Places&Faces December 2023

Inspiring Women

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WIN

a Carrock Table Lamp

by RV Astley from www.norfolkluxuryfurniture.com

worth £542

VISIT

Norwich Christmas Charlie Smith-Knight

Embrace the

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inspiring women

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Tara Claxton

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from Norwich Theatre

Norfolk & Suf folk ➤ continued from page xx

December 2023 | Issue No: 157

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CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS DREAMS && DREAMS WISHES WISHES

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xperience Christmas at at xperience Christmas Jarrolds for a for spectacular Jarrolds a spectacular festive season.

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Discover restaurants filledfiwith joyfuljoyful restaurants lled with encounters and our encounters andfood our food hall full moreish delights halloffull of moreish delights and take timetime to browse our our and take to browse curated collections, intended curated collections, intended to make everyone’s dreams to make everyone’s dreams comecome true.true.

Win your Dream Christmas Win your Dream Christmas with with a Jarrolds Hamper a Jarrolds Hamper worth over over £800£800 worth For yourFor chance to win enter your chance to winat:enter at: jarrolds.co.uk/enternow jarrolds.co.uk/enternow

Christmas 2023 Christmas 2023

CONTENTS

WELCOME

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As we dive into the holiday festivities, I can’t help but be

reminded of Buddy the Elf’s timeless wisdom: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Well, maybe we won’t break into song in these pages, but we’re here to spread cheer nonetheless!

In the spirit of the season, we’re bringing you delightful recipes to grace your festive table; try the salted caramel and buttered almond brownies for a sweet twist or the Boxing Day pickle pie for a savoury surprise. And for those moments when the chaos of Christmas threatens to overwhelm, take a cue from Charlie Smith-Knight as she urges us to embrace the Christmas chaos. After all, isn’t that part of the fun?

This month, we’re honoured to feature Tara Claxton from Norwich Theatre as our December inspiring woman. Her story is a testament to the remarkable women shaping our communities in Norfolk and Suffolk.

As you turn these pages, remember that spending time with your loved ones is the true gift of the season. The laughter, the shared meals and the warmth of togetherness are the real treasures and festive magic.

And speaking of magic, follow us on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for behind-the-scenes glimpses, exclusive content and an extra dose of holiday cheer.

Here’s to a December filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of giving. Wishing you all a festive season to remember!

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Andrew Hirst EDITOR

@PlacesandFaces @PlacesandFaces

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@PlacesandFacesMagazines

7 What’s on 9 Norwich Theatre 12 Inspiring Women: Tara Claxton 15 Visit Norwich 19 Fully Booked 21 Embrace the Christmas Chaos 23 Jarrolds: Ask the expert 25 Uncorked 26 The Next Loaf 29 Festive sharing wreath 31 Boxing Day pickle pie 32 Garlic and tarragon chicken 35 Christmas gift ideas 38 Polly Vincent 41 Dr. Ryan 43 John Lewis fashion 45 Interior trends 47 Gardening with Tom 49 Ask Angela 50 Fitness

Subscribe online 12 ISSUES for only £20 visit: www.placesandfaces.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Hirst, Jade Soanes, Mel Cook, Polly Coleman, Chantel Heath, Tom Strowlger, Sarah Hardy, Francesca Armour-Chelu, Charlie Smith-Knight, Andy Newman, Rebecca Bishop, Gemma Mathers ADVERTISING SALES Shaun Dawson T: 01502 725 878 E: shaun.dawson@micropress.co.uk

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Out&About

Going

out

THURSFORD

Christmas Spectacular 8 November-23 December

Now in its 46th year, the three-hour show is filled with nonstop singing, dancing, music, speciality acts and comedy.

Set across a 130ft stage inside a steam museum, with an assembled cast of over 120, don’t miss Europe’s biggest Christmas show.

Enchanted Journey of Light 19 November-24 December

When twilight falls, the magic begins.

Your journey starts in Fantasy Land where you’ll travel past penguins, polar bears, and busy elves in Santa’s toy factory.

Continuing outside to the lantern light extravaganza, with lots of displays and festive luminous sculptures to marvel at.

Santa’s Magical Journey 19 November-23 December

Your journey takes you through a dazzling display of twinkling lights and a winter wonderland filled with animatronic penguins, polar bears, snowmen, and elves – all leading up to that all-important visit with Father Christmas.

Visit www.thursford.com for more information on all the above events

Winter Wonderland 17 November-3 January 2024

Head to the Norfolk Showground and immerse yourself in everything festive at what promises to be ‘Norfolk’s best ever’ outdoor Christmas event. This year’s real ice rink will be the largest outdoor skating facility outside of London! Other highlights include: giant observation wheel, Christmas tree maze, funfair rides and roller coasters for all ages, masses of festive food, licensed bars, games and Christmas market stalls, making it a great day out and fantastic fun for all the family. www.winterwonderlandnorwich.com

John Lewis Norwich Members' Weekend 9 - 10 December

Join the John Lewis Norwich store for a weekend of Festive Family Fun. With lots of free activities for children and customers of all ages, a DJ and exclusive offers on all your festive favourites for My John Lewis Members'. If you're not a member yet, sign up before the weekend and get access to all that being a My John Lewis Member has to offer: www.johnlewis.com/our-services/myjohn-lewis

North Norfolk Railway Santa Specials 25 November-23 December

Enjoy a magical Christmas journey aboard a traditional steam-hauled train from Sheringham to Holt. Complimentary onboard refreshments will be served to your table, while entertainers and balloon modellers will stroll through the train. On the return journey, the train will stop at Weybourne Station where you will make your way through an enchanted Christmas Tree Kingdom, a snowy model railway and Santa’s friendly helpers before you meet Father Christmas himself, who will present every child with a wrapped gift. www.nnrailway.co.uk 7

Christmas wish!

Norwich Theatre launches Christmas Appeal

Kids Eat Free this panto season at Norwich Theatre It’s Christmas, and you have got your pantomime tickets for Sleeping Beauty, The Fairy’s Tale at Norwich Theatre Royal sorted, but what are you going to do about dinner? Don’t worry.

This Christmastime, the Royal restaurant Prelude has amazing festive fare on offer, and to top it off, kids eat free this panto season!

Even the fussiest eaters are catered for. Your little ones can choose from a roast turkey with roast potatoes, glazed carrots and parsnips and gravy, the chicken goujons and fries or the mac cheese. For dessert, they can try a chocolate brownie and ice cream, fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.

All children’s main courses and desserts are free for those under 12, accompanied by an adult purchasing a two or three-course meal.

There is something special for the adults as well. To start, try the roast carrot and chickpea salad with hummus, harissa dressing and toasted pumpkin seeds or the smoked mackerel and potato terrine. If you are in more of a sharing mood, opt for a baked camembert and crusty bread.

For mains, our Head Chef, Toby Thomas, will be cooking up a storm, including a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, sea bream, lemon and dill potatoes, leeks, capers and beurre blanc or roasted squash, walnut, sage and mascarpone risotto.

Dessert fans will find it hard to choose with a delectable array of options. Choose from an orange and almond torte with yoghurt and pomegranate, a chocolate and caramel pot with crème fraiche or a pear and blackberry crumble with blackcurrant sorbet.

Speaking about the new pantomime menu, Laura Wakefield, Head of Commercial at Norwich Theatre, said: “Christmas is the time for fun, magic and festive treats. During the panto season at Prelude, it is time to indulge in some great food amongst family and friends.

Our Chef Toby has worked hard to create a festive menu that highlights some of the amazing local produce Norfolk has to offer.

“As a mum, I know Christmas can be costly, and Prelude’s kids eat free offer is the perfect way to treat the whole family.”

Two courses are £24 or three courses £28. For the ultimate Prelude experience, enjoy your dessert in the interval with a drink and chat about the goings on in the Land of Best Wishes.

As tables are reserved all evening, numbers are limited, and tables are in high demand. We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment. Use this link norwichtheatre.org/your-visit/ eatanddrink to book an amazing dining experience.

This Christmas, Norwich Theatre welcomes you to the Land of Best Wishes in its annual pantomime Sleeping Beauty, The Fairy’s Tale. Norwich Theatre is twisting the well-known fairytale, telling the story from Good Fairy’s perspective, but in the Land of Best Wishes, any dream can come true.

Making people’s wishes come true is not something that is just reserved for fairytales or pantomime. This season of goodwill, Norwich Theatre is asking us to come together and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most by donating to their Christmas Appeal.

The Christmas Appeal raises funds to help the theatre bring the joy of creativity to people who may not have the means to explore it on their own. Creativity is a powerful force that can transform lives and is a vital tool to improve our wellbeing and self-perception. It offers a space to express feelings, find a sense of play and connect to a community.

By supporting Norwich Theatre’s Christmas Appeal, you can help provide opportunities and resources that empower people to express themselves through theatre, music, and writing and access a significant boost to wellbeing.

Currently, Norwich Theatre has workshops for parents and their babies, explores the power of music with individuals with mild to moderate dementia and provides an array of workshops for people to come together and meet new likeminded people.

Chief Executive & Creative Director Stephen Crocker at Norwich Theatre said: “As the festive period gets into full swing, the season of goodwill and giving is the perfect time to think about giving the gift of creativity to someone. Please donate what you can and help us bring hope and joyful moments to those who need it most.”

Norwich Theatre will be collecting donations at the end of its Sleeping Beauty, The Fairy’s Tale and its Christmas shows at the Playhouse and Stage Two – with bucket collections and contactless.

Donations can also be made online at norwichtheatre.org

01603 630 000 norwichtheatre.org

Out&About

Going

out

�ive the gift of

Theatre this Christmas Give the gift of theatre this Christmas with the absolute best shows from around the UK coming to Norwich Theatre. norwichtheatre.org

For some Christmas fun Sleeping Beauty, the Fairy’s Tale

9 Dec – 7 Jan | Royal Can dreams really come true? Will the fairy save the day? Is the Prince the only way? Full of pantomime cheer and sparkle, there will be all the songs, jokes, mischief and dancing you expect, plus the chance to boo, hiss and cheer, of course!

For the whole family The Wizard of Oz

27 Feb - 3 Mar | Royal Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the Yellow Brick Road to the merry old land of Oz. Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road, and We’re Off To See The Wizard, with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

For the drama fan

The Woman in Black

15 - 20 Jan | Royal The Woman in Black brilliantly delivers atmosphere, illusion and horror!

Obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black, Arthur Kipps engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story.

Something a bit different Crooners

15 Mar | Playhouse Packed with personality and humour, Crooners has been wowing audiences with its witty and exhilarating one-liners, laugh-out-loud silliness and superb musical numbers with the outstanding 9-piece The Mini Big Band live on stage. continued on page 12 ➤

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Out&About

Going

out

➤ continued from page 11

For the inseparable couple Bonnie & Clyde

12 - 16 Mar | Royal Bonne & Clyde is set to hold up Norwich following two hell-raising seasons in London’s West End. Two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere became the biggest folk heroes in all of America.

Fearless, shameless, and alluring, this award-winning production has garnered a mass following, much like the infamous pair themselves.

For the dancing diva

For those looking for nostalgia

16 Apr - 20 Apr | Royal Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring hauntingly beautiful music, Matthew Bourne and his New Adventures Company return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.

7 - 11 May | Royal Thirty years since the launch of the trailblazing, smash-hit TV series, the Globelink News team is back and now live on stage for the very first time.

Starring the original cast members, the iconic comedy is reimagined in this brand-new topical commentary on the cutthroat world of 24 hours news.

Edward Scissorhands

Drop the Dead Donkey

If you can’t decide, why not buy a gift voucher and let them pick the show of their dreams?

To book a show or purchase a voucher, head to norwichtheatre.org or call the box office on 01603 630 000 10

inspiring women PANTOMIME 2023 Sleeping Beauty 9 December - 7 January www.norwichtheatre.org

Leading

Lady 12

Norwich Theatre’s Tara Claxton leads the way backstage to create the magic of theatre. Andrew Hirst goes behind the scenes to catchup with another inspiring woman.

rises and the lights dim, the magic of the theatre comes to life before our eyes. But what happens backstage is a world of precision, organisation, and yes, a touch of danger. Tara Claxton has always worked as a freelancer until after the Covid pandemic, starting a permanent position for the first time in her career at Norwich Theatre Royal as Head of Operations and Company Stage manager on 16 March 2022. Tara is one of the unsung heros who orchestrate

Find your peace and make sure you make time for it. Also, you need to know that you are never right all the time, but you learn from experience; You have to believe and trust in yourself. the seamless ballet that makes each performance a masterpiece.

With a career spanning two decades, Tara’s journey has taken her from the West End to the picturesque Lake District and even as far as New Zealand.

Through it all, she’s been a beacon of strength and leadership in a section of the industry largely dominated by men.

“When the Covid lockdowns happened, I was touring and everything we were traveling with was abandoned. I had two suitcases with my belongings locked in the tour trailer for 18 months. As you can imagine, when I was reunited with them, the contents weren’t the best!” Tara shares, highlighting the challenges faced by those behind the scenes.

Having recently settled into her first permanent position at Norwich Theatre Royal, Tara’s role involves a delicate dance of scheduling, logistical coordination and budget management.

She oversees a team of up to 50 people, ensuring everyone is where they need to be, when they need to be there.

Inspiring Women

As the curtain

Tara’s journey hasn’t always been a walk in the park. In a male-dominated industry, she’s had to prove herself time and again. “I have had times when touring, people assume that my male colleagues are in charge and will ignore me and talk to them instead. It doesn’t bother me too much as they soon come to realise that I am in charge. It’s kind of funny really,” she reflects with a knowing smile.

Moving back to her hometown of Norwich has brought Tara a sense of stability and belonging. “I have a lot of family here. I have been very lucky to have travelled around the world doing a job that I love, but it is really nice to be back in Norwich and have the stability of a permanent position,” she muses.

During the intense panto season, Tara and her team work tirelessly, putting in 60-80 hour weeks to ensure each show goes off without a hitch. Safety is paramount in this fast-paced, high-stakes environment, where heavy props and fly-ins are the norm.

After such an intensely stressful time and long hours, Tara finds solace in jazz and a good glass of red wine.

“It’s all about how you find your peace.

Everyone has something different and

mine is listening to jazz, ideally with a glass of a good red,” she shares. Time spent at Ronnie Scott’s in London’s Soho is a treasured way for Tara to unwind.

On show nights, Tara’s calm voice guides the crew, ensuring every cue is hit flawlessly. “Before the curtain, there is chatter on the radio, but as soon as the show starts, it all falls silent and the only voice you will hear is the Stage Manager’s. The prompt copy is the Bible for the show and this is how we ensure nothing goes awry,” she explains.

For the stage managers of the future, Tara offers sage advice: “Find your peace and make sure you make time for it. Also, you need to know that you are never right all the time, but you learn from experience; You have to believe and trust in yourself.”

And if you weren’t involved in theatre would you want to do anything else? “No. I am so lucky to do what I do. I wouldn’t change it for anything,” she asserts. Not even if you won the lottery? “No… Not exactly. If I was lucky enough to win that kind of money, I would open my own

theatre and give homeless people the opportunity to work within it. This would be a great way of helping and giving back but still being in the theatre, which I love.”

Tara Claxton is a testament to the strength and passion that drives the heart of the theatre industry. The magical performances on stage are enjoyed by us all, but rarely do we get to witness the hard work and professionalism backstage. With her unwavering dedication, she not only manages the logistics and operations of Norwich Theatre Royal but also stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring stage managers everywhere. Her story is one of resilience, talent, and an unbreakable love for the art of theatre. www.norwichtheatre.org

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Paul Holman Associates and Marina Theatre present

Family run business for 30 years

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Director JEREMY TUSTIN

Choreographer MIKE DENMAN Musical Director MIKE WEST

Flying Special Effects by BURNT TOAST SFX

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Norwich has some of the best local gifts and experiences for even the naughtiest among us says Melanie Cook of www.VisitNorwich.co.uk

Norwich

is a city with an independent spirit. Where, as it gets dark, you’ll find glowing Christmas lights and inviting shop windows. Weird and wonderful displays of bracelets and books and boxes of jelly slugs.

This December, stop by Norwich Market for Glühwein and empanadas; or battered turkey sausages with stuffing balls in an ancient undercroft at a fish bar. Get in the mood with candy-cane nails and a winter cocktail. Or enjoy a Beforenoon tea, in an igloo, with a Georgian ballroom for a view.

There’s something gloriously traditionally different about Norwich.

Read on to discover some unique Christmas gift ideas from places you may not have shopped before, and some festive things to do to celebrate the season. You may well earn yourself the praise of “most thoughtful gift... ever.”

John Lewis Norwich

�reat gift ideas

Tickets for a Cheryl Cade Walking Tour of Norwich Prices start at £26 for a cheese tour but there are other themes including gin, and beer and cheese. Cheryl even has a monthly Belgian Beer School! cherylcade.com Jelly Slugs at No. 19 Shop & Studio This is a gorgeous shop for lovers of print and design. And whilst their boxes of jelly slugs are one of their bestselling products there is also multitude of delightful gifts, posters, small print books and paper products to tempt you. printerjohnson.com/no19norwich

The Ivy, London St. Photo: VisitNorwich

A bottle of Chet Valley wine one of our local vineyards Norfolk produces beautiful wine and Chet Valley, located near Loddon, is no exception. Purchase individual bottles or one of their packaged Christmas gifts from the vineyard direct (it’s a great visit). chetvineyard.co.uk

An annual subscription to Plantation Garden Support a local charity whilst enjoying entry to the garden all year round because they are open 365 days!

Individual membership is £7.50 and joint membership (including children under 16) is £12. plantationgarden.co.uk 15

continued on page 16 ➤

Timber Hill. Photo: VisitNorwich

Panto at Norwich Theatre Royal Give the gift of laughter with tickets for Norwich’s annual ‘bring the house down’ panto, which is on until 7 January. norwichtheatre.org

Norfolk produce hampers A thoughtful hamper – of any size – always goes down well, so take a look around some of our wonderful stores who love to sell local! Find hampers or build your own at St Giles Pantry (Upper St Giles, Norwich), Jarrolds and The Goat Shed (Honingham).

Out&About

Christmas

all I want for

A gift voucher for Slice and Dice (board game café) All ages are welcome at Slice and Dice where there are over 300 board games to choose from their extensive library.

This is a great gift for a family. sliceanddice.cafe

Christmas on London Street ➤ continued from page 15

Experiences at The English Distillery There are now six different experiences to enjoy at Norfolk’s award-winning English whisky distillery. Prices range from £22.50 for an original tour and tasting to £100, where you create your own whisky. englishwhisky.co.uk Art books For the best selection of art books for miles around, head to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. This is a shop with art and design lovers in mind. And whilst there, take a moment to have a look around the collection (entrance is free) and stop for a coffee or bite to eat. sainsburycentre.ac.uk

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Norwich Works: The Industrial Photography of Walter & Rita Nurnberg For anyone who had family working in three of Norwich’s manufacturing institutions post war, then this exhibition is for them. Featuring over 130 original photographic prints, this a rare collection and behind the scenes peak into factory life at Boulton and Paul, MackintoshCaley and Edwards & Holmes. Tickets would make a great Christmas present.

Open until 14 April 24.

Jewellery and Watches Dipples in the Norwich Lanes has been a family business for five generations and has been in Norwich since 1894. So, they know what they’re talking about! dipples.com

The Mega Six Treat someone to a six pack of beers each month carefully selected from Sir Toby’s Beers. The cost is £34.99 a month but the value is between £38-40.

Includes free delivery in Norwich or Norfolk. sirtobysbeers.co.uk A teddy bear from The Bear Shop Whether you are buying a bear to hug or a bear to add to someone’s collection, you’ll find it here on Norwich’s most complete medieval street. Stop for a coffee at The Britons Arms and put your feet up for a bit! bearshops.co.uk Beauty treatments & Candy Cane nails Hands up who knew Jarrolds offers beauty treatments? From £30 they have a range of wonderful treatments to relax and spoil you. From Indian Head massages and reflexology, to manicures and pedicures. jarrolds.co.uk

Out&About

Things to do

Gluhwein & Empanadas Catch up with a friend at Sir Toby’s Beers on Norwich Market for one of the best Glühweins outside of Germany (in my opinion). Follow with an empanada from Cocina Mia (as eaten by Ainsley Harriett and Grace Dent).

Carols in the Cloister at Norwich Cathedral Born out of Covid-restrictions, this outdoor service has become so popular it’s now an annual favourite. Free to attend, it takes place 4pm, 16 December.

Pop into the Ribs of Beef for a drink after the service to warm yourself up!

Jarrolds Food Hall (late nights) Each Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the run up to Christmas, stay in Norwich a bit longer for some food hall shopping, followed by bite to eat and winter cocktails, such as Jarrolds Peppermint White Russian.

Christmas Markets On Saturday 9 December, visit two markets whilst on a day out in Norwich.

The first is the St Nick’s Christmas Craft Fair at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Followed by Clutter City Winter Market at Norwich Arts Centre.

Sing-A-Long-A Muppet Christmas Carol For two nights only 19 – 20 December at Norwich Arts Centre. Tickets cost £13 sing your festive heart out!

Christmas on London Street

Jack and the Beanstalk Norwich Puppet Theatre, 9 – 31 December. Take the family to see a panto that is anything but traditional.

Where all the cast are puppets!

Santa’s Grotto for Dogs This annual event at The Forum remains as popular as ever. Come along with your pooch on Sunday, 10 December between 11 – 3 (free).

Christmas dinner at The Grosvenor Fish Bar It’s the Christmas dinner to end all Christmas dinners – turkey sausages, stuffing balls and gravy! Eat in their atmospheric medieval undercroft and dine like a king.

Live Jazz on Sundays How about a bit of Christmas shopping in the Royal Arcade followed by a relaxing afternoon with a glass of something sparkling and jazz at Yalm.

Tropical sounds to bring in the New Year!

Norwich Arts Centre has a reputation of doing things differently. Returning for a second New Year’s party Projection One Collective NYE Takeover will have you dancing the night away to Afrobeat, Funk, Latin, Global Grooves and more.

Tickets from £20.

Don’t miss

Live seasonal shows at Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich Playhouse, The Garage, Norwich Puppet Theare and Thursford.

Shopping for all your favourite big brand names under one roof at Castle Quarter, Chantry Place and John Lewis. And they are beautifully decorated too!

Wonderful food, drink and atmosphere at Farmyard, Benedicts, The Ivy, Makers House, Gyre & Gimble (bar), The Cosy Club and Namaste Village. To suit all pockets.

This December why not consider travelling by train or bus into Norwich?

Or if you need to drive, using one of the five Park & Ride sites? Not only will this help your carbon footprint it will make travel easier.

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

I believe there is nowhere else in England that can do a traditionally different Christmas quite like Norwich.

With a thousand years of history, awardwinning restaurants, cultural venues, galleries and pubs, independent theatres, a diverse choice of shopping and one of the smallest bars in England - within walking distance of each other.

Surely that’s hard to beat.

17

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House of Earth & Blood

by Sarah J.Maas Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life in Crescent City, until a demon murdered her closest friends. Two years later when the murders begin again Bryce is determined to do anything to unravel the investigation that changed her life forever, even working with the notorious Fallen angel Hunt Athalar. Sarah J.Maas’ third series is an unforgettable read, with rich world building and to die for romance (as always).

House of Earth and Blood perfectly balances the expectations of a high fantasy with a modern take. Think angels and demons and the classic fae we already know from Sarah J.Maas. Now add guns, a city thriving on power and an explosive adventure. Bryce Quinlan joins the ranks of Maas’ incredible heroins.

by Gemma Mathers

Christmas around the corner; a new year is about to is

be upon us. So, what better than to reflect on a great year of reading.

Here are my top five favourite reads this year.

Fourth Wing

by Rebecca Yarros “A dragon without its rider is a tragedy.

A rider without their dragon is dead.”

Violet Sorrengail had no intention of joining the ranks of Navarre’s dragon riders, but as the daughter of a famed war general and sister to two war heroes, Violet finds herself without a choice. Thrust into the ranks of the Rider Quadrant at Basgaith War College she has two options: graduate and join the dragon riders or die and shame her family.

Rebecca Yarros’ first delve into the realm of fantasy has been a great success with Fourth Wing taking 2023 by storm and the sequel Iron Flame becoming one of the most anticipated reads of the year.

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

by Suzanne Collins Suzanne Collins returns to the world of The Hunger Games with the enigmatic prequel detailing the origins of President Snow and the evolution of Panem’s cruellest contest. Years before he rules as president, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is determined to save his fading family name and the 10th annual Hunger Games is his last chance. When Snow finds an unlikely ally in his tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, he finds his fate disastrously entwined with District 12.

If someone had told me during the original Hunger Games era that in 2023 Panem would be returning to the big screen, I wouldn’t have believed it. Collins has perfectly reimagined an already rich world, thrusting the reader right back into a story thick with lore and history that adds a layer of tragedy to the perfect dystopian series.

House of Sky & Breath

by Sarah J.Maas.

Bryce and Hunt are desperately trying to get back to normal after the events of last spring. Under the watchful eye of the terrifying Asteri, they’re determined to stay out of the drama and find peace at last.

But when Bryce learns that her best friend Danika had a closer involvement with the human rebellion than anyone knew, Bryce is thrust back into the path of danger. Growing ever closer to dismantling the tyrannical rule of the Asteri, everything Bryce thought she knew is brought into question and the peace she desperately clings to is threatened more than ever.

I’m Glad my Mom Died

by Jennette McCurdy Jennette McCurdy’s debut novel I’m Glad My Mom Died is a heart-breaking and hilarious memoir following her unconventional childhood as a former child actor, struggles with eating disorders, addiction and an exceedingly complicated relationship with her mother.

I’m Glad My Mom Died has been a showstopper over the past year, allowing readers to delve into the life of beloved iCarly child star Jennette McCurdy. It is not only McCurdy’s rich narration in the audible version of her memoir, but her poetic writing style that incorporates trauma and humour in such an authentic way. McCurdy sparks conversations on serious topics and unpacks the struggles she faced in the industry.

Books

Fully Booked

HM FESTIVE LUNCH AFTERNOON TEA HALF PAGE PLACES AND FACES NOV 23.indd 1

14/11/2023 15:45

Life&Living

Embrace the

Christmas chaos

by Charlie Smith-Knight

Season’

s

greetings! I am back, mulled wine in hand, to dispense some more unsolicited life advice and to tell you to take the pressure off this holiday season. Whilst the media rams the idea of a perfectly executed Christmas down our necks like we are foie gras geese, I am here to say ‘No! Stop in the name of sanity!’ Consider me your fairy godmother, come to dispel these commercially enforced ideals and tell you that this festive period, you should just bibbidi-bobbidi-do you!

In the interest of full disclosure, I am

less about what everyone else thought, some tinsel and a few fire hazard foil decorations strung from the ceiling were enough. Our family tree was decorated with many a school-borne artistic endeavour. I think my mum even nested the questionable clay ocarina I produced, amongst the toilet roll Santas and lolly stick snowflakes. To this day (and at my insistence) she will hang a wise man made from a bed sheet sprayed gold on her dining room wall. Are they classy decorations? No. Will the neighbours be jealous? Also no. But do we still enjoy Christmas? Absolutely. Decorate for

I’m all for tradition but I also think Christmas is supposed to be a day of joy and maybe there are better options than the perverse lunacy that is a three-bird roast. exactly the sort of person who has a wooden spatula in the door pocket of her car because I have never invested in a windscreen scraper. I think Mrs Hinch should stop being worshipped as a false God of the 50 shades of blandness.

And I have never cooked a meal for more than two people that didn’t consist entirely of frozen pizzas, sometimes served still partially frozen. What I am trying to say is, I think it’s ok to embrace some of the chaos. Healthy even.

Like Yakult. Imperfection is the ‘good bacteria’ of life experiences, and I think we could all use a dose of it.

First off, we don’t all live at Pickle Cottage. Festooning your front door with several different seasonal squashes, giant baubles and an 8ft gonk, is quite frankly unnecessary. Your house does not need to look like a grotto decorated by children who’ve dodged their Ritalin to be considered festive. In those splendid pre-social media days, when we cared

you, not the ‘gram. There are 12 days of Christmas and none of them involve scraping rotten gourd off the porch.

Christmas dinner is overrated. Yeah, I said what I said. There is no other time of the year, that we insist on eating 15 different types of vegetables in one sitting, on top of the meat content of Henry VIII’s daily diet, followed by a parade of puddings, one of which we inexplicably set on fire. Making dinner shouldn’t have to start several days before you plan on eating it and require the organisational underpinning of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Ask yourself, do you even like it? I’m all for tradition but I also think Christmas is supposed to be a day of joy and maybe there are better options than the perverse lunacy that is a three-bird roast. Scale it down, have a Chinese, make one huge charcuterie board. Just please yourselves. You don’t need more elements than the London Symphony

Orchestra and you’ll only forget that you put the peas in the microwave anyway.

Have you seen the film Jingle All the Way? There isn’t a present on Earth worth that kind of stressful, panic-inducing ordeal. Christmas shopping would easily be more fun if there wasn’t 1000 other people doing it at the same time. Of course, there is pressure to get the kids ‘the’ toy of the season but let me give you an outsider’s perspective. I am a frequent visitor in other people’s family homes - don’t worry, only ever on invitation - and as much as kids like presents, that isn’t all the magic of Christmas.

My sisters’ have cultivated warm, slightly unhinged homes, where there is always some noise and invariably laughter and love. Maybe someone gets kicked in the shins after one too many lemonades occasionally. It’s not all about crowding round a piano, cradling hot chocolate and singing Let it snow. The real magic lies in being together, somewhere safe and possibly with the kids wrestled into matching pajamas. I promise you, you are doing enough, new iPhone or not.

Lastly, if Christmas is not the one this year, that’s ok too. Last year I was having chemo, the year before that my glorious Nan passed away on Dec 23rd.

Sometimes Christmas comes when it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month or even your year. Fair enough.

Just be honest with the people around you and take the space your social battery needs. If you want to spend Christmas in a dressing gown, eating the contents of a family sized tub of Quality Street then you do you, hun.

However you spend it, spend it well... and on your terms. I shall be getting redirected away from the kitchen, like I’m on a replacement bus service and probably arm wrestling a child at the dinner table. Merry Christmas! Also please don’t write in about the wooden spatula scratching my car windscreen.

My husband has emphatically reinforced this point... and yet, here we are.

21

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the

Food&Drink

Ask Expert www.jarrolds.co.uk

Have your

Panettone and eat it…

At Jarrolds,

we know that one of the best parts of Christmas can be the food; whether as part of much-loved traditions or the opportunity to try something new. Alongside the classic Christmas cakes and mince pies, a beautifully packaged newcomer has started becoming a regular in the festive sections of supermarkets and bakeries.

Originally from Milan, a panettone is a sweet bread, enriched with butter and eggs and packed with candied orange and lemon zest and raisins.

The proofing process can take several

days, resulting in a light and fluffy texture and a wonderful lighter dessert for Christmas. Our favourite of the traditional flavours is the Loison Classico A. D. 1475 Panettone (750g, £28); cut this classic into wedges and serve with sweet hot drinks or sweet wine such as Vin Santo del Chianti Bonacchi 2008, £23.50.

Modern panettoni lend themselves well to local tastes and personal interpretations with many producers adding their own flavours.

Panettone may have existed in some form or another since the middle ages, but there is still has plenty of room for innovation. Some of our favourites include the Loison Pear and Chocolate Panettone (750g, £29) which includes candied pears and dark chocolate drops and is beautifully presented in a mint green tin or the Loison Royal Amaretto Panettone (1000g, £25) with a fragrant amaretto glaze and is made using Italian almonds.

Make Spirits Bright

The S’more, the Merrier

Perfect for toasting on Christmas Eve or as a wonderful extra to your festive hot chocolate, the humble marshmallow adds a touch of indulgence to your festivities.

Gnaw Mixed Bomb Cracker 129g, £10 Handcrafted with Gnaw’s dreamy milk chocolate; simply pop a hot chocolate bomb into a mug, slowly pour in some hot milk, gently stir and watch the mini marshmallows come to the top. The flavours featured in this adorable set includes milk, salted caramel and Sweet Orange.

The Naked Marshmallow Company Festive Marshmallow Toasting Gift Set 810g, £26 Including two festive flavours of gourmet marshmallows, a marshmallow toaster, eight bamboo skewers and a guide on ‘how to toast the perfect marshmallow’, this beautifully presented box is the perfect gift for those with a sweet tooth.

La Comptoir Chocolate Fondue with Mini Marshmallows, £8.50 A delightful stocking filler of fabulously French Milk chocolate fondue accompanied by mini marshmallows which you just place in a bain-marie to melt. Enjoy with friends, family and loved ones on cosy Christmas evenings.

FOOD HALL

Instore and online now

‘Tis the season of warming drinks full of Christmas spirit; a mulled wine, a hot toddy or a creamy hot chocolate with a dash of Irish cream are all firm favourites. Well, we may have found a new contender, it is time to try a hot buttered rum.

Evocative of cosy nights-in, this rum cocktail is a classic concoction blending the rich flavours of dark rum, butter, brown sugar, and a medley of spices. The warm and creamy texture, coupled with the heady scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, brings seasonal cheer to any Christmas occasion. Served piping hot, this beverage not only warms the body but also infuses the air with a festive ambiance. Heat a mixture of sugar, butter and spices, then stir vigorously into three parts hot water to one-part dark spiced rum and serve in a glass topped with whipped cream.

Our rum of choice for this cocktail would be Norfolk Rum Dark Spiced (70cl, £39.95) which combines notes of cinnamon, vanilla, burnt caramel and orange, all brought together with rich Cocoa and finished with smooth Norfolk honey.

Make spirits bright this Christmas with this locally produced rum.

www.jarrolds.co.uk

01728 685800 holidays@cottagetree.co.uk

No booking fees  No card charges  No charge for pets 

Fox

Strange Farm, Grange Road, Felmingham, North Walsham, Norfolk. NR28 0LT Showroom Open By Appointment

T:01263 733455 www.bakerrhodes.co.uk

Looking for a unique Christmas gift?

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Andy Newman introduces the perfect Christmas warmer

‘Are

you a friend of the Bishop of Norwich?’ – not an ecclesiastical question, but dinner table code for ‘I say, old chap, you’re hogging the port’. Buried somewhere in history is the identity of the drunken prelate whose selfishness gave rise to the expression, but it is a link between our county and the drink which is connected more than any other with the festive season.

The port we know today happened by accident.

An impatient Englishman added brandy before the fermentation had finished, killing the yeast and locking in the sweetness from the unfermented sugar. And that, more or less, is how it is still made today.

Port derives its name from the city of Oporto at the mouth of the Douro river, Portugal’s second city and the epicentre of the Port market. Here you will find the big-name Port lodges,

❆ ❆

many of them still English owned to this day.

Actually, although all Port is essentially wine which has had its fermentation stopped through the addition of grape spirit, the term encompasses a wide variety of styles, and this can confuse and deter the novice.

Essentially there are two types of Port: those which have been aged in a barrel prior to bottling, and those which have been aged in the bottle. This may sound like a detail, but the difference is important. Those which have been aged in barrel are ready to drink, without decanting, as soon as they are bottled.

Because those destined for bottle-ageing are bottled without being filtered and before the sediment has had a chance to drop out, they will continue to draw flavour from the lees in the bottle, and can take a very long time indeed to mature – and they will require decanting to draw the clear wine off the sediment in the bottle before drinking.

❆

❆

❆❆

The main styles of port are: RUBY: the cheapest style, aged for two or three years before bottling, generally blended from multiple vintages, and often pasteurised.

TAWNY: essentially Ruby which has been aged in wooden barrels until it starts to drop its deep red colour.

All too often the tawny effect is achieved by using lighter wines to start with, which lack the freshness and fruit of a proper tawny.

AGED TAWNY: proper Tawny port, left to age in wooden barrels for many years (at least six), not only takes on that distinctive amber hue, but develops a depth of nutty flavour and a silky smoothness.

CRUSTED: bottle-aged ports, blended from more than one vintage. They may have the character of a vintage Port, and need decanting because of the ‘crust’ or sediment which results from the absence of filtration prior to bottling.

LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE (LBV): port from a single vintage, but bottled after the sediment has fallen from it, usually about six years after it is made. These can be bottled with or without filtration; those bottled without will need decanting, but the reward is a much more characterful wine.

VINTAGE: the undisputed king of Port, these are wines from a single year from the best grapes, and aged in bottle. Vintages are only ‘declared’ in the best years (the last widespread declaration was in 2017).

wines I have enjoyed this month

Tinpot Hut Marlborough Pinot Gris, 2022, (£15.90, Jarrolds) Established in 2003, Tinpot Hut is just south of Marlborough’s Awatere Valley in New Zealand.

They grow Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Noir, as well as Pinot Gris – and this is a world away from the increasingly insipid Pinot Grigio (same grape) from Italy. Expect aromas of spice, pear and stone fruit, with underlying notes of brioche and spring flowers, all with a touch of nutmeg.

Lions de Batailley, Pauillac, 2015 (£29.99 as part of a mixed case of six bottles, Majestic) This is the second wine of the Fifth Growth Château Batailley, one of the oldest in the Médoc.

Sometimes the second wines can be a pale imitation of the star wine, but not here: from the stellar 2015 vintage this is top notch stuff, with aromas of tobacco, raspberries and cherry, and silky-smooth tannins. It’s a steal at this price, and it will be accompanying my Christmas dinner this year.

Lustau Torre del Oro Palo Cortado Sherry (£13.49, Waitrose) From one of my favourite sherry houses, this Palo Cortado is blended exclusively for Waitrose, and the supermarket has chosen its supplier well. Somewhere between an oloroso and an amontillado, it is dry, delicate but generously flavoured, with notes of baked orange, roasted hazelnut, sultanas and almonds.

25

Food&Drink

D E K 3 R O C N U

by Rebecca Bishop

I’m

Rebecca Bishop of The Next Loaf Baking School in Wenhaston, Suffolk. I teach fun, informative and hands-on baking classes that’ll leave you feeling inspired and eager to get back to your own kitchen to practise what you’ve learnt! With Christmas fast approaching and lots of classes to choose from a baking class gift voucher might be the perfect present for the baker in your life – you can choose the amount you want to spend and they can choose the class they want to attend.

I’m also the author of the baking book ‘Two Magpies Bakery’ and founder of Two Magpies Bakery. Each month my column will feature a delicious seasonal bake, book recommendations, insider tips for ingredients, equipment and much more.

To get the latest information sign up for my newsletter www.thenextloaf.co.uk or follow me on Instagram @thenextloaf

This month I’m mainly making…. Granola.

I love breakfast– there’s something so comforting and energising about the routine of a cuppa followed by fresh fruit, yoghurt and a bowl of granola.

However rushed I am or early I need to get up I always make the time so I’m set-up for the day ahead. My larder has plenty of half-open packets of seeds, nuts and rolled grains and I can never resist tweaking the recipe - my current batch comes with sweet spices chunks of dried apple and candied ginger. A great start to any day!

Stuck for a Christmas present?

Buy a gift voucher for the baker in your life so they can choose a class and date to suit them.

26

Baking know-how: Flour part 3 Last month we looked at bread flour and how high protein levels, AKA gluten, make it ‘strong’. Gluten is really helps when making bread because it creates a strong, chewy dough that’s strong and elastic. However gluten isn’t actually something we generally want or need in cakes and cookies. If you’ve ever accidently baked a chewy cake or a tough muffin (or been the unlucky recipient of said item) it’s probably because overmixing developed the gluten in the cake batter.

Nowadays It’s relatively easy to buy gluten free flour mixes, from company’s such as Doves farm. You can make a direct substitute with the plain or self-raising wheat flour in your recipe.

Gluten free cake flours are usually made from a mix of starches (such as potato and tapioca) and proteins (such as rice and sorghum flour). Gluten free bread flour usually has the addition of Xanthan gum, a naturally produced binder that gives some elasticity and stretch to your proving dough though this type does have a different texture than bread developed with wheat flour.

You can also make cakes and cookies with naturally gluten free ingredients such as ground almonds (usually called almond flour in American recipes), buckwheat flour, cocoa powder, oat flour or cornflour. Essentially what theses ingredients are doing is binding together the raising agents (eggs, baking powder etc) with the sweetener (sugar, honey etc) and holding your sweet treat together as it bakes. There’s a great recipe for gluten free salted caramel and buttered almond brownies made entirely with cornflour below and more recipe on my website.

These

INGREDIENTS: SERVES 16 Buttered almonds • 120g whole almonds, skin on, roughly chopped • 20g unsalted butter • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt Salted caramel • 50g unsalted butter • 150g caster sugar • Generous pinch of flaky sea salt Brownie mix • 150g unsalted butter • 50g milk chocolate, roughly chopped • 150g dark chocolate, roughly chopped • 3 Eggs • ½ teaspoon vanilla essence • 150g caster sugar • 150g light brown sugar • 80g cocoa powder • 30g cornflour, sieved • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt METHOD:

To make the salted caramel, grease and line a shallow tin. In a heavybased pan, gently melt the butter and sugar together until the sugar is fully dissolved. Increase the heat and continue to boil until the caramel reaches 150°C (use a thermometer).

Carefully pour the caramel into the prepared tin and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cool completely then turn out of the tin and bash with a rolling pin to create shards.

Preheat the oven to 185°C/160°C fan/ gas 4-5. Grease and line a 23cm x 23cm x 5cm baking tin.

Place the chopped almonds on a baking tray with the butter. Roast for 2 minutes so the butter melts then remove and toss the nuts in the butter

with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Bake for 5–10 minutes until lightly toasted and smelling irresistible.

Make a bain-marie by selecting a heatproof bowl that is slightly larger than your saucepan. Fill the saucepan with an inch of water and place over a medium heat. Place the butter, milk and dark chocolate in the bowl and set it on top of the saucepan, so that it doesn’t touch the top of the water. Alternatively, use a microwave on full power in 30-second bursts. Remove before the chocolate is fully melted, then stir the butter and chocolate together until emulsified and leave to cool slightly.

Using a hand whisk, gently beat the eggs and vanilla essence with the caster and light brown sugar. In a separate bowl, combine your cocoa powder, sieved cornflour and salt. Using a spatula, gradually combine the chocolate mix with the egg, stirring in a figure-of-8, then add the dry ingredients in three stages.

Continue to beat the mixture for a full minute until glossy and starting to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top. Generously scatter with the almonds and caramel shards – pressing them slightly into the batter.

Sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt, then bake for 20–25 minutes. Test for doneness with a skewer, trying to avoid pools of caramel – it should come out with a few damp crumbs stuck to it. If it’s still liquid, give it 5 minutes more.

Allow to cool in the tin. Make sure you pop the baked brownie in the fridge for half an hour before slicing.

brownies have a thin crackly top and a dense fudgy interior which comes from taking them out of the oven as soon as you see the mix start to ‘souffle’ (rise up) slightly at the edges.

Leave them to cool in the tin then chill before slicing. Make sure you beat the mix for a full minute to create a thick glossy batter that pulls away from the side of the bowl – with no gluten in the mix there’s no danger of developing a chewy brownie!

BAKING CLASSES

From January 2024 I’m launching The Next Loaf baking school in Wenhaston, Suffolk. If you’ve already attended one of my classes at Two Magpies Bakery you’ll know they’re perfect for raising your baking game or as a gift for a loved one. Classes are small so there’s lots of personal attention and suitable for beginners or bakers looking for more consistency and challenge.

We’ll be mixing, shaping and baking our way through an exciting range of classes including Scandinavian baking, Easter baking, sourdough, parent and child baking and Italian baking – to name a few! Classes (and gift vouchers) are now available to book on my website www.thenextloaf.co.uk

PRIVATE BAKING CLASSES

Planning a special get-together, hendo or just love to bake with friends and family? If you’re interested in a bespoke classes in your own home for a maximum of 6 people get in touch with rebecca@thenextloaf.co.uk

27

Food&Drink

SALTED CARAMEL & BUTTERED ALMOND BROWNIES

Christmas at Nancy’s Come and join us for a family tea with Santa!

• 15th, 20th & 22nd December • A special Christmas afternoon tea with a story and present from Santa.

• Adults will enjoy our Christmas Classic whilst the kids enjoy our children’s tier.

• 4pm start • Children £16 • Adults £22.50

a stylish family run restaurant serving high-quality fresh food and amazing cocktails

01638 667064 18 Old Station Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8DN

www.nancysteashop.co.uk

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

@TeashopNancys

8 Waterloo Rd, Lowestoft NR33 0AA • 01502 508821

www.thebathhouse.uk

@teashopnancys

wellwellwellthebathhouse

124 BRIDGE ROAD, OULTON BROAD LOWESTOFT NR33 9JT

01502 516145

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS FESTIVE MENU NYE CELEBRATION DRAUGHT BEeRS WINES & SPIRITS LIVE MUSIC

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Alice Rebecca Talbot owner of ART’s – Craft Kitchen

The

festive season is with us once again and it is a time for enjoying time with friends, family and loved ones. If, like me, you love to cook then this is the perfect time to show off your culinary skills. However we all have to remember not to hideaway in the kitchen and to get out there and spend some quality time with our guests.

Try making a festive sharing wreath.

As you will have noticed I have not given you a recipe this month and, more importantly, no list of ingredients.

This is because only you will truly know the ingredients you will use. What do you like? What do your guests like?

Select good cuts of meat and selection of cheeses to cater for everyone’s taste. Try to buy local where you can, celebrate the produce you have so readily on your doorstep. This area has a wealth of great independent producers as well as some of the best farm shops and farmers markets in the country.

Don’t forget that your platter of fabulous ingredients will need to have a top-notch accompaniment to lift the whole ensemble to create a symphony of flavours. Make sure your dips and chutneys are up to scratch! I can recommend my Allotment Chutney, Seaside Salsa or my ever popular Cranberry Crush.

Whatever you decide to serve up to your festive guests remember a plater like this can be prepared well in advance ensuring you will not miss out on any cracker jokes.

Merry Christmas and enjoy your local festive food.

w w w. a r t s c r 29

Food&Drink

Festive h t a e r W

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)

Food&Drink

e i p e l k c pi

Boxing Day

INGREDIENTS: SERVES 6-8 • 2 x sheets of pre-rolled shortcrust pastry

• 1 x 320g jar Cottage Delight Perfect Party Pickle • 8 slices of leftover Christmas ham

• 300g cooked Christmas Turkey • 300g leftover pork stuffing (or 1 packet mix, made according to pack instructions) • 250g mature cheddar, grated • 1 egg, whisked

Recipe by www.cottagedelight.co.uk

METHOD:

Preheat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6. Grease and flour a deep, round 18cm, loose bottomed or spring form pie tin. Line tin with one sheet of shortcrust pastry and spread ½ jar Perfect Party Pickle across the base.

Fill with layers of ham, Perfect Party Pickle, turkey, stuffing and cheese, until the tin is full. Ensure you pack in the layers, pressing them into the pie as you go.

Cut a lid, using the pie

tin as a guide, place this on the top of the pie and crimp around the edges.

Cut festive decorations out with the pastry off-cuts and arrange these on top of your pie. Glaze the top generously with egg wash and cut a hole in the top.

Bake in the oven for 1 hour, (check and add tin foil over top if catching after 40 minutes) until golden brown.

Allow to cool inside the tin and serve hot or cold for Boxing Day lunch.

31

This

holiday season, elevate your festive table with a delightful alternative to the traditional turkey. Say goodbye to predictable flavours and embrace a culinary adventure with this Garlic and Tarragon Chicken recipe.

INGREDIENTS: SERVES 4 • 2 tbsp olive oil • 4 chicken legs • 6 garlic cloves, peeled and whole • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 tbsp plain flour • 500ml chicken stock • 1 tsp wholegrain mustard • ½ lemon, zested and juiced • 200ml double cream • A good pinch of Maldon Garlic Sea Salt • Cracked black pepper • Handful of fresh tarragon, leaves picked and roughly chopped Served with: Green beans, mashed potato

Recipe by www.maldonsalt.com

32

Food&Drink

& c i Garalgon Tarr

n e k c i h C METHOD:

Start by adding the olive oil in a large, shallow cast iron pan. When the oil has heated up, add the chicken legs to the pan skin side down.

Cook the chicken legs on a medium heat until the skin has gone golden brown and crispy (it is important not to rush this step, as this adds depth of flavour to the dish and tenderises the meat). When the skin is crispy, turn the legs over and cook on the flesh side until it has browned.

When the chicken legs are browned all over, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate or tray. Turn the heat down and add the whole garlic cloves. Cook them until they are soft and caramelized and then remove from the pan and set aside with the chicken.

Next add the unsalted butter and melt gently. When the butter is foaming, add the plain flour and mix it in quickly with a wooden spoon.

Cook the flour for a couple of minutes until it is golden and smelling biscuity.

Then add the stock, a ladleful at a time, whisking in each addition to make sure there are no lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken each time before adding the next ladleful.

Once all the stock has been added allow the sauce to bubble and thicken. Then add the wholegrain mustard, lemon juice and zest and double cream. Stir it in and then add the Maldon Garlic Sea Salt and some cracked black pepper.

Place the chicken legs back into the sauce along with the caramelized garlic cloves. Place the lid on the pan and gently simmer this at a very low temperature for approximately 10 minutes or until the chicken legs are cooked through. The sauce should be glossy and creamy, however if it needs loosening add a splash of water or stock.

Finally sprinkle over the tarragon and then serve with your favourite sides – we like to serve it with creamy mashed potato and greens.

33

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Unwrapping the

Gifting

Extraordinary A quirky selection of unique Christmas gifts

Personalised Welly Family Framed Print, from £21.60, Ginger Belle Designs on Etsy

Personalised Couple's Christmas Candle Gift, Festive Spice scent, £18, kindredfires.com

Say goodbye to boring socks and dull gift-sets and embrace the extraordinary as we unveil a selection of gifts that defy convention. From memorable experience days to handcrafted wonders, our curated selection is designed to inspire and delight those seeking a break from the ordinary.

Gyre & Gimble Make Your Own Gin Experience £75 Hosted by master distillers, you'll become a ‘distiller for the day’. G&T in hand, you will develop your very own recipe from a large range of botanicals which you'll then distil into your own bottle of gin, whilst sampling the range of products Gyre & Gimble have to offer.

Book at: gyreandgimble.co.uk/ experiences

Christmas Pudding Huggie Hoop Earrings, £26, Lisa Angel

Hamish the Highland Cow Slippers, £8, Dunelm

continued on page 37 ➤

As the festivities draw near, the hunt for the perfect gifts for your friends and family begins. This year, why not step away from the predictable and mundane, and embark on a festive journey to discover the extraordinary. Here we delve into a world of whimsical and offbeat treasures that promise to add a dash of eccentricity to your gift-giving tradition.

Hangover Cure Shower Steamers, £8, prezzybox.com

Rainbow Cheese Truckle Selection Gift Box, £29.99, chucklingcheese.co.uk

Goat Experience for Two at Cherry Tree Farm, Thetford £40 Pygmy goats make the perfect companions to spend an hour chilling with. Includes farm admission for two people, an uninterrupted hour cuddling, feeding, playing and a walk if required. Book at: cherrytreefarmmethwold.co.uk

35

When you give someone an olive tree for Christmas, you're not just handing over a plant... You're sharing a beautiful story of peace, love, prosperity, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season.

It's a gift that keeps on giving, both in its symbolism and the joy it brings to others.

We have olive trees from as little as £48, including delivery.

www.thenorfolkolivetreecompany.co.uk

The Traitors 2023 Special Edition Card Game, £11.99, gingerfox.co.uk

Extraordinary ➤ continued from page 35

Pride Of Norfolk Hamper 2023, £135, Jarrolds

Smores Kit Marshmallow Toasting Hamper, from £10.80, BRHampersCo on Etsy

Twinings 216 Strand Teacup & Saucer, £20, twinings.co.uk

Family of Wooden Personalised Bears, from £9.99, thebespokeworkshop.co.uk

Personalised Foxes Adult Apron, £35, Sophie Allport

Personalised Family Name Christmas Tree Decoration, from £5.45, HoneywellGifts on Etsy

Gifting

Unwrapping the

w o l g s a m t s i C hr Captivating your

A Season of Radiance: Polly Vincent unveils the beauty trends of a Norfolk and Suffolk Christmas. www.pollyvincent.co.uk

38

Life&Living

Hello

dear readers of Places&Faces Magazine, and welcome to this special Christmas edition of my column. As we dive into the holiday season, I couldn’t be more excited to discuss the makeup trends that are gracing the Christmas parties and gatherings across Norfolk and Suffolk.

This December, we’re embracing a more natural and inviting look. Think of that fireside warmth, rosy cheeks, subtly tinted lips, well-groomed brows, lush eyelashes and elegant lashdefining eyeliner. The trend for natural beauty continues to reign supreme, with radiant and dewy skin, high-tinted cheekbones, and skilful highlighting in just the right places.

So, what’s in and what’s out right now? Matte, dark, over-lined lips are out, replaced by fresh, softly lined glossy lips in more translucent stained reds.

Tinted cheeks, meticulously groomed brows, and full lash lines are in, while contouring is making its exit. For those with Permanent Makeup (PMU), the holiday season offers an extra layer of convenience.

The clinic, on the other hand, is buzzing with holiday spirit, and we can’t

wait to help our clients look their best for the festive season

I know many people are intrigued by PMU but are concerned about it looking unnatural. At Enhance Cosmetic Clinic, we’ve got you covered. We pre-draw all our treatments, ensuring you’re comfortable with the plan. We have an extensive range of pigments to blend perfectly with your skin tone, and our experienced artists consider your hair colour, eye colour, and complexion to recommend the best shades for you.

Now, if you’re aiming for that radiant Christmas glow, I have a must-have recommendation for you: Alumier’s Vitamin Rich Smoother. It’s silky smooth and provides your skin with a beautiful, glowing canvas for underneath your makeup. Additionally, maintaining your skincare routine during the colder months is crucial. At the clinic, we offer a range of treatments, and one of our favourites is the famous HydraFacial.

Christmas is a season for giving, and it’s heartwarming to see loved ones purchasing gift vouchers for their friends and family. This year, consider putting an Enhance gift voucher on your Santa list to treat yourself or a loved one. Investing in a luxurious course of treatments can be even more rewarding than a one-off session.

Speaking of festive gifts, Alumier has launched an exclusive seasonal product, the Radiant Reveal A.C.E kit. This dynamic duo includes their ever-active C&E peptide and AHA renewal serum, both of which work gently to enhance your skin’s potential. These products reduce fine lines and wrinkles, lock in moisture, and improve skin tone.

As for us at Enhance Cosmetic Clinic, our team is excited to celebrate the holiday season with a Christmas party at the Wheatacre White Lion near Beccles.

A three-course meal, a black-tie ball, and live music are on the agenda. However,

for me and my partner Sam, it will be a quieter affair this year with our little one in tow. The clinic, on the other hand, is buzzing with holiday spirit, and we can’t wait to help our clients look their best for the festive season ahead.

I wish you all a magical and beautiful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and, of course, a touch of holiday glow. Merry Christmas to you all!

ENHANCE COSMETIC CLINIC

4 Ashhurst Place, Pakefield, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 7AE

Instagram: @enhance_cosmetic_clinic www.pollyvincent.co.uk

39

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Life&Living

Norwich Aesthetics Norfolk’s leading Aesthetics Dr talks to Places&faces about the new Government regulations and advice to anyone looking to get a procedure.

In the forever

expanding landscape of cosmetic enhancements, the popularity of aesthetic procedures, particularly nonsurgical interventions like Botox, has experienced an unprecedented surge in the United Kingdom. While the allure of a youthful appearance drives this growing trend, the industry’s rapid expansion has raised concerns about the dangers associated with unregulated Botox treatments. With an estimated 900,000 facial injections performed annually in Britain, the prevalence of complications and adverse effects underscores the pressing need for standardised regulations and heightened safety measures within the aesthetics sector.

In an exclusive interview, former N&N Dr and Aesthetics practitioner from Norwich Aesthetics Dr. Ryan Taylor, discusses the urgent need for regulations in the aesthetics industry and applauds the government’s move to seek public views on making nonsurgical cosmetic procedures safer.

The Growing Concerns: As the demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, particularly facial injections like Botox, continues to surge, concerns over safety and standardisation have taken center stage. Out of the estimated 900,000 Botox injections that are performed annually in Britain, with alarming statistics revealing that one in six individuals experiences complications ranging from bruising to muscle stiffness and worse.

However the UK government has responded to these concerns by initiating a consultation process to gather opinions on how to enhance the safety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Ryan Taylor, a seasoned Aesthetics practitioner and former N&N Dr, hails this move as a significant step towards bringing much-needed regulation to the rapidly expanding aesthetics sector.

He said “The lack of regulation has led to a scenario where negative outcomes are on the rise, and there’s been little accountability,” he remarks.

The government’s consultation, in his view, holds the promise of establishing standards that practitioners must adhere to, ensuring public safety.

In addition to regulatory standards, Dr. Ryan Taylor emphasises the impact of social media advertising on the industry.

He points out that the pressure on young individuals to conform to beauty standards is exacerbated by targeted adverts. “Young people often can’t afford treatments from properly qualified medical practitioners, leading them to opt for cheaper alternatives with unqualified practitioners,” Dr. Taylor notes.

So before you embark on any kind of invasive facial procedure, first consider these words of advice.

Research Qualified Practitioners: Ensure a safe and satisfactory experience by thoroughly researching and selecting a qualified practitioner.

Look for licensed professionals with

experience in aesthetics, and consider personal recommendations and online reviews to gauge their reputation.

Seek Consultations: Schedule consultations with multiple practitioners to discuss your aesthetic goals, address concerns, and gain insights into the procedures. A reputable practitioner will assess your medical history, discuss potential risks, and provide realistic expectations, ensuring you are well-informed and comfortable with your choice.

Understand the Procedure: Empower yourself by educating on the specific Botox or injectable procedure you are considering. Learn about the treatment process, targeted areas, and expected results. A clear understanding enables you to make informed decisions, ask relevant questions during consultations, and manage posttreatment expectations effectively.

Verify the Product: Prioritise safety by ensuring the practitioner uses genuine and approved products. Request information about the brand of injectables, verifying their authenticity. Reputable practitioners prioritize client well-being, using high-quality products from reputable manufacturers.

Consider Potential Risks: While generally safe, non-surgical cosmetic procedures come with potential risks. Discuss pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications with your practitioner to assess your suitability.

Transparency about your health allows for tailored treatments that minimise risks and optimise results.

For anyone interested in procedures, a consultation, advice, help or has concerns contact Dr Ryan at www.norwichaesthetics.com 41

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Fashion

1

by Chloe Norman Personal Stylist at John Lewis Norwich Instagram: @jl_chloenorman

With

NYE on the horizon and many thinking about what to wear, it’s a difficult balancing act of wanting that wow factor, but nothing so over the top there is no occasion to wear it again!

Top tips when it comes to NYE or occasion dressing is to go for a timeless look, something that won’t date over time . Opt for a great fabric or texture, luxurious velvets, soft satins or sparkling sequins. With wardrobe staples such as the little black dress, a great pair of tailored trousers or beautifully made blazer.

These outfits can then be loved for many years, with them being updated and worn in various different ways. Such as with a new piece of jewellery, a bold statement bag, shoes in a metallic or contrast colour.

Another great option new to John Lewis is our Fashion rental offering. A cost effective and sustainable fashion choice. This is a great way to rent an amazing outfit or accessory for a fraction of the price for your special event.

I have created a wish list of my favourite party pieces.

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Musayev 1 Sabina Rent Alpha Dress

Retail £575 | Rent from £74.80

3

Style Notes: Crafted of a shimmering textured knit, SABINA MUSÁYEV’s Alpha maxi dress features a plunging V-neck and a tiered skirt. Plunging V-neck open back Elasticised straps Elasticized waistband Three back buckle closures Concealed back zip closure Goldtone hardware 50% polyester/50% metallic fibers.

2 Whistles Rent SEQUIN MIDI DRESS

Retail £189 | Rent from £38.85 Style Notes: Bring a touch of drama with our sequin dress. This flattering piece is perfect for a number of exciting occasions, and is waiting to be completed with a pair of heels and a box clutch bag.

of Archive 3 Queens Rent MIA DRESS

Retail £395 | Rent from £61.78 Style Notes: Exceptionally arresting - tick, achingly cool- tick, sleeves of dreams wrapped in hanging sequins heaven, tick tick tick. Reminiscent of a 60s showpiece not out of place on stage or on the screen, Mia will delight and astound at any special gathering.

Mia is a limited edition style of only 100 pieces.

All items are available to rent online

www.johnlewisfashionrental.com John Lewis, Norwich

All prices are correct at time of print.

43

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House&Home

Interior designer Laura Ruddy, owner of the stylish Norfolk Luxury Furniture, gives us advice to keep our homes on trend this year.

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Interior Trends WIN: Norfolk Luxury Furniture is a new online company that specialises in supplying on-trend, desirable items of furniture and furnishings. The owner, Laura Ruddy, set up the business after spending many hours searching the internet for quality, luxurious items at competitive prices.

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a Carrock Table Lamp

by RV Astley

The RV Astley Carrock Table Lamp features a rectangular plinth base and a modern branching design, this glamorous table lamp brings a sculptural element to any home. RRP £542

How to enter?

To be in with a chance of winning an RV Astley Carrock Table Lamp from Norfolk Luxury Furniture simply complete the form with your contact details at:

www.placesandfaces.co.uk/ competitions or enter by post sending your contact details to: NORFOLK LUXURY FURNITURE Places&Faces Magazine, Micropress Printers Ltd, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Suffolk IP18 6DH.

Laura Loves

PERSONALISED CHRISTMAS PARTY PIECES! I am in love with this personalised partyware company www.theaddedextras.com. They have some great designs and themes and are completely up to date with all the current trends. I particularly like their personalised Christmas crackers and I will definitely be purchasing some for us this year! Have a look at their sister website too www.hadesignsltd.com for some great ranges of personalised gifts including the all-important matching Christmas pyjamas.

Competition closes 31 December 2023

Christmas Wreaths

Prize details: 1 x RV Astley Carrick Table Lamp from Norfolk Luxury Furniture.

See page 5 for full terms & conditions, or visit www.placesandfaces.co.uk/competitions.

For The Carrock Table Lamp dimensions and information go to www.norfolkluxuryfurniture.com

I recently came across this website www.homemadefromhome.com and spotted these beautiful Christmas wreaths, the unique nutcracker centrepiece is a great feature! Perfect for hanging on your front door or for decorating inside your home.

NEW IN...

Impress your guests this Christmas browse our new collection at www.Norfolkluxuryfurniture.com From abstract canvases to elegant side tables, we have something for everyone!

Decorating Trends for 2023 5 Christmas • Festive coloured cushions to instantly add the Christmas feel • Disco balls to bring in the party season • Candy cane decor for a festively extravagant look • Oversized decorations • Festive scented candles or diffusers 45

URN29_Norfolk_1.2019_Vanderbirghider_HP.ai 1 15/02/2019 12:03:44

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All landscaping tasks undertaken Specialising water features and ponds Allin landscaping tasks undertaken Specialising in waterborder features and driveways Perfectly based on the Suffolk/Norfolk but covering all of the UK

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All landscaping tasks undertaken Specialising in water features and driveways Perfectly based on the Suffolk/Norfolk border but covering all of the UK

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with Tom Strowlger

clear of fallen leaves by raking or leaf vacuuming them up. This prevents a patchy lawn that will need reseeding in early spring. It’s important to keep the lawn grass exposed to as much winter daylight as possible to prevent it from being suffocated underneath a layer of rotting leaves. Once this has been done there is nothing more seasonal than the sight of sparkling frost on a neat and tidy lawn.

The most festive of sights is the wreath hanging on the front door, perhaps one we have created ourselves. It takes our love of gardening to a new level, using foliage and berries from the garden to be creative. We can create a homemade

Tom Strowlger @garden_with_tom

December

is the most magical month of the year. It’s about decking the halls with boughs of holly and hanging up mistletoe whilst listening to our favourite Christmas carols. This time of year makes us feel warm and cosy enough to settle in a comfortable room and hibernate our way through the month. However, for us gardeners we can be outside in the fresh air and do some important garden jobs in preparation for the new year.

The garden will be in a state of winter dormancy with evergreen trees, shrubs and hedges giving us the finest of seasonal backdrops. We can use this month to design and create new garden features, borders and beds, and plant in the last of the spring bulbs before it’s too late. The garden becomes a blank canvas to make any changes and highlight any gaps to be filled with new plants in the coming months.

We need to keep the lawn grass

The simplest of pleasures is to stand in the garden on Christmas Day and be grateful of everything good at this reflective time of year.

wreath by collecting in small amounts of holly, ivy and evergreen shrub foliage and placing the cuttings into a circular frame.

To give the garden a festive and seasonal feel why not hang some outdoor twinkly lights amongst the trees, shrubs and hedges, it will make the garden a magical place for the Christmas season and wintertime. The sight of twinkling lights amongst the wintry backdrop will create your very own Christmas card scene in the garden.

I love the magic of Christmastime and the feeling of goodwill it spreads amongst us all.

The simplest of pleasures is to stand in the garden on Christmas Day and be grateful of everything good at this reflective time of year.

I am very excited about my future gardening plans and will share those with you over the coming months. So on that thought I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Gardening Year.

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

December TOP TIPS Continue digging and adding compost and mulch beds and borders Keep birdfeeders topped up to support your garden birds Stop ponds, water features and bird baths from freezing over Snow might fall, so be sure to gently shake this off plants, shrubs and hedges Remember to celebrate your gardening achievements | 47

House&Home

Gardening

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

A

ble 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...

Question: If I do not receive my Winter Fuel Payment which I think I am entitled to, what can I do?

Answer: Letters advising that Winter Fuel Payments are to be paid to a person are sent out in October and early November. If you have not received one there may be a simple reason for this, such as you have moved house. You can go online and contact them by email or call 0800 731 0160 to sort any problems out.

Question: I am disabled, can I get any help with my energy bills?

Answer: You can contact the organisation SCOPE – Disability Energy Support who have a group of experts who can help you with advice and practical solutions. They have a website for further information: SCOPE - Disability Energy Support or you can phone them on 0808 801 0828 Question: I hear mention of scams on the media, in the newspaper and friends talking about them, and I find it worrying. How can I keep up to date with scams that are genuinely reported?

Answer: There are websites which give up to date information, one of which is from Age UK. They have a Scam Alert website which continually updates the information. Just Google Age UK Scam Alert for details. There is also a free booklet titled Avoiding Scams and you can download this from their web page Avoiding scams information guide.

Question: What is a Deferred Payment Agreement?

Answer: A Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) is meant to ensure you are not forced to sell your home in your lifetime if you need to pay for residential care. By entering into a DPA, you delay paying your care costs until a later date, usually by having a legal charge placed on your property by the local Council. The cost of your care will have to be repaid by you or your estate. As this is a loan, agreed interest and charges are added to the cost of your care fees, which are paid on your behalf by your Council. Contact them for details of eligibility.

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49

Life&Living

a l e g n A ask

Fitness

Fitness Weekend Weight gain Many

people I speak to tell me that they struggle with weekends.

‘I’m really good all week with my food and exercise, but then at the weekend I have a takeaway and a few drinks and gain 3 or 4 lbs!’ Then they find themselves in a cycle of ‘being good’ again all week to shift the extra pounds from the weekend.

But what’s actually going on here?

Is it really possible to gain 3 lbs after a takeaway and a few cheeky wines?

Let’s first start with some numbers.

In order to gain a pound of body fat it is estimated that we need to consume around 3600 excess calories (over and above your normal daily intake.) Bear in mind this is a general figure, and other factors affect fat loss and gain, however if we use these figures, in order to gain 3 lbs of body fat over the weekend you would need to consume 10,800 excess calories! To put that into perspective, an average Chinese takeaway may be in the region of 1500 calories, and a bottle of wine in the region of 700 calories. So even if you had two takeaways and a few bottles of wine it’s unlikely you would have

consumed enough to gain 3-4 lbs of body fat!

So what is the cause of this change in what the scales say from Friday to Monday? Faulty scales? Heavy earrings?. While either of these are possible, these are some much more likely causes.

Carbs and sodium.

Carbs are yummy and a necessary part of any healthy diet. But for every 1g of Carbs eaten your body retains 3g of water. Sodium also has a similar effect. Yummy rice, noodles and naan could be the culprit!

You are dehydrated!

Which I know sounds a bit counterintuitive, but mild dehydration causes your body to retain the water it does have!

You did a big workout!

The soreness you get after a hard workout is caused by microtears in your muscles (which is how they get stronger!) this process leads to temporary inflammation and excess fluid forming.

Chantel Heath INSTAGRAM @ChantelHeathFitness www.chantelfitness.co.uk

I'm a 43 year old mother of two and Personal Fitness coach. I work one to one, in person & online with clients aged 18-80. My specialisms include pre and postnatal training, cancer rehab, pilates, and GP exercise referrals. I run fitness classes online and in person in the Suffolk Coastal area. I am also a Mental Health First aider.

Your period is due.

Apart from the hormonal changes which may make you retain water, you may also crave carby and salty foods, see above!

You need to poop!

I don’t think I need to explain this one, do I? As Peter Kay once said ‘You’ve put on a pound? I poop a pound!’

You ate later than normal.

Meaning you may still have undigested food on board. It can take around 36 hrs for food to pass through your entire digestive system.

So what do we take away from this?

Don’t beat yourself up about it! The chances are the extra couple of pounds on the scale are due to the reasons mentioned above, meaning they are temporary and reversible. To illustrate the point look at this picture of me! The scales just tell us how much weight is standing on them, not what it’s made up of!

50

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