Places&Faces 147 - February 2023

br adle y ha tc h

je weller s

Welcome to the February edition of our lifestyle magazine!

As the winter chill begins to thaw and we start to feel the warmth of spring on the horizon, love is definitely in the air. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re feeling all sorts of romantic. But if you’re not quite ready to jump headfirst into the sappy, lovey-dovey stuff, fear not! We’ve got plenty of other content to keep you entertained.

From the latest fashion trends to tasty recipes and fitness tips, we’ve got something for everyone.

And speaking of everyone, we’ve also got alternative romantic date suggestions for you this month. Whether you’re single, attached or somewhere in between, we’ve got an idea for you. So if you’re tired of the usual dinner and a movie routine, why not try something different. From a Rage Room to Axe Throwing, we’ve got plenty of ideas that will bring you and your special someone closer together.

So grab your significant other and take a cue from the classic film Love, Actually which reminds us, “Love actually is all around.”.

So kick back, grab a cup of cocoa (or a glass of wine, if that’s more your style), and get ready to fall in love with our February issue.

Andrew Hirst EDITOR

COMPETITION

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.

CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Hirst, Jade Soanes, Mel Cook, Polly Coleman, Rachel Gilbert, Chantel Heath, Tom Strowlger, Adam Gunton, Emily Sparkes, Sarah Hardy, Francesca Armour-Chelu, Charlie Smith-Knight, Melissa Speakman and Atlas the Dog

IN Staying

with Adam Gunton

at the movies

What's on? Don't

Miss The Whale

Released: 3 February

From Darren Aronofsky, acclaimed director of Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan and Mother! comes this powerful, grounded drama starring Brendan Fraser (The Mummy), Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Ty Simpkins (Insidious, Jurassic World). Brendan Fraser plays Charlie, a reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher who teaches his classes over the internet. His estranged daughter Ellie, played by Sadie Sink, comes back into this life and he tries to reconnect with her. Charlie knows his weight, which was brought on through depression after losing someone close to him, is going to cost him years of his life and the clock is running out to make things right with Ellie. Fraser received a five-minute standing ovation at the London Film Festival for his role and it’s clear to see why. It’s hard to even get through the trailer without shedding a tear. If you’re looking for something to give you an emotional detox, you’ve found it.

Magic Mike's Last Dance

Released: 10 February

If February is the month of love then this is the greatest Valentine’s gift that we could ask for. Channing Tatum is back as Magic Mike, with original director Steven Soderbergh. Mike is working as a barman in a cocktail bar. That much is true. But when friendly customer Salma Hayek wants to get to know him better, he shows her his skills by dancing up on her. I think that’s the technical term? Hayek convinces Mike to join her in London and to put on an unforgettable dance show in one of London’s oldest theatres. Passion burns hard on the stage and behind the scenes as Mike gives it his all for one last dance. Bring a fan, bring some oxygen because apparently this ends in a steamy thirty minute dance sequence.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Released: 3 February

The beloved fairy-tale character made popular in Shrek 2 is back for his second solo silver screen outing. Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) finds his love for adventure has had dire consequences; he’s used up eight of his nine lives! He embarks on an incredible journey with Kitty Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek) to find the legendary Last Wish, in an attempt to recover his lost lives. All the while Puss is getting hunted by the deadly bounty hunter known as The Big Bad Wolf… At first this might be seem like a cash-in-sequel but there’s much more to love. The animation is incredible and the cast includes top talents like Olivia Coleman, Florence Pugh and John Mulaney. Perfect for a half-term trip to the cinema with the family.

Women Talking

Released: 10 February

Based on true events. In 2010, a group of women have a difficult decision to make. These women live in an isolated religious community and have suffered violent attacks which have been blamed on demons and devils. However they learn that the men of the community have been drugging and attacking them while they are incapacitated. While the men are briefly away, the women have to decide their next steps. Do nothing? Stay and fight the men? Or leave? Some of the women are paralysed by fear and religion and it’s not going to be an easy choice by any stretch. Starring Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Frances McDormand and Ben Whishaw. Don’t let this pass you by.

Pray for mercy from... Puss in Boots!

I need to know that I have done one thing right in my life!

What's on

?

IN Staying

Clarkson's Farm

Prime Video, 10 February

The biggest television surprise of 2021 was Clarkson’s Farm. We’ve all seen episodes of Top Gear where Jeremy Clarkson and his sidekicks would attempt something ridiculous with mildly entertaining, if not disastrous, results. So, when it was announced there was going to be a TV show of him trying his hand at farming, you’d expect things to turn out the same. But the result was something much more interesting. Yes, it had Clarkson making his usual stupid decisions based on his own arrogance rather than the advice he’d been given, such as purchasing a Lamborghini tractor. But it showed what the UK farming industry is like and how difficult it is; a reality that we’re so often blissfully unaware of. Farmers applauded Clarkson and the series for raising awareness of the struggles of the agri-community. So old Jezza has decided to keep going and see if another year on the farm shows a little more success than his first. Expect the same hijinks and the usual loveable faces such as Kaleb, Charlie and Gerald, the man no-one can understand.

Funny Woman

Sky/NOW TV, 9 February

on the Telly

Gemma Arterton stars as the hilarious Barbara Parker. Barbara was born and grew up in Blackpool but she’s moved to London because she wants to be someone. She believes she’s got the comedic talent to make it in the male dominated sitcom world of the 1960s. It’s a ruthless industry but Barbara might just have the wit that helps her stand out from the crowd. Based on the novel Funny Girl by Nick Hornby, this funny and endearing show also starts Rupert Everett, David Threlall and Tom Bateman.

You: Season 4 Part 1

Netflix, 9 February

Although he’d never want to be referred as a serial killer, the lovesick serial killer Joe Goldberg is backbut not as Joe Goldberg. After faking his murder at the hand of his wife, Love, whom he murdered (you read that right), Joe has made a new life for himself in London under the fake name Jonathan Moore. Joe hopes to put his past behind him and avoiding falling for women, seeing as that causes him to get obsessed which always ends with death. However that much misery and murder can only be evaded for so long… Joe makes new friends but it seems like one of them knows who he really is. He starts getting messages and threats to reveal his dark secrets. Can Joe stay one step ahead of this mystery person and keep his cool and… you know… not kill someone this time? Personally, I can’t wait for Joe to finally receive some comeuppance. Three whole seasons and he’s still getting away with it? Surely, it’s just a matter of time?

Nolly

ITVX, February Nolly, is a new limited series from Russell T. Davies, the mind behind the critically acclaimed It’s a Sin and the man who brought Doctor Who back to our screens and is returning to the show later this year. Staring Helena Bonham Carter as Noele Gordan, the actress best known for her role as widow Meg Richardson in the classic popular soap Crossroads. The series will delve into events after Noele was axed without warning from the soap, a television show that had been her life for over 18 years and Davies describes it as a story of how women are often treated by the television industry. The show is sure to be nostalgic, featuring talented actors playing people you might remember from Crossroads, and it’s accompanied by a documentary called The Real Nolly to help you really get into her story.

with Adam Gunton what's

Going out

Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club

17 February

Epic Studios, Norwich

Craig Charles returns to Norwich with his Funk and Soul Club . Doors open at 8pm and due to popular demand, Craig will be performing earlier than usual and will take to the stage from 10pm until midnight.

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

ELVANA: Elvis Fronted Nirvana

18 February

Epic Studios, Norwich

RIOPY

9 February, 7.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds

Self-taught pianist and composer who fuses minimalism, pop and cinematic styles, RIOPY’s evocative solo piano pieces are everywhere. They are on several popular movie trailers (including The Shape of Water ) and adverts ( Mercedes, Peugeot, Armani ), as well as documentaries for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. His first two albums RIOPY and Tree of Light became worldwide successes, powered by word of mouth. His music has reached 450 million streams worldwide, and now he’s releasing his new extended album; Bliss on Warner Classics.

www.theapex.co.uk

From the bowels of Disgraceland, Rock & Roll icons of the afterlife are raised from the dead! Rock & Roll meets Grunge as Elvis fronts Nirvana and gives the band the front man it’s been missing since ’94. Elvana tear through Nirvana’s catalogue whilst splicing in grunged-up sections of the King of Rock & Rolls finest moments, culminating in a whopper mash-up of overdrive & old school Rockabilly. It smells like cheeseburgers and teen spirit, daddy-o! www.epic-tv.com

Going out

Girl From The North Country

28 February - 4 March

It’s 1934 in the heartland of America and we meet a group of wayward souls who cross paths in a time-weathered guesthouse. Standing at a turning point in their lives, they realise nothing is what it seems. But as they search for a future, and hide from the past, they find themselves facing unspoken truths about the present.

Norwich

Theatre Royal High Performance Live

5 February

Join one of Britain’s best-respected sports broadcasters, Jake Humphrey, and psychologist Professor Damian Hughes, as they turn the lived experiences of the planet’s high performers into your life lessons. This dynamic and impactful theatre show will introduce you to some very special guests, as Jake and Damian invite members of the High Performance community to share their journey, demonstrating that high-happiness is within us all.

Garth TerrorTomeMarenghi’s Book Tour

14 February

Following the dismal failure of his 80s TV series Darkplace , horror literature’s greatest living author, Garth Marenghi, has largely avoided the limelight, but this winter Marenghi makes a rare public appearance to mark the release of his long-lost multi-volume epic; TerrorTome

Wish You Were Dead

20-25 February

Following on from five hit stage shows and the new acclaimed ITV series, GRACE, the work of best selling author, Peter James, returns to Norwich with the world premiere stage adaption of Wish You Were Dead . When Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and Cleo Morey take their first holiday together, they hope for a few days away from their dark worlds of murder and the mortuary. But their dream escape turns out to be the holiday from hell.

Norwich Theatre Playhouse

Paul Foot: Swan Power 10 February

Paul opens his beak and explores topics including a potential solution to the problem of online trolling, Eamonn Holmes and a full re-enaction of the 1997 film Titanic (severely abridged). Quintessential Paul Foot style, the delivery is so silly and joyous that even the darkness seems light.

George McGavin:

It’s a Wild Life - Tales from Television 15 February

As a part of Norwich Theatre’s Creative Matters Climate Stories Dr George McGavin will share his personal journey to discover the world of wildlife, recounting the wild and wonderful places he has visited.

Teechers Leavers ‘22 21-22 February

Hilarious, high energy, and fullblooded, Teechers Leavers ‘22 brings to life an array of terrifying teachers and hopeless pupils through the eyes of Salty, Gail and Hobby, three Year 11 students facing a scary world, armed only with imagination and a joy of theatre.

Flat and the Curves 25 February

Dressed tit-to-toe in sequins, the award-winning Divas deliver selfpenned songs that celebrate sex and the sisterhood; think, Fascinating Aida meets, Little Mix. There’ll be big voices and bold statements in a performance filled to the brim with hilarity and fullfrontal vulgarity!

www.norwichtheatre.org

MARGARET

KNITS

ON! 93-year-old charity knitter, creator of The Sandringham, is hard at work on her new installation. What is Margaret Seaman up find out at the Festival. Follow us on updates.

Going out

What's on

Norwich Science Festival

11–18 February

At The Forum, Norwich, plus venues across Norwich and Norfolk. Various prices, many free events.

Latitude

20-23 July

Henham Park - Southwold

Set within the stunning surrounds of Henham Park, Latitude has been creating unforgettable memories for over 15 years.

Cromer Carnival

12-16 August

Carnival Field, Cromer

This popular annual events takes place across three weeks in August, attracting thousands of people to the town every year especially on carnival day.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival

12-28 May

The Guildhall, Norwich

Norfolk Makers Festival

11–19 March

At The Forum, Norwich and other Norwich venues and landmarks. FREE to enter, with

various prices for bookable workshops

Nine days of inspiring exhibitions, demonstrations, free activities, and workshops. This is a friendly and free-to-enter celebration of both traditional skills and modern practice involving textiles and other crafts. Everyone is welcome to come into The Forum to have a go at something new, develop existing skills, chat to experts and enthusiasts, and enjoy a colourful and eclectic exhibition of work created by local makers, giving you the opportunity to try your hand at something creative for free.

www.norfolkmakersfestival.co.uk

For 17 days each May, the Festival transforms our public spaces, city streets, performance venues, parks, forests and beaches, bringing people together to experience the same brilliant and inspirational events.

Sundown

1-3 September

Norfolk Showground, Norwich

Sundown Festival is a UK bass and pop music festival, bringing some of the best artists in the scene to its home at the Norfolk Showground, an area of glorious parkland just four miles from the centre of Norwich.

Dereham Blues Festival

Start of July

Multiple around Dereham

Nationally recognised as one of the biggest and best blues and roots music events in the UK, the festival takes place over five days and more than 12 venues in and around Dereham, in the centre of Norfolk at the start of July each year.

Expect intriguing discoveries, inspiring talks, engaging exhibitions, deep dives and debates, cutting-edge research, and lots of hands-on family fun! Every day there are activities for all in ‘The Explorium’ at The Forum, with themed days from bugs, birds and beasts, through to health and wellbeing. Explore the wonders of the universe, meet the scientists whose research has changed the world and discover how science influences everything around us.

www.norwichsciencefestival.co.uk

Haughley Park Festival of Light

3-26 February

Haughley Park, Stowmarket

Let this sensational after-dark adventure add a little sparkle to the new year as you explore a magical illuminated trail around Haughley Park.

Royal Norfolk Show

28-29 June

Norfolk Showground, Norwich

With 700 trade stands, over 3000 animals, a packed Grand Ring Programme, Norfolk’s biggest food and drink experience and hundreds of attractions there’s something for everyone.

Maui Waui

25-27 August Hill Farm, Dereham 2023 marks the festivals 10th year Anniversary! Maui Waui is a three day and four night international festival of music, performance and arts.

Photo: Mark Hewlett Photography

Photo: Keiron Tovell

Going out ? What's on

Hippodrome Circus: Summer Circus & Water Spectacular

July-Sept

Each Summer get ready for the Hippodrome’s legendary Summer Spectacular Circus & Water Show. This is Great Britain’s longest running summer show and features the world’s greatest circus acts alongside hilarious hosts Jack Jay and Johnny Mac. It also features the world famous Water Spectacular where the entire ring sinks to reveal a gigantic swimming pool. This is an original 1903 feature that cannot be seen anywhere else!

Forest Live

Thetford Forest

Held in beautiful forest locations across the country, Forest Live is a major live music series managed by Forestry England. With everything required for a great night out, the concerts are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere and spectacular forest backdrops.

Anne-Marie

Friday 16 June, 7pm to 10.30pm

Jack Savoretti

Sunday 18 June, 7.30pm to 10.30pm

Tom Grennan

Thursday 15 June, 7pm to 10.30pm

Dave Pearce 27 May Epic Studios

Dave Pearce is back! After the huge success of the last club shows in Norwich, Dave Pearce is once again coming back to the fine city to bang out the greatest house and trance classics! On the night you will be treated to a wide range of classic dance tracks that you know and love, from across the biggest, best and most influential musical eras of our times.

Get ready for a host of Trance Bangers, Classic Ibiza House Anthems and an ultimate selection of 90’s dance tracks from the likes of Gala, Sandy B, Crystal Waters, N-Trance, Ultra Nate, Livin Joy, Groove Armada, Faithless, Darude, SASH, Paul Van Dyke, The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, Fat Boy Slim, Daft Punk and much much more.

www.epic-tv.com

Maverick Festival

30 June-2 July

Easton Farm Park, Woodbridge

Born in 2008, the Maverick Festival is the UK’s first and finest americana music event and a beacon for roots music from both sides of the atlantic.

The Mark Wade

trio featuring Marco Marconi

24 February, 7:30pm, £15

The Fisher Theatre, Bungay

Critically acclaimed New York bassist/ composer Mark Wade makes his debut appearance at the Fisher Theatre, featuring the dynamic London based pianist Marco Marconi. Voted one of the top bassists of the year, five of the last six years, by the prestigious Downbeat Magazine Reader’s Poll, Wade performs with a musical virtuosity that has led him to be named “one of the preeminent musicians of his generation” by UK Vibe. Wade will be joined by tour de force pianist Marco Marconi and drummer Joel Barford, both fixtures of the London jazz scene.

www.fishertheatre.org

Houghton Festival

10-13 August

Houghton Hall and Gardens

Houghton Festival is a UK dance music festival in Norfolk. Since its debut in 2017, the weekender has jumped right onto the list of everyone’s favourite electronic music festivals.

The

East

Anglian Game and Country Fair

22-23 April

Euston Estate

The East Anglian Game & Country Fair began in 2004 and is an annual two day, family event taking place on April 22 and 23 at the Euston Estate near Thetford, just off the A11.

Ink Festival

13-16 April

Halesworth

The 7th INK Festival takes place in Halesworth, Suffolk 13-16 April, and will feature 50 short new plays for stage and radio, selected from submissions that the organisers receive each year from writers aged 8-80.

Rude science, historic discoveries & Valentine’s Day…

I always

think February is an awkward sort of month – we’re many days past Christmas, yet it’s the same until spring, when we can look forward to lighter evenings and blooming fauna. But here’s the good news... this February, we’ve got very different events to perk us up, get us out, get us moving, and get us thinking. Here’s what we’ve got to look forward to.

Norwich Science Festival is an annual event, which moved to February this year from its usual autumn outing. Falling in half-term with plenty of family things to do, the exciting programme will certainly keep the kids happy (and busy!) for a while. It may even teach them a thing or two! But it’s not all about the kids, there are also over 18’s events through the Festivals’ Science After Six programme. Norwich Science Festival definitely makes sure all bases are covered.

So, between 11-17 February get ready for some thrills, laughter and learning.

I love the Festival for giving us thought provoking debates, but also for giving us things to smile about. And they certainly know what makes children tick!

The headline event, Rude Science, takes place at Norwich Theatre Playhouse on Saturday 18 February (7yrs +, 11am-12pm and 2.30pm-3.30pm, tickets £13 for adults and £11 for children, plus a booking fee).

Rude Science is a brand-new show from BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates, which will reveal everything you have ever questioned about revolting science but have always been afraid to ask! Brought to life through stunt rockets, sneeze machines and more, the show covers everything from zits and burps, to farts and scabs. Apologies, I hope you’re not reading this over breakfast!

For families with children ten years plus, head to The Auditorium at The Forum for Adventures in Sound (13 February,

1-2pm, £4). Here, Adrian James Acoustics will take the audience on a fun interactive journey through unexpected experiences about the world of sound. James will explain things like what are acoustics? How can we see sound? What do our ears look like inside?

At Norwich Theatre Playhouse, 15 February (7.30pm-9.15pm, tickets £17-21 plus a booking fee) see It’s a wild life: tales from television. In this fascinating show hosted by TV presenter Dr George McGavin, the audience is drawn in to discover the world of wildlife through his own personal travels. And he’s been everywhere! From the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea and Borneo, to caves in Thailand, jungles in Belize and the savannahs of Tanzania – hear about the incredible discoveries and the adventures he’s had.

In Norfolk, we’re lucky to have huge skies and plenty of places without interruption of light pollution. So, at this after dark event, get ready for a one and a quarter mile walk along the Norfolk Coast Path on the Stargazing Walk with Mark Thomson (15 February, 6pm-8pm).

Beginning at Burnham Deepdale, spend two hours on the coast discovering the night sky – this is going to be amazing. Tickets cost £10 and the event is recommended for children aged 10 years and over.

Families with children 12 years plus will be interested in another headline event: Hot times in deep time (The Geological Record of Earth Climate with Professor Chris Jackson), on 17 February at 1pm (tickets £7, Blake Studio, Norwich School). Here, Professor Chris Jackson explores how the geological record of climate change can help us understand the current and future climate.

Later the same day, enjoy an author event (7pm, tickets £12, Blake Studio, Norwich School): Lessons in Chemistry: Bonnie Garmus in conversation with Naomi Wood. This is an evening which will draw on all your emotions. Set in 1960’s America the bestselling debut novel Lessons in Chemistry (which has been translated into 40 languages), tells of a genius chemist - Elizabeth Zottwho confronts sexism in science, then finds herself the unlikely star of one of the most popular cooking shows on US TV. The book has been described by Waterstones as ‘undoubtedly one of 2022’s most gloriously enjoyable debuts’. Don’t miss this opportunity for an entertaining night out, meet Bonnie Garmus herself and buy a copy of the book for her to sign.

As mentioned earlier, Norwich Science Festival is great at over 18’s events with its Science After Six programme. On 16 February (7pm, Blake Studio, Norwich School, tickets £8.50), experience a live recording of the Science Shambles Podcast where world leading scientists chat about – science. This podcast is fun and accessible science for all, covering cutting-edge research to popular science books and documentaries. Helen Czerski will be in discussion with materials scientist and engineer Professor Mark Miodownik. There will also be a book signing.

If you’re a real romantic and are looking for a way to show your love in a more unconventional manner, then you’ll be adored forever with this unusual Valentine’s evening. Strictly eat your heart out! As part of the Science After Six series surprise your loved one with Boogie on

the Brain (14 February, £15, 8pm, The Halls, Norwich). Join Dr Peter Lovatt - a former professional dancer and a leading dance psychologist - as he explores the secrets of cognitive psychology behind dance. And why we LOVE to dance. Throughout the evening, Dr Lovatt will teach simple dance routines so everyone can let their hair down and get involved. I’m intrigued to know the science behind the Argentinian Tango, which has to be the most passionate dance ever. And the jive - which is possibly not so.

To have missed the news in June 2022 about the discovery of the shipwreck HMS Gloucester, you must have been hiding under a rock! As I mentioned last month, the news went global, which was hugely exciting for Norfolk.

This month is our opportunity to see some of the incredible finds from the wreck for the first time and learn the full story of the discovery of the ship. How it was identified, how it could have changed history and what happens next.

From 25 February – 10 September make sure you have tickets (included with admission to the Castle) to the hottest exhibition this year. And tell all your friends. Do not miss The Last Voyage of The Gloucester: Norfolk’s Royal Shipwreck, 1682. My advice: book as soon as you can.

This is truly an incredible story. And it’s beyond wonderful that in Norwich, the City of Stories, the exhibition will - for the first time - allow the public to see artefacts from this 17th century royal shipwreck, which was discovered off the coast of Great Yarmouth in 2007 by Norfolk brothers, Julian and Lincoln Barnwell, and their friend, James Little.

The future King of England and Scotland, James Stuart, travelled on HMS Gloucester when it sank in the North Sea off the coast of Norfolk on 6 May 1682. The discovery has been described as the most important British maritime discovery since the Mary Rose, due to the age and prestige of the ship, the condition of the wreck and the accident’s political context. Do not underestimate how big a story this is.

The exhibition is in two parts; the first being the story of the Gloucester, the fateful events of 6 May and what it was like to have been aboard. The second reveals the timeline and actions around the wrecks

discovery, how the artefacts have been preserved, the site as a research subject, and the research to follow.

Highlights will undoubtedly be the ship’s bell which, in 2012, confirmed the identity of the wreck. And the personal possessions of the passengers and crew, reminders of a disaster that cost hundreds of lives. Visitors will see wine bottles encrusted with barnacles, the ship’s navigation tools and personal items, including a pair of spectacles along with their wooden case, combs and clay pipes, all of which have survived centuries on the seabed.

The story is supported with a digital element - a film exploring the discovery of the wreck, a 3D diver’s eye tour of the wreck site and a specially commissioned animation examining the circumstances of the sinking of the ship.

There will also be loans from prestigious museums in Britain and Europe with key paintings, documents and objects associated with the maritime, political, cultural and social history of the period to set the wider context for the Gloucester’s story.

The Last Voyage of The Gloucester: Norfolk’s Royal Shipwreck, 1682, has been created by Norfolk Museums Service and UEA in partnership with Norfolk Historic Shipwrecks and The National Museum of the Royal Navy. The objects rescued from the Gloucester wreck site appear in this exhibition with the permission of the Ministry of Defence and Norfolk Historic Shipwrecks.

The University of East Anglia’s project ‘The Wreck of the Gloucester: The Life and Times of a Seventeenth-Century Third-Rate Warship’ will produce a biography of the Gloucester frigate across its full career from 1654 to 1682 and from inception to salvage.

Funded by The Leverhulme Trust (2021−24), the Gloucester Project is researching the life and times of the only surviving third-rate Cromwellian warship and aims to revolutionize understanding of the Gloucester’s unique significance at national and international levels. For more information see www.gloucestershipwreck.co.uk and follow the Gloucester Project on Twitter @gloucesterwreck

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

Pick of the Paperbacks

by Andrew Hirst

These seven thrillers are sure to keep you up at night with their twists, turns, and heart-pounding suspense. Whether you’re in the mood for a psychological thriller, a murder mystery, or a police procedural, these books have something for every fan of the genre.

The Dry

by Jane Harper

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, The Silent Patient is a must-read. The novel follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who murders her husband and refuses to speak a single word in the aftermath. Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, becomes obsessed with unlocking the mystery behind Alicia’s silence and sets out to uncover the truth. With twist after twist, this novel will keep you guessing until the very end.

When Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his hometown for the funeral of his childhood best friend, he becomes embroiled in a murder investigation that hits close to home. The Dry is a gripping novel set in the drought-ridden Australian outback, where the harsh landscape reflects the tension and deceit at the heart of the story.

The Witch Elm

by Tana French

Toby is a young, carefree man whose life is turned upside down when he becomes the prime suspect in a brutal crime. As he tries to clear his name, he becomes increasingly paranoid and begins to uncover long-buried family secrets. The Witch Elm is a masterfully crafted novel that will have you secondguessing every character’s motives.

The Good Daughter

by Karin Slaughter

When Samantha and Charlie are attacked on a sunny afternoon, only Samantha survives. Twenty-eight years later, Charlie’s attacker is being released from prison, and Samantha, now a successful lawyer, is forced to confront the secrets and lies of her past. The Good Daughter is a haunting and emotionally charged novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Overstory

by Richard Powers

A sweeping and ambitious novel that tells the interconnected stories of nine characters whose lives are all touched by trees. As the characters’ stories intersect and collide, they come to understand the vital role that trees play in our lives and the importance of preserving them. With beautiful prose and a cast of compelling characters, this is a must-read.

Into the Water

by Paula Hawkins

In the idyllic town of Beckford, the drowning of Nel Abbott is just the latest in a long line of suspicious deaths. As her sister, Jules, tries to uncover the truth behind Nel’s death, she is drawn into a web of secrets and lies that threatens to consume her. Into the Water is a haunting and atmospheric novel that you won’t want to put down.

The Nightingale

by Kristin Hannah

Set in Nazi-occupied France, The Nightingale follows the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who are torn apart by war and circumstances beyond their control. As Vianne struggles to keep her family safe, Isabelle becomes a member of the Resistance and risks everything to fight for what she believes in. The Nightingale is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.

The Adventures of Atlas

Dog care tips & advice from a very good boy

Pu yLove

And they call it...

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

by Atlas (and Melissa Speakman)

@thereallife_ofatlas

Hi Friends! It’s February which means two things; on February 14th it’s Valentines Day and my dad’s birthday, so I thought I would talk about all the ways you can manipulate your pawrents feelings to get lots of presents show your pawrents how much you love them!

Now us dogs are pretty amazing and we can show love and affection in many different ways. Some of the most common ways are:

• Kisses - when we love people we give lots of licks, which is our way of giving you a kiss!

• Following you around - following around the people we love makes us feel safe and secure, so if we do this, know that you’re pretty special!

• Leaning on you - finding our way of getting as close to you as possible is just like giving you a hug!

• Gazing at you - staring adoringly at people releases oxytocin, which plays an important part in bonding and is known as the love hormone!

• Sharing toys with you - this shows we are really happy and want you to share in that happiness with us!

• Putting paws on you - this is basically our way of trying to hold hands and cuddle you back!

• Wagging tail - if a dog’s tail is in a neutral position and wagging profusely, it’s a pretty good indication that we’re super happy and really love the person we’re with!

It is important to remember that with any dog body language, you read the whole picture, as some of these behaviours could mean something different in certain situations.

From a dog’s perspective, you can tell when a human loves you in many ways, but here are a few key ones:

• Smother you with cuddles - my pawrents give me a million cuddles a day

• Use a silly voice - baby talk, made up words, giving us silly nicknames - those humans really do embarrass themselves when they fall in love with us

• Giving you treats - now this is obviously one of my favourite ways the pawrents show me affection…though if they’re reading this then just know that there would be nothing wrong in showing me a little more edible affection!

There are other ways your pawrents can show you love this February - special Valentines gifts!

Atlas resting on his in his Ivy & Duke pillow.

The Doting Dog Company is amazing and has a special Valentine’s themed collection of toys and treats to choose from, including a Love Bug caterpillar toy, Love rope tug toy, Hearts ‘n Bears Burrow enrichment toy and even a heart design lick mat! Possibly even more exciting is their personalised love letter keepsake, where your pawrents have the opportunity to detail all of the ways they love you. You can even send one to another one of your dog friends if you’d like - share the love!

If food is more your thing, then one of our favourite treat brands, Denzels, have released special love themed treats - Peanut Butter, Strawberry and Carob hearts - I can’t wait to try them!

So in conclusion friends, consider showing the pawrents some extra love this year, as they really are a needy bunch! Give them an extra lick, tolerate their cuddles and their high pitch exclamations of ‘who’s the bestest boy’ and you never know, you might be rewarded with an extra treat or even a new toy! Until next time friends!

Denzel’s Valentine’s Heart Bites £2.90,

The Doting Dog Company

Love Rope Tug Toy, £11.95

The Doting Dog Company

SodaPup Lick Mat with Heart Design £12.95

The Doting Dog Company

Heart ‘n Bears Burrow Enrichment Toy £10.95

The Doting Dog Company

Love Bug Caterpillar Toy £10.95

The Doting Dog Company

Dat Di ence with a

A Rage Room

Ok, hear me out. This probably isn’t a first date set up. And possibly this isn’t for everyone but speaking from experience, this is extremely good fun. The concept is pretty simple, a rage room is a place to go to vent some anger by destroying objects. For our wedding anniversary this year, my husband and I tried Rage

Love is

in the air, everywhere I look around. But why? Honestly, it’s hard to say. It seems there is no one answer to why the modern-day celebrations of February 14th are attributed to St Valentine. Some say he was a Roman martyred Priest, who reportedly signed a letter ‘from your Valentine’ to his jailer’s daughter. Other reports credit him with having married couples in secret to spare men from being sent to war. Some historians take it back even further to the Pagan holiday Lupercalia. A popular festival whereby young men used the hide of sacrificed animals to whip young women, in order to promote fertility. Ah, the romance.

What we do know it is that somewhere along the way, February 14th has become a rose-tinted day for lovers. Baby cupid... tick. Cards filled with romatic prose... tick. Flowers... tick. Candlelite dinner... and, tick.

For some, Valentine’s Day is great; a chance to flaunt their love and shower their partner with gifts and attention. For others, it’s a pressure-ridden commercialised holiday and an excuse to sell over-inflated set menus. But like many things in life, there’s no reason to have to follow convention, or the crowd, to your nearest restaurant chain in order to spend time with your loved one. Maybe 2023 is the time to go off brand. Like Bob-Geldof-robbing-thecommunion-plate level off brand.

Room Norwich. As I have previously mentioned, I have cancer and understandably, we’ve both had a lot of feelings about that. So, I decided we could try this for some stress relief, and we were not disappointed. There are

different packages available dependant on how many people are attending, with prices ranging from £40-£100. Once you’re suited and booted, you enter the room and pick your weapon of choice. There are cups hanging from the ceiling, plates on the wall and a pile of crockery, ornaments and various other smashables on a table. Then much like the Hulk, you smash. I can not tell you how satisfying it is watching shrapnel and debris explode past your face, as the music blares and you let your rage go. Much like a battle sequence from Saving Private Ryan without all the icky blood and gore. Meanwhile, your significant other watches your progress on a live feed from the comfort of the lounge area. And possibly, explains why you’re screaming to the nice people that work there. One tip, if you’re like me and your most athletic feature is your mood swings, I would suggest a warm-up. Once the adrenaline subsides, you may discover muscles you didn’t know you had... because they hurt. Either way, this is a thoroughly enjoyable and therapeutic experience. Maybe you’re mad about the economic climate, maybe you remember how annoying your partner’s breathing sounded during lockdown, whatever your rage, check out www.ragerooms-norwich.co.uk, where rage is a gift.

Charlie Smith-Knight checks out alternative dates for you and your mate...

your

Once the adrenaline subsides, you may discover muscles you didn’t know you had...

Axe Throwing

If a rage room is a step too far for you, maybe axe throwing is more your cup of Viking tea.

Boom Battle Bar offers just such the budding Lumberjack experience for you. Prices start from £40 per lane and you can have up to 10 people on each, so it’s perfect for a double date too. Much like a medieval bowling alley, participants take it in turns and give it their best shot at hitting the target. Just y’know, with an axe. But be wary, rebounding has a totally different meaning when axe throwing so no open toed shoes or alcohol. No one wants to recreate Chandler’s worst Thanksgiving, especially on a date. The NHS is stretched enough. Boom Battle Bar also offers various other games like American Pool, Skee Ball, Electric Darts (your guess is as good as mine) and Beer Pong, so you can make a night or day of it and build your own gaming contest. The ultimate date for couples as competitive as the Williams sisters. Check them out at www.boombattlebar.com

Tubing

Perhaps all this is still sounding a little too energetic. Fear not, Norfolk Snowsports Club may have just what you need. For £17 per person, you could take to the slopes for an hour, from the comfort of a rubber ring! Absolutely no athletic ability required. Admittedly, this isn’t going to be the sexiest of dates, as protocol requires full length clothing be worn, including long socks and gloves. But better to be Nun safe so you’re none sorry (feel free to use that, Norfolk Snowsports). Booking in advance is essential and snowboarding and skiing activities are also available for the less vertically challenged. There is even an Alpine bar on site so you can indulge in all those après ski vibes. Open to non-members and suitable for anyone aged 6+ (in case your babysitter is about as reliable as a pyramid scheme). For more details go to www.norfolksnowsports.com

Whatever you end up doing, and whomever you end up doing it with - all these activities are suitable for dates with best mates too - may your Valentine’s Day be one of love. And at least you won’t be getting whipped with the back end of a recently slaughtered goat in the hope it’ll give you the horn. So, you know, it could always be worse.

L king f

something a little more traditional?

Ah, February, the month of love! If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Norfolk and Suffolk this month, you’re in luck. From cozy pubs to breathtaking beaches, this area of England has no shortage of romantic venues and activities.

One option for a romantic outing is to visit the historic market town of Holt. With its charming independent shops and galleries, Holt is the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon stroll. You and your partner can pop into quaint tea rooms for a spot of tea and slice of cake, or browse the shelves of the town’s bookshop, which is known for its impressive selection of rare and antique volumes.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more active, why not head to the Norfolk coast and go for a bracing walk along the beach? There are plenty of stunning beaches in the area to choose from, such as Holkham Beach, which has been voted one of the best in the country. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try your hand at kiteboarding at Brancaster Beach.

For a more laid-back evening, you can’t go wrong with a visit to one of Norfolk and Suffolk’s many cozy pubs. The area is known for its excellent selection of real ales and local ciders, so be sure to sample a few while you’re there. Some of our favorites include The White Horse in Blakeney, The Red Lion in Burnham Thorpe (the birthplace of Lord Nelson), and The Wine Vaults in Beccles.

If you’re in the mood for some live entertainment, there are plenty of options in Norfolk and Suffolk as well. The area is home to a number of small theaters and concert venues, such as the Fisher Theatre in Bungayand the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts in Stowmarket. These venues often host a variety of performances, from plays and musicals to concerts and stand-up comedy shows.

If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, you might consider booking a table at one of the area’s many romantic restaurants. Some of our favorites include Wells Crab House in Wells-next-the-Sea, which

serves up delicious seafood dishes and The Dial House in Reepham, which has a cozy fireplace and an excellent selection of local wines.

No matter what you and your partner are in the mood for, you’re sure to find something romantic to do in Norfolk and Suffolk in February. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk along the beach, a cozy pub crawl, or a night out at the theater, this beautiful area of England has something for everyone.

Stay the night...

The Crown Woodbridge, Suffolk

This hotel is located in the charming town of Woodbridge and offers romantic rooms with antique furnishings and a bar. The upstairs of this historic hotel has been transformed into a luxurious yet affordable bedroom retreat, created by award-winning Londonbased designers Bentheim. Staying at The Crown is an enchantingly relaxing and satisfying experience.

www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk

The Dales Country House Hotel

Upper Sheringham, Norfolk

A secluded country-house hotel, bordering the National Trust’s Sheringham Park, which has cozy rooms including the option of a deluxe room with a four poster bed and a private balcony. Upcher’s Restaurant exudes the atmosphere of a traditional dining room with a stylish contemporary twist. This creates the setting in which to sample the modern.

www.dalescountryhouse.co.uk

Ask the Expert

www.jarrold.co.uk

There’s no place like home

The pressure at Valentine’s Day to show our loved ones how much they mean to us can be exhausting. Rather than the predictable gifts and cards, find something which says it from the heart this year; give them a wheel of cheese, a bouquet of books or their favourite hand cream. Don’t let it stop at the gifts, choose activities or supper ideas which speak more to their personalities.

An indoor picnic is great way of showing you care without the (sometimes obvious) 2-course meal at the local gastropub. Set the scene in your own living room; either on a giant blanket or in front of the sofa with an abundance of props from candles to cushions, from flowers to a fluffy blanket.

For the food, there’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen. One of our experts have shared their top three cheeses for the cheeseboard:

1. Baron Bigod Brie

This locally-produced smooth silky golden brie is wrapped in a nutty rind and makes the perfect accompaniment to the dark flavours in this Jarrold Norfolk Onion and Date Chutney (295g, £4.50).

2. Truffle Pecorino

With slithers of fresh truffle incorporated at the beginning of the cheesemaking process resulting in a rich sharp favour with a wonderful truffle finish,

3. Gorgonzola

sweet and creamy scooping gorgonzola to spread onto fresh bread or these Spelt & Fig Artisan Crispbread from Peter’s Yard (100g, £3.40).

Wash it all down with a vibrant, flavoursome port such as Sandeman 10 Year

Old Tawny Port (75cl, £22.50) but don’t forget to finish with something sweet. These Sugar-Coated Chocolate Caramel Filled Hearts from Love Cocoa (100g, £6.50) make an adorable touch.

Monty Bojangles

Gyre & Gimble

Queen

70cl | £35

A sweet, fruity gin with a velvety texture and citrus tang – perfect to show you are the queen (or king!) of your heart.

Magnificent Caramel Belgian

Because you are magnificent… a wonderful indulgent Belgian chocolate which you don’t have to share.

If you are taking part in some selfcare, this lovely collection of premium quality organic loose-leaf teas promotes wellbeing and gives you a moment of me-time.

Sparkle & Stardust

A flute of champagne is synonymous with the most romantic day of the year; who hasn’t clinked a glass with their true love to toast their good fortune on Valentine’s Day? Is it the touch of luxury or the connection to the country of love, France? Well, whatever the reason, enjoying a special glass of something is a fabulous way to relish in a little romance.

With it’s distinctive heritage, Champagne certainly has the prestige but when looking for a bottle to enjoy this Valentine’s Day, don’t be afraid to give English sparkling wine a try. With many award-winning vineyards offering a greater variety, sparkling wine from our little island is starting to make a mark on the world of fine wines.

Our recommendation for something a little fresher would be this charming bottle from Nyetimber which balances pear, ripe apple and citrus fruits with a hint of sweetness. Pale gold with fine bubbles offering a rounded flavour with just a hint of toastiness. Fresh citrus fruits are complemented with some richer notes, and the acidity is brilliantly integrated.

A vintage teashop with a modern twist! Serving delicious breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and drinks, including a range of specialty teas. Come and see us for a vintage experience with a modern twist! 01638 667064

18 Old Station Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8DN www.nancysteashop.co.uk

@NancysTeashop @TeashopNancys Tuesdays-Saturdays: 8:30am-5pm Sundays: 10am-4pm

@teashopnancys

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. 01263 823465 or email clare@silverandward co uk

Chilli Mince S df e

My version of a hearty family classic is perfect to come home to. Quick, easy food which can be made on the day or in advance.

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 4-6

• 500g beef mince

• 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)

• Salt and black pepper

• 1 jar of ART’s Southwold Sandfire Chutney

• 2-3 Tbsp of tomato purée

• 100ml Stock

• 1 can chopped tomatoes

• 1 can of kidney beans (drained)

Optional: Spice it up with your favourite chillies Serve with rice, tortilla chips or use in tacos.

METHOD:

- Warm a large frying pan on a medium heat, place in the mince and fry until brown. Add the garlic, black pepper and salt.

- Add the Southwold Sandfire Chutney, tomato purée and stock, along with the chopped tomatoes and kidney beans, to the mince and bring to the boil.

- Turn the heat down and cover the pan with a lid and simmer for about 2 hours.

- Serve with steaming basmati rice and tortilla chips. Alternatively, serve alongside a jacket potato and salad and top with grated cheddar cheese.

- Tip: Bag the chilli in portion sizes and freeze for another time.

Alice Rebecca Talbot owner of ART’s – Craft Kitchen

In c v sati with Romy Gill MBE

@romygill www.maldonsalt.com

Romy

Gill is the UK’s first British/Indian chef to become a restaurant owner in Gloucestershire, in 2013, aptly named ‘Romy’s Kitchen’. Although since closing, Chef Romy continues to be renowned for being a remarkable cook, food writer and broadcaster in the south-west England. Featured in shows such as BBC One’s Ready, Steady Cook and Sunday Brunch, Romy infuses her West Bengal heritage and British lifestyle in her cookery, showcasing the decadent flavours of traditional Indian cuisine in her dishes. Her outstanding cooking and services in the hospitality industry even took her to being appointed an MBE in 2016 during the late Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday Honours list.

You became the first ever female Indian chef and restaurant owner in the UK. Is this something you want to raise more awareness of for upcoming female chefs from different heritage backgrounds?

I wanted to share the food that I grew up eating. If you want anything in your life, never give up, find a way that you will be able to achieve. Supporting your family is very important. One thing I have always said is that if you help

someone with whole heart, you’ll feel positive about yourself and that’s better than expecting the help back. Find a mentor who will help and guide you in hospitality.

Within your cooking you like to combine your heritage with British influence. Why is that?

As a Punjabi born in West Bengal, I grew up in a family where the emphasis was on education and respecting others – and living in an India that was not divided, we celebrated the festivals of all different religions. Since moving to the UK and opening my restaurant, for me it was always about supporting the local producers and cooking and combining the produce from here. Opening a restaurant and learning from other chefs is very important. I have had such good advice from many chefs and food writers.

When taking a break from cooking, what are your favourite things to do? I love running, walking with my friends and reading.

Your current favourite cooking book? My favourite books at the moment is Notes from Small Kitchen Island by

What is one piece of advice would you give to someone learning to cook?

Cooking is all about learning. Learning about food from different cultures is a way of connecting with others. Food has the power of sharing. Understand the spices; what each does to the food, mind and body.

Orange & cocoa cake

INGREDIENTS:

• 100g butter melted, extra to apply inside the cake tin

• 50ml butter milk

• 2 medium eggs

• Juice of two oranges and zest of one orange

• 200g dark muscovado sugar

• 100g plain flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 3 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1tsp Maldon salt

• 2Tbsp smooth peanut butter

METHOD:

Preheat the oven to 170°C, prepare a 20cm baking sheet, spread the butter, and then place right size baking sheet in the tin. Keep aside. In a bowl add sugar, melted butter and whisk, then crack the eggs and beat the mixture all together. Sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, ½ tsp salt, peanut butter, juice of oranges, ½ tsp orange zest, and then combine properly.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, spread evenly. Bake the cake for 25 minute (sometimes the ovens are different so until it is well risen).

Remove, leave the cake in the tin until cool. Carefully turn the cake out onto the wire pack and peel off the parchment.

Before serving sprinkle rest of the salt and orange zest over the cake.

Debora Robertson and Cooking by Jeremy Lee.

MBengDal

METHOD:

- Soak the moong beans for couple of hours or overnight. Wash and drain the water from the soaked beans. Add the beans to a medium-sized saucepan with the salt, turmeric and water. Cook the beans until soft for about 40 minutes on a medium heat, occasionally stirring.

- While the moong beans are cooking, make the tadka. Heat the ghee in a frying pan, once the ghee has melted, add chopped spring onions and cook for a minute. Add the grated ginger, chopped green chillies, cook for 3 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, chopped coriander into the pan and cook for another 4 minutes. Lower heat, add yogurt, garam masala combine and add the tadka to the moong dal. Add water rest of the water to the pan, swirl and add the water to the dal.

- Mix, cook on low heat for about 5 minutes. Leave to rest before eating with any flat bread or rice.

INGREDIENTS: Serves 6

• 250g moong beans

• 11⁄2 tsp Maldon salt

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 litre water plus 20ml extra

Ingredients for the tadka

• 4 tsp ghee

• 6 spring onions, chopped with greens

• 15g ginger, peeled and grated

• 2-3 green chillies, chopped (Birdeye or similar)

• 1 large tomato chopped

• 10g fresh coriander, chopped with stems

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 4 tsp natural yogurt

Ro ted Chicken

Hot & spicy whole with roasted sweet potato & leafy salad

Roast Chicken

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1.5kg whole chicken

• 2 tsp tandoori masala

• 1 tsp chilli powder

• 3 tsp Greek yoghurt

• 3 large cloves garlic, grated

• 4 tsp honey

• A few small stems of thyme

• ½ juice of lemon

• 5 tsp olive oil

• 1 ½ tsp Maldon salt (to taste)

METHOD:

- In a bowl add tandoori masala, chilli powder Greek yogurt, grated garlic cloves, honey, thyme stems, the juice of half a lemon, oil and salt and whisk it together. Apply the paste to the whole chicken properly, leaving it in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours before roasting.

- After 2 hours take the marinated chicken out and leave in the room temperature while the oven is getting hot. Preheat the oven at 180°C. Place the chicken on a baking tray and cover the chicken with a foil, make sure to seal the tray on all the sides properly. Put the chicken in the oven and cook for one hour 30 minutes. Leave to rest for 10 minutes before eating.

- Serve with sweet roasted potatoes chips and leafy salad.

Lemon rice with peanuts & curry leaves

INGREDIENTS: Serves 4-6

• 200g basmati rice

• 4 tsp ghee

• 8-10m fresh curry leaves

• 1 tsp black mustard

• 1½ tsp Maldon salt

• 1 tsp turmeric

• Juice of one lemon

• 75g toasted peanuts

METHOD:

Roasted Sweet Potato

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 medium size sweet potatoes, sliced in the middle

• 1 tsp Maldon salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp chilli flakes

• 1 tsp garlic granules

• 4 tsp olive oil

METHOD:

- Preheat oven at 180°C.

- While the oven is getting hot marinate the potatoes, and then layer them on the baking tray and bake for 40 minutes.

- In a saucepan add water ½ tsp salt and water, bring it to boil for 6-7 minutes on medium heat. Then drain the water and keep the rice aside.

- In a pan dry toast the peanuts on a low heat, until light brown. Remove from heat and place in a bowl. In the same pan add ghee, once ghee has melted add the mustard seeds and curry leaves. As soon as they start to pop add the toasted peanuts, rest of the salt, turmeric and mix. Tip in the rice mix and cook with a lid on for 5 minutes on low heat. Once warmed through add the lemon juice and serve hot as a side dish or on its own.

Leafy Salad

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tsp honey

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ½ tsp Maldon salt

• ½ tsp crushed black pepper

• 4 tsp olive oil

• 2-3 packs of leafy salad

METHOD:

Serve with a pre-packaged leafy salad from any supermarket. Just before serving make the dressing in a small jar. Add all of the ingredients to the jar, screw the lid on tight and shake vigorously. Then drizzle the dressing on the salad.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and with it, the perfect opportunity to show off your personal style celebrating love and romance. Whether you're going out on a date with your signifi cant other or spending the evening with friends, there are plenty of fashionable options to choose from. From classic red and pink hues to romantic lace and ruffl es, here are some of my

Valentine's

fashion trends to inspire your outfi t. So... if you want to make a statement

keep reading for some

1. Red & Pink... 2. Lace & Ruffles...

These classic colours are always a popular choice for Valentine's Day outfi ts. Pair a red dress with pink accessories for a feminine and fl irty look, or go for a monochromatic red ensemble for a bold statement.

Romantic details like lace and ruffl es are perfect for Valentine's Day. Try a lace blouse or dress for a delicate and feminine touch, or opt for ruffl ed sleeves or hemline, for a playful and fun vibe.

Set, £125, Pandora (Items also available to buy separately)

Acrylic thick small hoop earrings, available in a variety of colours, £15 a pair www.oneofakindclub.com

£34.99, Deichmann

Light Pink Ankle Strap Platform Sandals,

White Lace Peplum Top, £42, River Island

Brianna Georgette 3D Lace Top, £65, French Connection Radiant Heart Gift

favourite

Day

with your fashion choices this Valentine's Day,

stylish and trendy inspiration! by Polly Coleman

Kate Spade Pink Handbag, £350, Kate Spade at House of Fraser

3. Satin...

Another luxurious fabric choice, satin is perfect for a formal dinner or event. Choose a satin gown or dress in a deep navy blue for a glam and sophisticated look.

Structured Satin Midi Skirt, £79, Coast

Navy Satin Ruched Midi Dress, £44.99, QUIZ

Diamond cluster necklace & earring set: 18ct white gold 0.30ct cluster pendant, £1,250, and 0.30ct diamond cluster stud earrings, £795, Ring: 0.69ct Diamond halo engagement ring, £4,295 all available from www.bradleyhatch.com

Stone Animal Print Satin Midi Dress, £44.99, QUIZ

4. Velvet...

This plush and luxurious fabric is perfect for a romantic and intimate evening. Opt for a velvet dress or top in a rich shade like burgundy or navy for a sophisticated and chic look.

Lulu Guinness Red Velvet Yuki Clutch, £175, NEXT

5. Off-the-Shoulder...

Flaunt your curves with off-the-shoulder tops and dresses. This fl irty and feminine silhouette is perfect for a romantic dinner or night out.

Meet One of a Kind Club

I’m Carol, the Founder of the independent brand of hand-crafted and curated feel-good jewellery. I aim to boost confidence and bring colour to people’s lives with my contemporary and fun statement pieces, celebrating the individuality of my wonderful and unique customers.

I have been in very competitive environments all through my career. One common theme I’ve come across is that some of the greatest women don’t have the confidence they deserve. I want to foster a feeling of creativity and expression to move women towards a more positive view of themselves with the help of jewellery.

I have always made jewellery for fun, and after having spent 20 years in advertising, where I learned about being creative, strategic and organised, and after having my second child in 2018, I decided to move to the fabulous, independent championing city of Norwich and followed my dream of setting up a jewellery business with the ambition to inspire confidence to others.

You can find us online at www.oneofakindclub.com and as part of Jarrold Store Folk instore and online or at local events To keep updated follow us on Instagram @oneofakindclub

Confidence & happiness through

Col ful Jewe y

By Carol Robinson Founder of One of a Kind Club, the feel good jewellery brand in Norwich

Confidence

is the

one factor that can make or break your outfit. If you’re feeling confident, you’ll always look great, but if you’re not feeling confident then it’s hard to feel happy about yourself. The same goes for jewellery... jewellery can add that instant je ne sais quoi to an outfit.

Confidence is key. Confidence is key to looking and feeling great. Confidence is not something that you can buy, it is something you have to work on. It comes from within, but it can also be cultivated by putting on your favourite pieces of jewellery.

Remain untouchable. Remaining untouchable is all about knowing who you are and bringing that to the table, without apology. Here’s some simple tips:

• Be confident in your own skin

• Be yourself

• Be bold

• Be unique

Be bold be you. Once you’ve mastered those aspects of your personal style, it’s time to take things up a notch. The best way to express yourself through jewellery is by being true to yourself and everything that makes you feel good about yourself; whether that means wearing jeans or dressing up for a night out on the town (and everything in between). Your jewellery should be an extension of those feelings; it should reflect who you are as an individual and how proud of yourself you are at any given moment. Show off your personality and don’t be afraid to stand out and be you.

Now you understand the importance of confidence and how to gain it. We hope that after reading this article, you feel more confident in yourself and ready to take on the world – with help from feel-good jewellery brand One of a Kind Club.

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.

Fat loss

is about 70% nutrition focus and 30% exercise. We definitely need to do both for our overall health, but most people usually overestimate how much exercise will actually do for them in terms of fat loss. To begin to lose fat in a sustainable way, you only need to create a calorie deficit of around 250-500 calories per day, which is easy to achieve with a few simple dietary tweaks. Add to that whatever exercise you enjoy, and this could see you lose up to around 1lb per week of body fat.

Fitness Nutrition tips for fat loss

Make simple changes and smart swaps. Look for lower calorie snack options. If you’re not sure where to find this info, look at the nutritional label on the packaging. It will usually be split into 2 columns, 1 showing the values per 100g, and the other showing the calories per recommended serving

size. Pay attention to the first row which will say ‘Energy’. It will show the energy provided in KJ and also Kcals. It’s the Kcals number that you want. Next time you’re shopping rather than automatically going for your normal items, have a look at the labels of alternatives and see if you can make a calorie saving. Partial to a glass of wine with dinner in the evening? Swapping your large glass to a smaller one could save you between 50 and 100 calories. Do you have sugar in your tea or coffee? Each teaspoon is around 15 calories, so it can soon add up throughout the day. There are lots of zero calorie sweetener alternatives available.

Drink water. Studies have shown that people who drink a glass of water immediately before eating a meal, will choose to eat less when compared with people who did not consume water.

Eat mindfully. Which means slow down and taste your food! From the time we start eating it can take around 20 minutes for our brain to signal that we are full. So if you sit down and gobble your

Partial to a glass of wine with dinner in the evening?

Swapping your large glass to a smaller one could save you between 50 and 100 calories.

plate down in five minutes flat, there’s a good chance you may be eating more food than you actually need. Tips that can help you slow down include, chewing each mouthful 20 times, putting down your knife and fork and taking a sip of water between each mouthful, and paying attention to how you feel, rather than focusing on how much food is left on the plate. Aim to stop when you are about 80% full. This shouldn’t feel like you are stuffed, just

Serve the recommended serving size.

When you cook things like rice and pasta, try actually weighing it and cooking the amount recommended on the packaging. I can almost guarantee that without doing this you are eating a LOT more than one serving! Most foods will have a recommended serving size on the nutritional label, so take a look!

If your plate looks a little empty, add on lots of delicious colourful veg which is much lower in calories than starchy carbs, but will fill you up and provide lots of essential nutrients.

Eat your protein!

Protein is what keeps us feeling full and satisfied for longer, meaning we are less likely to snack, and most people I work with are not eating enough! It is also essential for growth, recovery and repair within the body, so is essential for our health. The current minimum recommended amount for adults is around 50g per day. For reference, a chicken breast has around 25g of protein.

Be patient!

Fat loss of around 1lb a week is a rate which is safe and sustainable, and likely to last long term. So be realistic about how long it may take to reach your goal, and stick with it!

S p Spicy Chickpea & Kale

This soup is a great source of protein, with more than 15 grams per serving. It’s also loaded with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes

• 1 tin diced tomatoes

• 1 tin chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 240ml vegetable broth

• 240ml water

• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Lemon slices to garnish & juice of half a lemon

METHOD:

- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is translucent, about 5 minutes.

- Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, and chilli flakes and cook for an additional minute.

that you are no longer really hungry. Clearing everything on your plate is a very British thing to do, and can really make a difference to your waistline. No one likes to waste food, so stick your leftovers in a tub in the fridge and have them for lunch tomorrow!

- Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, broth, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.

- Add the kale to the pot and cook until it is tender, about 5 minutes.

- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Protein is what keeps us feeling full and satisfied for longer, meaning we are less likely to snack, and most people I work with are not eating enough!

2023 marks our 10th anniversary! With over 70 years combined experience in the bathroom trade, you can trust us to provide the best products and the best all round service to create your ultimate dream bathroom.

Our showroom displays more than 50 room sets, so come and have a look to gather ideas and spark inspiration! We design and plan your bathroom with you in mind and offer FREE delivery on orders over £500 within a 25-mile radius.

Bycroft estate agents

An established family run business, their focus over the years has been to provide a dedicated professional service and close customer support.

Their head office in Great Yarmouth operates within a core 10 mile radius, taking in popular coastal and Broads villages. From Blundeston, Hopton, and Lound to the south; Acle and Reedham to the west; Winterton, Martham and Horsey to the north; an enduringly popular area to live due to the stunning, Norfolk Broads and coastlines.

The Business was set up in 1992 by husband and wife team Charles and Julie Bycroft, who both already had long careers in estate agency; Charles being a second generation Chartered Surveyor.

The business is now owned and run by third-generation Chartered Surveyor Daniel Bycroft and his partner, Lucy Abbot. Since joining the business in 2006, Daniel has established a leading commercial property department focused on Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft dealing with a wide client base, including offshore businesses and great Yarmouth Borough councils Beacon Business Park. The Business now has nineteen dedicated and professional staff of whom Daniel Bycroft is very proud of.

Lucy has been instrumental in setting

up a large portfolio of rental and commercial properties managed on behalf of landlords and providing a dedicated safe pair of hands.

30 year celebrations have started for this popular firm of estate agents and excitingly a new Norfolk Broads focused office will soon be open in Lower Street, Horning. This will add to the already successful sections of the business of Residential, Waterside, Lettings and Commercial.

Daniel Bycroft commented, “We simply love living in this part of the world, as I have done all my life and, with so many people, following lockdown, wanting to be here to enjoy all it has to offer. We want to expand our professional services and dedicate ourselves to the Norfolk Broads area.”

The new office based in Horning, will focus on The Broads areas including Wroxham, Ludham, Catfield, Stalham, and all villages in between. It wil offer the same complete property service

for residential sales, lettings and commercial.

Daniel qualified as a chartered surveyor in 2000 specialising in commercial property. He then worked for the top three commercial and residential estate agents in Norwich for the next six years before returning to the family fold in 2006. Daniel said, “The best thing about working in Norwich was meeting my future partner Lucy while working at Bidwells!”

Lucy herself is a property lettings expert, and then PA to an equity partner. They now have a young family with James and Olivia , two dogs and chickens. They enjoy living in Ormesby St Margaret in the heart of the Broads.

“Every day we walk our dogs on the beach and we spend so many summer days boating on the Broads or paddle boarding in the sea.” Lucy said.

“I particularly love the east coast, seeing the Sun rise in the mornings, up from the endless sea horizon, it gives you so much optimism for the day ahead.”

And the future certainly looks bright

Celebrating 30 years in business since opening their first office in Great Yarmouth in 1992, Bycroft Estate Agents continue to go from strength to strength.

Above: Branston and Barley. From L to R: Charles Bycroft, James Bycroft, Julie Bycroft, Olivia Bycroft, Lucy Abbot and Daniel Bycroft.

Gardening with Tom Strowlger

weather in February can vary from frosts and snow to milder sunny day, so we gardeners will need to keep an eye on the weather forecast.

This month we gardeners can get well ahead of the growing season; we can start sowing the seeds of our favourite summer annual flowers in indoor propagators and seed trays. The freshly sown seeds require the warmth and light of a greenhouse or bright indoor room for the germination process to be successful. A few favourites seeds include cosmos, cornflower, nigella, rudbeckia, sweet pea, salvia and zinnia.

It is the perfect time to create a new

border in the garden or build a raised bed, either provides extra space to plant, grow and enjoy even more plants and flowers. A border can be dug out directly into the ground and raised bed built by placing railway sleepers into an interlocking shape of your choice and filling it with a bottom layer of soil and top layer of general purpose compost.

We can plant out our late spring and summer bulbs, tubers and corms into new and existing raised beds, borders and planters. Alliums, anemones, lilies, begonia, crocosmia and dahlia flowers will make the garden burst with bright colours in the longer and warmer days of spring and summer.

Tom Strowlger @garden_with_tom

February

is the last month of meteorological winter; it brings us gardeners optimistic signs that springtime is just around the corner. The days are pulling out, wildlife is becoming more active and the garden is starting to come to life, with a wide range of spring bulbs sprouting through the soil of our beds, borders, pots and containers. Snowdrops and crocuses are already flowering whilst daffodils, hyacinth, muscari, alliums and tulips await prolonged milder spells of the forthcoming season.

We have the last opportunity to get ready for springtime by giving our shrubs a prune before the growing season arrives. The ground will be moist so, during milder spells of weather, we can plant newly bought bare root shrubs, trees and roses into the garden. The

The pots, containers, tubs and planters in the garden will have taken a battering over winter so we need to get them ready for springtime by giving them a clean, checking the drainage holes and adding pieces of a broken terracotta pot into the base to improve the soak-away process.

We can see our gardens coming back to life and with it our hope of a successful growing season. It is not long before we can spend much more time in the garden, pottering about and enjoying more fresh air. We can tackle the last of the winter jobs knowing that in the coming months the garden will be blooming with more colour.

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

We have the last opportunity to get ready for springtime by giving our shrubs a prune before the growing season arrives.

Able Community Care has been in the same family for four decades and now provides live-in 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...

Ask Angela

can continue to live independently and safely within their own homes. The maximum grant award is £30,000. For example you may need to:

• widen doors and install ramps or grab rails

• improve access to rooms and facilities, for example with a stairlift, or level access shower

• improve access to your garden

• build an extension, for example a downstairs bedroom

• provide a heating system suitable for your needs

• adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use You apply to your local Council for further details but any DFG you receive will not affect any current State benefits you currently have.

Question: If I lend my Blue Badge to another person, is this illegal?

Question: Unfortunately we will have to clear a relative’s home soon. We would like to contract with a House Clearance Company but have no idea who are ‘good ones or bad’ ones! Any information would be appreciated.

Answer: The UK House Clearance Association (and I quote) ‘is dedicated to protecting customers’ interests and the house-clearance industries’ reputation from the adverse impact of rogue-house clearance companies’. All their members are:

1. Fully covered with liability insurance, so in the event that anything does go wrong, you are fully covered.

2. Fully licensed with the environment agency to transport the items from the house clearance. Did you know that if fly-tipped waste is traced back to any particular household, that household is liable to a fine of up to £5000?

Question: Can I have information about Disabled Facility Grants please?

Answer: Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) are a national programme funded by central government to help to ensure that people with a disability, chronic illness or a reduced level of mobility

Answer: Blue Badge misuse is a criminal offence that could lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge. Misuse of a Blue Badge by the badge holder includes parking in the wrong place or parking for too long where there is a time limit, using a badge that is no longer valid or that has been reported as lost or stolen, letting a friend or relative use the badge for any reason, for example carrying out errands for you.

A study in 2022 revealed that between 2019 and 2021 there were 3,496 prosecutions for drivers illegally using another’s Blue Badge and another 171 offences committed by the Blue Badge holder themselves.

3. Genuine registered UK companies fully registered with the UK tax office.

4. Fully accountable for whatever reason. The UK House Clearance Association will act as a mediator between yourself and the company in question to resolve any issues or concerns that you may have.

Their website is easy to use, just put in the county to find a company in that area and all members details come up whom area local. ukhouseclearanceassociation.org

Angela Gifford, Managing Director of Able Community Care, answers your questions...

Ruth Wh r Insp ing women

Flower Power

Ruth Wharrier

has enjoyed a lifelong passion for art, starting when she was ill as a child and was given drawing and painting equipment to help pass the time. ‘I was home-educated and spent time in childrens’ hospitals, and art was really my salvation. I drew and painted avidly,’ she explains.

This fascination has continued into her adulthood as Ruth, now in her 40s, is a professional botanical artist, creating delicate, precise pieces, as well as a

primary school teacher, specialising in art, and also an art tutor who runs regular workshops and longer courses, too.

So, although clearly a busy woman, Ruth is embarking on another fascinating project this month, painting a harpsichord. ‘They come to me in a very raw state, just raw wood, and I paint and personalise them. I make the paint myself, a gouache, which has a slightly thicker consistency than a modern day paint, and takes more layering. I usually spend up to three months working on

each piece,’ she says.

The harpsichords are made in Norwich by Alan Gotto, with Ruth adding: ‘There’s a real history to this; they are decorated with birds, butterfl ies and fl owers - everything is bespoke, with the fi nished pieces going all over the world.’

Ruth, who lives in Pakefi eld, was completely self-taught before she attended a year’s course, a Diploma in Botanical Illustration, at the prestigious Chelsea Physic Garden in London. ‘I was

completely amazed to be accepted,’ she says. ‘I was totally honest with them and told them that I had had no formal training but I guess they saw something in me.’

Ruth was born in the North East of England and, after travelling for several years and a spell of living overseas, came to Suffolk 14 years ago. She is captivated, as many are, by the light and landscapes, enjoying inspiring walks on the beach and the countryside inland, too. She has established a good working partnership with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust who are based at Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre, near Lowestoft, where she runs many of her courses, including her year long Level 4 Certifi cate in Botanical Drawing and Painting - with the next one starting in January 2024.

‘It is a very special place,’ she says. ‘Well equipped and in a perfect setting.’

Apart from this course, Ruth also offers day-long workshops and is always keen to hear from people who want to learn to draw and paint. ‘We can all do

it,’ she says with vigour. ‘It is my mission to get more people painting! I teach the basics upwards, and everyone goes away having acquired some new skills.

‘And it is so good for you, for your mental wellbeing. You have to focus, everything else stops as you work, you have to concentrate. It is very therapeutic.’

Ruth also plans to fi nd more time to paint herself this year. She loves simply heading outdoors and seeing what catches her eye, explaining: ‘I love sitting outside, sketching. Doing something entirely for myself. I am keen to build up my own collection so I can stage another exhibition at some point; my last solo exhibition was at Snape Maltings in 2018.’

Ruth works in watercolour and gouache on paper, wood and vellum and also creates etchings in pen and ink. Her preferred medium is vellum, a delicate, smooth material made from calf or goatskin, upon which she can almost fl oat her fl owers, and her favourite artists include American

botanical artist Kate Nessler who she met when she was studying, visiting a rather exclusive London gallery where she was deeply moved by her ‘extraordinarily beautiful’ pieces. ‘She was really, really encouraging and we have stayed in touch. She really backed me,’ says Ruth.

And her second big inspiration was Rory McEwen, a musician and singer - Jools Holland’s father-in-law, no lesswho also painted very delicate botanical illustrations.

When she’s not drawing and painting, you’ll fi nd Ruth on the beach with her dog, Poppy, walking and enjoying plenty of fresh air. Or you’ll fi nd her at a concert at Snape Maltings or in Norwich. ‘I enjoy live performances,’ she says.

Find out more about Ruth’s work at www.ruthwharrier.com You can book courses here and also buy her work.

Ruth is also involved in a campaign to get a statue of Suffolk composer Benjamin Britten created and installed on Lowestoft seafront. Called Britten As A Boy, it aims to raise around £100,000 for the bronze statue which has been designed by sculptor Ian RankBroadley, who created the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales for Kensington Palace. It depicts Britten as a boy, looking out to sea. Various fundraising activities are planned including a concert in London in October. Find out more at www.brittenasaboy.com

First rule of engagement...