: Jimmy’s Farm Price: £2.50/£3.50 Description: Half term is upon us

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING Time: 10am-3pm Price: £35 Location: The Gallery Highwaymans Description: Put on your Barbour and flat cap (not essential) and head out to the gorgeous grounds over at The Gallery Highwaymans for a spot of clay pigeon shooting run by the Suffolk Shooting School.

We’ve heard it can be quite a good stress reliever too! thegalleryhighwaymans.co.uk

FEB

and we have found the perfect day trip for you lovely families out there.

Scoot on down to Jimmy’s Farm for animal petting and feeding, there’ll be plenty of guinea pig hugging, bunny cuddling and stroking of super cute baby chicks. jimmysfarm.com

18 February

MEDIEVAL WORKSHOP Time: 11am-3pm Location: Moyse’s Hall Price: £2/£4 Description: If your kids are mesmerised by the Middle Ages, then bring them along for a day of activities at Moyse’s Hall. Previous workshops have included creating Hands of Glory key rings – inspired by the severed hands that were taken from hanged corpses, Tudor marzipan making and Leonardo Da Vinci parachutes complete with jelly baby parachutist. The price is included in the admission fee so you can explore the museum afterwards too! moyseshall.org

19 February

IN CONVERSATION WITH JASON ODDY Time: 6-8pm Location: Smiths Row Price: £3/£4 Description: Coinciding with photographer Jason Oddy’s latest exhibition Concrete Spring, in which he explores the work of little-known Brazilian modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer, Jason will be in conversation with architectural history expert Dr Tania Sengupta. smithsrow.org

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19 FEB

BORDEAUX ET BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR Time: 7.45-9.45pm Location: Blackthorpe House Price: £22 Description: Blackthorpe House in Rougham is adding another string to its already laden bow (it has a beautiful homeware and gift shop, and a trendy bed and breakfast!) as it’s hosting its first wine tasting evening. There will be eight wines to sample, both red and white, all from the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur categories. grapesense.com

21 February

20-22 FEB EGUSI SOUP Time: 7.30pm (& 2.30pm) Location: Theatre Royal Price: £8.50-£20 Description: Premiering at the Theatre Royal on 20 February, award-winning playwright Janice Okoh’s latest creation, Egusi Soup, is a fast-paced and hilarious tale of a British-Nigerian family’s plans to travel to Lagos for a memorial service. We reckon this will be the perfect antidote to the February blues. theatreroyal.org

RAY GELATO Time: 7.30pm Location: The Hunter Club Price: £10 Description: Billed as the UK’s godfather of swing, Ray Gelato will be playing up a tenor sax storm at the Hunter Club.

Having just returned from his sold-out three-week season at London’s infamous jazz venue Ronnie Scott’s, it’s a must-see performance! headhunterslive.org

23 February

CLARE ANTIQUES FAIR Time: 10am-4pm Location: Clare Town Hall Price: £1 entry Description: Love hunting for hidden treasures? Pen this fantastic antiques and collectables fair into your calendar and prepare to scour the stalls for vintage attire, furniture and books amongst other curiosities. clare-uk.com

23 FEB

ACADEMY OF ANCIENT MUSIC Time: 7.30pm Location: The Apex Price: £5-£23 Description: The revolutionary Academy of Ancient Music have spent years re-imagining classical and baroque music, taking it back to how it was originally intended to be played. This performance marks Richard Tognetti’s debut concert as violinist and director with the orchestra. theapex.co.uk

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NEWS

Communit y NEWS SUSPENDED COFFEE SCHEME

COMMUNITY MATTERS AT WAITROSE Shoppers at Waitrose will be familiar with the local Community Matters Scheme that gives customers the chance to vote (with green plastic coins) for one of three causes to receive a portion of a £1000 donation each month, but you might not have heard of its online scheme. Every three months, Waitrose chooses three national charities and in a similar manner, asks online shoppers to vote for how they would like the generous £25,000 to be shared out. The most recent charities to benefit from this donation are Bullying UK, Walking with the Wounded and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the latter of which received the majority of votes and took home an amazing £10,150.

If you do your shopping online with Waitrose, make sure you vote for your charity of choice at the checkout – they are currently supporting: Crisis, Contact the Elderly and The Wildlife Trusts. www.waitrose.com

Mediterranean eaterie Cafe Del Mar is one of the first businesses in the region to take part in the ‘suspended coffee’ scheme, which allows customers to buy an extra drink or bite to eat to donate to one of a number of charities. You can be certain that your money will be spent on those most in need right here in Bury St Edmunds, and the recipients (chosen by the charities themselves) can pop into Cafe Del Mar to redeem their voucher. We love this clever community spirited idea; next time we visit we’ll be sure to spend a little extra and suspend a coffee for someone in need. For more information on the initiative, search for Suspended Coffees on Facebook.

OPEN DAY FOR THE HARD OF HEARING

VALENTINE’S FIRE WALK If you fancy hotting it up this Valentine’s weekend – how about trying out fire walking? On Sunday 16 February (4pm) you could be prepping yourself for a barefoot hot coal walk with advice and training from the Guinness World Record holder for the world’s longest fire walk.

If you think you’re ready to take on the challenge, just register online (£10) and get badgering friends and family for lots of lovely sponsorship (minimum £50), all of which will go to national charity the Stroke Association, which supports those affected by a stroke. It will be held at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club; bring along some mates to witness you conquer the heat. www.stroke.org.uk

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One in six people in the UK have a hearing problem – that’s about 6700 in Bury St Edmunds alone. To help those with a hearing problem, The Hearing Care Centre is holding a free open day on the Moreton Hall Estate on 12 February between 9am and 5pm.

“We hope to encourage those people who have been thinking for a while about having a hearing test and haven’t got round to it,” says managing director at The Hearing Care Centre, Karen Finch.

It’s by appointment only, and is free www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

CHARITY’S NEW FOUNDING PARTNER Local business Rudlings Wakelam solicitors has become one of 41 founding partners of Kids In The Middle, a national charity that generates awareness of the effects that separation and divorce can have on children in the UK and raises funds to support those affected. As a new founder, Rudlings Wakelam is developing a portal on its website to direct children to useful info as well as a handy list of numbers. The solicitors are also looking for other local businesses to get involved in fundraising and are currently seeking help to promote a mini pentathlon involving local children and their schools. If you think you might be able to help out, call Jules Wright on 01284 728341. www.kidsinthemiddle.org

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THE BUNBURY ARMS

“simply great a la carte dining... come and see for yourself” A la carte menu every day as well as our tasty British carvery

THE BUNBURY ARMS Ixworth Rd, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 2NX 01359 231253

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FIVE OF THE BEST

WORDS MEGAN CROFT

FIVE OF THE BEST

for Valentine's Day

In need of some inspiration on where to head this Valentine’s Day? Here’s our pick of the most romantic nights out around

PRIORY HOTEL Tucked away behind beautiful walled gardens, the Grade II listed Priory Hotel and its two AA Rosette awarded Garden Restaurant are amongst Bury’s best-kept secrets. If it’s tranquillity and sophistication you are in search of for 14 February, then this is the place to head. The restaurant’s executive chef Steven Aves is pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s Day with a delicious three-course menu that features Moroccan lamb bites, British slow roast feather blade of English beef, bourguignon style, and a strawberry shortbread with ginger syrup dessert, rounded off with coffee and chocolates. The Valentine’s Day dinner costs £60 per couple and will be available on 14 and 15 February from 7pm. If you fancy making the night extra special, you can book a room at the hotel for £100, a price which includes the meal and breakfast – what could be more romantic? www.prioryhotel.co.uk

THE ANGEL HOTEL The ivy clad Angel Hotel is one of the most iconic buildings in Bury, but there’s more to it than just good looks and a prime location: it also boasts sumptuous bedrooms, a stylish subterranean cocktail bar and an exquisite in-house restaurant.

At the Eaterie, celebrating Valentine’s Day isn’t just a one-night affair; they are revelling in the romance for the whole of February with their Share the Love & Load menu, which features chateaubriand, oysters, pies and fondues, all designed for sharing (mains from £12.95). Depending on where you want the night to take you, you could have a glass of pink bubbly or a cocktail downstairs in the Wingspan bar, or maybe snuggle up in front of the roaring log fire with a coffee. If you’re looking to really impress on Valentine’s Day, book one of The Angel’s uniquely designed signature suites – they’ve got spectacular kingsize beds and some of the rooms even feature freestanding copper baths (from £250 per suite, per night). www.theangel.co.uk

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FIVE OF THE BEST

Valentine's Gifts HIS CUSHION £25.99 BUY THE LIGHT

ELVEDEN ESTATE Elveden Estate is doing things a little differently this Valentine’s Day. Over at the Courtyard Restaurant it’s about sharing the love by rounding together a few mates for a delicious meal and some top live music. “It’s more of a fun night out, so you can come along with a group of friends if you want to, it doesn’t have to just be as a couple,” says Elveden’s Frances Armstrong. Local cover band Plus One will be playing a mixed bag of new and old hits on the night, so you can party on until 11.30pm. The restaurant will serve a three-course Valentine’s night dinner (15 February, 7pm, £32.95) offering up the likes of confit of Estate pheasant, belly of Breckland pork and white chocolate fondue. Not the type for candles and flowers? You will definitely be into Elveden’s upbeat alternative night out. www.elveden.com

HER CUSHION £25.99 BUY THE LIGHT

REGENCY CUP AND SAUCER £7.50 SUNRISE DIRECT

LOVE ME TREATMENT: MASSAGE AND CHAMPAGNE £50 PER COUPLE SK CLINIC + SPA

RAVENWOOD HALL Sitting at the end of an impressive tree-lined drive and surrounded by seven acres of landscaped grounds, the 16th century Ravenwood Hall is nothing short of a fairy-tale setting.

The restaurant lives up to the expectation of a traditionally romantic venue too, with its wood-panelled walls, inglenook fireplaces and historic portraits adorning the walls. For Valentine’s Day, they are putting on a five-course feast with canapés and sparkling wine that features dishes including roasted pan-roasted local venison loin and egg custard brulee tart (dinner is £49.50 per person, or dine and stay overnight from £255 per couple). www.ravenwoodhall.co.uk

FAN-TASCHE-TIC MUG £4.50 SUNRISE DIRECT

HE’S BLOWN AWAY HANDKERCHIEF £14.50 KENDALL AND KO

THE ORGANIC SHOP Making the most of Valentine’s Day this year, The Organic Shop in Fornham All Saints is serving its special Valentine’s menu from 13 until 15 February. “It’s very good value for money; it’s a five-course handmade, all-organic meal prepared by our head chef Jon Jones. All of the produce has been hand-picked and it’s a nice setting out in the country,” explains manager Will Jones. Guests will be greeted with a glass of champagne before taking a seat in The Organic Shop’s cosy fireside dining room. The menu is an expertly refined offering of seasonal treats, starting off with fresh breads and olives followed by a fish, meat or veggie starter – the seared scallops with bacon caught our eye. To cleanse the palate, there’s a citrus sorbet in-between courses before the main of pork tenderloin, wild sea bream or chargrilled vegetable tarte Tatin. Make sure you leave room for dessert though; we’d definitely save some space for the Fornham Fine Foods cheese selection.

The five-course menu costs £29.95 and is served 6-9pm. www.theorganicshopltd.co.uk

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VALENTINE'S

FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 8 INSTANT CAMERA IN PINK £64.99 JESSOPS GUESS £149 DEBENHAMS ROSE FRAME PINK £12 PAPERCHASE VICTORIA BAG £299 HOBBS LUCKY DAISY STACKING RING SET £8 ACCESSORIZE

BUTTERFLY IPHONE 5 CASE £12 PAPERCHASE

HOT PINK PURSE £44.95 JOULES

RED CHERRY VALENTINE’S STAR £45 L'OCCITANE

VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE

Need some ideas for treating that special someone this 14 February? The stores at arc shopping centre are bursting with great gifts. Here’s our pick of the best!

CROWN JOULES BOXER

CÈDRE & ORANGER COLLECTION £65 L’OCCITANE

£14.95 JOULES

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER LE BEAU MALE 125ML £54.99 THE PERFUME SHOP

ROBOT ALARM CLOCK CHARCOAL £20 PAPERCHASE

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TRIBAL BLUE HIP FLASK £7 PAPERCHASE

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FOOD

Eastern promise WORDS ALEX RUSHMER

This month, Alex Rushmer hangs up his apron and heads off on a foodie adventure in Marrakech t seems that even chefs need a break sometimes. After another great year – a year during which we enjoyed awards, new openings and The Hole in the Wall cemented its position in all the major food guides – I decided to take a holiday.

Naturally, it had to be somewhere warm but also (and possibly more importantly) it would be a location in which it would be impossible not to further my culinary education. Enter Morocco. More specifically Marrakech, a truly ancient and, superficially

I

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at least, terrifically alien city where foods both familiar and strange are available from dawn until long after darkness has descended.

The dominance of street food is impossible to ignore. During the day the famous Jemaa el Fna square hums to the sounds of impromptu theatre, snake charmers and henna tattooists hawking their wares. Juice sellers pitch up early in the morning and squeeze oranges, grapefruits and lemons into delicious

submission throughout the day. But it is only as the sun descends that the real fun begins. Heavily laden metal carts attack the square from all directions and by the time we had completed four or five laps of the area, these had been assembled, Transformer-like, into the skeletons of 100 different pop-up restaurants. Benches, tables, pots, pans, cutlery, firepits – all had been unloaded from the rickety-looking carts and what had previously been an empty square just half an hour ago now had the promise of the most exciting food arena I’d ever seen.

Much like in the souks – where likeminded traders band together to sell their goods – the Jemaa el Fna night market also has a loose grouping. The snail sellers set up first and soon after you can drink cups of steaming tea flavoured with heady spices. From there it is a bold adventure and there is merely one course of action – to dive right in and be swept away along the tide. Which is exactly what I did.

The rise of the street food cart in England is also worthy of note. Whilst our tradition of dining on the hoof (sometimes literally: a favourite roadside snack of the Elizabethans was braised sheep feet) died out over the last few centuries, the previous three or four years has seen an exciting resurgence, one that seems to be gaining traction and popularity as dedicated artisans, chefs and entrepreneurs spot a definite void in our dining habits.

Bury, too, has not been immune from the trend. Although it hasn’t been quite as quick on the uptake as other places, there are a few pioneers blazing a much-needed trail. In fact, last September saw the inaugural Bury St Edmunds Street Food Festival, an event which showcased some great, passionate local foodie stallholders.

This month, my recipes are inspired by my Moroccan adventure, and, with their bold flavours and warming heartiness, are absolutely perfect for a bit of comfort food on a chilly February evening. Enjoy!

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EATING IN

WORDS ALEX RUSHMER IMAGES CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

RECIPES

Alex Rushmer shares some delicious discoveries from his Moroccan adventure, perfect for a warming February feast

Tabbouleh The mistake often made with tabbouleh is the predominance of couscous.

Instead it should be a celebration of the soft green herbs that give it its vibrant colour and fresh flavour. The salad should be consumed swiftly after assembling, so the acid from the lemon juice doesn’t discolour the herbs.

Ingredients 100g couscous 100ml cold water or stock 1 bunch f lat leaf parsley half a bunch of mint leaves, picked off the stalks 2 large, ripe tomatoes 1 red onion, finely diced zest and juice of half a lemon seeds from half a pomegranate sea salt Serves black pepper

Step-by-step guide

Slow-roasted shoulder of lamb with onions and chickpeas

Ingredients 1 shoulder of lamb, on the bone 2tbsp ras-el-hanout sea salt 4 red onions, peeled and sliced 2 tins of chickpeas, drained and rinsed 250ml water

Serves

4

Step-by-step guide Season the lamb with plenty of salt and the ras-el-hanout. Empty the chickpeas into a deep-sided roasting tray and top with the sliced onion. Place the lamb shoulder on top of the mix and cook in a preheated oven at 220°C for 15 minutes before adding 250ml water, covering with foil and lowering the oven temperature to 130°C. Cook for a further four hours and serve with plenty of warm flatbread and fresh yoghurt chopped through with a little mint.

4

Combine the couscous with the water or stock and leave to rehydrate and soften in a single, thin layer on a flat tray for five minutes. Meanwhile chop the parsley and mint and dice the tomatoes. Mix the herbs, onion and tomatoes through the couscous.

Season with salt, pepper and the lemon zest and juice and top with a handful of pomegranate seeds.

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FOOD

F OOD NEWS

A monthly round-up of gastronomic goings-on in Bury and the surrounding area PADDOCKS HOUSE The House Collection – also responsible for the uber chic Poets House in Ely – have just opened their latest boutique hotel, Paddocks House in Six Mile Bottom. A luxurious rural retreat, it even has a literary claim to fame, being the former country home of Lord Byron’s sister. It has been rejuvenated with a focus on design and comfort, offering highquality hospitality, dining and special events.

Food and drink is a passion for the House Collection, and they have carried across the ‘Dining Room’ concept from their sister hotel, offering a restaurant which features an exciting choice of seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served with a contemporary twist.

Whether you’re after a decadent dinner, afternoon tea, a hearty full English breakfast or brunch, this spectacular venue is guaranteed to impress. The team are also planning a busy schedule of tempting special events for 2014, including cocktail masterclasses, cheese and wine evenings, Sunday supper clubs and dessert nights. www.paddockshouse.com

W NE G EN I N OP

DINNER & DIVAS

OPERA EVENING

For something delectably different this month, enjoy a foodie feast with a twist at the Theatre Royal on 16 February. You’ll be treated to the ultimate theatrical dining experience, complete with sumptuous four-course dinner and entertainment provided by the fantastic Co-Opera Co. After a champagne and canapé reception, you’ll enjoy a host of musical and operatic treats, including a personal aria if you so desire. Tickets are £100, starts at 6.30pm. www.theatreroyal.org

Make a note in your diary for 25 February (7pm) as it’s time to get spruced up for an evening of opera and scrumptious food at Carluccio’s – a winning combination!

Naturally, it will be a menu dedicated to Italian food, with chilled Prosecco and mouthwatering morsels served on your arrival to whet your appetite. The restaurant’s opera group will then entertain you with well-loved arias as you tuck into a tasty threecourse dinner. The event costs £35 per person. www.carluccios.com

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FOOD

BURGER WEDNESDAY

LET’S DO LUNCH

Congratulations, you’ve reached hump day (aka Wednesday) which is a good enough reason to get down to Benson Blakes and celebrate. They’re offering a meaty deal that’s hard to turn down: two of their epic burgers and chips for the sum of just £10. Get a bunch of your mates together for some burger menu adventuring – why not all go for something different so you can scope out the options for next time?

We’ll have the stuffed mushroom burger please! Follow them on Twitter @BensonBlakes for up-to-date info.

Lunch at the Angel Hotel would be a treat in itself, but combine that with some wine tasting and you’re onto a real winner.

Grape Sense’s wine expert Neil Courtier will take you through eight wines, starting off with an aperitif, then following with wines to complement the appetiser, starter and main course. The food menu is devised especially to accompany the wine selections, which come from Australia’s renowned Clare Valley region. The Let’s Do Lunch event is happening on 15 February (12.30-3pm) and costs £39.50.

We can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon! www.grapesense.com

BISTRO NIGHT We are sure the news that Elveden Restaurant is opening its doors for an evening will be met with cheers of delight from local foodies, given it’s sterling reputation. Once a month, they will be welcoming diners to their bistro nights, the very first of which is on 28 February.

There is a three-course menu on offer promising a great variety of dishes, all freshly prepared and made with local ingredients, some from the Estate itself.

We’ve had a peek at the sample menu and it doesn’t half sound good: blowtorched mackerel and fillet of Dexter beef feature in the starter and main menus respectively, and a selection of cheeses and chocolatey wonders star in the dessert list. A three-course meal costs £29.95. Call 01842 898068 to book. www.elveden.com

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WINTER WARMER We are seemingly still in the depths of winter, but we don’t mind because it means we’ve got a good enough excuse to indulge in a delicious and hearty winter dinner. Even better, Ravenwood Hall is offering two three-course meals for the price of one from their Winter Warmer menu until 14 March. We’re salivating just reading the menu as there’s a truly impressive selection to choose from, but it’s the delectable main of fillet of hake, morelle velouté, Parma ham, savoy and chive croquette that really caught our attention. Prices for a three-course meal start from £28.85, just give them a call to book quoting ‘2 for 1’ then head along to the restaurant with your completed form (find it on their website along with the T&Cs). Easy peasy. www.ravenwoodhall.co.uk

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INTERIORS

SUSTAINABLE LIVING Cork flooring is a good thermal and sound insulator, and is from a natural and sustainable material. From ÂŁ34.16 per m2, from Urbane Living (02071 383838; www.urbaneliving.co.uk)

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INTERIORS

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

THE SIMPLE LIFE

What does being ‘eco-friendly’ mean when it comes to your own home? From upcycled furniture to energy-saving measures, we cut through the confusion and reveal how easy it is to be a little more planet-conscious, without sacrificing style for sustainability

F

or many years, overinflated prices, confusing jargon and outdated styles have left home enthusiasts at best befuddled and at worst put off entirely when it comes to choosing ‘greener’ options. These days, though, with an increasing amount of companies offering viable eco-friendly alternatives, making the switch to ‘green’ has become so much easier.

Cambridge Carbon Footprint (www. cambridgecarbonfootprint.org) is an award-winning environmental charity that promotes practical solutions to help people live more sustainably. They believe that the first step is to learn what being ‘environmentally friendly’ actually means.

“At Cambridge Carbon Footprint we run events and workshops on how to ‘green’ all aspects of your life, including your home.

It’s a really good way to educate homeowners,” says Alana Sinclair, coordinator at the charity.

“For our biggest event, Open Eco Homes (planned for September, www. openecohomes.org), we develop case studies of homes around Cambridge that have been built or renovated to make them more environmentally friendly. The case studies include the details on the materials used, what they cost and what the savings have been to their energy bills.

Probably the most exciting part though is we give visitors the opportunity to go into the homes and talk with the homeowners themselves. It’s a great way to get the tips and tricks first-hand.”

ESSENTIAL MEASURES Energy-saving measures are the most effective ways of being environmentally aware in the home, and, according to

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Justin Bullard, technical director at Bury St Edmunds Integrated Energy Consultants (IEC), these can also considerably reduce your household bills (01284 711442; www. iecl-energy.co.uk).

Set up to advise householders in East Anglia on how they can achieve reduced energy costs with a number of simple and cost-effective solutions (such as changing timings on appliance use and changing your electricity supplier), IEC can also provide a number of eco solutions and give access to Government grants for renewable heat generation.

“Every home is different and there are always a lot of factors to take into account when looking at heating a home or the type of energy supply for a house,” says

40% of energy used could be saved by having basic controls such as a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator Justin Bullard. “The provision of renewable energy generators, such as Solar PV panels, and heat pumps using air or ground heat sources, are excellent for some properties but won’t work for all.

“There is a lot of jargon out there but we basically aim to keep it simple,” Justin continues. “Making sure your house is thermally efficient is the best way to be environmentally friendly and the bonus is that it will also save you money and allow you to install renewable heat generators as mentioned above. So shut the doors in the rooms you are using – it keeps the heat in;

learn how to use your thermostat properly; make sure your house is properly insulated and seal up any drafts coming through. It’s as simple as that.”

Alana Sinclair at Cambridge Carbon Footprint agrees: “One great way to see where the heat is escaping in your home is to take a look at it with a thermal imaging camera,” she adds. “Thermal imaging can help detect where insulation has collapsed, hidden moisture problems and other building issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. For more information visit: www.cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/ thermal-imaging.”

The way you heat your house is another major area where energy efficiency is key.

“Over 80 per cent of energy used in the home is for heating and hot water so it makes sense to ensure your boiler is the most efficient,” says Peter Thom, managing director at Cambridge’s Green Heat Ltd (01223 277278; www.greenheat.uk.com).

The company aims to guide consumers through the minefield of information on the many options available on the market, as well as advising on Government initiatives to help homeowners be more eco-aware.

“We are accredited installers for Worcester Bosch boilers, which have been awarded the Which Best Buy for the past three years. Also vital is a well-controlled heating and hot water system,” Peter continues. “Recent research by Salford University indicated that as much as 40 per cent of energy could be saved by having basic controls such as a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves installed and properly adjusted.

“There is now a full range of options including wireless programmable room thermostats, multi-zone controls and even

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INTERIORS HERITAGE COLOURS Farrow & Ball's paints are kind to the environment and the home. French Gray, pictured here, from £36 for 2.5 litres.

(01223 367771; www.farrow-ball.com)

controls that work with an app. We can advise on the best solution.”

SOLAR PANELS Making sure your hot water is being produced efficiently is an area that is often overlooked. “Over 80 per cent of boilers installed are now combination boilers which produce hot water instantly, so make sure you have an efficient ‘A’ rated combi or one with flue heat recovery, which enables the flue gases to preheat the hot water,” says Peter Thom. “You may also want to consider solar thermal hot water to provide free hot water from the sun.

The government will hopefully launch the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive later this year to provide some financial support for this.”

Bury St Edmunds based Klimowicz & Sons (01284 763969; www. klimowiczandsons.co.uk), a heating specialist service, offers advice on a range of types of renewable energy fields, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar thermal water heating and air/ground source heat pumps. The company also fits wood pellet boilers and wood-burners.

“Much like a car’s MOT, we’d advise making sure your existing gas or oil boiler is consistently serviced to ensure its safe and efficient running,” says Richard Klimowicz, managing director of Klimowicz. “As for solar PV panels, the benefits are many. Very simply, solar PV modules turn sunlight into electricity and are very reliable due to the lack of moving parts. This type of energy is not dependent on fossil or nuclear fuels.

There are no harmful CO2 emissions and it supplies much more energy than is needed

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to manufacture the solar electricity systems. Solar panels can also save you money, meaning they are a sound financial investment for homeowners and businesses alike. ” Green Heat can advise on a lucrative Government-funded Feed In Tariff (FIT) to help with installation costs. “The FIT is tax free, index linked and lasts 20 years,” says Peter Thom. “It recovers the installation cost several times over and electricity is free when the sun is shining.”

DECORATE WITH CARE A range of accessories from EcoCentric. Teddy lamp £66.30, Earthborn paint from £27 (08000 197855; www.ecocentric.co.uk)

FLOOR TO WALLS From the type of paint you choose to your choice of flooring, there are many eco options available for green-home enthusiasts looking at improving their homes and their effect on the planet.

Farrow & Ball (01223 367771; www. farrow-ball.com), for instance, may be renowned for their selection of heritage paint colours, but that’s not to say the company hasn’t got its eyes firmly on the future. With a showroom based in Cambridge, the brand implemented a change in direction in 2010 in how they make they paints to fit in with a more ecoaware consciousness.

“Our commitment to the environment means we are always working towards a more eco-friendly business,” comments Sarah Cole, marketing director at Farrow & Ball. “In 2010, we made the change to make water-based paints and, now, all our paints are eco friendly with a low or minimal VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content and low odour. Our work has been recognised by the ISO 14001:2004 certification.

“With the exception of just a few, our paints have also been independently tested and approved to meet the Toy Safety Standard, so parents can rest assured when decorating their children’s nurseries and bedrooms. We also use our waterbased paints to create the patterns on our wallpapers, which are printed onto FSCassured paper.”

Another paint company utilising the same sensibility is Little Greene (0845 880 5855; www.littlegreene.com). With records dating back to the year 1773, it is well known for its commitment to the socially and environmentally responsible production of paints and wallpapers and was one of the first UK paint manufacturers to achieve the European environmental standard BS EN ISO 14001.

“From big business decisions to the smallest everyday tasks, we act positively and responsibly to minimise our ecological impact, without compromising our highquality standards,” says David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene.

“From paints to wallpaper collections, the

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INTERIORS

environment and the well-being of our customers is at the heart of what we do.”

When it comes to flooring, meanwhile, there’s a growing choice of options available that are stylish and environmentally friendly. Urbane Living (020 7138 3838; www.urbaneliving. co.uk) offers products that are carefully sourced and made only from sustainable materials. The company also works with manufacturers who share its values to ensure its products are ecologically sound.

Its modern Click System Cork Flooring, for instance, is completely renewable, 100 per cent natural and recyclable while creating a softer, quieter surface to walk on.

Cork is harvested without damaging the tree and it also provides excellent thermal insulation, reducing energy wastage.

Marmoleum flooring is another option at Urbane Living. It is made of primarily

natural materials consisting of linseed oil, wood flour, rosin binders, dry pigments mixed on to a natural jute backing. Durable and long lasting, it does not harbour dust mites and has bactericidal properties.

With her ethical and eco-friendly approach, American interior designer Lisa Kauffman Tharp (www.ktharpdesign.com) provides practical and creative advice for all aspects of eco homes on her blog, www. concordgreen.blogspot.co.uk. A one-stop resource for anyone thinking of building or furnishing their homes along ethical and eco-friendly lines, it charts Kauffman’s journey during the construction of the New England style Concord Green Healthy Home in Boston – a model for sustainability.

“I believe that great interiors start with the great outdoors,” she says. “Working with nature lets us heat, light and cool our homes passively, making us less reliant on THIS IMAGE Bone Chine Blue on the walls, Marigold drawers. Little Greene paints are gentle enough for babies' nurseries. From £35 for 2.5 litres. (0845 880 5855; www.littlegreene.com)

mechanical methods. I often incorporate stone flooring, for instance. It provides thermal mass, which means that it collects heat from the sun and releases it as the interior temperatures drop while staying cool in the summer. Non-toxic finishes are also important as it means there are no nasty chemicals during manufacturing and occupation of the house.”

FURNISHING YOUR HOME Of course, you don’t have to undergo a major investment to give a nod to an eco way of life. Follow Lisa Kauffman Tharp’s ethos of ‘reclaim, reuse and repurpose’ and you will be doing your bit for the environment. Old wood can be reclaimed for flooring or made into cabinetry. Unused pieces of furniture can be given new life by upholstering or repainting and if you look at your possessions with a new eye you will come up with original ideas for your home.

“The most creative design ideas usually emerge when you change your perspective,” she adds. “Think differently.

Try the unexpected. Look at ordinary

BOTH IMAGES Lisa K Tharp utilises the power of nature for heating and lighting for a holistic, natural sensibility. (www.ktharpdesign.com)

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GREEN BEHIND THE SCENES German kitchen brand Alno has an environmentally aware policy.

Structured white lacquer range, from £15,000, is available at Kitchenology (01284 724723; www. kitchenologyltd.co.uk)

objects in new ways. You might just invent a great new conversation piece.”

Home interiors website EcoCentric (0800 019 7855; www.ecocentric.co.uk) agrees that being sustainable doesn’t mean being dull. “From our toxin-free clay paint to a wealth of pretty accessories, like our round-bottomed whisky glasses, handblown from recycled glass, we offer a huge range of eco-friendly, ethical and beautiful products for the home,” says Diana Green at EcoCentric. “We support designers with eco credentials and source as many products as possible from the UK to reduce the environmental impact of transport. Every little bit helps so buy thoughtfully; things you really love, quality that will last and be healthier for the planet and for you, too.”

Considering what furniture to buy and where to buy from can also have an impact. Choose vintage, upcycled pieces of furniture or items that use reclaimed wood, from dedicated companies such as Little Tree Furniture (01424 734191; www. littletreefurniture.co.uk), whose philosophy is ‘woodworking with a conscience’.

Founder Neil Buckley-Jensen explains: “There has been a surge in the popularity of upcycled wood furniture and this trend shows no signs of abating in 2014.

Reclaimed wood displays the original markings and colours from its former life, creating undeniable charm and a unique style. Each piece tells its own unique story, such as a wardrobe made from old boat timbers. The reclaimed materials used to create Little Tree Furniture’s upcycled collections are well seasoned and present a natural appearance that reveals the wood’s

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UNIQUE ADDITIONS Rustica Upcycled Cabinet, £325, Little Tree Furniture (01424 734191; www. littletreefurniture.co.uk)

PALMWOOD Havana Armchair with Foot Roll, £2200, from Pacific Green (www.pacificgreen.net)

individual colours and graining.”

Jane Levick, marketing and brand manager at luxury sofa and chair specialist John Sankey (0115 946 2121; www. johnsankey.co.uk) agrees that the passion for being ‘green’ is indeed growing.

“Ecological manufacturing processes and materials with a gentler impact on the environment are now an integral part of today’s product design and consumers no longer have to sacrifice style for sustainability. At John Sankey, we source quality Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) timbers to produce bespoke designs.

The FSC is a not-for-profit organisation established to promote responsible management of the world’s forests.

The company prides itself in optimising resources to ensure minimal waste.”

Another furniture company doing its bit for the environment is Pacific Green (www. pacificgreen.net) which uses Palmwood® as

its core material. “Our charter is to provide inspirational eco-friendly furniture that sets new benchmarks in sustainable product design,” says managing director Dominic Ryan. “Our core material is Palmwood, an advanced material derived by Pacific Green from plantation coconut palm stems using an environmentally certified process and breakthrough techniques.”

Having the last word is Jennifer Shaw, owner of Bury St Edmunds kitchen specialist Kitchenology Ltd (01284 724723; www.kitchenologyltd. co.uk). “We are in the business of making someone’s dream kitchen become a reality,” she says. “These days, many more customers are eco-aware and want to make the right choices for a greener lifestyle.

“As well as employing energy-efficient measures in your home, another factor to bear in mind is how green the manufacturer is that you buy from. We are dealers of German kitchen brand Alno Premier. It has the highest standards when it comes to quality and service, but it also has a very environmentally aware policy. From recycling to resource-friendly production, Alno uses a host of green methods. For example, the majority of the wood used is sourced from managed forests, wood waste is used to heat the main factory and cardboard is used for packaging, which is disposable and is easily recyclable.

“It means that as a brand it makes life very easy for the eco-conscious customer in that it offers attractive products that also deliver on the eco front.” Proving that the simple life is easy when you know how.

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FASHION

Skirts

FULL

We’re smack bang in the middle of inbetweener-fashion season right now, so the savviest shoppers will be keeping an eye out for styles that will work right the way through until SS14. A prime example is the full skirt, tipped to be a key new-season trend. Opaque tights and ankle boots will work with this look whilst there’s still a chill in the air, but come springtime, the full skirt will go beautifully with a pair of strappy sandals. Best of all, the midi is absolutely the most flattering skirt shape imaginable!

MAXMARA SKIRT £200 HOUSE OF FRASER

ORLA KIELY FULL SKIRT IN QUEEN OF HEARTS PRINT £218 ASOS

BUBBLE CREPE LACE INSERT MIDI SKIRT £46 WAREHOUSE

MOTO DENIM MIDI SKIRT £35 TOPSHOP

ASOS FULL MIDI SKIRT IN SCUBA £35 ASOS

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VILLAIN IKAT SWEATER £85 HOUSE OF FRASER

MAYA PRINT SWEATSHIRT £45 OLIVER BONAS

KNITTED CRYSTAL SHOULDER SWEATER £46 TOPSHOP

Sweaters

LUXE

FRED PERRY EMBROIDERED DIAMOND SWEATER £85 ASOS

Keeping snug doesn’t have to mean compromising on style, as this gorgeous crop of luxe sweaters demonstrates perfectly. Whether you opt for a frosting of embellishment or a statement pattern in a luxurious fabric (we love this Ikat number), this is the ideal transitional wardrobe piece.

FRENCH CONNECTION EMBELLISHED COLLAR JUMPER NOW £55 ASOS

MUUBAA AGEN LEATHER SHIFT DRESS £335 ASOS

TOMATO LEATHER ZIP DETAIL SKIRT £80 MISS SELFRIDGE

SILVER LEATHER SKIRT BY UNIQUE £195 TOPSHOP

PRINTED LEATHER SKATER DRESS £150 ASOS

NU

Leather

NICO LASER CUT PU LEATHER TOP

BY JOVONNISTA £45 TOPSHOP

Leather never goes out of fashion, but the high street’s positively teaming with options in every imaginable colour and style right now, from dazzling metallic skirts to laser-cut tops and eye-poppingly bright statement dresses (we love this cobalt number). We’re even seeing patterned styles emerge, like this quirky leather floral skater dress from ASOS.

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LIMITED EDITION CONTRAST LEATHER WRAP SKIRT £100 TOPSHOP

AUTOGRAPH LEATHER SKIRT £149 M&S

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GET SPORTY Set to be a key menswear trend for spring/summer 2014, the sporty look is already cropping up all over the high street. Forget your sloppy joggers and tatty hoodies though, this is a crisp, urban take on sportswear, with lots of bright pops of colour and luxe fabrics.

COLOUR BLOCK CREW £10 PRIMARK

HYPE BLACK SUEDE TRAINERS £50 TOPMAN

ADIDAS ORIGINALS COLORADO WINDBREAKER £24.79 KITBAG

NIKE SB JANOSKI MID TRAINERS £70 ASOS BLUE NYLON SPORTS JACKET £35, SKINNY BLACK JEANS £30, TRAINERS £28, SUNGLASSES £12, ALL BURTON

THE CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY 14” LEATHER SATCHEL £115 ASOS

BAG £129 M&S

J BY JASPER CONRAN LEATHER BAG £150 DEBENHAMS

BAG IT UP

TAN LEATHER CROSS BODY BAG £129 TED BAKER

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THE CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY 15” TARTAN LEATHER SATCHEL £140 ASOS

GREEN HUGO BRIEFCASE £60 TOPMAN

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Beauty

BEAUTY

WORDS DAISY DICKINSON

DETOX

POUT

PAMPER

We all need a little extra help in the colder months, and the lips are often the first place to show signs of drying. These ‘magic’ organic balms from Dr Bronner’s are ace for when lips get dry, flaky and in need of some extra TLC! (£2.69, www.drbronner.co.uk). If you prefer a tube of balm over a stick, we cannot recommend Lanolips Banana Balm (£8.99, Boots) enough: a 3-in-1 luxurious lip balm that combines their UltraPure Grade lanolin with 100% natural banana extract and a hint of shimmer to create a supercreamy lip lustre with a longlasting protectant. And it smells amazing!

SUPER SKIN

For a natural cleanse, we love Angela Langford’s handmade range, including Clean Sweep, a natural and organic cleansing balm that is gentle enough for sensitive skin but will remove daily dirt, make-up and even waterproof mascara effortlessly (from £12.50, available at www.angelalangford.com).

For a simple yet luxurious cleanser and toner, try Madara’s Cleansing Milk with northern oat and linden flower, and the Comforting Toner with camomile designed to help regulate pH for soft, supple skin (from £15, www.feelunique.com).

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After an indulgent festive period many use this time of year for a health overhaul, but if you’re finding it hard to stick to the exercise regime, or swapping beige foodstuffs for green, an easier change is a beauty detox. Switching some of your regular products to more natural alternatives can rejuvenate your skin, leaving you with a justbeen-for-a-run glow without all that effort.

TROPICAL TREATMENTS Many lotions and haircare products are packed full of nasty chemicals, which are often less-than-kind to delicate skin. For an all-natural alternative, try pure coconut oil, available in health food stores. It can also be used for chapped lips, and even cooking! After your shower or bath, slather onto your skin before towel drying for a super soft and naturally scented result. We rate the Tiana range, which is Fair Trade and organic, and has a pot designed especially for anti-ageing (with Rosa Damascena pure essential oil), as well as a hair treatment, which we tried and loved for the super shiny and delicious smelling tresses it left us with (from £7.99, www. tiana-coconut.com).

LUSCIOUS

LOCKS

For a daily shampoo and conditioner, we’re thrilled to have discovered the Organic Surge range of products, which have been formulated to contain no harsh chemicals, fragrances or colourants and no genetically modified ingredients (from £5.99, www. organicsurge.com). The Moisture Boost Shampoo cleanses your hair and scalp without removing their natural protective oils and the results were quick, and hair much shinier.

THE PITS We’re often hearing scare stories about the effects of harsh parabens, fragrance and aluminium contents in deodorants, so why not keep it natural with a mineral salt based alternative? For those worried about the effectiveness of rubbing a rock in your pits, panic not: we’ve found some truly hard-working products that will keep you fresh as a daisy. Try the Soapwalla Cream Deodorant (£14, www. beingcontent.com) a unique formulation utilising superfine vegetable powders and essential oils to absorb moisture, inhibit bacteria, and ensure a long-lasting and highly effective product. The frosting-like consistency ensures easy application and quick absorption – and it really works! We’re also fans of Lush product, The Greeench. (£5.75, Lush) a lycopodium powder, made from an Icelandic moss.

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BEAUTY NEWS

Beauty NEWS

HEALTH FARM DAY AT AMANDA JANE Set aside some time just for you at Amanda Jane for a super-indulgent Health Farm Day. The package includes a full body massage, an aromatherapy salt scrub, OPI manicure, OPI pedicure and an eyebrow shaping. A light lunch is also included. This wonderful day of pampering costs £120 (treatment value £152).

For more information contact 01284 764544. www.amandajanesbeauty.co.uk

REVIEW

MORETON HALL HEALTH CLUB Tucked away in a quiet corner of Moreton Hall Health Club is Bury’s answer to the Dead Sea: flotation tanks. Touted as being the ultimate in deep relaxation, the tanks are meant to be one of the most effective ways to de-stress, so we were rather pleased to be invited along to test it out.

Apparently it’s the skin temperature and high density of the water (Moreton Hall uses Epsom salts) that helps to send the floater into a meditative state and reduce, or even remove, muscular and joint pain. Yes, we admit we were a little sceptical, but more than a little curious too.

The health club has two tanks: a single cocoon-esque pod and a larger double cabin comparable to a small, shallow swimming pool. We tried out the latter, unsure of what to expect. After filling in the necessary forms, carrying out the essential prefloat washing ritual and inserting the advised ear plugs (to prevent salt getting into your ear canals), we made our way into the cabin.

The idea is to simply lie back and let the water carry the weight of your body, but we found it difficult to relax. We were itching to check emails, to send that forgotten, but now so important text, or even just to read a magazine – anything. After ten minutes of fidgeting and wondering how long it would be till we could contact the outside world, we gave in… and it was glorious! It was such a novelty just to let go, drift off and float weightlessly, whilst thinking of absolutely nothing at all. After 40 minutes in the tank, we left feeling lighter, calmer and a little more centred.

Everyone from hard-working athletes to busy mums would benefit from scheduling a float into their weekly schedule, whether it’s to relieve overworked muscles or minds. You can book a float or find out a bit more about it by heading to the health club’s website. www.moretonhallhealthclub.co.uk

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REIKI AT BODY AND MIND STUDIO If you haven’t tried reiki yet, why not give it a go and find out what it can do for you at Body and Mind Studio? A Japanese holistic healing system, reiki works by applying gentle pressure to the skin to balance the flow of energy around the body. It’s designed to calm and relax you, leaving you feeling restored and refreshed, with a positive outlook on the world. Unlike a massage, there’s no need to remove any clothing – you’ll simply sit or lie down in a comfortable environment as the therapist places their hands gently on any problem areas. It’s just £35 for one hour at Body and Mind Studio (discounts for students and the over 65s). www.bodyandmindstudio.co.uk

BURYEDITION.CO.UK

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3 months from now you’ll wish you started today...

Our Doctors will help you: Lose those unwanted pounds Look and feel amazing educe your calorie intake with the help R of appetite suppressants if appropriate Specialising in weight loss and weight management for both men and women, Weight Medics offer a private and discreet way in which to seek advice and address your weight issues. There are no group sessions to tackle; instead, you will have a one to one programme with your patient care manager and resident doctor who are solely there to support you through your journey to the new you.

Call today for more information on:

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MOTORING

WORDS SUE BAKER

REVIEW: MAZDA3 The Mazda3 isn’t just eye candy, it also boasts impressive fuel efficiency and has all the latest gadgets. Sue Baker takes it for a spin

Y

ou probably have not previously heard of Koji Tabata, but you are about to see some of his best work appearing any time now on the roads around Bury, and indeed across the country. Tabata-san is a Japanese car designer who works for Mazda, and he is the key man behind the way the new Mazda3 looks. That is rather important, because Mazda’s new model will have to woo its potential customers away from rivals cars in the busiest part of the car market, and good looks will be a major part of its success.

For some time now Mazda has pursued a design theme known by the Japanese word ‘Kodo’. If you are already familiar with the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6, you will have some idea of what it looks like. It aims to give a car hunky curves and lines that create a muscular look and some visual tension in the bodywork. According to its designer, the effect is an appearance of “accelerating motion and condensed energy, like a well-trained athlete.”

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The new Mazda3 is the third generation of car to wear that number on the badges, and as well as its athletic style, it has another reason to grab the attention of anyone looking for a new car of this sort of size. It is the latest model to come equipped with a range of ‘SkyActiv’ technologies that maximise fuel efficiency and lower consumption and CO2 emissions.

The importance of that leaps out at you every time you visit a filling station and

your eyes water at how rapidly the digits dash round on the fuel pump that is dispensing liquid gold into your car’s tank.

They still dash round if you’re driving a Mazda3, only not as quickly.

The Mazda3 comes in two body types, saloon and what Mazda calls ‘Fastback’ – a hatchback to you and me. The choice of engines in the range is 1.5- or 2-litre petrol, and 2.2-litre diesel. It is the diesel, with its 70+ mpg economy, that is expected

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MOTORING

to be the most popular version. Driven reasonably, it is capable of doing over 800 miles on a single tank of fuel. It is in group B on the Vehicle Excise Duty chart, so the first year’s tax disc is free, and thereafter you only pay £20 a year.

The Mazda3 rivals established models like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308. Those tend to have smaller engines than Mazda has gone for, but the Japanese firm espouses what it calls ‘rightsizing’, meaning an engine that is both powerful and efficient regardless of size.

So what is the Mazda3 like to drive?

Pretty good, actually. It has a perky feel behind the wheel, nippy in urban driving and agreeably long-legged for a long haul up the motorway. The car has quite a sporty feel, with excellent driving dynamics and a taut feel on the bends.

The short stubby gear lever increases the sporty feel, and the shift quality is smooth and slick. Ride quality is reasonable: firmish but pliant. General refinement is pretty good, apart from a slight fluffing of wind noise around the front pillars at motorway pace.

This car has taken a steep step up from its predecessor in terms of cabin quality.

There is a big central rev counter and a digital speedo, and in the centre of the dash is a well-sized screen for the satnav and ‘infotainment’ – your information and entertainment. Unusually for this size of car, there is a head-up display screen straight ahead of the driver and just below the windscreen, where essential information including current speed and satnav directions are kept close to your eyeline as you drive.

Some versions have a two-tone interior décor that is particularly attractive and

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MODEL TESTED: Mazda3 Sport Nav 2.2 SkyActiv-D Fastback PRICE: £22,145 ENGINE: 2.2-litre, four-cylinder 16-valve turbocharged diesel with stop-start, 148bhp.

GEARBOX: Six-speed manual TOP SPEED: 132mph 0-62 MPH: 8.0 seconds FUEL ECONOMY: 72.4mpg average HOW GREEN? 104g/km CO2

gives the car a more upmarket look. Seat comfort is very good, and the adaptability of the driving position is excellent. Mazda has a ‘Jinba Ittai’ (horse and rider as one) philosophy for its driving seat set-up, and it is possible to achieve a nearperfect position whatever your size. For its dimensions, the Mazda3 feels roomy inside, and rear headroom in particular is better than other cars of a similar length, but it still manages to have a decently sized boot at 419 litres.

The price range for the Mazda3 is from £19,245 to £23,345. All versions come with LED running lights, the door mirrors are heated and power operated, there is a six-speaker radio-CD, a multimedia

commander and a seven-inch colour touch screen, plus steering wheel controls and Bluetooth. Safety kit throughout the range includes emergency stop signalling, hill hold assist and a secondary collision reduction system. Top-spec Sport Nav models have 18-inch wheels, satellite navigation and a nine-speaker Bose audio system too.

The Mazda3 is proudly sold around the world, and to underline the significance of that, its unveiling last autumn was staged with simultaneous events in New York, London, Cologne, Istanbul, St Petersburg and Melbourne. Now you’ll find it in showrooms from here to Australia. Bury St Edmunds included.

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EDUCATION

SCHOOL FRIENDS WORDS CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS

Opportunities to get involved with your child’s school are plentiful – and building solid relationships with teachers can have huge benefits, finds Charlotte Phillips

I

t’s a rare parent who doesn’t confess that, just occasionally, they feel they don’t know quite as much about their child’s education as they might like. It can be particularly shaming as schools these days go out of their way to make finding out what’s going on unbelievably easy.

More than likely, you’ll be on the receiving end of regular email updates and even at-a-glance online termly calendars that show you exactly what your child is learning, often week by week.

There are curriculum meetings where staff fall over themselves to show you not just what your child is learning, but how the subjects are being taught. And as if that isn’t enough, a growing number of teachers actively encourage parents to go and see them courtesy of an open door policy that means even the busiest can probably find a time to suit.

Take Old Buckenham Hall, a leading prep school where, as deputy head and special needs coordinator Julia Campbell

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Schools are urging parents to make this the moment when they pledge to get just that bit more involved explains, families’ input is hugely valued.

“At the beginning of the year, we have all the parents in, give them an overview of what the curriculum will be, show what topics are coming up and how they can help. Parents can be actively involved in reading, there’s a home-school diary that goes back and forth and parents can come in and see us mornings and evenings; we’re all available.”

Yet despite all this and even with the best of intentions, parents’ lives often push them in other directions. While schools don’t tend to name and shame, they are perfectly aware of who the offenders are. “We know of one family which hasn’t logged on to the school network even once this year,” comments one senior teacher.

So with the year just about new enough for resolutions not yet to have frayed at the edges, schools are urging parents to make

this the moment when they pledge to get just that bit more involved.

But don’t get the impression that you are doing it to please the teachers (though it’s likely to be a side effect). As Dave Watkin, assistant head at Culford School explains, forging a strong home-school relationship early on is all about providing the strongest possible support system for children when problems crop up.

“The crux of this for me is about engaging with the school and building relationships with individual teachers,” he says. “Knowing them well makes it far easier to ask questions. If the school suggests something that you are less familiar or a little uncomfortable with because it goes against your own educational background, having the relationship to question it in a way that isn’t seen as a threat is real collaboration.”

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EDUCATION

Part of the process is finding out not just what schools are up to these days, but why – and showing due respect, however unfamiliar some of their methods may seem to the parents.

As Ben Logan at BLS English points out, teaching methods have moved on substantially since parents were at school.

“Be informed and knowledgeable about what is going on at school but don’t contradict them. Instead, find out the thinking behind it,” he says.

Dave Watkin points to the change in working habits – and locations – by way of example. “Things have evolved. Children are as likely to sit in a coffee shop with a laptop writing essays these days as to sit in a library like I used to.”

Essential to the bond between school and parents is mutual trust, says Sean Simington, director of New Eccles Hall School. “It has to be based on working in harmony, with the school providing the subject matter and exam technique and parents mirroring that expectation.”

Teachers at the school update pupil assessments regularly, putting huge amounts of effort into ensuring they are current and parents are encouraged to share their children’s out of school achievements and flag up difficulties, too.

“Parents can monitor the ebb and flow of effort and attainment and provide written referrals. These could say that a pupil completed a fantastic piece of homework or report that their child’s effort rate has gone down in maths,” says Sean Simington. “Both are key. If young people know that school and home are in communication, you can change their attitudes overnight.”

For many parents being able to involve the school at pivotal moments can be a real lifesaver.

“Understand and try to remember that the educator is on your side and trust in their judgement even in times of stress,” points out Ben Logan.

That bond can be crucially important when it comes to support for pupils with learning difficulties. Old Buckenham Hall has an innovative and highly effective approach to learning needs where parent understanding and input is crucial.

“Before we start the actual teaching,” says Julia Campbell, “we sort out all the other things that might be wrong physically or socially, so it’s a whole-child, holistic approach that is quite different.”

And the sooner children with learning needs get help, the bigger the difference

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Developing a good relationship with your school is key to success. If we can work together, and you’ve got the child involved as well, it’s incredibly powerful it is likely to make, she says. “Developing a really good relationship with your school is the key to children’s success, especially if you’ve got children with issues. If we can work together, the power of two is incredible, and if you’ve got the child involved as well and aware of their targets, it’s incredibly powerful.”

That engagement in the learning process is key further up the educational ladder, too. Older children, for example, can be encouraged both at home and by their school to cultivate systematic study habits.

Dave Watkin remembers being told by a teacher at the age of 12 to get cracking with his school work at 6pm. It’s now a habit so ingrained that even now he feels slightly twitchy if he isn’t settling down to a work related activity then. “They say it can take three weeks to learn a bad habit and a lifetime to undo it,” he says.

While parents should be there to offer encouragement, they should, however, step back from harrying their children with interrogations about just how much work they’ve accomplished, instead

showing that they trust their child to learn independently and showing interest in their work.

They should also be able to provide judicious nudges to the overconfident and move the work on when it shows signs of hitting the quicksand.

“Some students believe they are better than they really are and another danger is that students practise the things they enjoy rather than what is really required for success,” stresses Ben Logan.

Research shows that children work best when teachers’ expectations are clear and they know that everyone is working together to ensure they meet them – and that is ultimately what matters most, says Sean Simington.

“Young people want to know that the staff are firm, fair and are behind them,” he explains. “I think if you’ve got teacher expectations set right, and a good working relationship with parents who are behind them, then you’ve got everything in terms of a safety net for young people to give their best.”

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PETS

Arthritis IN PETS

Osteoarthritis strikes animals too, so it’s important to get a fast diagnosis to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible, advises Alex Wylie from Eastgate Vets

O

steoarthritis (commonly shortened to ‘arthritis’) is a condition in which joints have become damaged due to long-term stress. Wear and tear due to age, previous trauma, excess body weight and abnormal joint development are all potential causes. Animals of any age can be affected; it is, however, much more common in older pets. It is estimated that one in five adult dogs (over 12 months) and one in three older cats (over eight years of age) suffer from arthritis. Rabbits over the age of four years also commonly have problems with their joints.

There is no cure for arthritis but there are many treatments available that can slow the progression of, and decrease the pain associated with, the disease: 1) WEIGHT CONTROL Maintaining or obtaining an optimum body weight is crucial in treating arthritis.

As pets become less mobile their weight can increase. This further exacerbates the problem and a nasty cycle has begun. In early cases, weight loss may be the only treatment needed to relieve pain, and most veterinary surgeries run free weight clinics.

2) EXERCISE Maintaining mobility in an arthritic animal relies upon exercise. Reducing the length of each period of exercise, while increasing the frequency, is the key. Swimming is ideal as it allows for movement of the joints and muscles without the strain of weight bearing. Hydrotherapy is excellent as the temperature in the water is optimal and the exercise controlled.

pain relief. They are the most effective arthritis treatment. Pets on these drugs (as with all long-term medications) must be monitored closely.

4) HERBAL MEDICINE Herbal supplements such as Dorwest mixed vegetable tablets and Denes Greenleaf can help with arthritic conditions.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been shown to be beneficial in cases of arthritis.

5) JOINT-PROTECTING NUTRIENTS These formulations (nutraceuticals) have no side-effects and can protect the joints from further damage by helping to strengthen cartilage. This slows the progression of arthritis and can improve mobility significantly. These may contain chondroitin, glucosamine and essential fatty acids. Many high street preparations available for both animals and humans have been proven to contain insufficient levels of active ingredients so it is always best to ask a professional for advice.

6) JOINT-PROTECTING INJECTIONS An alternative to nutraceuticals is a course of four injections (once weekly) under the skin.

They contain a drug that strengthens cartilage and increases

fluid in the joints so that they move more smoothly. Top-ups every six months are usually required. For people who find medicating their pet difficult this is a very good (and less expensive) option.

7) ACUPUNCTURE As in human medicine, acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular, especially for chronic conditions such as arthritis.

Only veterinary surgeons are allowed to perform acupuncture on pets. Initially the patient has weekly treatments for four weeks. If the pet responds well they should eventually need only monthly ‘topup’ sessions.

8) PHYSIOTHERAPY Painful conditions of the limbs, including arthritis, can respond well to physiotherapy. Many veterinary nurses have training in physiotherapy and there are specialised veterinary physiotherapists.

9) COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES Homeopathy, magnet therapy, laser treatment, touch therapy and chiropractic are also available. Many therapies can be combined.

Each pet’s needs and responses will be different. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent pain so it is recommended that ‘at risk’ animals have check-ups every six months. For information on free nurse health checks for older pets see the offers at www.eastgatevets. co.uk or message www.facebook.com/ eastgatevets.

3) ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDS These decrease inflammation and provide

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