Livelife Spring/Summer 2016

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Life over 50 in the East

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SPRING / SUMMER 16

FASHION

Age has no style limit

HEALTH

The benefits of eating right

TRAVEL

Exploring the world on your own

FINANCE

Love could be a financial boost

Seacroft

Grown Ups Holiday Village Only Holidays Seacroft Grown Ups Only Holiday Village is located just 7 miles North of Great Yarmouth in the traditional Seaside resort of Hemsby.

Half or full board, 3 and 4 night breaks with great entertainment nightly.

STAR ACTS AT SEACROFT Sounds of the 60s

Back to Bacharach

Hit Makers of the 60s

50’s Break

Joe Longthorne

14th March 2016 Prices from £134

1st April 2016 Prices from £149

4th April 2016 Prices from £159

25th April 2016 Prices from £139

9th May 2016 Prices from £189

Rockin’ Back to the 50s

Disco the Night Away

We’ll Meet Again

Chas & Dave

Back to the 60s

16th May 2016 Prices from £159

20th May 2016 Prices from £119

30th May 2016 Prices from £149

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Jeff Short Dance Band

Sound of the 60s

Bobby Davro

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Palais Revisited

1st July 2016 Prices from £129

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Same Difference

Ray Quinn

Andy Abraham

Chico

Stavros Flatley

1st August 2016 Prices from £139

8th August 2016 Prices from £149

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01493 809 965 • www.RichardsonsHolidayVillages.co.uk *All prices shown half board per person per break. Single occupancy supplement may apply. Future bookings only. Subject to availability and terms and conditions. Acts may vary. Star Act performs one night only, this may be any night during the break. Date shown is the start day of the break.

Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional

CONTENTS Golfers fairway to heaven 6 We take a swing at the best pay and play golf courses in East Anglia A day out in King’s Lynn 11 Here’s how to make the most out of this historic merchant town A guide to the Norfolk Broads 15 Planning to visit the Broads this summer?

Check out this fantastic guide Summertime in Suffolk 19 Summer is almost here, so see this guide to all the hidden gems on offer in Suffolk Ticket to ride for one 27 Solo travel can seem daunting, but it can be a life-enriching experience if done right

The best summer food festivals 38 Our essential round-up to the tastiest food festival in the region Love is a financial boost 47 Savings expert Martin Lewis shares his tips on how couples can save big Time for a spring clean 52 Use our guide to surprising ways to keep your house clean using everyday items Hot garden design trends 65 Find out about what the latest fashion in gardens is for the 2016 season

Publisher Sean Thompson Editor Emma Kemsley 01954 267904 emma@eastlife.co.uk Production Manager Craig Lewis Designer Ben Attenborough

Social Media Manager Nicole Ranaweera nicole@eastlife.co.uk Sales Manager (South Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex) Darren Marshall 07826 628680 darren@eastlife.co.uk

Area Manager (Herts, Beds & North Norfolk) Stewart Hedges 07595 894557 stewart@eastlife.co.uk Area Manager (Cambridgeshire & West Norfolk) Jim Leishman 01954 267635 Jim@eastlife.co.uk

Accounts/enquiries 01954 268129 accounts@eastlife.co.uk Head Office Unit 4, Avenue Business Park, Elsworth, Cambridge CB23 4EY

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It’s great outdoors in the Lee Valley

Lee Valley Regional Park is a great place to visit for a day out or weekend away – you’ll discover an abundance of picturesque open spaces, wildlife, historic gardens and family friendly destinations. You’re certain to return home with a smile on your face, feeling great from being active in the great outdoors!

Fascinating gardens Garden lovers will delight in the atmosphere and peace that the gardens have to offer. Delve into the beauty behind Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield which boasts an impressive range of flora and fauna, a kitchen garden and beautiful carp lake. Once you’ve finished exploring, sit back and relax with a cream tea in the Visitor Centre before exploring the museum where you can discover the story behind Edward Augustus Bowles, one of Britain’s most famous self-taught gardeners and expert botanists.

Make a day of it and combine your visit with a trip to Waltham Abbey Gardens, where you can enjoy a stroll around the tranquil Rose Gardens and Orchards and explore the history of the Abbey, reputed to the be the burial place of King Harold after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Lee Valley Regional Park stretches 26 miles from the banks of the Thames to rural Hertfordshire. There are multiple access points to the park, with the majority offering car parking, toilets and refreshment stops.

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Stimulate your senses with a gentle walk, cycle or boat ride River Lee Country Park is a great destination to lose yourself for a few hours – not only is cycling and walking a great way to enjoy the fresh air and keep fit, but an excellent way to explore the 1,000 acre park. Follow one of our many walking or cycling routes, including three Artway routes that make their way around the new sculpture trail in the country park. If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry, you can hire one from Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows or hire a boat from Lee Valley Boat Centre in Broxbourne and explore the waterways.

River Lee Country Park is brimming with wildlife - famous in the winter for the elusive Bittern or see if you can spot the colbalt blue of the Kingfisher who is common to this area. If you’re visiting in the summer this is the best time to see dragonflies at Cornmill Meadows dragonfly sanctuary.

Rich in heritage and culture too, the old mill at Broxbourne Old Mill Meadows was mentioned in the 1086 Doomsday book. If you’re looking for somewhere to stop for refreshments Fisher’s Green not only offers plenty of birdwatching spots but toilets and a nearby café at Lee Valley Park Farms. Or take a stroll to Lee Valley White Water Centre and enjoy watching the world (or the rafts) go by from The Terrace Bar & Café – open all year round and particularly pleasant on a sunny day as you soak up the atmosphere on the outdoor terrace.

Looking for a hole in one?

We love golf in the Lee Valley, from a traditional 18 hole parkland course and FootGolf Course at Lee Valley Golf Course in Edmonton to Disc Golf in River Lee Country Park. Whichever game you choose, you’re sure to have a fun day out with friends and family unleashing that competitive spirit.

Something for the young ones For a day out with the whole family that even the little ones will enjoy, a trip to Lee Valley Park Farms will not go a miss. Set in leafy Essex, the children will love meeting the farmyard animals along with their more exotic inhabitants. There’s never a dull moment with a range of fun filled activities running daily, including birds of prey, tractor rides to a working dairy farm and much more. The farm is open every day until 30 October.

Lee Valley Regional Park stretches 26 miles from the banks of the Thames to rural Hertfordshire. There are multiple access points to the park, with the majority offering car parking, toilets and refreshment stops. To find out more and plan your visit go to visitleevalley.org.uk

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DAYS OUT

Golfers’ fairway to heaven Written by Liz Jane Mattock Is it a birdie, albatross or eagle? You might be mistaken for thinking this article is about falconry or wildlife – in fact we are actually taking a swing at the top golf courses in East Anglia.

A

s the weather brightens up and keen golfers dust off their clubs and grab their caddies, we’ll guide you over green fairways and through the latest Pay and Play courses to tee off successfully and avoid getting stuck in a bunker.

Suffolk: Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club The golf club at Felixstowe has recently been voted as one of the top 200 golf courses in

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the UK, offering Pay and Play facilities for non-members on a superb 9-hole course. A day’s golf is priced at £60.

Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 9RY Tel: 01394 286834 www.felixstowegolf.co.uk High Lodge Leisure High Lodge offers visitors a complete sporting break or simply a relaxing game of golf, including Pay and Play. The course offers 9 holes and is set in beautiful surroundings. The on-site clubhouse offers a bar for refreshments and is available to members and non-members seven days a week.

DAYS OUT Haw Wood, Darsham, Suffolk, IP17 3QT Tel: 01986 784347 www.highlodge.co.uk Ufford Park Golf Course Ufford Park is renowned in the county for its superb course. Featuring an 18-hole course and Suffolk’s only two-storey driving range, the course is available for Pay and Play, five and seven day memberships. Excellent drainage on the course means it can be played year round.

Ufford Park Woodbridge, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1QW Tel: 01394 382836 www.uffordpark.co.uk/en/golf Norfolk: Searles Golf Club Set on the South Beach Road, this Pay and Play resort offers 9 holes, on-site refreshments, parking and even a sea breeze. Designed in a links style, the course makes the most of natural features including the winding river and the reed beds.

Searles Golf Club South Beach Road, Hunstanton, PE36 5BB Tel: 01485 536 010 www.searles.co.uk/things-to-do/golf

cially developed for women with an approach focused on learning as a group and by playing the game on the golf course, rather than spending lots of time on a practice range..

Royston Golf Club Baldock Road, Royston SG8 5BG Tel: 01763 243476 www.love.golf / www.roystongolfclub.co.uk

De Vere Dunston Hall Golf Club Dunston Hall is set in stunning surrounding and boasts a 6,275 yard golf course. The course is open to non-members on a Pay and Play scheme. Prices vary per season, age and length of session. The course is suitable for all standards.

Ipswich Road, Dunston, Norwich, NR14 8PQ Tel: 01508 470444 www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/dunston-hall/ golf/

Heydon Grange Golf & Country Club Heydon Grange is perfect for winter/spring golf as there are no temporary greens here.

Situated just a few miles from Cambridge, the club boasts 27 holes and is open to members, societies and Pay and Play visitors. This course offers a more experienced setting, with a choice of three challenging par 72 courses.

Nine-hole golf starts from as little as ÂŁ9 per person.

Heydon, Nr Royston, SG8 7NS Tel: 01763 208988 www.heydongrange.co.uk

Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire: The Royston Golf Club Women looking to take up a new outdoor activity with friends are being encouraged to try love.golf, a new, social coaching experience at Royston Golf Club. love.golf has been spe-

The Gog Magog Golf Club The Gog Magog offers two very distinct golfing experiences. The Old Course which opened in 1901, offering a charming setting for all abilities. The Wandlebury Course, which opened in 1997, is a professional course hosting qualify-

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Experience wind power from Experience wind power from the top the of topaofmodern a modernwindmill windmill The only windmill in the world open for the public to climb. Follow

The only windmill in the world open for the public to climb.

Follow ouroureco trail around ourgardens, heritage our eco trail around heritage orchard and organic and enjoy Fairtrade coffee and homemade cake in our vegetarian cafĂŠ. orchard and organic gardens, and enjoy Fairtrade coffee and homemade cake in our vegetarian cafĂŠ.

For opening times and to book

turbine726 tour call us on For opening times and to book your turbine tour call us onyour 01760 100

www.greenbritaincentre.co.uk

01760 726 100.

www.greenbritaincentre.co.uk

The Green Britain Centre, Turbine Way, Swaffham, Norfolk, 7HTCentre, Turbine Way, ThePE37 Green Britain Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7HT

DAYS OUT

ing tournaments throughout the year. Both are open to non-members on a Pay and Play basis and prices start from ÂŁ30 day play.

Shelford Bottom, Cambridge, CB22 3AB Tel: 01223 247626 www.gogmagog.co.uk Thorpe Wood Golf Club Thorpe Wood and Orton Meadows are set in beautiful surroundings offering a course for the more experienced golfer looking for a new challenge or change of scenery. Close to the centre of Peterborough, it’s an ideal location for a relaxing golf break. Both courses, The Granary or the Woodman have breathtaking views.

Nene Parkway, Peterborough,PE3 6SE Tel: 01733 267701 www.neneparkgolf.com

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Woodbridge’s top attraction Woodbridge Open Tide Mill y l i da 5pm is the largest m a 11 Sept single visitor until attraction in

Woodbridge. It is one of only two working craft tide mills in the country and is a national heritage asset. Discover its fascinating 850 year history, learn about the art of craft milling with grinding stones, and see the huge wooden waterwheel and massive machinery turning - if the tides are right. Play interactive games, and watch the unique CGIs and videos about the mill.

Try its authentic strong stoneground wholemeal our.

Woodbridge Tide Mill Tide Mill Way Woodbridge IP12 1BY 01394 385295

Registered Charity No. 274146

www.woodbridgetidemill.org.uk

www.twitter.com/TideMill_Museum www.facebook.com/TheTideMillWoodbridge

Gooderstone

EastLife WB's top attraction 71x107.indd 1

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Water Gardens & Nature Trail What could be nicer than to stroll through an enchanting garden, explore the nature trail, perhaps spot a kingfisher and enjoy delicious home-made cakes.

Garden open DAILY all year.

Tearoom open every day until 9th October Children 16 and under FREE & Dogs on leads allowed Coaches and group visits welcome by appointment.

Discounts on request.

All enquiries please call Coral Hoyos Tel: 01603 712 913 & 07730 551 945 Gooderstone Water Gardens & Nature Trail, Gooderstone, PE33 9BP coral@sunnycottage.plus.com www.gooderstonewatergardens.co.uk

DAYS OUT

Waterfont view of Kings’ Lynn

A day out in Kings’ Lynn Whether you’re a local or visiting for a weekend, King’s Lynn is a wonderful destination for soaking up Norfolk’s history and culture. If you’re thinking of spending some time in the historic merchant town, here’s how to make the most of it…

Shop ‘til you drop King’s Lynn is a shoppers’ paradise. As you stroll through the cobbled streets you’ll find large brand names at every turn. The Vancouver Quarter is the main hub for national retailers and has established itself as the town’s destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Throughout the year it holds regular promotions, events and fun days for visitors.

If you’re looking for something a little different or a one-off gift, the town has an excellent selection of independent boutiques

ranging from clothes and jewellery to crafts and interiors.

If you don’t have the cash to splash, you can still spend the day window shopping before retiring to one of the many cafes and tearooms for a bite to eat.

Discover the history King’s Lynn’s maritime past means the town is blessed with beautiful historic buildings, cobbled streets and courtyards. It’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering around and simply admiring the architecture. History buffs should visit the 17th century Custom House overlooking the River Great Ouse and the Guildhalls.

The South Quay area resembles the town’s merchant past and is an attractive space to

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DAYS OUT

Kings’ Lynn Town Hall

explore. During the warmer months take advantage of the Quay-side restaurants al fresco dining or take a ferry across to the west bank and admire the view of the King’s Lynn’s townscape.

New for 2016 – Stories of Lynn Stories of Lynn is a fascinating exhibition, a collection of beautiful artefacts and an extensive archive, that come together to make a speThe Red Register of cial attraction Lynn, said to be the in King’s Lynn’s oldest paper book in historic town existence hall. Visitors can discover

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the stories of the seafarers, explorers, merchants, mayors, magistrates and miscreants who have shaped 800 years of King’s Lynn’s history. The town hall has been extensively redeveloped to house the attraction.

The exhibition begins in the newly-revealed, and magnificent vaulted structure of the undercroft of the 15th-century Trinity Guild Hall. It demonstrates how Lynn’s extraordinary history still shapes the life of the town today.

A timeline of objects immerse visitors into

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A child in armour at the Stories of Lynn

the history of Lynn. An exciting game teaches visitors about the Hanseatic League, a group of powerful trading towns and cities around the Baltic and North seas. Lynn’s rich history as a borough is demonstrated as its most celebrated mayors come to life on the walls, to share their stories with visitors.

Children can dress up in mayoral robes, and examine place settings of meals that Lynn’s mayors would have enjoyed in different eras of history.

These displays, and many more, make the exhibition a fun and rewarding experience.

Next, visitors will tour the Treasury, a dark and dramatic space designed especially to display King’s Lynn’s historic artefacts. On display will be the King John Cup, a 14th Century drinking vessel, lavishly decorated in gilt and enamel; a very rare example of a secular medieval cup. It will be accompanied by the King John sword and silver maces; magnificent regalia still used to this day in King’s Lynn’s

annual mayor-making.

The exhibition continues to the Old Gaol House where visitors can learn of the town hall’s history as King’s Lynn’s magistrate’s court and gaol. Interactive exhibits in the restored gaol cells explore the lives, and deaths, of King’s Lynn’s most notorious citizens.

An app that provides a fun, interactive accompanying guide to Stories of Lynn will be launched in the summer. The app will be downloadable to all smartphones and tablets, free of charge.

Stories of Lynn will be open seven days a week, from 10am to 4:30pm, with last admission at 4pm. Tickets will be £5 for adults and £3.50 for concessions and children.

King’s Lynn Archive will be open Tuesday to Friday, from 12:30pm to 4:30pm, with last admission at 4pm, and on the first Saturday in the month (excluding public holidays) from 10am to 2pm, with last admission at 1:30pm.

There is no charge to visit the archive.

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DAYS OUT

Cycling is a great alternative to hiring a boat and allows you to explore at your own pace

A guide to the Norfolk Broads Planning a trip to the Broads this summer? Pete Waters of Visit Norfolk tells us how to make the most of ‘Britain’s Magical Waterland’.

N

orfolk is possibly most famous for the man-made Broads, over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways set in beautiful countryside and with many charming and picturesque towns and villages.

The big skies and sparkling landscape of marshland fields, feathery reeds and tangled woodlands are a perfect canvas for adventure and relaxation – time to reflect, space to explore and a magical opportunity to enjoy a fabulous break.

Now a National Park, the only one with a city in it, the Broads offers visitors an experi-

ence unlike any other, both on its rivers and lakes, and alongside them, on peaceful paths and cycleways.

Walking, cycling and by water are all great ways to get around the Broads, and it won’t be long before you’re on your own feeling that you have the entire area to yourselves! If you stay in your car, you’ll only see a fraction of what the Broads has to offer.

The UK’s largest nationally protected wetland, the Broads are a fragile wetland of international importance, with rare wildlife such as the huge swallowtail butterfly, the booming bittern, frolicking otters and beautiful white water lilies.

The birdlife here is amongst the best in the country.

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DAYS OUT beautiful Norfolk countryside, with stop-offs at Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall.

Broads Tours on Salhouse Broad Things to do Visit in May and you can take part in the Broads Outdoors Festival, there’s a range of activities, walks and sightseeing between 7-22 May. Considered by many to be the capital of The Broads, Wroxham is a lively town and very popular with visitors.

During the summer months it is bustling with activity with many heading for Roys – ‘the largest village store in the world’.

Wroxham is the perfect place for boat hire, whether just for an hour or the whole day.

From the river, you can see so much more and a leisurely cruise downstream will reveal picture postcard thatched cottages and lodges lining the banks.

Wroxham is also a terminus for the Bure Valley Railway, an 18-mile round trip on a steam locomotive to Aylsham, passing through

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Places to visit The delightful village of Woodbastwick is well worth a visit, even if just for a short period to soak up the peace and tranquillity away from the busier towns.

Having twice won the Best Kept Village Award, it is a beautiful place with a stunning medieval flint church finished with Norfolk thatching.

The Woodforde’s brewery tap The Fur & Feather is a great place for lunch or supper – try the huge Yorkies! If it’s a nice day, sit outside by the duck pond.

The town of Potter Heigham is another favourite with visitors and is an excellent place for boat hire. A treat is to watch sailors attempt to travel under a tiny medieval bridge, renowned for being the most difficult to navigate in the area.

The village of Ranworth is an excellent place to visit, where those feeling energetic can climb the winding, spiral stone staircase of the magnificent St Helen’s Church, known as the ‘Cathedral of the Broads’.

Once at the top your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views over this special landscape.

The church has one of the finest examples of a medieval rood screen in the country and an exquisite 15th century illuminated songbook.

Canoes can also be hired

DAYS OUT

The Broads are a great place to relax There are many beautiful towns and villages to be discovered throughout the Norfolk Broads including Stalham, a small market town where you can visit the Museum of the Broads and marvel at Hunsett Mill.

The picturesque village of Horning is situated on the bank of the River Bure. Stop off at Coltishall to sample some local ales and food at a riverside pub, and explore the village with its old buildings and church.

Acle has some very charming 17th and

Canoes are ideal for exploring

18th century buildings and a church which is more than 900 years old while Reedham has a beautiful riverside and many pubs where you can enjoy some excellent home-cooked food.

The only remaining car and passenger ferry in the Broads operates in Reedham, taking people across the River Yare.

Aylsham is a traditional market town in the north of the Broads. A twice-weekly market is still held here and there is a weekly auction of fine art, books and antique furniture where you can seek out treasures and bargains.

Just outside Aylsham is the National Trust run Blickling Hall & Gardens, one of the country’s finest Jacobean houses, with an evocative ‘Downton Abbey’ period interior.

The Bucks Arms, a pub in the grounds, is great for lunch (and has rooms too). If you’re lucky (depending on your view) you might also see the headless ghost of Anne Boleyn – Blickling was the Boleyn’s family home.

Walking around Reepham is like stepping back in time. With its pretty market place, bordered by 18th century houses, this charming town has been the setting for a number of period TV productions, including Poirot.

There’s good all-day dining at The Dial House, and it has rooms too.

For more ideas or to plan your trip visit www.visitnorfolk.co.uk

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There is so much to see and do.

Come and see our magnificent Suffolk Punch Horses and join us for a fascinating trip into Suffolk’s rural past.

Thereour is sorare much to farm see and do. Come and see our Enjoy breed animals, tractor tours and cafe. magnificent Suffolk Horses anddo.join us for There is soPunch much to see and Come andasee our There is so much to see and do.

Come and see our Coach parties, groups, children's fascinating trip into Suffolk’s past. magnificent Suffolkrural Punch Horses and join us for a parties and conferences magnificent Suffolk Punch Horses and join us for a fascinating tripanimals, into Suffolk’s rural past. and cafe.

Enjoy our breed farm tractor catered for.rare fascinating trip into Suffolk’s rural tours past.

Enjoy our rare breed farm animals, tractor tours and cafe.

Coach check parties, children's parties andtractor conferences Please ourgroups, website for Enjoy our rare breed farm animals, tours and cafe. opening times and admission.

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Just 30 minutes from Ipswich Please check our website for opening times and admission. and an hour from Colchester Please check our website for opening Just 30 minutes from Ipswich andtimes an and admission.

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Just 30 minutesor from Ipswich and an hour from Colchester Bury Edmunds. hour from Colchester orSt Bury St Edmunds. hour from Colchester or Bury St Edmunds.

The Suffolk Punch Hollesley, IP12 3JR I IP12 01394 www.suffolkpunchtrust.org I info@suffolkpunchtrust.org TheTrust, Suffolk Punch Trust, Hollesley, 3JR411327 I 01394I 411327 I www.suffolkpunchtrust.org I info@suffolkpunchtrust.org The Suffolk Punch Trust, Hollesley, IP12 3JR I 01394 411327 I www.suffolkpunchtrust.org I info@suffolkpunchtrust.org Registered charity: 1100596 Registered charity: 1100596 Registered charity: 1100596 Registered charity: 1100596 Registered charity:charity: 1100596 Registered 1100596

the best of Suffolk

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Blythburgh Church, known as the ‘Cathedral of the Marshes’

© Angels & Pinnacles

Summertime in Suffolk Summer is almost here, the sun is shining, and there are lots of fantastic places to go and things to do in Suffolk.

W

e’ve been thinking about how great Suffolk is as a place to retreat to when urban living becomes a bit too much. In today’s busy world, more and more people are seeking out the simpler things in life as an antidote to daily stress.

At less than two hours’ drive-time from London and the Midlands, or one hour on the train, Suffolk offers urbanites the ideal spot for a weekend of indulgence or introspection with some very special places to visit.

Go off the grid in the heart of Suffolk Much of Suffolk remains subject to variable strength of mobile signal and wifi, which makes it ideal if you need to disconnect from

your devices for a time.

A number of unusual properties are available to rent, including Purton Green. This thatched cottage dates in part to 1250 and is the sole surviving construction of a long-lost village meaning that it is 300m from the nearest road, ensuring that you enjoy uninterrupted peace and quiet.

If your tastes are for something more contemporary, why not book a weekend at the recently-renovated Hex Cottage at Wilderness Reserve, Sibton.

Perfectly sized for two, the cottage has no mains electricity and is surrounded by meadows and woodland making it a truly escapist destination.

Blow away the cobwebs in the outdoors Across the northern part of Suffolk lie the East Anglian Brecks. Far less well-known than the

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DAYS OUT

Cycling through Suffolk is a great way to discover the countryside nearby Broads, the Brecks offer an alternative landscape with a special climate, geology and land use history. Almost half of the area has been given protected status for its wildlife or geological interest, and is perfect to explore on foot, on two wheels or on horseback.

If you’re seeking to reconnect with your spirituality, try the countywide Angels and Pinnacles project, which offers a series of walking trails, each starting from a Grade 1 listed church and signposting the way to three additional churches in the vicinity. A number of cycling routes have also been produced which similarly involve riding between some of the county’s finest ecclesiastical treasures.

For those who find their inner peace near the seaside, take a walk along the country’s eastern coastline and enjoy the shingle beaches, wild landscapes, sweeping vistas and unique additions such as The Scallop and the Martello Tower at Aldeburgh.

Between 14 May and 5 June is the Suffolk Walking Festival with over 90 pre-arranged walks, many guided by local experts, exploring a wide variety of landscapes.

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© Visit Suffolk

Treat yourself to Suffolk’s luxury spas Clarice House, with spas in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich, offers Swedish massages including a new baobab oil back and neck massage.

Weaver’s House spa at The Swan at Lavenham has a range of therapies available, and a special ‘couples room’ where you can lie sideby-side with your other half, or chat with a friend while enjoying one of over 30 facial and body treatments.

Set in the beautiful woodland of Elveden Forest, Aqua Sana spa boasts the widest choice of globally inspired spa experiences available in the UK, ranging from a Roman-inspired Laconium to the Indian Blossom Steamroom via a Tyrolean garden and Turkish hammam.

Book in for a day of indulgence away from it all, or as part of a longer break at Center Parcs.

Feed your body and feed your soul When it comes to food, Suffolk has long followed the philosophy that the tastiest ingredients are the ones available on your doorstep.

The county is renowned for its high-quality producers and eateries, from Blythburgh pork

DAYS OUT

Scallop sculpture by artist Maggi Hambling on Aldeburgh beach

© Visit Suffolk

and Marriages flour to Aspall cider and the Adnams and Greene King breweries.

Suffolk’s many award-winning eateries include the Packhorse Inn at Moulton and the Ramsholt Arms on the banks of the river Deben not far from Woodbridge.

Expand your cookery skills For foodies who would like to expand their own repertoire, cookery courses abound including an extensive range at Kenton Hall Estate whilst budding bakers can head to Pump St Bakery in Orford, namechecked at last year’s Oscars for their amazing doughnuts!

Suffolk Food Hall is an award-winning farm shop on a grand scale with locally-produced meat, fish, fruit and veg spread over 8,000 square feet.

For more information about these and other attractions throughout the county, why not try the interactive planning tool available at www.takemetosuffolk.com to create a personalised itinerary ahead of your visit?

Courtesy of visitsuffolk.com

Dunwich Heath

© Visit Suffolk

livelifemag.co.uk | 21

DAYS OUT

Caravanning in the East

By Jade Attwood Planning on taking your caravan for a spin this summer? The East of England is full of premium touring caravan sites, with plenty of summer activities to enjoy.

I

f you like caravanning you might find yourself spoilt for choice this summer, unable to decide which county will suit your recreational needs the best. So here is a quick guide to four gems in the East of England’s crown, and where to pitch up to make the most of your experience.

Exploring Essex Despite being known for its suburb status, being on the outskirts of the capital and a popular dwelling for city commuters, Essex is full of wonderful sites to enjoy.

With one of the mildest climates in the country, Essex is the perfect place to enjoy beautiful gardens and take in some grander sights such as Audley End House. To really enjoy all that Essex has to offer, base yourself at the wonderful Kelvedon Hatch site.

A Camping and Caravanning Club premiere site, the site is steeped in history and is within a 20-minute train journey of London if you fancy a day trip.

Navigating through Norfolk Norfolk really comes alive in the summer months. As East Anglia’s go to destination for beautiful beaches, this county is perfect for relaxing retreats.

With 90 miles of coast, there are plenty of beaches to choose from: sandy to stony and commercial to secluded. After a day at the beach, coming back to your caravan on a luxury

livelifemag.co.uk | 23

DAYS OUT

Caister in Norfolk is great for caravans site makes the holiday all the better. Try 5 star rated Deer’s Glade for a truly luxurious experience with its high-quality facilities and accommodating club house.

Searching Suffolk For those who are looking for a more rural retreat, Suffolk is the perfect destination. Set in the seven acres of idyllic natural beauty is Forest Camping.

Situated in the centre of Rendlesham Forest, the site is ideal for light strolls and marvellous meanderings. If you’re looking to step outside of this beautiful setting, Suffolk has so much more to offer. The county is steeped in history, and no site so much so than Sutton Hoo, a must visit for those wanting to dig into some deep history.

Charming Cambridge Perhaps your idea of a dream caravanning holiday is one without all the distraction of children.

If so Cambridge’s Fields End Caravan Park

and Fishery is perfect, being an adult only site.

Cambridgeshire is the place for foodies, with a whole host of artisan bakeries (Fitzbillies is a must try), and delicious eateries to sample some local produce.

For a truly adult activity, head to Cambridgeshire Wine School, who offer a range of quirk wine classes. Whether you are keen to ‘Dine like Downtown’, or learn about ‘Old World vs. New World’ wines, there is sure to be an experience to suit your taste.

Wherever you are going, it’s important that you are fully prepared before your trip. Make thorough checks on your car and caravan before setting off, and ensure that you have bought some quality insurance just incase any unwanted accidents arise.

Pack up your bags All that is left to pack your bags, lock up and head off towards one of four of the finest destinations in the UK to visit with your caravan this summer: a caravanning experience you will never forget!

livelifemag.co.uk | 25

2.00pm Fri 19th The Carpenters Story – 2.00pm Fri Dancing 7th QueenChampions the Concert of Rock – The 7.30pm Sat 11 July Fri 19th The Carpenters Story – Fri 19 June Supreme Queen Concert Sat 20th Dance House Presents Dancing Queen the Concert The Carpenters Story 7.30pm Show That’s Rocking the Fri 21 Aug Sat 29 Aug – Catch A Rising Star – Sat 20th Dance HouseNation Presents – 7.30pm Soul Legends Bublè Fever 2.30pm & 7.30pm – Catch A Rising Star – Sun 9th & 7.30pm You Are Invited to Marty Sat 27th The World’s Most Popular 2.30pm MacDonald’s Farm – Musicals with The Sat 27th The World’s Pongo’s Most Popular Party – 2.00pm Westenders – 7.30pm Musicals with The JUNE – Starring the voices of Westenders – 7.30pm JULY Sat 14th - 7.30pm Cbeebies LA VOCE Justin Fletcher and Nicole DavisMUSICALS Sat 11th Dancing Queen The Mon 27 July 9 Aug JULYSun 29thSun- 7.30pm MAD ABOUT Jethro Pongo’s Concert – 7.30pm Starring Gareth Gates & Michael Courtney Thurs 13thParty LDN Wrestling – Summer Sat 11th Dancing Queen The Mon 27 July Sun 9 Aug Derek Acorah – Showdown - 7.30pm Jethro Pongo’s Party Sat 4thConcert - 7.30pm – 7.30pm BYE BYE BABY - Fri 17th The Psychic Ether Tour Story –of7.30pm Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons FriDerek 14th AcorahChas & Dave Princes Theatre proudly supports Fri 17th – The 2015 – 7.30 pm Tuesday 14th 2016Festival The Clacton Sea June & Beach The Psychic Ether Tour Sat 11th 7.30pm BACK TO BACHARACH Sat 15th Freddie Starr – 7.30pm 90 4th GLORIOUS YEARS on & 5th July 2015.

Mon 27th Jethro – 7.30pm – 7.30Soul pm Legends Tue 14th - 2.00pm 90 GLORIOUS YEARS Fri2015 21st – 7.30pm Mon 27thSat 18th Jethro – 7.30pm AUGUST - 7.30pm The Dreamboys CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS Fri 28th – 7.30pm Champions of Rock – The AUGUST JULYSat 29th Bublè Fever – StarringFri 7th Box Office: 01255 686633 Book Online: www.essex-live.co.uk Supreme Queen Concert Rickie Arthur – 7.30pm Fri 1st Champions - 7.30pm SHOWADDYWADDY Fri 7th of Rock – The www.tendringdc.gov.uk Show That’s Rocking the Fri 21 Aug Sat 29 Aug Supreme Queen Concert Sun 24th - 7.30pm THE SONGS OF HOLLYWOOD - Nation – 7.30pm Soul Legends Bublè Fever Show That’s Rocking the Starring Liza Pulman Fri 21 Aug Sat 29 Aug Sun 9th You Are Invited to Marty Nation – 7.30pm Soul Legends Bublè Fever AUGUST MacDonald’s Farm – Sun 9th Sat 13th You Are Invited to Marty - 7.30pm THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE Pongo’s Party – 2.00pm MacDonald’s Farm – Fri 19th - 7.30pm GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS - – Starring the voices of Pongo’s Party – 2.00pm Sunday 24th July 2016 Friday 1st July 2016 Gerry Cross the Mersey Cbeebies Justin Fletcher – Starring the voices of THE SONGS OF HOLLYWOOD SHOWADDYWADDY Sat 20th - 7.30pm Justin Fletcher CHAS AND DAVE - The Full Story and Nicole Davis Cbeebies Thurs 13th LDN Wrestling – Summer and Nicole Davis SEPTEMBER Showdown - 7.30pm Box Office Thurs 13th Wrestling – Summer Fri 23rdLDN - 7.30pm G4 - Back for Good Tour Fri 14th Chas & Dave – 7.30pm Princes Theatre proudly supports 01255 686633 Showdown 7.30pm Fri 30th - The 7.30pm LEGEND OF A BAND Clacton Sea & Beach Festival Satblues 15th Freddie Starr – 7.30pm Fri 14th Chas on & Dave – 7.30pm Princes Theatre proudly supports 4th & 5th July 2015. to the moody Book Online A tribute The Clacton Seawww.essex-live.co.uk & Beach Festival Fri 21st Soul Legends – 7.30pm Sat 15th Freddie Starr – 7.30pm OCTOBER on 4th & 5th July 2015.

Fri 28th The Dreamboys – 7.30pm Fri 21st Sat 1stSoul Legends – 7.30pm - 7.30pm THE CARPENTERS STORY www.tendringdc.gov.uk Sat 29th Bublè Fever – Starring Box Office: 01255Fri 686633 Book Online: www.essex-live.co.uk 28th Fri 7th The Dreamboys – 7.30pm - 7.30pm COUNTRY SUPERSTARS Rickie Arthur – 7.30pm Sat 29th Bublè Fever – Starring Fri 19 June The Carpenters Story

Tues 16th

When You’re Smiling – AUGUST Sat 11 July

UPCOMING SHOWS

Box Office: 01255 686633 Book Online: www.essex-live.co.uk Saturday 1st October 2016 THE CARPENTERS STORY

www.tendringdc.gov.uk

www.tendringdc.gov.uk Sun 9th - 7.30pm

2016 02 East Life live life General_Layout 1 26/02/2016 10:28 Page 1

Hidden Treasure... ...For all to enjoy Ufford Park Woodbridge A warm welcome and fantastic views await you at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa. Everyone welcome, even your four legged best friend. Take a stroll round our 2 mile perimeter walk / jogging track after enjoying a delicious afternoon tea or Sunday lunch.

Food served all day.

Home-cooked and locally sourced.

t

0844 477 6473 (local rate)

w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW

JOURNEYS END

Rickie Arthur – 7.30pm THE SHERRY BABY’S

Sun 23rd - 7.30pm

TRAVEL

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is perfect for travelling alone

Ticket to ride for one S olo travel can seem a daunting experience, but those who have tried it describe their first solo trip as uplifting, eye-opening and almost spiritual.

Fears such as feeling a little lonely, eating alone and paying more are soon replaced by the numerous benefits once you immerse yourself in what is a truly hedonistic holiday.

Fancy dipping your toe in the water of solo travel? We’ve compiled a few helpful pointers: Avoid paying single supplements Additional fees are added by hotels and tour operators to make up for the fact that they aren’t taking a second fare. This can be between 25-100% of the trip cost, so you could end up paying twice as much for travelling alone. The good news is that there are travel

operators who offer fully inclusive travel without additional charges, such as One Traveller, a dedicated solo travel company for the over 50s.

Connect with like-minded travellers Doing things alone is often a concern for those taking their first trip, but in fact, solo travel is a great way to connect with other travellers with similar interests; many forge life-long friendships and then holiday with their new found companions. A new breed of companies offer relaxed group travel; they hold ‘pre-travel meet up’ evenings so their guests feel more comfortable when they set off. Also, look for an operator who has tour guides, they will help you get your bearings and you’ll learn all about the area.

livelifemag.co.uk | 27

TRAVEL

Consider what hotel options are available before you set out to travel Check which dining options are available Consider an informal group trip where guests can choose to eat alone or with others in the group if they wish to.

If you are eating alone and don’t want to stand out, look for a relaxed cafÊ environment rather than a formal restaurant. You could eat at the counter and immerse yourself in a good book.

The Cotswolds are a great place to visit if you want to stay in the UK

28 | livelifemag.co.uk

Be aware If you head off alone, make someone aware of your movements and an approximate time you will return. Emergency services numbers vary, it is always sensible to know this for the country you are visiting; just in case anyone you meet needs help.

Desperate for a dip in the glistening ocean but worried about your belongings on the beach? Place a little money into zip-lock bag then bury it in the sand under your towel.

Alternatively, take an empty sunscreen bottle to keep money out of sight from thieves.

TRAVEL

Budapest is a perfect destination for the first time solo traveller Remember to appear in your own photographs While landscape shots are lovely, you want people to know you were there – however, there is no need to rush out and buy a selfie-stick just yet.

You will usually find other tourists who would be happy to take your picture. It’s a great way to introduce yourself; as long as you don’t mind returning the favour.

Finally, why not stay in the UK? The Cotswolds can’t be beaten for a staycation; visit stately homes, landscaped gardens and Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Sit back, relax and soak up scenic views travelling aboard the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway.

Ready to find exciting new destinations to explore?

We’ve a couple of suggestions which are perfect destinations for solo travel.

Budapest, the Hungarian capital, straddles the River Danube; it is rich in architecture and has many riverside walks and coffee houses.

Take a trip to Lake Balaton, explore beautiful Szentendre village and sample the local cuisine on a dinner river cruise.

The Portuguese islands are great for a cruise, especially the Azores and Madeira Islands.

The award-winning, One Traveller, is the UK’s number one single’s holiday specialist for the over 50’s.

They offer more than 30 holidays worldwide, all carefully created with the solo traveller in mind. Every detail is taken care of to ensure that any worries about travelling alone are firmly cast aside. The hard part, is deciding where to go!

For a brochure call, 01760 722011 or visit www.onetraveller.co.uk

One Traveller

livelifemag.co.uk | 29

House, Park & West Garden

Stable Yard Shops

Hatfield Park Farm

Coach House Restaurant

Groups Welcome!

Group bookings for 2016 now being taken, Group rates available for groups of 20 or more.

Groups can book special guided tours of the House or walk around at their own pace.

Please contact us on 01707 287052 or email visitors@hatfield-house.co.uk

House, Park and Gardens open 26th March to 30th September.

22 minute train journey from London Kings Cross.

Free Parking - Sat Nav AL9 5HX

www.hatfield-house.co.uk Hatfield House - East Mag.indd 1

15/10/2015 17:35:33

LOCAL HISTORY

Dramatic announcement

Lavenham around the early 1900s – the historic buildings had either fallen into disrepair like the Guildhall of Our Lady (left) or were encased in plaster like the Tudor shops (right)

Lavenham through time Written by Kate Cole © Kate Cole/Essex Voices Past 2015.

W

alking through the beautiful medieval village of Lavenham, it is strange to realise we nearly lost one of the most attractive villages in Suffolk.

Much is known about its medieval past; that it was once the fourteenth wealthiest town in England; that the wool trade brought great riches to the area; that one of its inhabitants, Thomas Spring III (1456-1523), was the richest man in England (apart from the king and nobility). However, what is less well known is that by the start of the 20th century,

32 | livelifemag.co.uk

Lavenham was in serious decline.

The wool trade, and its associated wealth, had long vanished from the village; although new industry had sprung up in its wake.

Thomas Turner (1784-1864), the master woolstapler, established a highly successful business, and built rows of Georgian and Victorian cottages in the High Street to house his workers. William Whittingham Roper (18201890) and his sons, the horsehair factory-owners, subsequently occupied many of Turner’s properties, and also built more workers’ cottages and factories.

But even this new breed of Victorian industrialists and their businesses could not stop the

LOCAL HISTORY decline in Lavenham’s fortunes; particularly its medieval heritage. Many of Lavenham’s medieval buildings had fallen into ruin; or worse still, had been destroyed. The manorial barn, which had given Barn Street its name, was demolished in the 1860s. The Guildhall of Holy Trinity in Prentice Street, one of the village’s four medieval/Tudor guildhalls, was demolished in 1879; today in its place is a car park.

The Guildhall of St Peter’s located on the High Street was demolished at some unknown date.

The village’s two remaining guildhalls had not been demolished, but were in serious state of disrepair; their medieval heritage ignored.

The Guildhall of Our Lady (also known as the Wool Hall and today part of The Swan) had been divided into three houses and a baker’s shop, and was in a dilapidated condition. The Guildhall of Corpus Christi, today the glistening jewel in Lavenham’s glittering crown, had in turn become a prison, a workhouse, an almshouse and a wool-store. It was near-derelict by the start of the 20th century.

Other medieval buildings throughout the village had been entombed in red-brick or plaster; a Georgian and Victorian habit for their wealthy owners, with the intention to “improve” houses and hide their supposedly “primitive” medieval architecture.

You can read more about Lavenham and its journey through time with Kate’s book ‘Sudbury, Long Melford and Lavenham Through Time’, published by Amberley Publishing. You can also read more on East Anglian local history on her blog, www.essexvoicespast.com

Some of Thomas Turner’s workers’ cottages. This group date from 1856 It was only the outcry by local people, societies and prominent people, which stopped this destruction. This outcry, along with the money and influence of people such as Queen Victoria’s daughter, the Duchess of Argyll, stopped Lavenham’s demise. It was through these peoples’ influence, not to mention their own personal wealth, that Lavenham was saved, and individual medieval buildings restored to their former glory (at great financial cost).

Whilst Lavenham can no longer claim to be the fourteenth wealthiest town in England; it can assert itself as an outstanding tourist base for those seeking England’s medieval heritage.

What’s more, the discerning visitor can stay in any number of the village’s restored medieval houses, or alternatively rest the night in one of the pretty Georgian and Victorian workers’ cottages built by Thomas Turner, William Roper and Thomas Baker.

When I was photographing Lavenham for my book, a local man stopped me, and after we had chatted awhile, he said: “You don’t know what’s holding what up. Are the brick cottages and factories holding up the medieval houses, or are the medieval houses holding up the cottages? Remove one and they’ll all fall down.”

He was quite right. Every single building in Lavenham is important to the cohesion and heritage of this jewel in Suffolk’s crown.

livelifemag.co.uk | 33

LOCAL HISTORY

Elephants come to town as part of Barnum and Baileys Circus in 1898

Photos from my ancestors

By Ian Cutting Local photographer Ian Cutting takes us on a journey through time as he recreates the images of his family past‌

W

hen I was growing up, my parents had always mentioned my great, great grandfather, Harry Walters, who was a photographer at the turn of the 20th Century.

As we are now in the 21st Century I thought it would be good to look back at his photos especially as I am a photographer myself.

His work included a lot of images of Ipswich from around 1895 up until, we as a family believe, 1915. Despite not owning a car, Harry still managed to travel to places other than Ipswich in areas such as Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex. I decided to go back to some of his locations and see what has changed in the 110 years since his original photographs were tak-

34 | livelifemag.co.uk

en. I like the challenge of trying to firstly work out where the pictures were taken, as not all his photos were labelled, and then once at the location trying to stand in a similar position to the original. In a couple of places I have re-visited, it has been easy to stand in a similar spot and get an updated shot. However, at one of the locations a complete housing estate has grown and where Harry took his picture now stands a house!

Harry was also particularly good at trick photography. Given that photography was all on film and still in its infancy, this made everything more amazing!

He even turned some of his trick photography into postcards of Ipswich and the surrounding area and I have been slowly trying to acquire these too.

For more photos from Ian follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iancutting photography

LOCAL HISTORY

Musicians in 1922

Christchurch Mansion 1880

Christchurch Mansion today

St Margaret’s Church in 1900

St Margaret’s Church today

Christchurch Park in 1897

Christchurch Park today

livelifemag.co.uk | 35

VisiT The world’s oldesT Mechanised PaPer Mill

pinkfoot GALLERY cley next the sea

indusTrial heriTage in acTion Frogmore is a visitor centre and working paper mill still using a 114 year old machine to as on make paper for specialist n e e s Bc B it! customers. g At Frogmore Mill you will Flo find out about the fascinating history of paper, learn how to make a piece of paper by hand, see heritage papermaking and printing equipment, often in action. We also have a shop and a cafe serving light refreshments.

Open for drop-in visits every Thursday and on the first Sunday of every month from 11.00 to 16.00 and for pre-booked groups of 10+ any Monday to Friday (or for 30+, Sundays too). Call Maureen on 01442 234600 for group and package details.

Crashing Waves, Suzanne Lawrence

An outstanding gallery based on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast Established & emergent talent from across the UK open every day

NR25 7RB 01263 740947 info@pinkfootgallery.co.uk pinkfootgallery.co.uk

Shop Shop and and be be inspired! inspired!

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EAT & Drink

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FOOD AND DRINK

The Best Summer Food Festivals We list the best food and drink festivals taking place this summer.

7-22 May, Eat Cambridge Eat Cambridge is an annual festival of food and drink with the aim of showing off fabulous local independent producers to all the local food fans throughout the county of Cambridgeshire.

The festival features a fortnight of fantastic local food and drink, a jam-packed two-week schedule of tasty fringe events and a huge food and drink fair at the Corn Exchange in the historic city of Cambridge.

As well as a food and drink fair, expect pop-up restaurants, secret supper clubs, food night markets, cookery lessons and more. www.eat-cambridge.co.uk 21-22 May, Crab & Lobster Festival, Cromer and Sheringahm A feast of fun, food, arts, music and heritage over a packed two days of events in two great seaside towns, Cromer & Sheringham. Each town adds its own special friendly character to the event with performers, fishermen, shantymen, clowns, boats, musicians and more. www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk 26 May – 5 June, Norwich City of Ale, Norwich A 10-day celebration of local pubs, breweries and real ale taking place throughout the city.

Special beers and ales, pub quizzes and barbecues are all on the line-up. www.cityofale.org.uk

38 | livelifemag.co.uk

28-29 May Hertfordshire County Show, The Showground, Redbourn, Herts The popular show returns, showcasing the very best in farming and local produce. The Food Hall will be offering a variety of some of the region’s finest food and suppliers.

Focus on Food Tourism will have a 12 place marquee for artisan food producers at the show. www.hertsshow.com 1-2 June, The Suffolk Show, Trinity Park, Ipswich Once again visitors can expect thrilling grand ring displays, amazing animals, spectacular show jumping, shopping and the finest local food and drink all make up a day to remember at the Suffolk Show. www.suffolkshow.co.uk 25-26 June, Focus On Food Tourism, Woburn, Beds Organised by regional food group, Tastes of Anglia and Paule Rochelle Sales & Marketing, the Focus on Food Tourism event aims to promote the East of England as a major food tourism destination, enticing those from the UK and beyond to the region. Set in the beautiful grounds of Woburn Abbey and sited next to the very successful Woburn Garden Show, Focus on Food Tourism will feature food marquees exhibiting the best regional food and drink producers, a tourism marquee featuring some of the region’s best hospitality providers and a food theatre where a range of educative presentations will be staged. www.focusonfoodtourism.co.uk

FOOD AND DRINK

There will be lots of tasty food as well as other amusements at this years Eat Cambridge 16 July, Oundle Food Festival, Market Place, Oundle Over 70 stalls will be setting up in the historic town of Oundle to sell a vast selection of gourmet and artisan food and drink products. The producers at the festival are almost exclusively local, bringing the best goods the region has to offer, and giving visitors a chance to learn exactly where the food they eat every day is coming from. Throughout the day there will be cookery workshops, cooking demos and visitors will get to soak up the exciting beats of the Fringe Festival. www.oundlefestival.org.uk 16-17 July, Essex Festival of Food and Drink, Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree The festival returns with over 150 food and drink producer and has three cookery demonstration stages hosting celebrity and local chefs. This year James Martin is back by popular demand on Sunday 17 July and Tom Kerridge will take to the stage on Saturday 16 July. The Only Way is Local marquee will be sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-op. www.tastesofanglia.org.uk/essex-festival-offood--drink-2016

23-24 July, Jimmy’s Harvest Festival Of Sausages And Beer, Jimmy’s Farm, Wherstead, Ipswich The festival is back bigger than ever.

Dance along as bands play on the main stage, sample some of the finest sausage producers, craft beer brewers and lots of other interesting hot and cold food stalls, and watch well known chefs, cooking up some delicious dishes at the Cook Shack. www.jimmysfestival.co.uk 28-29 August, Bury St Edmunds Food & Drink Festival The popular event returns showcasing the very best of local produce and some great cookery demonstrations. www.burystedmundsfestivals.com 24-5 Sept, Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival, Snape Maltings This is a two-day celebration of Suffolk’s food scene.

There will be over 90 food and drink stalls and hands-on cooking workshops and demonstrations. www.aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk

livelifemag.co.uk | 39

Real Food, Real Service Real People Our heads aren’t in the (i)cloud

The Perfect Venue Wedding or private venue party

At Back to the Garden, a magnificent vaulted 18th century threshing barn your guests can enjoy a true taste of local quality - from a simple buffet to a formal 4-course meal. Back to the Garden offers everything that a successful wedding day should have.

Tel: 01263 715996

christopher@back-to-the-garden.co.uk www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk

Fakenham Road, Lethingsett, Nr Holt, NR25 7JJ

The King’s Head Restaurant at Ivinghoe 01296 668388 reservations@kingsheadivinghoe.co.uk www.kingsheadivinghoe.co.uk

where the views are as good as the food...

Filby Bridge Restaurant We offer a fabulous a la carte menu with a superb variety of fresh fish plus an excellent lunchtime menu and superb coffee & cakes.

You just need to vist us to experience great food!

Main Road, Filby, Gt.Yarmouth NR29 3AA

Tel: 01493 368142 www.filbybridgerestaurant.com

Independent Diabetes Trust PO Box 294, Northampton NN1 4XS. www.iddtinternational.org Charity Number: 1058284 Registered Number: 3148360

FINANCE

Dramatic announcement Thinking of heading to the theatre? bhb bh b hb hbh bh bb hb hb hb hb hbh bhb hb bbh bh bh bh bhb h bb bh bhb A right Royal Time in Norwich Smash hit West End musicals www.theatreroyal.org

The rise of the olderpreneur What are your plans for your 50s? Will you be happily heading for retirement or diving into a new career? Steve Perry, 57, founder of ‘No Desire To Retire’, tells us why it’s never too late to land your dream job…

F

orget the new generation of whizz kids, it’s the over 50s with their decades of experience that are tempting employers.

One man fighting their corner is Steve Perry.

His business venture ‘No Desire To Retire’, the UK’s only website dedicated to helping over 50s find work, be it full-time, part-time or voluntary, has become an instant success.

It was a phrase used in a client meeting “no desire to retire” that started his journey to being an ‘olderpreneur’. “I wrote down the name, and told my business partner. I knew there was a business there, I just didn’t know what,” he explains.

In March 2015, Steve launched the website, and quickly had thousands of 50-somethings sign-up eager to secure work. “Some people

42 | livelifemag.co.uk

FINANCE don’t want to retire, and some economically can’t,” he clarifies. “No Desire To Retire is not about CVs, it’s a service to showcase talents and list your skills.”

The recruitment website encourages those looking for work to make the most of their existing skills and previous experience. “It’s about giving people a chance,” adds Steve.

“Employers want reliability. Yes, some physical roles are not possible but mature workers are calmer, not panic driven, better in a crisis and don’t have the distractions of today’s youth.”

With a wealth of driven individuals, undoubtedly not glued to their phones, it’s no wonder insurers Aviva have signed up. The multinational brand headed straight for ‘No Desire To Retire’ when it was looking for recruits for its life insurance team. “Aviva needed employers who were able to connect with its customers, and wanted to restore a balance to its team,” explains Steve.

It’s not just the positives that Steve is keen too: “If you want to know about mature workto highlight, he realises that it can often be difficult for those over 50 to take the first steps ers and how it could work for your business, talk to them! In my 30s I was concerned about in finding work and is making it his mission status and the money, today it’s about getting to become a leading voice in the sector. He it right and having a purpose.” has a national partnership agreement with the And for those Department for Work wanting to become and Pensions, and “Employers want reliability. the next big thing: is also working with Yes, some physical roles are not “Find something you major care organisations such as Anchor. possible but mature workers are really want to do and don’t have any expecSteve adds: “Older calmer, not panic driven, better tations. Make your workers sometimes job your hobby, don’t lack confidence, but in a crisis and don’t have the be scared of it and let often the barrier is distractions of today’s youth.” it grow gradually.” self imposed. Your reWith hopes of flection may not look expanding the free-to-use site later this year the same, but in your mind you’re still young! and dreams of becoming the “Martin Lewis of Hobbies and skills can be developed into a older workers” this is one olderpreneur whose job. Stop thinking about the salary, and think about your income. If you enjoy driving, start a ambition grows with age.

For more details about how you could setaxi business. I often tell my story as evidence cure your dream job visit the website at beats disbelief!” www.nodesiretoretire.com Steve has plenty of advice for employers

livelifemag.co.uk | 43

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FASHION

Summer style We can’t always rely on the British summer to allow us to dazzle in white at garden parties and BBQs, but fear not, this season the high street is a sea of green. Khaki suede, bottle green leather and leafy a-lines – make your friends green with envy with these style staples

Extend the green theme to the beach and sip cocktails from a sun lounger in style wearing the animal palm print tummy control swimsuit from BHS. Price: £32 Beat the summer chill and cover up in style with the Twiggy suede khaki biker from M&S Price: £199

The leaf motif has made its way from home interiors and into our wardrobe. This skirt by Apricot is perfect for summer. Price: £29

The M&S SS16 collection is amazing, and top of the list is the wrap leather skirt in bottle green. You’ll need to be quick though as there is already a wait list!

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livelifemag.co.uk | 45

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FINANCE

Love is a ... financial boost What are the financial boons to being in a relationship you can make work for you?

I’ve pulled together key twosome perks. With some you need to be married, but most allow anyone to, ahem, do it together.

Must be married or civil partners For my first batch of tips, cohabiting doesn’t do it, only marriage (including civil partners) counts.

One of you a non-taxpayer, the other paying basic 20% tax? FREE £212 Three million couples are missing out on an easy, but under-publicised, tax break launched last April. It lets the non-taxpayer give £1,060

of their tax-free allowance to the taxpayer.

This means £1,060 of income they were taxed on at 20% is now tax-free - a £212/year gain.

To do it, the non-taxpayer just needs to register at www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance. Apply now for this tax year, and you get it for every year going forward.

Full service breakdown cover, £42 for two AutoAidBreakdown.co.uk gives home start and onward travel for £42/year – a corking deal.

Yet this covers any car you drive, and any your spouse drives too, at no extra cost. It’s a pay and reclaim policy, so a recovery operator is sent out, and you pay them, then send your receipts in to get the cost back.

A joint policy can also be cheaper than two single policies with the AA and RAC. Eg, a joint RAC basic policy is £80, but a single is £50 per

livelifemag.co.uk | 47

FINANCE person. Visit www.mse.me/breakdown You can pass on your inheritance tax allowance While not a nice thought, when you die everyone can leave an ‘estate’ (all property, savings, valuables) worth up to £325k without inheritance tax coming off it.

Yet there’s never tax on what you leave to your spouse if they live in the UK, and if you die, their allowance rises by the amount you didn’t leave to others.

So if you left them everything, they could leave £650k tax-free. Also if you die, ISAs can be passed over and stay ISAs too.

For ALL couples - married or not These work for all couples (and sometimes even just friends), but most need a trusting financial relationship. a year’s 2 for 1 cinema together for £2ish Those darling TV meerkats (or annoying little pests depending on your view) run a promotion where, if you become a comparethe market.com customer, you get access to 2 for 1 cinema tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a year.

Yet it isn’t always your best deal. So here’s a trick. Get yourself a one day, UK-only travel insurance policy and even if you choose not to travel, technically you qualify. The cheapest I’ve found them at is £2. And then you’re due the 2 for 1s.

account, but couples can have THREE - one each, one joint, covering up to £60,000. Plus from 6 April, the new personal savings allowance means tax-free interest for most people.

The account does have a £5/mth fee, but for most that’s covered by the cashback it pays on bills.

You need to ensure you pay £500/mth in to each, and set up two direct debits set up (if necessary, you could do £1/mth to a charity).

For more tricks to max your interest, see www.mse.me/topsavings Love is... 33% off train fares The Two Together Railcard gives the two people named on the card a third off fares if travelling together (after 9.30am weekdays). It’s £30, so spend more than £45 each, even on one journey, and you save.

Unmarried? Your partner has no status under law - if you die they may not get the house or even the kids Just a warning before I go. Even if you’ve been together 37 years and have 6 kids, if you die will-less, in some circumstances your partner may have no rights over the home. So it’s worth checking out if you’re in that situation.

Martin Lewis is the Founder & Editor in Chief of Money Saving Expert. To join the 10 million people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips

Together, you can save up to £60,000 taxfree at 3% interest Easily the best-paying savings vehicle for a decent whack is the www.santander.co.uk 123 bank account. It pays 3% interest if you’ve £3,000 to £20,000.

On your own you can only have one

livelifemag.co.uk | 49

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FINANCE

Your holiday checklist Why reading the small print can pay off when it comes to travel insurance

W

ith the cold and wet weather dampening your spirits there’s nothing more exciting than planning your next trip abroad with family or friends.

However, one aspect which can be a challenge as you get older, especially if you’ve suffered from a chronic illness or have a pre-existing medical condition, is finding the right travel insurance policy.

Neil Muldoon, Operations Director of specialist travel insurance broker, Insurance Choice says: “It’s important to check the small print as there is nothing more frustrating than realising that a policy is inadequate as medical bills abroad can become very expensive. That is why having specialist cover is even more important as we get older.” So, what can you do?

1. Find a specialist It may be tempting to pop down to the high street for your insurance, but they might not have the expertise to assist you if you have certain medical requirements.

2. Do your research Depending on which country you travel to, it may have an impact on the cost of cover. So doing some investigation before you decide on your destination will help you to budget for your holiday. For instance, visiting ‘high risk’ countries such as the USA, Caribbean or the Canary Islands will be more expensive than ‘low risk’ countries such as France and Italy.

3. Keep it short If you are planning a longer holiday, keeping the duration under 31 days (inclusive of the days of travel). This will help keep the premium down.

4. Try before you buy Once you have decided on your destination, it may also be beneficial to get a quote for your travel insurance before you book the holiday to make sure that it ticks all the boxes. Once you’ve found the right holiday and cover for you, the fun and planning can really begin!

For more information visit the website at www.insurancechoice.co.uk

livelifemag.co.uk | 51

HOME AND GARDEN

Time for a spring clean

T

he money saving team at Promotional Codes.org.uk have come up with some nifty cleaning tips that will leave your home neat and tidy without breaking a sweat.

Better still, they won’t even cost more than a fiver!

Clean surfaces with water and vinegar Mix water and vinegar together with a 50:50 ratio to create an efficient and cost effective cleaning solution. Plus, you can use it on a variety of surfaces.

way you can flip through to find the one you want easily and minimise creasing which means less ironing.

“If water rings have damaged your coffee table, or other wooden surface, then try holding a hairdryer close to the stain, on a high setting, and watch it disappear.”

Steam clean microwave Had a baked beans explosion? Clean your microwave the easy way by mixing two tablespoons of white vinegar and a few drops of your favourite essential oil with water and blast it for five minutes.

You’ll be left with a shiny clean microwave that smells amazing with zero scrubbing required.

Clean TV and computer screens with coffee filters Using paper towels or cloth wipes can create static and attract more dust to your TV or computer screen when cleaning. So use a standard coffee filter instead as a way of leaving your screen clean and clear.

Clean iron with salt and foil If you’ve got a build up of dirt and grime on the bottom of your iron then simply turn it on (no steam) and iron a piece of aluminium foil with some salt sprinkled on top. The salt will attract the grime and remove it.

Restore water-marked furniture with hairdryer If water rings have damaged your coffee table, or other wooden surface, then try holding a hairdryer close to the stain, on a high setting, and watch it disappear.

Use a toothbrush for cleaning keyboards Instead of a wipe, take a damp toothbrush and use it to clean the difficult bits in between your keyboard. The bristles can reach all the difficult spots with very little effort.

Store sheet sets in pillow cases Finding matching bed sets can be a huge time waster but solved easily by organising your linen. Fold matching bed sets into the corresponding pillowcase so they are all kept together.

Fold and stack clothes vertically not horizontally Organise your t-shirt drawer by folding them and stacking vertically not horizontally. This

52 | livelifemag.co.uk

Clean your bathtub with grapefruit If you have an issue with bathtub rings and soap scum then worry no more.

HOME AND GARDEN

Simply cut a grapefruit in half, sprinkle some rock salt on top and then scrub away.

Not only will it have your tub sparkling in no time but your bathroom will smell divine too.

Use lint rollers on lampshades Lampshades can collect a large amount of dust without you even realising. Use a standard lint roller to remove any dust with very little effort required.

Clean awkward sized vases with rice If you struggle to clean certain vases, bottles or wine glasses due to their strange size then try this tip.

Fill bottle with uncooked rice, water and washing up liquid, cover and shake until clean.

Then rinse and leave to dry.

Refresh plastic containers Get the leftover curry stains out of plastic containers by putting a solution of washing up

liquid, bleach and water in them and microwaving until boiling point. Once cooled, pour away and rinse.

Deep clean shower head After having a shower, fill a sandwich bag with baking soda and vinegar and tie it around the showerhead using an elastic band. Leave this to soak overnight then any debris will come off easily with an old toothbrush.

Use pastry brush to get crumbs out of toaster Toast crumbs are notoriously difficult to get to but using a pastry brush can help sweep away the annoying trapped bits.

Vinegar and baking soda for oven cleaning Create a paste using baking soda and water and apply to the inside of your oven. Leave overnight and then spray vinegar around the oven. The chemicals will react and allow you to wipe any grime away.

livelifemag.co.uk | 53

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HOME AND GARDEN

Conservatories allow you to enjoy the outdoors while staying inside

The value of a conservatory

T

here are few home improvements that carry the weight and utility of a conservatory. Easy to build and cheaper than an extension, conservatories are perfect for brightening up your home, creating space and increasing the value of your home.

Anglian Home Improvements has offered advice and information on the benefits for anyone consider adding a conservatory…

Increasing the value of your home A survey of estate agents by property company Move with Us estimated that a conservatory could boost a home’s value by around 5%, while research carried out by peer-to-peer lending service Zopa estimated an 8% rise.

Based on average house prices in England, this second figure could equate to £24,000 worth of returns, although the exact increase depends on a number of factors.

56 | livelifemag.co.uk

The location of the home, whether or not the conservatory fits with the surrounding building, and the direction it faces all matter.

To get an idea of how much value it could add, enquire with neighbours in your area who have a conservatory, look online at house listings similar to yours with a conservatory, or work out your home’s price per square metre of floor space and multiply this amount by the area of the planned conservatory.

Improving your health The natural light provided by conservatories is great for improving your health when the days are short. Light will seep into the room – even during the winter months – granting owners a range of health benefits, alongside the increase in ambient warmth and light.

Natural blue light is integral to the proper functioning of the body’s pineal gland, a

HOME AND GARDEN part of the brain that regulates our sleeping patterns, and conservatories let in this light in spades.

Growing plants Getting a conservatory is a brilliant way to combine relaxation and a love of nature. By constructing a few small raised beds lining the periphery of the conservatory’s interior walls, or alternatively popping a few large pots into the room, all sorts of delicious fruits and vegetables can be grown during seasons when growth would otherwise be impossible.

The same goes for garden plants. The balmy climes of the room and high light levels will ensure a healthy amount of growth, and will defend against early spring cold snaps.

Planning your project All these benefits mean that conservatories are a popular home improvement choice but you need to make sure you do your homework and plan the project fully.

As more people choose to invest in a conservatory, the need for approvals such as planning permission and building regulations are becoming more prevalent.

All alterations and new building works

A conservatory increases your space on a domestic property need to conform to CDM Regulations (Construction, Design and Management April 2015). But don’t let that put you off, because Anglian will help you through every step of the process and deliver the necessary Construction Phase Plan following installation.

Let the light into your home with a conservatory

livelifemag.co.uk | 57

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HOME AND GARDEN

Top tips for buying a bed

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ith so many different types of bed on the market how do you decide which is best for you? Pocket sprung or a memory foam mattress? Divan or bedstead? Getting professional advice can help you through the bed-buying process.

Simon Bambridge of www.bed-e-buys.net, founder member of The Sleep Council, and approved by the National Bed Federation, provides these tips to make it easier for you.

•

• • • •

Decide your priorities and concerns in advance. Consider price, storage, access to bedroom, turning the mattress, getting in and out of bed, overall size, or a health issues such as a bad back.

Try a selection of beds for comparison before you buy. Set aside enough time to do the job properly.

Choose the correct support and comfort for your weight and build.

Wear comfortable clothing, remove any outdoor gear and lie on the bed for quite a long time (at least 10 minutes).

Lie down in your normal sleeping position

• • •

•

• •

and make some turns too.

If the bed is for two, try it together. You both need to feel comfortable.

Don’t forget a bed is a mattress and a base working together – don’t consider them in isolation.

Think big – larger beds are more comfortable. Being disturbed by a sleeping partner is one of the most common complaints.

With a larger bed you are less likely to disturb one another.

Check dimensions. Bed sizes are not standardised – even if they have the same name (e.g. king size) they may not be the same size.

You get what you pay for – both in product and service.

Ask you bed retailer whether they offer free delivery, and free disposal of the old bed. This can save you considerable time.

Remember, you’re going to spend over 20,000 hours on your bed during its (seven year) lifespan so it’s worth taking a little time and effort to make sure you make the right choice.

livelifemag.co.uk | 59

CoastalStoves.co.uk We are a family-run business and offer a wide and varied selection of woodburning, Multi-Fuel and Gas Stoves. In our showroom in Holt, we have several on display and below are just a small selection of those on offer...

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HOME AND GARDEN

Top tips for downsizers

W

hether you’re an empty nester or looking to free up equity, thousands of homeowners will be looking to downsize this year. In fact, a recent study has shown that one in three homeowners aged over 55 are considering downsizing right now (ILC).

Living in a four-bedroom family home with a large garden is the dream when raising children, but naturally it won’t suit everyone’s needs as you get older. Here’s what you need to know about downsizing in today’s market from Cameron Ewer, Partner at Strutt & Parker’s Cambridge office, one of the UK’s leading independent property partnerships: 1. Get the numbers right How much is your property worth and how much do you want to spend on your next home? Do your research using property search

62 | livelifemag.co.uk

sites and get at least three agent valuations on your current property to make sure you sell at a price that you’re comfortable with. The highest valuation isn’t always the right one.

Remember to factor in the additional costs — tax, legal and estate agency fees — as well as a contingency spend to ensure there are no financial surprises.

This may be one of your largest financial decisions of your life, but remember to look forward to the potential savings it can bring too, including reduced living expenses and more financial freedom.

2. It is OK to be emotional Selling the family home where the walls echo with the sound of children playing and memories of family meals around the table will inevitably be tough.

We all know houses are more than just

HOME AND GARDEN bricks and mortar – hence our British obsession with them so saying goodbye can bring a huge sense of loss.

Keep in mind the practical trade-offs and try to look forward to a new exciting chapter in your life. It is well documented that successful downsizers feel liberated from the tyranny of household chores, upkeep, big heating bills and large gardens.

3. If downsizing doesn’t work, try ‘my-sizing’ On the tails of traditional downsizers is a new trend in ‘my-sizers’; those moving to a house of similar value but driven instead by a change in location, land, size or style of home.

Often referred to as right-sizing, this won’t be the usual move to a smaller house with less land.

This is a common move for those in an ‘in-between’ life stage where some of the older kids have left home, and perhaps there has been a job change.

They are not ready to give up the four bedrooms for the children quite yet, but no longer have a need to be close to the top school.

4. Consider re-mortgaging Some downsizers use the opportunity to lower their mortgage payments on their new home by putting down a bigger deposit.

Seek professional advice from a broker to

ensure you get the most competitive rates – many can find the cost associated with the process outweighs their potential saving. Be aware that lenders require a far more detailed breakdown of an applicant’s spending habits than ever before, from grocery bills to care home fees. Make sure you are in the best position possible before you apply.

5. Where to invest your equity When you downsize you’ll be likely to end up with a large cash sum. Leaving it in the bank isn’t going to generate much return as interest rates are still at an all-time low.

Other options might include investing in the stock market, corporate bonds, equity income funds, cash ISAs or a stocks and shares ISA. Some investments have a minimum financial commitment, so knowing what you can afford is a good starting point.

Further property investment through buy-to-let, looking at short term yield return and longer term capital growth through re-sale, is popular.

Ultimately, it is best to take professional advice on how to get a proper return that is right for you.

A good financial advisor will come into their own, so let them guide you through this process.

livelifemag.co.uk | 63

Six reasons to visit

Crossways of Ellingham

GARDEN

Enjoy Hopleys’ 5 acre display garden free of charge.

NURSERY

Choose from over 1,500 varieties of choice perennials, shrubs, grasses, climbers, trees and rock plants.

EVENTS

Come and enjoy plays, concerts, exhibitions, workshops and courses.

PRODUCTS

See a wide selection of garden sundries and gifts including our famous Wavy Spade!

CAFÉ

Our new Café serves tasty and wholesome food all day.

SERVICES

Require help with your garden?

We can assist with garden design and planting plans.

Further details from: www.hopleys.co.uk HOPLEYS PLANTS High St, Much Hadham, Herts, SG10 6BU Tel: 01279 842509 Open: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 2pm-5pm Sun. Closed: Tuesdays

East Anglia

Solid Steel Rose Arches, Gazebos, Gates and Ornamental Ironwork on display or handmade to your requirements.

Ellingham, Nr Bungay (A143)

Tel: 01508 518400

Open Mon-Sat / Easy Parking www.crosswaysofellingham.co.uk

Quality Pools & Equipment 01449 723 656 Mon-Fri: 9-5 Construction & Design * Pool Refurbishment Automatic Covers * Telscopic Pool Enclosures Chemicals & Equipment * Above Ground Pools

Self Service Retail Outlet situated within Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary is now open 7 days/week.

Mon – Sat 9.00 – 5.30pm, Sundays 10.00 – 4.00pm

Shop On-line 24/7 at www.cascadepoolstore.com or visit our main website at www.cascadepools.co.uk

HOME AND GARDEN

Hot garden design trends

T

o give you inspiration for the upcoming year of horticulture, Wyevale Garden Centres have picked out this year’s biggest trends in garden design for us alongside their tips on how to incorporate them in to your own garden.

Mix styles together In 2016, a less rigid approach to garden design is set to be a big trend, with naturalistic and more formal styles sitting together in the same garden, or even the same border. Capture this look by mixing colourful and neatly arranged bedding plants with perennials which you’ve allowed to grow a bit more untamed.

Another great way to achieve this look is by mixing ornamental garden plants with fruit and veg, both in the garden and on the allotment.

Container gardening Whether you have a small urban garden or a larger plot of land to work with, container gardening can bring colour and vibrancy to paved

areas and can be an excellent and accessible way of growing your own fruit and veg. Due in part to the public’s increased interest in growing their own food, container gardening has seen a surge in recent years. This is because it allows people without much space to enjoy the benefits of growing their own produce.

Contemporary lighting schemes The technology involved in outdoor lighting has improved dramatically over the past few years, and it’s now possible to have a lighting scheme which is fully customisable through your tablet or smartphone.

LED spotlights and uplights can be used to highlight your favourite plants for dramatic effect, and the gentle illumination they provide is perfect for evenings outdoors over the summer.

Introduce these design elements to your garden to stay on-trend in 2016.

Find your local Wyevale Garden Centre at www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/gardencentres/find

livelifemag.co.uk | 65

TECHNOLOGY

Tap into your tablet

T

he popularity of the iPad and its counterparts have boomed in recent years.

According to an Ofcom report in 2015, 54 per cent of households now own one.

From binge-watching TV series, trailing YouTube and staying in touch with family on Skype, it’s a great way to broaden your knowledge and communicate. However, it can still be a bit techy. If you’ve not quite managed to adapt quite as quickly as the grandchildren, don’t worry, help is at hand.

This summer The Pavilion at Bedford Park will be hosting a number of classes that will help you get to grips with tablets and its apps.

Titled ‘My iPad and Me’, the course is run in conjunction with Invisinet, which specialises in wireless services.

Invisinet joined the Government’s Digital

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Inclusion Charter in 2015 and is passionate about supporting those that may feel excluded from digital world.

Rob Lindsay of Invisinet said: “The strategy looks to reduce the amount of people in the UK who are currently excluded from online services. We decided to do our bit and help just a few of the millions of people in the UK who lack basic digital skills and capabilities, but we were determined to keep it friendly.

“Without access, skills, motivation and trust people will continue to be digitally excluded, with a real social and human impact; affecting job prospects, health, education and more. We hope our coffee mornings in May will continue to be a huge success and look forward to running more this summer.”

There are huge benefits for the public in becoming more digitally capable, and not just the lifestyle apps we can all enjoy. Getting online opens up a world of support services and information which are available instantly, at any time.

Mental health is now at the forefront of

TECHNOLOGY public health concerns and technology can support this when used in the right way.

Whether it be keeping in touch with loved ones abroad by Skype or using a Mindfulness app to calm anxiety.

Rob added: “We recently got involved in Time to Talk Day and rethink mental illness with Mind UK. Age UK reports that depression in the over 65s is expected to rise fastest in rural areas, but we believe it can be combated and relieved through online engagement and social interaction.”

Anyone interested in learning more about how to make the most of their iPad is encouraged to come along armed with questions and ready to meet new people in a relaxed and interactive environment.

Director of The Pavilion, Emma Garrett said: “Unlike many formal courses and ICT learning schemes the ‘coffee morning’ concept allows people to learn at their own pace through peer led support in a totally relaxed setting. Rob is an incredibly sympathetic tutor and will immediately put people at their ease.

We’re delighted to have teamed up with a local business to support existing customers and look forward to welcoming new ones too.”

If you fancy making the most of your iPad alongside a pot of tea and slice of cake, book your place at The Pavilion or drop by at any point in the two-hour slot.

‘My iPad and Me’ takes place Wednesday mornings from 9am – 11am.

Telephone 01234 351104

Summer classes May: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th June: 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th July: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

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FULL PAGE.indd 1

18/02/2014 14:51

EDUCATION

Learning a new language

By Henry Fagg, Director, Thetutorpages.com Need a motivational push to get started on learning a new language? From culture to politics, there are a myriad of great benefits to this pursuit

P

erhaps in school you were told about the benefits of learning a foreign language.

Teachers may have said: “Put it on your CV and you’ll be more attractive to employers” or “it improves your overall academic performance”. These things are true: learning a second language does help with employability, and also stimulates the intellect, giving you better communication, reasoning and linguistic skills – even in your native language.

However impressive such arguments are, they don’t get to the core of language learning.

They are similar to the arguments sometimes used for learning a musical instrument, which is said to improve overall cognitive ability.

The fact is that becoming proficient in a language or musical instrument requires dedication, time and not a little hard work, and to succeed you will need to tap into a deeper well of motivation.

Put simply, you may have to fall in love with the language itself. Once this becomes the starting point for your learning, it will help you overcome the technical challenges which can at times seem overwhelming.

And it is not hard to fall in love once you viscerally ‘get’ the world that a language can open up to you: culture, books, art, film, fashion, music, history, politics, food, places to visit, people to meet and friends to make.

Learning a foreign language is an exhilarating journey, and the more fun you make it, the more you will succeed. You will develop personally, emotionally, professionally, intel-

lectually and socially.

It can sometimes be tricky to connect with this love of learning when you’re faced with, for example, umpteen words to learn for your GCSE French! However, help is at hand.

You can read dozens of inspirational articles written by language tutors on The Tutor Pages website. For example, at www.thetutorpages. com/french-tutors or www.thetutorpages.com/ spanish-tutors And if you need extra support, then employing a language tutor is also great idea. You can search and contact a tutor in your area at www.thetutorpages.com/tutor-search Henry Fagg is the founding member of Thetutorpages.com, a home tuition advice and information portal which includes a national directory of tutors.

Whether you’re a tutor, a student or a parent, you’ll find plenty of useful intelligence on-site.

livelifemag.co.uk | 69

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Home comforts We reveal how pets are putting the ‘home’ back into care homes

W

e’re a nation of pet lovers, with around 46 per cent of British households owning a pet. A wagging tail or the purr of a cat is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face regardless of age.

Pets offer a sense of comfort and companionship, but unfortunately, when elderly people move to a care home, on occasions they’re not permitted to take their pets with them. However, there are a number of dedicated charities helping to make a change. Pets As Therapy is a national charity founded in 1983, which provides therapeutic animal visits to care homes, hospices and hospitals, while The Cinnanmon Trust is the only specialist national charity which seeks to relieve the anxieties, problems, and sometimes injustices, faced by elderly and terminally ill people and their pets,

thereby saving a great deal of human sadness and animal suffering.

Where your old faithful can come too The joy pets bring and their value in the care home industry has been recognised by some of East Anglia’s leading care homes, with more and more homes introducing pets.

Signature Senior Lifestyle are welcoming resident’s pets to join them in their new home, with most of Signature Care Homes registered with the Cinnamon Trust.

Amanda Fisher, marketing manager at Signature Senior Lifestyle, says: “The special relationship between owner and pet adds comfort to the quality of life knowing their pet can move in with them.”

Pets are welcome at Signature’s Bentley House, a care and nursing home in Hertford offering independent and assisted living, along with nursing and dementia care. Amanda adds:

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  



HEALTH AND WELLBEING “A network of 15,000 volunteers ‘hold hands’ with owners to provide vital loving care for their pets.

“They will walk a dog every day, foster pets when owners need hospital care, fetch the cat food, or even clean out the bird cage. When staying at home is no longer an option, Bentley House is on the Pet Friendly Care Home Register.

“Many elderly people are reluctant to leave their homes to join a care community believing that they would have the anxiety and stress of re-homing their old faithful.”

Pets as Therapy Whether its petting, cuddling or just sitting with an animal the positive effects are undeniable.

Its long been proven that pets can help support and encourage someone who is dealing with emotional or physical difficulties.

Fortunately, at Highfield Care Home, Saffron Walden, the importance of Pets as

Therapy is well understood and practised by Manager, Nicola Rands and her team. Nicola, regularly brings her dogs, Storm and Foxy for day visits to Highfield and they are very popular with many of the residents.

“We encourage relatives to bring their pets to the home for day visits as they bring a smile to the faces of our residents.

“We have regular visits from a host of pets including guinea pigs and a variety of dogs.

Rubix, a neighbour’s cat, spends most of his day wandering around the home and is very popular, particularly with our residents living with dementia.

“We are also grateful to have regular visits from Charles Joint and his dog Jasmine, from the charity PAT (Pets as Therapy) who provide a vital service to the community.

“Highfield, without doubt benefits from the therapeutic impact pets provide and we will continue to add more visits and variety to our programme.

“We are hoping to have hatching ducklings come to stay for a week in the near future,” said Nicola.

To find out more about the care available visit: Bentley House, 01992 515600 www.signature-care-homes.co.uk Highfield Private Care Home, 01799 524 936 www.highfieldprivatecarehome.co.uk

livelifemag.co.uk | 73

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Simple steps to good health

I

f you’re still trying to shift the extra pounds from Christmas, the over indulgence of chocolate from Easter or have a holiday to get in shape for, here are some tips from the experts at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital who hope to make it easier for you.

Love your liver Mr Raaj Praseedom is a consultant Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and transplant surgeon (liver specialist) at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital.

He explains: “The liver can repair itself but sadly, I am seeing more patients than ever before suffering with fatty liver disease. It is often a result of poor diet, weight gain and alcohol consumption. More importantly, this is a precursor to advanced liver disease and

74 | livelifemag.co.uk

cirrhosis of the liver which is irreversible. It is vital people look after themselves and do not let their livers get to this stage.”

Mr Praseedom’s tips for 2016: ► Try to have at least one dry week a month or at least three consecutive days in the week. ► Reduce the amount of sugar and carbohydrates you consume. It indirectly damages your liver. ► Know what a unit of alcohol looks like – half a bottle of wine a night may seem acceptable to you but it is not to your liver. ► Binge eating – do you know what it does to your liver? Again, moderation is best. ► Get active and do not sit still for too long.

Go out for regular brisk walks and take your family with you.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Dancing – strictly the best exercise The so-called “Strictly Effect” has led to a surge in interest in dance. According to NHS UK, dance is the UK’s fastest growing art form, with more than 4.8 million people regularly attending community dance groups each year in England alone.

Cristopher Kellet, MSc, Physiotherapy Manager at Progress, explains how to avoid injury and potential embarrassment: “It’s true that inexperienced dancers, or those returning to dance after years, may risk minor problems such as lower limb joint and soft-tissue injuries, that is, sprains and strains.

There are often contributing factors, for example: not warming up properly, attempting movements that the body has not been prepared for, poor aerobic fitness or inappropriate footwear.”

So, if you are heading towards a class this month, follow these tips from Cristopher to reap the benefits:

isn’t provided and take the opportunity to maintain/build muscle mass by eating afterwards.

Cristopher adds: “There is a large amount of research on the benefits of dance, so don’t hold back in 2016.”

► Risks: Don’t put yourself at risk of common injuries, especially when attempting difficult moves for which you don’t have the mobility, strength or aerobic capacity. ► Sleep: Make sure that you are not fatigued when undertaking any form of exercise. ► Hydration: Make sure that you are adequately hydrated rather than inebriated. As we get older we often drink less but it’s a mistake that affects our physiology, increases our risk of injury and exposes us to potential urinary tract infections. If continence is an issue there are many ways that this can be managed; don’t suffer in silence. ► Nutrition: Take along some snacks if food

► Avoid stress and try to eat a balanced diet so your gut does not go into spasm. ► Think quality not quantity for digestive tranquillity. Very large meals tend to put a strain on most parts of the digestive tract. ► Don’t eat light at night. Late eating encourages heartburn and can give rise to more IBS symptoms the next morning. ► Dried fruit and nuts bloat your gut if you are prone to IBS, so they are best taken in moderation.

Mind your gut Dr Stephen Middleton, is a consultant gastroenterologist and expert in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel disease.

He states: “About one fifth of the UK public suffer from IBS at some stage in their life and it accounts for 12 per cent of visits to the GP. The good news is that you can repair your gut from the stresses and strain incurred during over indulgence.”

To avoid stomach complaints including indigestion, constipation, cramps, diarrhoea, bloating and wind, Dr Middleton has the following advice:

www.spirehealthcare.com/spire-cambridge-leahospital/home/

livelifemag.co.uk | 75

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Online dating advice Online dating is big business and is no longer refined for just twenty-somethings. Dating expert Lucy Jones at ToyboyWarehouse.com tells us why the over 50s are one of the fastest growing groups of online daters…

A

lot of the women over 50 that I speak to have recently come out of a divorce, or are widowed, they’re usually unsure how to re-enter the dating scene. Rightfully so, it can easily seem daunting.

The truth is however, the dating world for the over 50’s is far from quiet. This is especially true when it comes to online dating, where the market for over 50’s dating is bigger than for those aged 20-35. However, there are some essential things to know before starting your dating experiences.

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Understand the kind of relationship you want Age has no impact on the kind of relationship you may be after. Don’t think that simply because you’re older that there’s an expectation to settle down. From casual flings to marriage, there’s a wealth of relationship types available to you.

Two thirds of our East Anglian members aren’t particularly sure what type of relationship they want, it depends entirely on who they meet.

Many are looking for something casual and around 17% are looking for serious relationships only.

What ever relationship type you think may work for you, there will be thousands of other people looking for the same.

ROMANCE

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Open up your expectations With the advent of technology in dating, a handful of potential partners has now become tens of thousands of potential partners. This may seem daunting, however what it does offer is a wider range of qualities you can choose in your future partner.

You don’t have to settle for someone the same age as you, for example Toyboy Warehouse caters exclusively for older women and younger men. As travel and communication methods are significantly more advanced, dating someone from further afield is now becoming more common.

Since 2006, we’ve found the average distance between partners in a relationship has increased dramatically.

Many of our East Anglian members are now in relationships with people from London, Nottingham and elsewhere.

Moreover, qualities such as personality, looks, career etc. are all things you can now specify in a partner.

Is online dating for me?

Online dating is massive. There are tens of thousands of other over 50s using dating sites and if you’re looking to meet new people it’s a fantastic place to start. Find a dating site that fits what you’re looking for, ensure the site has a moderation process and safeguards in place to keep you safe online.

Search through members and don’t be afraid to chat to new people. For many, this has been the beginning for some fantastic relationships.

If you find online dating isn’t for you, you can try meet up groups, singles’ events, etc.

There are so many ways to connect with people and form new relationships, being over 50 is not an excuse to ignore them.

Lover of romance Lucy Jones has written for a multitude of publications on all things dating.

Lucy is also the resident relationship expert at ToyboyWarehouse.com, the UK’s largest dating site or older women and younger men.

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LISTINGS

What’s on?

CAMBRIDGESHIRE MAY 14-May City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra West Road Concert Hall www.ccso-online.org.uk/concerts/ 21-22 May Spring Fair at Sacrewell Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre www.sacrewell.org.uk 23-28 May 43rd Cambridge Beer Festival Jesus Green www.cambridgebeerfestival.com 28-29 May The American Air Show IWM Duxford www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford 28-May Watch Out Festival Cambridge Junction www.junction.co.uk JUNE 4-Jun Strawberry Fair Midsummer Common www.strawberry-fair.org.uk 4-5 Jun Open Farm and Vintage Weekend Park Farm, Thorney, Peterborough www.parkfarmthorney.co.uk 5-Jun The Cambridgeshire County Show Wimpole Home Farm www.cambscountyshow.co.uk 9-19 Jun Cherry Fair 2016 The Embankment, Peterborough 11-Jun Dragon Boat Racing and the Peterborough Festival Peterborough www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk 11-12 Jun Open Air Cinema Wimpole Estate www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/whats-on 13-Jun Trinity & Clare May Ball Clare College, Trinity Lane, Cambridge www.claremayball.com 18-Jun Wimpole Family Games Day Wimpole Estate www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/whats-on 22-27 Jun Midsummer Fair Midsummer Common www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk 22 Jun - 2 Jul The Cambridge Roar Various venues in Cambridge www.thecambridgeroar.co.uk 25-Jun Scything & Rural Crafts Weekend Wimpole Estate www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/whats-on 29 Jun - 2 Jul Wisbech Rose Fair Peckover House and Gardens NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/peckover-house-and-garden JULY 2-Jul Mill Road Midsummer Mill Road, Cambridge www.mill-road.com 2-24 Jul (weekends only) Cambridge Open Studios Various venues in Cambridge www.camopenstudios.co.uk 2-Jul Opera in the Gardens: Purcell’s King Arthur Wimpole Estate www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/whats-on 2-3 & 9-10 Jul Peterborough Artists’ Open Studios Various venues www.paos.org.uk 8-10 Jul Ely Folk Festival www.elyfolkfestival.co.uk 8-10 Jul The Big Weekend Parker’s Piece, Cambridge www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk 9-10 Jul Flying Legends Air Show IWM Duxford www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford 11-Jul Open Air Theatre Ferry Meadows www.neneparktrust. org.uk 11 Jul - 27 Aug Cambridge Shakespeare

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Festival Various venues in Cambridge www.cambridgeshakespeare.com 28-31 Jul Cambridge Folk Festival Cherry Hinton Hall www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/folk-festival 29-31 Jul Sausage and Cider Music Festival Elton Hall, PE8 6SH www.jamesdeanevents.com AUGUST 10 & 18 Aug Teddy Bears Picnic Easton Walled Gardens www.visiteaston.co.uk 12-Aug Open Air Theatre: The Tempest Wimpole Estate www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/whats-on 20-Aug St Neots Dragon Boat Festival River Great Ouse, Regatta Meadow, St Neots www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk 23-27 Aug 39th Peterborough Beer Festival The Embankment www.peterborough-camra.org.uk SEPTEMBER 1-4 Sept 25th Anniversary weekend at Charters Bar Town Bridge, Peterborough www.charters-bar.com 3-4 Sep Classic and vintage vehicle show The Embankment, Peterborough www.peterborough.gov.uk 3-13 Sep Cambridge Film Festival Various venues www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk 10-Sep Wimpole Produce Fair Wimpole Estate www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/whats-on 10-Sep Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival River Cam, Fen Ditton, Cambridge www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk 10-11 Sep The Duxford Air Show: Meet The Fighters IWM Duxford www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford 8-11 Sep Heritage Open Days Festival Various venues www.heritageopendays.org.uk 17-25 Sep Nene Valley Festival The Embankment, Peterborough 24-Sep Wimpole at War- 1940’s Weekend Wimpole Estate www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/whats-on 29 Sep - 9 Oct Bridge Fair 2016 The Embankment, Peterborough 30 Sep - 2 Oct Cambridge Art Fair The Guildhall, Market Square, Cambridge www.cambridgeartfair.com

ESSEX MAY 22-May A Vintage Affair at Hedingham Castle Hedingham Castle, Baley Street www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk 30-May Bank Holiday Market at Promenade Park Promenade Park, Maldon www.maldon.gov.uk JUNE 3-5 Jun French Market Saffron Walden Common www.savoir-fayre.com 3-Jun Jazz in the Meadow Abberton Reservoir, nr Colchester www.essexwt.org.uk 4-5 Jun The Colchester Medieval Festival & Oyster Fayre Market Lower Castle Park, Colchester www.oysterfayre.magix.net 12-Jun Japanese Auto Festival Museum of Power, Langford

LISTINGS www.museumofpower.org.uk 12-Jun Celebrate 200 years of Constable Wivenhoe House Hotel, Colchester www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk 14 Jun, 19 Jul & 16 Aug Saffron Walden Emporium - Collectables & Crafts Saffron Walden Town Hall 18-Jun Brightlingsea Carnival Town Centre, Brightlingsea www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk 24 Jun - 3 Jul Harwich Festival 2016 Town Centre, Harwich www.harwichfestival.co.uk 25 Jun - 3 Jul Burnham Art Trail Town Cenre, Burnham-onCrouch www.burnhamarttrail.co.uk JULY 2-Jul The Fling Festival Hylands House, Chelmsford www.FlingFestival.com 9-Jul The Dunmow Flitch Trials Dunmow www.dunmowflitchtrials.co.uk 10-Jul Classic Campervan & VW Fair Museum of Power, Langford www.museumofpower.org.uk 16-17 Jul Marks Hall Country Show Marks Hall Arboretum, nr Coggeshall www.markshall.org.uk AUGUST 13-14 Aug Vintage Vehicle Rally Epping Ongar Railway eorailway.co.uk 20-21 Aug Saffron Walden Maze Festival III Market Place, Saffron Walden www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk 21-Aug Leigh Maritime Festival Town Centre, Leigh-on-Sea www.leighonseatowncouncil.gov.uk 22-27 Aug Mersea Week 2016 Dabchicks Sailing Club and West Mersea Yacht Club www.merseaweek.com 27-Aug The Curiosity Fair Saffron Walden Friends Meeting House www.thecuriosityfair.co.uk SEPTEMBER 10-11 Sep Essex Country Show Barleylands, Billericay www.barleylands.co.uk 17-18 Sep Colchester and Tendring Open Studios 2016 Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester

HERTFORDSHIRE MAY 5-May Living Crafts Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 9-May Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival Launch Concert Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 21-May Vintage, Antiques & Collectors’ Market Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 28-29 May Hertfordshire County Show The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn www.hertsshow.com 29-30 May Classics in the Park Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com JUNE 4-5 Jun Garden Show Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 5-Jun Classic Bus Day Hertford Bus Station 11-Jun Harpenden Carnival Harpenden Common www.harpenden.roundtable.co.uk 12-Jun St Albans Half Marathon Verulamium Park, St Albans www.stalbanshalfmarathon.co.uk 16-19 Jun Hitchin Beer & Cider Festival Hitchin Rugby Club, Old Hale Way, Hitchin 18-Jun St Albans Folk Festival City Centre, St Albans www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk 18-Jun The Alban Pilgrimage Route Begins at St Peter’s

Church, St Albans www.stalbanscathedral.org/whatson/the-alban-pilgrimage 19-Jun Carnival at the Castle Hertford Castle www.hertfordcastle.co.uk 19-Jun Farmers’ Market Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 19-Jun Summer jousting for Fathers Day Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com 19-Jun Alban Street Festival City Centre, St Albans www.enjoystalbans.com 23-Jun Garden Theatre – A Midsummer Night’s Dream Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com 25-26 Jun Decorative Salvage and Vintage Fair Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com 25-26 Jun Woburn Abbey Garden Show 2016 Woburn Abbey Gardens www.woburnabbey.co.uk 26-Jun Triumph Roadster Club Car Rally Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk JULY 3-Jul Classic Motor Show Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 6-Jul St Michaels Village Folk Evening St Michael’s Street, St Albans www.stmichaelsfolkevening.org.uk 9-10 Jul Knebworth Country Show Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com 9-10 Jul St Albans Literary Festival Various Veunes, St Albans www.stalbansliteraryfestival.co.uk 9-10 Jul Wheathampstead Village Weekend Various venues www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk 10-Jul Harpenden Highland Gathering Rothamsted Park, Amenbury Lane, Harpenden www.harpenden-lions.co.uk/ highland-gathering 21-23 Jul Bishop’s Stortford Beer Festival British Legion Club, Bishops Stortford 23-Jul Battle Proms Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 4-Jul Folk by the Oak Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 30-Jul Hatfield House Food Festival Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk AUGUST 5-7 Aug Open Air Cinema Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com 13-14 Aug Steam and Country Crafts Fair Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com 14-Aug Theatre in the Park - Much Ado Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 28-29 Aug Classic Motor Show Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com SEPTEMBER 10-11 Sep Tanks, Tommies and Trenches Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk

NORFOLK MAY 7-22 May Broads Outdoor Festival Various venues www.outdoorsfestival.co.uk 7-8 May North Norfolk Bass Festival Norfolk Shingle Ridge www.holtsac.com 13-29 May Norfolk & Norwich Festival Various venues www.nnfestival.org.uk 29-30 May Country Fair at Hoveton Hall Estate Hoveton Hall

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LISTINGS Estate www.hovetonhall.co.uk JUNE 3-11 Jun Great Yarmouth Arts Festival Various venues www.greatyarmouthartsfestival.co.uk 10-12 Jun Summer Diesel Gala North Norfolk Railway www.nnrailway.co.uk 24 Jun - 8 Sept British Art Show 8 Norwich University of the Arts and Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery www.nua.ac.uk JULY 2-3 Jul Vintage Transport Festival North Norfolk Railway www.nnrailway.co.uk 15-17 Jul 15th Annual Beer Festival Sheringham Station www.nnrailway.co.uk 27-Jul Sandringham Flower Show Sandringham Park www.sandringhamestate.co.uk 29 Jul - 7 Aug Wells Carnival Wells-next-the-Sea www.wellscarnival.co.uk 30 Jul - 7 Aug Sheringham Carnival Sheringham www.sheringhamcarnival.com 30-31 Jul Worstead Festival Worstead www.worsteadfestival.org AUGUST 6-7 Aug Sandringham Food & Drink Festival Sandringham Estate www.sandringhamfoodfestival.co.uk 13-Aug Last Night of the Blickling Proms Blickling Hall’s Parkland www.revival-productions.co.uk 13-19 Aug Cromer Carnival Various venues www.cromercarnival.co.uk 15-27 Aug North Norfolk Music Festival Various venues www.northnorfolkmusicfestival.com 21-Aug Hunstanton Kite Festival & Classic Car Rally Hunstanton www.hunstanton-rotary.org.uk SEPTEMBER 4-6 Sept Wells Pirate Festival Wells Quay www.wellsmaltings.org.uk 10-11 Sept Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival South Quay www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/maritime-festival/ 10-11 Sept Sandringham Game & Country Fair Sandringham Park www.livingheritagecraftshows.com.

17-18 Sept Out There Festival Great Yarmouth www.seachangearts.org.uk/out-there 17-18 Sept 1940s Weekend North Norfolk Railway www.nnrailway.co.uk

SUFFOLK MAY 14-May Into the Woods ‘A Pirate’s Ball’ Thorington, IP17 3RB www.mauiwauievents.co.uk 14 May - 5 Jun Suffolk Walking Festival Various locations www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk 22-May East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival 2016 Oulton Broad, Lowestoft www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk JUNE 1-2 Jun Suffolk Show Trinity Park, Ipswich www.trinityparkevents.co.uk 2-4 Jun Red Rooster Euston Hall www.redrooster.org.uk 9-12 Jun Giant Plant Sale Trinity Park, Ipswich www.trinityparkevents.co.uk

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10-26 Jun Aldeburgh Festival 2016 Various venues www.aldeburgh.co.uk 11-12 Jun Eye Gardens Open Eye Town Hall, Eye Town Centre www.eyesuffolk.org 12-Jun The Taste of Sudbury Food & Drink Festival St. Peter’s Church, Sudbury www.tasteofsudbury.co.uk 17-19 Jun 7th Ale and Music Festival Deepdale Farm www.deepdalefarm.co.uk 17-18 Jun Great East Swim Alton Water Sports Centre www.suffolksport.com 25-Jun Music for a Summer Evening St Mary’s Church, Bungay JULY 1-3 Jul Maverick Festival Easton Farm Park, Easton Woodbridge www.maverickfestival.co.uk 1-2 Jul Outdoor Cinema at Holkham Holkham Hall www.holkham.co.uk 2-Jul ThorpFest (Music by the Sea) Aldeburgh seafront thorpefest.co.uk 2-3 Jul Heveningham Hall Country Fair with Wings & Wheels Heveningham Hall, IP19 0PN www.countryfair.co.uk 2-3 Jul Coach & Horses Beef Festival & Family Fun Day Melton, Woodbridge www.debeninns.co.uk/coachandhorses/ 10-Jul Old Newton Country Fayre and Dog Show Old Newton Village Hall and Recreation Ground www.oldnewtoncountryfayre.co.uk 17-Jul Woodbridge Book Fair Woodbridge Community Centre, Station Road www.missingbookfairs.co.uk 20-22 Jul Thorpeness Festival of Golf Thorpeness Golf Club www.thorpeness.co.uk/golf-festival/ 23-24 Jul Felixstowe Carnival Felixstowe www.felixstowecarnival.org 31-Jul Suffolk Dog Day Helmingham Hall Estate www.suffolkdogday.com AUGUST 6-Aug Thorpeness Village Fete Thorpeness 6-7 Aug 28th Southwold Model Railway Exhibition Saint Felix School, Halesworth Road www.waveneyvalleymrc.150m.com 7-Aug Suffolk Coast Cycle Ride Starts at Glemham Hall www.bike-events.co.uk 13-15 Aug Aldeburgh Carnival Aldeburgh www.aldeburghcarnival.com 19-Aug Thorpeness Regatta and Fireworks The Meare www.aldeburghcarnival.com 19-21 Aug FolkEast Glemhall Hall, Woodbridge www.folkeast.co.uk 21-Aug Westleton Barrel Fair Westleton www.westletonbarrelfair.com 28-29 Aug The Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival Town Centre, Bury St Edmunds www.burystedmundsfestivals.com Aug dates tbc Snape Proms Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh www.aldeburgh.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2-4 Sept Maui Waui Festival 2016 Peakhill Farm, Theberton www.mauiwauievents.co.uk 4-Sep Art on the Prom Seafront, Felixstowe www.artontheprom.org 18-Sep Lavenham Sinfonia Lavenham Church www.lavenham-sinfonia.co.uk 23-25 Sept Retro Dub VW Festival Bentwaters Park www.retrodub-suffolk.co.uk

Ferrars Hall Care Home

Opening in 6 weeks!

• Specialist dementia & residential care • 66 luxurious en-suite bedrooms • Spacious, tasteful bathrooms • Fine dining experience with waitress service • Cinema, shop, cafe and beauty salon • Beautifully landscaped, enclosed gardens

Spread over three floors, Ferrars Hall, on Ferrars Road, Huntingdon will be registered to provide personalised residential and dementia care in a luxury environment.

The home has been purpose built in traditional stone to promote a lifestyle for residents that offers superior accommodation and a high quality of personalised care. The home will boast 66 en-suite bedrooms, a hair salon, a café/bistro, a shop, a cinema room, and numerous lounges and communal areas.

Ferrars Hall will be hosting a Public Open Day on Sunday the 12th of June at 11am. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there!

For more info or to request a brochure: 0843 506 9452 | info@countrycourtcare.com | www.countrycourtcare.com

unbridlE your EnTHuSiaSm Come and experience Victorian life as it really was, upstairs and downstairs.

Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.