Bury Edition January

The quality lifestyle magazine for Bury St窶右dmunds

FREE MAGAZINE Issue 11

www.buryedition.co.uk

JANUARY 2014

Inside this issue...

ARTS

CULTURE

INTERIORS

10

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CONTENTS

JANUARY 2014 26

35 41

Welcome

Happy new year and welcome to the first Bury Edition of 2014! January, as we all know, is typically the month of detoxing, dieting, dreading bank statements and all sorts of other horrible things – but this year, we suggest breaking tradition and getting out, about and having some fun. There are some great nightlife picks this month, including the latest event from the Curious Pygmy Club (a fantastical, theatrical romp through a Nordic winter wilderness, complete with a sumptuous three-course fine dining feast? Sign us up!), as well as some furious ad-libbing at the Theatre Royal courtesy of The Showstoppers Improvised Musical – an all-singing, all-dancing show created from scratch each night by an award-winning cast. Plus, if you’re set on kick-starting your exercise routine, we’ve got ten of the best fitness ideas (from roller derby to Muay Thai to pole dancing – it’s certainly a mixed bag!). I hope you enjoy the issue.

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR 7 • FIVE THINGS TO DO Not sure what to do this month? Check out our top five picks…

8-9 • NIGHTLIFE From club nights and comedy to live music, we’ve got the low-down on afterhours fun 11-13 • ARTS AND CULTURE Soak up some culture in December at some edifying local events and exhibitions 15 • FAMILY Our pick of the best family-friendly events and activities 16-17 • LISTINGS A comprehensive guide to events in Bury and the surrounding area this month 19 • BURY FOR FREE Feeling a bit skint after Christmas? We’ve hunted down the best free activities around 21 • COMMUNITY Keep up to date with news from your local community 22-23 • FOOD NEWS Foodie events in and around Bury to get your taste buds tingling

29 • REVIEW Our features editor discovers a hidden foodie gem with a delectable menu: the Packhorse Inn

Cover Art The artwork on the cover is Rainy Day by Ann WinderBoyle. Find out more at www.annwinder-boyle.co.uk.

Reproduced courtesy of www.image-source.co.uk

35-39 • INTERIORS Keep warm this winter with our guide to the best fireplaces, from traditional styles to uber contemporary, we've got all bases covered 41-43 • FASHION A round-up of fashion must-haves for January, including picks from Bury’s own independent stores 45-47 • TEN OF THE BEST We dusted down our trainers and hit the road to bring you our ten favourite fitness classes for 2014 48-49 • BEAUTY Want to know how best to manage your mane? We put some of the hottest hair styling tools through their paces...

51 • WELLNESS Carole Baker from The Self Centre answers your well-being questions 52-53 • BEAUTY NEWS Find out the latest updates from the Bury beauty scene

25 • FOOD COLUMN Humble winter veggies get an inspiring new lease of life from Alex Rushmer with his unique take on the new year detox

55-56 • MOTORING Winter driving conditions make as all long for a car that handles adverse weather with aplomb. Sue Baker rounds-up her favourite 4x4s

26-27 • RECIPES A duo of tempting tapas recipes from guest chef Estefanía Led Ramos

59 • PETS A pet owner’s guide to the new year and the resolutions that you should be making

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EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTORS

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

Alex Rushmer, Daisy Dickinson, Carole Baker, Alex Wylie, Angelina VillaClarke, Charlotte Phillips, Sue Baker, Estefanía Led Ramos

Features Editor Jennifer Shelton jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com 01223 499463 Editorial Assistant Megan Croft megancroft@bright-publishing.com 01223 499466 Sub editors Lisa Clatworthy, Hannah Bealey & Siobhan Godwood

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Designer Emily Stowe 01223 499450 emilystowe@bright-publishing.com Designer Nicole Henson 01223 499450 nicolehenson@bright-publishing.com

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

PUBLISHING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

www.bright-publishing.com

Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company using only paper from FSC/PEFC suppliers www.magprint.co.uk

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 Newmarket Wedding Show

From dresses to cakes to chocolate fountains, the Newmarket Wedding Show (19 January, 11am-4pm) is the place to head to this January to get your hit of all things wedding.

The best local suppliers from Suffolk and Cambridgeshire will be showcasing their wares and services at this event. With three floors of over 120 exhibitors, there is plenty to inspire and you can even make a day of it as the restaurant will be open serving lunch and snacks. Be sure to check out the inspiration room, where 21 companies have taken on the challenge of creating their own table set-up inspired by a set theme. It’s free admission and is held in the Millennium Grandstand at Rowley Mile Racecourse. www.thenewmarketweddingshow.co.uk

Jimmy’s Farm Like your breakfast leisurely, with a side of jazz? Start your day in style at Jimmy’s Farm on 11 January (9.30-11am) where you can tuck into the Greedy Farmer’s Breakfast (the full works, including Jimmy’s rare breed sausages) whilst listening to the sound of live local jazz bands. Fancy something a little classier? Why not go for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or a poached egg on toast? There are mini portions for the kids too, so bring along the whole family to this early-morning feast. Book ahead to make sure you get a space in the barn restaurant. www.jimmysfarm.com

Aladdin It might be January, but the panto season isn’t over just yet as the cast of Aladdin are in town performing until 12 January at the Theatre Royal.

You know the tale: a young man, Aladdin, whiles away his time working at Widow Twankey’s (his mother) laundrette, that is until he discovers a rather peculiar and seemingly magical lamp… Its winning formula of utter silliness, unadulterated fun and plenty of Christmas sparkle has won audiences over, with the show proving to be a bit of a hit in Bury. Come along to catch the cast in their last few hurrahs until the end of the year.

Tickets £8-£25; check times online. www.theatreroyal.org

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Exhibitions at Gainsborough House A brand new exhibition is opening over at Gainsborough House in Sudbury and for fans of English landscape art, this one is a must-visit. It features pieces from the renowned Ford family collection, including art acquired by the much-admired art historian, the late Sir Brinsley Ford.

Work by 18th century landscape artist Richard Wilson, alongside pieces from Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, will be exhibited. Entrance to the exhibition, which opens on 11 January, is included in the admission price for the house (Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm £6.50/£2) – so you can explore the birthplace museum of famed painter Thomas Gainsborough too! www.gainsborough.org

Velopro Love bikes? Then you’ll be happy to hear that avid bikers Kevin Harris and Steven Bennett-Day have opened a new haven for cyclists, Velopro, here in Bury. With its chilled-out atmosphere – think sofas and hot drinks aplenty – and its mid- to highend range of road, cross and mountain bikes, as well as a load of equipment, clothing and accessories, this is a one-stop shop for cycling enthusiasts. The staff offer servicing for your two-wheeler, as well as custom-built, made-to-measure bikes, so pop in for a gander and a chat. www.veloprokit.com

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Curious Pygmy Club Wrap up in your fur coats and finery and step into the enchanted mystical world of the Nordmarka forest glen (also known as Horringer Community Centre) for an evening of magic, exquisite dining and theatre, courtesy of the Curious Pygmy Club.

As well as a three-course traditional Norwegian feast – featuring salmon, woodland venison and an intriguing dessert named multekrem (made from cloudberries, cream and sugar), you will

listen to the captivating tale of Alfrun, a beauty from the Nordic wilderness, who will take you on a journey through wars, hidden powers and winter magic.

There are also promises of shadowy performances, spectacular special effects and plenty more surprises. Previous events have been sell-out successes, so get in there quick to secure your tickets for this totally unique immersive dining experience (24-25 January, 7pm, £32). www.thecuriouspygmyclub.webs.com

Lady Maisery

Ruby Turner A true soul legend with a voice to rival Aretha Franklin’s, Ruby Turner has had smash-hit singles across the pond, with It’s Gonna Be Alright reaching number one in the American R ’n’ B chart. Her first album was met with critical acclaim and The Motown Songbook collection featured collaborations with big-name acts such as The Four Tops and The Temptations.

Considered to be one of the greatest songstresses to come out of the UK, Ruby has leant her vocals to performances with Brian Ferry, Mick Jagger and Jools Holland, to name a few. Now on a UK tour, you can see this soulful singer perform at the Apex on 24 January (8pm, £18.50) www.theapex.co.uk

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The all-female trio of folk musicians that make up Lady Maisery have been wowing both crowds and critics for a few years now with their sublime harmonies and talent for reinterpreting traditional songs and ballads.

Although Lady Maisery as an outfit are relatively new to the scene, having only released their debut album Weave and Spin in the summer of 2011, each member of the group has been involved in folk for far longer, playing with a whole host of successful groups and folk duos. Backed by an amalgamation of intriguing and beautiful instruments, including the harp, fiddle, accordion and ban-sitar (a banjo sitar), the trio sings tales inspired by both UK and northern European folk traditions.

Lady Maisery will be playing at the Constitutional Club on 17 January (doors 7.45, £10/£12) as part of the Milkmaid’s club concert nights, supported by local boy Paddy Butcher. www.ladymaisery.com

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NIGHTLIFE

Peter King at the Hunter Club Since performing at the opening night of Ronnie Scott’s legendary Jazz Club in London (at the tender age of just 18), alto saxophonist Peter King has made some serious waves on the scene, and is now considered to be one of the most formidable figures in modern British jazz.

Influenced by the likes of jazz saxophonists and composers Charlie Parker and John Coltrane, King has worked with artists including James Brown and Lauren Bacall. You may have even heard this skilled musician play in the films Blue Ice and The Talented Mr Ripley.

With such a diverse musical career behind him, he now focuses on solo performances and concerts with his quartet, and it’s with the latter that you can catch him at the Hunter Club on 17 January (starts at 8pm, £10 per ticket). Also performing on the night will be super talented 16-year-old saxophonist and Young Jazz Musician of the Year semi-finalist, Harry Greene, who will be playing his three competition pieces, offering a great chance to catch this young star in the making. www.hunterclub.org.uk

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The Showstoppers Improvised Musical If musicals are your thing and you’re partial to a bit of comedy, then get yourself down to the Theatre Royal on 18 January (7.30pm, £8.50-£20) to watch a hilariously witty crack team of improvisers set to work to create a oneof-a-kind, fully formed musical based entirely on audience suggestions. You can expect to find all the ingredients of a top-notch musical, the only difference being that instead of months of writing and rehearsals, The Showstoppers Improvised Musical will be created on the spot, bringing your ideas, however wild, to life.

You can rest assured that your evening will be in safe hands with this extraordinarily talented (and award-winning) group of improvisers, a truly mixed bag that’s made up of everyone from a classically trained percussionist, through TV and radio stars, to improv veterans. All suggestions are welcome, so arm yourself with some out-there ideas to shout out to the group as you, along with your fellow audience members, help to write the Bury St Edmunds edition of this bound-to-be-brilliant show. www.theatreroyal.org

Murder Mystery evening at the Bull Inn It’s all cloaks and daggers over at The Bull Inn in Barton Mills on Friday 10 January, as a terrible murder is due to take place - and it’s up to you to get your Sherlock on to help solve this fiendish mystery.

On arrival, as you sip your drink, you may notice a group of colourful characters lurking by the bar; after some introductions you can expect things to take a turn for the worse as the group finds themselves a member down after someone dies in rather suspicious circumstances…

Unravelling mysteries isn’t work that should be undertaken on an empty stomach, so to help fuel your quest, the team are putting on a three-course meal – each course served with a fresh clue and some new evidence to help you find the culprit and work out the cause of death.

We suspect it’s going to be a real night to remember, so if you fancy playing super sleuth, tickets are £44 each and must be booked in advance. www.bullinn-bartonmills.com

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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

BURY ST EDMUNDS FILM SOCIETY With Hitchcock Season now in full swing, the Bury St Edmunds Film Society will show I Confess on 12 January, in the third of its recent screenings in honour of the legendary director and producer. Released in the 1950s, the film’s plot revolves around a murderer who confesses his crimes to a Catholic priest, who in turn cannot reveal the murderer’s identity, even when he himself becomes a prime suspect in the case…

This is a great opportunity to exchange notes with fellow film buffs and watch some truly great cinematic classics. The society meets monthly at the Hunter Club and along with each film there is a free booklet with all sorts of film-related trivia and quotes.

Membership is £30 for the year or £20 for 16-21 year olds. www.burystedmundsfilmsociety.co.uk

LEARN TO CROCHET It has long been rumoured that to crochet without cake and tea is to crochet in sin; luckily it seems that Betty Makes has caught wind of the whispers and serves up its beginners’ crochet course with copious amounts of hot drinks and baked treats.

You don’t have to have ever picked up a hook to get on in this course, as Betty Makes walks you through the very basics, from how to hold the hook and yarn, to common crochet stitches. By the end of the class, you will be able to make a pot holder, and as the hooks and yarn are included in the price, you can carry on crafting your masterpiece at home.

The beginners’ workshop (13 January, 6.30-9.30pm, £19) is held at Betty Makes’ studio room in Newmarket and if you think you’ll get more than a little hooked on crocheting, you can book three workshops for £50. www.bettymakes.co.uk

CORIOLANUS Enjoy a night with the supremely talented National Theatre right here in Bury this month as the Abbeygate Picturehouse hosts a live screening of the Donmar Warehouse’s production of Coriolanus. Head down on 30 January (7pm, tickets £17.50) and enjoy Shakespeare’s searing tragedy, rife with political manipulation and revenge, deftly brought to life by a cast including Tom Hiddleston from smash hit War Horse and Mark Gatiss of BBC’s Sherlock. www.picturehouses.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for a foot-tapping evening of jazz and swing music straight from the 1920s and 30s as the Pasadena Roof Orchestra come to town to put on a show that’s bound to be one to remember. The orchestra have been playing together since 1969,

touring around the globe with their lively renditions of popular jazz favourites, and now they’re bringing the party right here to Bury.

You can expect to hear hot numbers from the stars of the era, including Irving Berlin and Duke Ellington, played side by

side with arrangements from bandleader Ray Noble’s repertoire.

Headed up by the dapper and witty Duncan Galloway, the orchestra will play at The Apex on 11 January (7.30pm, £16/£18). www.theapex.co.uk

ERIC AND LITTLE ERN Fondly remembered in households across Britain, Morecambe and Wise reigned supreme during the 70s as one of the country’s best-loved comedy double acts. Now 30 years since the pair were last seen on air together, actors Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens have lovingly resurrected and recreated the act with their comic and affectionate show, Eric and Little Ern. Indulge in a little nostalgia, or introduce someone new to the joys of this legendary pair in a show that is bound to have you laughing your socks off. Look out for well-worn catchphrases and classic lines from the TV show, as well as a combination of original and new sketches in this fantastically funny homage to the ultimate comedy act. The Telegraph comments that the “familiar bickering, bantering relationship between the pair” hits the nail on the head: the hilarious relationship between Morecambe and Wise is captured for all to see. Eric and Little Ern enjoyed uproarious success when it premiered this year at the Edinburgh Festival and the hit has now been expanded to 90 minutes in the West End. It’s making its way to Bury’s Theatre Royal on 23 January (7.30pm, tickets £8.50-£20) so head along for a laugh to beat those January blues. www.theatreroyal.org

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ARTS & CULTURE

AN AUDIENCE WITH...

BLINK Two lonely and grief-stricken souls find their paths crossing in the most unexpected ways in the darkly humorous and unconventional love story, Blink. Award-winning writer Phil Porter has delicately crafted the tale of Jonah and Sophie’s dysfunctional romance, which is cleverly punctuated with welcome bursts of witty humour.

Already a sell-out hit at London’s Soho Theatre, Blink is guaranteed to captivate audiences as it travels around the UK. You can catch it at the Theatre Royal on 21 and 22 January (7.30pm, £8.50-£16).

It’s a busy month over at the Theatre Royal, which this month will play host to a trio of exclusive evenings with distinguished guests.

Renowned theatre and opera director Jonathan Miller will take to the stage in An Audience with Jonathan Miller on 17 January (7.30pm, £8.50-£25). After finding his way into theatre via the world-famous Cambridge Footlights troupe whilst reading medicine, Jonathan first made his way into the public eye in the 1960s by co-writing and producing the musical revue, Beyond the Fringe.

Over the years, he has worked on a whole spectrum of TV projects, plays and operettas both in front of the camera and behind the scenes; for theatre aficionados, this really is an evening not to be missed.

If you’re an Ipswich Football Club supporter then you will want to make sure your diary is cleared on 24 January (7.30pm, £8.50-£28), when club legends Bryan Hamilton, Simon Milton, Allan Hunter, John Wark and Mick Stockwell will be at the Theatre Royal for an unmissable evening of footie anecdotes from their incredible careers. What better way to end the night than by sharing a drink with the former players afterwards, but you’d better be quick if you want to score one of these exclusive tickets (£15).

Last but not least, veteran actress Helen Fraser will take to the stage on 30 January (7.30pm) to share memories from her epic acting career along with a personal selection of her favourite pieces of music. Helen has worked with some of the industry greats and counts roles including Barbara in the 1963 film Billy Liar and ‘Bodybag’ in long-running ITV drama Bad Girls as some of her most iconic. Come along for a jovial evening of tales and tunes; tickets from £8.50 to £20. www.theatreroyal.org

www.theatreroyal.org

Sheila Burnett

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FAMILY

Little Piggies

AT JIMMY'S FARM

Jimmy's farm has a packed schedule of events for families all year round, so be sure to check the website to find out what fun they have planned down on the farm for 2014. We recommend brightening up even the drizzliest Monday morning with crafts, games, singing and storytelling at Little Piggies.

Suitable for babies to pre-schoolers, there’s plenty to get stuck into – as well as outdoor activities, weather permitting.

It’s £4.50 per child, and a further £3 for another child, and that includes a special piggy biscuit and squash. Starts at 9.45am every Monday in the restaurant, so come along each week for a new activity! www.jimmysfarm.com

New Year’s STEAM

All aboard! Take a New Year’s Day trip to Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, for a ride on one of their vintage steam engines. Trains run from 11am until 4.30pm at 20- or 30-minute intervals, and rides cost £6 for adults and £3 for children. It’s a great way to see these impressive machines at work, get some fresh country air and chase away those post-Christmas blues. Phone 01449 766899 for enquiries. www.mslr.org.uk

Little Beaders BEAD CLUB

The Bead Boutique in Bury has a crafty family event taking place on 4 January, suitable for kids, mums, dads, grandparents – or anyone (aged 6+) who likes making things! Head along to the studio from 10.30am until 12pm and learn how to create your own jewellery, using the Boutique’s own Aladdin’s cave of beautiful bits and pieces. It’s £15 per person which includes all materials. Call 01787 464909 to book. www.thebeadboutique.co.uk

Smurfs

2D

With January being the month of belt-tightening, a bargain treat for the kids is just what you need, so thank heavens for the Abbeygate Picturehouse’s Kids Club, which offers a trip to the flicks for just £1 per child. Showing this month is Smurfs 2D, an updated version of a true classic. Head down on 4 January at 11am for a rollicking adventure with everybody’s favourite blue Belgian munchkins, which sees them fleeing their magical village to escape an evil wizard and ending up in the Big Apple… www.picturehouses.co.uk

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Baci Di Dama MAKING

Hazelnut biscuits ‘kissed’ together with chocolate – who doesn’t like the sound of that? On 2 January, let your kids get their hands sticky at Carluccio’s as they learn to create their own tasty Italian treats. It’s a great way to teach them the fun of baking and, most importantly, they get to take home everything they make.

Costs £10 per child, suitable for ages 6-12, starting at 10am. Call 01284 725505 for availability. www.carluccios.com

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LISTINGS

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

1 JAN

8 January

QUIZ TRAIL Time: 10am-4pm Location: Nowton Park Price: £2 per family Description: Spend the first day of the new year exploring the great outdoors as you test your kids’ knowledge on all things 2013 with Nowton Park’s quiz. You can pick up an activity sheet from outside the ranger’s office and remember to bring pens. stedmundsbury.gov.uk

2 January

BACI DI DAMA MAKING CLASS Time: 3.30pm Location: Carluccio’s Price: £10 Description: Let your kids loose at Carluccio’s, as they learn to make baci di dama (Italian hazelnut biscuits ‘kissed’ together with chocolate). Your little ones will learn to bake and come home with some scrumptious treats for you. carluccios.com

5 JAN

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5 January

THATCHING WITH TIM ELLIS Time: 7.45-9pm Location: East Town Park Centre Price: £2 Description: Dotted around the beautiful Suffolk countryside are hundreds of quaint thatched cottages, and if you have ever been curious about this fascinating traditional British craft, then get down to East Town Park Centre in Haverhill for an evening talk with the Haverhill Wildlife Group. suffolkwildlifetrust.org

11 JAN 11 January

WEDDING FAIR

AN INTRODUCTION TO WINE TASTING Time: 10am-12pm Location: The Active Business Centre Price: £26.50 Description: Don’t know your pinot noir from your merlot?

Then we prescribe a course with Neil Courtier, who will help you get to grips with tasting techniques, the characteristics of wine and everything else inbetween to get you well on your way to becoming a fully fledged wine connoisseur. grapesense.com

Time: 11am-4pm Location: The Apex Price: Free entry Description: Newly engaged and brimming with wedding fervour? Gush over all things matrimonial at The Apex’s first wedding fair of the year, where there will be nearly 50 exhibitors on hand to chat about your big day and give you some great ideas. Fashion shows start at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. theapex.co.uk

PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA Time: 7.30pm Location: The Apex Price: £16/£18 Description: Liven up your January with a night out to see this well-travelled jazz orchestra at The Apex. Playing songs from the Great American Songbook, as well as a few British numbers, this swinging group is bound to have you itching to dance. theapex.co.uk

JUNIOR RANGERS Time: 10.30am-12pm Location: Knettishall Heath Price: Free Description: Over at Knettishall Heath in Thetford there will be fun and games for the little ones as they get the chance to explore and learn a bit about the nature reserve whilst having a jolly good time too. Booking is a must; donations are welcome. suffolkwildlifetrust.org

11 January

13 January

LEARN TO CROCHET Time: 6.30-9.30pm Location: Betty Makes Price: £19/£50 for three Description: Fancy learning a new skill this year? How about crocheting? Betty Makes in Newmarket is holding a beginners’ workshop where you can pick up the basics, or if you want to take it to another level, book three courses for £50. Go on, you know you want to! bettymakes.co.uk

17 January

PETER KING Time: 8pm Location: Hunter Club Price: £10 Description: Kicking off his career with a performance on the opening night of Ronnie Scott’s famous jazz club, Peter King has gone on to become one of the most influential modern alto sax players around, and this month he performs at Bury’s Hunter Club. headhunterslive.org

17 January

AN AUDIENCE WITH JONATHAN MILLER Time: 7.30pm Location: Theatre Royal Price: £8.50-£25 Description: Calling theatre aficionados of Bury, renowned theatre and opera director Jonathan Miller is in town. TV personality, satirist and humorist, he’s bound to have a few brilliant stories to tell from over the years so make sure you’re there. theatreroyal.org

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LISTINGS

IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Take your pick of musical events this month, with jazz from the Pasadena Roof Orchestra on 11 January at The Apex, or check out folk sensations Lady Maisery on 17 January. Alternatively, get crafty with a crochet course at Betty Makes in Newmarket.

THE HIDEOUT

16 JAN

Time: 7.30-10.30pm Location: The Hunter Club Price: Free entry Description: Come along to one of the most unique nights in Bury, where budding musicians jam, giving the punters a night packed full of live music – you are sure to discover some amazing unknown local talent. facebook.com/TheHideoutSessions

17 January

LADY MAISERY Time: 8.30-11pm Price: £12 (£10 members) Location: The Constitutional Club Description: With their breathtaking vocal harmonies and refreshingly contemporary take on traditional folk songs and ballads, this young trio of talented musicians are already creating a huge buzz in the world of folk music. milkmaidmusic.co.uk

18 January

THE SHOWSTOPPERS IMPROVISED MUSICAL Time: 7.30pm Location: Theatre Royal Price: £8.50-£20 Description: A crack team of improv experts will take to the Theatre Royal stage to create a hilarious, fully formed musical, based entirely on audience suggestions – a true one of a kind. There will never be another show like it! theatreroyal.org

23 January

TASMIN LITTLE & MARTIN ROSCOE Time: 7.30pm Location: The Apex Price: £5-£18 Description: Widely acclaimed violinist Tasmin and renowned keyboardist Martin make up this incredibly talented duo, who are in town to perform sonatas from Beethoven and Schubert. If you live for classical music then this is a must-see performance. theapex.co.uk

BURNS NIGHT

24 & 25 January

THE NORDMARKA WOLF Time: 7pm Location: Horringer Hall Price: £32 Description: A night of Nordic feasting, theatrical storytelling and magic is in store for you at this evening hosted by the fantastically entertaining Curious Pygmy Club. Head to their website to find out more about this extraordinary theatrical dining experience. thecuriouspygmyclub.webs.com

25 JAN

Time: 7.30pm Location: Elveden Courtyard Restaurant Price: £32.95 Description: In celebration of Scotland’s much-loved poet Robert Burns, the team at Elveden are putting on a scrumptious evening of modern Scottish food with live Scottish music from a piper. elveden.com

21&22 JAN

BLINK Time: 7.30pm Location: Theatre Royal Price: £8.50-£16 Description: A darkly humorous love story from award-winning writer Phil Porter, telling the tale of two grieving and lonely souls as their worlds begin to unexpectedly collide, leading them to embark on a rather unconventional relationship. Prepare for laughter and tears in this cleverly written play. theatreroyal.org

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31 January

LAUGHING STOCK 2 Time: 8pm Location: Theatre Royal Price: £10 Description: Laughing Stock 2: Crouching Rofl Hidden Punch Line, to give it its full title, is a stand-up comedic extravaganza jam-packed with performances from the best up-and-coming comics around. It is being held to raise money for charity Focus 12, so pop down to support a good cause and have a giggle. theatreroyal.org

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BURY FOR FREE

BURY FOR It’s January and everybody is skint, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out and have some fun this month. Here are our top five ideas for activities which are 100 per cent gratis...

LACKFORD LAKES AND ABBEY GARDENS Explore 128 hectares of woodland and lakes at Lackford Lakes, with plenty of trees to climb and dens begging to be made. If you want a real rough and tumble outdoor excursion, this is the place to head – and if you have a pair of binoculars, bring them along and keep an eye out for the friendly otters.

If you fancy a more manicured outdoor experience, there is only one destination to head to: the Abbey Gardens. You can stroll around the formal gardens or venture off to the sensory or rose gardens; or if you don’t mind a bit of off-roading you can walk around the incredible ruins of the old monastery and the aviary. If you’ve got little ones, be sure to head to the far end where you will find one of the best play areas in Bury – there’s even a mini tree house to climb. Getting outside after a season hammering the heating will feel so refreshing, and what’s more, it’s totally free! www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BURY ST EDMUNDS TOWN TOUR Ever wondered how the Abbey Gardens came about or wanted to know more about the smallest pub in England, the Nutshell? Download the brand new Town Tour app by Our Bury St Edmunds; it’s entirely free and along with a map and list of prominent local landmarks, there is also a fascinating audio description, so you can plug in your headphones and use it as your own personal tour guide. There are even some interesting audio conversations between characters that played a role in the history of Bury St Edmunds.

Just search for ‘Bury St Edmunds Town Tour’ in the iTunes or Android app store and get exploring!

Delve into some amazing footage of Bury St Edmunds and East Anglia from the past 100 years over at The Apex (Monday to Saturday 8.30am-5.30pm, Sunday 10.30am-4pm). You are welcome to pop in and explore the clips on their new giant interactive screen, or you can also see it online at the Archive Alive website.

The footage dates back as far as 1896, all digitally remastered. There is film coverage of Bury’s coronation celebrations in 1953 and the town’s 1907 pageant, both of which make for a really fascinating watch. You can search through the many hundreds of clips by theme, place or year, so give it a go and see if you spot anywhere, or anyone, you know! www.archivealive.org

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Delve into Bury’s musical subculture to discover up-and-coming local talent in a one of a kind night at the Hunter Club, the Hideout. What started out as a jamming session for young musicians has snowballed into, in organiser Tom Perry’s words, a ‘bizarre monster’ where strangers of all ages come along to perform together – the result is a totally unique night of live music that is as fun to participate in as it is to watch and listen.

“No one knows what to expect; you might be hearing blues one minute then jazz for the next five, or rock,” enthuses Tom. Most of the evening is entirely unprepared, with bands created on the night for one night only. Alongside the spontaneous acts, a showcase slot is being introduced this month in which ready-formed bands will perform a few rehearsed tunes. Intrigued? Come along on 23 January (7.30-10.30pm) to find out what the Hideout’s all about – it’s free entry for performers and punters too! Search ‘The Hideout Sessions’ on Facebook for more information.

STITCH AND BITCH If you are a crafter, you are bound to have one or two UFOs (unfinished objects) floating around the house, or you might be dying to start a brand new project but just never get round to it. Whether you are a knitter or any other stitching kind of crafter, then get down to the Old Cannon Brewery where a group meet twice monthly at Stitch ’n’ Bitch for encouragement, tips, a few drinks and some laughs.

Unfortunately drinks aren’t free, but it doesn’t cost to come along. For up-to-date info on meet nights search for Bury St Edmunds Stitch ’n’ Bitch on Facebook. www.oldcannonbrewery.co.uk

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NEWS

Communit y NEWS CHARITY COME DINE WITH ME There’s nothing quite like gathering together your friends or family and enjoying good food, good wine and good company – so this month, why not host your own dinner party, all the while raising money for local charity St Nicholas Hospice Care?

Every Friday in January, the charity is inviting people to put on a fundraising feast. Using the Dinner4Good website you can create and send invites, and guests can donate online too – all that’s left to do is decide on the menu! www.dinner4good.com

MONEY RAISED FOR WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL

SIX HOSPITALS AND A CHAPEL

Amber-May Bass was born at West Suffolk Hospital last August, 15 weeks prematurely, weighing less than 1lb. Her tiny size meant that she had to be cared for by a specialist team at the Neonatal Unit and to thank them for their efforts, her parents have raised an impressive £3200.

Now aged 16 months and weighing a healthy 17lb and 11oz, Amber-May was brought along to the hospital with her parents for the cheque presentation. The money raised will be used to purchase a machine that will warm sterilised water to wash newborn babies with.

Want to find out a bit more about Bury’s history? Local writer Brian Milner has penned a new book in which he explores the role that Bury’s six medieval hospitals and chapel played in the development of the town. The book is on sale at local bookstores (£10.99) and profits from its sale are being donated to St Nicholas Hospice Care. Pick up the book when you’re next in town to discover more about Bury’s fascinating past and raise money for a great cause.

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE To commemorate the victims and survivors of the holocaust, a memorial service will be held in the Abbey Gardens on 27 January at 9.30am. Following the service there will be a short talk about the 1190 massacre of 57 people from Bury’s Jewish community.

A Memorial Garden Fund has been set up by locals, through which they hope to raise £10,000 to construct a dedicated memorial garden for 2015 in the spot where the holocaust service is held each year. A teardrop-shaped sculpture is proposed to sit centrally in the garden, which will also feature 57 steps in memory of the victims of the 1190 massacre. There will be more information on the appeal at the memorial service, or you can get in touch with fundraiser Rob Lock by emailing robmlock@gmail.com.

SWIMARATHON Nearly £7000 has been raised by Bury St Edmunds Rotary Club for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) through its sponsored ‘swimarathon’, in which teams from schools, as well as local businesses, were challenged to swim as many lengths as possible in a relay race over 45 minutes.

Most teams managed to cover about one and a half miles in the epic challenge and because of the event’s great success the Rotary Club is planning another in the new year.

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FOOD

F OOD NEWS

A monthly round-up of gastronomic goings-on in Bury and the surrounding area CARLUCCIO’S COURSES If the thought of hearty, authentic Italian cooking gets your mouth watering, then roll up your sleeves and learn how to make some Italian classics for yourself this month at Carluccio’s, where the chefs are sharing their tricks and tips in two masterclasses.

Shop-bought pasta tastes good, but it tastes a gazillion times better if you’ve made it yourself, and that’s where the Carluccio’s team come in. In their pasta-making course on 15 January (5.30pm, £35), you will learn how to make it from scratch and leave armed with the secrets to perfect ravioli, tortellini and ribbons, as well as rustling up some delectable fillings and sauces. At the end of the class, you get to tuck into a fresh pasta dish and enjoy a much-deserved glass of wine. To finish the evening off, you can pick a tasty dessert from the restaurant’s menu, and there will also be a pasta-inspired gift to take home too.

Starting off with demystifying the many varieties of flour, the focaccia masterclass (28 January, 5.30pm, £30) takes you through a classic dough recipe and basic kneading techniques, working towards baking your own topped and filled focaccias and calzone pizzas.

You can tuck into your bakes with a glass of wine and will leave the class not only with lifelong skills, but a goodie bag and recipe too. www.carluccios.com

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W NE G EN I N OP

Oakes Barn A new destination pub, Oakes Barn, has now officially opened in Bury St Edmunds – and with its real ales, scrumptious locally made bar snacks and friendly owners, it’s already created quite a following of loyal punters.

For business partners Susan Wilde and Heather Warren, opening Oakes Barn has been a rather drastic career change, as the pair previously worked as a lawyer and a nurse respectively. “It’s been our dream for a little while,” says Susan, who comments on their aspirations to open a “lovely place to go for a drink and a bit of a community hub”.

Taking its name from the original owner of the building, James Oakes, a local wool merchant turned banker, the pub has a history dating back to the 1700s when it was first used as a wool store, then converted to stables and in the 20th century a garage. Today, it’s a free house serving real ales, along with a fantastic wine menu and an interestingly different selection of soft drinks. To stave off any pre-meal hunger pangs, there is a choice of traditional bar snacks including pork pies and scotch eggs, or if you’re feeling more sophisticated you could order the cheese board. Over lunch, the pub serves up a lovely soup too.

The interior is fresh and welcoming with traditionally inspired furnishings and old photos of the pub and former owner dotted around the walls. Oakes Barn really is a pub for everyone and we’re assured by Susan that “well-behaved dogs and husbands are allowed” – a quote that hangs in the pub itself. www.oakesbarn.co.uk

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FOOD

The Norton Dog As fans of the popular Italian Mondays over at the Norton Dog will know, you get brilliant bang for your buck, enjoying a free main course with a starter or dessert. Fresh for the new year, the team has revamped Monday nights into Foodie Mondays. It’s the same concept, meaning you get a two-course meal for a fantastically bargainous £7.95, but there will also be a feature dish straight from the pages of a celebrity chef’s recipe book. The first of the new Foodie Mondays will be on 6 January.

Keep a lookout for the Norton Dog’s new app too, which is awaiting imminent release; it will be the go-to place for vouchers and more brilliant discounts – get your smartphones at the ready! www.thenortondog.com

THE SWAN This January there’s a delectable Frerejean Frères Champagne Dinner at The Swan at Lavenham, created by head sommelier François Belin and head chef Justin Kett. What better way to shake off the January blues than with an evening of utter indulgence?

Put your gladrags on as you’re in for a sophisticated night of fine wine and dining, with canapés and an aperitif served in the lounge, followed by a three-course meal in the grand wooden-beamed private dining room. A specially chosen variety of Frerejean Frères champagne will be poured to complement the dishes in each course.

If you are more than a little tempted, tickets can be booked via The Swan’s website for the evening, which will take place on 31 January (7pm, tickets £65).

In addition, The Swan is also hosting a culinary masterclass on 30 January, in which the chef will explore different ways of preparing and cooking feathered game, followed by a two-course lunch in the Gallery Restaurant (10.30am, tickets £35.95). www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk

KITCHEN CLUB EVENING: SUSHI Delicious, super healthy and surprisingly simple to make: sushi is something everyone ought to have in their cooking arsenal. Hotfoot it down to the Cookhouse at Suffolk Food Hall for an evening dedicated to sushi demonstrations on 30 January (7.30pm, £22.50) that is sure to tickle your tastebuds.

The chefs will show you how to prepare different varieties of the Japanese delicacy and samples will be passed around the audience so you can try for yourself. It’s an interactive evening, so come armed with some questions to put to the chefs.

After an hour building up an appetite watching the chefs at work, you will be treated to a two-course meal. If you’re a sushi fan, this is a must-attend event! www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk

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FOOD

WORDS ALEX RUSHMER

Simply delicious

After the excesses of the festive season, many treat January as a month for simple fare, but simple doesn’t have to be boring, says Alex Rushmer nspiration is a commodity in short supply come January.

Festive indulgence can leave us feeling ‘fooded out’ by the time the new year rolls in and external pressures often cast the beginning of the year as a time for pious austerity of the sort a Franciscan monk might consider a little over the top. Ingredients too can seem a little dull when compared to the delights that crowd the table and fill the fridge over Christmas. Combine these two factors and it swiftly becomes clear why some commit to the miserable asceticism of the cabbage soup diet or the absurd myth of the detox. Despite a brief flirtation with the not-so-masterful Master Cleanse, I have shied away from such culinary self-flagellation and intend to do so for the rest of my adult life. It’s just a matter of doing a little work and looking a little harder, so much so that I now find the start of new year one of the most exciting times to cook.

Rather than resigning myself to the sadness of boiled brassicas and plainly roasted roots, it’s my job to find inspiration in these vegetables; to coax and nurture flavour from deep within their gnarled and hardy exteriors. A moment of epiphany is all it takes to transform one’s attitude to winter foods, especially vegetables, from one of boredom to one of excitement and anticipation. For me it came with Brussels sprouts and a simple recipe from Rowley Leigh, one of the founding fathers of what we now regard

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Images courtesy of Waitrose

I

Rather than resigning myself to the sadness of plainly roasted roots, it’s my job to coax and nurture flavour as Modern British Cooking (ie ‘cook whatever the bally heck you want, but do it properly and for goodness sake, use the best ingredients you can’). The sprouts were blanched briefly in boiling water and plunged immediately into an icy bath before being halved and sautéed slowly in plenty (and I mean plenty) of butter. A sprinkle of salt and a few chestnuts were added at the end. This simple preparation taught me two significant and essential techniques to create a dish of unashamed simplicity and untold deliciousness: sweetness, bitterness, richness, nuttiness – all are present and I vowed I’d never cook sprouts any other way. I never have.

The same thought, care and attention can, and should, be applied to all ingredients but even more so when dealing with something hardy enough to thrive during the fickle English winter.

Celeriac is rapidly becoming my favourite vegetable but it is constantly jostling for position with the cauliflower, purple sprouting broccoli and cavolo nero, all of which I despised as a child, possibly

because they were boiled into submission.

Rather than cooking in water, many of these require the moisture to be driven off to intensify their often delicate and distinctive flavours. Salt baking is a method I use regularly, especially for tough roots such as beetroot and the aforementioned celeriac. Here, egg whites are whisked to the texture of meringue and fine table salt added in place of sugar, this is then used to completely cover the roots before the whole lot is placed into a moderately warm oven for a few hours.

The crispy meringue is chipped away leaving only a wonderfully intense and tender vegetable in the middle. A slightly less time-consuming alternative is to simply roast your roots. The addition of rapeseed oil, a few sprigs of thyme, four or five cloves of garlic and a pinch of sea salt can make all the difference.

So rather than eschewing the much maligned produce of January, use it as a jumping-off point for inspiration and an excuse to learn some truly valuable new cooking techniques.

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EATING IN

WORDS ESTEFANÍA LED RAMOS

RECIPES

This month, guest chef Estefanía Led Ramos from ¡Qué Rico! Tapas offers up a duo of tempting tapas dishes For 4 glasses

Ingredients 1 avocado 400g smoked salmon 1 lime spring onion wholegrain mustard white vinegar

for the yoghurt sauce 100ml natural yoghurt 75ml milk 2tbsp mayonnaise 1 clove garlic parsley (to taste)

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Marinated smoked salmon & avocado A tasty and refreshing nibble or appetiser, great for whipping up any time. Serve cold in small transparent glasses, and if you fancy elaborating, it works well with a yoghurt sauce.

Step-by-step guide To marinate the salmon 1.

Chop the smoked salmon into small pieces and thinly chop the spring onion.

2.

Squeeze the lime and strain the juice.

3.

In a bowl, mix the smoked salmon and the spring onion and add a generous teaspoonful of wholegrain mustard and a teaspoonful of vinegar, with the juice of the lime, to taste.

Combine the mixture, cover it and let it rest for about four hours.

For the yoghurt sauce 1.

Chop the garlic.

2.

Put the natural yoghurt, two spoonfuls of mayonnaise, milk, parsley and the garlic into a bowl.

Blend the mixture and keep it in the fridge until you plate up.

3.

Plating up 1.

Halve the avocado. Scoop the flesh out with a spoon and mash it in a bowl.

2.

Divide the mashed avocado between the serving dishes (transparent bowls or glasses are good). Layer the marinated smoked salmon on top with a pinch of wholegrain mustard.

Serve with the yoghurt sauce.

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EATING IN

Savoury candy This mouth-watering dish is always impressive and very simple to make.

Ingredients

sweet ham ( honey baked, but not crumbed, for example) blue cheese (Stilton if you want a British touch) pitted prunes foil 1.

Warm a little of the blue cheese until it’s spreadable.

2. Lay the slice of sweet ham on a piece of foil that’s a little bit bigger.

3.

Spread the melted blue cheese along the slice of ham, leaving a third of the slice without the cheese so that you can roll it.

Line up the pitted prunes over the cheese.

5.

6.

Take the foil from one side and roll over the slice of ham until both ends are together.

Cut the roll in small pieces and serve on a plate.

7.

For more information on ¡Qué Rico! Tapas, see www.quericotapas.com

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EATING OUT WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

RESTAURANT REVIEW

The Packhorse Inn

The Packhorse Inn certainly packs a punch: newly reopened, it’s burst onto the local foodie scene with a fantastic menu and sophisticated, welcoming atmosphere

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undays are for many things: sleeping, country walks, roast dinners, family – or, sometimes better still, doing absolutely nothing at all. For me, a late lunch at a village pub, followed by a wintry stroll, ticks all the right boxes, so I was only too delighted when instructed to take a drive to Moulton recently to investigate the newly reopened Packhorse Inn. Situated along an ancient trading route between Bury and Newmarket, Moulton is a delightful spot, boasting a medieval bridge, leafy village green and cosy cottages surrounded by rolling farmland.

Formerly The King’s Head, last year the pub was bought by Moulton resident Philip Turner, who appointed husband and wife team Hayley and Chris Lee to turn it into the kind of establishment the area deserved. The result is a beautifully appointed inn with a sleek, welcoming bar (the real ales on tap were duly noted by my partner), with sophisticated dining areas and accommodation available too.

“We very much share the boss’s vision and this is of course one of the main reasons we signed up,” says Hayley. “Philip describes it as stretching the definition of ‘pub’ to the limit; not being pigeon-holed into being a pub, hotel or restaurant, but achieving the very best of all three.”

We settled at the bar for a drink, enjoying the crackle and warmth of the central two-way fireplace and soaking up our elegant surroundings. Just a glance

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at the bar snacks menu was enough to raise our expectations where food was concerned: never mind the usual crisps and peanuts, here you’ll find an upmarket offering of hickory-smoked almonds, Colchester oysters and crisped frogs’ legs, no less.

“I’ve always been passionate about seriously good, locally sourced produce; it was the fact that Suffolk has the most amazing number of small but quality producers that attracted us to this part of the world in the first place,” says Chris, known for his no-nonsense cooking techniques and trademark style of introducing the occasional element of surprise to his dishes.

Once seated, in a light, elegant corner of the restaurant, the menu continued to impress. For those wanting something familiar, there are traditional roasts, local venison, crumbles and tarts; or see the kitchen at its best with one of their more adventurous options. With Burns Night just around the corner, my partner chose the haggis to start. For me, haggis makes a strong case for ‘looks aren’t everything’ – it’s tasty, but not exactly one of the prettiest things you’ll find on your plate. All this changed with the arrival of the Packhorse Inn’s dish of delicately arranged haggis medallions, ‘neeps’ and ‘tatties’, adorned with an elegant swirl of whisky cream sauce. Here was the neatest, sweetest take on the classic northern country dish, delivering impressively on both looks and flavour.

My own Packhorse Inn antipasti was served on a wooden board, brimming with succulent salamis, peppers, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and peppery rocket.

Delicious, but certainly no light bite.

For the main, we chose the sociable sharing plate of brill and lobster which, despite our sizeable starters, was devoured with ardency. The fish was crisped to perfection, the flesh moist and tender within. It was topped with a generous arrangement of soft lobster meat along a spine of creamy mash, resting on a bed of

buttery greens. A rich and hearty dish, it proved a pleasing alternative to the classic Sunday roast.

After a chat and a rest (and a play with the gorgeous black Labrador at a neighbouring table), we decided we could just about manage a dessert of banana fritters and ice cream between us – arguing that there’s some fruit involved, after all. It arrived along with a dinky urn of butterscotch pouring sauce, completing a naughtily sweet ending to our meal.

The overall feel of The Packhorse Inn is one of understated elegance, with a menu that goes above and beyond, delivering a sophistcatedinviting destination for dinner. We stretched our legs afterwards with a walk around the village, watching a magnificent sunset from atop the ancient bridge. Moulton locals have gained a real asset in The Packhorse Inn, and I’ve no doubt it’ll soon be a destination for foodies from much further afield in 2014.

The Packhorse Inn, Bridge Street, Moulton, Suffolk CB8 8SP, 01638 751818, www.thepackhorseinn.com

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Advertisement feature

Get set for summer With Fred. Olsen Travel’s 2014 Holiday & Cruise Show shortly upon us, Mark Scrivener, from their Brentgovel Street shop in Bury, looks at what we can expect from the day he award-winning Apex centre in the heart of Bury is the perfect setting for a Holiday & Cruise Show, where new and existing customers from the local community can come and meet the team in a fun and informal atmosphere.

What better way to spend a winter’s day than getting inspiration for your next holiday?

Next year’s show is set to be even bigger and better than 2013’s hugely successful event, and will include presentations from Travel Indochina, Beachcomber, Great Rail Journeys, Oceania Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

On top of this we will have representatives from a whole host of tour operators attending, including Riviera Travel, Club Med, Titan Travel and Funway Holidays, showcasing the huge range of holidays that are on offer, from beach holidays and city breaks to ocean and river cruises. With such a massive variety of operators taking part in 2014, visitors will be able to consider many different holiday types that they may not have considered before, while receiving first-hand knowledge from travel experts.

Everybody wants something different from their holiday – many of our customers are avid ocean cruisers, while others come to us year after year to book their two weeks of fun in the sun. Increasingly, customers are asking us about more adventurous destinations such as Alaska or Vietnam and Cambodia, and our USA holidays are still proving fantastically popular with families.

Cruising is an area in which Fred. Olsen Travel excels and now is an exciting time to consider a cruise holiday, with more stunning destinations being added to cruise line itineraries on a regular basis. Our cruise operator presentations taking place at the show are the perfect opportunity for you to find out ‘what’s new with cruising’, and we

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will have plenty to talk about when it comes to river cruising – an area that’s enjoying a real boom in popularity at the moment.

As well as travel inspiration and an opportunity to hear from travel experts, visitors to the show will be able to take advantage of special show offers available on the day. Our live booking system means that you can book your next trip away on the day, or simply speak to one of our Travel Advisors to arrange an appointment to visit the store and finalise your plans at a later date.

Why book with Fred. Olsen Travel?

At Fred. Olsen Travel, we pride ourselves in our friendly and open approach, attention to detail and ability to tailor-make holidays to meet our customers’ needs. We have dedicated staff that specialise in destinations including Australia & New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Mauritius and weddings and honeymoons overseas. We have a team of well travelled, friendly travel experts waiting to help you find the right holiday for you.

We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct, giving you peace of mind that your money is protected in the unlikely event of the financial failure of any travel company that we book your holiday with.

Our strength is our independence – we are not integrated into any travel company so can offer you the widest choice of specialist companies, as you will see when you visit The Apex centre on 26 January between 10am and 3pm.

We look forward to seeing you there.

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INTERIORS

MIX IT UP A period fireplace like this rococo style works well in modrn settings. From £3540, Chesney’s (02076 271410; www.chesneys.co.uk)

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

THE HEARTH OF THE HOME

Whether it’s traditional or ultra modern, a fireplace is the natural focal point of a room.

Think creatively, add a few unexpected design features and your fireplace will not only exude warmth but style as well

T

here’s something so evocative about a fireplace. It can make a dramatic design statement in a room and undoubtedly be the most stylish feature from which your room’s décor can be built around.

Harking back to a bygone time when life would revolve around the fireside, many of us still yearn for that cosy, homespun feel.

Pick the right design, and a fireplace can command your attention the minute you step into a room, as well as effectively and economically warming your home.

FIRES BURNING Accessorise with homely details like wicker baskets. From £57, English Fireplaces (01730 887273; www.englishfireplaces.co.uk)

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TRADITIONAL A fabulous restored fireplace can be the true highlight of a home. When other period features have been stripped away over the years, a fireplace is often the only element left in place telling the house’s history. Whether its a large open inglenook style, or perhaps an elegant cast-iron art

nouveau surround, if you are lucky enough to have an original fireplace in your home, make the most of its features. Many period fireplaces have unique original tiling inset into their surrounds, for instance. Make it central to your room’s design by picking out a small colour element found in it and build your colour scheme around that.

If you’ve always yearned for a period fireplace but feel unsure about whether its style is accurate for your home, then the advice is not to worry too much! Paul Chesney, managing director of one of the UK’s leading suppliers of luxury fireplaces Chesney’s (02076 271410; www.chesneys. co.uk), agrees. “Unless you are determined to ensure that the fireplace you select is absolutely historically correct for the property, don’t become too concerned about period,” he advises.

“If you live in an Edwardian house it is unlikely that you will restrict your choice of

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INTERIORS RIGHT Travertine marble Bespoke Versaille surround, is the main focus here. From £1260 (01730 887273; www.englishfireplaces.co.uk)

BELOW The Langley Fireplace (left, from £1414) and the Art-Nouveau Barbara Hulanicki (right, from £2340) (02076 271410; www.chesneys.co.uk)

THIS IMAGE This Jotul F100 woodburner gives the same effect as an open fire. From £990, (01449 678659; www.classicstovesandfireplaces. co.uk)

furniture to pieces from that era. Generally speaking people choose things because they like the look of them and the same should apply to fireplaces.

Paul continues: “Architectural styles of fireplace from the 18th and early 19th centuries are versatile and work well with most interiors. The clean strong lines of these pieces will suit both minimalist and more cluttered interiors. It is also possible to mix contemporary and period details successfully by combining a period style surround with a modern fire grate.”

While an open fire is always aesthetically pleasing, most people are disappointed to discover that it is not the most energy-efficient choice for heating a room. Rising in popularity, in its place, is the woodburner, with the classic option working wonderfully with more traditional period fireplaces.

Keith Reid, director at Classic Stoves and Fireplaces, which is based on the Charles Industrial Estate in Stowmarket (01449 678659; www. classicstovesandfireplaces.co.uk), comments: “While a traditional fireplace with an open fire is a lovely thing to look at, by today’s standards it is considered very inefficient, with three-quarters of the heat being lost up the chimney. While we do install traditional surrounds for open

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fires, the woodburner or multi-fuel burner is a much more popular choice with the modern-day customer. Not only are they visually attractive in a room, but they are also around 80 per cent efficient and will heat a room much more satisfactorily than central heating. It is an aspirational thing to have.”

He continues: “We can adapt many fireplaces and even install in rooms where there is not an existing chimney by using a twin-insulated flue system, for example in conservatories and barn conversions.

We stock a huge range of styles from 20 different manufacturers, from more modern, free-standing models to cosy, traditional burners. They really do make a home complete.”

And that’s the beauty of a traditionallooking fireplace, its characteristics are welcoming and beckon us in to simply ‘be’.

A unique feature in the fast-paced world we live in.

If your home doesn’t come complete with original models, then look to the experts. English Fireplaces (01730 887210; www.englishfireplaces.co.uk) specialise in elegant hand-carved marble, limestone and sandstone fireplaces. Its team of master masons can create authentic replicas of period designs, as well as contemporary options, utilising crafts and

techniques developed in fireplace creation during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Mike Johnson, director of English Fireplaces, explains their unique value: “Gone are the days when the fireplace was boarded up and hidden behind layers of plyboard and wallpaper,” he says. “More recent years have seen a return to their popularity and not only for their functional heating purpose but even to the point of becoming the focal point in a room. These hidden gems are being reawakened into a very different and much faster-paced world and this is only serving to help us appreciate the benefits a fireplace can bring to the home, more than ever before.

“Staring into the flickering flames offers a rare chance to reflect and think,” he continues. “In today’s world, we are used to filling our rooms with noise and distraction. We don’t often give ourselves the chance to sit and quietly reflect: fireplaces provide the right environment to do just that.”

Tom Hodgkinson, author of the book How to be Idle, is an advocate of idleness.

“Fireplaces are one way of introducing reflection into your life. Reflection and inner stillness can help us sift through our thoughts and troubles, think through life’s challenges, daydream, relax and generally create a sense of calm and clarity.”

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INTERIORS

CONTEMPORARY When it comes to making a statement, one of the new-style, stand-alone woodburners can be a thing of beauty.

With more and more ultra-modern designs around, it means that the contemporary home can also enjoy a roaring fire.

Italian company ERGO (www. ergo-online.it) stocks MCZ wood-fired stoves, which come in a range of designconscious shapes with clean lines. Many of the models have rear smoke outlets, making it possible to avoid a visible flue – ideal for minimalist lovers. The company also stocks elaborate ceramic stoves by Sergio Leoni, another Italian specialist.

These outlandish pieces come in rich colours and are perfect for the wow factor.

Simple, stand-alone burners are also the star of the moment at Heritage Classic Fireplaces, based in Great Yeldham (01787 238123; www.heritageclassicfireplaces. co.uk). Sales manager Debbie Larnach has 25 years of experience and has seen their popularity grow. “A stove adds character, style and ambience to any room. They add value and appeal to properties and the new simpler models coming out are definitely popular. As a family business, we pride ourselves on our customer service and attention to detail. We offer traditional and contemporary styles and we’d advise any customer to come see our selection.

BURNING BRIGHT Corsara model, POA by Sergio Leoni, from Italian company ERGO (www.ergo-online.it)

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CHARACTER Short Penguin with Plinth Woodburning Stove from £1030, Heritage Classic Fireplaces (01787 238123; www.heritageclassicfireplaces.co.uk)

HOT, HOT, HOT Cocoon stoves give a futuristic feel, from £1930, Go Modern (02077 319540; www.gomodern.co.uk)

We can help them choose a stove that will reflect their lifestyle and personality.”

Jackie Gillman, sales manager at Opulence Stoves, based in Bury St Edmunds and a specialist in woodburning stoves (01284 768542; www. opulencestoves.co.uk) agrees: “There’s something indescribably homely about a woodburner. It evokes associations to days of old and there’s nothing like a gorgeous, cosy room with a fire roaring away. While there are traditional styles to choose from – perfect for a period property or a rambling country home – there are also a new generation of contemporary styles.

From clean Scandinavian lines to stylish Italian designs, these add a unique focus to a space.”

Other modern innovations, such as biofuel fires, mean that it is not just period properties or super-slick homes that can boast a fireplace. James Cameron, managing director of Glow Company (www.glow.co.uk) says: “Just because you live in a small space doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice a fireplace. Being clever with the space that you have is key and atmosphere can be achieved using the effects of real flames. Biofuel fires are sleek, stylish and flueless, which means that they can be placed anywhere in your home. Contemporary and convenient,

COOL HEAT Clearview Solution 400 Stove, from £1638, Opulence Stoves (01284 768542; www opulencestoves.co.uk)

biofuel gel fires can be wall mounted or free-standing without the need for professional installation or maintenance.

Fit in your key location, add bioethanol fuel, and you can have the comfort, warmth and atmosphere of real flames without the need for chimneys, flues or outside wall fittings.”

One-stop shop for cutting-edge furniture, Go Modern (02077 319540; www.gomodern.co.uk) are suppliers of Cocoon Stoves, a Spanish-based manufacturer of bioethanol fires. Available in jet black or shiny stainless steel, the futuristic models can hang from a ceiling or fit flush onto a wall, and are a modernday version of the classic fireplace.

“There are many advantages to having a bioethanol stove,” says Tina Mahony from Go Modern. “The fuel is generally considered to be a ‘greener fuel’, produced from common crops such as sugar cane, potato and corn. It also gives a superior heat output with a long burning time – our models provide heat for up to eight hours. Bioethanol fires are also incredibly flexible – you don’t need electricity or gas to power them – and with tariffs heading skywards it’s a great alternative source of energy. You don’t need a chimney or flue and the portable ones can be moved around (or outside on a crisp evening!)”

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INTERIORS

PRINTED MATTER Logpile wallpaper plays on classic fireside emblems. £52, Roddy & Ginger (02086 764404; www.roddyandginger.co.uk)

DON'T BE SHY Use artwork above your fireplace, from £79, Lorna Syson (www.lornasyson.co.uk)

WITTY TOUCH House interesting objects in a Victoriana-style glass dome, from £39.95 (www.dotcomgiftshop.com)

COSY UP Add a contemporary touch with modern prints, such as these pillows, £28 (02086 764404; www.roddyandginger.co.uk)

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FIREPLACE STYLE Once you have your chosen fireplace or stove in place, make the most of it by adding in a few stylistic details that will add a punch to your room’s décor.

Many living rooms have the TV as the focal point, instead why not do away with yours (or at least tuck it away in a cabinet) and make the central point of your room the fireplace? Group cosy chairs or stools around it complete with sumptuous rug, and the look is instantly sophisticated.

If you have an unfussy surround, complement it by hanging bold artwork on the wall above. It will extend the eye up from the fireplace and keep its place as the focus of the room, as well as making the fireplace an extension of the art. Lorna Syson’s oversized wallflowers (www.lornasyson.co.uk), which come in a range of vivid colours and are made from individually cut satin petals, add texture and an element of surprise and are perfectly suited to a simple style of fireplace fitting.

The designer, Lorna Syson, adds: “When looking to decorate your fireplace it is important to choose something which matches the scale and style of your

fireplace. For example, for modern, sleek fireplaces look at minimalist décor. It will make it a standout focal point in the room.”

Instead of art, you could also use statement wallpaper, but only on the chimney breast. The Logpile wallpaper by Roddy & Ginger (02086 764404; www. roddyandginger.co.uk) adds a touch of humour with its modern print of logs in bold colours.

Candles and lanterns are classic additions to a fireplace. Use clusters of different candlesticks or scented candles in different sizes and heights – but all in the same colour – for an immediate effect.

Alternatively, a row of pretty, multicoloured Moroccan glasses or sculptural vases can give an instant lift.

Look for updated versions of traditional objects – such as bookends, mirrors or stag heads – to keep the area looking modern. The Victorian glass dome, for instance, is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Put a quirky object inside to avoid it looking too old-fashioned and turn it into a witty statement. Most of all, make your fireplace your own by simply adding pieces you love. Less is more for the hearth to become the heart of your home.

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FASHION

LEATHER GLOVES £60 SIX WHITING STREET, WHITING STREET

FOR HER

VELVET NYLSEN SHIRT £129 ANNA, HATTER STREET

ILSE JACOBSEN ALPACA KNIT PONCHO £101.50 PAUL STEPHENS, THE TRAVERSE

NICOLA SEXTON PONY PUMP £110 NICOLA SEXTON, ABBEYGATE STREET

CATS TAN HANDBAG £175 NICOLA SEXTON, ABBEYGATE STREET

Picks from the

SANDWICH LONG BOILED WOOL COAT £150.50 PAUL STEPHENS, THE TRAVERSE

DUFFY COLOUR BLOCK KNIT £199 ANNA, HATTER STREET

INDIES

This month’s top styles from some of our favourite local independent fashion boutiques FOR HIM

BARBOUR CHELSEA SPORTS QUILT £119 AUBYN DAVIES, ST JOHN’S STREET

W NE G EN I N OP

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NUDIE THIN FINN JEANS £89 SIX WHITING STREET, WHITING STREET

SUNSPEL NAVY ZIPTHROUGH HOODIE £145 SIX WHITING STREET, WHITING STREET

CARHARRT INTERGALACTIC TEE £27 JAVELIN, ABBEYGATE STREET

WHITE STUFF We, along with the rest of Bury, have been buzzing with excitement over the latest addition to our town’s retail scene, White Stuff. It’s a pretty decent sized shop, having taken over two units on Abbeygate Street, which have been transformed into a vintage-inspired grotto of contemporary country-style clothing and accessories. The store’s muted grey and gold frontage gives a little taster of what’s inside: high-quality wearable classic styles and cuts that transcend trends and will last you for years. We love it for its playful prints, chunky necklaces and other gorgeous accessories – there’s stuff in there for men too! As they put it themselves, White Stuff is about ‘lovely clothes for lovely people’.

Keep your eye out for their window displays when you’re out in town, as White Stuff is renowned for putting on a bit of a show. What’s more, they give one per cent of their annual profits to a local charity (in Bury, it’s the Gatehouse charity’s Bury St Edmunds food bank) – just another reason to love White Stuff!

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FASHION

VELVET It might seem unlikely, but velvet has been making a determined comeback of late, and the beauty of this trend is its versatility. With the addition of a crisp collar it says prim, Upper East Side Princess (check out Missguided’s cute skater dress) or, at the other end of the scale, a high-neck crushed velvet crop top offers instant 90s grunge – a key trend of the season.

PEONY THIGH HIGH BOOTS £220 TOPSHOP

BRIGHT BLUE VELVET CROPPED T-SHIRT £20 RIVER ISLAND

FOR HER TOP £5 LEGGINGS £7 BOOTS £20 EARRINGS £3 ALL PRIMARK

ADMIRAL £120 OFFICE

VELVET CHECK LEGGINGS £28 TOPSHOP

CASSIDA VELVET CONTRAST COLLAR AND CUFFS SKATER DRESS £24.99 MISSGUIDED

WINTER TRISH BLACK £145 DUNE

TED BAKER DRESS IN VELVET NOW £119 ASOS

f lorals

TED BAKER

Save your pretty pastel colours for springtime and allow your florals to take a turn towards the dark side this season, with abstract botanicals in moody, edgy tones. There are loads of great pieces inspired by wintery blooms on the high street – but our very favourite is this slinky ASOS slip dress, a real wardrobe staple in the making.

TALL Boots

OLIVIE TROUSER £109 TED BAKER

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ASOS SLIP DRESS IN WINTER FLORAL PRINT £42 ASOS

FLORAL BOILER SUIT £70 TOPSHOP

NEON BOUCLE RAGLAN COAT £199 DIGITAL TAPESTRY FRILL PLACKET BLOUSE £99 PLEAT MINI SKIRT £120 ALL JAEGER SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK BURYEDITION.CO.UK

12/12/2013 16:26

FASHION

STATEMENT

scarves CHECKED KNITTED SCARF WITH FRINGES £25.99 ZARA

ETHNIC JACQUARD KNITTED SCARF £25.99 ZARA JACK & JONES WAFFLE SCARF £22 ASOS

GILET WITH BORG COLLAR NOW £22.50 BURTON

LEOPARD FAIRISLE SCARF £16 TOPMAN

GILET

FOR HIM

RIVERWOOD QUILTED GILET £40 RIVER ISLAND

Gilets never seem to go out of fashion – and they’re the perfect piece to take you from winter to spring. Opt for a heritage chic look with this classic Barbour number from John Lewis, work the ‘safety orange’ hue so prevalent on this season’s catwalks with this Ralph Lauren version, or go for an urban vibe with Topman’s hooded denim gilet.

POLO RALPH LAUREN QUILTED GILET £255 JOHN LEWIS

MID WASH DENIM GILET £45 TOPMAN LIPOP MUSTARD GILET £60 RIVER ISLAND

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BARBOUR BOSUN QUILTED GILET £79.95 JOHN LEWIS

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TEN OF THE BEST

WORDS MEGAN CROFT

Ten of the best...

FITNESS IDEAS

Get your 2014 off to a flying start with these feel-good local fitness activities POLE DANCING

OUTDOOR FITNESS

Fun and friendship are integral for this outdoor fitness company, which hosts classes in Nowton Park. Lasting around one hour, the sessions are designed to give a full body workout through individual, team and partner exercises, all of which are based on time rather than reps. “We encourage people to get faster and fit, but they are in a safe environment where they know they aren’t going to be ridiculed if they aren’t as fit as others,” says founder Papillon Luck. “It’s great because you are in a group environment, but get all the expertise of a personal trainer.” And why outside? Papillon explains: “the majority of people don’t get outside enough, especially in the winter. In training outside there also is a huge advantage to your mental well-being. We train whatever the weather – rain, snow, sleet.”

Fancy having a go? You’re in luck as Liberté is offering free trials to new members, just head over to the website for details and membership info. www.libertefitness.com

MUAY THAI

The seedier connotations of pole dancing seem to be rapidly diminishing, with more and more people using it as a way to get fit and flexible, whilst having lots of fun.

“Pole dancing is about toning and upper body strength, but it’s about self-confidence as well,” says Dawn Vickerage, who runs a beginner and intermediate class on Tuesdays (8.309.30pm) at Morton Hall Health Club.

To a background of funky beats, you will learn a whole repertoire of curiously named moves, including firelady, spinning diamond and sitting eagle. There are a few slinky transitional moves thrown in between (mainly to provide a rest from some of the more challenging spins), but once you get into it, it really is a great laugh. Each session starts off with a choreographed warm-up before you swing into action, ending with a routine using everything you’ve learned that day. Classes in the new year run from 7 January, and a sixweek block costs £75. www.moretonhallhealthclub.co.uk

It might seem a little left field, but after a chat with Unit 1 Gym owner, ex-pro fighter and coach, Don Heatrick, we’re convinced that this full-contact sport is worth a try.

“Thai boxing is something you can scale: as your fitness builds, you can work harder on the pads. The workout is masked by the fact that you’re practising a technique – fitness becomes a positive side effect,” says Don, who has been practising Muay Thai for 16 years and coaching for 13.

“Anybody can do it; we have all kinds of people come. People take it from all kinds of levels, from fitness through to competition.” There are classes to suit your fitness, but if you’re new to Thai boxing, the beginners’ class will cover the basic techniques and focuses more on pad work. www.unit1gym.com

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TEN OF THE BEST

NORDIC WALKING

It might sound more like an epic snowy adventure than an aerobic exercise, but Nordic walking is in fact a souped-up version of power walking. “It came from the skiers who needed a way of keeping aerobically fit when there was no snow on the ground,” explains Nordic walking instructor and personal trainer Kevin Marshall. “It takes the main benefits of walking and makes them twice as effective… you’re getting a whole body workout.” While you’re Nordic walking, you use a whopping 90 per cent of your body and at the same time you’re transferring some of the strain from the lower body to the arms, making this the ideal exercise for those suffering with back or joint problems. It’s crucial to master the technique in order to reap the benefits; luckily Kevin runs a four-week course.

If you are curious, Kevin offers free training sessions at various locations in and around Bury St Edmunds; head over to his website for details. www.positivestepspt.co.uk

BELLY DANCING

ROLLER DERBY

Fast, furious, full contact and played on quad skates, roller derby is – incredibly – the quickest-growing sport in the world. The game essentially consists of two teams helping their jammer (identified by a star on her helmet), get through a pack of skaters, picking up a point for every player from the opposing team that they pass. It’s aggressive and athletically demanding – but also great fun and known for its sociable, team-spirited atmosphere. Our local team, Suffolk Roller Derby, encourages people of all abilities to come and have a go. “It’s an exciting sport, we skate quite fast, hit quite hard and there’s a really good community,” says Suffolk Roller Derby president Gemma Marriage. “It’s good because you don’t have to be naturally sporty and we have people of all different shapes and sizes.” Pun-tastic nicknames and quirky outfits add to the appeal – and if you fancy road-testing it yourself, Suffolk Roller Derby train at CurveMotion on Mondays and Thursdays (7-10pm) and anyone is welcome to come for a free trial session. www.curvemotion.com

Created with the female form in mind, belly dancing tones all those stubborn areas that are often impervious to gym training – as well as giving you a seriously impressive new skill.

As you’d imagine, the core muscles play a leading role in belly dancing, meaning it’s great for working on your stomach area, waist, pelvic floor and back. It’s also a low-impact dance, so there are no heavy stepping movements, but you can travel as much or as little as you want to – obviously the more you travel around the more calories you burn!

Sarah Jeffreys-Emrys teaches a weekly Thursday class (7.45-9pm) at The Self Centre, combining moves from the traditional Egyptian and Turkish style of dancing with the modern and groupfocused tribal style. People of all abilities are welcome to attend. www.the-self-centre.co.uk

GRIT

Struggle to find time for fitness? Well, word on the street is that after just one and a half hours of Clarice House’s new class for 2014, GRIT, you will have filled your weekly quota for exercise.

This high-intensity interval training class is not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re up for a bit of a challenge then you should give it a go. The class is split into three sections: strength, plyo – (plyometrics) maximum muscle exertion in small bursts – and cardio. In just one GRIT class, you will be working on building your power, agility and athletic ability. Clarice House keeps an up-to-date timetable on the website; keep an eye out for more info on this fierce new class. www.claricehouse.co.uk

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TEN OF THE BEST

BUGGIE MUMMIES

You are invited to BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) to Moreton Hall Health Club for a fitness session that will help to get you into shape. In this eight-week course, you won’t believe all the ways you can use a buggy and baby to get fit!

The classes are held outside, come rain or shine, so make sure you bring along a buggy cover for the wetter days, but if it is truly horrific weather the classes will be held indoors – so no excuses.

Mums with babies from six weeks old are welcome to come along and classes are suitable for those of all levels of fitness – you work at your own pace. Buggie Mummies runs from 10 January (12pm) and costs £40 for an eight-week course. www.moretonhallhealthclub.co.uk

PARKRUN

There are three things you absolutely need to know about parkrun: it’s a 5km run around the beautiful Nowton Park; it’s weekly; and it’s entirely, 100 per cent, free!

Regardless of your running experience, this is a great opportunity to improve your fitness and as it’s not a race, you can run along at your own pace. It doesn’t cost a penny to join, but you must register before your first run to make sure that the team can record your course time – just bring along a printout of your barcode for your first session.

Parkrun uses age grading, a system that takes your time and compares it to the world record time for your age and sex to create a score, so you can compare yourself to other athletes and set targets and challenges to get even fitter.

It might get a little muddy around the course in the winter months as the terrain is a mixture of paths, open grass and woodland trails, but that only adds to the fun.

Dogs on leads and buggy-pushing runners are welcome to join in too!

Just set your alarm for Saturday morning (9am) and get out on the course. Head down to the café afterwards for a hot drink with some of your fellow runners if you fancy a reward for all your hard work! www.parkrun.org.uk

HOT YOGA

It’s just over 35°C in the room where there is a gentle glow from a few scattered candles and an Ellie Goulding track playing quietly in the background – this isn’t your average yoga session. The class is hard work and swelteringly hot, but the benefits of practising yoga in heat are many. “When you’re warm, you’re more likely to open up those tight spaces in your body, so you’ll find that you can lengthen things like hamstrings and calves which are often tight in people who do a lot of running or sport… you can really work on your flexibility,” says Carole Baker, owner, manager and teacher at The Self Centre – one of the few places in the region offering this kind of yoga.

“The other benefit is that the heat is detoxifying because it makes you sweat… it’s basically like being in a sauna.” Hot yoga is also one of the only yoga forms where you work aerobically, meaning that as well as improving flexibility and strength, you might also notice that your body changes shape and becomes leaner.

When the class is over, the doors and windows are opened and there is a wonderful rush of cold air – you leave feeling reinvigorated and we can attest that you will sleep like a log too. The Self Centre has five hot yoga classes on throughout the week and people with all different levels of experience are welcome to join in. www.the-self-centre.co.uk

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BEAUTY WORDS DAISY DICKINSON & CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

It's getting

HOT IN HAIR

Don’t get left out in the cold this winter; we’ve tested the hottest products out there, guaranteed to give you a new look this new year without damaging your locks

Beautifully blow-dried

Home hair tip!

Is your mane suffering from static?

Smooth a tumble dryer sheet from root to tip for instant relief from flyaway hair.

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Many pick up a hairdryer every morning as part of their daily routine, either giving a quick blast, or using heat to create volume, but daily heat can cause a driedout barnet with split ends and breakage.

We tried the Elchim 3900 hairdryer (£95, www.salonsecrets.co.uk), which recently launched from Italy into the UK and is even endorsed by British Hairdresser of the Year, Angelo Seminara. As well as being extra quiet, we’re told its ionic and ceramic systems help to close the hair’s cuticles and moisturise them to help make them soft, shiny and free from static.

For those who like all the trimmings, we also tried the Limited Edition Session Style Kit from Toni&Guy (Now £29.99, Boots). Designed for creating curls and waves as hair dries, the kit includes a 2000W Lightweight Salon Motor hairdryer, Curl Enhancing Volume Diffuser, and Big Barrel Rollers, in a faux suede vanity pouch. The diffuser was easy to use and with a little help from Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray (£21.50, Boots), a tousled look was easy to achieve.

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BEAUTY

Curious curls It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a girl in possession of poker-straight hair will dream of naturally curly locks, while those with wavier barnets wail over perfectly flat tresses. As both of us are in the former camp, the correct way to craft curls is something we often debate – though we think we’ve now solved the crisis.

Step forward, the O Ultimate from Cloud Nine (£179.95, www. cloudninehair.com). With an eyebrow-raising name and truly mysterious packaging, this space age looking tool has proven to be worth its weight in gold.

Unzip the leather-look hat box and you’re greeted by a ring of traditional-looking heated Velcro rollers, surrounding a central pod that blasts individual rollers up to temperature in less than four seconds, rendering them ready for curling as you need them so there’s no waiting around for them to heat up. And the results?

Natural, gorgeously tousled curls that last the whole evening.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we can’t fault the Nicky Clarke Mayfair Multistyler (£27, Debenhams).

Recently launched, this magic wand comes with three different interchangeable barrels, giving you the ability to create a number of different styles quickly and easily. Using ceramic and tourmaline technology, Nicky Clarke says the wand will create optimum style with minimal damage.

Ceramic technology features to give your hair that gorgeous shiny finish whilst tourmaline locks in moisture to keep hair smooth.

Smooth and sleek Already fans of the Macadamia Natural Oil range, we were excited to try their new ergonomic Smoothing Iron (£129, www.macadamiahair.co.uk). This hardworking straightener reaches a heat of 220°C in less than a minute, allowing for superquick styling, great if you’re in a rush for work but have tresses to be tamed. Infrared heat technology locks moisture in the hair, with negative ions smoothing and tightening the hair’s outer cuticle so hair becomes more manageable, softer, smoother and much more resilient to everyday stresses and changes in air humidity levels.

Fashion forward For those who love a bit of glam styling, we simply couldn’t resist this wild range of styling tools from Mark Hill. The Salon Professional Style & Shine Power Dryer (Now £29.99, Boots) offers powerful volumising drying, without damaging your hair, and comes in a choice of animal prints. We also tested out the Bad Girl Glam Wicked Waver (Now £29.99, Boots), which was super easy to use and gave natural-looking tousled curls that had a softer appearance to regular curling irons. For vintage lovers meanwhile, we thought this Corioliss Vintage Compact Hairdryer in Blue Floral would make a great gift, with its gorgeous retro design – or sit pretty on your own dressing table! (£35.99, www.beautybay.com).

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Keep a cool head In a fluster about what product to use?

Here are our top three styling products to apply before turning up the heat: L’Oreal Studio Line Silk & Gloss Hot Straight Cream (£3.75, Boots).

This budget-friendly crème is fab for smoothing locks before straightening, but we also found that it’s fantastic for combatting static and frizz, which is more common while it’s cold and dry outside, especially if your hair is fine. Rub a little between palms and work through the ends.

Label.m Protein Spray (£13.25, www.lookfantastic.com) is great for coloured hair, the moisturising blend of jasmine, sweet pea, vanilla, wheat and soy in this protein spray helps to shield hair from heat damage and evens out porosity, whilst the Enviroshield Complex provides seductive shine.

Perfect for scrunching into hair before curling, or smoothing before straightening.

Lee Stafford Argan Oil Heat Defence Spray (£12.99, Boots) A lightweight heat protection spray that uses argan oil and Moringa Seed Extract to help protect your mane from the heat, as well as helping to promote clean, baby-soft hair with a really glossy shine. It smells lovely too!

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WELLNESS

WELLNESS WISDOM

Q A

Carole Baker from The Self Centre answers your health and well-being questions Q: I’m likely to overindulge over Christmas as usual. I’d like to start the new year feeling good though! Any tips for efficient and effective detoxing?

A: If you’re going to treat yourself a little too much (and who isn’t!), here are some tips. It will be mainly alcohol and rich, fatty or sugary foods that we overindulge in, the first two putting a strain on our liver and the latter on the pancreas, but there are ways to minimise the damage caused and help you feel revitalised.

provide sugar, and help to combat nausea. Not white carbs though – porridge is a good choice!

EAT EGGS Eggs contain the chemical N-acetyl-cysteine, which can help clear the liver of harmful free radicals.

TRY ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Doctors says this fine powder helps absorb impurities (that’s why emergency rooms use it when pumping stomachs). But it also tastes like biting into a briquette!

MILK THISTLE An organic treatment for many common conditions related to the pancreas and the liver, milk thistle offers defence against hepatotoxic agents (including alcohol!), as well as aiding in the reversal of toxic liver injury. It is said to arouse the liver’s synthesis of protein, and helps it develop new cells.

VITAMIN C Vitamin C is great for liver health. Studies have shown large quantities of vitamin C flush out fats and repair liver damage. You will want the added benefit of helping boost your immune system to resist coughs, colds and flu, so take two grams per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

WATER The best thing to prevent toxifying yourself in the first place is to drink two glasses of water for every alcoholic drink. Definitely a pint of water before you go to bed and another one with a slice of lemon when you eventually surface the next day.

DRINK FRUIT JUICES There is some evidence that fructose, the sugar in fruit, burns alcohol. According to doctors, fructose will also restore a person’s blood sugar level. Watch out for a sugar rush though and the ensuing crash.

EAT BLAND CARBOHYDRATES They absorb any alcohol left in the stomach,

Q: I have very poor circulation and really feel the cold – any suggestions to help boost circulation naturally?

A: Poor circulation can become quite debilitating in the cold weather and problems can be varied, ranging from minor symptoms to major, lifeendangering issues that affect the heart and brain such as high blood pressure and strokes. Proper circulation is essential for adequate oxygen delivery to the cells, and for removal of carbon dioxide and various waste products from the body. There are natural ways to improve blood flow.

• Vitamin E can work to thin the blood or prevent platelets from clumping.

• Horse chestnut has significant vein

tonifying effects and improves lower limb circulation.

• Dandelion has confirmed diuretic properties, easing the symptoms of heavy legs.

• Gotu Kola is indicated in numerous studies as effective treatment for varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

Gotu Kola has a positive healing effect on skin and all the connective tissues.

• Ginger is an excellent warming and circulation-improving herb.

An old traditional remedy is a combination of half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses, mixed into a drink. Another traditional remedy is cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic and ginkgo biloba (tincture) made into a tea.

Avoid sugar, white flour and anything containing these. Instead, stick with fresh fruit, vegetables, oily fish, nuts, garlic, onions and foods high in vitamin B (such as pulses, chilli peppers, potatoes and molasses). Also good are pumpkin seeds, red, yellow and green veg, lean protein such as chicken, wholegrains, oranges for bioflavonoid content, watermelon for its lycopene content. Drink plenty of water too, ideally with slices of lemon.

Yoga has a fantastic effect on improving circulation and increasing mobility of the joints and elasticity of muscles. Twisting poses are great for increasing blood flow to the spine and digestive organs whilst releasing neck, shoulder and hip tensions.

Back bends open up the lungs and the heart area, improving blood flow.

Visit www.the-self-centre.co.uk and check out the downloads page, where you will find a free handout on a Seated Twist Pose and a Back Bend Pose to improve circulation.

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BEAUTY

Beauty

JANUARY SPA BREAK Combat the post-Christmas blues with a day of pampering at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa. Throughout January, they’re letting you mix and match to create your own personalised spa day for just £90.

Choose either a 40-minute massage, facial or body wrap, plus a salt and oil scrub, mini manicure or mini pedicure, then add in lunch to top it off. The Bedford Lodge Spa is set within beautiful grounds on the edge of Newmarket town centre, and their personalised spa day is available from 1 to 31 January. www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk

NEWS

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES

W NE G N E IN OP

Bury has got itself a new holistic health and beauty centre, offering natural remedies for mind, body and soul. Neal’s Yard Remedies established itself in the bustling trading ground of Covent Garden 30 years ago, becoming the first UK high street retailer to launch certified organic essential oils and one of the first to support fair trade skincare products. It has now expanded its empire even further by opening a new branch at 34 Abbeygate Street, in December, headed by Joanne Dennis. Stop by for some organic skin products, including the seasonal Frankincense Intense skin cream and a range of essential oils, or book in for a soothing massage, facial or reiki treatment. www.nealsyardremedies.com

C&B BEAUTIFUL NEW PREMISES! Popular local beauty salon, C&B Beautiful, has moved to an exciting new premises in Langton Place, which will allow them to offer all the wonderful treatments they’ve become so well known for, but from a more central, modern venue.

C&B Beautiful was established by Caroline Grimes and Becky Burns, and stocks products

by Clarins, Crystal Clear, Bio Sculpture Gel and ESPA, as well as offering facial and body treatments, spray tans, hair removal, nail treatments and more.

“We’re so pleased with the new salon,” says Caroline. “We spent two weeks renovating the

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building and absolutely love the end result.

We stock the ESPA skincare range and offer their treatments, so we’ve decorated the salon to complement the ESPA products. The premises is slightly nearer the town centre and we’ve already noticed an increase in footfall, which is fantastic.”

C&B Beautiful is currently running an offer with Bliss Hair Studios next door, offering a hair treatment, cut and blow-dry, eyebrow wax and manicure for just £50 (valid until 13 February). “It’s lovely to have such a good relationship with the other shops around us,” comments Caroline.

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BEAUTY

DETOX TREATMENTS AT SK CLINIC + SPA

Overdone it a bit over the festive period? We recommend a trip to SK Clinic + Spa this month for a spot of rejuvenation, courtesy of one of their fabulous detox treatments.

Situated in a converted chapel in the centre of town, SK offer a diverse range of results-driven treatments, which they can tailor to your individual needs, while also incorporating holistic aspects to ensure you feel relaxed, nourished and refreshed both throughout and after your visit.

The salon uses Pevonia, a line of spa products that are created using the finest natural marine and botanical ingredients, through which they can deliver the highestquality professional treatments. This month you can take advantage of an extraspecial offer to help you start the new year in the best way possible: the treatment of the month is the Detox Seaweed Thalasso Wrap, plus when you buy a Pevonia seaweed exfoliating soap you will get a free body brush. If you fancy giving one of the detox treatments a try, here’s what’s on offer:

Detox Seaweed Thalasso Wrap A fabulous treatment for contouring the body, defining silhouette, using the finest seaweed harvested from the coast of Brittany in France. A complete detox.

Duration: one hour

Green Coffee Wrap for cellulite The ultimate answer to effectively treat cellulite. Slim and tone with this cutting-edge treatment. This wrap stimulates your body’s ability to break down fat and transform it into energy, increase metabolism and eliminate water retention. 100 per cent pure micronised green coffee will smooth and enhance the skin’s overall texture thus visibly reducing spongy, dimply, cellulite areas.

Duration: one hour For more information, call SK Clinic + Spa on 01284 748470 or email info@skclinic.co.uk. www.skclinic.co.uk

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MOTORING

WORDS SUE BAKER

BEST OF THE X S

Come winter, you want a car that can take on the worst conditions with ease, while you ride in style and comfort. Sue Baker road-tests five of the finest 4x4s

A

ny day now the first snowdrops will appear, bright spears of crocus will not be too far behind, and the golden trumpets of daffodils will soon be dancing in a spring breeze. For now, though, January is a low month for motorists, one that leaves Christmas in the rear-view mirror and still seems a bit distant from longer, milder days. This is the prime time of year when anyone who is not already driving a 4x4 wishes they were.

Traditionally the farmer’s friend and essential kit for adventurers, 4x4s have increasingly become familiar urban warriors. But when the weather turns sour, they are the winter wonders of the road, able to keep going in conditions that can make conventional two-wheel drive cars struggle. So which are some of the best of these all-wheel drive models that take the worry out of winter?

WHY A KUGA? It’s the Essex boy of can-do winter cleverness, German built with British know-how PERFECT FOR: Those who want a good-value 4x4 with a no-nonsense blue oval on its nose PRICE: £25,150 to £33,245 ENGINES: Two-litre TDCi diesel and a six-speed manual gearbox

FORD KUGA With its smart looks and a comfortable cabin, the Kuga can waft you through winter without too much stress. Its four-wheel drive system is permanently engaged, so it is always ready for action when the going gets difficult during these cold early months of the year. When others are slip-sliding on frosty or snowy roads, you are better off in the Kuga with its automated all-wheel power delivery sorting out how to maximise traction where you need it most. If you want to know what’s going on, a dashboard screen shows which wheels are getting what amount of power delivery to keep you on the move.

HONDA CR-V Honda came quite early to the urban 4x4 scene, launching the first CR-V in the mid 1990s not long after Toyota introduced its trendsetting RAV4. Built in Britain at a factory near the M4 in Wiltshire, the Honda CR-V is a mixture of smooth and rugged, with chunky styling, elevated seating and a design that will take you comfortably from a suburban school run to a rural smallholding. You can have a front-wheel drive CR-V with a frugal 1.6-litre diesel engine, but for a 4x4 model with permanently engaged four-wheel drive you have to move up the range to a 2.2-litre iDTEC diesel.

WHY A CR-V? Japanese engineering, built in Britain (at Swindon), so you can still feel patriotic PERFECT FOR: Families who want reliable, practical four-wheel drive transport PRICE: £22,835 to £33,215 ENGINES: 2.2-litre diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox

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MOTORING

NISSAN QASHQAI Here is another urban-orientated 4x4 that is engineered in Japan and produced here in the UK, at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. Taking it’s name from an Iranian desert tribe, the Qashqai (like most other four-wheel drive cars), is tall with a seating position that lets you see over hedges and look ‘white van man’ in the eye at a similar level. The 4x4 system is selectable, so the car can be driven as a front-wheel drive model most of the time for optimum economy, but lets you choose all-round power delivery when the going gets slippery. That is a real winter boon.

WHY A QASHQAI? It gives a good combination of economy and slippery weather grippiness PERFECT FOR: Canny family drivers who want the best of both worlds, all year round PRICE: £25,145 to £28,850 ENGINES: A 4x4 version with a 1.6-litre engine and optional surround cameras

FIAT PANDA

RANGE ROVER SPORT This is the very slightly smaller and sportier brother of the big, butch, off-road limousine that is the opulent Range Rover. Here is a car that is phenomenally capable for crossing any kind of tough terrain, but looks an elegant smoothie around town. It comes with an ingenious Terrain Response system that sets up the car’s suspension and electronics for a range of different surfaces, one of which tailors the car to deal with snowy weather. So however difficult the driving conditions, the Range Rover Sport is a cosy oasis of winter competence. Now where’s that lottery ticket…

WHY A RANGE ROVER SPORT? Because it is the cream of all-weather, grip-master cars PERFECT FOR: Everyone with good taste in cars, if only they could afford the high price tag PRICE: £51,550 to £81,550 ENGINES: The three-litre SDV6 diesel with an eight-speed automatic gearbox

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So you’d like a 4x4 but don’t want to spend a fortune on it? Have a look at the little Fiat Panda, a big-hearted car in a very compact package. The 4x4 model has a slightly higher ride height than a standard Panda, and also has a few extra rugged details on the body, standard all-weather tyres and a differential lock to help ensure extra grip in tricky conditions. The allwheel drive system is electronic and it is effective at maximising all-round traction in muddy conditions or on slippery winter roads. So it is a perfect budget model for grippy January driving, but also good fun for the rest of the year.

WHY A PANDA? It’s small, neat and chummy to drive, and one of the best value 4x4s PERFECT FOR: Anyone who wants superior traction on a modest budget PRICE: £13,995 to £14,995 ENGINES: The surprising and excellent two-cylinder, 900cc TwinAir petrol model

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PETS

New Year’s Resolutions FOR PET OWNERS

Why make resolutions about your own health that you’ll never keep?

Alex Wylie from Eastgate Vets gives ten examples of achievable resolutions with your pet’s health as incentive 1) DON’T JOIN A GYM Why spend money on a gym membership when walking your dog or playing with your cat is free? Share your exercise time with your pet and you will both benefit.

2) HAVE A DRINK With many dog-friendly pubs and cafés around, you can use the excuse of needing to socialise your pooch as a reason to head out for a drink.

3) KEEP VACCINES UP TO DATE Vaccinating your pet can save their life.

Sadly we regularly see fatal cases of parvovirus and leptospirosis in dogs, leukaemia virus in cats and myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease in rabbits.

All of these are preventable with yearly vaccinations, so if your pet is overdue please book in to see your vet.

4) INSURE YOUR PET Your pet is a member of your family and also your friend. There is no NHS for animals and the best health care can be expensive. If anything does go wrong and you have insurance in place, you can concentrate your concerns on your pet and not the cost of treatment.

5) DIET As your pet ages and their health changes, it is important to modify their diet. Junior diets should be used in growing pets.

Adults should move to lower-calorie food after they are neutered and swap to senior diets as they mature. Many specific problems such as dental issues, weight concerns, arthritis and allergies can be treated with diet alterations.

6) STOP SMOKING Passive smoking affects pets more than humans, as they not only breathe in the toxins but also lick it from their coats as they groom. At the very least, smoke outside or in a room that pets have no access to. This will prevent your animals suffering from cancer or respiratory illnesses related to smoking.

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7) TRAINING Learning new things keeps our pets stimulated, so training should never end.

8) MICROCHIPPING It will soon be a legal necessity to microchip your dog in the UK. It is equally important to chip your cat – perhaps even more so as they are more likely to be out and about getting into trouble!

Remember to change your contact details if you move house or change your phone number.

9) DON’T BE BORING Two of the main causes of behavioural problems in pets are lack of stimulation and poor socialisation. Expose your pets regularly to new, exciting experiences and they will lead much more fulfilling lives.

10) DONATE TO AN ANIMAL CHARITY Feel good and help animals less fortunate than your own. Our veterinary practice is registered to provide PDSA treatment and local charities that we also support include the West Suffolk branch of the RSPCA, Bury Stray Cats, Little Angels Staffie Rescue and Cat’s Protection.

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