Places&Faces 146 - January 2023

The coldest month of the year is upon us. Christmas celebrations have been and gone. Now it’s time to don those new comedy socks you got for Crimbo and enjoy some bracing walks. There is no better way to blow the festive cobwebs away than a windy walk along the coast. The idyllic scenario is to warm up half-way in a country pub whilst enjoying a pint by a roaring fire.

Although most of us have had a break over the recent festivities, it is worth remembering that we should not over commit our time as we head into 2023. Keep in mind the past lessons you learned and put your goals where you can see them; and most importantly never let up on self-care. Like Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Andrew Hirst EDITOR

offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice. Winners will be chosen at random, from all entries received. The winner will be notified by email, telephone or social media. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 1 month of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

br adle y ha tc h

Glasswells has been providing homes with exquisite furnishings at the largest home department stores in East Anglia since 1946.

Whether you are updating one room, renovating your whole house or planning a new build, you’ll find an unrivalled choice of quality, comfort and value. Full of big name brands, discover over 10,000 luxurious flooring options, 200 fabulous sofa collections and hundreds of designer fabrics.

Our grand showrooms in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich offer a truly special shopping experience, with inspirational room sets and invaluable expert advice, including a professional Interior Design service. There’s free onsite parking for 200 cars and don’t forget to visit our well-loved restaurant, The Place to Eat, for a tasty treat. Make Glasswells your first choice and immerse yourself into a world of home furnishings, with everything you need all under one roof. Treat the home you love to a new look for less at the Glasswells big Winter Sale!

IN Staying

at the movies

A Man Called Otto

Released: 6 January

Tom Hanks stars in this remake of a Swedish film which was an adapation of the book "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman. Hanks plays Otto, the ultimate grumpy old man. He hates people, has a strict routine and a fuse shorter than the Hulk. Following the loss of his wife, he wants to give up and end it all. A young family moves in on his street and the friendship he builds with them starts to change his outlook on life and the world. The plot is very paint by numbers and you can see where it's going but it's heartwarming and watchable with a great performance from Tom Hanks. It's perfect January viewing; when the nights are long and it feels like spring is forever away, we need an uplifting story to get us through to February.

What's on?

2023... Looking ahead

Babylon

Released: 20 January

Damien Chazelle, the director of Whiplash, La La Land and First Man brings us a film about the early days of Hollywood starring Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire, Olivia Wilde and Flea; you know, Flea, from the band Red Hot Chilli Peppers and from challenging Marty McFly to a drag race in Back To The Future Three. Not much is known about the plot but it follows the rise and fall of multiple people during the period of time where Hollywood transitioned from silent films to films with sound in the late twenties. The trailer is crazy with big performances and beautiful shots. Knowing Chazelle's back catalogue, it's going to be big, with music being a large feature. This is surely going to be a contender for awards season

Empire of Light

Released: 9 January

Sam Mendes previously wowed us with 1917, Spectre and Skyfall. Now he's back with something more grounded and personal. Acting powerhouse, Olivia Colman, leads a cast including Michael Ward, Colin Firth and Toby Jones. The story is about the power of human connection and is set in an English costal town in the early 1980s. Expect Colman to bag herself another Oscar nomination for her role in this film.

The Whale - 23 February

Plane

Released: 27 January

I've given you the sentimental and the award-worthy. Now it's time to bring the tone down with some ridiculous action. Gerard Butler plays a pilot who is forced to land his commercial aircraft during a terrible storm. The spot he lands in, however, is in a war zone. Of course, being Gerard Butler, he has to get involved. He teams up with Mike Colter (Luke Cage, The Good Wife) to try and protect his passengers and find a way to get them home safely.

Barbie - 21 July

with Adam Gunton

Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny - 30 June

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 - 14 July

What's on

?

The Last Of Us

Sky Atlantic/NOW TV, 16 January

IN Staying

Don't Miss

"This is your chance, our best shot. You keep her alive, and you set everything right. Save who you can save."

Twenty years ago, a mutant fungus changed the world, turning people into infected, violent creatures. Joel (The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal) is tasked with smuggling new cargo out of the quarantine zone to the rebel militia known as the Fireflies. His cargo is a fourteen-year-old called Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey, from Game Of Thrones). Ellie is immune to the infection and the Fireflies think they can use her to make a cure and it's up Joel to make sure Ellie makes it across the country safely. With military groups, bandits, infected and worse, it could be an impossible task. The Last Of Us is based on the award-winning and critically acclaimed video-game and the show has been created by the game's writer, Neil Druckmann, and the showrunner of the recent phenomenal series Chernobyl, Craig Mazin. It's a gripping story full of action and scares but what really draws you in is the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Joel tries to just see her as cargo but he can't help caring like a father. With a stellar supporting cast and a sublime musical score from video-game composer, Gustavo Santaolalla, this show is set to be the first big series of 2023.

Welcome to Chippendales

Disney+, 11 January

When I first heard about this new show, I was disappointed to learn that it has nothing to with Chip'n'Dale, the lovable Disney chipmunks who had a detective agency in the early Nineties. If you thought the same and were planning on watching this with your young child, you might want to pick something else and save this for when they've gone to bed. This is all about the Indian American entrepreneur who started the strip troupe, the Chippendales, and it's full of dancers, drama and murder.

Kaleidoscope

Netflix, 1 January

This mini-series spans twenty-four years and is all about the largest heist that ever attempted, loosely based on the real-life story of seventy billion dollars that went missing during Hurrican Sandy. But what's different about this show, and also really hard to explain, is that the series is non-linear. This means no matter what order you watch the episodes, the story will still make sense. There's eight episodes and so, in theory, you could watch episode eight first, then episode three, then episode one etc. until you've watched them all. I have no idea how this will actually work but I'm excited to find out! It's certainly going to be one to talk about over your first coffee back at work.

what's on the Telly Hunters

Prime Video, 13 January

The Hunters are back! This show has been a victim of pandemic-related delays - the first season came out back in 2020 and it's finally returned for one last series. The show, set in 1977 New York, follows a secret group of Nazi hunters seeking out Nazis that have been hiding in America since World War Two and are now working on creating a Fourth Reich. Following last season's finale, it's hard to guess where the story is going but entertainment aside, the show is a chilling reminder of the atrocities the Jewish people suffered and shows why facism has no place in the world.

with Adam Gunton

Photo: HBO

Going out What's on?

BOOK NOW

All things baby

Nursery department at John Lewis Norwich 23 February, 6.15pm-8pm

Join the John Lewis Norwich nursery team at their FREE event for expectant parents. These parental sessions will include information to help you prepare for your new arrival and the chance to discover local organisations to support you from birth and beyond. To pre-book your place at the event visit the nursery department or email emily.smart@johnlewis.co.uk

The Room

4 February

Ocean Room, Gorleston

The Room is back in February with another stunning line-up of live music acts, now in its 15th year. The Room is a big show, with five acts appearing on five different stages in the style of the BBC TV program Later with Jools Holland and is, in the main, a showcase for original bands to play live in a good size venue.

On the bill as usual is a cross section of music genres covering Blues, Country, Indie and of course a mixture of styles from the Rooms resident band The H-Gang. Providing the music on the night are The Hard Working Blues Band, Swamptruck Goodtime Band, Robin Evens and local band Jehenna.

This unique event is unlike anything else and sees each act playing on their own stages in each of the three

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby

Norwich Theatre Royal 17-21 January

A new dance theatre event, delving into the story of Tommy Shelby and the Peaky Blinders , written by the creator of the global hit television series.

Dazzling, athletic dance and stunning dramatization, with an iconic eclectic Peaky soundtrack, and a live on-stage band. This awe-inspiring and captivating theatre production is from one of the world’s most diverse companies of dancers; Rambert.

Tommy and the Peakys fought together at Flanders. Bound by this

experience, a really personal story unfolds as the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate and as Tommy is intoxicated by the mysterious Grace.

Opening in the trenches, Rambert take you on a journey through dance, with narrative, and a live band on stage, featuring the iconic Peaky soundtrack, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, and many more. This is much more than a dance performance, it’s a full on theatrical spectacle. www.norwichtheatre.org

sets starting at 8.02pm. The H-Gang will close up the night with a finale of upbeat tracks which is sure to get everyone up dancing.

Book your tickets early for this hugely popular event. Doors open at 7.02pm show starts at 8.02 prompt!

www.the-room.biz

Photo: Johan Persson

Going out

Charles Dickens: Great Expectations

Southwold Arts Centre

10 January, 7.30pm

A new dramatisation of Charles Dickens’s great novel. A young boy in a deserted graveyard, a vicious convict on the loose... and what is the weird Miss Haversham offering? Tickets £9-£12. www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk

The Apex Bury St Edmunds

Gorokhov - Dvorak Cello Concerto Sat 28 Jan, 7.30pm

East Anglia Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jacques Cohen. Soloist Leonid Gorokhov is a Russian cellist who was a protégé of Yehudi Menuhin in the 1990s. Music will include Glinka Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture, Dvorak Cello Concerto and Brahms Symphony No 3.

The John Martyn Project Sun 29 Jan, 7.30pm

Six artists come together to celebrate the music of John Martyn: vocalist Blythe Pepino toured with London Grammar, virtuoso guitarist and mandolin enthusiast Kit Hawes who has worked with Seth Lakeman & Cara Dillon, soul singer and multi-instrumentalist Pete Josef has performed with Roni Size, Reprazent and Rag ’n’ Bone Man, Sunday Times ‘Breaking Act’ Sam Brookes and rhythm section John Blakeley and Jon Short of Sheelanagig.

A virtuoso guitarist with a laid-back but highly expressive voice, John Martyn emerged from the British folk scene in the late 1960s to make some of the most hauntingly evocative and mesmerising music of his era.

www.theapex.co.uk

Norwich Science Festival

11-18 February The Forum, Norwich A celebration of science! Exciting exhibitions, sensational shows and inspiring hands-on science. For all ages and all levels of knowledge. Expect intriguing discoveries, inspiring talks, engaging exhibitions, deep dives and debates, cutting-edge research, and lots of hands-on family fun!

www.norwichsciencefestival.co.uk

Going out What's on?

Ruth Wharrier School of

Botanical Art

Do you have a passion for art and the natural world? Why not dedicate some time next year to learning the timeless skills of botanical drawing and painting?

Professional Illustrator, Ruth Wharrier, trained at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London and is a graduate of their prestigious Botanical Illustration Diploma course. She lives and works on the Suffolk coast and has been teaching botanical drawing and painting for over 12 years through private workshops and as a tutor for Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Ruth works in watercolour, gouache, coloured pencil, graphite and pen and ink. Her paintings and illustrations are collected worldwide.

Next year Ruth is launching her own School of Botanical Art, offering a wide range of courses across the year. Observational drawing in graphite and coloured pencil, watercolour techniques and botany, will all be taught to enable students to fully understand their subjects. Studio based lessons and field sketchbook lessons will be available.

Courses will range from one day workshops for those who are beginners to longer, vocational courses through the Open College Network, for those who want to focus seriously on improving their skills. Ruth also offers a one year Level 4 Botanical Drawing and Painting course for those with experience who wish to pursue a career in botanical art.

In addition to adult learning courses, Ruth is also an Arts Award advisor and will be offering vocational courses for teenagers who wish to develop their fine art skills and environmental art awareness.

The courses will be based at SWT Carlton Marshes Visitors Centre, near Lowestoft (NR33 8HU) and in other locations across the region.

This is a unique opportunity to learn new art skills with a highly experienced artist and teacher. All students will receive a warm welcome and gain confidence in developing their artwork within a supportive environment.

For more information and to sign up for news on upcoming courses go to: www.ruthwharrier.com or call Ruth on 07722015847 for further details. Gift vouchers available for some courses.

new things to do… New Year,

as Christmas is upon us, and party season takes hold, we find ourselves in January.

It’s well documented that culture has a positive impact on our mental health, and this January we have a host of fabulous exhibitions and things to do in Norwich which are kind to our pocket and good for the soul. We’ve also got a sneak peek at what’s going on in February – it’s a busy start to the year.

The Singh Twins: Slaves of Fashion at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery has been showing since autumn last year and is closing on the 22nd of January, so this really is a ‘last chance to see’ opportunity. It’s also a dual location exhibition as the second part of the show is hosted at The Gallery at NUA on the corner of Bridewell Alley and St Andrew’s Street.

For those not in the know, the Singh Twins are internationally renowned awardwinning artists who create incredible mixed media artworks. Though they are known more for their paintings, they are also designers, illustrators, filmmakers, and writers. Their works have important meaning tackling issues of social, political, and cultural debate - they describe their art as ‘Past-Modern’ rather than ‘Post-Modern’.

Slaves of Fashion is their latest exhibition, which is touring the UK and abroad, though Norwich Castle has commissioned new work which hasn’t been available elsewhere. See eleven striking, highly detailed and symbolic, digital mixed media portraits printed on fabric and displayed as lightboxes, plus the commission which has been created in response to items in the Castle’s collection. And, luckily for us, the new commission will remain as a permanent display at the Castle once the exhibition closes. Included in the cost of entry to the Castle, tickets are from £7 for adults and £6 for children aged between 4 and 18.

I suggest a visit to the Castle (remember you have the rest of the galleries to roam too), then meander over to The Royal Arcade for a coffee at newly opened Yalm, where you can relax in a lovely window seat. There are also six restaurants upstairs and two bars, so if you fancy bedding down and staying for a bit longer, then there’s a really good choice of delicious food from local independent eateries such as Eric’s Pizza, NXXDS, Folks and Flying Saucers. This is also a place to visit if you all like to eat something different! I wholeheartedly recommend a stop here.

Follow this with a walk down to Bridewell Alley to finish the exhibition at The Gallery at NUA, though note you do not have to

do it on the same day; as long as you retain your ticket to the Castle, you can visit Tue-Fri 12-5pm & Sat 12-4pm for as long as the exhibition runs.

If you have 15 minutes and want to do something for free, then the Museum of Norwich has a wonderful Kett’s Rebellion VR experience to try out. Just ask at the reception desk and they’ll sort you out! During your experience you’ll see how Norwich looked at the time with 360° views. It is absolutely fascinating.

Also at the Museum of Norwich and launched on Remembrance Day 2022, a free audio trail around Norwich has been created by a group of young people to mark the 80th anniversary of the Baedeker raids during World War Two in Norwich. Download the free Echoes app in the App or Google Play Store and simply search 1942: Messages from the Norwich Raids.

The raids of 1942 targeted historic cities across the UK, including Norwich. This free trail takes in 50 audio recordings including people who experienced the raids. Hear poetry, stories, and interviews with local historians. For those not able to use the app or walk around Norwich, the recordings will soon be on the Norfolk Museums Service YouTube account. Alternatively, hard copy transcripts are available from the Museum of Norwich and Norwich Millennium Library at the Forum.

Finally, Threads of Connection: A Creative Response to Our Textile Heritage runs until 25 Feb and is an exhibition in collaboration with Art at Work who create art-based projects to promote wellbeing and good mental health. This exhibition showcases the work of the group who have been studying Norwich’s textile heritage.

Taking a quick look at February, there are some really fantastic things to look forward to. Norwich Science Festival has moved from October to 11–18 February 2023 and is once again bringing us a host of amazing, thrilling and often very different things to do – for all ages. Some activities are free, others are paid for. In partnership with Norwich Research Park and the University

of East Anglia, the programme of events has amazing family things to do during halfterm, with plenty for adults too.

Then, opening 26 February at Norwich Castle, we have an incredible story to discover through a new and much anticipated exhibition - The Last Voyage of the Gloucester: Norfolk’s Royal Shipwreck 1682. Being cited as Norfolk’s Marie Rose, when the story of this shipwreck was announced in June last year the story went global, seeing media coverage far and wide, from the likes of National Geographic, Paris Match, The Smithsonian, India Weekly, The New York Times and USA Today. Watch this space for all the details next month.

Full details of everything mentioned here, and loads more ideas can be found at www.visitnorwich.co.uk

Slaves of Fashion at Norwich Castle. Photo: Denisa Ilie

2023 a book a month

by Andrew Hirst

Life gets

busy sometimes and it is easy to fall out of the reading habit. To get yourself back between the covers try setting yourself a challenge of reading a book a month. The other challenge is finding a book worthy of your time which will keep you turning the pages. Here we have 12 books for you to read throughout 2023. Each one brilliant in its own right and well worth adding to your reading list.

Autumn

by Ali Smith

The novel centres on the unconventional friendship between Elisabeth and Daniel Gluck who meet in 1993. Daniel is a century old. Elisabeth, born in 1984, has her eye on the future. The United Kingdom is in pieces, divided by a historic once-in-a-generation summer. Love is won, love is lost. Hope is hand in hand with hopelessness. A playful, multi-layered and, at times, delectably subversive novel on the nature of time, aging, identity, art, love and friendship.

A Man Called Ove

by Fredrik Backman

This is the book on which the new Tom Hanks movie, A Man Called Otto, is based. Ove is a grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door. Behind his brusk exterior there is a story and a sadness. Whilst still trying to come to terms with the death of his wife Ove’s life unexpectedly and comedically intertwines with the new family to the neighbourhood. This has heart-warming story has a quintessential don’t judge a book by its cover feel.

Although Ove doesn’t gush with emotion, nor does he walk around with a constant smile on his face, he turns up when it counts. A wonderful tale of love, loss and friendship.

The Tiger’s Wife

by Téa Obreht

The central question in the novel is “How do people respond to death?” In answer to this, Obreht creates a book which is mesmerising and filled with cycles of life and death, love and loss.

In a Balkan country mending from years

The Colour of Magic

by Terry Pratchett

If you haven’t experinced Pratchett’s razor-sharp wit then everyone in the world who has, won’t be judging you, they will be a little jealous. Imagine

watching Star Wars or reading Harry Potter for the first. The sheer thrill of it is priceless. This is the first in the Discworld series and not only a good place to start but a fabulous book to boot. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you should at least read one of his novels and this is, in my opinion the best place to start.

American Gods

by Neil Gaiman

This is one of the most talked-about books of the new millennium. A kaleidoscopic journey which heads deep into myth and across an American landscape which feels totally alien yet familiar all at once.

Released from prison, Shadow finds his world turned upside down. His wife has been killed; the mysterious Mr. Wednesday offers him a job. A battle for the very soul of America is coming and they are in its direct path. It is, quite simply, a contemporary masterpiece.

My Brilliant Friend

by Elena Ferrante

Believe all the hype. This is a modern masterpiece from one of Italy’s most acclaimed authors. An intense and generous hearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila. Ferrante’s inimitable style lends itself perfectly to a meticulous portrait of these two women that is also the story of a nation and a touching meditation on the nature of friendship.

of conflict, Natalia, a young doctor, arrives on a mission of mercy at an orphanage by the sea. Soon she feels age-old superstitions and secrets gathering everywhere around her. Secrets her outwardly cheerful hosts have chosen not to tell her. Secrets involving the strange family digging for something in the surrounding vineyards. Secrets hidden in the landscape itself.

a book 2023 a month

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

by Mark Haddon

Fifteen-year-old Christopher John Francis Boone becomes absorbed in the mystery of a dog’s demise, meticulously investigating through diagrams, timetables, maps and maths problems. Haddon’s fascinating portrayal of an unconventional mind was a crossover hit with both adults and children and was adapted into a very successful stage play.

If you haven’t read this book then you should. I maybe did it the wrong way round; I watched the stage adaptation then read the book. Both are amazing and an insight into the autistic brain. Though provoking and heart warming and, at times, a glimpse into Christopher’s overwhelming world.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay

by Michael Chabon

Joe Kavalier, a young Jewish artist who has also been trained in the art of Houdiniesque escape, has just smuggled himself out of Nazi-invaded Prague and landed in New York City. His Brooklyn cousin Sammy Clay is looking for a partner to create heroes, stories, and art for the latest novelty to hit America - the comic book. Drawing on their own fears and dreams, Kavalier and Clay create the Escapist, the Monitor, and Luna Moth, inspired by the beautiful Rosa Saks, who will become linked by powerful ties to both men. With exhilarating style and grace, Michael Chabon tells an unforgettable story about romance and possibility. A well rounded character set novel which is, in my opinion, a must-read for anyone who enjoys books that defy the boundaries of genres.

The Road

by Cormac McCarthy

A father and his young son, “each the other’s world entire”, trawl across the ruins of post-apocalyptic America in this terrifying but tender story told with biblical conviction. The slide into savagery as civilisation collapses is harrowing material, but McCarthy’s

A Visit from the Goon Squad

by Jennifer Egan

Inspired by both Proust and The Sopranos, Egan’s Pulitzer-winning comedy follows several characters in and around the US music industry, but is really a book

about memory and kinship, time and narrative, continuity and disconnection. In a breathtaking array of styles and tones, ranging from tragedy to satire to PowerPoint, Egan captures the undertow of self-destruction that we all must either master or succumb to; the basic human hunger for redemption and the universal tendency to reach for both and escape the merciless progress of time.

White Teeth

by Zadie Smith

Hapless veterans of World War II, Archie and Samad and their families, become agents of England’s irrevocable transformation. Set against London’s racial and cultural tapestry, venturing across the former empire and into the past as it barrels toward the future, White Teeth revels in the ecstatic hodgepodge of modern life, flirting with disaster, confounding expectations, and embracing the comedy of daily existence. This is an extremely funny novel which chronicls the lives of immigrants in the UK. Focusing on issues such as the children of imigrants forming a new collective identity, and the big question of who is really English. An entertaining read.

Fingersmith

by Sarah Waters

Moving from the underworld dens of Victorian London to the boudoirs of country house gothic, and hingeing on the seduction of an heiress, Waters’s third novel is a drippingly atmospheric thriller, a smart study of innocence and experience, and a sensuous lesbian love story, with a plot twist to make the reader gasp. This daring novel pickpokets its way through a Dickensian landscape where no one-and nothing-is as it seems.

metaphysical efforts to imagine a cold dark universe where the light of humanity is winking out, are what make the novel such a powerful ecological warning. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation.

The Adventures of Atlas

Dog care tips & advice from a very good boy

@thereallife_ofatlas

My name is Atlas, I’m a two year old, Fox Red Labrador and I love cuddles, training and… food, of course!

As we’ve discussed before, mum and dad have had to work hard to find treats that are suitable for my sensitive stomach, and my kibble was no different. We tried a few brands before settling on this one and I’m so glad we found it, as it’s hypo-allergenic, and being salmon, is rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids, which are good for my skin and coat condition and joint health. Not to mention it’s super tasty!

by Atlas (and Melissa Speakman)

Hi Friends!

Can you believe we’re at the start of a new year already?! It only feels like yesterday that we were basking in the glorious summer sunshine (remember those long hot days?) and now it’s January. I do hope all you pups and pawrents had a great Christmas and New Year… Did you make any resolutions? Mine are to practice my recall (need to remember to put my listening ears on when we’re out), get the pawrents to take me on lots of interesting walks - including stops at the pub, where I will start learning to settle and be the best boy – and of course, trying to find ways of tricking the pawrents into giving me more treats! Haha!

Seeing as the pawrents have said they want to get healthier this year (I’ve heard that before…), getting out on lots of fun and exciting walks is a great start! In Norfolk and Suffolk we are very lucky to be surrounded by some beautiful countryside and I love going for long walks through the woods, across fields and also at the beach too. Mum and dad have tended to stick to the same places for walks, as I can be a bit of a Pully-Percy when I’m walking somewhere different as there’s always lots of interesting to smells to sniff out! But this year we are going to make it our mission to uncover lots of fresh and exciting routes, which we can then share with all of you lovely people!

A big thing that can help me concentrate better on my walks is food! Since I was a puppy, based on our trainer’s recommendation, mum and dad have hand-fed me 90% of my meals, which has a really positive effect on my engagement when I’m out walking, training etc. For my normal walks, we just use my kibble (Donk’s Dog Stuff - Salmon and Potato) but for training, or if I am going to be allowed off lead, they will also bring along a selection of treats to make sure I really pay attention! When you’re a total foodie like me, if there’s a chance that mum will pull a nice big bit of salmon stick or a mouth-watering sprat bite out of that treat bag, I’m going to be working twice as hard for her.

Now dry kibble works well for us (you probably wouldn’t want to hand-feed wet dog food!), but there are also wet and raw food options available. There’s a huge selection of brands out there and so many variations within those categories - some people even feed mixtures of the different types. As with any change though, it is very important to seek professional advice from your vet before switching diets, particularly if switching to raw.

We’ll be back next time with an update on my pub dog progress, so until then, Happy New Year and I hope 2023 is off to a good start for you all! Bye for now Friends!

Atlas loves his donk’s dog bowl kibble! He absolutely gobbles it up. It’s available online from donk’s dog stuff where you can even have a monthly subscription to save on the cost. You can also pick it up at Barking Mad Dog & Behaviour company in Ilketshall St Lawrence in Suffolk.

donksdogstuff.com

If you’re looking to try your dog on raw food, then look no further than the Raw Dog Food Company. They offer a variety of brands and can take you through a personalised consultation process to make sure you’re well informed and your furry friend gets the right food for them!

rawdogfoodcompany.co.uk

Salmon With Potato donk’s dog bowl

A Year for You 2023

Boom.

Just like that it’s 2023. We are officially living in the future. 8 years further into the future than Marty and the Doc travelled but still no self-tying shoes and the only dehydrated/rehydrating food exists on the Space station. Whilst some things in the future are awesome, like Netflix and ApplePay, some things aren’t like still having to adult and taking responsibility for our actions. No other time hits harder than January, the annual wet fart of the year. It follows on from Christmas like a dip in an ice bath after a month-long jacuzzi. The lights come down, the recycling bin is overflowing and worst of all, the seasonal TV guide ends. No more morning mimosas, afternoon cheese bingeing

and the tea towels no longer encompass the small heads of nativity shepherds. The glitter dust settles and suddenly, the world turns ‘new year, new you’ crazy. Your overindulgence is no longer seasonally acceptable and now you’re just greedier than a Mogwai after midnight. Blurgh. Some people are all about that healthy living lifestyle and some of us have always felt running should be reserved for emergency situations like an evacuation or the threat of imminent death. So what can you do if you fall into the latter? Less Mr Motivator, more Mr Procrastinator? Recently health issues have forced me into an unwanted detox and although there are some things you can’t phone in, there are ways to make it more palatable.

Water for the win

As someone who usually only drinks water if it is boiled and poured onto ground coffee, I have had to retrain myself to enjoy it in its purest form. For me, water has been important in my recovery and that’s because water is incredibly good for you. Water has multiple benefits for the body including helping to keep your skin clear and youthful. Dehydration promotes the formation of wrinkles and collagen is around 60% water, so keeping up your water intake can help to keep this useful protein in check. Water can help regulate your weight too as it contains no calories and helps you to feel full. Water helps maintain kidney function, regulates your blood pressure and temperature, promotes joint health and digestive efficiency. It is literally essential, but equally, drinking enough can feel like effort. So treat it like a marathon, not a sprint. Start with some water, any amount and make a conscious effort to drink some water every day, then increase the amount incrementally. Drink some for a week, then drink 500ml everyday for 2 weeks, then drink a litre everyday for another 2 weeks and so on. You can buy a water bottle that has time check reminders on it and try to keep up with it. After a while it will stop tasting like TV static and you’ll find you like it.

If you don’t, why not try sugar free cordials. They can make the difference between a silk purse and a sow’s ear.

Mind your mental health

The balance of your overall health must include your mental health. There’s no way to oversell it. How you feel mentally is just as important as you feel physically. It doesn’t matter how well frosted a cake is if the inside is sawdust. As with a lot of advice, this is easier said than done but when you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone. You might be surprised to find you share the same worries and even if solutions can’t be immediately offered, sharing the burden of your thoughts can still provide relief. Speak to a family member, partner, friend or a stranger. Call the Samaritans. It’s free from any phone at any time on 116 123. You don’t need to tell them your life story, you don’t even need to be an open book, but if your pages are starting to read like an Edgar Allan Poe spiral of despair, you do need to at least crack the spine and let some of it out. Bad thoughts are like bad smells- you don’t need them to hang around. Be more Elsa and let them go. Talking is a quid pro quo deal too. Once you start opening up, you’ll find that people are more inclined to reciprocate. Sharing creates trust and helps you learn more about others. Even Hannibal Lecter learned to share, so you can too. Music can also be a medium for helping to process your emotions and can calm anxiety. Make yourself a playlist and take yourself out for some fresh air. Personally, there is something empowering about blasting My Chemical Romance through your headphones whilst nodding as you pass old ladies on the street.

Go to war on your wardrobe

I can not stress this enough but throw out those jeans that no longer fit you. There’s no shame in it. Stop torturing yourself that one day you’ll get back in them and make some space in your wardrobe. There’s no need to go the full Marie Kondo and throw out anything that doesn’t bring you joy – I don’t know about you but my toothbrush doesn’t bring me joy and yet, I’m keeping it- but do be honest with yourself about what actually serves you. Decluttering your space can help reduce anxiety and stress as being surrounded physically can add to feelings of being burdened. Maybe you used to be thinner but if you’re healthy now, just wear the jeans that fit. Bag up the excess and donate it to charity. Sell it on Vinted. Just get it out the house and give yourself the space to breathe; mentally and also in your right sized jeans.

Goal setting for goal getting

‘If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time’. It is easy to achieve nothing. And you can do just that and remain at the same point until this time next year. Or you can embed some healthy habits now and make 2023 a year of growth. If you start with your water intake, you’ve got the jump on it already. Again, slow and steady wins the race. Set achievable goals. Compartmentalise and set yourself a healthy living goal, a mental health goal and a creativity goal for each week. Vow to cook healthy meals MondayFriday and have the weekend off. Make regular plans with friends and family to stay connected, even if it’s just a phone call. Do something you’re good at- sports, knitting, writing, painting- to remind yourself that you have your own strengths. Kill two birds with one stone and ask a friend to start an exercise class with you. I tried boxercise once and although my useless sense of direction meant I nearly punched my friend in the face, we certainly burnt some calories through laughing. Exercise doesn’t need to be vigorous but regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones and muscles, improve heart and lung function and help improve sleep. Plus, you know the saying, exercise means extra fries. So, decide what is it that you want to achieve this year and create some goals to see you get there. Setting incremental goals helps you focus, sustains momentum and highlights progress. Once you start seeing the progress you have made, it will be easier to visualise the end result. That rush of endorphins will make it worth it and as Elle Woods said, endorphins make you happy. Who couldn’t use more of that this year?

So be the tortoise, it doesn’t matter if you’re moving slow, as long as you’re moving forward. Your life isn’t necessarily going to transform into Eat, Pray, Love but you may be surprised by the results of healthy new habits. I am sure that you will reap what you sow this year. So, make 2023 a year for you and get planting some beautiful things.

The Essence of it

Inspiringwomen Sarah Savage

Norfolk brims over with top quality local producers, creating just about everything from jam to gin, from chocolate to cheese, and all things in between.

One great success story is Sarah Savage and her Essence Foods range. From her base in rural Mid Norfolk, Sarah, who is now joined by sons Edward and Archie, began her foodie company in 2005, producing delicious jams from her own kitchen.

Now, the company HQ is based

at The Old Dairy at Stanfi eld, near Dereham, where there is a very pleasant cafe plus their manufacturing base. They employ fi ve members of staff and Sarah says it is a great leveller to have her two sons work with her. ‘We all speak our minds and they have their areas of responsibility, so I might have what I think is a great idea but they soon put me straight!’ she laughs.

Customers, says Sarah, love to watch the kitchen team at work, through a large picture window, producing both

their meals and a range of conserves, marmalades, mustards, chutneys and a rather special chocolate spread. ‘We often do blind taste tests with customers - that’s our market research,’ says Sarah. ‘It is invaluable, really.’

Sarah also uses many of their products in dishes which feature on the menu (think soups, quiches, salads, cakes and more) at the cafe which opens Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm. ‘We do breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas - we are dog friendly and there’s

indoor and outdoor seating,’ she says, adding that she has recently been experimenting with recipes for vegan and dairy free cakes, including using a vegan cream for icing!

Indeed, a key part of Sarah’s work, and one that brings her the most pleasure, is product developmentmaking new goodies for us to enjoy, and was something she used to do for Marks and Spencer. ‘I’ve lots of plans this year,’ she says. ‘I’m planning new conserves, mamalades, chutneys and a new mustard - it’s the fun part, really, I love being in the kitchen, using seasonal herbs and seeing what I come up with!’

Sarah uses ingredients sourced from Norfolk as much as possible, including herbs from both her own garden and the one at The Old Dairy. ‘There are 36 different herbs in the garden at The Old Dairy and at home I have another 89 - all different so I am spoilt for choice,’ she says.

The range takes in three brandsMontys which is mustards and chutneys, Essence Botanicals which is low sugar, high fruit conserves and marmalades and Beetella which is a healthy chocolate spread. There are almost 50 products across the three brands at present which, with Sarah’s plan for new goodies this year, will increase. ‘We don’t tend to drop products as people do have their favourites,’ she says.

recently hit the headlines when it was featured in a top TV programme from Channel Four called Aldi’s Next Big Time, with the winner stocked by the supermarket giant. Sarah said that the judges really liked the versatility of their mustards, especially when used in the quirky sounding mustard ice cream, although the range was not eventually selected for Aldi’s shelves.

Montys

She is especially proud of Montys Mustards as it is now Europe’s only single Estate mustard, with the seeds grown on a farm just a mile away from their Stanfi eld base. ‘It is grown in Norfolk, milled here, and we make it into mustard here,’ she says.

Despite the current cost of living crisis, with many small business owners worried about what the future might hold, Sarah is brimming over with ideas for 2023. First up is developing their food service range. The company won an award at last year’s North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival which has seen them work with Barsby’s Produce who now help them distribute their products to restaurants, hotels and pubs, for chefs to use in their dishes. ‘It’s another great market for us and one we are really excited about,’ says Sarah.

They are also looking at export opportunities, with interest in their products from France, India and the United Arab Emirates. ‘The paperwork is getting easier,’ says Sarah. ‘And we are lucky to receive support from the

Department of Trade and Industry - we have an advisor who is really helpful.’

Future plans also include continuing to promote the work of Yana, a charity which offers rural mental health support, and working with non food brands to create specifi c products, for example, a jam to help a budding, local sportsman.

Sarah, who also ran a popular deli and sandwich bar in Norwich, says they will continue to attend leading farmers’ markets and food festivals, including the Royal Norfolk Show in June, and the North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival at Holkham,and Aldeburgh Food Festival in Suffolk, both in September. And there are plans to develop a YouTube channel, with recipes, advice, product information and more.

Finally, while acknowledging economic problems such as price hikes for both glass and cardboard, and soaring energy bills, she does look forward to the new year with enthusiasm. ‘We don’t want to stand still; we had two years with the pandemic when we couldn’t really do much but now, it’s time to get going!’

The Old Dairy, Stanfi eld, Dereham www.essencefoods.co.uk

Mustard

Ask the Expert

www.jarrold.co.uk

Dare

we mention the words “Spring Clean” in the month of January? It might be a bit soon but after the past few months filled with decadent dining, this could be the time to get your food cupboards organised and ensure there aren’t any stray sell-by dates in the back.

If your cupboard is reminiscent of spaghetti junction with packets of pasta, each containing just shy of one portion, you’re not alone, but it’s time to say goodbye with a jumbled pasta dish for supper.

If you have summery shapes such as trofie, strozzapreti and fusilli, mix with pesto and serve for an easy meal. A fresh plant-based pesto such as Shore Italian Basil and Seaweed Peso (108g, £4.90) could make the perfect January evening feast. It also makes a great topping for pizza, spread in a sandwich or as a drizzle for roasted vegetables.

If you have tubes and ribbons languishing, try a rich and flavoursome ragu such as this La Madia Wild Boar Ragi (180g, £5.60) or if you

fancy something a little different, why not try Bernardini Black Truffle Ragu (180g, £11.00)?

Now for a full clear-out pasta dish, you could just mix in some delicious olive oil such as this infused Bio Orto Extra Virgin Olive Oil in either Chilli or Basil (200ml, £13.00) and sprinkle with some Parmigiano Reggiano from the Jarrold deli counter. Buon appetite!

Home and Dry

Gone are the days when choosing the non-alcoholic option meant you are faced with something overly-sweet or uninspiring (elderflower anyone?).

Whether it’s your new year’s resolution or whether you are looking to change your diet, you don’t have to miss out on life’s luxuries. Start your plantbased diet with inspiration from the Jarrold Food Hall.

100% Pure Maple

Vegan Butter

180g | £7.50

A deliciously rich and creamy, dairy free, spread that is made from one ingredient only: maple syrup. A wonderful substitute to honey and jam.

Gnaw Oat Mylk

Chocolate Bar

100g | £3.50

Local brand, GNAW, make sustainable artisan chocolate which is perfect to enjoy with your feet up after a hard day.

Clearspring Organic Japanese Tofu Silken & Smooth Soya Bean Curd | 300g | £3 Organic, high-protein and lowfat food that tastes as good as the fresh tofu made in Japan; from soups to smoothies, it can be used in savoury as well as in

With many people moving towards an alcohol-free lifestyle, it would seem that the market has recognised the need for sophistication in their choice of booze-free beverages.

At Jarrold, we stock an array of low and non-alcohol drinks to help keep you motivated but special mention has to be made for Seedlip, a British company that makes plant-based liquor substitutes which are said to ‘solve the dilemma of what to drink when you are not drinking’.

Seedlip Garden 108 is a fresh and herbal distilled non-alcoholic spirit which can be served with a selection of tonic waters or ginger ale for a refreshing drink.

A great alternative for gin drinkers and produced in copper stills, the Garden 108 profile includes peas, hay, spearmint, rosemary, hops and thyme.

Fancy taking up the challenge for the month? Discover Seedlip in the Jarrold Food Hall.

Alice Rebecca Talbot owner of ART’s – Craft Kitchen

There’s so much you can grow indoors or on a really small balcony. Tomato or chilli plants are such a fun thing to grow because they are Mediterranean plants anyway so like the heat of a home

In conversation with Xanthe Gladstone

Xanthe

Gladstone is a chef and seasonal food advocate based in the beautiful countryside of the Hawarden Estate, North Wales. Being a strong activist for food sustainability, we delve into the importance of eating healthier, sustainable foods and Xanthe’s tips on how you can join in.

Could you tell us where your passion for nature and food sustainability first begun?

I think it’s been a very long time coming – if that makes sense. I was very lucky to grow up surrounded by nature and so I think I had a long appreciation and understanding of it. I lost this a little bit in my teens but it slowly started to come back towards the end of my time at University. After I graduated and was a little lost on what to do next, I started getting really interested in food sustainability and cooking, that interest turned into a bit of an obsession. I became fascinated with the work of Dan Barber and that led me into lots of different avenues like growing your own food, mushroom foraging, cooking seasonally, and understanding regenerative farming. I had my head in a book about one or other of these topics for the best part of two years and I soon realised that I couldn’t not at least try to turn this passion into a career.

Nailing that work-life balance can be hard, do you have any advice on this and what is your favourite way to relax? It can be hard for sure, especially when you love what you do, it’s hard to switch off! My work is often very physical and fast paced, especially when I have lots of supper clubs on, so it can be exhausting for my body as well as my mind. For the last few months I’ve really got back into exercise, more specifi cally hot yoga, which has been an absolute game changer for me. Stretching out and sweating is something I love doing. Exercise is for some people and isn’t for others, but try to fi nd an exercise that really suits you and what you like doing, if you actually enjoy it then you’re more likely to do it consistently. It’s really helped me switch off and as a result had a hugely benefi cial effect on my mental health. I also try to spend some time away from my phone when I want to properly switch off or I leave my phone at home and walk the dogs.

You’re a strong advocate for Food and Sustainability, how can you become more sustainable when it comes to food?

It is a huge issue and one that has many different avenues but I think having a better understanding of where our food comes from is a good place to start. Luckily for us, the supermarkets make this very easy by having to display the country of origin of their fresh produce. So, when you are in the supermarket, have a look at the label and maybe try to stick to produce that comes from the UK, or maybe, in winter, Europe. It’s such an easy way to really get to know a bit more about seasonal eating, and you’ll realise that the UK actually has a lot to offer, especially in summer.

People perceive moving to the countryside is when you want to settle down and relax at an older age. You proved this wrong by returning back from the corporate life to focus on growing fresh produce and cookery, is this something you want to influence more of for the younger generation? I think yes, but more generally I would like to be able to influence younger generations to have a bit more confidence in a pursuing a career that they truly love! If that involves moving to the countryside, then I hope seeing my journey will inspire them to do

something similar. I am very aware that I was very lucky to have a home in the countryside to go back to as I didn’t grow up in London, before I moved into my own cottage, so moving back in with my parents gave me some time to test the waters and figure out whether this was definitely what I wanted to do, not everyone has the opportunity. I hope that younger generations realise that there are so many different options when starting your career, and that city life isn’t for everyone.

What would you recommend for people living in the city who still want to grow fresh produce with limited space?

There’s so much you can grow indoors or on a really small balcony. Tomato or chilli plants are such a fun thing to grow because they are Mediterranean plants anyway so like the heat of a home (to an extent). I always recommend growing herbs on a windowsill or balcony because some herbs are very hardy (like rosemary, thyme, sage) and others like parsley and basil will grow really well in summer. I use multiple herbs every single day so they are something that’s really worth growing for me.

Your favourite plant-based recipe?

Lots of pasta sauces I make are accidentally plant-based, and they’re a great thing to make to to get lots of veg in but also cook something delicious. My go to at the moment is a Slow Cooked Aubergine and Tomato Sauce. Not to be this person but there’s a recipe for it on my Instagram if you wanted to check it out.

Cabbage

Fermented food is great for your gut and this organic sauerkraut is such a treat to make and eat.

INGREDIENTS: Makes 1 750ml jar

• 1 large white cabbage

• 2 tsp mustard seeds

• 2 tsp caraway seeds

• 1 large tablespoon of Maldon salt

METHOD:

- Chop the cabbage or put it through a mandolin, adding the spices or herbs of your choice. Put the cabbage into a mixing bowl and add Maldon.

- Massage the cabbage for about 3-5 minutes until moist. You should see liquid start to appear when you squeeze it. Salt plays a key role in the fermentation process, encouraging the growth of healthy bacteria whilst also killing off any bad bacteria.

- Sterilize a jar with boiling water and then fill the jar with the cabbage, pushing it down so that the sauerkraut has no air bubbles in it. Ideally you want the cabbage to be fully submerged in the liquid.

- Leave in your kitchen for at least 5 days. You can leave it for longer if you prefer a tangier flavour, but once open, be sure to store in the fridge.

Sauerkraut

Squash

is one of the most exciting vegetables to grow as they come in so many shapes and sizes. One of my favourite recipes is squash soup, seasoned with fresh herbs, Maldon Salt and topped with crispy mushrooms.

INGREDIENTS: Serves 4

• 200g mushrooms

• 1 large butternut squash

• A handful of fresh thyme

• 2-3 cloves of garlic

• 1300ml vegetable stock

• 1 x tin of chopped tomatoes (400g)

• 2 red onions

• A teaspoon of Maldon

METHOD:

- Pre-heat your oven to 220 °C. Start by taking the skins off the squash. The best way to do this is with a knife rather than a peeler.

- Chop up the squash into cubes and place on a baking tray with red onions and garlic cloves in their skins. Add thyme, a drizzle of olive oil and plenty of Maldon salt and pepper.

- Once the veg is soft, take the skins off the garlic and add to a pan with the squash, vegetable stock, a tin of chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes and then blitz with a hand blender or food processor.

- Place the mushrooms on a lined baking tray with olive oil, season with salt and roast them until crispy. To serve, spoon the soup into bowls, add the mushrooms, pepper and a

• 3-4 Tbsp extra

final sprinkle of Salt. Delicious.

Squash Soup

It’s all very laid backthere are no Bake Off technical challenges or anything stressful - and there’s plenty of time to relax by one of the hotel’s two pools, stroll to the nearby beach or explore the village of Maleme with its great artisan shops.

Crete Flavours of

Sarah Hardy heads to Crete for a week of cooking - and eating!

The Cretan Diet is generally regarded as the healthiest in the world, with islanders regularly living to more than 100 years old. The secret to this longevity is put down, in part, to their diet. Think masses of olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables, local goats’ cheeses, locally caught fish, cups of herbal mountain tea (malotira) and the odd glass of wine.

Now one hotel, the Mistral, in the west of the island, is running a week’s retreat dedicated to the island’s

➤

rich larder, offering a real mixture of experiences, trips and foodie adventures.

Called Flavours of Crete, the next week runs in May (then one in October) and is for both keen and amateur cooks - and those who just enjoy food. It’s all very laid back - there are no Bake Off technical challenges or anything stressful - and there’s plenty of time to relax by one of the hotel’s two pools, stroll to the nearby beach or explore the village of Maleme with its great

artisan shops.

It is an all inclusive package and there is an organised programme of events, with something every day, and, interestingly, after your day’s excursions, you all eat together in the evening. Dinner is served at communal tables at 8pm, with a bell summoning you all to take your place. It is very much authentic, home-cooked food with many Greek favourites on offer. Ingredients are all seasonal and local, with much of the fruit and veg coming

from the hotel’s own market garden. Dishes come - and keep on comingon enormous platters, and you just dive in as the wine flows, too. Be warned, you will put on weight as everything is simply delicious.

The week’s programme has been designed to show off the island’s food heritage and share some traditional recipes. You are whizzed about the island in a couple of minibuses, driven by the hotel owner, Adonis, and his great friend, Panos, with traditional Greek music blaring out and a very giggly atmosphere inside!

The first trip saw us drive into the hills and visit the world’s oldest olive tree in Vouves which is said to be between 3000 and 5000 years old, and it still produces a good crop of olives. Then we visited the Biolea Astrikas Estate, an olive oil processing factory where we learnt that cold pressed, single estate extra virgin olive oil is the only type to use. Greece produces the most olive oil in the world, often selling it to Spain and Italy, and we sampled oils infused with lemon, orange and bergamot, which were delicious.

As we soon discovered, lunch was an important part of the trip and we tucked into quite a feast at To Faragi (The Gorge) in nearby Deliana.

The following day we headed into the hotel’s own garden, picking aubergines, peppers, chillis, tomatoes and more - we were too late for the

Mama Katerina

Maleme Taverna

Falasarna Beach

melons and soft fruits - and then it was into the kitchen to prepare a scrumptious lunch. Adonis’ mother, Katerina, a very spritely 84-year-old, was our teacher and she demonstrated some of her family’s recipes and we did our best not to ruin them.

We tackled everything from tzatziki to stuffed peppers and tomatoes, boureki (layers of courgettes, goats’ cheese and potatoes), marathopites (dill pies) and kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries). The family has produced a cookbook, Cretan Cuisine, with more than 100 recipes for you to try at home. You won’t have quite the same first class ingredients but it’s fun to try and recreate your favourite dishes.

Day four we visited a farmers’ market in Kolymbari, a nearby seaside village, where stalls brimmed over with mountain greens and wild herbs plus thyme infused honey, all sorts of olives, cheeses and another local delicacy - snails - which are gently fried with plenty of garlic.

And then we enjoyed a generous

tasting session at Pnevmatikakis

Winery, which produces red, white and rose wines at a 30-acre vineyard, and has marvellous views of the Bay of Kissamos. Certainly Greek wines have improved a lot in recent times - I remember sipping Domestica back in the 1980s which was a sure way of getting an impressive headache!

The following day was my highlighta trip to the island’s Botanical Park and Gardens. Set over 20 hectares, three different climate zones - Mediterranean, Alpine and Tropical - offer an incredible range of fruit trees, herbs, medicinal plants, ornamental shrubs and more. It’s about a two mile walk around the park, which clings to the hillside, so do wear appropriate footwear.

The restaurant serves organic food, with much coming from the park itself,

and it was beautifully presented, with the citrus fruits of particular note.

We also enjoyed a day in Chania, a charming Venetian harbour city, packed with restaurants, bars and shops. It’s the perfect spot to just stroll, stop for coffee and stroll some more, especially through the myriad of narrow back streets where you’ll stumble upon pretty courtyards and very atmospheric bars.

Our final trip was to Falassarna, a wild and expansive beach, often voted one of the best in Crete, with the remains of a Hellenistic harbour to explore. We then drove to Sfinari, a remote little coastal village set amongst the olive groves, where we saw the famous fish soup, kakavia, being made, which we sampled along with a range of shellfish and fish, washed down with plenty of wine the family-run Sunset Fish Restaurant.

While the itinerary is fascinating, perhaps what makes the trip so special is the family that runs it. They have an incredibly high percentage of repeat visitors, who are really treated like family members themselves, and lovingly wrapped in a very warm embrace. Adonis is a proud Cretan who simply bubbles over with enthusiasm for his island, while his wife, Aura, and all the staff, are all very friendly, kind and considerate.

The Mistral offers holidays for independent single travellers.

The dates for the 2023 Flavours of Crete Weeks are May 2 and October 10. www.singlesincrete.com

It's seriously cold outside now! The frosty mornings are in full swing and de-icing the windscreen is going to be the new normal for a while! Now is the perfect time to invest in some lovely, new, cosy pieces to keep you warm and toasty this winter.

By Polly Coleman

1. Space Dye Roll Neck White Knitted Jumper, £65, Oliver Bonas. 2. Dark Stone Rosie Striped Dress, £75, FatFace. 3. Isabella Colour Block Gloves, £18, FatFace. 4. Paige Colour Block Beanie, £22.50, FatFace. 5. Laura Black Chelsea Boots, £89, FatFace. 6. Two Pack Bee Fluvia Socks, £14, FatFace. 7. Dark Purple Cable Knit Faux Fur Pom Pom Bobble Hat, £8.99, New Look. 8. Mint Velvet Beige Chevron Print Jumper, £89, JARROLD. 9. Oatmeal Contrast Stripe Roll Neck Knitted Jumper, £59.50, Oliver Bonas. 10. Long Diamond Quilted Showerproof Duvet Coat with Hood, £98, NEXT. 11. Forever Comfort® Faux Fur Lace-Up Ankle Boots, £59, NEXT.

Chatham Quilted Heritage Green Coat, £139. Wetherby Tan Check Scarf, £34.95 & Bette Slim Straight Jeans, £59.95, all Joules

Tom Strowlger @garden_with_tom

Gardening

with Tom Strowlger

mid-month of meteorological winter and the garden is in a state of cold and frosty dormancy. But that should not stop us gardeners. We can achieve quite a lot this month in readiness for springtime. A good place to start is the disposal of our real Christmas tree. To be kind to the environment we should cut and shred it into bark compost and mulch, to be used on our borders and beds.

The weather in January is usually harsh, with hard frosts, snow and stormy conditions hitting the garden. It is important that we secure and stake plants and shrubs and tie in any loose climbers to the wall, fence, trellis or archway frame.

If we allow snow to build up on shrubs and plants it can damage the branches, leaves and new buds, we should use a soft broom to gently brush it off.

Wisteria, rhododendron, rose bushes, apple and pear trees to name but a few can be carefully pruned whilst they sit dormant. The art of pruning is to step back from the plant to assess whether you want to soft or hard prune, to consider the shape you wish to achieve. It is best to take your time when pruning as a branch can only be cut once.

The soil in our gardens is generally very moist and perhaps even muddy at this time of year so we can lift soil and weeds with relative ease meaning our gardens will move into springtime with less invasive weeds taking hold. Whilst tidying weeds up, we can deadhead winter cyclamen and pansies to keep them looking fresh and tidy.

January brings us gardeners much anticipation of what our gardening journey will be in the year to come. Although the excesses of the festive period fade into distant memory winter remains with us. We should try and get into the garden on bright, dry and crisp winter days as fresh air and exercise will do us the world of good. We can wrap ourselves up and venture outdoors to get started on the 2023 gardening calendar.

January is the

So let’s turn any January blues green by getting into gardens and outdoor spaces, amongst the white snowdrops, yellow winter aconites and very early Dutch irises. The sight of these little flowers will give us the skip in our step to get excited about other early flowering bulbs and what we want to achieve in our gardens in 2023.

Please do follow me on Instagram @garden_with_tom for more seasonal gardening advice and tips.

January

TOP TIPS

Dig over any bare borders and beds to allow the soil to breathe

Keep the birds happy with some high energy bird food and unfrozen water

Clear up any remaining fallen leaves from lawns

Clean your empty flower pots and tubs ready for the new planting season

Try to keep off your frozen lawn, footsteps can snap and kill your grass

If we allow snow to build up on shrubs and plants it can damage the branches, leaves and new buds, we should use a soft broom to gently brush the snow off.

Able Community Care has been in the same family for nearly four decades and now provides livein care services throughout the UK.

Since 1980 we have provided care and have met with thousands of families who are seeking an alternative to moving into a residential care home.

Meeting people inevitably leads, either at the time of an assessment or even years later, to questions for which people are looking for answers.

Information around all aspects of care is available but the road to finding out, especially at a time of crisis, about specific factors can be difficult and stressful. Able Community Care receives calls and emails on a regular basis with people asking if we can help with their search for information.

Recently these questions have been asked of us...

Question: I have decided, because of my age, to give up driving and will give my car to my daughter. I have been told that the tax disc has to be cancelled and she will have to re-apply. Is this correct?

Answer: Yes, while car owners were previously able to carry over any remaining months of tax to a new vehicle, this is no longer the case regardless of whether you sell the car or transfer ownership to a family member. At the time of transfer or selling, you should advise the DVLA as soon as

possible and a refund for any remaining time will be sent to you. The person getting the car from you needs to advise the DVLA that they are the new owner immediately.

Question: Who qualifies for a Blue Badge Parking Disc?

Answer: There are two categories in the main about who qualifies for a Blue Badge Parking Disc. People who qualify automatically, for example you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and individuals who can apply because one of several factors apply e.g. you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes.

Individuals who are in the second situation need to apply to their local Council who will make the decision to issue one or not.

Visit www.gov.uk then search for Blue Badges and you will get further, full information including slightly differing situations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

There is also information about using your Blue Badge if you are intending to travel outside of the UK.

Question: Do you have to pay tax on a life insurance policy payout?

Answer: There is no specific tax on the financial benefit paid out when a person dies, however, it may be subject to Inheritance Tax if the benefit forms part of the deceased person ‘s estate. While there is no specific tax on life

Director

Ask Angela

insurance, either when bought or in the event of a valid death claim, the value of the life insurance policy may be subject to Inheritance Tax if it forms part of the deceased’s estate.

Question: If someone has recently died, how can you check if they made a will?

Answer: If you want to search for the will of a person who died recently, you can apply to the Probate Service for a standing search to be made. They will check their records to see if a grant of probate has been made in the twelve months before your application and they will continue to check for six months afterwards.

Angela Gifford, Managing

of Able Community Care, answers your questions...

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Why are Lasting Powers of Attorney so important?

It is a common misconception that a spouse/family member has an automatic entitlement to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity short or long term, but that is not true. To protect you and your loved ones against a short or long term situation where your husband, wife, partner, children cannot make decisions for you, we highly recommend that you contact us to book a FREE FIRST APPOINTMENT to discuss putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place There are 2 different types of Lasting Powers of Attorney – one for financial and property decisions and the other for health and care decisions Setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney can be likened to the purchase of a home insurance policy You hope that your house won’t burn down, but if it did, then knowing that you have house insurance in place can make a real difference in putting your mind at ease We are all living longer and statistics show that 1 in 3 of us will develop dementia Covid and lockdowns have made Lasting Powers of Attorney even more important, especially if you become housebound or are isolating It is vital to release the burden from loved ones to allow them to access your money and pay for your care Banks can freeze accounts if capability is lost, even if in joint names A Lasting Power of Attorney negates these issues and gives you and your loved ones peace of mind Please contact us to make a F R E E F I R S T A P P O I N T M E N T to discuss this further. We offer home visits at no extra cost.

Chantel Heath

INSTAGRAM @ChantelHeathFitness www.chantelfitness.co.uk

I'm a 41 year old mother of two & Personal Fitness coach. I work one to one, in person & online with clients aged 18-80. My specialisms include pre & postnatal training, cancer rehab, pilates, & GP exercise referrals. I run fitness classes online and in person in the Suffolk Coastal area. I am also a Mental Health First aider.

Fitness

Getting back on track

the same is true in this case. Going off track for a couple of weeks is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

Get up!

We all enjoy a lie in every now and then but over Christmas it can become the norm. While that can be good to help us recharge, we can quickly fall into the trap of ‘lazy’ mornings in bed just dozing, and feeling sluggish when we do finally get out of bed. Half the day is gone and you’ve barely done anything! Get into the habit of setting your alarm and getting up at a more normal time.

This can really help to get you ready for the day ahead, and will make the return to your normal routine less of a shock to the system.

Get outside

Fresh air and daylight is so important for our health, especially during the winter months. Exposure to natural light helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, boosts our immune system, improves our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, helps us to focus, enables us to get more done, and even makes us happier. So get yourself out and about. Just a 15 minute walk will do wonders for you!

Make use of that Christmas present! Did you get a smartwatch for Christmas? Then use it! Keeping an eye on your daily steps can be a great way to motivate yourself to become more active! For heart health, keep an eye on your heart rate, and try to push yourself into zone 2 whenever you can as this is the level that will really help to improve your cardiovascular health. Because zone 2 is classed as fairly easy exercise, it’s a great way to boost your fitness levels without putting major stress on your body.

so who’s suffering from a Christmas Hangover? Not the booze related kind of hangover, but the horrid feeling that comes from days of too much food and drink, and nowhere near enough physical activity. All motivation and drive is completely AWOL. Sound familiar? Here are my top tips for getting back on track.

Don’t beat yourself up about it. It really isn’t the end of the world. It’s just a bump in the road. Anyone who has made a lasting change to their health and fitness will tell you that it takes more than a couple of weeks ‘being good’ to make a difference and

Ok,

Did you get a smartwatch for Christmas? Then use it! Keeping an eye on your daily steps can be a great way to motivate yourself to become more active!

Ditch the Christmas snacks.

Yes they are delicious, no you do not need to eat them all so they don’t go to waste! Many of the snacks we eat over christmas can be very high in sugar, which in general can have a negative impact on our energy levels, mood, appetite, and generally just leave us feeling a bit meh! If you genuinely feel like you can’t be trusted not to eat them all, get them out of the house!

Drink!

Water, not the leftover Christmas booze! In the long term too much alcohol massively increases your chances of suffering from many serious health conditions. In the short term it affects your sleep quality, which will in turn affect your energy levels, motivation and appetite. The NHS currently recommends the average adult should consume 6-8 glasses (1.52.5L) of fluid per day. This doesn’t have to be just water, hot drinks, squash and juice all count, but bear in mind some of these other drinks may be high in sugar and other ingredients that should be consumed in moderation.

HIIT it!

Boost your energy and motivation levels by doing a short workout. It may sound counterintuitive, especially if you’re really struggling to motivate yourself, but nothing energizes you like a quick workout. This is where HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), can be great. The idea is that you work hard for a short period, followed by a recovery period. For example 30 seconds of maximum effort followed by 30 seconds rest. Repeat 10 times for a short, but endorphin boosting workout. You really can do this anywhere, out walking or cycling, at home on an exercise bike, or choose a

few exercises such as squats, push ups, lunges and star jumps to go through. The key thing here is that everyone’s maximum effort will be different, so just work at a pace that feels challenging for you. In the 30 seconds rest, either stop completely or slow down to a very gentle recovery pace.

Don’t get sucked in…

The diet pushers are out in force this time of year, promising to have you lose vast amounts of weight in just a few weeks if you buy their shake/ workout plan/diet pills. And if you buy their product and severely restrict your calorie intake for a few weeks you will almost certainly lose weight. You will probably also lose a lot of money, your social life, and find yourself feeling tired, hungry and miserable. The key to long lasting and sustainable weight loss is patience and making small changes. Look out for my February column where I will be sharing some of the easy nutrition coaching tips I use with my clients who want to reduce their body fat.

Granola bars

INGREDIENTS: Makes 12

• 100g butter, plus extra for greasing

• 200g porridge oats

• 100g sunflower seeds

• 50g sesame seeds

• 50g chopped walnuts

• 3 Tbsp honey

• 100g muscovado sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 100g dried cranberries

TIP: You can use a mix of berries if you prefer.

METHOD:

- Pre-heat the oven to 160°C. Grease with butter and line the base of a 18cm x 25cm tin. Mix the oats, seeds and nuts in a roasting tin, then put in the oven for 5-10 minutes to toast.

- Meanwhile, warm the butter, honey and sugar in a pan. Keep stirring until all of the butter is melted. Add the oat mix, cinnamon and dried fruit, then mix until all the oats are well coated. transfer to the tin, press down lightly, then bake for 30 minutes. Cool in tin, then cut into 12 equal bars.

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