Livelife Spring/Summer 2017

PICK UP YOUR

www.eastlife.co.uk

Life over 50 in the East

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SPRING / SUMMER 17

ANTHEA TURNER reveals her beauty secrets!

SPRING INTO ACTION!

Top things to do as the sun returns

MARTIN LEWIS Financial advice from the expert!

HOLIDAYS

Visit the Broads with your dog!

SPRING/ SUMMER 2017

RICHARDSON’S

Seacroft Holiday Village

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 breaks are available with entertainment nightly.

A Great Location to Explore Seacroft is ideally situated as a base to explore the beautiful county of Norfolk.

There are seaside resort towns, quieter coastal villages, the Broads National Park with it’s stunning scenery and attractions, plus the city of Norwich which is known for its excellent shopping and it’s cultural attractions.

Entertainment We have fantastic entertainment every night at Seacroft from star acts and live bands playing hits from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s & 80’s to visiting cabarets, comedy and great live shows from our in house entertainment team.

Facilities • Archery (New for 2017) • Mini Golf (New for 2017) • Bars • Live Shows & Dancing • Tennis Courts • Holiday Shop • Snooker • Bowlingo • Indoor and Outdoor Bowls • And Much More!

Featured 2017 Breaks Date

Nts

Apr 14th

4

Apr 28th

5

May 8th

4

May 29th

4

Jun 16th

3

Jun 30th

3

Jul 14th

3

Jul 24th

4

Aug 4th

3

Aug 28th

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Sep 11th

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Sep 29th

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Oct 9th

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Break

VWP Easter Line Dance Through the Decades 5 Night Special Star Break with Marty Wilde We’ll Meet Again with the Peter Pathfinder 1940s Show Star Break with Brotherhood of Man Jeff Short Dance Band Palais Revisited Summertime Special with Chico!

Phil Mac Country Music Weekend Summertime Special with Stevi Ritchie!

Through the Decades Ken Colyer Jazz Star Break with the Three Degrees Ultimate Line Dance

From

£219* £129* £139*

£139*

£139* £139* £179* £129* £209* £139* £139* £179* £139* £114**

*Prices shown are half board economy accommodation prices, price per person ** indicates full board break. Acts may vary

Visit www.RichardsonsHolidayVillages.co.uk or call 01493 809 965

Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional

CONTENTS Anthea Turner Interview 6 TV’s favourite talks about being a housewife and gives some tips for looking younger Spring/Easter Days Out 9 Events across the region so you can start planning for the return of sunny weather Essex Walks 16 Five walks that show the varied landscape, nature and culture of the Essex coastline Shop ’til You Drop! 19 We explore some of the best shopping destinations to be found in the East of England A History of Norwich 22 Kindra Jones reveals the most significant dates in the history of the city

Martin Lewis 32 The money saving expert tackles the big issues, death, divorce and dementia Volunteering Holidays 39 Discover a new kind of holiday – one in which you can make a difference to the world Visit The Broads With Your Dog 45 The waterways are perfect for exploring with the whole family including your pet dogs!

Events Round Up 81 We round up the best events from around the region this spring and summer

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 Cover photo: Alison@alisonwebster.co.uk Represented by Zesttheagency. com – 07770381163

livelifemag.co.uk | 3

Built by Robert Cecil over 400 years ago, Hatfield House is a fine example of a Jacobean House full of superb examples of craftsmanship, with State Rooms rich in paintings, fine furniture and tapestries.

The picture perfect garden dates from the early 17th century when Robert Cecil employed John Tradescant the Elder to collect plants for his new home.

The Coach House Restaurant serves a variety of delicious food throughout the day from morning coffee and light lunches to cooked meals and afternoon tea.

The Stable Yard is also the home to unique shops, offering a range of exclusive shops offering beautifully designed gifts, jewellery, toys, and a host of indulgent treats.

House, Park and Gardens open Easter Saturday to 30th September.

Free Parking - Sat Nav AL9 5HX

w ww.hatfield-house. co. uk

INTERVIEW

“Pulling faces stops me getting wrinkles!”

Written by ABBY KNIGHT Presenter and author of The Perfect Housewife series of books Anthea Turner reveals what keeps her young and happy.

With a TV career that spans over 20 years and at 56, Anthea Turner is still looking good. Now with her own best-selling home storage range, she explains why juicing has been the best thing for her skin, her favourite Sunday lunch and how pulling faces keeps her looking young.

Do you worry about wrinkles?

I don’t have time to worry about getting older or wrinkles, it’s realistic to have some at my age and I think it shows you’re a smiley person.

You’ve talked about Botox in the past, is it something you’ve tried? What else do you to stay looking younger?

I haven’t got a problem with Botox if it’s used well. I’ve tried it and if you can keep it looking natural, it can give you a real boost. I have a little scattering of it every six to nine months but I’d never take it too far.

What else do you do to look younger?

Pull faces! Eva Frazer’s face exercises were invented years ago but they really work. You go the gym to get fit and this is a workout for your face. I do it in the car, I probably looks really funny if anyone’s looking but it helps to keep your skin taut. I’ve also been having CACI non-surgical face-lift for for 23 years now which I have at the Body Vie salon in Chiswick.

And what about your make-up, what’s your favourite product?

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Anthea Turner tells livelife all her secrets for looking younger for longer Mineral make-up has been a big revelation. I use the Jane Iredale range and the textures are great. I keep my make-up natural for the day but love to get glammed up at night. I wear false lashes but I always take my make-up off at the end of the night.

Despite some amazing role models like Helen Mirren and Sharon Osborne, do you think women still feel under pressure to stay looking young?

INTERVIEW

ANTHEA’S SUPER GREEN JUICE 4 broccoli florets Handful spinach 1 carrot, chopped 1 orange, peeled and chopped Piece of ginger Handful of mint Place all into juicer and serve over lots of crushed ice.

I like. The more food you can eat in its original state, I think the better.

Anthea has been having CACI non-surgical face-lifts for 23 years now Unfortunately I think they do. Your looks are scrutinised when you are on telly and there is always a pressure for women to look good but I think you can grow old gracefully and there are some amazing ladies out there doing just that.

How important do you think diet is to looking young and feeling good?

Very! I’ve never been on a serious diet but I do my best to eat healthily. My friend Liz Earle introduced me to juicing and now I do it all the time. I’ve bought a Nutribullet which is so quick to use and I’ve noticed my skin looks brighter since I’ve been drinking more juices.

You’ve written books about being the perfect housewife but do you find time to cook healthily?

I live on my own right now so there’s not always the motivation to cook a big meal for myself but I think supermarkets make it easy to eat healthily: there are some really good ready meals based on fish and vegetables which

What’s it like being the poster girls for the more mature woman?

I’m not sure if I’m a poster girl but if I am it’s very flattering. Women in their 50s, 60s, even 70s and beyond have never looked better and people in the beauty and fashion business are taking serious notice. We want to be stylist, sexy and sassy!

So what’s your favourite Sunday meal?

Roast chicken. I’ll pop one in the oven then eat it over a couple of days with lots of vegetables and salads.

You always seem serene, what’s your tip for staying calm and collected?

What apart from the gin and tonic? Make a list. Just like everyone I could run around like a headless chicken with all the things I have to do but if I make a list things, it does fall into place. I’ve got a big diary which I keep up to date and I’m a great believer that even if you don’t have to go out straight away, you should always make an effort to get out of your pyjamas in the morning if you want to have a productive day!

Find Anthea Turner’s NEAT storage at antheaturner.com Page 6 photo credit Alison@alisonwebster.co.uk Represented by Zesttheagency.com - 07770381163 eastlife.co.uk | 7

LIFESTYLE

Ely Cathedral is hosting a Science Fair between 19 May and 18 June

Putting a spring in your step!

Springtime events in the region Written by Amanda French www.anoseforfood.com Bedfordshire Head to the Picasso and Masters of the print exhibit at The Higgins Bedford on Castle Lane until the 16 April.

This free to enjoy exhibition is an opportunity to view some of the most important prints by one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

The seven prints by Picasso held at The Higgins Bedford span seven decades of his career and spectacularly showcase the varied printmaking techniques that he mastered.

Visit www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk Saturday 22 April will see the Bedford Corn Exchange in St Pauls Square play host to ‘From the Jam: In the city 40th anniversary tour’.

The event features former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton, legendary vocalist and guitarist Russell Hastings and drummer Mike Randon performing as part of their 40th anniversary tour. Visit www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

Cambridgeshire From the 19 May - 18 June, Ely Cathedral will be transformed with a month-long event of interactive fun and discovery as it plays host to the Science Festival.

This extraordinary festival will involve science shows, live experiments, prehistoric creatures and fascinating talks by leading experts. Highlights include a lecture by Prof Robert Winston, a dinosaur dig with a life size T REX and a Sci-Fi Prom featuring music from favourite composers and movies.

For the duration of the Festival a specialist exhibition will be on display in the Lady Chapel exploring the world of science from ‘Dinosaurs to DNA’ providing a rare opportunity to see many national and local artefacts of great scientific significance including an original copy of Darwin’s Origin of Species and over 2 metres of remains of a Late Jurassic Pliosaur discovered in the Cambridgeshire Fens in the 1950s. Visit www.elycathedral.org to find out more.

The English Touring Opera is coming to the Cambridge Arts Theatre in April performing eastlife.co.uk | 9

OPEN DAILY

FROM 10th april

Enjoy a stroll through history at Woburn Abbey •

Explore the award-winning, historic gardens •

Treat yourself at the Duchess’ Tea room •

Three fascinating new exhibitions inside the Abbey FIND US ON

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LIFESTYLE

Essex Saturday 22 April will see the Civic Theatre taken over for ‘Nights on Broadway’, a tribute to the Bee Gees. Featuring the best of their music from the 60s through to the 90s, there will be a blend of classic hits, acoustic medleys and dance floor favourites all accompanied live by a six-piece band. For more information visit: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres The National Flower Show returns to the Hyland’s Grand Pavilion between Friday 19 Sunday 21 May this year.

Full of spectacular flower displays and amazing show gardens, it also offers the opportunity to attend talks with the region’s leading gardening experts.

The show will be opened by the crowned king of gardening, Monty Don and there will be the opportunity to meet him in the Gardening Theatre. For more information please visit: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/national-flower-show

Norfolk To celebrate English Tourism Week (25 March – 2 April) Visit Norwich will be launching two new 90-minute walking tours of the city, for free. The two tours entitled ‘Words & Wanderings’ and ‘Passages Through the Past’ will uncover places, people and stories throughout Norfolk history.

Numbers are limited for the tour, so please book in advance. More details can be found at www.thenorwichshop.co.uk Pop along to the Slow Food Anglia Festival at Holkham Hall on Saturday 8 April. Around 26 different food producers and street food traders will set up during the day for visitors.

Cookery demonstrations, workshops and talks will also be interspersed throughout the day.

The day ends with a Sagra feast for up to 200 guests with the menu prepared by Slow Food Chef Alliance Member Mark Matless from Bite the Bullet Catering in Norwich.

Amongst the producers attending during the day and who will also be included into the evening menu will be Camcattle with their Red Poll beef, Norfolk Saffron and Fen Farm with their Baron Bigod raw milk cheese.

Visit www.slowfoodanglia.org to find out more.

Hertfordshire Knebworth Barns will be hosting a special prebooked afternoon tea on the 30 April, 23 July and 10 September. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, mini tea fancies, tea or coffee and a glass of sparkling wine. Tickets also include admission to the gardens and the park.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 01438 813825 to book.

The Living Crafts fair returns to Hatfield House this year from the 4 – 7 May. Meet hundreds of designers and makers from across the UK at this event which promotes the very best of British crafts. Enjoy lectures, demonstrations and a packed schedule of workshops from origami to oil paintings. Visit www.livingcrafts.co.uk to find out more.

Suffolk Join in with 1940s fun on Saturday 18 March at Trimley Sports and Social Club’s Swing Fever event in Trimley St Martin. The theme night will feature an extravaganza of Ragtime, Swing and Rock ‘n’ Roll music featuring vocal harmony group, Sisters of Swing, wind ensemble The Air Corps and Felixstowe Harmonies.

The East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival on 14 May sees up to 10 people paddle a boat with a drummer beating in time and a helm at the tail steering the course.

Why not get involved and create your own entry (or just pop down and watch them race). They’ll be at Nicholas Everitt Park from 10am – 5pm on the day. Find out more here: dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/dragon-boat-festivals/ east-anglian-dragon-boat-festival

Puccini’s Tosca (25, 28, 29 April) and Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience (26-27 April).

Enjoy an Italian opera brimming with lust, corruption and intrigue or an English sung all-dancing comedy with willowy poets, sighing maidens and burly officers galore.

eastlife.co.uk | 11

DAYS OUT

Explore three centuries of garden design at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire

The region’s best gardens

S

pring and summer are the perfect time to visit the garden sites of the East of England with English Heritage.

From the dainty bluebell of early spring right through to the mighty hydrangea of late summer, English Heritage gardens are the perfect spots to appreciate our British seasons in all their technicolor glory.

Audley End House & Gardens, Essex Strolling around the garden today you are enjoying the work of two of the most famous and influential designers of the 18th century.

Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown swept away the remnants of a declining formal garden to create extensive views, a serpentine lake and more natural planting.

The elegant garden buildings, such as the bridge over the River Cam, are the work of

12 | eastlife.co.uk

Robert Adam – the neoclassical designer who also designed a suite of rooms in the mansion.

In spring there is colour everywhere at Audley End. The show begins with the appearance of thousands of naturalised daffodils in the parkland, followed by vibrant bedding in the Parterre and Pond Garden, finishing with an impressive display of fruit blossom in the Kitchen Garden.

In late April and early May the Parterre and the Pond Garden are awash with colourful beds of hyacinths, primroses, tulips, daffodils and forget-me-nots.

Every year the scheme varies but it is always a spectacle with around 16,500 bedding plants and 19,000 bulbs.

The summer bedding in Audley End’s Parterre is at its most vibrant during the hot summer months and the production of summer fruit and vegetables in the Kitchen Garden

DAYS OUT

Enjoy Capability Brown and Robert Adam’s work Audley End Gardens in Essex is in full swing, though a quiet shady spot to relax can be found in the Elysian Garden.

As the summer advances a greater selection of produce becomes available. Peas, broad beans, carrots, lettuce, spinach, beetroot, potatoes, shallots, Florence fennel, tomatoes, fresh herbs and the first harvests of early pears as well as strawberries and gooseberries from the soft fruit garden. All of the organic food grown at Audley End is put to use, especially in the cafes.

Wrest Park, Bedfordshire Explore the evolution of the English garden with a stroll through 90 acres and three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park.

From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping views and woodland walks, Wrest Park is a real treat for the senses; combining English, French, Dutch and Italian styles side by side.

This unique landscape is stunning in every season, with serpentine waterways, woodland, statues and elegant buildings. Be sure to stop

and smell the roses and take tea in the café.

As the days lengthen and begin to warm up, the gardens at Wrest Park come to life. The snowdrops raise their heads above ground and signal the end of winter. Within the extensive woodland areas snowdrops, daffodils and primroses flower throughout spring, rewarding those who explore the Great Garden’s network of paths.

The formal gardens around the house provide a wonderful display of colour in spring.

Seasonal bedding schemes include a mixture of tulips, hyacinths, violas and forget-me-not.

Look out for the magnificent trained wisterias in the Italian Garden and Pear Orchard, which flower in early summer.

The Rose Garden, restored to its original design in 2011, contains a wide range of modern hybrid roses which bloom almost continuously from early summer to late autumn.

So make sure you gather friends together and explore these two English Heritage gardens this spring and summer.

For more information please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/eastofengland eastlife.co.uk | 13

General of the Armies John J. Pershing

Cambridge American Cemetery, Memorial and Visitor Center

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

Explore the Visitor Center and connect with a powerful story of courage and determination.

All visitor services free; group tours available Entry FREE; group tours available | Fully accessible > Coton, 3 miles west ofChildren’s downtownactivities Cambridge available phone 01954 210 350 > By bike, use the path to Coton, then Madingley email cambridge@abmc.gov Madingley | Coton | Cambridge | CB23 7PH > By car, take the A1303 roadRoad towards Bedford > PHONE By bus,01954 use the City Sightseeing 210 350 EMAIL bus cambridge@abmc.gov www.abmc.gov Photos: Arthur Brookes and US NARA www.abmc.gov > Hours: 9–5 daily except Christmas & New Year’s

DAYS OUT

Faces of Cambridge 2017

W

hen Cambridge was chosen to be the permanent site of the only World War II American Cemetery in Britain the location played an important role. The hillside position looks north across the flat Fenlands of East Anglia; a beautiful setting in which to come and reflect on the lives of those young soldiers, airmen and sailors some barely 18 years old.

East Anglia was used extensively to build the huge network of USAAF airfields from where so many crews set off for the air war over Europe.

As you walk among the headstones you can read the brief epitaphs written there. Those buried came from all walks of life, from all parts of the USA and had many different roles while they were based in Britain. They lived and worked here, often making strong and enduring friendships with the local people. Whatever the stories behind their remaining here at Cambridge, the Cemetery honours their competence, courage and sacrifice. General Pershing said: “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds” How much better to see their faces, calling to us, rising ghostlike from the past?

There are so many stories here of the men and women who gave their lives in the Battle of the Atlantic, the strategic bombing campaign, those who died in the invasion of Europe and who were killed in training exercises on British soil. So many headstones – so many names. It is difficult to comprehend who they were from a sea of crosses. However, if you know the story of the one; the man to his right; and the woman on his left, then the enormity assumes more hu-

Graves from the Chapel at the America Cemetery Photo by: Warrick Page man proportions. Having an image, a picture of the person, enables us to begin to comprehend their story.

‘Faces of Cambridge’ was born in 2016, the 60th Anniversary year of the official opening of the Cemetery.

On Memorial Day Weekend, these pictures will be displayed at the headstone or on the Wall of the Missing and we now have approaching 3000. So come and see our American heroes, in what is the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of US troops in Britain, known as ‘The friendly Invasion’.

You can also see pictures of these young Americans who never made it home, in the’ Visitor Center’, and learn of their stories throughout the year.

Memorial Day Weekend - ‘Faces of Cambridge’: Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 May 2017 Email: cambridge@abmc.gov Tel: 01954 210 350 Website: www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/ europe/cambridge-american-cemetery eastlife.co.uk | 15

DAYS OUT

Put your best boot forward Peter Caton, author of Essex Coast Walk, shares his top five walking routes Essex has many claims to fame but one of the lesser known facts is that its seashore, estuaries and creeks make the longest coastline of any English county.

It is a coast that I know well, having walked all 350 miles writing ‘Essex Coast Walk’, which described the places, people, stories and wildlife found on the way. I ended the book saying my first thought was that I’d like to turn round and do it all again and that’s just what I’ve done, this time writing a walking guide, ‘50 Walks on the Essex Coast’.

The book covers routes along the entire publicly accessible coast, with many return-

ing across countryside and often with several options for walks of differing length. I’ve been asked to select five favourites, a difficult choice with so many wonderful walks, but have chosen a few which illustrate the varied nature of our coastline.

Wrabness to Harwich The first walk starts at Wrabness station, where there is parking and a community shop /café, and includes a lovely section along the picturesque River Stour.

Descending to the river you pass Julie’s House, a controversial building designed by Grayson Perry from where there are good views towards Felixstowe. The route follows the Essex Way through woodland then across fields to the village of Ramsey and its well preserved windmill, eventually reaching the North Sea close to Dovercourt, then after two miles more of sea wall walking, the historic town of Harwich.

The Sunshine Coast Essex has only a few miles of sandy beaches, but the Sunshine Coast from Walton-on-theNaze to Clacton makes an easy, if sometimes bracing walk along a sea wall. Starting from the pier and passing some of the town’s many beach huts, Frinton is reached after two-miles, where the exclusive Connaught Avenue with its independent shops and cafés is well worth exploring. Alternatively, The Naze with its cliffs and historic tower is an easy walk from Walton Pier, and a circular route runs outwards beside the slightly mysterious Hamford Water, returning along the beach or sea wall.

Ramsey Mill can been seen on the walk between Wrabness and Harwich

16 | eastlife.co.uk

Coastal landscapes Much of the Essex shore is unspoilt and enigmatic marshland – coast with a special atmosphere whatever the weather. A five-mile

DAYS OUT

Tollesbury Sail Lofts were built over 100 years ago to serve the local fishing fleets

circular walk from the village of Tollesbury illustrates typical Essex coastal scenery. Starting from a car park close to the marina, the walk passes historic sail lofts and the iconic Trinity Lightship, before heading along the creek around Tollesbury Wick Nature Reserve.

Here birdlife abounds and marsh harriers and short-eared owls can often be seen hunting. After a section by the Blackwater Estuary the path heads back to Tollesbury, where the village square with its pub, church and lockup are well worth exploring.

Get back to nature When I first walked along the Thames a diversion inland was required to avoid Mucking landfill site near Stanford-le-Hope. A few years later I was privileged to attend the opening by Sir David Attenborough of Thurrock Thameside Nature Park, where an ugly scar on our coast is being returned to nature. Where once London’s waste was buried wildlife now abounds. Starting from the Essex Wildlife Trust’s stunning visitor centre (with excellent café and views across the Thames) a five-mile route explores the park, creeks and surrounding countryside.

A coastal challenge My final choice is not for the faint hearted but a route that I consider to be one of Britain’s

great walks.

The 15-mile trek from England’s oldest church at St Peter–on-the-Wall near Bradwell, to Burnham-on-Crouch, passes not one house and is the longest uninhabited stretch of coastline in the country. Who would have thought that this would be in Essex? Following the sea wall beside salt marshes then the River Crouch, this is remote walking and should only be attempted by those who are physically fit and well equipped. For many just the stroll to the chapel is enough, or perhaps it is a walk to be enjoyed from an armchair with a book Whilst Essex does not have the spectacular cliffs and bays of some parts of Britain, it has its own beauty and for the less energetic walker a definite advantage is that there are no hills to climb. 50 Walks on the Essex Coast describes routes from two-miles in length, exploring this little known, but historic and sometimes haunting coastline.

The book contains colour photos and background information, along with good quality maps, however anyone walking on the more remote sea walls is advised to carry a larger scale Ordnance Survey map, along with suitable clothing and footwear.

Pick up Peter’s latest book at www.troubador. co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid=4168 www.petercatonbooks.co.uk

Mucking Creek was a former landfill site now returned to it’s natural beauty

eastlife.co.uk | 17

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LIFESTYLE

Castle Street in Saffron Walden

Shop ’til you drop!

Whether you’re browsing or splurging, we list the best shopping destinations in the East Forget shopping malls and high street department stores, dotted among cobbled streets and hidden corners of our beloved market towns is a growing independent shopping scene. Here are some of our favourites: Burwash Manor, Cambridgeshire New Road, Barton, CB23 7EY Located on a working organic farm, Burwash

Manor offers a variety of independent shops, a tearoom and day spa, housed in beautiful converted farm buildings. With clothing, jewellery, wine, local produce, flowers, toys and furnishings available, you’re sure to find gorgeous gifts for loved ones. www.burwashmanor.com Snape Maltings, Suffolk Snape, Snape Bridge, Saxmundham IP17 1SR The Maltings has firmly established itself as the go to shopping destination in Suffolk. Pick up a tasty gift at the huge Food Hall, lose your-

eastlife.co.uk | 19

W&M SMITH

Candle Lanterns

Floral Decor

Wedding Accessories Aged Metal Products

Open Monday & Thursday 10am - 7pm; Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday 10am - 4pm & Sundays by prior appointment only

For all those special occasions in your life...

Visit our showroom for your floral artistry and craft needs.

Pightle Barn, Blacksmiths Lane, Middlewood Green, Stowmarket IP14 5EU

www.wandmsmith.co.uk Tel: 01449 711014 Fax: 01449 711815

LIFESTYLE self among the antiques and collectables, pick up quirky gifts in the craft store or snap up a traditional or contemporary piece of art from British artists. www.snapemaltings.co.uk/shop Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard Castle Ashby, Northampton, NN7 1LF Make a day out of your shopping trip with a visit to Castle Ashby. Tucked away in the shadow of its neighbour, the Elizabethan mansion known as Castle Ashby, you’ll find a pretty yard home to boutiques, special gifts and crafts, housed in converted farm buildings. Once you’ve shopped put your feet up with a bite to eat or afternoon tea!

The Stable Yard at Hatfield House Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NF Equally as exciting as the House and Gardens, the Stable Yard is a fantastic retail experience.

Located in a beautiful setting, stores are open Tuesday to Sunday and include jewellery, country clothing, gifts, toys and a restaurant.

Stop by on the third weekend of the month and you’ll catch the antique and farmer’s markets. www.stableyardshops.co.uk Bridge Barn Farms Monks Eleigh, Suffolk IP7 7AY Here you’ll find a collection of independent retail businesses offering everything from plants and arts to vintage collectables and interior goods. Once you’ve browsed the stores visit the Corn Craft Tearoom for a spot of afternoon tea. www.bridgefarmbarns.co.uk Great Dunmow, Essex This small market town has established itself as one of the region’s leading independent shopping destinations. Recently finishing in the top five of a small towns national competition, the High Street is a collective of independent businesses – think cute homeware stores, stylish boutiques, salons and cosy coffee shops. There’s a strong community spirit with its ‘Shop Local Campaign’, which offers a car

Shops in Dunmow parking scheme and annual events. Look out for the launch of its Farmer’s Market this summer! visitgreatdunmow.co.uk Saffron Walden, Essex For a small town Saffron Walden packs a punch in the shopping stakes. Whether you’re looking to give your wardrobe a spring overhaul, redecorate the home or simply want to mull over a cup of coffee and watch the world go by, make sure you visit this charming historic town.

If you have a love of all things fashion, then you’ll adore Saffron Walden’s independent boutique scene. Among the cobbled streets and crooked buildings, you’ll also find independent wine shops, a pet store, interior designers and gourmet food shops! A market has been held since 1141, and is worth browsing on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

After all that shopping you’ll need to rest your tired soles and where better than in one of Saffron Walden’s cosy coffee shops and cafes.

On almost every corner there’s a place to pop in for cup of tea and cake.

eastlife.co.uk | 21

HISTORY

The Making of Norwich Kindra Jones is a keen local historian running her own company ‘The Lady Knight’, which provides historical characters to museums, schools and events around the country. Her insightful new book ‘Norwich in 100 Dates’ highlights the key events of Norwich’s past. We asked Kindra to reveal those dates she thinks were most pivotal…

N

orwich’s history is a fascinating story, full of characters, triumphs and disasters that have not only shaped this ‘fine city’, but had far reaching effects on a national, and even international level.

14th October 1066 Probably the most memorable year in English history, it was on this day that the younger brother of the king and Earl of East Anglia, Gyrth Godwinson, died.

The Battle of Hastings not only marked the beginning of Norman rule for England, but in many ways the creation of Norwich as it now stands. They moved the principle marketplace from Tombland to where it still is today and built both the cathedral and castle, physical symbols of their power over the soul and body.

The city wall’s twelve main gates and forty towers encircled an area larger than any other English town, even the City of London.

24th September 1101 After just five years from laying the foundation stone, Norwich Cathedral was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Completed in 1145 this impressive building was the biggest in East Anglia at the time, and even today the spire is the highest in England after Salisbury Cathedral.

Today it is still the most complete Norman place of worship in the UK, but for those living or visiting Norfolk, the county is overflowing with beautiful medieval churches, boasting of the economic wealth this area enjoyed mainly 22 | eastlife.co.uk

Kindra Jones dressed as an affluent lady from the 1880s with a fine gentleman thanks to trade with the continent. At one point Norwich alone could boast of a different church for every week of the year, and supposedly one pub for every day!

5th May 1194 Richard the Lionheart granted Norwich a City Charter, the first to refer to it as a city and upgrading it from a burgh. This gave the citizens of Norwich an element of independence and self governance. It is the second surviving charter, the first dating from around 1158 during the reign of King Henry II. In 1404 Henry IV expanded Norwich’s rights and allowing the election of a mayor.

9th August 1272 Months earlier an argument over taxes in the Tombland market place had seen one of the priory servants kill a man with a crossbow. He was protected from facing trial and the lack of justice led to growing tension between the cathedral monks and the townsfolk.

So it was that on this day full-scale riot saw the cathedral attacked. Henry III travelled to

HISTORY Norwich to deal with the aftermath himself and the Pope excommunicated the city.

7th December 1549 Kett’s Rebellion was a response to the rising taxes, inflation, unemployment and enclosure of land, which led to increased hardships for the poor and resentment of the rich. Kett’s role began when the rebels targeted him, but rather than resisting he became their unlikely leader.

From Mousehold Heath he managed to take the city, but when the Marquess of Northampton arrived with 1,500 men he realised that he didn’t have the force to defend it, so he withdrew back to Mousehold and then successfully attacked the city once more. This time the Earl of Warwick was sent with 14,000 men. Forcing Kett’s army into open ground, they were slaughtered and the leaders captured.

Hanged at Norwich Castle on this day, Robert Kett is remembered as a local folk hero.

25th December 1647 Christmas was cancelled!

At a time when fun and celebrations were few and far between, Norwich and Ipswich defied parliament and held pro-Christmas riots.

On the 1st of December the Norwich apprentices had petitioned the mayor to allow celebrations. Although he refused to give his consent, he also turned a blind eye to those who wished to mark the day.

For this act of defiance on 23 April, the military was sent to arrest the mayor, but the city gates were locked and a riot followed. Even 10 years later, the Council of State was still having difficulties in the capital.

17th June 1902 In Criterion Cafe on White Lion Street Robert Webster and Joseph Cowper-Nutchey, two schoolteachers, met and formed Norwich City F.C. The original club nickname was the Citizens, with colours of blue and white. However, their new manager, in a nod to the local pastime of breeding canaries, began to refer to his players as ‘his little canaries’ and the press

Kindra Jones as Anne Boleyn instructing aspiring subjects in court etiquette quickly caught on. 1907 saw the players turn out in yellow shirts for the first time and the colour and name has remained since.

It is thought canaries were first introduced to Norwich in the sixteenth century by Dutch refugees. The textile trade which had once flourished (and was the wealth behind many of East Anglia’s churches) was starting to wane and fall behind much of Europe.

These strangers, as they were known, helped to restore Norwich’s textile trade and breeding these birds became a local pastime.

By the eighteenth century the Norwich Canary, or ‘John Bull’, variety had developed.

Visit www.theladyknight.co.uk to find out more or to order Kindra’s book.

For those wanting more drama, Kindra also brings Norwich’s past to life in a costumed talk. Using her wide range of props and historical outfits she illustrates a rich journey through the colourful history of Norwich.

To invite Kindra to give a talk email kindra@theladyknight. co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 23

Combined Military Services Museum Special Forces Ordnance Spies

Medals

..journey through British military history..

Uniforms Weapons

31/03/2017

31/12/2017 31/03/2017

Tanks

Station Road - Maldon - Essex CM9 4LQ - 01621 841826 www.cmsm.co.uk

Picnic themed cafe serving local homemade food to eat in or takeaway.

VISIT OUR SHOP

For an eclectic shopping experience

Breakfast.

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Opening times: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm | Sun 10am - 4pm

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01508 483947

7

MUSEUM ADMISSION 3 & 4 March

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WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

55 Market Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4LP Access is available to all buildings however, you will however need a vehicle to gain full access to both sides of the museum.

www.elycomputers.co.uk

A FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKING MUSEUM DEDICATED TO WHAT’STHE ONHISTORY 2017 OF PRESERVING RAILWAYS IN THE EAST CHAP P EL BEER FESTIVAL 3 & 4 March OF ENGLAND Join us in the Victorian Goods Shed for a wide range of beers, ciders

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HAN DS O N DAY

2 April

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OPEN DAILY FROM 10:00 TO 16:30 EASTER DAY O UT WITH THO M AS T M Chappel Station, Essex, 14 to 17 April - Steam trainColchester, rides on Thomas and CO6 2DS 01206 | www.earm.co.uk friends, storytelling with242524 the Fat Controller and

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children’s activities in the Imagination Station all day.

B AN K HO LIDAY FUN DAYS

30 April & 1 May

Diesel train rides, bouncy castle, treasure hunt, Scalextric layout, live music and real ale from the local Colchester Brewery.

TRAN SP O RT EXTRAVAGAN ZA

28 & 29 May

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OPEN 10:00 TO 16:30 26, 27 & 28 August DAILY - ThomasFROM and his friends are Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 back forChappel more Summer fun! Meet the Fat Controller and enjoy re-enactments with Rusty and Dusty.

01206 242524 | www.earm.co.uk

CHAP P EL BEER FESTIVAL

2DS

5 to 9 September

One of the largest beer festivals in the region, with live music, great food and over 400 varities of beer, run in association with CAMRA.

ALL TRAIN S GREAT AN D SM ALL

1 October

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SP O O KY DAY O UT WITH THO M AS T M

28 & 29 October - Ride on real steam trains with

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DAYS OUT

Discover the joy of Essex With over 2000 years of history, 350 miles of glorious coastline (the longest of any county in the UK) and oodles of culture there’s loads more to Essex than TOWIE – why not come and discover it for yourself? Here are 10 great reasons to visit Essex in 2017.

1

The Pilgrim Fathers sailed to the New World in 1620 and the ship they sailed in - The Mayflower - was built in East Anglia and captained by Christopher Jones from Harwich, with a crew and passenger list largely composed of people from Essex.

Mayflower 400 is a celebration of the history-defining voyage and a broad range of events, activities and ambitious projects are being planned in the build-up to the 400th anniversary in 2020.

The star of the show is a faithful recreation of The Mayflower itself, which is being built in Harwich. You can visit the yard and see for yourself how the work is progressing, while learning all about how 17th century ship-

wrights created ocean-going vessels with none of today’s technology or tools.

2

Lee Valley Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary. A multitude of different events and activities are planned, including 50 walking and cycling routes throughout the 26-mile park, plus exhibitions highlighting its transformation from a wasteland to verdant expanses rich in wildlife co-existing with world-class sports and leisure facilities, three of which form part of the London 2012 legacy; Lee Valley White Water Centre, Lee Valley VeloPark and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. Not only that, Lee Valley Park Farms in Waltham Abbey have their 40th anniversary and will be hosting a series of events to keep the kids happy. www.leevalleypark.org.uk

3

It’s not only Rio de Janeiro that loves a carnival. Saffron Walden’s from the 7 July is very special. It only takes place once every three years but is one of the UK’s biggest and best.

It also lasts for a whopping eight days, including a procession through the town on Saturday 8 July.

The following day sees a family fun day held on Saffron Walden’s common, while a number of concerts, gigs and other ‘happenings’ each day and night from 7 to 15 July. www.8dayweekend.co.uk

4 Southend is celebrating 120 years since the creation of the borough

26 | eastlife.co.uk

Nature lovers will surely flock to Essex Wildlife Trust’s newly opened intertidal area at Fingringhoe Wick. The 82-acres of new, intertidal habitat are of international, national and local importance.

The new area is an extension of the existing 125-acre nature reserve, featuring a diverse range of habitats for a broad variety of flora and fauna.

DAYS OUT There will be a wide variety of events and activities to celebrate in both towns, so keep an eye on www.visitsouthend.co.uk and www.visitharlow.com for the latest information.

8 RHS Garden Hyde Hall will be unveiling its Edible Global Veg Growth Garden

5

Between 25 - 29 May Epping and Ongar Railway - Essex’s longest heritage railway - will be holding a five-day party to mark its 50th birthday.

With a range of different activities, including the chance to relive the golden age of steam in a lovingly restored engine and carriage, this has to be the ultimate train set for kids of all ages. www.eorailway.co.uk

6

Horticulturalists are keenly anticipating the official opening of the brand new Edible Global Veg Growth Garden, at RHS Garden Hyde Hall.

Created to be a showcase for fruit and vegetables from around the world, with an innovative circular design and a glasshouse centrepiece, the EGVGG is part of the RHS’s investment in the future of horticulture.

Throughout the summer (22 July - 11 August) there will be lashings of activities to get involved with, including craft workshops, garden trails, book displays and interactive storytelling. Expect ginger beer and lots of cake. www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall

7

Happy Birthday Harlow and Southend!

The ‘new town’ of Harlow is 70 in 2017 whilst Southend-on-Sea marks 120 years since the creation of the borough.

If you love walking, wild places and wildlife then the brand new Passport to the Coast will be an essential part of your year.

Effectively a coastal pass for the east coast of England, extending from Hull in Humberside to Thurrock, the Passport is a new travel tool that will allow you to create your own activities simply by watching interactive videos that draw attention to stretches of coastline little explored by most visitors. As the name suggests, Passport to the Coast is mainly designed for overseas visitors but that doesn’t mean local residents can’t get involved and revel in the beauty of our own coastline.

9

Another UK-wide initiative enjoying local involvement is Friendly Invasions. As part of the national campaign, Boxted and Ridgwell Airfields will commemorate the role American personnel played from these shores during World War Two.

10

Another national event that will enjoy local engagement is the UK-wide Mills Weekend on 13-14 May. As part of the weekend, you can visit Alderford Water Mill at Sible Hedingham, Beeleigh Steam Mill in Maldon, Finchingfield Post Mill, Mountnessing Post Mill, Stock Tower Mill and Thorrington Tide Mill, near Alresford. More at www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk To discover more festivals in Essex throughout 2017, click on www.visitessex.com Above: Lee Valley White Water Centre

eastlife.co.uk | 27

DANIELLE O’CONNOR AKIYAMA - ASCENSION

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DANIELLE O’CONNOR AKIYAMA - ASCENSION

LIFESTYLE

Events at Gallery 1066 At Gallery 1066 we work with a portfolio of artists from around the globe – from local, emerging talent to internationally acclaimed artists, offering immense talent and a wide range of genres.

star who has already gained critical acclaim and a number of high profile collectors including Lord Jonathan Marland, Duffy, Take That, Roxy Music and Orlando Bloom. Inspired by beautiful First World War stories Scarlett has taken the art world by storm with her stunning landscape works with a hidden twist.

Gateway to Destiny, the Rocks Brothers Chris and Steve Rocks | Thursday 11th May We welcome Chris and Steve Rocks to the gallery for an exclusive evening where the incredible twin brothers will unveil their latest unseen original works and limited edition collection.

Recognised for their mature approach to the canvas, both working on the same piece of art and their Turner inspired style, Gallery 1066 is proud to showcase ‘The Rocks Brothers’.

Arms and the Boys by Scarlett Raven This summer, we will be hosting an exciting event with Scarlett Raven. The young rising

Heart of Hearts II by Akiyama Danielle O’Connor Akiyama | Friday 15th September Back by popular demand – Canadian artist Danielle O’Connor Akiyama will be returning to Gallery 1066 in September to meet collectors and unveil her new works and her beautifully hand embellished limited edition collection.

A spiritual artist who has hidden meanings within each painting, telling their own story and very much inspired by Japanese brushstroke painting. Danielle is regarded as one of the best-selling contemporary artists with her instantly recognisable bold mark and vibrant colour palette. To find out more about our artists and calender events contact the gallery. info@gallery1066fineart.com www.gallery1066fineart.com T: 01462 896164 Gallery 1066 Fine Art Ltd, Willow Mews, 6a Hitchin Street Baldock, Herts. SG7 6AE eastlife.co.uk | 29

EACH gift in every Will makes a difference

Closing Date 18th June 2017 For more information about what’s on at the National Heritage Centre at Palace House please call 01638 667314 or visit our website Contact Maddy Dodsworth on 01223 204913

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LIFESTYLE

Hunting for top antiques We list the best five Antique Fairs in the region Whether you’re hunting for an heirloom or looking for a bargain, you’ll find it at one of these regular treasure hubs Suffolk Heritage Antiques and Reclaim Centre Old London Road, Copdock, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3JF 2 April, 4 June, 6 August, I October, 3 December Located between Ipswich and Colchester, this is a haven for antiques.

The fantastic retail outlet is made up of several independent antiques dealers and restorers all under one roof, offering an eclectic mix of period and vintage household items.

The items on sale are antiques and architectural salvage, as well as period home décor. A broncante is held on the first Sunday of every other month, from 9am – 3pm.

You’ll find stalls offering a fascinating mix of items. There are also two antiques fairs a short drive away in Dedham, so you can make the most of your day! www.suffolkheritage.co.uk Hingham Antiques Fair The sports Hall, Springfield Way, Hingham, NR9 4BH Last Sunday of each month (August is third Sunday) 9.30am – 3.30pm Entry £1 This fair has a reputation spanning over 18 years. As one of Norfolk’s longest running and largest antique fairs, it draws crowds from far and wide.

Featuring everything from furniture to fashion and clocks to books, it’s clear to see why the fair is a hit with antique dealers

looking for new stock as well as buyers. www.hinghamantiquesfair.co.uk Peterborough Festival of Antiques The East of England Showground, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE2 6XE 14-15 April & 29-30 September 10am-4.30pm Entry: £5-£7.50 As one of the largest antiques fairs in the country, and so much ground to cover, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing the many, many stalls. Vendors offer an interesting mix of china and pottery, jewellery, figurines, glassware, paintings, home and garden ware and much more. www.festivalofantiques.co.uk The Essex Antiques and Collectors Fair Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff on sea, Essex, SS0 7RA 30 July 9.30am-4.30pm There will be over 100 stands to browse in the main auditorium and foyer. The fair attracts dealers and buyers from far afield. Expect an electric mix of antiques, jewellery, ceramics, oriental, small furniture, vintage, collectables and much more.

Beccles Antiques Street Market Beccles Town Centre, NR34 9HA 30 April and 13 August, 8am-4pm This bi-annual event grows in popularity every year. Stalls line the town centre with dealers selling a wide range of quality antiques and collectables such as furniture, silver, china, linen, jewellery, books, clocks, retro and vintage design and decorative items. The atmosphere is buzzing with local businesses, restaurants and cafes open and ‘street food’ incorporated into the market. www.facebook.com/antiquesmarketbeccles eastlife.co.uk | 31

FINANCE

Facing the big questions

T

he three Ds – death, divorce and dementia – are things none of us want to think about. Yet if you’re reading this you’re likely old enough to know life isn’t always happy and hassle free. So, cheery chap that I am, I want to encourage you to sit down and have the ‘unpleasant issues chat’ whether with your parents or children.

Ignoring this costs. Not just financially, but in hassle and emotion too, for you and your family. So I plan to be candid and unemotional. Unpleasant issues happen and you need to plan. Here are four of the big ones.

1. Free wills – you’re going to die, ensure you minimise the impact on your loved ones Die will-less and your affairs can be in limbo for years. So, whatever your age, if you’ve assets (eg, house, savings, a business), and people you’d like to look after, consider making a will.

This is even more important if you live with your partner but aren’t married or in a civil partnership. Your partner has no status under law. If you die, they may not get the house or even the kids – even if you’ve been together 37 years and have 6 children.

Making a will, the right way, can be costly.

For full help, see my cheap wills guide at www.mse.me/wills, which runs you through all the options.

However right now Will Aid month offers solicitor drafted wills (the gold standard) for far less than you’d usually pay. Go to the www.willaid.org.uk website to chose a local solicitor to book an appointment.

The solicitors give their time in the hope you’ll make a donation to one of nine charities, including Action Aid, NSPCC and the British Red Cross.

The donation requested is £95 (£150 for couples), which you can make online before 32 | eastlife.co.uk

Martin Lewis is the Founder of Money Saving Expert. To join the 11 million people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip your appointment. Print out the receipt and take with you to the solicitors. If you can’t afford it, you can give less, though don’t game it.

2. One in three over 65s will develop dementia.

I’m 44 - thankfully I can’t foresee losing mental capacity, but I do have a Lasting Power of Attorney set up, in case.

Without a Power of Attorney, if you lose your faculties through dementia, a stroke or accident, sorting your finances is less clear-cut than if you’d died. Don’t assume relatives can walk into the bank and access your money not even to pay for your care, or the mortgage.

To take charge of your affairs, someone would need to apply via the Court of Protection - this is a hassle and costly.

With a Power of Attorney, you nominate a trusted friend or relative to look after your affairs if needed. This DOESN’T mean giving up control now - you can opt for it only to come into effect if you’re no longer capable.

You can set one up yourself by filling in the online form for England and Wales at www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney (£110 fee).

For Scotland it costs £74 (www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk), and for Northern Ireland it’s £115 (search on www.nidirect.gov.uk).

Yet if you’ve complex financial affairs I’d get a solicitor to set one up. It’ll cost around £700ish. There’s good info on www.alzheimers.org.uk.

FINANCE

3. Are you hurting your spouse by looking after the finances?

More than 60% of couples say one person deals with all the home’s money issues. If you’re reading this, my guess is that’s you. Yet if something happened, it could heap financial misery on the grief. That’s because often the other partner is in the dark.

Why not create a financial factsheet naming all product providers – from roadside recovery to investments, boiler cover to bank accounts.

Then have a kitchen table briefing every few months to update and discuss.

4. Need cash from your house? Don’t leave it late Those in their 60s living in large homes with kids who’ve long since left the nest often plan to downsize “one day” to release money as they’re asset rich, cash poor. But as time ticks on, I often hear “it’s still a few years away” and finally “we’re too old to move”.

It’s usually far better just to sell and downsize. If not, the main option is to use an equity

release product. This is a way to borrow from your home’s value while you still live there.

But with average interest rates at around 5.5%, they are far higher than most mortgages. And more significantly, as it’s usually paid from your estate or the sale of your house on death, you often don’t make any repayments, which means that, unlike a mortgage, you’re subject to vicious compounding.

Having said that, while it is more expensive, if you don’t have any dependents who need the money, equity release means you maximise the gain for your money.

My two main tips for equity release A) Don’t just think ‘how much will we need for the rest of our life’ – as the sooner you borrow the more expensive it is, as it has longer to grow. So borrow what you need when you need it, and borrow more later if you have to.

B) Get advice before you do it. And only go for a firm that is a member of www.equityreleasecouncil.com – this trade body’s members at least promise your estate will never owe more than your house is worth. eastlife.co.uk | 33

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TRAVEL

Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, with the cathedral in the background

Top ten European places to visit when you retire Tim Fleming, sales and business development manager at The River Cruise Line, shares his top 10 destinations to visit after retirement.

R

the original bricks as possible. The result is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it’s no wonder that it is visited by more than ten million tourists a year.

The city centres around the reassembled Frauenkirche, a magnificent church topped by a shining, golden cross that was donated by the English city of Coventry.

Dresden, Germany After being flattened by Allied bombs in 1945, Dresden has since been painstakingly reconstructed to the original plans using as many of

Budapest, Hungary Made up of historical Buda and contemporary Pest, the sprawling city of Budapest is split in half by the Danube and joined by the massive Chain Bridge.

Explore Buda to soak up the city’s history

etirement is the perfect time to explore those European destinations you’ve always wanted to see. To give you some inspiration for your next trip, I’ve put together my pick of the ten best European destinations to visit after you’ve retired.

eastlife.co.uk | 35

Immerse yourself in 1000 years of history at Suffolk’s Cathedral and take a guided trip up our magnificent Millennium Tower* Guided tours of the cathedral also available with our friendly and knowledgeable guides.

Browse a huge range of gifts in our shop and refresh yourself in our welcoming Pilgrims’ Kitchen café which serves hot and cold food and drinks and has free Wi-Fi. Help us build history by laying a brick on our LEGO ® model. We’re building our cathedral out of 200,000 LEGO bricks and need your help! Donate £1 and lay a brick on the model.

You are assured of a warm welcome at our services and events.

For full details of services, events and news go to

www.stedscathedral.co.uk

The Cathedral Office, Abbey House, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LS

*tower tours only available on certain dates. Please check website for details.

Welcome to High Lodge, Darsham

A Unique Venue Situated in 100 acres of woodland and delightful countryside High Lodge offers a range of leisure activities, for all the family to enjoy, relaxing short breaks and good food in our cozy and spacious cafe.

Relax in our

Luxury Lodges Try Footgolf

9 Hole Golf Course

12-2.30pm every Sunday

FREE

Relax in our Luxury Lodges

visit the website www.highlodge.co.uk email info@highlodge.co.uk tel 01986 784347 find us just off the A12 near Darsham Suffolk IP17 3QT

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High Lodge Darsham

Have-a-Go Clay Shooting

TRAVEL with visits to Ottoman-era palaces and spas.

When you’ve had your fill of the city’s past, head over the river to Pest, where you’ll find several excellent galleries and museums and plenty of restaurants in which you can sample the city’s modern cuisine. www.spasbudapest.com Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands Keukenhof Gardens are known as ‘the garden of Europe’. Visit in spring and you’ll find more than seven million intricately arranged bulbs in full bloom. If you’re a budding horticulturalist, these gardens aren’t to be missed, as they’re sure to give you plenty of ideas to bring home and apply to your own garden.

Cologne, Germany Cologne is not only the centre of German art and culture, but also home to one of the largest and most magnificent cathedrals in Europe.

Named a Unesco world heritage site in 1996, Cologne Cathedral is regularly voted Germany’s favourite tourist attraction.

A visit to Cologne will also allow you to immerse yourself in some of the finest art from throughout the ages.

Vienna, Austria Visit the Austrian capital and you’ll find one of the most stunning cities in Europe.

While the home of waltz is overflowing with magnificent architecture that dates back to Austria’s empirical past, there’s so much more to the city than dance halls and opera houses. You’ll also find a modern museum quarter that features some of the greatest works of art from throughout history and several contemporary restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Moscow, Russia Moscow has been the backdrop to some of the most important events in modern history, and no visit to the enigmatic city is complete without a visit to the Kremlin, the city’s fortified heart. Here you’ll find more cultural sites than some entire cities can boast: five palaces, four

cathedrals, the world-famous Red Square, and Lenin’s mausoleum.

Porto, Portugal On a visit to this city, you’ll find some of Europe’s most beguiling architecture — from the colourful homes built straight into the cliff face that overlooks the winding river Douro to the spectacular gold-laced churches in the Riberia, the city’s baroque heart. You’ll also stumble across cellars offering port tastings, charming, sun-soaked streets, and stairs carved directly into the cliffs.

Bruges, Belgium In medieval times, Bruges was a centre of international trade and one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Today, it is one of the most well-preserved examples of medieval architecture in Europe, and walking the cobbled streets of its winding alleys is like taking a step back in time. Due to its incredible beauty, the city has taken on a new lease of life in the 21st century as a thriving tourist destination.

Strasbourg, France Strasbourg sits right on the border between France and Germany, and has passed hands between the two countries several times in its long and tumultuous history. Explore its cobbled medieval streets flanked by vibrantly coloured timber-framed houses between visits to the stunning gothic cathedral and the cosy taverns that line the city’s canals.

Prague, Czech Republic Prague is unique as a capital of a European country in the fact it has largely avoided major urban renewals throughout its 1,100-year history. The result is a series of snapshots of architecture from throughout the ages, from the gothic period to the modernism of the 20th century via the baroque sensibilities of the 18th century.

So, there’s my pick of the 10 best European destinations to visit after you’ve retired. eastlife.co.uk | 37

Cambridge Park & Ride – Taking you into the heart of Cambridge Buses depart every 10 minutes Mon-Sat during the day and every 20 minutes after 6.30pm Every 15 minutes (9am - 6pm) Sundays and public holidays Open seven days a week The Park & Ride return ticket is £3 and with this ticket up to three children travel for free

Come and talk to Janice about your memorial.

We also restore, add inscriptions, clean and repair existing memorials in all areas.

Concessionary pass holders travel for free with their passes after 9.30am Monday to Friday, and all day at the weekend and on bank holidays The bus fare is £3 return and parking cost £1 for up to 18 hours and can be paid in advance via VIVOPARK – visit www.cambridgeparkandride.info to find out more.

The Park & Ride Group Ticket is £8.50 and can only be purchased from the driver – it allows a group of up to 5 people to travel together.

Park & Ride Weekly tickets cost just £13 and are valid for 7 days Further information: www.cambridgeparkandride.info

Pop into our showroom, or call us to talk about your needs.

01438 748 476

www.instonememorials.co.uk

114a High Street, Old Town, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 3DW

Mon- Friday 12-3 6-11pm | Sat- 12-11pm | Sun- 12-7pm

01525 210 044 www.miltonbryanpub.co.uk

From the lovely open fires to the ample beer garden which is undergoing a refurbishment this April. This is the perfect place to while away those long summer afternoons and enjoy a spot of al fresco dining.

Don't forget to bring your furry friend along with you as they are very welcome in our bar areas and our garden.

We have sought to highlight diversity in the menus. You will find modern British cuisine elegantly presented alongside an offering of traditional pub meals such as the homemade beef burgers and fresh fish and chips.

While the food served is certainly of restaurant standard, The Red Lion has not forgotten its status as a pub - we have a wonderful premium gin menu, craft ales and an extensive wine menu. This is what the Red Lion is all about.

TRAVEL

Holidays with a heart Adventure travel app Envago talks volunteering holidays

W

ith around 1.6 million of us heading abroad to volunteer each year, the new wave of volunteer tourism holidays or ‘voluntourism’ looks to be a travel trend that is here to stay. Voluntourism is all about travel with a heart, organised activities that could see you helping to save the world’s resources or protected species, teaching, or even getting involved in construction.

It is estimated that there are over 800 providers of these types of altruistic escapes so the difficulty often lies in knowing where to start. New travel app Envago (www.envagoapp. com) helps people to find adventures around the globe (including voluntourism projects), compare, book, and connect with others going on the same trip. Envago gives us the lowdown on the places and the projects: Pokhara, Nepal An adventurers’ paradise with white water rafting, paragliding and trekking opportunities galore, Pokhara is ideal for those looking to combine a holiday with volunteering.

From teaching children English or supporting educational programmes at local centres, to working at Nepal Orphan’s Home, a collection of four homes known locally as Papa’s Houses which provide refuge for around 120 children who have been orphaned, abandoned or not supported by their parents. As well as providing for their basic needs, Nepal Orphan’s Home aims to enable children to realise their potential.

Malaysia Based on the beaches of the tropical island of Lang Tengah off the east coast of Malaysia, your mission will be preservation of endan-

A volunteer with a baby turtle Photo by: Lang Tengah Turtle Watch gered Green Turtles. By monitoring turtle landings and saving their eggs from poachers at the Lang Tengah Turtle Watch project you will enable young hatchlings to scamper safely to the water’s edge.

And afterwards, Lang Tengah Island itself has some stunning boutique resorts like the Sari Pacifica, or for a more sustainable option check out Lang Tengah’s Perhentian House, made completely out of reclaimed wood and run off solar power, with all proceeds from staying at the house going towards funding the turtle conservation projects.

Jamaica One of the most popular Caribbean islands for Brits to visit, Jamaica also offers a wealth eastlife.co.uk | 39

TRAVEL

Volunteering is a great way to see the world of volunteering experiences from helping farmers harvest crops, to repairing buildings and working with children. ‘Operation Restoration’ is a project for children and their families in Trench Town, Kingston, providing education and counselling particularly for those engaged in or at risk of falling into criminal activity. From teaching reading or after school lessons to counselling or mentoring a child or teacher, these projects will immerse you in the local culture. On your days off, be sure to visit the iconic Dunn’s River Falls, the Blue and John Crow Mountains and in Kingston itself, the Bob Marley museum and National Gallery of Jamaica!

Malawi If you want to concentrate your efforts on the environment, head to Malawi to get involved in tree planting, fruit tree propagation, forest conservation and many more activities. Ripple

Photo by: Lang Tengah Turtle Watch Africa asks that all its volunteers are at least 23 years of age with a year’s post qualification work experience for three to four week placements that could see you working on the fish conservation project at beautiful Lake Malawi. Some of Lake Malawi is located in the Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Colombia Medellín, a bustling city packed with high rise buildings in Colombia and final resting place of the notorious Pablo Escobar is also home to the ‘Colombia Kids Project’ which cares for over 1 million children who have been displaced. Assist with arts and crafts, teaching English and excursions.

Or if animals are more your thing, the Colombia Sloth Sanctuary looks for volunteers for around six hours per day for everything from marketing and office based tasks to planting trees and caring for the animals. eastlife.co.uk | 41

TRAVEL

Holidays are good for you

A

holiday is far better for your health than you might think. Naturally, being the co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel, I strongly believe in a holiday’s power to give you benefits which outlast your tan.

You not only have the chance to escape from the stresses of daily life, but you can stimulate your mind with a new culture and learn healthier habits. It’s a great chance to not just relax, but also to improve your physical and emotional well-being, and return home with fantastic memories. Here, I look at why holidays are healthy for us: Food I’ve experienced so many different and delicious types of cuisine on my travels, inspiring me to recreate the flavours when I get back, giving me my own little holiday at home. In exotic countries, you can gorge on colourful tropical fruits at the breakfast buffet and get stuck into mouth-watering salads and tasty juices throughout the day. This will refuel your body with essential nutrients, improving your well-being from the inside.

When holidaying in the Mediterranean, you’ll benefit from one of the healthiest diets in the world. Rich in seasonal vegetables and with a splash of olive oil, this diet helps to fend off disease and strengthen your heart. On av-

Written by Paul Joseph, director at Health and Travel Fitness. For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthand fitnesstravel.com erage, a Greek person gets through six or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day! If you take home food ideas from your holiday, you’ll feel healthier in no time.

Exercise I believe that fitness on holiday is the perfect way to kick-start a regime and learn about the exercises that suit your body. I like to make the most of not having to fit workouts around my demanding lifestyle; I can focus on my health and totally relax. You’re able to try out new and different classes, like yoga, aqua aerobics and circuit training, and have fun doing it.

It’s a fantastic way to get the motivation you need to continue your regime when you return home.

You’ve also likely to have a beautiful swimming pool or the glistening sea right on your doorstep, so why not do a few lengths before breakfast? You’ll stretch your body and get a gentle full body workout or how about going for a cycle into the local town?

Sun We must not be paranoid and live in fear of the sun; it actually has a wealth of benefits that we need to take advantage of helping us to reach our optimum health. It provides us with vitamin D, which strengthens our immune system and our bones, and it’s also been found to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

It’s also a great solution to Seasonal Af-

42 | eastlife.co.uk

TRAVEL

fective Disorder, a type of depression which affects more and more people during the winter months and who work long office hours.

A healthy winter holiday is the perfect cure, helping you to de-stress and soak up those rays which you lack at home.

Sleep Isn’t it the most amazing feeling not having to set an early morning alarm when you’re on holiday? A lack of sleep can have serious knock-on effects on your daily life, making you more irritable, anxious and reducing your mental performance and ability to concentrate.

When you’re on holiday and totally relaxed, you’ll reach that deep sleep that you deserve and fully recharge your batteries. This quality sleep will help to strengthen your immune system and relieve stress.

Seawater Have you ever noticed how smooth and radiant your skin looks when you return home from a hot holiday? A refreshing swim in the

sea naturally exfoliates your skin, removing dead skin cells and replenishing it with nourishing minerals, giving us a glow we thought only expensive spa treatments could provide.

It’s also fantastic at healing damaged or irritated skin, reducing inflammation and absorbing impurities from your body, making it a perfect complement to a detox holiday.

Happiness Studies have found a clear link between well-being and happiness, protecting us from future health issues. Happiness also means laughter which is the best medicine as it releases endorphins and encourages a good mood.

So, when you’re on holiday and you have a good belly laugh with your friends or like-minded travellers, you’ll be single-handedly strengthening your immune system. Studies have shown there is a connection between happiness and longevity, those who are positive will outlive those with negative emotions.

Memories There’s no better place to make everlasting memories than whilst travelling. Not only are these memories nice to think about, but they also help you stay calm and positive in your time of need. Before a busy day at work or when feeling stressed, I always think of my fond holiday memories as a relaxation technique and instant rescue remedy, allowing me to feel composed and perform at my best.

So, next time you’re in a stressful situation, think back to your magical memories and stay calm. eastlife.co.uk | 43

HUNTER’S YARD

Sailing on the Norfolk Broads 2 hour skippered sails

Only £68 for up to 4 people

Cabin Yacht Hire RYA Sailing Tuition

Levels 1, 2, 3 & Seamanship courses

Half-Decker (day boat) Hire Learn to Sail Holidays

Tel: 01692 678263 www.huntersyard.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? You can get Eastlife Magazine one whole week early !

Horsefen Road, Ludham, NR29 5QG

The Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust – Charity No: 1052303

Come to the

Cat Pottery 1 Grammar School Road, North Walsham NR28 9JH

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15A Blyburgate, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9TB Telephone 01502 714234

TRAVEL

Visit the Norfolk Broads, with your dog!

Warmer days of spring and summer are not far away and nor is the Broads National Park, with outdoor activities and places for all to explore – including your dog.

W

oodlands, marshes, riverbanks, even the waterways of the Broads can be great places to enjoy a day, a weekend or a longer visit accompanied by your dog.

Many self-catering properties and holiday boats welcome dogs, as do many visitor attractions, pubs and some other eating places.

Some Broads boat trips welcome dogs, such as Broads Tours at Wroxham in the Northern Broads and Waveney River Tours which go from Oulton Broad in the Southern Broads.

Also down south and close to Oulton Broad you’ll find Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s wonderful Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, where well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

The Broads definitely isn’t just for boating – it has over 190 miles (300km) of footpaths for free, outdoor activity on land, with circular walks from many villages and moorings.

Several long-distance routes run through the area. In the south, the Wherryman’s Way follows the River Yare from Norwich to Great Yarmouth, from where the Angles Way continues south and into the Suffolk Brecks, while the Weavers’ Way passes though the Northern Broads and then goes on to North Norfolk.

The Norfolk Coast Path takes in Horsey and Winterton, and the first part of the Three Rivers Way walking and cycling route is now open between Hoveton and Horning.

Plus from Wroxham the narrow gauge Bure Valley Railway runs to Aylsham, with a walking

Many visitor attractions, pubs and even eating places now welcome dogs and cycling route alongside it.

Two outstanding historical sites in the Broads are happy to welcome dogs. Burgh Castle, overlooking Breydon Water where the rivers Yare and Waveney meet, is the remains of a third-century Roman fort, built to defend the coast from Saxon raiders.

It’s a lovely place for a walk as well as somewhere to absorb the history of the Broads and to enjoy one of the best views in the national park. On the River Bure, and near the rivers Ant and Thurne too, you’ll find the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey.

Religious hermits may have lived at the site as early as the 9th century. There are lovely walks to the abbey from the village of Ludham and from Ludham Bridge. eastlife.co.uk | 45

Acle Bridge Inn

THE ACLE BRIDGE INN ON THE NORFOLK BROADS

Horning, Norwich, NR12 8YB 01692 631485 www.radarmuseum.co.uk facebook.com/radarmuseum @RAFRadarMuseum

You are assured of a warm welcome from all the staff here at the Acle Bridge pub and restaurant on the Norfolk Broads.We pride ourselves in our standards of food and service, value for money and attention to detail. We have excellent outside facilities designed for children and pets are also welcome at our riverside location. Though a traditional Norfolk pub, we also have complimentary, free wifi throughout.

Old Road, Norwich, NR13 3AT Telephone: 01493 750 288 www.norfolkbroadsinns.co.uk/acle-bridge-inn

VISIT

SAFFRON WALDEN Saffron Walden is a delightful medieval market town located in North-West Essex. It has a rich heritage of old buildings, including St Mary’s Church, the largest and one of the most beautiful parish churches in Essex.

The town also has a friendly, award winning museum.

Market days are Tuesday and Saturday.

On the North Side of town is Bridge End Garden, a recently restored Victorian Garden of great charm, which contains a wonderful yew hedge maze and sunken Dutch Garden.

OPEN FREE OF CHARGE For further information about how to get here, places to visit, where to stay, local events and activities, please contact: SAFFRON WALDEN TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

1 Market Place, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1HR. Tel: 01799 524002 Email: tourism@saffronwalden.gov.uk

www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk

TRAVEL

The Broads are an excellent place to go with your family, and that includes dogs!

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham has lots for children and adults to explore, and is happy to welcome dogs too. Its organically managed ancient woodland is a fantastic habitat for wildlife, plus it has its own broad, with boat trips which accept dogs.

The garden, tea room, gift shop, plant sales and one of the boats are fully accessible. At Horsey, the National Trust site welcomes dogs on leads and there’s a little boat trip from the staithe or mooring place which will take you and your dog out on to Horsey Mere.

If you’d like to combine a city visit to Norwich with some outdoor activity close by, head to Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse.

There’s a wheelchair accessible path around Whitlingham Great Broad and there are other walks through tranquil meadows and ancient woodlands.

There may be charges or conditions concerning dogs, so please check the details with individual companies or organisations, and

also check details in relation to assistance dogs. Dogs are allowed on footpaths, bridleways and byways (public rights of way) under effective control, though many nature reserves don’t allow dogs, and routes called permissive paths may not allow dogs.

If you are taking your dog boating, do look after it on or near the water. Dogs are just as susceptible to cold water and other hazards as people.

You can buy dog life jackets from boating suppliers, and some hire boatyards provide or rent life jackets for customers’ pets.

When you plan your next trip, just remember dogs can enjoy a visit to the Broads too!

For more details on everything mentioned here and lots more besides, contact the Broads National Park’s Whitlingham Visitor Centre on 01603 756094 or go to www.VisitTheBroads.co.uk Article courtesy of The Broads Authority www.broads-authority.gov.uk eastlife.co.uk | 47

FOOD AND DRINK

The best healthy eating in the East of England Written by Kayleigh Conway www.bluejeanswhiteteeblog.com Whether you’re on a detox or diet it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on good food, we’ve rounded up the best healthy restaurants and café The best for dietary requirements The Bell at Hardwick Lower Road, Hardwick, Aylesbury HP22 4DZ A tranquil 17th Century gastropub set in the Buckinghamshire countryside that serves up freshly cooked, locally sourced, seasonal food – with plenty of organic wine on the side!

It specialises in catering for diners with non-conventional dietary needs or choices, making booking your next family outing a breeze. www.thebellathardwick.com The best for vegetarians Rainbow Café 9A King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ The only vegetarian restaurant in Cambridge, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options to complement their healthful menu.

Fully approved by the Vegetarian Society, everything at the café is made fresh each day and the eggs they use are free range. From strawberry salads to chilli chocolate cheesecake, and even ecologically-produced tipples, stop by Rainbow Café for a guilt-free indulgence – cheers! www.rainbowcafe.co.uk

48 | eastlife.co.uk

The best for long journeys Tossed Birchanger Green Service Station, Stansted, Essex The next time you find yourself stuck on the M11, feel comfort in the knowledge that healthy, fast food is within reach – yes, there is such a thing! As the first made-on-site food company in the UK to display all of its nutritional information, Tossed offers up healthy and exciting meals that don’t compromise on taste. tosseduk.com The best for vegans Chia Naturally Healthy Café 25 Churchyard, Hitchin SG5 1HP In the heart of Hertfordshire, you’ll find Chia Café’s nutritious plant-based menu. Everything on Chia’s menu is vegan, with many gluten-free items available.

A trip to Chia will see you enjoying a meal that is high in fibre with a whole range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that contribute to good health and wellbeing. Choose from superfood salads and smoothies, trendy “Buddha Bowls”, fresh juices, organic teas and coffees – and expect to see plenty of avocado and nut mylks on the menu. chianaturallyhealthy.co.uk The best for eco warriors Wells Deli Based on the High Street in Holt, this is a real gem for the health and environmentally con-

FOOD AND DRINK

Tucking in – there are plenty of healthy restaurants options in the East of England scious. From superfood salads and smoothies to powerhouse breakfasts, much of Wells Deli’s menu is gluten free and dairy free whilst being all-natural and free of “nasty additives”.

Besides their very healthy menu, Wells Deli has a low carbon policy, selects produce for its ethical standards as well as its overall quality, and over 85% of the packaging they use is compostable. www.wellsdeli.co.uk The best for organic lovers The Organic Shop, Café, Bistro and Bar Church Cottage, Fornham All Saints, Bury Saint Edmunds IP28 6JW This little corner of Bury St Edmunds is rather special. Complete with their own smallholding, you’ll find organic, wild, seasonal and locally sourced produce in abundance throughout.

In the café and restaurant, all food is cooked fresh that day and is packed full of vitamins,

minerals and antioxidants that organic food famously benefits from.

Even better, you won’t find any of the additives banned by the Soil Association here, while high standards of animal welfare are a must to pass from farm to your fork. www.theorganicshopltd.com The best for fresh juices Karmana 79 Broadmead Ave, Northampton NN3 2RA Karmana, Northampton’s vegetarian and vegan eatery, comes complete with a fresh juice bar for those who love to cleanse and detox their systems; try an alkalizing juice of kale, spinach, apple, lemon and cucumber, or a warming golden milk with fresh turmeric juice.

With plenty of raw savoury and sweet treats on offer and much more besides, Karmana is also able to cater for anyone with food intolerances and other dietary requirements. karmana.co.uk eastlife.co.uk | 49

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FOOD AND DRINK

Top 5 roast dinner places Written by Nicole Ranaweera There is nothing nicer than hunkering down in a warm cosy pub, tucking into delicious food prepared by someone else. Sundays especially, are not for spending hours in the kitchen, they are for preparing yourself for the week ahead by indulging in some quality time with family and friends. With that in mind, I’ll be working my way around our fine city’s pubs indulging in some of my favourite roast dinners…

The Sir Garnet 36 Market Place, Norwich NR2 1RD Located in the centre of Norwich, this is one of my favourite pubs. It’s great for taking a break from shopping and their Sunday roasts really are worth trying out. They use local ingredients and offer a fantastic vegetarian option.

Open 12pm onwards, Tel: 01603 615892 www.thesirgarnet.co.uk

The Wig and Pen 6 St Martin-At-Palace Plain, Norwich NR3 1RN The Wig and Pen is one of my go to pubs for Sunday roasts. The food is delicious, it’s warm and friendly and you can build up an appetite with a walk around the Cathedral first!

Open 12pm - 4pm, Tel: 01603 625891 www.thewigandpen.com

The White Lion 73 Oak St, Norwich NR3 The White Lion is really getting a great reputation for serving up a cracking Sunday lunch.

With a great selection of real ales too, this one should definitely be on your list to try.

Open 12pm - 4pm, Tel: 01603 632333 www.individualpubs.co.uk/whitelion

Unthank Arms 149 Newmarket St, Norwich NR2 2DR The Unthank Arms is a traditional local pub in the Golden Triangle area of Norwich. With a friendly and lively atmosphere the bar area can get a bit noisy at times but you can opt for a table upstairs if you’d prefer.

Open all day, Tel: 01603 631557 theunthankarms.com

The Rivergarden 36 Yarmouth Rd, Norwich NR7 0EQ Situated in Thorpe St Andrew, this pub is only a 5 minutes’ drive out of the city centre. There are many great pubs and restaurants along this stretch of river, so it was hard to pick just one, but for me, The Rivergarden wins hands down.

It’s cosy, charming and you can enjoy a truly delicious roast with a perfect view of the river.

Open 12pm - 5pm, Tel: 01603 703900 www.therivergarden-norwich.co.uk

Or, why not try…

The Reindeer, Norwich. Tel: 01603 612995 The Pigs, Edgefield. Tel: 01263 587634 Fir & Feathers, Woodbastwick. Tel: 01603 720003 The Boathouse, Ormesby. Tel: 01493 730342 The Roseberry, Norwich. Tel: 01603 414284 For more join our new Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/805222059608791 eastlife.co.uk | 51

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INTERIORS

Ways to ensure that your conservatory adds value Thinking of adding a conservatory to your home?

Here are some great reasons to do so…

Extending your living space by adding a conservatory or orangery can add between 5-11% on the price of your home, depending on style and size of the addition. Of course, there are factors that impact the return that you will see.

Auburn Hill (www.ahorangeries.co.uk) list some of the ways that you can ensure your extension is an investment.

Seamless integration Modern trends call for conservatories and orangeries to be seamlessly integrated with the original building – this means avoiding rooms that are separated with their own entrance.

For example, using the same flooring as the rest of the downstairs and the same décor means that the spaces flow flawlessly.

The exterior of the new space needs to be aesthetically sympathetic to the rest of the building, and failure to choose a conservatory that is not in-keeping with the style of the house can deeply impact the return that the space provides.

Take great care when choosing fixtures and fittings; if you have spent a substantial sum on the build you can affect the value by opting for cheap or substandard fixtures or fittings and risk the return on your investment.

It’s worth considering modern trends when it comes to the material that you decide to use for the build; while PVCu has been a popular choice for a long time, society has become more environmentally conscious and aluminium and hardwood buildings offer more eco credentials.

It’s important to ensure your conservatory is in keeping with the existing structure Maximise the light in the space The expansive glazing in conservatories make them bright, light and airy spaces in their own right, but they also flood the adjoining space with light too.

If you are opting for an orangery, be aware that traditionally, these rooms don’t have as much glazing as conservatories, but by adding an elegant skylight you maximise the light coming into the room – and make an attractive focal point too.

Foundations In the same way that the aesthetics of the building need to be compatible, the foundations must be treated in the same way. For instance, if you reside in a period property then great care must be taken due to modern eastlife.co.uk | 53

INTERIORS

Bring the outdoors indoors with a spacious and airy conservatory building regulations. The original foundations will be much more shallow and the new foundations will need to accommodate settlement between the two structures.

It is also essential that the existing period property can still ‘breathe’ with the new space.

Modern materials like waterproof sealants and damp proof membranes act as a barrier, preventing a building from breathing, leading to damp. Flooring can be an issue, for instance, the underfloor ventilation of suspended floors should not become blocked.

Functional All Year Round As previously mentioned, a vast majority of the conservatory build will be glazing; so in order to use the space all year round, it’s worth investing in glazing that will insulate the room and minimise heat exchange.

Modern glazing options use panels filled with Argon gas, although they are more costly than standard glass, they aid the room in retaining heat because of Argon’s insulating

abilities. Argon filled glass can reduce energy ratings by up to 30%. It also reduces condensation, which can cause further problems such as damp and mould.

Traditional conservatory builds use polycarbonate roofs, which are extremely inefficient when it comes to retaining heat – using a thermos-efficient glass roof or anti-glare, reflective glass or solid roof with a roof lantern allows you to enjoy the room in all seasons.

Temperature control and insulation are important elements when it comes to your new space; rooms that are poorly heated or over heat during the summer will negatively affect the value that they could potentially add.

Earlier, we touched upon the importance of seamless integration between the main house and the addition – this rule applies to the heating of the room also. Extending your central heating is one of the best ways to heat these spaces. The radiators should be sized accordingly to how big the space is and located based on the foot print of the new extension. eastlife.co.uk | 55

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HOMES

Update your home for less Written by Claire Lancaster www.notestoself.co.uk There is nothing wrong with being frugal these days. In fact a ‘thrifty’ makeover is very on trend and positively encouraged – especially when it comes to sprucing up your home. Don’t let a tight budget hold back home improvements – there’s a quick and creative ‘frugal fix’ for every room.

Bathroom You can easily refresh your bathroom in a weekend or less with these affordable makeover ideas: Grubby tile grout makes bathrooms look grotty. Use a steam cleaner and your grout should soon look like new. If the power of steam doesn’t work, or work sufficiently, you can apply grout paint to re-whiten the grout.

In the worse cases, consider raking out the stained grout and applying more.

You can make a tired bathroom look like new in just a few hours by installing a new toilet seat, adding a fresh bead of silicon sealant around the bath and replacing your taps with new ones. You’ll also see your bathroom in a whole new light if you change out a dated light fixture for something that’s new and dramatic.

Easily add some affordable new features to your bathroom, such as a statement mirror, glass shelves, shiny chrome towel rails and a few matching bathroom accessories.

Bedrooms Compared with kitchen and bathroom renovations, overhauling a bedroom might seem easy peasy. But it still involves dozens of decisions making it a relatively daunting task. With our increasingly hectic lives, the bedroom is where we seek sanctuary, calm and romance at the end of a long day.

Given the bedroom is a space where we 58 | eastlife.co.uk

Luxury duvets and pillows, The Fine Bedding Company www.finebedding.co.uk spend one-third of our lives — who wouldn’t want to pay attention to the details?

Changing the layout of your furniture is an easy way to update a bedroom at no cost. Start by repositioning the bed in a different location, perhaps you have side tables elsewhere in the house that could work as bedside tables. Sometimes simply updating your bed with a fresh set of bedding can make the greatest change.

Add brand-new sheets and bed linens with a new throw at the end of the bed and some throw pillows for the five star hotel look.

Spice up plain walls with pattern, wallpaper can be done easily if you know where to shop.

Websites like eBay often offer out-of-production wallpapers at a heavy discount and why not wallpaper just one wall?

Nothing can change a bedroom as easily as paint; however, don’t just stop at the walls, given we spend more time looking at the ceiling in the bedroom than any other room be sure to give the ceiling a fresh coat too. Make a statement above the headboard – this can be a feature wall in your all-time favourite colour or a large piece of artwork. An alternative to buy-

HOMES

Louis de Poortere Mad Men Empire Red, 85% cotton 15% high gloss yarn, priced £145 for 80cm x 150cm www.louisdepoorterestore.com ing oversized artwork is to use black-and-white photos of your favourite people and places to create a gallery wall, or hang a blank canvas where you can write your favourite quotes.

Living spaces A full living room update — with new flooring, furniture and wall colour — is the ideal home makeover. However, limited time and budget can make a full revamp out of the question.

If you’re sick of your space, make a few small changes and make a big difference.

Although rugs serve a practical purpose, the wide variety of options available makes it a piece that can really tie a room together. Even layered over carpet, rugs can define or refine a space. A thoughtfully chosen area rug is a clever way to adjust how your room feels. If you want to lighten a room with dark flooring use a light coloured rug or warm up flooring that is too light, opt for a darker rug.

After new flooring, new furniture is one of the priciest ways to update a room, but sometimes a simple piece can go a long way.

Pre-loved items are a thrifty choice, try scouting out a vintage find — a classic chair, a coffee table, a contrasting side chair or two. You can breathe life into it with a new paint finish or

learn a new skill and set to and reupholster it yourself.

Kitchen If your cupboards are a bit dated, in terms of style and or colour, why not consider just replacing the doors if the framework is still in good shape? There are a host of companies that specialise in providing replacement doors.

Dramatically change the look of your kitchen by replacing your existing worktops. Laminate is the most cost-effective to purchase. If you have spare cash, consider extras, such as heat rods that can be fitted into the surface for a permanent pan stand.

It’s amazing how much we accumulate over the years. Try setting aside an afternoon to sort out your kitchen cupboards, then organise them so you have access to the things you use every day. Clearing your worktops can also instantly improve your kitchen and it won’t cost.

New appliances can refresh your kitchen without changing any of the furniture. You’ll need to ensure that they will fit into the existing space, though, freestanding appliances can be replaced more easily. Also, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models to also help save on electricity. eastlife.co.uk | 59

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HOMES

Sleep Easy This Springtime With 31 days dedicated to highlighting improved sleep, National Bed Month in March is the ideal time to kit out bedrooms.

Y

our bedroom is your personal sanctuary a space that allows you to rest and rejuvenate, and often it is the room in which many of us spend most of our time at home! As the first two months of 2017 rush past us, we take a look at the top trends that will shape bedrooms in the months ahead.

Bedroom Looks If you are looking to give your bedroom a quick style makeover, 2017 is a good time to consider going down the Nordic path. Scandinavian-inspired décor, accessories, bedside tables and even fabulous bed frames are currently on top of the trends chart, and this is a style that will also help you in creating a more organized bedroom. And the best part is that even your affordable IKEA bedroom finds complement this soothing style.

Bedheads and specifically upholstered bedheads are also a hot topic this year. Upholstered bedheads will replace timber bed frames

Breathe Duvet & Pillows, The Fine Bedding Co. www.finebedding.co.uk

Tretton Bed MY Furniture www.my-furniture.com as a luxury craze. You can opt for a classic neutral style in a plain colour that complements your linens, or add a little more extravagance by opting for a velvet bedhead.

Regulate Sleep Patterns with Black Out Blinds Help to regulate sleep patterns with blackout blinds or curtains with a heavy lining. They’ll block natural light and help trick the body into believing it’s night time.

Invest in Natural Bed Linens Choose natural and organic materials for your bed linens to help combat allergies and aid better sleep. Cotton, silk and other natural fibres are breathable, allowing ventilation that draws moisture away from the body.

Innovative Breathable Bedding Don’t overlook what’s inside your duvet cover and pillow case. The breathability of your duvet is important for a great night’s sleep.

Experts claim that more breathable your duvet the better night’s sleep you will enjoy, and that’s why the sleep experts at The Fine Bedding Company developed Breathe, the brand’s most breathable duvet yet – with clever climate control that regulates body temperature. eastlife.co.uk | 61

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Garden spring clean time Written by award-winning garden designer Kate Gould Spring is in the air, kicking off the busiest time of the year for a gardener. As the days begin to get warmer the weeds will usually be the first thing to burst through and my best advice to manage them successfully throughout the year is to get an early start.

The easiest way to remove them is to moisten the soil and pull out by hand – making sure you get right underneath and pull the root out too or it will just grow straight back. Little and often makes the job easier to maintain.

April is an excellent month to focus on lawn care. If you have laid grass seed or turf it must be kept watered daily so if the English weather doesn’t provide the rain expected, you will need to do it manually. Don’t let it dry out be-

tween watering and the next bout of showers!

It is also very important to aerate your lawn in April which gives established grass more air and growing space and helps it to drain excess water away more efficiently.

Easiest results are achieved with a lawn aerator machine or if you haven’t got space to get this in then a manual hollow tine aerator will do. Happily, the hard work of preparing your garden for the productive months ahead is softened by the beautiful displays of bulbs that will start popping up about now, like the daffodils and hyacinths.

Pansies and primroses are a good choice for an instant splash of early spring colour in the garden; they are pretty hardy and will survive the cooler nights. Their bright colours are wonderful interspersed in clumps through the spring bulbs.

Finally don’t forget to sterilise your pots and trays ready for sowing seeds in a month or so.

Kate Gould is an award winning garden designer with more than a decade’s hands-on experience transforming gardens of all sizes and a regular exhibitor at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show where she has been awarded three Gold medals. www.kategouldgardens.com eastlife.co.uk | 63

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15/02/2017 14:43

HOMES

Pressure is being put on the government to help families who want to downsize

Are you ready to downsize?

East of England’s retirees eager to unlock £152 billion property goldmine Millions of UK retirees are considering downsizing to release equity to fund their retirement including 390,000 in the East of England, say McCarthy & Stone in their inaugural Retirement Confidence Index.

Developed in conjunction with YouGov, the survey of over 3,000 UK adults aged 65 and over by one of the UK’s leading retirement housebuilder notes that this age group in the East of England has approximately £152 billion of housing wealth, £148 billion – or 98% – of which is un-mortgaged[1], providing them with the scope and flexibility to potentially

benefit from downsizing and equity release should they wish to do so.

A third (33%) of adults aged 65 and over in the East of England are considering downsizing, saying that they are likely to move from their current property in the future if suitable properties become available. This equates to approximately 390,000 people in the region, who – were the homeowners among them to proceed – would release homes with a combined value of some £50 billion[2].

In addition, seven in ten of those aged 65 and over in the East of England expect to use their housing wealth to fund at least some of their future adult social care needs. As health among older age groups deteriorates, the need eastlife.co.uk | 65

HOMES to downsize to more appropriate accommoincrease by more than 50% to 17.2 million. Undation is likely to become more important. fortunately, the UK’s housing stock is woefully Almost one in three (31%) retirees in the region unprepared for this demographic shift to the feel it is likely that they would have difficulty ‘extended middle age’, and this has created a living in their current home due to changes in new ‘Generation Stuck’ dilemma. their health and/or mobility, according to the “Across the UK, there is soaring demand for survey. retirement housing, creating an unprecedentEnabling people to downsize and release ed opportunity for new supply in this area. this significant level of UK housing stock is a “However, while more than four million key part of the equation in solving the UK’s retirees are thinking about moving from their housing crisis, helping to unlock housing that homes in the UK, they are locked in due to the can then be taken up by families and first time lack of housing suitable for later living. With buyers. greater retirement With 11.4 mil“More suitable housing reduces choices, we would be lion people aged 65 able to improve the the need for social care and or over in the UK, lives of older people, just c.141,000 units release millions of limits the impact of the ageing of specialist retireunder-occupied fampopulation on local and ment housing for ily-sized homes onto ownership have ever local markets, stimnational government budgets.” been built. A greater ulate housing chains provision of housing and help younger suitable for later life is needed and McCarthy people move up the ladder. & Stone has been calling for national and local “This must be the next focus for Governpolicy makers to use the planning system to ment, and the forthcoming Autumn Statement focus more on the needs of older people. provides an opportunity to re-align housing More suitable housing reduces the need for policy. social care and limits the impact of the ageing “The Government has shown, through population on local and national government its Help-to-Buy scheme and other initiatives budgets. aimed at first time buyers, that it can influence As part of the forthcoming Autumn Statemarket supply. It’s now time to support the ment, the company is also calling for a stamp housing choices of those in later life.” duty exemption for older people looking to downsize and greater Government support [1] Total estimated using average values of in planning to boost the supply of retirement homes and average adult household size from housebuilding.

Understanding Society Wave 5 (2013/14), which Clive Fenton, chief executive officer at was restricted to homeowners and excluded McCarthy & Stone said: “We are encouraged the top and bottom 1% of values; weighted to hear that the new Government is going to and adjusted for sampling design (clustering extend housing policy beyond starter homes. & stratification); and, applied to population As important as this area is, it overlooks the estimates and projections from the Office for chronic under-supply of suitable retirement National Statistics housing essential to the needs of the UK’s rapidly ageing population.

[2] This is calculated using the aggregate value “Those aged 85 and over are expected to of homes by homeowners aged 65 and over more than double in the next 20 years to 3.2 (£1.3tr) multiplied by the percentage saying million and those 65 and over are expected to they are likely to move eastlife.co.uk | 67

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     

HEALTH

Saving for your care home Could you care less? Why we all need to care about care homes…

By Nero Patel, Senior Wealth Adviser, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Most of us have a loved one who is elderly. And the elderly population is – rapidly –expanding.

For families across the UK, the looming care home crisis makes for sober contemplation.

Industry expert, David Sinclair, who is director of the International Longevity Institute that conducts research into age demographics has said: “With improvements in lifestyle, diet and healthcare, we are all living longer. In fact, the population over 75 is set to double in the next 30 years.”

Presently, there are 1.5 million people aged 85 or over living in the UK, and the number of centenarians has also risen by 72% in the last decade and one in five of us will live to see our 100th birthday, according to Age UK (2016) Later in Life in the UK. These figures highlight a massive societal change in the UK over the coming years and it’s a future we need to be prepared for.

David Sinclair continues: “Our ageing society poses a threat to economic growth, social prosperity and even our future welfare state.

And individuals, companies and the government are not preparing for the change.”

From an economic standpoint, the welfare system certainly can’t support the rate at which our elderly population is growing. The make-up of our society is changing irrevocably with nearly one in five people in the UK aged 65 or over.

By 2040 it will be one in four, compared to just 16% of the population only 12 years ago.

What’s more, people are just not preparing financially for a lengthy retirement or the need to be looked after at a certain point in the future. From a healthcare perspective, health 70 | eastlife.co.uk

Nero Patel, Senior Wealth Adviser, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management trusts over the country are struggling to cope with the increasing number of older people suffering with dementia.

And the Government? Taking little action, according to some. Baroness Ros Altmann, former minister for pensions and experienced retirement planning expert has said: “No political party has faced up to the issue – to do so would be to address the elephant in the room and the subsequent necessary hikes in taxation. Not a vote winner. All we need is a really harsh winter and our care system will collapse.

It’s a massive failure of policy.”

What can we do?

For many, end-of-life care costs can see a lifetime’s accumulated wealth whittled away in just a few years. Why? For a start, the state does not cover care costs and the NHS will not necessarily pay for dementia care or other needs considered part of the ageing process.

Publicly funded social care is means-tested

HEALTH

Planning early for your and your families’ future care is crucial

– only people with less than around £23,250 in assets (often including the value of your home) will get help. To compound the issue, the average cost of a care home is just shy of £30,000 a year. When you take into account that 27% of care home admissions result in stays of over three years, that means a great many people will have to foot costs of almost £100,000, according to Paying for Care (2014/15).

This is unthinkable for many elderly people and their families, yet 41% of people have to fund the entire cost of their care home stay themselves.

It’s not surprising then that 35% of British workers believe they will never be able to afford a care home, and so clearly to plan ahead for your and your family’s financial future has never been more important.

While never an easy conversation, it can become even more stressful if you leave it until you or your family member actually need look-

ing after - particularly when trying to work out how long you might need to pay for care. You will be faced with many difficult decisions and may be unsure of where to start or who to talk to.

As you might be responsible for paying the whole care bill, you will need the right financial plan to see you, or your family member, comfortably through the rest of life.

You may need to restructure your family finances to help maximise income to cover care home fees and, ideally, maintain your capital tax-efficiently for inheritance purposes.

All of this can be achieved, but you should certainly care about planning for care - unlike the Government unable to face the ageing elephant in the room.

Nero Patel, Senior Wealth Adviser, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management www.canaccord.com eastlife.co.uk | 71

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18/02/2014 14:51

HEALTH

How to age gracefully Written by Adrienne Schuter It’s the age of eternal youth. With the advances of cosmetic surgery, botox and fillers today a woman of fifty plus can look thirty.

Photos of certain ageing celebrities show them still looking incredibly youthful, at a whispered cost of millions.

Facial acupuncture, however, is considered to be a more natural, and less expensive, way to hold back the years. Adrienne Schuter went make-up free to put it to the test Are we asking too much of ourselves? We have such easy access to a complete range of cosmetic procedures even women in their twenties, fearful of ageing, are beginning to have botox injections they don’t actually need.

My worry is what happens 10, 20 years from now, how safe will all this prove to be? Are we all aware that botox is actually a poisonous substance and fillers are resins? If you knew what these could do to you in the long term would you still be tempted to use them?

I, too, am on a quest to stay youthful. I work out, swim, walk and do yoga so physically I am doing all the right things but my face is beginning to age.

Not choosing to undergo any cosmetic treatment, I hate needles and surgery, I began to look for something else and found by chance Mei Rong, or facial acupuncture.

Facial acupuncture was first used by Chinese women more than 2,000 years ago.

Typically, it was the Empress and the Imperial concubines who were the only ones who had access to it.

At first they used it for medicinal purposes but later discovered it to be an excellent anti-ageing treatment. Unfortunately for the royal females by the 17th century constant

74 | eastlife.co.uk

conflicts among the Imperial family cut short their use of medical cosmetology, and for 300 years it was forgotten.

Then in the 1990s it was ‘rediscovered’ by the Chinese thanks to their continuing economic boom and desire to adopt all things Western, which includes looking younger.

Today you will find a Mei Rong department in almost every hospital in China which offers acupuncture treatment for medicinal as well as cosmetic purposes.

So in spite of my morbid fear of needles, I thought I’d give it a go. Well I had tried every other natural remedy which was helping, but not as much as I hoped.

Local acupuncturist Rebecca Geanty is trained in the Five Elements, or Mei Rong, facial rejuvenation and carries out procedures at Treat, her natural health clinic in Norwich. So with gritted teeth and fingers crossed I went to my first session.

Rebecca qualified seven years ago and was totally sympathetic about my needle fear. She pointed out the treatment itself isn’t just about sticking sharp pins into the face but also the use of different sized facial rollers, two smooth and one prickly.

The idea is to stimulate the blood and collagen which plumps up the skin by rolling round and over the face. Then needles are used to fine tune the work.

Her quiet friendly questions about my health, diet and expectations of what I hoped the treatment would achieve did a lot to reassure me.

I felt slightly braver when she added: “I have some very fine needles which we can try.” I asked how long she estimated the treatment would take to see any noticeable results.

Rebecca was quite realistic: “It varies, on how deep or how many lines you have. But

HEALTH

Week one

Week three

some of my clients have seen the beginnings of a change a couple of days after their treatment.

But on the whole I suggest one session a week for six to eight weeks.”

The actual treatment takes place in the peace of a private room, while lying on a couch. Cleaning my face of any residue makeup Rebecca gently massaged my face asking me which areas of my face I was particularly keen to treat.

For me it was frown lines, my short-sightedness makes me squint a lot, plus tension lines around the mouth, as I purse my mouth when asleep.

To help with any sagging jowls she would also work on my jawline and cheeks.

The rollers were very relaxing though the prickly one was a little less so. But I didn’t find it especially uncomfortable.

Throughout the procedure Rebecca asked me about the pressure to ensure that it was gentle but effective.

Then came the needles.

Aware of my aversion to all sharp things Rebecca suggested a breathing exercise as the needles were inserted which helped enormously.

About 20 needles were used all round my face and I hardly felt them going in but I did feel a slight buzzing sensation going round my body, rather like an electric current.

Week five

Week eight

“That’s really good,” Rebecca assured me, “you obviously react well to acupuncture as that is the energy circulating and doing its work.”

Leaving me to rest while the needles did their work I drifted into a gentle sleep. What seemed only minutes later but was actually about 30, Rebecca came back to remove the needles and massage a heavenly scented oil over my face. “How do you feel?” she inquired.

Surprisingly even after such a relaxing 30 minutes I felt remarkably energised, and incredibly hungry which is a good sign, apparently.

The aftercare advice is to drink plenty of water and no alcohol for 48 hours as that would antidote the treatment. At home my face was a glow and the next day my skin felt definitely plumper.

I’ve had eight sessions so far over two months and definitely see an improvement in my skin and the slight fading of lines.

I also feel more energised and am sleeping better.

The results are never going to be as immediate or as smooth as botox or fillers and I will have to have quarterly ‘top-ups’, but it looks more natural.

I am ageing gracefully and for me that’s a positive result.

For more information visit: www.treatnorwich.co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 75

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HEALTH

Ways to cope with cancer Why people affected by cancer need ‘something to look forward to’….

When we think about cancer, we tend to think of invasive surgeries, chemotherapy treatment and hair loss. But what about the other, less talked about side effects?

Francesca Abery, Fundraising Manager at ‘Something To Look Forward To’ discusses five side effects of cancer we don’t talk about as much and explains why having ‘something to look forward to’ is so important.

1. Cancer poverty Today’s stark reality is that 1 in 2 people will develop cancer at some point in their lives (CRUK, 2015).

What’s more, is that 4 in 5 cancer patients are hit with an average cost of £570 a month because of their illness which is comparable to a monthly mortgage payment (Macmillan, 2013).

Income goes down and expenditure rises at a time when money worries should be the last thing on people’s minds when they are dealing with the news that they have cancer. Often, the first things to go are life’s ‘little luxuries’ like a restaurant meal or hotel stay when it is needed most.

This is where the Cambridgeshire based social action charity ‘Something To Look Forward To’ helps; by passing on free ‘gifts’ and ‘experiences’ which have been generously donated by local people and businesses.

2. A change in identity For many people with cancer, regular hospital visits, scans and treatment become a way of life. A reduction in working hours or not working at all can dramatically change a person’s sense of self.

Many people are left feeling de-skilled and cannot provide for their family as they once 78 | eastlife.co.uk

Heather and her son on the P&O Ferry trip to Efteling Theme Park in Holland used to. Heather, a Norfolk based cancer patient explained how she struggles to provide her family with the basics following her redundancy, but after receiving a gift from ‘Something To Look Forward To’ she told us how: “Spending time together, relaxing and having fun was just what we all needed. I have now been able to give my family something to look forward to and that makes us all feel great.”

3. Isolation Having cancer often means spending more time at home, in hospital or a hospice. Over one in six (18%) people living with cancer have lost touch with family or friends, whilst four

HEALTH in five (80%) say the financial impact of cancer means they can’t afford to see their family or friends as much (Macmillan, 2013).

It is very important for cancer patients to retain a sense of normality and control in their lives so that they feel that they can cope.

After receiving a family trip to Efteling Theme Park in Holland, complete with P&O Ferry crossing, Heather told us: “Being stuck at home is isolating and it feels like the only time I get out is to see the doctor. My calendar is filled with hospital visits which are not something to look forward to so finally we got something that was!”

4. Reduced emotional health and wellbeing Feelings of anxiety, fear and depression are commonplace when you are diagnosed with cancer.

The physical symptoms associated with cancer, including pain, nausea and fatigue also impact patient’s emotional health and wellbeing.

Additional changes in work roles, family and body image can also affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Emotional health goes hand in hand with good physical health, therefore, a patient’s state of mind is an important part of fighting cancer.

After receiving a Scudamores Punting Trip on the River Cam with a group of her friends, Leoni told us: “Anything that makes me feel good benefits my husband and my children too. My wellbeing filters through to them so less stress and more positivity is key.”

5. Impact on friends and family A cancer diagnosis is devastating news for anyone. The news also hits those close to that person including family and friends; many of whom become carers, both adults and children alike.

The number of people looking after someone with cancer in the UK has soared from around 1.1 million in 2011 to almost 1.5 million in 2017 and more than half of carers are not

Leoni and her closest friends enjoying a Scudamores punting trip in Cambridge receiving the support they need (Macmillan, 2017).

Stacey is a nine-year-old child from Suffolk, who’s mother had a terminal cancer diagnosis. After receiving a zoo keepers experience, Stacey’s older sister told us: “Stacey loved the animals at the zoo; she forgot her troubles at home and had fun. This gift gave her a release and something happy to look forward to!”

‘Something To Look Forward To’ is an East Anglian based social action charity which supports people affected by cancer and cancer poverty.

If you have a cancer diagnosis (up to 3 years post last treatment) or are a Carer of someone who has cancer (friend/relative) you can apply for a free ‘gift’ or experience’ at www.somethingtolookforwardto.org.uk If you are a local business and would like to donate a ‘gift’ you can do this simply at www.somethingtolookforwardto.org.uk/donate eastlife.co.uk | 79

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LISTINGS

What’s on?

CAMBRIDGESHIRE Every 2nd & 4th Saturday Ely Farmers’ Market Market Place Ely CB7 4NB Every Monday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm Cambridge General Market Market Square, Cambridge Every Sunday, 10am - 4pm Arts and crafts market Market Square, Cambridge Every Saturday Ely Craft and Collectables Market Ely Market Place Every Saturday at 2pm The Hidden Heritage Tour The Museum on Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF www.vivacity-peterborough. com/whatson/heritage/hidden-heritage-tour/ 5-Mar Cambridge Half Marathon Midsummer Common, Cambridge 8-Apr The National Garden Railway Show East of England Showground, Alwalton, Peterborough, PE2 6XE www.nationalgardenrailwayshow.org.uk 28 Apr - 1 May Ely’s Eel Festival Weekend Various Locations, Ely www.elyeelfestival.co.uk 18-21 April Cambridge Literary Festival Various Locations, Cambridge www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com 27-28 May Duxford Air Festival Imperial War Museum Duxford www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-duxford/airshows/duxford-airfestival July (dates to be confirmed) Cambridge Comedy Festival Jesus Green, Cambridge www.cambridgecomedyfestival.com 8-10 July Big Weekend Parker’s Piece, Cambridge www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/city-events/events/big-weekend 8-9 July Flying Legends Air Show Imperial War Museum Duxford www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-duxford/airshows/duxford-airfestival 22-23 July Portuguese Festival Peterborough Rugby Club Second Drove, Peterborough PE1 5XA www.festivalportuguese.co.uk 27-30 July Cambridge Folk Festival Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/folk-festival 28-30 July Peterborough Sausage & Cider Festival Elton Hall, Elton PE8 6SH www.jamesdeanevents.com 11-13 Aug Green Meadows Festival Elton Hall, Elton PE8 6SH www.greenmeadowsfestival.org 26-27 Aug British Touring Car Championships Rockingham Motor Speedway, Mitchell Road, Corby NN17 5AF

ESSEX Every Friday and Saturday, 9am - 4pm Colchester Market Colchester High Street, High St, Colchester CO1, UK facebook. com/ColchMarket Every Thursday, 9am - 11.45am Maldon Country Market Maldon Town Hall, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex CM9 Every Tuesday, 8am - 2.30pm Weekly Market at Burnham on Crouch Burnham on Crouch High Street, High St, Burnham-onCrouch, Essex CM0 8AA Every third Friday of the month, 9am - 12pm Leigh Farmers Market Leigh Community Centre, 73 Elm Rd, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 Every Tuesday and Saturday, 8.30am - 5.30pm Local Market at Saffron Walden 1 Market Place, Saffron Walden, CB10 1HR www.saffronwalden.gov.uk Every Saturday, 9am 5Km Parkrun at Promenade Park Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ www.parkrun.org.uk 28 Jan - 30 Jul Completing the Look: 300 Years of Fashion Accessories Saffron Walden Museum, Museum, Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1JL saffronwaldenmuseum.swmuseumsoc.org.uk 1 March - 7 April Essex Book Festival Various Venues, Essex www.essexbookfestival.org.uk 21 Mar/18 Apr/16 May/20 Jun/18 Jul/15 Aug/19 Sep Saffron Walden Emporium – Collectables, Crafts Saffron Walden Town Hall,

Market Place, Saffron Walden 2-Apr Colne Valley at War Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DZ 15-17 April Clavering Arts & Craft Show Clavering Village Hall, CB11 4QS 16-Apr TransportFest – Easter Classic Car Show Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon CM9 6QA www.museumofpower.org.uk 22-23 Apr Spring Diesel Gala Epping Ongar Railway, Station Road, off High Street, Ongar, CM5 9AB www.eorailway.co.uk 22-23 Apr Vintage Vehicle Rally Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DZ 23-Apr Open Day at the Forgotten Gardens of Easton Lodge Gardens of Easton Lodge, nr Great Dunmow, CM6 2BB 30 Apr - 1 May Essex Robin Hood Country Show Brentwood Centre, Brentwood CM15 9NN www.robinhoodcountryshow.co.uk 30-Apr Artisan and Vintage Fayre 1 Market Place, Saffron Walden, CB10 1HR 19-21 May The National Flower Show Hylands House and Estate, nr Chelmsford www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands 2-4 Jun French Market Saffron Walden Common www.savoir-fayre.com 11-Jun Japanese AutoFest – Car & Culture Show Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon CM9 6QA www.museumofpower.org.uk 18-Jun Father’s Day Classic Car Show Epping Ongar Railway, Station Road, off High Street, Ongar, CM5 9AB www.eorailway.co.uk 1-Jul We are handmade Summer Craft Fair Foakes Hall, Great Dunmow CM6 1DG 7-15 July 8 Day Weekend - Saffron Walden Carnival Town Centre, Saffron Walden www.8dayweekend.co.uk 7-9 July Brownstock Festival Morris Farm, Lower Burnham Road, Chelmsford, CM3 6SG www.brownstock.co.uk 15-16 July Essex Festival of Food and Drink Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD www.essexfoodfestival.co.uk 13-Aug Battlesbridge Classic Ford Show Battlesbridge Antiques Centre, The Old Granary, Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge, Essex, SS11 7RE www.battlesbridge.com/event/aug/2017/classic_ford_car_show_ and_autojumble 19-Aug Smoke and Fire Festival Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ www.maldon.gov.uk 10-Sep Military Vehicle Show Saffron Walden Common www.saffronwaldenmotorshow.co.uk

HERTS, BEDS & BUCK Every Saturday, 8.30am - 1pm Hertford Farmers’ Market Market Place, Hertford Every Saturday and Wednesday, 8.30am - 5.30pm St Albans Traditional Street Market St Peter’s Street, St Albans Third weekend of every month, 10am - 2pm Stable Yard Farmers’ Market Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk 26-Mar Dogs and Daffs Charity Walk Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk 1-Apr A Roman City Revealed Guided Walk Verulamium Museum, St Michael’s St, St Albans, AL3 4SW www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk 8-Apr NGS Gardens Open for Charity Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk 8 Apr - 7 May Hertford Arts Festival Tour around Hertford www.courtyardarts.org.uk 16-17 Apr Easter Medieval Jousting Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com/events 17-Apr French Market Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk

livelifemag.co.uk | 81

LISTINGS 22-Apr Street Art Festival Part of the Hertford Arts Festival Hertford Town Centre 29 Apr - 1 May Hertfordshire Garden Show Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com/events 30-Apr Afternoon tea at Knebworth Barns Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com/events 4-7 May Living Crafts Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.livingcrafts.co.uk 6-7 May Carriage Tours Woburn Abbey and Gardens, Woburn, MK17 9WA www.woburnabbey.co.uk/events/seasonal/carriage-tours-may 7-May Hertford Castle Craft Market www.hertfordcastle.co.uk 21-May Beating the Bounds Kingsbury Watermill, St Michaels Village www.stalbans.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/ decisionmaking/mayorsoffice/engagements 27-28 May Hertfordshire County Show The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn, AL3 7PT www.hertsshow.com 2-Jun Food Festival Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk 4-Jun Cars at the Castle The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR www.hertfordcastle.co.uk 10-Jun Harpenden Carnival Harpenden Town Centre 11-Jun Teddy Bear Festival Woburn Abbey and Gardens, Woburn, MK17 9WA www.woburnabbey.co.uk 24-25 June DogFest Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com/events 24-25 June St Albans Folk Festival City Centre, St Albans www.enjoystalbans.com 7-9 July St Albans Film Festival Various Venues, St Albans www.stalbansfilmfestival.com 15-Jul Battle Proms Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk 16-Jul Folk by the Oak Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk 22-23 Jul The Great British Food Festival Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com/events 22-Jul Bee Walk Woburn Abbey and Gardens, Woburn,MK17 9WA www.woburnabbey.co.uk 28-Jul The Game Fair Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk 29-30 July Decorative Salvage and Vintage Fair Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com/events 6-Aug Rock at the Castle The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR www.hertfordcastle.co.uk 12-13 Aug Steam, Crafts & Country Life Fair Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com/events 18-Aug Art in Clay Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk 20-Aug The Great British Prom Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com/events 26-Aug Hertford Open Air Cinema The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR www.hertfordcastle.co.uk 28-Sep Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk

SUFFOLK 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month Woodbridge Farmers’ Market Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, IP12 4AU 8-9 Apr The Framlingham Country Show Framlingham College, P13 9EY www.framcountryshow.co.uk 15-Apr Special Easter Farmers Market Snape Maltings, Snape, IP17 1SR snapemaltings.co.uk/whats-on/easter-farmers-market 16-17 Apr All About Dogs Trinity Park Events, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 8UH www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk 21-13 Apr Ink Festival 2017 The Cut, Halesworth, New Cut, Halesworth, IP19 8BY newcut.org 22-23 Apr East Anglian Game & Country Fair Euston Estate, Thetford, IP24 2QH www.ukgamefair.co.uk 30 Apr & 13 Aug Beccles Antique Street Market Town Centre, Beccles www.facebook.com/antiquesmarketbeccles 30-Apr SESCA’s 5th Antigua Sailing Day Regatta St Edmundsbury Sailing & Canoeing Association, Lackford Lake, Mildenhall Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6HX 7-May Great British Dog Walk Ickworth House, The Rotunda, IP29 5QE www.hearingdogs.org.uk/support/events/gbdw-

82 | eastlife.co.uk

ickworth-park-2017 14-May East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, R33 9JR dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/ dragon-boat-festivals/east-anglian-dragon-boat-festival/ 28-May Spring Plant Fair & Artisan Market Helmingham Hall Gardens, Stowmarket, IP14 6EF 31 May- 1 June The Suffolk Show Trinity Park Events, Felixstowe Road , Ipswich , Suffolk IP3 8UH www.suffolkshow.co.uk 9-25 June Aldeburgh Festival Snape Maltings, Snape, IP17 1SR snapemaltings.co.uk/season/aldeburgh-festival/ 1-2 July History Alive 2017 Stonham Barns Showground, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspel, IP14 6AT 8-9 July The Elveden Country Show Summerpit Farm, Elveden Estate, Bury Road, Elvedon, IP24 3TD www.elvedencountryshow.co.uk 6-Aug Festival of Classic and Sports Cars Helmingham Hall Gardens, Stowmarket, IP14 6EF 25-24 Aug Maui Waui Festival 2017 Peak Hill Farm, Theberton, Suffolk, IP16 4TG www.mauiwauievents.co.uk

NORFOLK 22 Feb - 17 May UEA Spring Literary Festival 2017 University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ www.uea.ac.uk/litfest 10-12 Mar King’s Lynn Fiction Festival King’s Lynn Town Hall www.lynnlitfests.com 19 Mar/2&16 Apr/7&21 May/4 Jun/16 Jul/6&20 Aug American & Classic Car Display Anchor Plaza, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2EN www.eastcoastpirates.co.uk 24-26 Mar Deepdale Spring Market Dalegate Market, Main Road, Burnham Deepdale, www.dalegatemarket.co.uk/springmarket 24-26 Mar Just Crafts Fair Sandringham, King’s Lynn, PE35 6EN www.livingheritagecraftshows.com 30-Mar Norwich Gin Club - The fascinating world of gin The Library Restaurant Norwich NR2 1JH www.vanvino.co.uk 8-Apr Slow Food Anglia Festival and Sagra Event Holkham Hall, Wells-next- the-Sea, NR23 1AB www.slowfoodanglia.org 9 Apr & 11 June Norwich Antiques and Collectors Fair Holiday Inn, Ipswich Road, Norwich, NR4 6EP www.holidayinn.com/norwich 20-22 Apr Easter Fair Yarmouth Market Place, Market Gates Shopping Centre, NR30 2AX 23-Apr St George’s Day Celebrations Town Centre, Downham Market 24 Apr - 14 May Bluebell Weeks Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham www.fairhavengarden.co.uk 30 Apr - 21 May Broads Outdoors Festival Whitlingham Country Park, Whitlingham Lane, NR14 8TR www.outdoorsfestival.co.uk 12-28 May Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2017 Various locations www.nnfestival.org.uk 12-13 May The Rum Festival OPEN Club, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich, NR2 4SF www.opennorwich.org.uk/gigs-and-events/the-rumfestival.aspx 27-29 May Pedal Norfolk Holkham Hall, Wells-next- the-Sea, NR23 1AB www.holkham.co.uk 25 May-5 June Norwich City of Ale 2017 Various venues, Norwich cityofale.org.uk 29 May - 3 June Norwich Gaming Festival The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich www.norwichgamingfestival.com 2-11 Jun Great Yarmouth Arts Festival Town Centre, Great Yarmouth 15-18 June German Bierfest Norwich Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich, NR2 1TN norwich.bierfest.co.uk 18-Jun Norwich Food and Drink Festival The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF www.norfolkfoodanddrink.com 24 June - 9 July Harleston and Waveney Art Trail Harleston hwat.org.uk 28-29 June Royal Norfolk Show Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 OTT royalnorfolkshow.rnaa.org.uk 7-9 July Lord Mayor’s Celebrations 2017 Norwich 23-Jul Picnic in the Park 2017 Whitlingham Country Park, Whitlingham Lane, NR14 8TR www.broads-authority.gov.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 August Jazz in the Courtyard Holkham Hall, Wellsnext- the-Sea, NR23 1AB

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