Eastlife March 2015 by Thompson Media Partners Ltd

www.eastlife.co.uk

PICK UP YOUR

FREE COPY

March 2015

Living Life in the East

March 2015

Make the most of where you live Issue 118

SUMMER CONCERTS | EASTER FOOD & DRINK | SPRING DAYS OUT

Orangery fully finished in white microporous lacquer. Pillaster posts and decorative cornice, but simple window line to compliment the house style and extension.

Corridor, lean to with flat ceiling section for recessed lights. Linking and filling in back section of house and orangery. Left side, multifolding doors.

Georgian style conservatory in pale blue/green to match existing house windows. Simple lines in face frames and gable.

COME AND SEE US Royal Norfolk Show 1st and 2nd July Norfolk Polo Festival 4th 5th July Sandringham Flower Show 29th July

Sympathetically designed lean to in heritage green timber finish. Featuring the flintwork highly evident in the original building. Glass roof with aluminium cappings and roof vents to give maintenance free external roof.

Orangery design with lantern roof. Featuring pillaster posts, toothed dentil moulding and plant on Georgian bars in a coffee tone colour.

QTECH Durable, Stable, Sustainable. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rated thermal window created in Accoya for a 60 year minimum service life. U. values of 1.4.

Completely bespoke, totally Quayside Specialist manufacturers of high quality hardwood conservatories, orangeries, lantern roofs, garden rooms, windows and doors. Tel 01502 714512 www.quayside-conservatories.co.uk enquiries@ quayside-conservatories.co.uk

XX | eastlife.co.uk East Life Mercedes Advert.indd 1

36 monthly payments of*(Term of agreement) On-the-road price Customer deposit Retailer deposit contribution Optional purchase payment† Amount of credit Total amount payable†† Acceptance fee Purchase activation fee† Representative APR Fixed interest rate

£309.00 £31,110.00 £3,999.00 £3,658.30 £14,825.00 £23,452.70 £33,881.30 £180.00 £95.00 4.9% 4.30%

eastlife.co.uk | XX 16/02/2015 09:52

Potters Resort

Potters Resort, located on the Norfolk coast, offers inclusive One Night Specials. It’s the perfect location if you’re looking for a great night out, including five course dinner served with selected wines, fabulous evening entertainment in our state-of-the-art Atlas Theatre, overnight accommodation, and breakfast the following morning. Plus, we have a range of One Night Specials available with exclusive discounts just for you. One night Special featuring peter andre

What is incLuDED in your BrEak? dInnEr and FuLL BrEAkFAST served in our garden or gallery restaurant

late night EnTErTAInmEnT in our state-of-the-art ATLAS ThEATrE sPorts and leisure faCilities available inCluding gym and SWImmIng PooLS Comfortable AccommodATIon

sun 19 apr | 1 night | Five course dinner with selected wines

is the start of a great night featuring a special guest appearance by peter andre.

SenSatiOnal 70’S drink incluSive* party night sun 26 apr | 1 night | a night dedicated to all things 70’s, celebrating the music that made this decade great. includes five course dinner served with selected wines.

a night Of dirty dancing mon 04 may | 1 night | Featuring the hit touring show, a night

of Dirty Dancing as they perform ‘hungry Eyes’, ‘hey Baby’, ‘(i’ve had) the time of my Life’. Five course dinner with wines included.

One night Special featuring Billy Ocean

SELEcTEd WInE with your evening meal drInkS IncLuSIvE from 6Pm until Close of bars

sun 10 may | 1 night | Five course dinner served with wine is the start of a fabulous evening featuring the incomparable mr Billy ocean.

Battle Of the BOy BandS sun 17 may | 1 night | potters theatre company pay tribute to the best boy bands with songs from take that, Jersey Boys, WestLife and Boyzone, including a five course dinner with selected wines.

wAS £134 PEr PErSOn yOur PrIcE

£109

H wAS £139 PEr PErSOn yOur PrIcE

£99

H wAS £119 PEr PErSOn yOur PrIcE

£89

H wAS £124 PEr PErSOn yOur PrIcE

£109

H wAS £114 PEr PErSOn yOur PrIcE

£89

These nights are popular and will sell fast. To book your One Night Special call: 0333 3207 405 Quote ‘EASTLIFE’ at time of booking.

Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions go to www.pottersholidays.com or see our brochure. ‘EASTLIFE’ must be quoted at time of booking. All prices shown are based on Bungalow accommodation and are per person. Bungalow Plus and Hotel Supplements apply. This offer is for new bookings only. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion or discount. Potters Leisure Ltd reserves the right to withdraw or change offers at any time and without prior notice. All entertainment is contracted in good faith, Potters reserves the right to make changes to the schedules at anytime without prior notice. *Drinks inclusive from 6pm to close of bars. Exclusions apply.

MARCH 2015

Editor’s Letter editor @ eastlife Publisher Sean Thompson 01954 267696 sean@eastmag.com Publishing Consultant Paul Gibson 01954 268129 paul@eastmag.com Editor Emma Kemsley emma@eastmag.com Production Manager Craig Lewis 01954 268142 craig@eastmag.com

Dear Reader With rays of colour beginning to burst from the ground, it appears the region has woken up from its winter slumber. It’s a glorious time of year and to help give you a little inspiration this issue is packed with ideas of how to make the most of where you live. From spring days out with the family to exploring the great outdoors, there’s plenty to see and do. We’ve also put together a handy guide for exploring the Broads. With Mother’s Day also happening this month and Easter not too far away, we look at gift ideas, pay a visit to the region’s chocolatiers and have a step-by-step guide for cooking the ultimate Sunday lunch.

Sales Manager (South Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex) Darren Marshall 07826 628680 darren@eastmag.com

Plus there’s exciting news from Newmarket Nights where pint-sized pop princess Kylie will be making an appearance, read more on page 13.

Sales Manager (Cambridge) Katie Hawksworth 07939 810535 katie@eastmag.com

Remember, we love seeing your pictures from around the region, keep us updated with your spring snaps via Twitter @eastmagazines or Facebook at www.facebook.com/eastlife

Area Manager (Herts, Beds & North Norfolk) Stewart Hedges 07595 894557 stewart@eastmag.com Area Manager (Cambridgeshire & West Norfolk) Jim Leishman 01954 267635 jim@eastmag.com ACCOUNTS/ENQUIRIES 01954 268129 accounts@eastmag.com ADVERTISING ads@eastmag.com HEAD OFFICE Unit 4, Avenue Business Park, Elsworth, Cambridge CB23 4EY.

Have a great month

Emma Kemsley

Like us on Facebook

/eastlifemag

@eastmagazines

@eastlifemag

EASTLIFE is published by Thompson Media Partners Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. All times, prices and dates of events were correct at the time of going to press but readers are advised to ring and check before setting out. Printed by Buxton Press.

eastlife.co.uk | 7

Standard features include three years peace of mind.

Representative example A 180 SE

£269.00 £20,715.00 £2,495.00 £499.41 £10,375.00 £17,720.59 £23,328.41 £180.00 £95.00 6.3% 5.47%

The A-Class SE is impossible to resist. Especially as it’s available from just £269* a month with three years’ free servicing with Service Care^. All essential and recommended parts and labour costs are covered, so there won’t be anything extra to pay. Offer ends on 31 March 2015. Contact us today to arrange your test drive.

Robinsons Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz of Bury St Edmunds 01284 769 676 Mercedes-Benz of Cambridge 01223 401 100 Mercedes-Benz of Kings Lynn 01553 777 307

Mercedes-Benz of Norwich 01603 751 000 Mercedes-Benz of Peterborough 01733 294 900 www.robinsons.mercedes-benz.co.uk

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the A-Class range: urban 32.1(8.8)-67.3(4.2), extra urban 48.7(5.8)-88.3(3.2), combined 40.9(6.9)-78.5(3.6). CO2 emissions 165-92 g/km. Official EU-regulated test data are

provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Whilst this offer is only available through Mercedes-Benz Finance, we do arrange finance on behalf of other finance companies as well. Model featured is a Mercedes-Benz A 180 SE at £20,715 on-the-road (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). *Finance offer based on an A 180 SE on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement, on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may apply. †Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. ††Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and retailer deposit contribution. Orders/credit approvals on selected A-Class models between 1 January and 31 March 2015, registered by 30 June 2015, excluding A 45 AMG 4MATIC models. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Please contact your retailer for availability. Terms and conditions apply. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. ^Available at participating retailers. 3 years' free servicing based on 3 services over 36 months on selected A-Class models, excluding A 45 AMG 4MATIC models. Retail sales sold and registered between 1 January and 31 March 2015. Terms and conditions apply. Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 2448457 and has its registered address at Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8BA. Prices correct at time of going to print.

705376-1_MBUK_VelvetMag.indd 1

05/01/2015 18:01

CONTENTS MARCH FEATURES

NEWS 13

AROUND THE REGION - Kylie to visit Newmarket

LIFEST YLE 37 46 49 50 53

ON THE WATER - discover the beautiful Broads

21st Century Learning - education expert

FURRY FRIENDS - Wood Green Animal Charity SWEET TREAT - the region’s best chocolatiers SUNDAY LUNCH - how to perfect your roast MOTHER’S DAY - find the perfect gift

EDUCATION examines the modern-day classroom

SPRING DAYS OUT

Make the most of the season with a family day out

FASHION 60 63

NORWICH FASHION WEEK - the must-see shows

DREAM DRESSES - 2015 styles and trends

75 83

IN THE BEDROOM - beds built to last

87 89 91

ARTS COLUMN - Collette Hoefkens

ACCESSORIES - spring essentials

WEDDINGS HOME & GARDEN SPRING CLEAN - it’s time to tidy the garden

ARTS

DESIGN MAKERS 21 - creativity in Diss ARTS NEWS - the latest gallery news

HEALTH

MOTORING ADVICE

Drive down the cost of your car fuel

YOUNGER SKIN - the newest laser treatment

AREA FOCUS 97

NORFOLK - listings, a guide to King’s Lynn and an insight into Wymondham

107 115 125

CAMBS - what’s on and March in March ESSEX- things to do and a tour of Maldon BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS - events and the latest from Hertford and Ware

133

SUFFOLK - theatre listings, Stowmarket and Needham Market

138

SEX IN SUBURBIA

THE SOCIAL SCENE - your comments and pictures

We chat to Claire Sweeney about her latest theatre tour eastlife.co.uk | 9

W&M SMITH

The spring season has sprung into life at The Pightle Barn already. The glitter has been cleared away and replaced with new stock for you to ‘ooo’ and ‘ahh’ over. Mini Easter chicks, some that even chirp, rabbits in all materials and one particular one that even hops around. Spring flowers are so bright and cheerful and the range we have is no exception to the rule. The daffodils and tulips look like they have been picked from the garden. As do the spring flower posies and tied bunches. It is not just the flowers though, the foliage, like pussy willow and catkins are of the same quality but at very reasonable prices. 15 March sees the ‘most important’ day of the year, Mothers Day, and two days later, for the Irish people out there, or those who may need an excuse to have a party then St Patricks Day is on 17 March. Stuck for a gift for your Mum or have something already, but cannot find a basket or the wrapping to finish it off. Then pay W & M Smith a visit we

XX | eastlife.co.uk

are sure you will not leave without something suitable. As for good old St Patricks Day, which is becoming more and more popular this side of the Irish Sea, look no further for decorations as we stock balloons, banners, table sprinkles, napkins etc for not only this event but for almost all types of celebrations. Cardboard and polystyrene eggs are now in stock in a variety of sizes, as are real blown eggs that all want to be decorated by those crafty and talented people out there. We also have the contorted willow by the piece or the bunch. Easter bonnets for the girls and cowboy hats for the boys are available to keep the little ones busy and out of mischief as they design their own little piece of artistry. Paper punches have been on our items wanted list, and are now in stock in three different sizes with a variety of designs. Greeting card blanks are also now available in white, cream and Kraft. White card kits to make your own bunting is another new line which has just arrived!

Wanting to design your own wedding stationery, then you can come to us where you will now find card and envelope packs, insert sheets and place cards all ready for you to add that personal touch to, again in both white and ivory. Are you thinking of making your own Easter eggs and chocolate rabbits? Do not despair the moulds to use are here, again in various sizes. Or if cupcakes are your forte then we have Easter cupcake paper cases and edible sugar chicks, rabbits and eggs to give them a little seasonal touch. If you are a bit more adventurous and make Simnel cake then you can buy marzipan from The Pightle Barn as well. Please come along and have a look inside The Pightle Barn soon. You will be amazed at what you will find in this quiet corner of Middlewood Green.

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

Easter

Silk & Dried Flowers

Metal Planters

Ribbons

Open Monday & Thursday 10am - 7pm; Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10am - 5pm.

Also selected Saturdays and Sundays 10 - 4 (please call to check)

www.wandmsmith.co.uk Tel: 01449 711014 Fax: 01449 711815 eastlife.co.uk | XX

AROUND THE REGION

Around the Region Latest News from

Kylie, Kaiser Chiefs and Madness at Newmarket Nights

he highly anticipated Newmarket Nights returns this year with a star-studded line-up.

The Jockey Club Live presents ‘An Evening At The Races’ has announced global stars such as everyone’s favourite pint-sized pop princess Kylie, indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs and Madness, who will take to the stage as part of their Grandslam Madness tour. Kylie will be taking to the stage on 19 June. Renowned for her spectacular live shows this is one summer event not to be missed. Kylie said: “I’m so excited to be performing at ‘An Evening At The Races’. I have an amazing band and fabulous dancers and we can’t wait to share my hits with you in a beautiful Summer outdoor show. Being from a horse racing city like Melbourne, I’ll be sure to have a flutter on the horses myself!” Following on from Kylie’s headlining performance is Brit Award-winning, multimillion selling Kaiser Chiefs who will be performing 31 July. Lead by BBC1’s ‘The Voice’ coach Ricky Wilson, the band are known for the number one hits such as ‘I predict a Riot’ and ‘Ruby’. Madness will also be joining the line-up on 26 June as a part of their Grandslam Madness tour. The tour,

which runs from May to September 2015, will take in 19 shows at some of the greatest sporting venues around the country, including four shows with The Jockey Club Live at the some of the most iconic racecourses in the UK. Amy Starkey, regional director East of Jockey Club Racecourses, said:” The Nutty Boys are loved by all age groups and their Newmarket concerts were sell-outs in both 2012 and 2013, so I’m certain that there will be a huge demand once again for their performance. It’s very much a case of book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.” ‘An Evening At The Races’ offers a value for money experience unlike any other this summer. Alongside incredible headlining performances by the likes of Kylie and Kaiser Chiefs, the action kicks off earlier in the evening with six races - giving fans the chance to witness up close powerful equine athletes who are stars in their own right, and enjoy the thrilling drama and spectacle of them racing for glory. Whether you fancy a flutter or a dance with friends and family the event is certain to be an odds on favourite for all with tickets starting at only £24. Tickets are now on sale. www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk. eastlife.co.uk | 13

AROUND THE REGION Brasserie Bleu at White Lion Hotel opens in April

Tradition With a Twist: Eric’s Fish & Chips Set To Open in Norfolk

ric Snaith, Chef Patron at Norfolk’s awardwinning Titchwell Manor, will open a standalone fish and chips restaurant, Eric’s Fish & Chips, this April. Located in Thornham, spritz a wedge of lemon and fill your lungs with fresh sea air as you tuck into a good ol’ fashioned fill of the daily catch. Sitting pretty along the picturesque Norfolk coast, Eric’s Fish & Chips harks back to the traditional British fish and chip restaurants of the past with a modern European influence on the menu, carried over from Eric’s three AA Rosette restaurant. Seaside favourites, freshness and simplicity are the focus at Eric’s Fish & Chips, which will open daily from 12pm to 9pm. Eric’s concept will champion ‘best of British’ with local potatoes for the chips, cooked in beef dripping for maximum crunch and traditional taste, while only seasonal, sustainable MSC-certified fish will be served - beer-battered to ensure lightness, crunch and that iconic British flavour. Mains, all under £10, offer choices like mackerel with buttermilk, beetroot and sorrell; or halloumi and spinach arancini. A selection of modern small plates, sides and traditional sauces will accompany, alongside a concise wine list from long-running Titchwell Manor supplier Hallgarten Druit. A menu of homemade ice creams will also be on offer including flavours like baked white chocolate & honeycomb, and apple crumble made from the local Drove Orchard apples. www.ericsfishandchips.com

he White Lion Hotel on Aldeburgh’s seafront will see the opening of its new family friendly Brasserie Bleu in April. Menus will continue to feature the very best local produce on the market but have the bonus of an exciting new French twist. Head Chef, Ben Hegarty has created tempting new, but great value prix fixe and a la carte menus with traditional, back to basics food created from the best of the region’s natural larder from land and sea. There’s also a new wine list with both easydrinking and fine vintages from the world’s best wine producing countries selected by the hotel group’s head sommelier, François Belin. Main courses include a choice of classic dishes, plus a selection of the chef’s own plats and the local catch of the day, all beautifully presented. Ben uses the finest ingredients that he can source; freshly caught fish and seafood from the East coast, mussels from the river Deben, free range meat from Halesworth and Dingley Dell Pork from nearby Woodbridge. To book a table at Brasserie Bleu at the White Lion call 01728 452720 www.whitelion.co.uk. CAMBRIDGE MICHELIN STAR CHEF ATTENDS INDIAN FESTIVAL ark Poynton, Chef Patron of Michelin starred restaurant Alimentum in Cambridge, has been appointed resident chef of this year’s Taste of Britain Curry Festival 2015 in Chennai, India.

From 6 - 14 March, Mark will showcase his awardwinning food at Focaccia restaurant in the five star luxury hotel, Hyatt Regency Chennai. In his first trip to India, Mark will be offering the Best of British; concocting up a gourmet dream, he will demonstrate the cutting-edge gastronomy that has earned him his Michelin star in the UK. The annual nine-day food festival will showcase our finest homegrown cuisine and UK versions of India’s traditional dish.

14 | eastlife.co.uk

W K NO BOO 7

pm 2.00

Nat i

ud Da i l y T o m a 11.15

t lS

D ays a W

to spend less on your bus travel

get Xtra smart

with

Megarider Xtra or Megarider Plus Xtra make your travel easier

stagecoachsmart.com East Life 168 x 240 - OCTOBER 2014.indd 1

05/09/2014 08:24:54

AROUND THE REGION THE LODGE OLD HUNSTANTON REOPENS AFTER MAJOR REFURBISHMENT

Win a fun family day out

Cleverly incorporating the latest technology within its historic setting, the popular inn features a completely new bar area, cellar and kitchen, plus a stylishly redeveloped bedroom renamed ‘The Snug’ as it now incorporates a log burner.

Cheer for your favourite knights as they gallop at full tilt across the arena and fight hand-to-hand in shining armour. It’s a great value family day out – admission to Knebworth Gardens, Dinosaur Trail, Park and Adventure Playground plus the Jousting is just £9.50 per person. There’s also a children’s Easter Trail in the Gardens on 3 - 4 April.

he Lodge Old Hunstanton, recipient of a TripAdvisor Excellence Award and a runner up in the Mayor’s Business Awards, has reopened after a month-long refurbishment.

An intimate setting greets guests on arrival with comfortable wing armchairs and sofas by an open fireplace. A new central bar has been built to create a key feature and visual impact. A range of new beers and coffee are being introduced from launch. On the far side of the bar, a bank of booths creates the perfect spot for couples and families alike. Outside, an enclosed seating area – the ‘sitooterie’ offers the perfect sheltered spot, whatever the weather. Further plans to develop The Lodge’s outdoor space will be announced shortly. www.thelodgehunstanton.co.uk

n Easter Sunday and Monday, 5 - 6 April, the Knights of Arkley will once again be jousting in front of Knebworth House.

Eastlife have a family ticket for four people to visit Knebworth House, Gardens and Park this season to be won – just answer this simple question: What might you see in the gardens of Knebworth House? A) a tiger B) a T-Rex C) an elephant Please email your answer with your contact details to: editorial@eastmag.com by: Friday 20 March 2015.

Hertfordshire retailer commended for the “Farm Shop Of The Year”

ertfordshire retailer Foxholes Farm Shop has been commended for the “Farm Shop Of The Year” category in the 2015 Farm Shop & Deli National Awards from over 500 entries nationwide. The Awards praise the unsung heroes of the high street and speciality retail scene with categories ranging from butchers, bakers, farm shops and delis through to garden centres, food halls and online businesses. Catherine Smith, managing partner at Foxholes said: “This commendation has exceeded our expectations, our whole team are really pleased to have been recognised from amongst strong competition across the whole of the UK. We would like to thank our customers, staff and the judges for all the support and encouraging comments.”

The scores will now be counted and judged within the nine UK regions, announcing the Regional Champions this month – these winners will go through to the final with the chance to win Retailer of the Year. The overall winner will be announced at the Farm Shop & Deli Show on Monday 20 April at Birmingham’s NEC. Closer to home, Foxholes Farm Shop has also been nominated for three categories in the Herts Food & Beds Awards and members of the public can vote by visiting www.hertsfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk The categories are: Independent Food Retailer, Outstanding Service Excellence and Best Farmers Market Stallholder.

eastlife.co.uk | 17

LIFESTYLE

Step into

Spring Hooray, winter is almost over! With temperatures on the up and the Easter holidays just around the corner, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to make the most of the season...

eastlife.co.uk | 21

SUFFOLK PUNCH TRUST OPENS MARCH 28TH a hoofin’

FOR THE 2015 SEASON great day out

Discover our new Woodland Walk, see what is growing in our Heritage Gardens and meettoourdo newand Stallion Dazzling There’s so much see. MeetDuke. Easter 3rd, 5th and 6th of April Eggsplore our Easter Egg Trail the4th, horses, rare Suffolk breeds and an eggceptionally ride fun time for all thethe family. enjoy a tractor-trailer around Easter Egg Trail £1.00 eggstra to include farm. There’s a picnic and play areaprize. Individual andour Family tickets available, visit our website for prices and café serves lovely homemade

treats and cream teas. Family tickets available. Under 5s FREE.

A HOOFIN’ GREAT DAY OUT

There’s so much to do and see. Meet the horses, rare Suffolk breeds and enjoy a tractor-trailer ride around the farm. There’s a picnic and play area and our café serves lovely homemade treats and cream teas.

make a day of it, whatever the weather

Family tickets available. Under 5’s FREE.

Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK • CAFÉ Suffolk IP12 3JR. 01394 411327 HORSE DEMOnstrations • FARM RIDES MUSEUM • HERITAGE • GIFT SHOP THEwww.suffolkpunchtrust.org MAKE A DAY OF IT,GARDEN WHATEVER WEATHER HERITAGE MUSEUM • PETS PADDOCK • WORKING HORSE DISPLAYS FARM RIDES • HERITAGE GARDEN • CAFE • RARE BREEDS

Look up,

look down,

Shuttleworth is home to

Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, Suffolk IP12 3JR 01394 411327 • www.suffolkpunchtrust.org

look around!

a period Sw iss Garden an d the Collecti on of historic

aircraft, vinta ge vehicles an d motorcycle s

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP

Spring Walk and Lunch with the Craftsman Gardener in our Swiss Garden 17 April 2015. Enjoy seasonal highlights and an enjoyable tour. Book online or by telephone.

01767 627924

Life March 2015 HP.indd 22 East | eastlife.co.uk

www.shuttleworth.org/events

Reg Charity No. 307534

13/02/2015 14:52:38

ENJOY A SPRING BREAK IN CAMBRIDGE

DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST FOR TWO - £129 PER ROOM PER NIGHT. GUESTS CAN ALSO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DISCOUNTED PUNTING. CALL 01223 277977 QUOTING ‘SPRING BREAK’ ~ Stylishly Different ~ WHITEHOUSE LANE, HUNTINGDON ROAD, CAMBRIDGE, CB3 0LX | 01223 277977 | help@hotelfelix.co.uk | www.hotelfelix.co.uk

24 | eastlife.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

Family Fun and Adventure Be bedazzled at BeWILDerwood Bring your energy and let your imagination run wild at BeWILDerwood this spring. The adventure park is full of interesting characters and fun things to discover. Explore the magical treehouses, get lost in the treetop Sky Maze and climb aboard a boat trip and listen to enchanting stories. Parents can join in the activities too making this a fun day out for the whole family. Horning Road, Hoveton, Norfolk NR12 8JW Tel: 01692 633033

Thrills at Pleasurewood Hills From hair-raising rides to family attractions such as the sealife show and dodgems, Pleasurewood Hills has something for everyone to enjoy. Adrenaline junkies can speed through the air at 50mph with Wipeout, the region’s largest roller coaster or be prepared to be scared senseless with a combined walk through and ride experience with live actors and stunning visual effects in HoBs PiT. Leisure Way, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 4TZ Tel: 01502 586000

Discover and learn at Linton Zoo With mostly endangered species such as a snow leopard, Amur Tiger, African Leopard and a Red Ruffed Lemur, Linton Zoo is an educational as well as enjoyable visit for people of all ages. As a special treat you can be a keeper for the day, which involves preparing diets and feeding animals. End the day with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rare Lemur breeding centre. Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire, CB21 4NT Tel: 01223 891308

Experiments and explosions at Jimmy’s Farm The Science and Nature Festival returns 21 to 22 March, 10am to 4pm at Jimmy’s Farm. The event is designed 100 per cent with kids’ brains in mind, so that every single exhibit is interactive. This year will see the festival divided into zones; machines, animals human body, farming, science and nature. The festival’s demo-stage will see all kinds of science experiments including explosions and even giant bubbles. There’s also a farmers market on 7 March. Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2AR Tel: 01473 604206

Forest adventure at High Lodge, Thetford Forest Unwind with beautiful forest trails or try the excitement of bike trails and adventure play. Instead of the kids being stuck in the house all through the Easter holidays, let them enjoy some forest activities such as interactive trails, open green spaces and play structures for climbing. Brecks Treks offer the opportunity for children to explore the forest through led pony rides for just £7 for a 15 minute trek. It’s also home to Go Ape, a thrilling zip wire experience. Near Brandon, Thetford, Norfolk, IP27 0AF Tel: 01842 815434

Dancing on ice at Riverside Ice Rink If your children have plenty of energy to burn during half term let them whizz around the ice at Riverside Ice Rink. There are penguin ice skating aids for the little ones and plenty of guidance available for those not so sure. School holiday skating runs on Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm during Easter holidays 30 March to 10 April. The price will be £6.60 for Leisure cardholders and £7.60 for non-Leisure cardholders – both include skate hire. Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1FG Tel: 01245 615050

eastlife.co.uk | 25

Norfolk Fishing Trips Unit 2, Docking Rural Workshops, Station Road, Docking, Norfolk PE31 8LT • • • •

Website: www.norfolkfishingtrips.co.uk Email: norfolkfishingtrips@gmail.com Facebook: Norfolk Fishing Trips Tidal Transit Telephone: 01485 517610 Monday – Friday 9-5pm

QUOTE ‘SQUID’ when making your booking

Enjoy the sheer exhilaration of powering across the water whilst admiring the beautiful coastline and experience some excellent off-shore fishing with our experienced skipper. We can take up to 10 passengers in comfort on our 12 metre luxury catamaran, Katie Louise. Fishing from Lowestoft October-March for Cod and Brancaster Staithe April-September for Mackerel, Bass and Skate, and when the season is right Tope.You can choose from our shorter or longer trips, with the longer trips including a buffet in the summer and roast pork dinner in the winter.

April 3rd - 6th APRIL- SEPTEMBER 3.5 Hour- Fishing for Mackerel & Bass £35.00 person 8.5 Hour Fishing for Tope/Mackerel/Bass/Skate £85.00 per person including Buffet OCTOBER- MARCH 4 Hour- Father and Son Trips fishing for Cod- £40.00 per person 6 Hour- Fishing for Cod- £65.00 per person For a special gift which someone will really appreciate, vouchers can be purchased for all our trips.You may either select a date or have an open voucher, where the recipient chooses a suitable date themselves.

Come Comealong alongand and visit visit Lee Lee Valley Boat Cen Broxbourne the heart Valley Boat in Centre at of Lee Valley Reg and experience a boat Broxbourne in the hearttrip of along the tranqu onLee theValley RiverRegional Lee. Whether Park you prefer to s day just an hour on the andorexperience a boat trip river or enjoy a m cruising along, all tastes are catered for. along the tranquil parkland Situated midway between Enfield and Hertford on the River Lee. Whether you prefer to spend just off the A1 A1170 will find free parking opposite the Boat Cen the daywhere or justyou an hour on the river or enjoy a For information visit websites: mealfurther while cruising along,please all tastes areour catered for. Come along and visit & Lee Valley Boat Centre at www.leevalleyboats.co.uk www.riverleecruises.co.uk Comebetween along and visit LeeHertford Valley Boat Centre at Situated in the Enfield heart ofand Lee Valley Regional Park Call usBroxbourne onmidway 01992 462085 or email leevalleyboats@btconne Broxbourne in the heart of Lee Valley Regional P just offand the experience A10 on A1170 youalong will find a where boat trip the tranquil parkland and experience a Centre. boat trip along the tranquil park free parking opposite the Boat on the River Lee. Whether you prefer to spend the on the River Lee. Whether you prefer to spend th day or justoran hour on visit the river or enjoy a meal while For further information please day just an hour onour thewebsites: river or enjoy a meal w cruising along, all tastes are catered for. cruising along, all tastes are catered for. www.leevalleyboats.co.uk & off Situated midway between Enfield and Hertford just on on Situated midway between Enfield and Hertford justthe off A10 the A10 A1170A1170 wherewhere you will opposite the Boat Centre. www.riverleecruises.co.uk youfind willfree find parking free parking opposite the Boat Centre. For further information visit our websites: For further information please visit462085 our websites: Callplease us on 01992 or www.leevalleyboats.co.uk & www.riverleecruises.co.uk www.leevalleyboats.co.uk & www.riverleecruises.co.uk email leevalleyboats@btconnect.com Call usCall on us 01992 462085 or email leevalleyboats@btconnect.com on 01992 462085 or email leevalleyboats@btconnect.com

26 | eastlife.co.uk

NTR March listing (Eastlife Magazine) 148.5x107 copy.qxp_norfolk journal Feb v5 04/02/2015 12:47 Page 1

MARCH Sun 15 Mar NORFOLK SCHOOLS PROJECT Three local schools with their own operas Free Sun 15 Mar SALLY MORGAN Psychic to the stars £5.50 - £24 Mon 16 Mar THE MEATLOAF STORY Steve Steinman stars £5.50 - £22.50

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Thur 19 – Fri 20 Mar RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY Contemporary dance £5.50 - £20.50 Sat 21 Mar BRITTEN SINFONIA Bach’s Goldberg Variations £6.50 - £26

Sat 28 Mar MILKSHAKE LIVE Kids’ TV favourites £5.50 - £14

Tues 31 Mar – Sat 11 Apr TOP HAT Award-winning dance musical £8 - £44

Mon 23 – Wed 25 Mar ENGLISH TOURING OPERA Puccini’s La boheme, Donizetti’s The Wild Man of the West Indies £6.50 - £35 26 Mar RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC All the hits in stunning tribute £7 - £23.50

Barnum

Tues 3 – Sat 14 Mar BARNUM Brian Conley stars in exhilarating circus musical £6.50 - £49

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

it’sss Braziliant!

NEW Spider House & Guinea Pig Village for 2015

Explore the Amazona in Cromer South American Animal Adventure

NEW can Animal Adventure Jumping Pillows for 2015

PLUS

Jungle Tumbles Indoor Play Area

mazonazoo.co.uk

South American Animal Adventure Facebook.com/AmazonaZoo

@AmazonaZoo

Hall Road, Cromer NR27 9JG Tel. 01263 510741

amazonazoo.co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 27

A M ATC H M A D E I N H E AV E N . . .

A gorgeous country house in the most romantic setting. Situated in 27 acres of picturesque gardens, Fanhams Hall Hotel is a Grade II listed Jacobean manor house offering a rare balance of relaxed comfort, informal surroundings and impeccable service. The house can be traced back to the 1400â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and with stunning original features, lakeside views, open fireplaces and tumbling waterfalls, Fanhams Hall is truly a match made in heaven.

PERSONAL AND BESPOKE WEDDINGS Fanhams Hall, an Exclusive Venue Fanhams Hall Road Ware Hertfordshire SG12 7PZ | tel. +44 (0) 1920 460 511 | www.ehvenues.com

LIFESTYLE

The Great Outdoors Sail away with Norfolk Fishing Trips There’s nothing quite like the smell and sounds of the sea and what better way to explore the beautiful Norfolk Coast than by a fishing trip aboard a chartered boat. Enjoy the sea breeze as you power across the water to your fishing destination taking in the stunning views and wildlife. Norfolk Fishing Trips have a number of packages available with many including lunch. Harbour Way, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk, PE31 8BW Tel: 01485 517610 Get up close and personal with Blakeney Seals Wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the natural and dynamic coastline make for an inspiring visit to Blakeney especially when spring is in the air. Bright and mild (we hope) days are a great time to take in the stunning scenery. Spend the day strolling along the salt marshes, stop to snack on freshly caught catch of the day at one of the Quay side restaurants or hop aboard a Temple Seal Trip which offer boats that take you out to Blakeney Harbour to see the seals up close. The Street, Morston, Norfolk, NR25 7AA Tel: 01263 740791 Bluebell Woods at Blickling Estate There’s nothing more enchanting than a woodland walk and during the spring the East of England’s forests are alive with colour. The Bluebell Woods at Blickling Estate are no exception. Visit during the spring, ideally between April and May to benefit from a stunning display of bluebells. If you want to make a day of it, you can also pop over to the house and explore the gardens. Blickling, Norwich, Norfolk NR11 6NF Tel: 01263 738030

Put a spring in your step in Southwold There are few seaside towns quite so quintessentially British as Southwold. With its sandy beach and beach hut-lined promenade, Southwold offers a wonderful environment for a beautiful spring day out. As well as a thriving market town atmosphere, the town has a number of award-winning pubs, restaurants and cafés, most of which offer a selection of locally produced food and drink. Fresh shellfish, Salt Marsh Lamb, Red Poll Beef and an array of fruit and veg are available in restaurants, delis and at the weekly farmers market. Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6DS Wander around Woburn Best known for its Abbey and Gardens, Woburn is a delightful Bedfordshire town with plenty to see and do. Visit the grand 17th Century Abbey and stunning gardens, which include the Hornbeam Maze, Aviary, Rockery and Kitchen Garden (look out for the Kitchen Gardening Study Day taking place 13 May). The Deer Park covers 3,000 acres and offers fantastic scenery as you drive through to the Abbey and Gardens. Woburn Safari Park makes for a great family day out too with plenty of animal enclosures and activites to explore. Meanwhile in the town itself you’ll find a choice of cosy gastro pubs and superb restaurants such as The Black Horse and Woburn Brasserie. Woburn Park, Bedfordshire MK17 9WA Tel: 01525 290333 eastlife.co.uk | 29

Welcome to High Lodge

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 refurbished cafe.

Open March-November, 10-5 every day Located near St Albans, just off J21a of the M25 Phone: 01727 869203 e: info@butterflyworldproject.com w: www.butterflyworldproject.com

ENJ OY FOO D & DRI NKS 7 DAYS A WEEK ALL WELCOME

Price

Every Sunday

9 Hole Golf Course

½ Price During March

Play 18 Holes, £6.50 Adult, £3.75 Junior (U16)

Have-A-Go

• Over 600 tropical butterflies • Leafcutter Ant Exhibition

Clay Shooting Fantastic Fun

Have a go from just £26.20 per person Call High Lodge to book 01986 784347 Visit the website www.highlodge.co.uk find us just off the A12 near Blythburgh, Suffolk IP17 3QT

30 | eastlife.co.uk

Archery, New for 2015

• Insect Study Centre with regular handling sessions • Natural Play Area • 18 Designer Gardens • Cafeteria, Gift Shop & Plant Sales • Children’s Holiday Activity Programme • Brand New Music Meadow

Breakfast is Served

PLUS SPECIAL GUEST

Sunday 5 July ThETford forEST

Freshly prepared and served daily until 11am

Nr brANdoN, SUffoLK ToM odELL - SINGLES

HOLD ME REAL LOVE ANOTHER LOVE CAN’T PRETEND

Mon - Sat 8:30-5:00 Sun 10:00- 4:00 Kelvedon Road, Tiptree, Essex, CO5 9SX

Tickets: 03000 680400 Buy online/info: forestry.gov.uk/music

www.perrywood.co.uk

03 East Life Easter 2015 QP_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:46 Page 1

UFFORD PARK WOODBRIDGE

Easter Sunday Lunch & Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday 5th April Celebrate with a delicious meal arrive early & your children can enjoy activities including an Easter egg hunt* (between 10am & 12 noon) Pre-booking is essential

£16.00

for 2 courses

£20.00

for 3 courses

* Terms & conditions apply.

t 0844 477 1835 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW

eastlife.co.uk | 31

Indoor Adventure Play for Children aged 2 - 11 years Looking for a fun-filled day of brilliant childrens' entertainment on the North Norfolk coast? Playland in Wells is a great indoor adventure play area for kids from two to eleven. Your children can let off steam and entertain themselves in a bright, colourful and safe environment

www.playlandwells.co.uk 01328 711656 Playland, Wells-Next-to-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AS

50% OFF

Children up to age of 11yrs old

valid until 30/04/2015 (no photocopies)

32 | eastlife.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

History and Culture Family fun at The Suffolk Punch Trust With stables, a farm, pretty walks, heritage garden, museum and barn there’s plenty to discover at The Suffolk Punch Trust. The Trust is dedicated to preserving the Suffolk Punch breed but also the skills of the people needed to handle these wonderful horses. Families can get involved with a range of activities including stable demonstrations, feeding the resident pets, tractor trailer rides and arts and crafts. There’s some lovely walks to enjoy too as this part of the south-east Suffolk coast is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, popular with dog walkers. Sink Farm, St Davids Lane, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3JR Tel: 01394 411327

All aboard at Bure Valley Railway Hop on board the Easter Eggspress at the Bure Valley Railway over the Easter weekend, 3 to 6 April, for an eggciting day out for all the family. Norfolk’s longest Narrow Gauge Steam Railway is giving a free Easter Egg to every child when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (maximum 2 children per adult). In addition, a colouring corner and a decorated Whistlestop Café add to the Easter themed event. Trains will be running from both Aylsham and Wroxham Stations. No prior booking is required. Under 5s travel free. Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW Tel: 01263 733858

Discover Cambridge Whether you love history, fancy a spot of retail therapy or simply fancy a stroll along the river, Cambridge is a city with something for everyone. On sunny spring days the city is a wonderful place to be. Its glorious parks make for great picnic spots, while those looking to take in the sights can do so with a relaxing punting tour with a reputable company such as Scudamores. Foodies will love the choice of restaurants, meat lovers should head to The Pint Shop on Peas Hill or The Smokeworks hidden on Free School Lane, all of which are favourites of the Eastlife team. The Fitzwilliam Museum is a must for all new visitors with a range of antiquities, applied arts, illuminated manuscripts and paintings. Market Square, Cambridge, CB2 3QJ

Spring fun at Chiltern Open Air Museum A hands-on journey through 2,000 years of living history, captured perfectly through exciting events and a collection of genuine historic buildings. Join in with a traditional Easter from 3 to 6 April including historic cooking and crafts and meet the gorgeous new born lambs and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns from 18 to 19 April. You will also be able to try your hand at jousting during the May Bank Holiday, 3 to 4 May. An ideal spring outing for history fans and a great place for families, with a 45-acre site to run around and explore. Newlands Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB Tel: 01494 871117

eastlife.co.uk | 33

• Master Butchers. • Locally Sourced Beef, Pork, Lamb, Poultry And Game In Season And Our Own Recipe Sausages Made On The Premises • Traditional, Locally Sourced Meats. 28 Wingfield Street, Bungay, Suffolk, NR35 1EZ Tel/Fax: 01986 895 105

34 | eastlife.co.uk

SuSSex BArn BURNHAM MARKET â&#x20AC;˘ NORFOLK

Sussex Barn is an eighteenth century brick and flint barn situated on Sussex Farm, just outside the attractive village of Burnham Market. It has been carefully restored to make an ideal location for truly individual Wedding Receptions, Civil Weddings, Dances, Parties, Conferences and Exhibitions The barn is a fully licensed venue and still retains much of its old character â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including a 120ft deep well in the bar area.

Thompson Brancaster Farms Holiday Cottages are the ideal base from which to explore all that North West Norfolk has to offer. Alternatively you can just wind down on the beach or by the barbecue in summer or relax by the fireside in your cottage in the winter. Scenic North West Norfolk offers beautiful unspoilt countryside, long sandy beaches, famous nature reserves, big wide skies and above all, a real chance to get away from it all and relax.

Contact: Jane Thompson

01485 210000 e-mail: info@sussexbarn.co.uk

www.sussexbarn.co.uk

For more information on all our cottages please contact Jane Thompson on

01485 210000 or e-mail: info@tbfholidayhomes.co.uk or visit us at

www.tbfholidayhomes.co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 35

LIFESTYLE

Explore the

Broads

hether you love it or loathe it, cooking is part of life and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be great at it. As we head towards Christmas, it’s likely many of us will be spending some time in the kitchen.

Whether it’s cooking a traditional feast for the family or perfecting the art of dinner parties and canapés we all want to impress and there’s no easier way to do so than by a day, evening or weekend cookery course.

eastlife.co.uk |37

LIFESTYLE

One of the most famous lock-free waterways is on our doorstep and it’s time we make the most of it!

ith over 125 miles of navigable waterways intertwining through picturesque country landscapes and quaint villages, the thought makes me feel almost selfish that I take for granted this beautiful area that I only pay a visit to once in a blue moon. For me the Broads conjures up images of a time gone by. Peaceful weekends drifting down vast stretches of river aboard a chartered boat, mooring for a riverside picnic with cheese sandwiches and counting the different species of birds bobbing on the water. Weekends on the Broads didn’t involve much else as a child, however times have changed and the Broads is now a gateway to fun, discovery and a whole lot more. From where to start your journey and boat hire to wildlife spotting and great places to eat and drink, read our lowdown to exploring The Broads…

Where to start your journey Wroxham is a popular starting point on the North of the Broads. Here you’ll find plenty of boat hire, riverside restaurants and B&Bs. Combined with the River Bure and Salhouse Broad, it’s considered to be one of the prettiest stretches of river in the area. Starting from the quaint village of Coltishall, it flows on through the hustle and bustle of Wroxham, before meandering onto the picturesque village of Horning, with its riverside pubs and continuing onto the river mouth and the energetic town of Great Yarmouth. The River Yare and Breydon Water located in the south of the Broads flows from Norwich and is the biggest of the Broads rivers. Its journey is through beautiful scenery taking in the villages of Brundall and Reedham before opening out into the vast but shallow expanse of Breydon Water near Great Yarmouth. You can also cross the Norfolk/Suffolk border by the River Waveney. From Breydon Water it heads to St Olaves and Somerleyton, onto Oulton Broad near Lowestoft then to the attractive market town of Beccles.

eastlife.co.uk | 39

Offering a unique setting on the edge of the stunning Ormesby Broad

orrmesb by bro oa d

www.theboathouseormesbybroad.co.uk

Quite simply one of the most idyllic and romantic venues you will ever discover for your wedding celebration.

Tel: 01493 730342 7

6 Boathouse East East Life Life Ad.indd Ad.indd 1 1 Boathouse

18/08/2014 10:33 10:33 18/08/2014

Relax on one of our river trips, with entertaining live commentary, light refreshments and a licensed bar. Or if you would rather be at the helm yourself, then pack a picnic, hire a boat by the hour or day and allow the Broads to reveal its wonders at your own pace. To experience the special magic of the Broads, call us or visit our website www.broadstours.co.uk Broads Tours The Bridge Wroxham Norfolk NR12 8RX Tel: 01603 782207 email: info@broads.co.uk 107x148 ad_v1.indd 40 Broads | eastlife.co.uk

10/06/2014 16:51

There’s nowhere quite like Waveney River Centre

waveney

Enjoy our delicious locally sourced, home cooked food at The Waveney Inn, as you admire the amazing views across the marshes & river

river centre

Make a night or a weekend of it in our luxury hotel rooms - or why not try out glamping in an Escape Pod? And for that special break, you can soak up the views in a lodge with a hot tub!

Open

The unique Broads experience…

All Year

Enjoy a day out on the river aboard a luxury day cruiser - or try a few hours in a canoe followed by a dip in our indoor heated pool! Burgh St Peter, near Beccles NR34 0BT Please follow brown signs from Haddiscoe (A143) Day Cruiser Hire

The Waveney Inn

Glamping

Local Food

Come for a day or stay

& Adnams Ales Boutique Hotel

Lodges with hot tubs

Call us on 01502 677 343 or visit www.waveneyrivercentre.co.uk

ays ing Holid Boat

FUN, FREEDOM AND PLENTY OF YOU TIME

Experience the beauty and fun of the Norfolk Broads with Richardson’s. Fantastic attractions and scenery along the way! Great range of boats sleeping 2-12. No experience necessary as full trial run given. Short breaks or weekly hire. Pet friendly boats available.

Visit www.RichardsonsBoatingHolidays.co.uk • Call 01692 582 277 eastlife.co.uk | 41

LIFESTYLE

Things to do Explore Salhouse Broad Salhouse Broad is a tranquil spot situated on the River Bure. It holds a mosaic of valuable Broadland habitats, including mature dry and wet carr woodland, fen and open water which forms the home for an abundance of specialist wildlife including reed warbler, swallowtail butterfly, Norfolk hawker, kingfisher, marsh harrier and many others. Spend the afternoon wandering around the ancient woodland, enjoy a picnic and let the children run wild in the rustic play area. There’s great walks for your pet pooch too. If feeling a little more active, hire out one of the kayaks or Canadian canoes or take the ferry to Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail, which is only accessible by boat. You can also stay for the night, in our back to basics camping corner or moor up at the water’s edge. Tel: 01603 722775 www.salhousebroad.org.uk Broads Tours Broads Tours in Wroxham, the village considered to be the capital of the Broads, operates a daily schedule of river trips on board a fleet of double decker passenger boats. All trips have great commentaries; the skipper will tell you all you need to know about the area’s history, the wildlife and more, he will even throw in the odd funny tale! It is also great fun to actually hire a boat and take to the helm yourself. You can opt for just one hour, or pack a picnic and take off for the whole day. Don’t imagine that you need any previous experience either. The boats are very safe and easy to operate after being shown the ropes by a member of Broads Tours staff. Spring is a particularly wonderful time to explore the intricate maze of rivers, tributaries and smooth reed-fringed waters and to get up close to nature. The Bridge, Wroxham, Norwich, NR12 8RX Tel: 01603 782207 Potter Heigham The town of Potter Heigham is favourite with visitors and is an excellent place for boat hire if you feel like a challenge. This is renowned for being the most difficult water to navigate in the area. Just remember to duck as you travel under the tiny medieval bridge! Wroxham Barns Wroxham Barns has something for the whole family to enjoy. From the junior farm where you can feed the rabbits and groom the ponies and putting fun with mini-golf to shopping local crafts and produce and dining at the restaurant, it’s easy to spend a whole day here. Tunstead Road, Hoveton, Norwich NR12 8QU Tel: 01603 783762

42 | eastlife.co.uk

Best Places for Boat Hire Martham Boats The family-run Martham Boats is a one-stop shop for all exploring by water. It offers a wide range of traditional timber boats and yachts as well as the opportunity for canoe hire and learning how to paddleboard. Cess Road, Martham, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 4RG Tel: 01493 740249 Pacific Cruisers The family-owned boatyard offers range of wellequipped cruisers for both day and short break hire with two to eight berths available. Pits Lane, Chedgrave, Loddon, Norfolk NR14 6NQ Tel: 01508 520321 Richardson’s Leisure With over 300 boats available for hire, Richardson’s Leisure is the largest operator on the Broads. It has marinas in Stalham and Acle. Richardson’s Marina, The Staithe, Stalham, Norwich, NR12 9BX Tel: 01692 668 981 Hunters Yard If sailing is more your style, head to Hunters Yard where you’ll find cabin yachts and half deckers available to hire. They also offer sailing courses for first-timers. Horsefen Road, Ludham, Norfolk NR29 5QG Tel: 01692 678263

LIFESTYLE

Great places to eat and drink Fur and Feather Inn Nestled in Woodbastwick village, the pub can be reached by walking from the moorings at Salhouse Broad. It’s home to a great selection of Woodfordes Ales and is renowned for its good pub grub. Woodbastwick, Norwich, NR13 6HQ Tel: 01603 720003 Recruiting Sergeant The pub comes highly recommended and is a firm favourite for visitors to the Broads. The menu varies daily at this gastro pub, and is made up largely of local produce such as fresh fish from Lowestoft and meat from nearby Swannington Farm. Norwich Road, Horstead, NR12 7EE Tel: 01603 737077 The Rising Sun The homely and traditional pub overlooks the beautiful River Bure at Coltishall. A popular choice for both locals and holiday makers, the al fresco riverside dining area is a fabulous spot to enjoy lunch on a warm sunny day. 28 Wroxham Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR12 7EA Tel: 01603 737440

places to stay Waveney River Centre This place is perfect if you prefer to stay on dry land for the night but still want to experience the very best of the Broads. The park is on the Norfolk/Suffolk border and situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the Broads and a nature reserve on its doorstep. There’s a choice of accommodation available including pods, lodges and a boutique hotel. It also has a rather nice riverside restaurant. Staithe Road, Burgh St Peter, Norfolk NR34 0BT Tel: 01502 677343 The Wroxham Hotel During the summer this place is generally heaving so if you’re thinking about staying make sure you book in advance. Set on the rivers edge the hotel is at the heart of the boating action. Its restaurant and bar is a popular choice for watching the boats and swans drift by in the summer months. The Bridge, Wroxham, Norwich, NR12 8AJ Tel: 01603 782061 The Norfolk Mead Hotel With a choice of luxurious rooms the hotel is great for those looking for an indulgent weekend on the Broads. The expansive lawn and hotel gardens extend right to the banks of the River Bure. Church Loke, Norwich, Norfolk NR12 7DN Tel: 01603 737531

eastlife.co.uk |43

THRIGBY T B ESU E VAL H E IN TEA AR

WILDLIFE GARDENS

Presentation of this voucher entitles you to: UP TO

SAVE £6.00

£1.00 off for up to six people paying standard admission prices

The place to visit

Valid for 2015 Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR from

10.00am

THRIGBY HALL FILBY GREAT YARMOUTH

NR29 3DR

% 01493 369477 www.thrigbyhall.co.uk

At Petrest, we understand that losing a companion animal is heartbreaking. By taking the time now, you can pre-arrange your pet’s funeral and be assured of a final farewell that is personal and fitting. At Petrest we offer funeral plans that can be tailored to your requirements, so that you can have complete peace of mind when the time comes. To discuss our funeral plans or request a Funeral Plan Pack, call Petrest on 0330 332 8227 or visit www.petrest.co.uk.

facebook.com/petrestfuneral

@petrestfuneral eastlife.co.uk | 45

Furry Friends ver the past 90 years, Wood Green, The O Animals Charity, has been responsible for bringing love, joy and laughter to thou-

sands of families as a result of their successful rehoming work. As the Wood Green team gears up for a busy springtime of finding loving homes for pets in need and educating pet owners, we find out more about this much-loved Cambridgeshire charity. As a nation of animal lovers, it’s no wonder so many of UK households at some point experience the conversation around whether or not to adopt a pet. When discussions like that take place, it’s typically

46| eastlife.co.uk

a rehoming charity like Wood Green that sees potential pet adopters through its doors – looking for everything from a palm-sized guinea pig to a faithful family canine. Wood Green was launched in 1924, when one woman decided to throw open the doors of a north London address, initially to help humanely deal with the huge numbers of stray animals in the post-war capital, and later to help care for and rehome stray or unwanted animals. Since then, Louisa Snow’s intentions have grown and grown into a charity with four centres across London and the East of England, responsible for thousands of happy rehoming stories every year. The organisation’s biggest facility is in Godma-

LIFESTYLE

nchester, which was opened in 1987 by HRH The Princess Royal and is now the impressive headquarters. From there alone, more than 1,200 dogs and roughly the same number of cats are found homes in a typical calendar year – not to mention guinea pigs, horses, donkeys, ferrets and chickens. “I think it would amaze people across the region to know what a huge array of animals we have here with us at any one time,” said Sally Stevens from Wood Green. “People recognise animal charities as being a good port-of-call for dogs and cats, but we literally have creatures all great and small.” Much has changed in the world of pet ownership, since Wood Green entered existence 90 years ago. Indeed, who would have thought we’d be looking at purchasing pets online – via shopping websites or our Facebook feed. Wood Green recognises this is a big change in the world of animal ownership and is quick to urge caution. “We would never want to dissuade a genuinely caring potential pet owner from buying an animal, but we do encourage people to think very carefully about who they are purchasing a pet from and whether that animal is in the condition you would expect it to be,” said Sally. “The beauty of a charity like ours – with our various centres – is that you can visit us, talk to our staff about where an animal was found or arrived from, how that animal has been cared for, what it will need in terms of ongoing care and how you can receive support as a pet owner in the future.” Encouraging responsible pet ownership and educating the pet owners of tomorrow is a fundamental part of the Wood Green ethos.

Throughout March and April, the charity will be hosting a range of great events to help children learn more about keeping animals, as well as opportunities to discover first-hand how the charity makes a difference to the nation’s pets. “It’s important that as well as being an organisation which can take in animals and help rehome them, we are also able to educate those who may at some point consider being responsible for a pet,” commented Sally. Adoption of pets isn’t the only option for those with an animal-loving nature. One of Wood Green’s newest initiatives is its ‘Moggy Midwife’ programme - where feline lovers can provide a pregnant cat with a period of respite and help socialise and care for her kittens when they arrive. For those unable to take on a pet full-time, there are always opportunities to work at the charity as a volunteer and participate in caring duties. “If anyone has a desire to be involved with us and help us to continue with our good work, we would love to hear from you,” said Sally. “From helping out with dog walks, to participating in fundraising, we’re really very grateful for any support and would urge keen animal-lovers to get in touch. The more we can encourage people from the region to get involved in what we do, to learn more about the charity and to spread the word of how much we need good homes and caring owners, the better for everyone!” For more information about the charity, how to volunteer, or adopting an animal, go to www.woodgreen.org.uk Godmanchester HQ Tel: 0844 248 8181.

eastlife.co.uk | 47

Award winning food | Locally sourced ingredients Weekday 2 course lunch menu - ÂŁ14.95 Warm friendly atmosphere Bury Lane, Sutton Gault | Tel: 01353 778537 www.anchorsuttongault.co.uk

48 | eastlife.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

Tempting Treats

With Mother’s Day and Easter on the horizon it’s the perfect time to indulge in something sweet with a little help from the region’s chocolatiers Chocolat Chocolat, Cambridge Located in the Grand Arcade, Cambridge, Chocolat Chocolat has a huge selection of mouth-watering treats. On most days you can look through the shop window and see one of its chocolatiers making its famous sheet chocolate, which are sprinkled with ingredients such as French Sea Salt, Turkish Hazelnut and Freeze Dried Raspberries. Chocolat Chocolat’s chocolate bouquets make for a lovely Mother’s day gift while for the chocoholics among you, there’s also the option of making and tasting courses. www.chocolatchocolat.co.uk

Hadleigh Maid, Suffolk Set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, Hadleigh Maid has been crafting chocolate for nearly 40 years. In the 1970s it created one of its original sweets the ‘Walnut and Mallow Whirls’, which remains popular today. Hadleigh Maid were recently shortlisted in the East of England Co-op - Producer of the Year Awards for its delicious chocolate selection boxes, milk chocolate bars and walnut and mallow whirls. Stockists are available in selected East of England Co-Op stores and various independent stores in Suffolk and Essex. www.hadleighmaid.com The Norfolk Truffle Company, Norfolk Using the finest Belgian chocolate blended with other carefully selected ingredients, The Norfolk Truffle Company craft beautiful and balanced flavours to satisfy the sweet tooth. Bespoke gifts are available so you can pick and choose. Stockists are available throughout the UK. www.norfolktruffles.co.uk Mother’s Day Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop Visit the Slamseys Art Truffle Making Workshop on Saturday 14 March, 10am to 12pm where cocktail obsessed chocolatier Hilary Delamare from Choctails, will be holding a fun workshop where you will learn how to temper chocolate to give it a professional shine. You will roll, dip and decorate chocolate truffles that have been made with Slamseys Fruit Gins and taste all sorts of chocolates along the way. At the end of the workshop you will take home a Choctails gift pack. Booking is essential. Price £55. www.slamseysart.co.uk/the-workshops eastlife.co.uk | 49

The Ultimate Easter Sunday Lunch

James Barber, the executive head chef of the cosy countryside Woodditton establishment The Three Blackbirds, tells us how to make lunch something special this Easter

aster is a time for pure indulgence in my house, and there is no better way to indulge yourself than with a beautifully sweet native lobster. This time of year sees the beginning of a short but delightful season of many vegetables; my favourites being jersey royals and asparagus.

For starters

For my perfect Easter starter I’ve paired all three of these ingredients. We are so lucky here in Suffolk to have so many wonderful supplies of ingredients. The Three Blackbirds owner, Mr Guy Taylor has many contacts within the farming industry and is able to supply us with asparagus direct from a friend’s field. The Suffolk Coast is rich with many species of fish especially lobster. You can buy these fresh from the sea on Aldeburgh beach. To begin, wash your jersey royals thoroughly before cooking. Do your best to try and not rub too much of the skin off. Then cover with cold water, add a

50| eastlife.co.uk

pinch of salt and bring to the boil. Turn to a simmer and cook until tender allowing them to cool naturally out of the water. Next, bring a large pan of water to the boil, add a good pinch of salt and add the asparagus spears. I choose not to peel mine as I only like to use nice thin asparagus. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes, remove from the boiling water and plunge into ice cold water. This process is called refreshing. It’s important to only ever buy live or cooked lobster. It’s best to buy our native lobster rather than the Canadian variety. The fisherman on Aldeburgh beach will cook them for you if you wish, if not plunge the beast directly into boiling water and cook it for 2 minutes. An extra 2 minutes is needed for every 100g it weighs. For example, a 500g lobster will need to cook for 12 minutes. Next, refresh until the lobster is cold, then detach

LIFESTYLE

the head and press firmly on the tail to release the meat, crack the claws with the back of a heavy knife and peel away the shell. Bring 1 litre of homemade fish stock to the boil, reduce until sticky and place in a tall plastic cup. Using a hand blender emulsify 50ml white truffle oil and 50ml plain vinaigrette until the mixture becomes creamy. If it doesn’t, carry on adding the oil and vinaigrette. If it becomes too thick add a little water. Once you are satisfied with the taste and consistency place the mixture into a large pan, slice the jersey royals into bite sized pieces and add to the emulsion, then add the lobster and finally the asparagus. Slowly bring this to the boil until warm and arrange neatly on a small plate. I like to garnish mine with a few pea shoots and the head from the lobster for a finishing touch.

Mouth-watering mains For the main course, what else could you think of than lamb? Guy has a small herd of sheep that we are lucky enough to be able to use at the pub. I personally love all cuts of lamb but my favourite is the shoulder. It becomes so rich and succulent when braised and is rather simple to cook too. Ask the butcher to bone and roll the shoulder for you. Mix together in a food processor some Maldon sea salt (see page 119 for our Maldon special), picked rosemary and garlic, then lightly oil the joint and rub all over with the salt mix. Leave for around two hours in the refrigerator turning a couple of times.

Polenta is very under used in this country, I like to liven it up with some spring onions and plenty of parmesan. However, the lamb is so rich and indulgent you really do need something quite plain to absorb the flavours. Purple sprouting broccoli is another chefs favourite, just remember not to overcook it.

Delicious dessert Rosewater has become one of my favourite flavours. I’m not really sure why, perhaps it’s all of those Christmases of scoffing the left over Turkish delights! For dessert make a panna cotta. A good panna cotta should wobble. There’s nothing more pleasurable than wiggling the plate and watching it bounce from side to side. I think rhubarb is a perfect marriage for panna cotta, and I’m lucky enough to have it growing in my garden. I cook it with a little Prosecco and a good sprinkle of sugar, then cover it with tin foil and cook for about 10 minutes at 150°C. I like to add a little vanilla ice cream with this flavour of panna cotta (strawberry also works well too). My favourite ice cream brand is Suffolk Meadow.They have a small herd of cows and make a wide range of award-winning products. ‘Nurtured in Norfolk’ are a great supplier of ‘fiddly bits’. They supply edible flowers which are just perfect for decorating this flowery dessert.

Next, roughly chop 6 onions, 2 leeks, 2 sticks of celery and 2 carrots and lay them in a tray with a little oil. Roast them hard at 220°C until golden, remove from the oven and add half a glass of white wine then add the lamb. Place it back in the oven at 200°C and roast the lamb until the fat becomes golden and begins to render. Place all the contents of the tray in a deep pan along with 10 tins of chopped plum tomatoes and a tube of tomato paste. Slowly bring to the boil, add a cup of water and cover with tin foil. If it will fit in the oven, slide it in at 160°C for 2-3 hours monitoring every half hour and turning the stock to be sure it isn’t catching. If it won’t fit in your oven continue to cook on the lowest setting on the hob and follow the same procedure as for oven cooking. You will know when it’s ready as when you penetrate the meat with a skewer it will release with no residence.

eastlife.co.uk | 51

15221_WL_BBleu_Eastlife_Ad_148x107mm_Layout 1 16/02/2015 10:40 Page 1

Coming soon OPENS ON

WE’VE BEEN BUILDING AN EXCELLENT REPUTATION FOR OUR FABULOUS FRENCH INSPIRED FOOD AND WITH THE LAUNCH OF BRASSERIE BLEU WE’LL BE TAKING OURSELVES TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.

10TH APRIL 2015

PLEASE COME AND CHECK OUT THE INSPIRATIONAL NEW MENU AND FOR THE FIRST MONTH WE HAVE 60 FREE* MEALS TO GIVE AWAY - BONNE CHANCE!

WHITE LION, MARKET CROSS PLACE, ALDEBURGH, SUFFOLK IP15 5BJ 01728 452720 WWW.WHITELION.CO.UK/BAR-AND-BRASSERIE-MENU *Terms and Conditions: Each day from 10th April to 9th May 2015 inclusive, we will give away a free lunch and a free dinner per day. Winner’s will be drawn at random. Please check our website for full terms and conditions.

15220_BRU_S&GEastlife_Ad_148x197mm_Layout 1 16/02/2015 10:22 Page 1

ALDEBURGH’S

BEACHSIDE TERRACE OPENS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER ON 2ND APRIL 2015 Join us at the Brudenell Hotel’s Seafood & Grill, East Anglia’s premier seafood destination, for al fresco dining with stunning coastal views, beautifully fresh locally-sourced ﬁsh, and a very warm welcome.

Seafood & Grill, Brudenell Hotel, The Parade, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5BU 01728 452071 www.brudenellhotel.co.uk/seafood-grill-restaurant

52 | eastlife.co.uk

LIFESTYLE Every mum loves a piece of jewellery. This swirl necklace from Chapelle ticks all the boxes at just £29.95. Chapelle, The Galleria, Hatfield

Mothers Day GIFT GUIDE

Whether you know her style perfectly or are stuck searching for something she’ll love, our gift guide is here to help...

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Try these luxurious truffles with beautifully delicate flavours, made with real champagne, cream and just a hint of strawberry in crisp chocolate shells. £11 Hotel Chocolat

With a range of floral bags, china sets and items such as this daisy print kimono dressing gown, Cath Kidston is a one-stop shop for finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift. £35 Market Hill, City Centre, Cambridge

If you’re on a budget, Ted Baker’s new Luxury Bathing Collection gift is on a special promotion in Boots for £19 (reduced from £40) from now until to 17 March.

Single letter cushions are this season’s must-have interior accessory and make for a great gift too. From £18 www.swankymaison.com

Spoil her with this beautiful Marc Cain purse. £165 N Shelley, 75-79 High Street, Billericay, Essex eastlife.co.uk | 53

03 East Life Mothers day 2015 QP_Layout 1 13/02/2015 10:32 Page 1

UFFORD PARK WOODBRIDGE

M other ’s D ay L unch

Inspired Learning

Give us a call

01604 765765

Sunday 15th March

Spoil your Mum on her special day with a delicious lunch in The Park Restaurant. All Mums will be entered into a FREE prize draw.

£16.00 for 2 courses

£20.00

for 3 courses

Come and see for yourself.

Reception Taster Day (For girls looking to join

Children under 14 years old half price

Day. a little different this Mother's Looking for something night away, with a relaxing treatment ial spec a to treat her Why not

and time out in our Thermal

Suite Spa?

t 0844 477 1835 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk

Reception September 2015) Friday 24 April 1.30pm - 3pm

Whole School Open Day (Nursery - Sixth Form) Friday 1 May 9.30am - 12noon

Early Years Open Day (Nursery & Reception) Saturday 16 May 10.30am - 12.30pm

www.northamptonhigh.gdst.net

Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW

Get Christmas Get pampered this Christmas TREAT YOUR LOVED ONES MOTHERS DAY Get pampered this Christmas Getpampered pampered thisTHIS Christmas AA oasis of ofcalm, calm,self selfspoiling spoiling Amodern, modern,boutique boutique day day spa. spa. An oasis of calm, self spoiling modern, boutique day spa. An oasis oasis A modern, boutique day spa. An of calm, self spoiling and welcomingenvironment. environment. andfemininity femininityin in aaa warm, warm, welcoming welcoming and and femininity femininity in in a warm, warm, welcoming environment. environment.

A schOOL dEsIgnEd fOr

LITTLE PEOPLE

OPEN DAY

Saturday 14th March

10am - 12 noon For further details please visit our website or call 01234 369555

24 Church St, Woodbridge Woodbridge 24Church Church St, Woodbridge 24 24 Woodbridge 24 Church Church Woodbridge

01394 388813 01394 388813 388813 01394

www.bathsheba.co.uk or spa.bathsheba@gmail.com www.bathsheba.co.uk or email spa.bathsheba@gmail.com www.bathsheba.co.uk www.bathsheba.co.uk or or email email spa.bathsheba@gmail.com spa.bathsheba@gmail.com

www.bathshebaspa.co.uk or email spa.bathsheba@gmail.com Monday-Saturday 9.30am Thursday(late (late night) until8.30pm 8.30pm Monday-Saturday 9.30am -- 6.30pm 6.30pm Thursday Thursday night) until Monday-Saturday 9.30am-6.30pm (late night) until 9.30pm Monday-Saturday 9.30am night) until Monday-Saturday 9.30am -- 6.30pm 6.30pm Thursday Thursday (late (late night) until 8.30pm 8.30pm

54 | eastlife.co.uk

Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7QZ

www.pilgrims-school.info THE HARPUR TRUST PRE PREP

Meet Lily She wants to be a vet. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to help her get there.

Friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; School SaffronWalden Working Open Morning - 11th March 2015, 9.30am www.friends.org.uk admissions@friends.org.uk 01799 525351

21st Century learning

Clive Bush, the Chief Executive of the Active Learning Trust explores the impact of 21st Century learning techniques

eachers, schools and the classroom are no strangers to trends, many of which are fleeting and pass within a matter of months. The concept of ‘21st Century learning’, however, looks as though it’s here to stay. But what actually is it? And is it impactful? Will 21st Century learners grow up any different than 20th Century learners? 21st Century learning in my opinion can be summarised as follows: the endeavour to produce well-rounded students, both academically and socially knowledgeable with a wide range of skills to take with them through life. Gone are the days of memorising information to feed it back in list format. We realised a long time ago that this method was not conducive to deeper, exploratory learning. For example, it’s all very well knowing all the countries in South America, but what is preferable is having a knowledge of their people and cultures, their politics, history and geography. That may seem a bit much for a primary, or even a secondary school student. But 21st Century learning isn’t about spoonfeeding vast amounts of facts and figures in what is essentially a

56| eastlife.co.uk

EDUCATION

well-explained information dump. Instead it is about creating enquiring minds; people who want to go out and seek this information and are equipped with the tools to do so. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, for example, describes key attributes to be developed in today’s learners as the four Cs; Collaboration, Creativity, Communication and Critical Thinking. This ideology differs greatly from the learning of yesteryear, focused on rote, committing information to memory and passing exams. It is worth emphasising that these skills should support, instead of replace, the development of academic knowledge, and used as tools to progress learning. 21st Century educators are conscious of the variety of information that is out there, the majority of which is easily accessible to anyone with a computer and an Internet connection. Therefore, teaching students to think critically and analyse information sources for veracity and security is forming a big part of today’s curriculum. Teachers are also mindful that today’s society is much more changeable; people are no longer sticking with one career for life, and entrepreneurship is experiencing a boom. As such, creativity, communication and collaboration are important foundations to support future endeavours and citizenship in general. Compulsory education has to turn out learners capable of choosing from and succeeding in a variety of different paths, from further and higher education to jumping straight on the career ladder. There is no one-size-fits-all, and 21st Century teaching not only understands that but actively promotes and encourages it as beneficial to society as a whole. Technology, of course, plays a big part in this. The classroom is no longer confined to four walls, with software such as Skype bringing the world straight to your interactive whiteboard; a feature in itself gradually being phased out and replaced with interactive projectors, tablets and flexible learning spaces. This equipment enables annotations of documents, graphs and other material, encouraging collaborative learning and also enabling searchability within an environment that flexes to the needs of the learner. Alongside learning tools, the curriculum has also evolved. For example, coding is a key component of the new computing curriculum, demonstrating the influence that technology has had on our society, and the belief that it will continue to exert its power. Students no longer learn the skills required to use office packages, as these skills are already there. Instead, the focus has turned to unpicking website

code, creating their own applications and solving complex problems through analysis, collaboration and investigation. Whereas the early 2000s was very much concerned with technology for technology’s sake, today’s teachers are mindful of its benefit as a facilitative tool rather than the main focus of learning activity. Students are being actively encouraged to find things out from a range of sources, including Google, Wikipedia and social media, such as blogs. The learning now comes from the analysis of a wide range of sources, including traditional media; testing their credibility and comparing and contrasting them. There is no hierarchy, just the ability of the student to access these sources and blend them to create rich learning opportunities. Learning is also flexible, with the implementation of pre-lesson activities prior to face-to-face sessions, enriching and deepening the whole learning experience. So what does all this open, facilitative learning mean when thinking about the characteristics of these 21st Century learners? Will they be like us? Or will the next generation be almost unrecognisable? Last year’s WISE survey ‘School in 2030’ communicated that less than a third of the academic experts surveyed believed that schools would be the primary place for learning. Nearly three quarters believed that the teacher’s role would change from ‘delivering knowledge’ to ‘guiding students along their autonomous learning paths’. This demonstrates that today’s style of delivering teaching and learning is concentrated on creating self-sufficient, independent learners. As such, we may see a proliferation of SMEs and entrepreneurs, supported by inventors creating increasingly ‘outthere’ products. Business will be conducted differently, and the encouragement of being told to ‘do what you desire’ may lead to a whimsical society where ‘careers for life’ are replaced with ‘careers for right now’. Whether this is a good or bad thing remains to be seen, but education can do no more than keep up with the ongoing changes in society, constantly innovating and reinventing itself to remain current. If not, it’s not just schools and classrooms that run the risk of becoming obsolete. Clive Bush is Chief Executive of the Active Learning Trust. He was previously a successful secondary school headteacher and Director of the Secondary National Strategy. www.activelearningtrust.org eastlife.co.uk | 57

Why Choose Wymondham College? One of Tatler Magazine’s 20 Best State Schools 2014 Affordable boarding fees - just £9,000 per year with education free to all Over 72% of students achieved the Gold Standard at GCSE (5 grades at A*- C including English and Maths) Wymondham College is in the top 5% of all post-16 state schools in the Eastern region

OPEN DAYS

BOARDING TASTER EVENING FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2015 |18.00 - 20.30PM

MAIN SCHOOL OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 21ST MARCH 2015 |9.00 - 11.00AM

58 | eastlife.co.uk

T S APIENTIA

Wymondham College

Whoever you are... Wherever you are going...

work college leisure A WEEKLY EXPLORER ticket could get you there.

A week’s unlimited travel on the bus network for just

£30

*£20 ticket available for students with a Hertfordshire SaverCard. Ticket valid on most Hertfordshire bus services. Daily Explorer tickets also available. Can be purchased on the bus. For information please visit www.intalink.org.uk/explorer.

www.intalink.org.uk

his month, Norwich Fashion Week will return to the city from 5 to 12 March with an exciting schedule of city-wide catwalk shows and events. The week will showcase Norwich as a vibrant shopping destination highlighting high street brands, retailers and independent boutiques. Previews of lines from the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest up-and-coming designers and catwalk shows accompanied by live music form just a handful of what Fashion Week enthusiasts can expect. For the full programme visit www.norwichfashion.co.uk

To make sure you are FROW at the hottest shows, check out our day-to-day guide 60| eastlife.co.uk

Photo by Laura Gardner

Norwich Fashion Week

FASHION

Thursday 5 March

The Mercedes-Benz of Norwich Retailers Show OPEN, Bank Plain Doors; 7.30pm Show: 8pm Tickets £12 from OPEN The catwalk show to see the latest looks from some of the best independent boutiques and high street stores in Norwich. Including Jarrold, John Lewis, Aluna J, Scarlett, Vanilla, Gallyons, Elements, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, Winsor Bishop, Norfolk Boutique, Ginger, Jonathan Trumbulls and Hatters.

Friday 6th March

Topshop Topman Norwich in-store fashion show Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm show start located in the store. £3 a ticket - All money goes to Cancer Research. It’s a show full of the latest SS15 trends and must have items for the season.

Sunday 8 March

The Vintage Show sponsored by Wex Photographic Norwich Puppet Theatre Shows at 2pm (doors 1.30pm) and 7.30pm (doors 7pm) Tickets: £10 from Norwich Puppet Theatre. Age 16+ Vintage fashion goes East for an oriental themed vintage show this year. Retailers and designers showcasing include: Proudlock and Harry, Wakeup Little Susie, The Wedding Shed, Fabulous Miss K to name a few! There is an after party until 11pm after the evening show in the Vintage Goes East lounge with DJ Three Bits of Rhythm, a pop up cocktail bar from the Sir Garnet and free hand massages from Palm & Sole. Intu Chapelfield Fashion Shows Sunday shows are at 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm. Lower Ground Mall near H&M Kids and House of Fraser.

Jarrold Styling Workshop Jarrold 11am – booking required online at www.jarrold.co.uk/events Lucy Hurrell, Jarrold personal stylist introduces the new Spring collections and colours. Join Lucy for a glass of fizz at the workshop 11am.

Dressmaking workshop 12.30-2pm Haberdashery, Lower Ground Floor Come along for dressmaking workshop for beginners, learn the basics from pattern cutting to sewing techniques. There is no need to book.

Saturday 7th March

Tuesday 10 March

Intu Chapelfield Fashion Shows Lower Ground Mall near H&M Kids and House of Fraser No ticket necessary Saturday shows are at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm and 5pm. Take your seat on the front row for intu Chapelfield’s spring fashion catwalk shows. Be inspired by the new season looks from a wide range of retailers, including House of Fraser, Monsoon, River Island and French Connection. Jarrold Fashion Saturday 11am – 4pm Pop along to the store in menswear and womenswear for an introduction to the new season’s collections.

The Designers’ Show sponsored by Norwich City Football Club EPIC, Magdalen Street Catwalk shows at 2pm and 7.30pm Tickets: £10 from Epic Studios www.epicstudiosnorwich.com and ego boutique Fashion made in Norwich takes to the catwalk to showcase the creativity in the city. John Lewis - Fashion Accessory workshop 11am - 1pm John Lewis, Women’s Fashions, First floor. Personal stylist’s will be sharing their top tips on how to use accessories to update and compliment any outfit.

Wednesday 11 March

Norwich University of the Arts. Fashion Conversations: Creativity & Craftsmanship 5.30pm Tickets £10 Norwich University of the Arts hosts an evening talk and exhibition addressing issues of tradition, craftsmanship and innovation. The event will take place in NUA’s Duke Street Building with exhibition viewing from 5.30pm and talks from 6.30pm to 7.45pm.

Thursday 12 March

Fashion Excess, sponsored by Bang & Olufsen OPEN club room, Castle Meadow. Times: 8pm Tickets: £5 from OPEN Fashion Excess sponsored by Bang & Olufsen promises an exciting fusion of edgy street style with the raw sounds of live music. John Lewis - Holiday Capsule Wardrobe 11am - 1pm John Lewis, Women’s Fashions, First floor Come along for help and advice on how to select those essential pieces for your holiday wardrobe. Jarrold Fashion Show Charity Fashion Show for East Coast Hospice 6pm Benjis Restaurant. Fashion Show, Beauty Demonstration and the chance to shop on the fashion floor at the end of the evening. More information at www.eastcoasthospice.co.uk Lisa Angel: From Norwich With Love 5.30pm – 7.30pm Lisa Angel, Lower Goat Lane FREE Launch of the Lisa Angel jewellery collections designed in Norwich. Receive an exclusive 15 percent discount and free gift when you spend over £30 (limited availability) and 10 per cent discount all day. Drinks and nibbles provided. eastlife.co.uk | 61

FASHION Tick all the trends with a triple pendent necklace. Price: £12.50 Dorothy Perkins, Cambridge Retail Park, Cambridge

Spring

Signs of

There’s nothing quite like using the signs of spring as an excuse to go shopping. And every savvy shopper knows there’s nothing like a statement accessory to add an instant update. Take a look at our round-up of accessory trends from the high street to get you ready for the season ahead.

Finish this season’s floral trend with a neutral platform shoe. Price: £38 Next, Suffolk Retail Park, Ipswich

A Geometric cuff is perfect for trying the tribal trend. Price: £3 and £2.50 Primark, MK1, Milton Keynes If the weather is grey and dreary add a little colour with this gorgeous Linea clutch. Price: £35 House of Fraser, intu Lakeside, Essex

The 70s are having a huge impact on accessories this season. Add a retro vibe with this leather fringed tote. Price: £55 Accessorize, intu Chapelfield, Norwich

eastlife.co.uk | 63

Pick the Perfect Gown n all the excitement of planning your wedImost ding over the next few months, one of the important things will be finding the perfect dress.

This season the bridal runways have been full of swoon-worthy gowns. Tulle overskirts and off-theshoulder necklines have all made a comeback. Though an on-trend dress may seem like the perfect choice for you itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to choose a style that suits your shape and figure. Before the ultimate shopping trip begins have an idea about which style you prefer. Though this may change when you start trying on dresses it will help to eliminate options. Becoming familiar with styles and design terminology will be a huge help. Here are some guidelines to help you get startedâ&#x20AC;Ś

64| eastlife.co.uk

WEDDINGS

Empire Empire gowns have a raised waistline that starts right under the bust, flowing to a skirt that skims over the hips then flairs slightly to the floor. The style is suitable to most figures. Silhouette The A-line or princess dress has no marked waist and the vertical seams flow from the shoulders down to a flared skirt, creating an A shape. It is a popular choice among brides. If you carry your weight in the middle, this silhouette is a good choice. Full gown If you’re dreaming of a fairytale wedding then a full gown will make your day complete. Romantic and elegant, full gowns generally have a fitted bodice and very full skirt. You’ll find full sleeves, sweetheart cuts, high necks and more options available. A full gown is ideal if you want to hide hips and thighs. Mermaid A sexy style that shows off your curves, the mermaid is great if you are body confident. The dress is tight down the body and begins to flow out at the knees. The body restriction can make it a little tricky to walk in so make sure you get plenty of practice before the big day. Sheath For a figure-flattering fit get a sheath dress. The dress is designed to fit close to the body and typically falls around the knees or lower thighs. The tight body fit doesn’t allow for body flaws but it can elongate the body, making a great choice for petite brides. The Duchess of Cambridge is a big fan of this style too!

Top Trends for 2015 New colour alert Dazzle your way down the aisle this wedding season in a dress that breaks the white tradition. This spring the bridal catwalks have been alive with colour. From gentle ocean tones great for beach weddings to striking metallics by Jenny Packman, it’s time to rock a coloured frock! Tulle and texture Designers have added a dramatic edge to wedding gowns with layers of romantic tulle and ruffled textures added to skirts. The tulle design has been added to a number of necklines and can look fabulous on most shapes and sizes. Capes No, not quite superman but just as spectacular. Whether a bride wants to cover up or create some added drama as she walks down the aisle, a cape, long or short, can be a great accessory to your dress. It can also work as an alternative to a veil. Off-the-shoulder Strapless wedding dresses have been given an overhaul with a brand new off-the-shoulder twist. Dropped and slouchy shoulders that sit mid-upper arm are the must-have look. 30s glam The vintage vibe is still on trend in 2015 with dresses embracing 30s glam. Slinky fitted gowns made from fluid fabric, delicate crystals and embellished details, add to the wedding wow factor. The 30s style is suited to a tall slim frame, but it’s actually a great way to flatter a naturally curvy body too. The look is very feminine with silky draping fabric, floor sweeping material and long sleeves. Wraps for beating the British summer chill work perfectly as do detailed headpieces.

eastlife.co.uk | 65

SAVE THE DATE Sunday 8th March 2015

Wedding Open Day. 11am-3pm-Free Entry Arrival Drink & Goody Bag *subject to availability

01728 452176 weddingplanner@thorpeness.co.uk www.thorpenesscountryclub.co.uk

Speak to a member of our dedicated team on the day for more information. FREE CAKE FOR YOUR WEDDING AT THORPENESS COUNTRY CLUB T&C’S: A £500 DEPOSIT MUST BE PAID WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE OPEN DAY. WEDDING DAY DATE MUST BE PRIOR TO 31ST MARCH 2016 FOR THIS OFFER TO BE VALID.

66 | eastlife.co.uk

The Fent Shop Largest Selection of fabrics in West & North Norfolk, with all stock on display

Dress Fabrics Net Curtains

Curtain Fabrics Knitting Wool

Craft Fabrics Haberdashery

41 Broad Street, Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1DP T: 01553 768613 | W: www.thefentshopkingslynn.co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 67

Driving Down the Cost of Fuel in East Anglia F

rom de-icing your car at 6am to dodging that patch of ice on the way home, driving in the winter months isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fun at the best of times. With the AA revealing that East Anglian motorists pay the highest petrol prices, it suddenly becomes even less appealing. Anthony Newman, managing director of GAD Tuning, an Essex based company specialising in ECU remapping for a wide range of vehicles, shared his expert advice for driving down the cost of fuel. The report shows that whilst the South West enjoys the cheapest petrol of anywhere in England, East Anglia sits at the other end of the scale at an average of 117.1p per litre. Nevertheless for many of us, driving remains a necessity, and thankfully there are a number of easy and convenient ways to save money on the roads.

68| eastlife.co.uk

MOTORING

Claim cashback on your fuel However often you drive, there’s no escaping the fact that petrol is expensive, so any opportunity to earn a little back should be welcomed with open arms. Many cashback cards will pay a certain percentage back on petrol (often around 3%). Just be careful to pay back in full each month to avoid racking up interest on your spend. Fuel cards such as Shell, BP or Total or even standard supermarket loyalty point cards can help make significant savings over time too. De-clutter your car Just as you wouldn’t walk around on a daily basis carrying two spare pairs of wellies, yesterday’s leftover lunch, an old coat and an emergency tool kit, it makes sense to ditch the unnecessary weight from your car. Clearing items from your boot that don’t need to be there and taking your roof rack off when you’ve finished using it naturally means your car will be lighter, using less fuel. Based on the same principal, it can actually be detrimental to drive around with a completely full tank. Filling it halfway more regularly means your car is lighter and is slightly less daunting when it comes to pay. Keep your tyres inflated Keeping your tyres inflated is not only healthier for them, but can use less fuel. Lower tyre pressure can increase the drag on your vehicle, in turn causing the need to fill up more often. It’s also a good way of helping your tyres last longer. Regularly checking the pressure of your tyres therefore makes sense and should become part of your daily routine.

Find the cheapest petrol We all know we should shop around for the best petrol prices, just as we know we should be finding the best deals on washing powder or toothpaste, but the reality of it is that at the end of a long day we haven’t got the energy to find out which supermarket is the cheapest. Free apps and websites such as petrolprices.com can provide you with a list of the cheapest petrol and diesel near you just by registering your postcode. Fight your corner Making sure you stand your ground when it comes to unfair parking tickets helps save on unnecessary outgoings and according to Money Saving Expert, 50 per cent of those who challenge them, win. You normally have the right to appeal twice as well. It’s also worth considering claiming for repairs if you hit a pothole. Whilst it’s not always an easy process, and you will need a mechanic to vouch for you, if the damage is significant it’s well worth a try. Economy remapping Whilst remapping is usually more closely associated with enhancing the performance of sports cars, economy remapping can save on your fuel by making use of speed and rev limiters. Naturally by limiting the engine revs you can reduce fuel consumption, as high revving engines consume more fuel, but you can also make better use of the fuel you do put in. By increasing fuel pressure on a common rail diesel engine you can produce a cleaner and more effective burn. This not only improves engine efficiency but helps reduce the emission of CO2, so you’re doing your bit for the environment at the same time. Whilst we can never rely on the cost of fuel, there are a number of easy ways to save a considerable amount of money as motorists, it’s just a case of getting in the habit of using them.

eastlife.co.uk | 69

CONSUMER

Martin Lewis how to deal with your debts

or those with existing debts there are record deals available right now to let you cut the cost and save £100s or £1,000s. Yet as the old adage goes, banks are companies that lend you an umbrella when the sun shines and ask for it back when it rains. So getting cheaper credit when in debt is tricky – however I have developed credit card eligibility checkers which can help you check what debt cutting cards you’re able to get before you apply. If you can lower the interest cost, then more of your repayment clears the actual debt, not just services the interest – meaning you’ll be debt-free far quicker. So here are the key debt cost cutting need to knows… I make no apology for saying; stop borrowing. If you’re struggling, borrowing to make ends meet just elongates the problem - making it even costlier and more difficult. The tips below will help but if you keep adding to the debt nothing will fix it. So take a deep breath, do a budget and examine all your spending to see if you can cut back. Best buys are only best if you can get them. While there are many great rates on offer, you need to pass a credit score to get them, and many fail at that hurdle. Worse still when you apply it leaves a footprint on your file and lots of those in a short space of time can hit your future credit worthiness. To fight back on my site we’ve built a free eligibility calculator – which tells you which cards you’re most likely to be accepted for. Just as importantly it does this without leaving a footprint on your file that lenders can see so you can home in on the right one, minimising applications. To try it go to www.MoneySavingExpert.com/eligibility.

Shift credit or store card debt to 35mth 0%. A balance transfer’s where you get a new credit card that repays debts on the old credit or store card(s) for you, so you owe it instead at a lower rate. The longest 0% deals for those new to the card company now last nearly three years but as with many things in life longest isn’t always best. Aim for the lowest fee card, ensuring you’ve enough time to clear it. Top picks and golden rules at www.mse.me/balancetransfers Shift your overdraft to 0% too. Debit cards can be debt cards too - if you’re in your overdraft it’s often more costly than credit cards, especially if you bust your limit. Can you cut the cost of existing loans? It’s complex, as you need to factor in that most loans charge up to two months’ interest to repay them early. - Who should try? Those who can get a substantially lower APR loan (eg, more than a fifth off, so from 10% to 8%), and have a while left to repay. Full options in www.mse.me/cheaploans - How much can I save? Someone who is 2 years through a 5 year 12% loan for £5,000, paying it off with a 4.9% loan, could save around £1,000. Don’t pay all debts equally - attack the highest APR. Once your debts are as cheap as possible, list them all, including overdrafts in order of APRs. Focus all spare cash to clear the highest APR one as it grows fastest and just pay the min on the others. Once that’s clear, move to the next highest. I’ve never seen a debt crisis that isn’t solvable don’t give up hope. eastlife.co.uk | 71

FIREPLACES AND WOODBURNERS FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 35 YEARS

• Electric Fires • Gas Fires • Open Fires • Gas & Boiler Service BOOK NOW COLCHESTER 11 Peartree Business Centre, Colchester, Essex CO3 0JN Call 01206 546111 colchester@zigis.co.uk

IPSWICH Bypass Nurseries, London Road, Capel St Mary, Ipswich Suffolk IP9 2JR Call 01473 312008 ipswich@zigis.co.uk

CHELMSFORD Aston Lodge, Chatham Green Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3LE Call 01245 360772 chelmsford@zigis.co.uk

• Woodburners • Fireplaces • Logs & Kindling ORDER NOW • Chimney Sweep BOOK NOW NORWICH 121 Woodside Road, Thorpe, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 9HA Call 01603 436944 norwich@zigis.co.uk

w w w. z i g i s . c o . u k

CAMBRIDGE 16 Sawston Trade Park London Road, Pampisford, Cambridge CB22 3EE Call 01223 833523 cambridge@zigis.co.uk

Halstead Bentals Farm Sudbury Road Halstead, Essex CO92RR Call 01787479944 halstead@zigis.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

Sweet Dreams T

hroughout March it’s ‘National Bed Month’. If you’re thinking of giving your bedroom an update, the experts at The Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Company, located in Shernborne, tell us why sometimes things in the bedroom are best kept traditional. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the design and interiors glossies, you’ll know that one of the biggest trends around at the moment is ‘modern rustic’, and it’s with good reason. The buzz-word title aside, modern rustic is one of those looks that works for just about all of us, on every level. In other words, it’s ‘real’. Modern rustic is about creating warm, welcoming interiors. It’s about simple colour palettes, natural materials and more than a little eclecticism. At the heart of the modern rustic scheme are ‘forever’ objects and furnishings that you’ve bought because they’re timeless. In the bedroom, one of the best examples of such a forever fixture is a wrought iron bedstead. Put simply, iron beds are above fashion. So whilst finishes might come and go, the real beauty of an iron bedstead is in the reassuring solidity of its construction. “Over the years we’ve encountered numerous customers that tell us their bed purchase is one

they hope their grandchildren will still be able to enjoy in twenty or thirty years’ time,” explains Harry Thompson, head of marketing at the family-owned business of second generation bed makers. “Tellingly, these are customers that usually have their own memories of ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ style beds. Whilst we might not advocate reliving these to the point where a saggy, down-filled mattress is part of the package, I think it’s very revealing that so many people put so much emotion into their bedstead purchase.” An iron bedstead is a bit like a fabulous Chesterfield sofa. However, like all ‘heirloom purchases’, it’s best to do your homework before you buy. If you truly want a bed that will last for generations, it needs to be crafted to an exceptionally high standard, ideally by a home-grown manufacturer. With beds, it’s often the detail (or lack of) that gives away the quality. Look for smooth joins, a plaster-like quality to painted finishes and of course, even finishing on key details such as finials and collars. Lastly, don’t forget to have a lie-down! Take the family, buy a bed you love and make yourself comfortable – you won’t regret it. After all, what price can you put on a good night’s sleep?

eastlife.co.uk | 75

For your comfort & independence • Walk-In Baths • Walk-In Showers (low level & level access) • Wet Rooms • Product & Installation Guarantee • Waterproof Wall Panelling • Slip Resistant Safety Flooring • Grab Rails, Shower Seats & Raised Toilets • Local Family Business • Discounts for OAPs, Ex Service Personnel and SSAFA

Call now to arrange a FREE survey & Quote Norwich 01603

605518

Suffolk 01473 206918 info@ahminstallations.co.uk www.ahminstallations.co.uk

76 | eastlife.co.uk

CARPETS AND CANE FURNITURE * Stylishly Affordable * CARPETS | VINYL | LAMINATE | KARNDEAN | RUGS | BINDING SERVICE • Independent Family Business Est. 1990 • Large Showroom • Honest Advice Given • No Pressure • No Hassle Sales • 48hr Binding Service • FREE local delivery

FREE COFFEE TABLE WITH EVERY THREE PIECE SUITE ORDERED Offer Valid Until 31st March

• Huge Range of Conservatory Cane Furniture • Many Fabrics to Choose From • Accessories Available to Complement Each Range

Visit our showroom at: 1c Mancetter Square, Werrington, PE4 6BX or Call us on: 01733 www.carpetandcanefurniture.co.uk

669 002

enquiries@carpetandcanefurniture.co.uk

Mon-Fri 9-5.30pm | Sat 9-5pm | Bank Holidays 10-4pm

GREAT DENHAM PARK BEDFORDSHIRE

SHOW HOME LAUNCH COMING SOON. Register your interest online today. Discover your dream home at Great Denham Park. The ﬁrst phase of this ﬂagship development presents a collection of two and three bedroom homes and four wonderful show homes. Great Denham Park will offer the best of town and rural living, bordering the country park yet close to both Bedford and Milton Keynes. It has so much to offer with great transport links, reputable schools and an idyllic setting. Register your interest online to receive regular updates and an invitation to the exciting launch event.

GREAT DENHAM PARK Greenkeepers Road, Great Denham MK40 4FF

See the Difference at dwh.co.uk or call 01234 853394 Details correct at time of going to press. Images typical of David Wilson Homes.

HOME & GARDEN

2015,

the year of the downsizer? T

his year is predicted to be the year of the downsizer with the latest research from Lloyds Bank indicating that over half of homeowners (52%) plan to sell their property over the next three years in order to buy a smaller home.

Cameron Ewer from the Strutt & Parker Cambridge office says: “Downsizers have become an increasingly important sector of today’s market, freeing up larger properties for those making their way up the ladder.

As the wave of downsizing sweeps Britain, homeowners are driven by different motives. The majority (40%) of people are aiming to reduce bills and outgoings, while 28% hope to release equity. Three in four people expect to make money when they downsize.

“One of the most important things to remember when taking this leap is to genuinely downsize and not buy a home ‘slightly smaller’. You are not going to fit all your furniture and belongings into your new home, so aim to work out which stuff to keep even before your house is on the open market. By keeping only your favourite items and removing unwanted clutter, the move will be more emotionally manageable, and potential buyers who come to view your current home will be able to see the space in a much better light.”

Lloyds has found that moving from a detached family home to a bungalow frees up an average of £103,715; an 8% rise from £95,634 in 2000. Meanwhile, the average gains from moving from a detached house to a semi increased by 6%, from £114,744 to as much as £121,686. Many sellers are in a position where their children have flown the nest, whilst some simply no longer require as much space. Often downsizers use their released funds to enjoy during their retirement on things like holidays. Lloyds report one in ten people will use the cash to boost their pension fund, while 13% will use the money to help out family members.

Cameron continues: “Choose somewhere accessible to relatives but not too close; you don’t want to be the babysitter every weekend. Select a house where everything works to avoid using the money you have just freed up on expensive maintenance. Pick a village with plenty of services nearby, a good community feel and neighbours who can keep an eye on the house when you have more time on your hands to travel.”

eastlife.co.uk | 79

The Garden MainTenance coMpany

73 D oDDs H ill R oaD D eRsingHam K ing ’ s l ynn n oRfolK Pe31 6lP

Want to enjoy your garden – but do not enjoy gardening chores ...

Free Estimates call Daniel Batch

01485 544596 mobile:

07897 438707

THE COMPLETE SERVICE: • Full Landscaping & Garden Maintenance • Tree Surgery City & Guilds NPTC Qualified

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

Ellingham, Nr Bungay (A143) Tel: 01508 518400

Open Mon - Sat / Easy Parking

www.crosswaysofellingham.co.uk 80 | eastlife.co.uk

For All Your Natural Stone & Ceramic Tiling Needs with ranges to suit all budgets.

MARBLE BASINS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM £120 TEL:

01394 610528

MELTONTILESTUDIO@TALKTALK.NET THE TILE STUDIO, SPUR END, WILFORD BRIDGE RD, MELTON, WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK IP12 1RB

Control Cosy Real Fire

Homely

Warmth Style

Relax

Bring the benefits of a real fire into your home Visit the largest display of traditional and contemporary wood burning stoves in East Anglia today. We have created a display of exceptional wood burning stoves and fires in a showroom to match them. A place where you can step back and take in their full visual impact. A place to see cutting edge design from leading manufacturers. A place where you can be inspired by the possibilities of a real fire.

TEL 01787 222608 | INFO@COLNESTOVES.COM | COLNESTOVES.COM

WE OFFER A COMPLETE DESIGN, BUILD AND INSTALLATION SERVICE

Int ern IN et P ST ric OR es E

Thousands of Mattresses, Divans, Bed Frames and Sofa Beds IN STOCK with FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY *

HOME & GARDEN

Spring Clean the Garden

Award-winning garden designer Kate Gould says it’s time to clean up the garden

ardens, like rooms look best when they are swept and tidy but with life’s increasing pressures and stresses the available time that can be spent tidying your garden is often at a premium and may get pushed down the list in place of more immediate and pressing tasks.

and a well tended and fed plant is one that is less likely to succumb to problems later in the year. The maintenance of your garden shouldn’t be a chore, it should be something you enjoy and want to do if you want to actively garden your space rather than employ a maintenance gardener.

Choose a nice sunny spring day and try to put aside a couple of hours to tidy and sweep away the remnants of the winter garden debris. There is an immense sense of satisfaction when all is like new again, if only for a brief amount of time.

Whichever approach you take (dustpan and brush or blower and gas gun) the time spent in cleaning and tidying should always be worth the time you spend in the garden after enjoying the fruits of your labours.

Plants often look weather beaten at this time of year but most perennials are neatly cut down to the ground and their appearance is improved almost in seconds. Shrubs such as Hydrangea are also cut and tidied as are roses. No garden is maintenance free and although perennials look like hard work they are often much less maintenance than you think. At this time of year they will take a bit of time to cut down, rake away the debris and mulch around but after that there is very little to do to look after them in the summer.

Kate Gould is an award-winning garden designer with more than a decade’s hands-on experience transforming gardens of all sizes. www.kategouldgardens.com

If you can at this time too add in pea stakes or canes to support any plants that might need it (Campanula, Delphinium, Phlox are such cases) then it will prevent difficulty later on in the year when selecting points to push in supports amongst the foliage will be challenging. With the climate as it has been of late one of the most import jobs to do when the weather improves is to feed the garden using a slow release granular organic fertilizer. The rain that has pommelled the British Isles through winter will have leached nutrients out of the soil and so feeding your plants will not only encourage strong growth but flowers too eastlife.co.uk | 83

Time to change your old boiler? The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive will pay you 10.98p per kilowatt when you change to a biomass boiler.

PROFITABLE

EFFICIENT

GREEN

Average home will receive ÂŁ1976pa for 7 years* in Renewable Heat Incentives

Wood pellets are on average 25% cheaper than oil

Remove your dependence on fossil fuels and benefit the environment

Wood fuelled heating is more accessible than you think. Contact the wood fuel specialists for an appraisal of your property.

84 | eastlife.co.uk

* Based on UK average 18,000kw/h per year usage & subject to Green Deal Assessment

Richard Allington Kitchens FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES & SURVEYS

We now offer a supply only made to measure service at superstore prices Tel: 01953 459817 Mob: 07754 630453 14 Connaught Road, Attleborough

The 10th Anniversary

Courtyard Arts Open Exhibition 2nd - 18th April 2015 Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm Amazing contemporary art Enjoy the free exhibition Stop for coffee and visit our gift shop

Port Vale, Hertford 01992 509 596 www.courtyardarts.org.uk Courtyard Arts & Community Centre is a registered charity number 1044469

Please visit

Gallery 1066 Gallery 1066

DATES FOR Please visit THE DIARY

HousingDylan an exciting portfolio international IzaakJuneof5th, 7-9pm artists and an eclectic range of original works of art. Please visit us and Dylan's unique approach to cityscape paintings has Housing an exciting portfolio ofimpact international artists andHis coaching our sister gallery ‘London this historic made a huge on artRow’ lovers in across Britain. idiosyncratic viewof of undulating skylines, famous an eclectic range of original works art. Please visit us and town ofbuildings Baldock. and busy metropolitan scenes encourages our sister gallery ‘London coaching us to Row’ look at in the this world historic around us with new eyes, and A warm welcome awaits you! offers a distinctive contemporary take on urban life. town of Baldock.

O’Connor AkiyamaA warm welcome Danielle awaits you! September 18th, 7-9pm

Celebrating her stunning new collection ‘Shine’ Painting in a variety of media, Danielle creates luminous floral images that vibrate with life, energy and colour, whether through a riotous party of flowers or a single magnificent blossom. She has received numerous awards for her paintings which she describes as “sanctuaries for the soul

Carl Payne- November 20th 7-9pm open tuesday - saturday 10am - 6pm sunday & evenings by appointment

Carl Payne’s extraordinary figurative sculpture is based on traditional tenets but has a bold contemporary style which has won him collectors from all over the world. He creates his stunning bronze sculpture in the UK with an amazing mastery of technique. His complex and hugely rewarding process demands patience, accuracy, commitment and artistry. Carl is inspired by music and the female form.

open tuesday - saturday 10am - 6pm sunday & evenings by appointment Willow Mews, 6a Hitchin Street, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 6AE

www.gallery1066fineart.com info@gallery1066fineart.com telfantastic : 01462 622233 All events are strictly invitation only. Please contact the gallery today for more information and your chance to come and meet one of these award winning artists. Please subscribe to our website to be kept up to date with new collections, artists and exciting events.

Willow Mews, 6a Hitchin Street, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 6AE

Willow Mews, 6a Hitchin Street, Baldock, Hertfordshire 6AE622233 www.gallery1066fineart.com info@gallery1066fineart.com tel SG7 : 01462 www.gallery1066fineart.com

86 | eastlife.co.uk

info@gallery1066fineart.com

tel: 01462 622233

ARTS

The Arts Scene Breakfast for Oystercatchers by Rob Barnes

Weeding Once in a Blue Moon by Stephanie Lambourne

Written by Collette Hoefkens 51 Norton Way, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 1BH. Tel: 01462 685139

he wind and cold may still nip and chill but wrapped against the elements there are definitely more hours with which to appreciate nature’s latest offering. Certainly the region’s artists appear to be doing just this. So many exciting new works being displayed under the shelter of our wonderful “Eastern” art galleries.

tentatively into her world. Louise Bird gently touches us with subtly bejewelled mezzotints of bees, teasels and pollen. Her intimate studies are full of quiet joy. Darker and alluring are the hand painted collagraph of Mandy Walden. Her night-time creations of golden moons and sooty skies suggest a narrative of the almost forgotten traditions of man and beast.

During the weeks of March and the early days of April, there is an exquisite feast of line, tone and colour to be found within the four walls of the beautiful Suffolk, Southworld Gallery. Nestled neatly at 64A the High Street, the doors are open seven days a week. With a warm welcome you are invited to browse and enjoy a host of some of the most respected artists from around the region.

The enduring and cyclical rhythm of nature is captured beautifully by Rob Barnes and Kerry Buck. With distinctly different methods and style both observe and convey the repeated patterns and rich tapestry of fauna and flora. Rob’s solid bold lines and shapes portray the structure of the earth. While his stave-like fields and dancing hares, melodically portray the poetry of the landscape. The harmony however, would appear to belong to Kerry Buck. Encapsulated within her frames, each piece seems to vibrate with a sense of place and purpose. Each piece is born of a myriad of hues sensitively lighting the detail of her subjects.

The Print Fair Exhibition (available until early April) is the latest show at the gallery and is a comprehensive collection of work from five of its resident original print-maker artists. Amongst vibrant collagraph, atmospheric etchings and bold rhythmic linocuts, you will find work from Mandy Walden, Chrissy Norman, Kerry buck, Louise Bird and Rob Barnes. If you pay a repeat visit at the beginning of April you can also catch a selection of new pieces from acrylic on canvas painter, Stephanie Lambourne. Within the original print display there are over thirty works from which each printmaker shines with a unique approach and style. Chrissy Norman’s dark and mysterious etchings are full of the strength and wonder of nature. Her intricate lines and earthy inks create depth and space, inviting the viewer to step

Although all of the artists can be viewed on a regular basis at the gallery, this latest collection enthuses such an intensity of colour and mark making that no one could be left uninspired. Together with the contrast of Stephanie Lambourne’s beautifully created, naïve, rural genre paintings from 3 to 12 April; this gallery really does have something for every appreciator. The Southwold Gallery, 64a High Street, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6DN Tel: 01502 72388 www.southwoldgallery.co.uk eastlife.co.uk | 87

-n-thin l o

Yes! You Can Have Your Original Art Copied, Printed & Framed All Under The One Roof. It’s what you’ve been looking for isn’t it? That one place that you can visit where experts can scan or photograph your original artwork, make giclée ﬁne art prints then mount and frame your prints.

Come in and see us for all your knitting, crochet, cross stitch, tapestry, haberdashery needs. Relax and enjoy your past time with like minded people at one of our crafty clubs or brush up your skills or learn something new. We will be running workshops from February : Beginners Knitting , Beginners Crochet, Toe Up Socks , Circular Knitting for more details telephone 01462612889. OPENING TIMES Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Thursday 9.30 am - 3.00 pm Friday & Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm

Please phone or email for further details

3-5 Hitchin Street, Baldock, Herts SG7 6AL

01462 612889

Of course, you might just want giclée prints or frames, but that’s ok, we won’t force you to have every service we provide in one go! It’s your artwork and we’ll go that extra mile to make sure that the print and framing services we provide are tailored to you and your art. . . it’s what we do! Drop in and see us, give us a call or send us an e-mail to find out how you and your art can benefit from our fine art giclée print and framing services. All the important contact info: Call us on 01223 834411 E-mail us at info@photoartgb.com Visit us at www.photoartgb.com Or come in and see us. . .

Email: info@wool-n-things.co.uk

www.wool-n-things.co.uk

Rectory Farm 1 Brewery Road Pampisford Cambridge CB22 3EN

Gainsborough’s House

Cur wen Pr int Study Centre

EXCELLENCE IS A FINE ART Courses for artists of all abilities and ages

Museum & Gallery

Gainsborough’s House is the childhood home of Thomas Gainsborough RA (1727-1788) and displays an outstanding collection of his paintings, drawings and prints. A varied programme of temporary exhibitions is also shown throughout the year. The historic house dates back to the 16th century and has an attractive walled garden.

Groups welcome Open daily: 10am to 5pm (Sundays 11am to 5pm)

2015 Printmaking brochure out now curwenprintstudy.co.uk 01223 892380 enquires@curwenprintstudy.co.uk 88 | eastlife.co.uk

Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2EU 01787 372958|mail@gainsborough.org www.gainsborough.org Registered Charity number: 214046

ARTS

Art

Attack

Diss is alive with creativity

lmost two years ago a talented group of local crafters and designers breathed new life into a historic empty shop on St Nicholas Street in Diss. Today, Designer Makers @ 21 (DM@21) is a hub for creativity, which both residents and tourists have warmly welcomed. Starting its journey with just five members, the exciting initiative which promotes the growth of local designers with its working studios and gallery shop, has grown to 13 members, 11 from Norfolk and two from Suffolk, and a further six associates members and three guest showcase crafts people which changes quarterly. With a delightful mix of craftspeople at its helm, the shared and creative atmosphere makes for an interesting browse. Visitors can expect a combination of traditional and contemporary crafts such as colourful displays of inspiring textiles, prints, sculptures, mosaics, stained glass and digital prints. Kate Heath, a designer at DM@21 said: “Designer Makers @ 21 is a unique opportunity to see crafts people in their studio, making the crafts which you are able to own. Visitors can expect a very warm welcome and treasure-trove of quality local crafts.” As well as treat for visitors, DM@21 offers a platform of exposure for budding designers within the local

area. Kate added: “DM@21 gives crafts people a perfect environment to work and showcase their craft, in a supportive atmosphere with the potential for collaborative work. “You can become a member by application followed by a Team Members interview. Expect to present a portfolio of work and applicants must be a designer make crafts person.” DM@21 has recently joined Suffolk Open Studios and Norfolk Open Studios and will be hosting an exhibition at the Diss Corn Hall in April by Annette Rolston on the theme of “Bees”. Annette has also invited the other Designer Makers to join her in the exhibition. May or June may also see Norfolk Open Studio and Suffolk Open Studio visits. Furthermore, DM @21 hope to follow up the success of “The Big Draw 2014” with a similar event in 2015, involving local students and offering free workshops. Designer Makers @ 21 is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm or by appointment. eastlife.co.uk | 89

ARTS

ARTS from

Around the Region A Night of Dirty Dancing

Cirque Berserk comes to Lowestoft

irect from four sold-out seasons in London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and a packed-out 2014 theatre tour, Britain’s favourite contemporary thrill circus embarks at last on a nationwide tour stopping at Lowestoft Marina Theatre on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March. Combining contemporary “cirque” style skills with off-the-scale thrilling stunt action, Cirque Berserk is a danger-filled spectacle that will amaze audiences of all ages. Presenting the world’s most dangerous circus act, the legendary Globe of Terror, with three motorcyclists speeding at over 60mph inside a steel cage, seen for the first time live on stage in the UK, plus a troupe of over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and death-defying stunt men are joined by award-winning physical comedian Tweedy. Look out for our competition to win tickets at www.eastlife.co.uk or facebook/eastlifemag Wysing Arts Centre announces new artists

ysing Arts Centre has announced which artists will be in-residence during 2015, exploring The Multiverse. The over-arching theme of Wysing’s 2015 programme is The Multiverse, a theory that proposes the potential for a set of multiple universes which together comprise everything that exists. Artists working within a range of interests and disciplines including music, writing, biography, performance, sculpture, nanotechnology and natural history will work together at the Cambridgeshire centre taking the theme of The Multiverse as a starting point for their artistic research. Wysing Arts Centre Fox Road,Cambridge, CB23 2TX Tel: 01954 718881

irty Dancing fans are in for a treat as a ‘A Night of Dirty Dancing’ comes to the Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier. Featuring all the hits from everyone’s favourite dance movie Dirty Dancing, this is an all-new, spectacular stage show, which has ben recast and re-scripted as the ultimate tribute show. Tickets £20 The Pier, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9HE Tel: 01263 512495 How we fell in love with shopping – a 300 year affair

oday we live in a world of disposable objects, and yearn for things that are hand-crafted, organic and unique. Now a show of ‘treasured possessions’ from the 15th to the 18th centuries reveals how we first fell in love with shopping, and takes us back to an age when our belongings were made by hand and passed down through the generations. Opening at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge on 24 March until 6 September, Treasured Possessions from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment features some 300 stunning objects, each revealing the tastes and hopes of its owners and the skills of the hands that made them. Following different collections of items, we see how Europeans shopped and brought novelties into their lives and their homes. The exhibition takes us on a dazzling visual adventure through the decorative arts. The journey starts with bespoke Renaissance luxuries made in glass, bronze and maiolica. The show invites you back to the bazaars and workshops of the distant past. Free admission The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB Tel: 01223 332900 eastlife.co.uk | 91

COMING UP at the theatre royal Mon 2 − sat 7 March

Tues 17 − sat 21 March

Ray Quinn Fri 13th March 8.00pm Tickets: £19, £18 concs, groups 10+ £17 Enjoy classics from Ray and his live band including: ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ & ‘That’s Life’.

An Afternoon with Christine Walkden Sun 31st May 5pm Tickets: £16, £15 concs Gardening anecdotes galore!

Call the Box Office for further information or download our film and entertainment brochure.

WYLLYOTTS BOX OFFICE 01707 645005 Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, HERTS EN6 2HN

www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

92 | eastlife.co.uk

A WOrld PreMIère Middleground theatre company ltd

oldham coliseum and imitating the Dog

by richard harris (a touch of frost, the avengers, the Sweeney and the last Detective)

directed by kevin Shaw adapted by ian kershaw from the novel by Susan hill (the Woman in Black)

The BUsINess Of MUrder

The MIsT IN The MIrrOr

Box office 01284 769505 Book online www.theatreroyal.org

Join us on

ARTS

Sex in Suburbia

Claire Sweeney brings ‘Sex in Suburbia’ on the road this month – could it be the British version of Sex and the City?

t seems sex is hot topic at the moment. Just after we’ve got over the hype of 50 Shades of Grey, there’s a new sexy show in town. Written by former Brookside star Claire Sweeney and Mandy Muden, ‘Sex in Suburbia’ is set to be the hit comedy of the year. Hailed as the British version of Sex and the City, the hilarious show explores the mysteries of men, dating, finding Mr Right and motherhood, packed with real-life revealing and raunchy storylines set to a backdrop of sensational musical anthems. The Liverpool lass who is no stranger to the stage with West End roles in Chicago, Guys and Dolls and Educating Rita under her belt, said: “I used to tell my producer about my disastrous funny dates and he told me to write them down – so I did and this is the show. “There are lots of great songs and it is a joy to see the audience on their feet dancing, clapping and cheering. It is a real feel good experience and people leave the show on a high.” The plot evolves around Penny Crowe (Lindzi Germain), the host of a late-night radio phone-in and as Britain’s leading Agony Aunt, she takes calls about every date from hell and the occasional one from heaven. She is more than happy to dish out relationship advice, but is she as happy to take it? Claire Sweeney joins Penny on her show as a ‘relationship expert’ while Carl Patrick revels in multiple roles, which take in frigid footie fans, karate chopping kids and outrageous radio host, Rory Reynolds. Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects is that ‘Sex in Suburbia’ is based on the truth with storiesfrom real women, making it a great night out with the girls. Claire added: “Initially it was just aimed

at women and hen parties but what surprised us when first in Liverpool is that women were coming with their mums, grandmothers and daughters. But the biggest surprise was when men enjoyed it and began coming in groups, and they were straight!” As well as hearing the laughter from the crowds through her stretch of the East of England, Claire admitted she’s also looking forward to being in the region: “I love Norfolk and am excited to start off in Kings Lynn,” she explained. “I have spent a lot of time there on weekends away and it is a really beautiful part of the country and very relaxing. I enjoy long walks along Holkham Beach.” If there’s one show to see at the theatre this year, this is it.

Sunday 1 March King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Monday 16 March Ipswich Regent Theatre Friday 20 March Broxbourne Civic Hall Thursday 16 April Watford Colosseum Sunday 26 April Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Thursday 30 April Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal Wednesday 6 – Thursday 7 May Chelmsford Civic Wednesday 20 May Dunstable Grove Theatre Thursday 21 May Milton Keynes Theatre eastlife.co.uk | 93

88794 Michael Gaunt Advert (Suffolk) Feb_88794 Michael Gaunt Advert (Suffolk) Feb

Mr Michael Gaunt Consultant Vascular Surgeon Varicose and Thread Veins

NEW LEGS NEW YOU... Do your legs let you down because of varicose veins or thread veins? Consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt specialises in varicose and thread veins. He is a leading venous expert, experienced in treating varicose veins with both the Endovenous laser and ClariVein techniques. Varicose veins are often considered a cosmetic condition but if neglected can result in complications. Minimally invasive local anaesthetic procedures can be used to treat varicose veins on a walk in, walk out basis. If you would like to book a mini-consultation for just ÂŁ95, or if you would like to find out more about your treatment options call 01223 305858 or visit www.michaelgaunt.com

Harley Street London

Spire Lea & Nuffield Health Cambridge

Spire Norwich Norfolk

As a member of Bourn Golf Club

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

94 | eastlife.co.uk

you can play an additional 30+ courses free of charge.

BMI Bury St Edmunds Suffolk

HEALTH

Healthy Living Turn back time with Reverse Facial Treatment

Let’s face it, no matter what we do to try and prevent it our skin will age, some more than others. If you’re unhappy with your skins appearance and the idea of going under the knife terrifies you, then a brand new revolutionary laser treatment could be for you. Eastlife investigates…

ranwell House Skin Clinic & MediSpa in Ingatestone, Essex, has launched a brand new virtually pain free skin rejuvenating and skin tightening laser. The first of its kind in Essex, Cranwell House has established itself as a leader in its field with the eLight, an effective new technology hot from the USA. The treatment tightens and lifts the skin reducing the appearance of wrinkle depth without the need for surgery. Cranwell House Founder and Director Charlotte Nial said: “We research into the best high-end technology available and now for the first time local people can avoid the time and expense of travelling to London to benefit from the eLight. “We are seeing great results for our clients, giving so many a new boost of life increasing their confidence and they look and feel great too.”

Who should give it a try? All age groups concerned with ageing and those looking treat pigmentation, age spots, sun-spots, thread veins, broken capillaries, Rosacea and facial redness. How long does it take? We allow an hour for each session to include a consultation. Six treatments are recommended for Re Firme skin tightening and four treatments are recommended for IPL rejuvenation. Each treatment is performed every four weeks. Costs Price varies depending on treatment and the area to be treated. Prices for Re Firme Skin Tightening for a full face is £125 per session and IPL Full Face per session is £150 per session.

How does it work? Harnessing the combination of multiple wavelength technology eLighttherapy addresses a range of skin ageing concerns. Targeting wrinkle prone areas, the laser uses Intense Pulsed Light energy and Radio Frequency to effectively remodel the skin’s collagen and regenerate damaged skin cells. What are the benefits? IPL Treatment breaks down and clears pigmented and vascular lesions and rejuvenates the skin. Re Firme treatment tightens your skin. The radio frequency energy heats your skin to a certain temperature to achieve collagen contractions, tightening and shortening your collagen fibres. You will see a lift after just one treatment.

eastlife.co.uk | 95

NORFOLK

What’s on in

Norfolk

THEATRE & SHOWS 1-Mar Sex in Suburbia Packed full of sensational songs including I’m Every Woman, I Want To Break Free and Somebody Else’s Guy, this show will make you laugh, cry and dance in the aisles. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864 3-14 Mar Barnum This exhilarating musical follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 6-Mar Luke Wright’s Stand-Up Poetry featuring Elvis McGonagall Since it last played host to spoken word’s favourite grumpy Scot he’s had his own series on BBC Radio 4, which was so bloody good they’ve asked him for another. Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 12-14 Mar Moscow State Circus Superstar Clowns invite the audience to this wondrous and mysterious place, a place to see magnificent feats of human achievement, the like of which have never been witnessed in Great Britain before. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864 13-Mar Austentatious Undoubtedly one of the most talkedabout shows on the UK comedy scene, Austentatious is a comedy play spun in the inimitable style of Jane Austen. Norwich Playhouse, St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1AB. 01603 598598 13-Mar Patrick Monahan Patrick Monahan is an award winning Comic that has recently been on ITVs Celebrity squares and Splash, Fake Reaction, Fox’s Man up, BBC 1’s Dance for Sports Relief and is also the Winner of ITV’s Show Me The Funny! The Granary Theatre, Staithe Street, Wells-nextthe-Sea, NR23 1AU. 01328 710193 14-Mar Jimmy Jones - Return of the Guvnor For over 40 years Jimmy has been a major star in theatres and clubs across the UK, an inspiration to many who followed in his footsteps, Jimmy is still recognised as The Guvnor! Princess

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AU. 01328 710193 19-Mar Tiff Stevenson & Ed Gamble A finalist on ITV1’s Show Me the Funny, Tiff Stevenson is a stand-up comedian, actor and writer, known for her honest material and instantly likeable disposition. EPIC Studios, 114 Magdelen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JD. 01603 727727

Spring Arts Exhibition In the Arts Lounge, Swaffham new lounge themed art space and gallery called Arts Lounge has recently opened in Swaffham. The 16th century floor to ceiling fireplace is the focal point which gave the inspiration of the lounge theme. From the 8 April until the 5 May the Spring Arts Exhibition will be featuring various artists. It will be exhibiting their creations from sculptures, glass artwork, ceramic hares and other animals, porcelain, gold & silver jewellery, oil, acrylic, watercolour and ink paintings, photography and so much more. Open from 10.00-5pm Mon- Fri, 9.30am– 4pm on Saturday Tel: 01760 723624 www.theartslounge.co.uk

Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252 17-Mar An Evening of Public Shaming with Jon Ronson Simultaneously hilarious and powerful in the way only Jon can be, this illustrated one-man show is about the renaissance of public shaming, and our very scary part in it. Norwich Arts Centre, 51 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4PG. 01603 660352 17-Mar Oysters Oysters is a tale of sex, bivalve molluscs and marine engineering versus macro economics and the smallest virus known to man. The Granary Theatre,

19-28 Mar The Ghost Train On a winter’s night 1945, a group of passengers becomes stranded at a remote railway station. This is the story of what took place that night. Maddermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 22-Mar Omid Djalili: Iranalamadingdong He’s back on tour with a new show, following a sell-out four week West-End residency and a sold-out season at the Edinburgh Festival. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 24-Mar Oysters Oysters is a tale of sex, bivalve molluscs and marine engineering. Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 27-Mar Tom Stade: Decisions Decisions Incisive, comedy with the usual sprinkling of Stade magic and expertlycrafted mayhem. A true master of his craft. Norwich Playhouse,St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1AB. 01603 598598 29-Mar Moscow Ballet: Swan Lake The ballet is a favourite of ballerinas and audiences alike; the ultimate fairy tale ballet. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864 31-Mar Sweeny Todd London 1847. When a young sailor goes missing after visiting the shop for a shave, suspicians are raised! Maddermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 30-31 Mar Lee Nelson: Suited andBooted Lee Nelson is back with a brand new show - You may have seen him host Live at The Apollo or caught him singing on The X Factor! Norwich Playhouse, St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1AB. 01603 598598

eastlife.co.uk |97

NORFOLK MUSIC 2-Mar Halestorm Pennsylvanian firecrackers Halestorm are excited to announce a string of headline shows in March 2015. UEA LCR, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. 01603 508050

20-Mar Saigon Kiss Established in 2003, Norwich based metal band Saigon Kiss have always sought to push the limits and expectations of the metal genre. EPIC Studios, 114 Magdelen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JD. 01603 727727

5-Mar Nothing But Theives Nothing But Thieves have a rare commitment to their craft. Citing the soaring, unmistakeable falsetto of Jeff Buckley as an influence, the band have set their sights high. EPIC Studios, 114 Magdelen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JD. 01603 727727

22-Mar Norfolk Symphony Orchestra Well known pieces by Rossini and Chopin, two composers at the very top of 19th Century celebrity culture, followed by one of Shostakovich’s most personal works. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864

6-Mar The Unthanks + Guests Nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and the only British folk representation in The Guardian’s and Uncut’s best albums of last decade The Unthanks have an army of notable fans. Open 20 Bank Plain, Norwich, NR2 4SF. 01603 763111

26-Mar Kanataka The band’s powerful live performances have captivated audiences across the UK, USA and European mainland and also seen them perform alongside prestigious artists such as Robert Plant and Porcupine Tree. Norwich Arts Centre, 51 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4PG. 01603 660352

8-Mar Jon Gomm Jon is an acoustic singer-songwriter with a revolutionary virtuoso guitar style, where he uses one acoustic guitar to create drum sounds, basslines and twisting melodies all at the same time. The Owl Sanctuary, 25 Cattle Market Street, Norwich, NR1 3DY. 07779 542010 8-Mar Papa Roach Papa Roach is an American rock band from Vacaville, California. Papa Roach has sold more than 20 million album copies worldwide and are known for songs such as “Last Resort”, “Between Angels and Insects”, “She Loves Me Not”. UEA LCR, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. 01603 508050 10-Mar Stiff Little Fingers Stiff Little Fingers released a new album in 2014, the first since 2003’s Guitar and Drum! Entitled “No Going Back”, it reached #1 on BBC Radio 1’s UK Top 40 Rock Album Charts. The Waterfront, 139-141 King Street, Norwich, NR1 1QH. 01603 632717 15-Mar Scunsulata An inspiring evening of beautiful a cappella harmonies from the four corners of the world, superbly performed by a 14-strong vocal harmony ensemble. Maddermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 18-Mar The Hut People Taking the audience on a musical journey around the World, The Hut People have over the last 3 years proved to be one of THE most unique, entertaining and best-loved acts on the UK folk scene today. The Bicycle Shop, 17 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4PE. 01603 625777

27-Mar Reef Following their 20th anniversary tour last year, Reef (Gary Stringer, Jack Bessant, Jesse Wood and Dominic Greensmith) announce a new 13 date tour for 2015. The Waterfront, 139-141 King Street , Norwich, NR1 1QH. 01603 632717 28-Mar Toyah Wilcox From punk princess to high priestess of TV, Toyah Willcox is a uniquely gifted performer. Charismatic, outspoken and impossible to categorise, she is one of Britain’s iconic household names. EPIC Studios, 114 Magdelen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JD. 01603 727727 29-Mar The Big Chris Barber Band Trombonist Chris Barber leads his 10-piece band in playing a wide selection of his favourite music: from his roots in New Orleans style to the early music of Duke Ellington and Sidney Bechet, and further on to blues by Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee. Norwich Playhouse, St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1AB. 01603 598598 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 2 Mar - 31 Oct The Story of Market Towns The exhibition tells the story of the development of market towns and Britons’ changing shopping habits from the medieval period to the 21st century. Wymondham Heritage Museum, 10 The Bridewell, Wymondham, NR18 0NS. 01953 600205 2 Mar - 31 Oct Exhibition of the Work of Local Artist Sandy Jones The beautifully detailed “portraits” of families and animals, have to be seen to be believed. On first viewing they look like photographs but they are drawn by pencil. Wymondham

Heritage Museum,10 The Bridewell, Wymondham, NR18 0NS. 01953 600205 17 Mar - 25 Apr Ana Maria Pacheco Sculpture: Norwich 2015 Four separate but simultaneous exhibitions, in four different Norwich locations, bring major sculptural work from Ana Maria Pacheco, to Norwich for the first time. Norwich University of the Arts, St George’s Street, Norwich, NR3 1BB. 01603 886385 21 Mar - 11 Apr Spadeworks 15: Bob Catchpole Proud of his Norfolk agricultural ancestry, Bob Catchpole’s ironic sculptures are made from actual tools intriguingly modified by the artist to serve as a metaphor for man’s relationship with landscape. Kings Lynn Arts Centre, 29 King Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1HA. 01553 779095 23 Mar - 4 Apr The Norwich Soundscape In this special installation in Fusion, Richard Fair discovers our fine city through audio and invites you to submerge yourself in the soundscapes of Norwich. The Forum, Milleninum Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF. 01603 727950 29 Mar - 1 Sep Henri Matisse Sculpture: The Backs These monumental works are now recognised as a group and were made over a period of twenty years as he progressively refined the original pose of a model with raised arm. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. 01603 593199 SPECIAL EVENTS 5-6 Mar Feast on the Street The aim of all Feast on the Street events is to create a buzz around street food. By bringing in entertainment and other traders and putting it all under one roof (or usually no roof), they make street food the central focus of the event. The Forum, Milleninum Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF. 01603 727950 5-12 Mar Norwich Fashion Week NFW sets out to celebrate fashion and develop living links between those studying fashion, customers, and those working in the sector. There are a range of events happening during this week - visit ww.norwichfashion.co.uk/ events/ for full details. Norwich City Centre, Norwich, NR2 1TF. 31-Mar Norfolk Spring Fling 2015 Visit the Norfolk Showground for a fun filled, educational day out in the Easter Holidays to learn more about food, farming and the countryside. Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 0TT. 01603 748931

eastlife.co.uk | 99

SHOP & SAVE WITH vancouver Situated in the heart of historical King’s Lynn, there’s plenty for all the family to enjoy at The Vancouver Quarter Shopping Centre. Adjacent to the bus station and a stone’s throw away from King’s Lynn railway station, the Vancouver Quarter is perfectly placed for visitors wanting to explore the shops and the town’s rich heritage as well as getting involved in the many events and activities on offer throughout the year, including Halloween and a Christmas grotto. The shopping centre features a strong line-up of retailers including T.K.Maxx, New Look and Sainsbury’s and has a strong assortment of independent fashion, gift and lifestyle stores. Other retailers in the town include M&S, River Island, Topshop, Primark, Debenhams and Next. Whilst shopping in King’s Lynn, why not take a walk along the waterfront or grab a bite to eat at one of the many superb restaurants and cafes or even just take your time to amble around the market town and enjoy the beautiful historic surroundings.

100 | eastlife.co.uk

The Vancouver Quarter also has a Discount Card scheme, which is an exciting new way for shoppers to save money whilst they shop. The concept is simple. Simply, fill in an online application form; then pick up a card from participating stores and start saving money straight away. No gimmicks, no tricks, just sign up, shop and save. Norfolk Green, Burger King, Wimpy and the Majestic Cinema are part of the Discount Card scheme, as are Johnsons, Blue Inc, Claire’s, Trespass, Select and Supercuts. The Alive Leisure Trust, which runs the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Lynnsport, St James Pool, Downham Leisure Centre, and the Oasis at Hunstanton, is also part of the scheme. To discover the current discounts being offered, visit vancouverquarter.com/discount-card/current-offers

AREA FOCUS

EXPLORE

KING’S LYNN

ing’s Lynn is at the heart of West Norfolk, an area renowned for its beautiful countryside and stunning coastline King’s Lynn was one of England’s most important ports from as early as the 12th century and this maritime past is still very much in evidence today. Fine old merchants’ houses stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes and the elegant Custom House overlooks the original medieval harbour. At the heart of the medieval old town, magnificent King’s Lynn Minster dominates the Saturday Market Place around which is some fine architecture including the distinctive Trinity Guildhall and historic Town Hall complex. Take a short walk past thegrand buildings and merchants houses of King Street and Queen Street, towards the magnificent Tuesday Market Place, probably one of England’s grandest squares and home to the Corn Exchange, now a thriving concert hall. A great way to explore the town is to follow the King’s Lynn Maritime Trail. Discover the town’s history as a premier English sea port, the stories of its merchants,

ship builders, sailors, fishermen, press gangs, porters and pubs which have played key roles in this history. Pick up a trail guide from the Tourist Information Centre, True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum or Marriott’s Warehouse Another great way to discover the real history of the town is to join one the regular guided walk with the King’s Lynn Town Guides. Walks run regularly on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons from May through to October, plus Monday evenings in June and July. Visit the Tourist Information Centre and maritime displays at the Custom House to find out more about the host of places such as True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum and nearby St Nicholas’ Chapel, Lynn Museum, King’s Lynn Arts Centre and Galleries, Lynn Museum, King’s Lynn Minster, Marriott’s Warehouse, Greyfriars Tower and Gardens or the classic 18th century town park known as ‘The Walks’ where you can indulge yourself in discovering more of King’s Lynn rich history and heritage.

What’s On Plan your visit for the weekend from the evening of Friday 27 March when a stunning new series of animated light displays will illuminate some of King’s Lynn’s prominent buildings. Lynn Lumiere, part of King’s Lynn’s, Arts, Cities and Landscape project will be on display daily (evenings from dusk) throughout the year. Reflecting aspects of the stories, events, people and heritage of this historic town, the series of spectacular light shows invites you to see King’s Lynn in a new light. To celebrate the start of the extravaganza, there will be a countdown to switch-on in the Tuesday Market Place on Friday 27 March. From 5.30pm street entertainers and fire breathers will help to create a carnival atmosphere before the switchon at 7pm. For more information about places to visit, events and where to stay in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, check out www.visitwestnorfolk.com or contact King’s Lynn Tourist Information Centre on 01553 763044. eastlife.co.uk | 101

SELF-CATERING NW NORFOLK COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE WIDE SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION INC. GROUND FLOOR CLOSE TO BEACH & HOLIDAY AMENITIES PETS WELCOME

tel; 01485 534267 info@birdsnorfolkholidayhomes.co.uk www.norfolkholidayhomes-birds.co.uk

ROWLINSON'S SPORTS

CRICKET

SPECIALISTS

SEW & SEW HIGH STREET, KINGS LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 1DD

Curtains & Blinds 01553776411 | 07920747157 tina.mendham@btconnect.com

EQUIPMENT BY GUNN & MOORE, KOOKABURRA, NEWBERY, GRAY NICOLLS 33 Norfolk St, King’s Lynn PE30 1AH 01553 774430

STUART HOUSE Hotel • Bar • Restaurant

All work fully

INSURED & GUARANT EED

EAST COAST TREE CARE Some trees are felled and cleared FREE of charge subject to survey Call DEREK for more info 01553 771422 / 0776968635 102 | eastlife.co.uk

Wedding Packages from

£2000 £3800 to

The perfect solution for any budget

Catering for 50 for a sit down meal and 80 for an evening reception we are the perfect venue for the smaller wedding Mention this advert when booking and recieve a free bottle of champagne on your wedding day

35 Goodwins Road, King’s Lynn. PE30 5QX www.stuarthousehotel.co.uk

Tel 01553 772169

The

Church Street, Wymondham NR18 0PH

Landscape Here and Now 20th March - 12th April Mon - Sat 10am to 5pm Sunday 12 to 5pm

Judith Fox

Ballet School

The Judith Fox Ballet School likes to introduce a love of ballet to as many children as possible. The emphasis being on enjoyment, but with a serious side for those who would like to go on to vocational school and a possible career in the dance world. Students have been accepted in top schools and gone on to a professional career. Classes take place throughout the week, with the youngest on Saturday mornings when full of beans.

Adult classes (good excercise) in ballet, tap, street. The Foxes, Tuttles Lane East, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0EW

2015 Season March to November

Tel: 01953 607235

www.wymondhamarts.com

Judith Fox 1/4.indd 1

15/2/12 10:15:11

WYMONDHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 Wymondham Music Festival Reg Charity no 1081375

TOWN BUSKING DAY SAT 23 MAY

FESTIVAL FORTNIGHT SAT 20 JUNE - SAT 4 JULY

INSPIRING YOUR HOME

STYLISH STOVES TO INSPIRE YOUR HOME

S T Y LVISIT I S H OUR S T OSHOWROOM VES T O I N S Wood P IVISIT Rburning E OUR YStoves O U•SHOWROOM R Fires H O• M E Gas Fireplaces FESTIVAL OFFICE FIND US ON:

T. 01953 333500 wymfestival.org.uk 104 | eastlife.co.uk

Wood burning Stoves • Gas Fires NR18 • Fireplaces 1 Penfold Drive, Wymondham, Norfolk, 0WZ

T.VISIT 01953 602482 www.alcosa.co.uk OUR SHOWROOM Penfold Drive, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0WZ Wood burning Stoves • Gas Fires • Fireplaces T. 01953 602482 www.alcosa.co.uk

01953 602482

Penfold Drive, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0WZ Drive, www.alcosa.co.uk Wymondham T. 019531 Penfold 602482 Norfolk, NR18 0WZ

AREA FOCUS

WANDER AROUND

WYMONDHAM

pretty market town in the Norfolk countryside, Wymondham delights visitors with its old-world charm Visitors can delve into Wymondham’s fascinating history at the Heritage Museum. This month sees the launch of two special displays; Tradition and Innovation: The Story of Market Towns, an exhibition which tells the story of the development of market towns and Britons’ changing shopping habits from the medieval period to the 21st century and Turning Back Time on Wymondham’s Main Streets, which will feature archive photographs of the six main shopping areas in the town.

featuring the work of five Norfolk artists, Martin Laurance, John Bardell, Sarah Cannell, Tor Falcon and John Midgley is the first exhibition of Wymondham Arts Centre’s 2015 season. The show runs at Becket’s Chapel from Friday 20 March to Sunday, 12 April and is open daily, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, 12noon to 5pm. Entry is free.

Wymondham is also the starting point for one of the largest preserved railways in the UK, the Mid-Norfolk Railway. From 27 to 29 March the railway will host its Spring Diesel Gala with an intensive train service, visiting locomotives and real ale on all trains. Easter egg specials will be held from 3 to 6 April.

Wymondham Music Festival Fortnight 2015 Wymondham Music Festival Fortnight returns for its 20th year from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 4 July, featuring a mix of musical styles for all ages, with a combination of open air and formal concerts and community events.

What’s on Landscape Here and Now Launches Wymondham Arts Centre’s 2015 Season Landscape Here and Now,

The annual Town Busking Day takes place on Saturday 23 May from 11am to 2pm, select a pitch in the town centre and make music for three hours.

The full exhibition programme to November is available at www.wymondhamarts.com

Festival Fortnight kicks off on 20 June with two new events: a Community Choirs competition for locals and an evening Ceilidh featuring Klezmerized! who play lively danceable music. The Festival’s largest event, the Midsummer Jazz Picnic is at Becketswell on 22 June and the Teddy Bear’s Picnic is at King’s Head Meadow on 28 June. Wymondham Abbey has a busy programme of concerts, and folk fans have a real treat in store on 26 June with singer songwriter Kathryn Williams, 2 July sees alternative folk from Glasgow’s Trembling Bells with Mike Heron of Incredible String Band fame and The Crying Lion will give a lunchtime concert on 3 July. The Festival Finale on 4 July will bring the fortnight to a resounding crescendo, with an all day programme of open-air music at venues throughout the town and an evening concert from Wymondham Symphony Orchestra in the Abbey. Keep in touch with Wymondham Music Festival at www.wymfestival.org.uk eastlife.co.uk | 105

enjoy a day out

Information correct at time of print.

Mondays to Saturdays, visit Peterborough by bus

for route, times and fares, please visit the busway website, or call us on 01480 309084.

www.thebusway.info EASTLIFE - Busway - JAN 2015.indd 1

05/01/2015 08:44:42

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

What’s on in

Cambridgeshire THEATRE & SHOWS 2-Mar Broads on the Way A comic show jam-packed with ludicrous parodies of well-known and loved musical numbers, bizarre satirical sketches and really strange dance moves! Corpus Playroom, Park Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AS. 01223 300085 2-3 Mar Lysistrata One woman’s fight to end the Peloponnesian war. The only weapon she has is sexuality but she knows how to use it. Mumford Theatre, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT. 0845 196 2320 9-14 Mar The King’s Speech The King’s Speech is the true and heart-warming story of one man’s struggle to overcome his personal affliction and deliver the now iconic speech broadcast across the globe to inspire his people. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 10-14 Mar Cabin Pressure Cabin Pressure is an adaptation of the awarding-winning BBC radio play of the same name, based on the BBC Radio 4 show “Cabin Pressure” by John Finnemore. Corpus Playroom, Park Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AS. 01223 300085 12-Mar Essence of Ireland Based on true events, Essence of Ireland is a heart breaking yet heartwarming story brought to life and set against the music and dance of Ireland, the USA and Spain. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 12-14 Mar The 39 Steps This very funny play follows the incredible adventures of a handsome hero, a stiff-upper-lip, gung-ho character who encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents and devastatingly beautiful women. Angles Theatre, Alexandra Road, Wisbech, PE13 1HQ. 01945 474447 13-Mar The Complete History of Comedy From the high-brow to the low, The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) covers comedy through the ages, from Aristophanes and

EDITOR’S CHOICE

masterpiece’ (Guardian), thrilling audiences of all ages with its blend of suspense, drama and bold stagecraft. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 17-20 Mar Dracula A modern and vibrant retelling of Bram Stoker’s original masterpiece. Mumford Theatre, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT. 0845 196 2320

The Lifestyle & Wellbeing Show Sat 9 - Sun 10 May 2015 10am-4pm ith different zones offering an amazing array of Food & Drink, Hair, Beauty & Fashion, Homes & Gardens, Health & Fitness, a Talks & Demonstrations Area where not only will you learn the Secrets from the Strictly stars, but a brand new age defying product only really seen until now by the rich & famous, a talk giving you the secret to losing weight, Live & Interactive sessions for children on self defence and another for adults, plus wine tasting, mini pamper treatments, chocolate tasting and much much more. Entry is free. Grand Arena, Wood Green, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE19 2NH www.livewellevents.co.uk

Shakespeare and Moliere to Vaudeville and Charlie Chaplin to The Daily Show and Nick Clegg. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 15-Mar An Audience with Lucy Worsley Lucy Worsley tells the story of her favourite Georgian queen, Caroline. Wife of the almost-forgotten King George II, Caroline was the fattest, funniest and cleverest queen ever to sit on the throne. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 16-21 Mar The Woman in Black The Woman in Black is a gripping theatrical exploration of terror, ‘a

18-19 Mar Pioneer Fringe First winners 2014, curious directive present a multimedia sci-fi thriller. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511 20-Mar Lee Nelson: Suited and Booted Lee Nelson is back with a brand new show. See Lee live in a series of intimate gigs as he prepares for his highly anticipated nationwide tour. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511 21-Mar Henning When: Eins, Zwei, DIY Expect a crash course in personal accountability and have a right old laugh at the same time. Wunderbar! Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QB. 01223 357851 22-Mar The iMagician After mesmerising American audiences for 12 years with his fusion of magic and technology, Jamie is now set to launch a spectacular UK tour iMagician: The Evolution of Magic. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 23-24 Mar Jekyll & Hyde Robert Louis Stevenson’s cult classic Jekyll and Hyde is reinterpreted in this modern adaptation set in an alternative London of the future. Mumford Theatre, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT. 0845 196 2320 24-28 Mar The Addams Family Join Morticia, Gomez, Lurch and Uncle Fester in this magnificently macabre new musical comedy fresh from Broadway. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239

eastlife.co.uk | 107

• CYCLES • TOYS • MODELS • DIY • CRAFT

MORE THAN THAN MORE MORE JUST JUST A JUST A BIKE BIKE SHOP SHOP SHOP ELYʼS BIGGEST BIGGEST ELYʼS DEPARTMENT STORE ELY’S BIGGEST DEPARTMENT STORE Family run run shop shop established established 40 40 years years Family DEPARTMENT STORE 7 Market Street • Ely • CB7 4PB 7 Market Street • Ely • CB7 4PB

Family run shop

01353 663131 •40www.citycyclecentre.com 01353 663131 established years

7 Market Street, Ely CB7 4PB

01353 663131 www.citycyclecentre.com

LiveWell Events The Lifestyle & Wellbeing Show EAST!

Leather Cambridge

Bags THE SPECIALIST LEATHER SHOP

FREE ENTRY ! Saturday 9th | Sunday 10th | May 2015 Grand Arena, Woodgreen, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire. If you would like to take part either as an exhibitor or a visitor, please visit

www.livewellevents.co.uk email info@livewellevents.co.uk or call the office on 07833 187701 for more information.

BOUNCY CASTLE, SOFT PLAY, FACE PAINTING ETC

TALKS & DEMONSTRATIONS ZONE

HOMES & S ZONE GARDEN FOOD & DRINK ZONE

108 | eastlife.co.uk

ESS ZONE

FITN HEALTH &

KIDS ZONE

BEAUTY, HAIR & FASHION ZONE

LARGE SELECTION OF LEATHER GOODS... • HANDBAGS • PURSES & WALLETS • BRIEFCASES

• COMPUTER BAGS • SUITCASES • TRAVEL GOODS

QUALITY REPAIR SERVICE Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm 1 SUSSEX STREET, CAMBRIDGE

01223 312 971

EASTER AT PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL

SATURDAY 4 APRIL

Tower Tours, 11am & 1.45pm £10, £8, £3 children (age 10+ only) Ground level tour, 11.30am. £7, £5

SUNDAY 5 APRIL

10.30am Cathedral Eucharist 3.30pm Festal Evensong & Procession

MONDAY 6 APRIL

Tower Tours, 11am & 1.45pm £10, £8, £3 children (age 10+ only) Ground level tour, 2.00pm. £7, £5 The Journey textile exhibition For more information call 01733 355315 or visit www.peterborough -cathedral.org.uk

KIDS EAT FREE!

WITH AN ADULT MAIN MEAL PURCHASED FROM THE MAIN MENU

PLEASE SHOW THIS VOUCHER TO RECEIVE OFFER Terms and Conditions: One free child’s meal from the Kid’s or Junior’s Menu when an adult main course is purchased from the main menu. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, promotion, discount or set menu including Breakfast/Lunch/Specials Menu. No voucher required. Valid until 1/06/15.

www.frankieandbennys.com eastlife.co.uk | 109

2015 plays

June 2nd - August 22nd 2015 Season at Tolethorpe Hall

Henry V Romeo & Juliet Tom Jones based on the novel by Henry Fielding

Take your seat protected from summer showers beneath the permanent canopy and see a stage like no other ...

Open Air Theatre Relax and enjoy a performance in the comfort of an indoor theatre with an outdoor setting.

www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk 110 | eastlife.co.uk

poster_

DL 22/09/2

014 14:53 Page 1

Stamford Shak Season espeare 2015

Henry V Romeo & Julie t Tom Jone s Based on by Henry the novel Fieldin g

â&#x2DC;&#x17D;

RUTL RUTLAND AND OPEN OPEN

BOX

AIR AIR THEA THEATRE TOLE TRE TOLETHOR THORPE

PE HALL OFFICE HALL www.s tamford : 01780 756133 shakes peare.c o.uk

Box Office: 01780 756133 Brochure: 01780 480216

CAMBRIDGESHIRE 25-28 Mar Mischief Inspired by real events, Mischief is a play about a celebrated actor, now in a retirement home, struggling to come to terms with his failing powers and the reasons for his varied success. Corpus Playroom, Park Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AS. 01223 300085 25-Mar The Vienna Festival Ballets 25th Anniversary Gala Vienna Festival Ballet celebrates their 35th Anniversary. They will present highlights from the world’s most beloved Tchaikovsky ballets which have featured in their repertoire over the past 35 years. The Priory Centre, St Neots, Cambs, PE19 2BH. 01482 388922 28-Mar An Evening of Burlesque Come and enjoy Britain’s biggest burlesque extravaganza – we dare you! Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QB. 01223 357851 28-Mar Austentatious Undoubtedly one of the most talkedabout shows on the UK comedy scene, Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel is a comedy play spun in the inimitable style of Jane Austen. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511

23-Mar Lady Maisery + Jess Morgan Forged from the voices of Hannah James, Hazel Askew and Rowan Rheingans, Lady Maisery explore vocal harmony to breathtaking effect, through their fresh interpretations of songs and ballads. Cambridge Folk Club, The Golden Hind, Cambridge, CB4 1SP. 01638 603986

24 Mar - 6 Sep Treasured Possessions From Renaissance To Enlightenment A dazzling journey through the decorative arts: from the hand-crafted luxuries of the Renaissance to the first stirrings of mass commerce in the Enlightenment. The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RB. 01223 332900

25-Mar Anglia Ruskin Orchestra & Chorus For their spring concert Anglia Ruskin Orchestra and Chorus present a programme of instrumental and vocal music from the twentieth century. Mumford Theatre, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT. 0845 196 2320

24 Mar - 6 Sep Eighteenth-century gold boxes from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection Fashionable among both men and women, these exquisite and elegant containers were one of the most popular accessories in eighteenthcentury Europe. The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RB. 01223 332900

26-Mar Tommy Smith and Brian Kellock Two of Scotland’s greatest jazz artists, saxophonist Tommy Smith and pianist Brian Kellock, team up to create a beautiful and imaginative duo. Hidden Rooms, Jesus Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8BA. 01223 514777

27-Mar Larry Miller Band Larry Miller is undeniably one of the must see blues/rock guitarists. He holds the record for the most encores at The Cambridge Rock Festival and continues to wow audiences at UK and European Festivals. The Junction, MUSIC Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 3-Mar Michale McGoldrick, John Mc01223 511511 Cusker & John Doyle A rare chance to see three of the 28-Mar Buble Fever world’s finest musicians share a stage Charming and utterly gorgeous it’s together. The Junction, Clifton Way, no wonder that Rickie Arthur is being Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511 dubbed the UK’s ‘one to watch.’ Considered by many to be the world’s 10-Mar Dr John & the Nite Trippers No 1 Michael Buble show. The Cresset, The legendary Dr. John is a six-time Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 GRAMMY® Award-winning musician 8DX 01733 265705 and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Cambridge Corn Exchange, 28-Mar Ely Choral Society Concert Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QB. Ely Choral Society and the Ely Youth 01223 357851 Choir will join with soloists from the Dimitri Ensemble and be accompa14-Mar Cambridge Philharmonic nied by the English Cornett and SackA concert of premieres from three of but Ensemble to perform the Vespers Britian’s most celebrated composers of 1610 by Claudio Monteverdi. Ely – Dove, Patterson and Howarth. West Cathedral, Chapter House, Ely, CB7 Road Concert Hall, 11 West Road, 4DL. 01353 660349 Cambridge, CB3 9DP. 01223 335184 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 7-28 Mar The Field: Spring 2015 18-Mar Russell Watson Spring Fresh Contemporary LandRussell is officially the UK’s best selling scapes from Adrian Parnell, Ann classical artist ever and has won four Armitage, Arthur Neal, Jane Skingley, Classical BRITS. Cambridge Corn ExLouise Balaam & Stephen Palmer. change, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, Lynne Strover Gallery, Fen Ditton, CB2 3QB. 01223 357851 Cambridge, CB5 8ST. 01223 295264 21-Mar Mendelssohn’s Elijah 17 Mar - 21 Jun New Rhythms Stamford Choral along with the Royal In spring 2015 Kettle’s Yard will presLeamington Spa Bach Choir and the ent a major exhibition to mark the Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra, centenary of the death of the sculptor will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s great Henri Gaudier- Brzeska (1891–1915). oratorio Elijah. Peterborough CatheKettle’s Yard, Castle Street, Camdral, Peterborough, PE1 1XS. bridge, CB3 0AQ. 01223 748100 01733 355315

24 Mar - 6 Sep A Young Man’s Progress An impressive display of five modern photographic recreations - printed to large scale - telling the fictional story of Matthew Smith, a young man from North London, who is obsessed with clothes. The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RB. 01223 332900 SPECIAL EVENTS 9-22 Mar Cambridge Science Festival 2015 has been designated International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies by UNESCO. It’s looking forward to celebrating this global initiative with a great selection of light themed events planned. www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/ events. Various Locations, Cambridge, CB2 1RP. 01223 766766 13-Mar Banff Mountain Film Festival Attracting sold out audiences across the globe, the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival is visiting Peterborough for the first time with a brand new selection of extraordinary short films from the world’s leading adventure film makers. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 20-21 Mar Peterborough Festival of Antiques Started in 1999, this twice yearly event has now grown into one of the largest showground Antiques Fairs in the country. East Of England Showground, Peterborough,Cambs, PE2 6XE. 01664 812627 28-29 Mar Plato Weekend The Day with Plato has been a popular annual event for years. Immerse yourself in the ever fresh and inspiring wisdom that comes from exploration of Plato’s dialogues. Newnham College, Sidgewick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DF. 0845 450 3688

eastlife.co.uk | 111

Unforgettable Fireworks Finale to end such a special day

www.fireworksdisplayteam.co.uk

Each show is uniquely designed for your special occasion, to give your guests a spectacular sensory experience they will not forget ! 0r... you could visit our sh showroom with over 150 ďŹ reworks to choose from for your own DIY display

Your local computer experts PC and Laptop Repairs l New and Refurbished computers l Virus removal and diagnostics l Ink Cartridges l

Tel 01945 463857

info@fireworksdisplayteam.co.uk

76 Broad Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4BE

www.elycomputers.co.uk

Your own lane into Cambridge Cambridge has one of the most advanced Park & Ride services in the UK.

Dedicated bus lanes throughout the city make Park & Ride one of the most reliable ways to get in and out. Buses depart every 10 minutes. Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call 01223 845561

The quick way in and out of Cambridge

112 | eastlife.co.uk CambridgePark&Ride_OwnLane_107x71_10-14.indd 1

17/10/2014 13:40

AREA FOCUS

MARCH IN

MARCH

iscover the Fens this spring with a trip to March

Once upon a time, the pretty market town of March was an island surrounded by marshes. As the land was drained and made more fertile, the town grew and flourished and today is a great place to visit for exploring the River Nene. The river winds through the town centre, passing the park and riverside gardens and is often busy with colourful boats cruising the Fenland waterways. For a historic insight into the old course of the River Nene, follow the Riverside Trail. The walk begins at the Town Bridge and takes in the views and sights of March such as Broad Street, the War Memorial and The Fountain. The river is a popular place for boaters to stop with free moorings available. In the town centre Broad Street is lined with shops and is headed by an elaborate fountain, which was erected to commemorate the coronation of King George V.

Attractions March lies between the towns of Wisbech and Chatteris, which are both worth a visit while you’re in the area. Steeped in history, Wisbech is renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture. Many large fashionable houses were built along the ‘Brinks’ of the river for wealthy bankers, merchants, warehouse owners and members of the professional classes. Pevsner Architectural Guides described the North Brink in Wisbech as ‘one of the most perfect Georgian Streets of England’. Unsurprisingly, this elegant streetscape has already featured in several period films and TV dramas. The Wisbech & Fenland Museum houses a number of important collections relating to local history and the anti-slavery campaigner Thomas Clarkson. The National Heritage site of Peckover House and Garden is a hidden gem with a nice café. Nearby, the small town of Chat-

teris offers a range of amenities, good community spirit and busy street market on a Friday. The town museum’s extensive collection is exhibited in a building shared with the Town Council in Church Lane, while a couple of large houses and estates belonging to the National Trust such as Wimpole Hall and Oxborough Hall are within driving distance. Food and drink You’ll find a good range of High Street and independent stores as well as two weekly markets held on a Wednesday and a Saturday. Specialist markets also appear throughout the year including Italian, French and Christmas. If you’re stopping by for a spot to eat, there is a great choice of restaurants such as Classics Restaurant, which comes highly recommended by Trip Advisor and dining with a view at the Riverside Fish and Chip Café. eastlife.co.uk | 113

INGATESTONE HALL Hall Lane, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9NR

(off the London end of Ingatestone High St.) 16th Century manor house & grounds with a wealth of history. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC from Easter, Sunday, Wednesday and Bank Holiday Afternoons (Noon - 5p.m.) until the end of September.

Adults - £6 * Pensioners - £5 Children (over 5) - £2.50 Guided tours available for groups at other times by prior appointment.

FORTHCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

O.I.E.O £500,000 Large 4 bed detached, fantastic location, large plot, double garage, walk in dressing room, and en-suite, all double bedrooms, 140' frontage, priced to sell! 147 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, CO13 9AH Telephone: 01255 676565, Fax: 01255 851462 E-mail: leeparsons@trowbridgesales.com www.trowbridgeestates.co.uk

March 25 - 28 Early Doors Productions present THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (7.45 p.m) For tickets, email early.doors@hotmail.co.uk April 11 CONCERT – Jackie Pittman & Guests

For more information, see our website:

www.ingatestonehall.com

Tel. 01277 353010

Email: house@ingatestonehall.co.uk

INTERIORS s GIFTS www.justlikewendys.co.uk

Shop Online from the comfort of your home!

Romans, Victorians, potters, industrial pioneers, soldiers, birds and bees - what will you discover?

FREE PARKING AND ADMISSION FOR ALL THE FAMILY ! Until 22 March, ‘On Show’ exhibition of art, textiles and jewellery, by the Hive Artist Studios for opening times

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums Phone 01245 605700 114 | eastlife.co.uk

ESSEX

What’s on in

Essex

THEATRE & SHOWS 1-Mar Rigoletto Opera Rigoletto is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi, set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, and based on the play “Le Roi s’amuse” by Victor Hugo. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633 1-Mar Champions of Magic Join the award-winning team of tricksters for a spectacular night of mystery that’ll keep you guessing for a long time to come. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 2-7 Mar And Then There Were None Ten guilty strangers are trapped on an island. One by one they are accused of murder and one by one they start to die. The Old Court Theatre, 233 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6JT. 01245 606505 3-7 Mar Chess The Musical The story of a love triangle between two grandmasters - one American, one Russian - and a Hungarian-born American woman, set against the backdrop of a politically-driven, Cold War-era chess tournament. Brentwood Theatre, 15 Shenfield Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AG. 01277 200305 6-Mar One Man Breaking Bad LA actor Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super-charged, hilariously accurate renditions of all the iconic characters, including Walter White, Jesse, Saul, Skyler, Hank, Walt Junior, Mike and Gus Fring. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road , Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 9-14 Mar The Business of Murder An acclaimed psychological thriller from the pen of Richard Harris (The Sweeney, A Touch Of Frost,The Avengers) which enjoyed a successful 9-year run in the West End. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 10-Mar La Traviata A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, La Traviata is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Easter Egg Hunt at Blake House Craft Centre 3 - 6 April n Easter Egg Hunt, full of egg-citement comes to Blake House Craft Centre this holiday time. From Good Friday to Easter Monday its celebrating with Easter fun for the kids throughout the bank holiday weekend. The Craft Centre will open its doors at 10am each day with lots of activities for the kids. On Saturday 4, join the Teddy Bears Picnic & Family Fun Day with Bear-Olympics, meet the bears with green screen effects, stalls & more. All of its exclusive shops will be open all weekend, full of Easter gifts and inspiration as well as Timbers Restaurant. Blake House Craft Centre, Blake End, Nr Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA Tel: 01376 344123

www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk

14-Mar El Llanto Se Mueve Flamenco dancers Jairo Barrull and Irene ‘La Sentio’ evoke the pure essence of flamenco’s soul: el llanto (the cry). Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 16-Mar Essence of Ireland Based on a true story, Essence of Ireland is a heart breaking yet heartwarming story brought to life and set against the music and dance of Ireland, the USA and Spain. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333 19-Mar Tiger Lillies The Grammy nominated Godfathers of alternative cabaret are back on a tour with a show celebrating 25 years of dark and deviant theatrics. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135

21-Mar Secret Love A Sentimental Journey through the Life and Music of Doris Day. West Cliff Theatre, Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1LE. 01255 433344 22-Mar Henning Wehn - Eins, Zwei, DIY Expect a crash course in personal accountability and have a right old laugh at the same time! Wunderbar! The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 23-Mar Oysters Combining historical fact and contemporary fiction, Oysters is a tale of sex, bivalve molluscs and marine engineering. Cramphorn, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 24-Mar Dylan Moran Dylan Moran star of Black Books, Shaun of the Dead and Calvary is back with his new stand up show. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 26-28 Mar Bouncers Lucky Eric, Judd, Les and Ralph are the original men in black as they tell the tale of one night in a Yorkshire disco in the 80s in this outrageous parody of Saturday Night Fever! Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 28-Mar One Man Breaking Bad - The Unofficial Parody tour LA actor Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super-charged, crazily accurate renditions of all the iconic characters, including Walter White, Jesse, Saul, Skyler, Hank, Walt Junior, Mike and Gus Fring. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 28-Mar Essence of Ireland Based on true events, Essence of Ireland is a heart breaking yet heartwarming story brought to life and set against the music and dance of Ireland, the USA and Spain. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-onSea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633 30-31 Mar Swan Lake The ballet is a favourite of ballerinas and audiences alike; it is the ultimate fairy tale ballet. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333

eastlife.co.uk | 115

Bed Month 240x168mm (EL)_Layout 1 23/02/2015 10:34 Page 1

MARCH IS NATIONAL BED MONTH!

‘BIG DEALS’ for

BED MONTH...

5’ for the price of a 4’6” on all divan sets during bed month*

% off

s all headdbpuorcahard sed with every be onth* during bed m

Normally £3099

Maple 5’ (150cm) drawer divan set • PURE NATURAL FILLINGS

£1599

4’6” (135cm) 4 drawer divan set. Normally £2599 BED MONTH

EAST LIFE - MAR15

5 extra

off

£1599

Chelmsford and Braintree

on any new divan set purchased...

with this voucher

*Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until 27th March 2015.

off

linens vouche r

with every be d purchased during bed m onth*

Plus...

• Free Delivery • Low Cost Disposal • Interest Free Credit Ask for full details. *All Bed Month offers valid until

Friday 27th March 2015

220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford

01245 490101

George Yard, 9/15 Rayne Road, Braintree

01376 321303 /chelmsfordstarcoop

Design by circlelinedesign.co.uk

@CStarCoop

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

ESSEX 30 Mar - 1 Apr Horrible Histories Barmy Britain Part Two Escape the clutches of Burke and Hare and move to the groove with Queen Victoria! Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in! Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 MUSIC 1-Mar Chelmsford Jazz Club: Harry Allen Quartet The Chelmsford Jazz Club presents a performance by the Harry Allen Quartet, taking place in the Cramphorn Studio. Cramphorn, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 3-Mar Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Steeleye Span’s erstwhile legendary fiddle player and his fabulous trio, hailed by Songlines magazine as “another milestone in folk’s rebirth of cool”, are back. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333 5-Mar Martin Simpson Nominated for Musician of the Year and for Best Album with ‘Vagrant Stanzas’ BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014. Cramphorn, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 8-Mar Richard & Adam At The Movies Following a sell-out tour to over 15,000 people and wowing the nation with their extraordinary harmonies on Britain’s Got Talent, sensational Welsh singing brothers Richard and Adam are back. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 9-Mar Collabro + Guests Collabro are an English musical theatre boy band who took the Britain’s Got Talent judges and viewers breath away with their renditions of classic tracks. Joining them is Britain’s Got Talent runner up Lucy Kay. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 11-Mar Katherine Jenkins Cherished as one of Britain’s favourite singers, Welsh mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins has achieved meteoric success. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135

of her career, she is still proving to be one of the most powerful and versatile vocal talents of our generation. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 13-Mar A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix and The Cream Paying homage to these first ‘Super Groups’ are ‘Voodoo Room,’ an exciting classic power trio featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians. Braintree Arts Theatre, Notley Road, Braintree, CM7 1WY. 01376 556354 20-Mar Dr FeelGood Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr. Feelgood remains one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts in the world. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea , SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 21-Mar The King of Pop: Navi Along with his live band and dancers, Navi brilliantly recreates all the Jackson classics in a show that will take you closer than you ever imagined to an original Jackson concert. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633 22-Mar Placebo Placebo have now survived nearly 20 years of love, hate, blood, sweat, tears, break ups and harmony all the whilst toting up over 1 million album sales in the UK, and over 12 million albums sold worldwide. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 26-Mar The Billy Joel Songbook Following on from his highly-acclaimed New York and Philadelphia ‘Billy Joel Original Touring Band concerts’, Elio Pace delivers this sensational tour celebrating the phenomenal music of Billy Joel. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 27-Mar Elkie Brooks Quite simply one of the most successful and popular singers the UK has ever produced. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135

11-Mar Steeleye Span Folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span are touring with a new live show. Maddy Prior the voice of Steeleye leads a lineup featuring faces old and new. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945

29-Mar London Swing Orchestra A fabulous programme of Swing Music spanning over 50 years and featuring the hit music of Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darrin, Nat King Cole, Louis Prima etc. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333

13-Mar Elkie Brooks Quite simply one of the most successful and popular singers the UK has ever produced. Now in the 5th decade

29-Mar Philharmonia Orchestra Strings This concert showcases the talents of the Philharmonia’s concert master, Zsolt-Tihamér Visontay. Civic Theatre,

Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 14 Mar - 31 May Carla Zaccagnini: Elements of Beauty & The Parliament of Things A solo exhibition of new work by Carla Zaccagnini will open alongside a group exhibition by eight contemporary artists: Pedro Barateiro, Mariana Castillo Deball, Maria Loboda, Simon Martin, Melvin Moti, Christodoulos Panayiotou, Paul Sietsema, Lucy Skaer. firstsite, Lewis Gardens, Colchester, CO1 1JH. 0206 577067 16 Mar-12 Apr Ruhleben Exhibition Hyde Hall Garden will be exhibiting the history of the Ruhleben Horticulture Society, put together by the RHS Lindley Library and the Garden Museum. RHS Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET. 0845 6121253 26-Mar Lunchtime Curator’s Talk: A Tour of the Winter Warmers costume exhibition A Tour of the Winter Warmers costume exhibition with Ciara Phipps Assistant Curator of Social History. Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southendon-Sea, SS2 6EX. 01702 212511 SPECIAL EVENTS 1-31 Mar Essex Book Festival 2015 The programme this year includes the ever popular crime writer/poet Sophie Hannah and iconic comic poet Pam Ayres, through to ex-Home Secretary Labour MP Alan Johnson, Winner of The Orwell Prize 2014, and debut author Jessie Burton, Winner of the Waterstones Book of the Year 2014. www.essexbookfestival.org.uk Various Locations, Essex, CO4 3SQ. 01206 872618 14-Mar Science and Engineering Event Try out hands on science activities including simple circuit building, catapult design, bridge construction. Sandford Mill, Chelmer Village, Chelmsford, CM2 6NY. 01245 605700 21-Mar Battle through the ages! From Romans to the present day, this fun-packed day shows how warfare has changed over the last 2,000 years. You will have the chance to shoot arrows and take part in other fun activities, with re-enactors and military vehicles.Colchester Castle, Castle Park, Colchester , CO1 1TJ. 01206 282939 21-22 Mar Spring Food & Home Fair The Fair returns for the 3rd year with a range of Food, Home and Craft Stalls, a full weekend’s programme of Cookery Demonstrations. Cressing Temple Barns, Nr Witham, Essex, CM77 8PD. 01206 263088

eastlife.co.uk | 117

w w w . t e c - k i t c h e n s . c o m Wycke Hill Business Park | Wycke Hill | Maldon | Essex CM9 6WH Tel: 01621 850115 | Email: kitchens@tec-supplies.com Part of the Tec Supplies Group Limited

East Life Magazine TK Advert 148x210mm.indd 1

13/02/2015 11:23

AREA FOCUS

DISCOVER

MALDON T

he ancient Essex town of Maldon has a rich and varied history just waiting to be explored If you’ve lived in Essex most of your life then its likely you’ve visited Maldon and its estuary but there’s so much more to be discovered. Maldon, where the salt comes from? Salt has been made on the East Coast of Essex for over 2,000 years. The remains of Roman salt works can be found dotted along the north and south banks of the Blackwater Estuary. Known as ‘Red Hills’, they are evidence of the process whereby river water was evaporated in clay pots producing salt crystals, a valuable commodity. Nowadays, the family run Maldon Salt Company, founded in 1823, still uses the salty waters of the River Blackwater to produce the soft white salt flakes favoured by many international chefs. There is much more to Maldon District than its salt. The River Blackwater and its surroundings

has long been a tourist attraction. In Edwardian times visitors came for the ‘bracing air’ and healthy saltwater bathing. Now the activities on offer are sailing trips, wildlife watching and leisurely strolls along the sea wall. S is for sky, sailing, saltmarsh & smuggling The 75mile coastline is remote and peaceful and when the tide goes out, the river belongs to the wading birds, busily searching for food in the rich mudflats. As the tide comes in, all changes, and the river is paradise for boating enthusiasts. The majestic Thames Sailing Barges take over the water carrying pleasure-seeking passengers enjoying the days of traditional sail. In days gone by, smugglers landed contraband along the shores of the rivers Crouch and Blackwater, bringing their boats into the maze of creeks and

inlets under cover of darkness. They used their local knowledge to outwit the customs men, often hiding the smuggled goods in churches, or floating bottles of gin and brandy on rafts down the river to be collected when the coast was clear. A is for air, atmosphere and activity Beyond the towns and villages of the Dengie peninsula is a remote and lonely coastline where it’s possible to walk for hours, alone with the sound of the sea and the call of the birds. This is the home of thousands of overwintering birds who are particularly drawn to the shell bank near Bradwell or the wetlands on the opposite side of the estuary at Tollesbury. On the tip of the peninsula, isolated and dwarfed by the open flat landscape and expanse of sky is St Peter’s on the Wall, one of the oldest Saxon chapels in England. Step inside and be surprised by the high vaulted ceiling and sense of peace. Burnham-on-Crouch by contrast, with its independent shops, eastlife.co.uk | 119

SLEEPERS

MAYDAYS

ESTATE SERVICES LTD

01206 386842 GREENHOUSES

GARAGE DOORS

All types of garden work undertaken Inc: Trees, patios and decking Please call for free quotes No job too small

ALL TYPES OF FENCING SUPPLIED OR INSTALLED

PERGOLAS/ARCHES

GARDEN EDGING HAYCOCKS LANE, WEST MERSEA ESSEX, CO5 8SS TEL/FAX: 01206 386842 MAYDAYS@BTINTERNET.COM

ALL GATE TYPES

AREA FOCUS

T is for trips, tea & trails Heybridge Basin bustles with visitors enjoying pubs, tearoom and boats. The Lock tearoom on a pontoon jutting into the estuary offers traditional cream teas made with the world famous Tiptree preserves. Return by boat along the peaceful Chelmer and Blackwater canal and admire the variety of craft moored along the towpath.

red roofed houses, museums and historic pubs, is a popular yachting centre and draws hundreds of visitors in August to Burnham Week, established as the main East Coast Regatta. Just across the river from Burnham and reached by the foot ferry, is Wallasea Island, due to expand into one of the largest RSPB nature reserves. Watch as the tide comes in and the birds fly up towards you. L is for light lunch Food from the sea has always been an important part of local life and the tradition continues with oysters still being grown at Goldhanger. Lunch on board a Thames Sailing Barge tastes so much better when combined with the sound of the breeze in the sails and far reaching views of the maritime landscape as the barge gently makes its way out of the estuary towards the open sea.

Maldon has a rich history and is packed with places to visit. If you are making a day trip to Maldon there are a number of Museums within walking distance. The Moot Hall opens for guided tours and visitors are taken onto the roof to view the rooftops of the town and the River Blackwater. A short walk down the High Street takes you to The Maldon Museum, which houses the Fat Man of Maldon’s waistcoat and a Penny Farthing, and there’s the awardwinning Combined Military Services Museum, which displays the history of the armed forces in uniforms, weapons and other artefacts. Generations of families have enjoyed the fun of the award-winning Promenade Park on the bank of the River Blackwater. Bring a picnic and enjoy the boating lake, splash park, adventure play and orienteering trail. And as a souvenir of your visit why not take home a box of Maldon Sea Salt! To help you get the most out of your visit contact Maldon Tourist Information Centre for information for things to see and do. Tel: 01621 856503 www.visitimaldondistrict.co.uk/discover

The view of Maldon from the River has been made iconic by the many photographers who visit the area. The Barges themselves are much painted and photographed and visitors enjoy capturing the different light effects on the saltmarshes. The marshland village of Tillingham with its traditional weather-boarded cottages and village pump is the perfect place to stop for lunch. Stroll around the delightful village green and admire the church, which dates from the 11th century. The villages of Goldhanger and Tollesbury are tucked into the creeks on the north side of the Blackwater Estuary. The restored Edwardian sailing lofts at Tollesbury are a reminder of the region’s maritime heritage. Stay for refreshments in the tearoom, see the yacht harbour or take a stroll around the nearby RSPB reserve.

eastlife.co.uk | 121

THE

FLOWER PATCH

Special Flowers FOR MOTHERS DAY MARCH 15TH

123-125 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

We are proud to announce the opening of Essex’s most insparational kitchen showroom. Covering over 2000sqft and showcasing over 8 fully built, quality kitchens. We have a design for all tastes and budgets.

01621 857592 138 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BX www.theflowerpatchmaldon.co.uk

“Probably the best kitchen showroom I have ever been to”

Rooms Inc offer a personal and bespoke complete kitchen solution from your very first ideas to the very last soft close of the drawer. Designed, created and installed for life - call in to our showroom now to book your free, no obligation exciting design consultation and receive:

10% OFF

THE TOTAL PRICE OF YOUR NEW KITCHEN (Excluding Appliances) Use Reference ROOMS022015

CALL 01621 858255 or visit WWW.ROOMSINC.COM

CONTEMPORARY & ELEGANT DESIGNS Gold, Silver and Platinum jewellery Diamonds, precious and semi-precious gems Handmade jewellery created from your ideas Engagement, wedding and dress rings Repairs and alterations

BOUTIQUE CAKE SHOP

AWARD WINNING CELEBRATION CAKES & CUPCAKES

Re-modelling of old jewellery

TOP PRICES PAID

For all GOLD (including old or broken) plus SECOND HAND JEWELLERY and WATCHES PERFECT GIFTS FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE Repair specialists - for all makes of watches Specialist Rolex servicing by an independent Rolex trained technician, with full access to all available parts.

107 High Street, Maldon, Essex CM9 5EP For information call 01621 859969 or email mitchellsjewellers@hotmail.co.uk

www.mitchellsjewellers.com 122 | eastlife.co.uk

Also offering a wide range of cake decorating equipment and Cake Classes Call for a chat about your Wedding cake or arrange a meeting.

Tel: 01621 843323 Kings Head Centre, 38 High st, Maldon, CM95PN

WWW.LOTTIEANDJAKES.COM

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Whether you are local, visiting the area, meeting for business, or dining with friends or family, why not join us for a leisurely breakfast, light lunch or relaxed dinner, or simply catch up over a coffee or glass of wine. See our Menus on our website and contact us by phone or email to book for a scrumptious meal.

Wedding Reception & Party Venue

A beautiful, relaxed, stylish & intimate venue in the heart of the picturesque Georgian village of Woburn. Celebrate with a select number of guests or hire on an exclusive basis (seating for up to 65 people).

A Meeting Place

Planning a business lunch or catching up with friends or family? Free WiFi available in a relaxed & welcoming setting.

Events

Free live jazz from the fabulous “Jazz Brothers” alternate Sundays 12.00pm – 3.00pm. Regular classical music and live opera evenings. Please check our website for details of all our events. Woburn Brasserie, 13 Bedford Street, Woburn MK17 9QB Tel: 01525 290260 Email: info@woburnbrasserie.co.uk www.woburnbrasserie.co.uk www.facebook.com/woburnbrasserie www.twitter.com @WoburnBrasserie Mon 10am - 3pm, Tue to Fri 10am - 3pm & 6pm - 9.30pm Saturday 10am - 3pm & 6pm - 10pm, Sunday 10am - 3pm

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING: Attend our Supper Club from 18:00 2 Starters, 2 Mains, Dessert to share – all for £30!

SEE PEPPA PIG

EASTER MONDAY 6TH APRIL

FREE

GUIDEBOOK! ––––

with every family, single or All Inclusive ticket purchased

Just off Junction 13 of the M1 (MK17 9QN) or the A5 (MK43 0XB). See website for opening hours. www.woburnsafari.co.uk info@woburnsafari.co.uk Telephone: 01525 290407 124J2536 | eastlife.co.uk WSP Eastlife Mag ad 148x107_13Feb15.indd

13/02/2015 16:12

BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS

What’s on in

Beds, Bucks & Herts THEATRE & SHOWS 3-Mar Jimmy Carr’s Funny Business Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition; stay for the knob gags. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 5-Mar One Man Breaking Bad: The Unauthorised Parody LA actor Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super-charged, crazily accurate renditions of all the iconic characters, including Walter White, Jesse, Saul, Skyler, Hank, Walt Junior, Mike and Gus Fring. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800 6-Mar Champions of Magic Join the award winning team of tricksters for a spectacular night of mystery that will keep you guessing for a long time to come. Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD. 01727 844488 6-7 Mar Albert Herring Albert is a socially gauche misfit who is forced to choose between remaining under his mother’s thumb and experiencing freedom and love in this witty and touching opera. The Court Theatre, Station Road, Tring, HP23 5QY. 8-Mar Anton & Erin: That’s Entertainment The UK’s favourite dance couple combine the sophisticated elegance of their quick step, foxtrot, tango and waltz with showbiz razzmatazz. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UG. 0844 871 7607 10-14 Mar All My Sons Joe and Kate Keller, an all American couple, are living with the ghosts of World War II. An investigation of honesty, guilt and the corrupting power of greed. Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. 01923 235455 13-Mar Alan Davies: Little Victories Much lauded as resident dunderhead on QI or the charming but reticent

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Jo Caulfield: Uninformed Opinions at The Stables Sunday 22 March at 8pm pure stand-up comedy. There are no gimmicks – simply Jo and her biting acerbic tongue. This is the show for anyone who has ever wanted to scream: “Please shut up – you don’t know what you are talking about!” Audiences can expect razor-sharp observations and scandalous one-liners, as Jo shares her opinions on everything from women who always pick the wrong partner and men who continually quote gangster films, to families arguing on trains and the growth of passive-aggressive corporate friendliness. Tickets: £15

The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU Tel: 01908 280800 www.stables.org

crime solver Jonathan Creek. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333

18-21 Mar The Last of the Haussmans This is a savage, hilarious and moving portrait of a dysfunctional family. Modern British theatre at its very best! Queen Mother Theatre, Walsworth Road, Hitchin, SG4 9SP. 01462 455166 19-20 Mar Living With Luke Autistic teeenager Luke struggles with communication. So what’s a Dad to do? Wrestle the Autistic Shadow that’s what! Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG. 01279 710200 19-Mar Chinese New Year Extravaganza A unique and exciting show of cultural spectacle; featuring a team of performers direct from China displaying an array of amazing acrobatic and kung fu skills. The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200 19-Mar The Circus of Horrors The show that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent is performed by an almighty cast with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek. Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS. 01992 531500 20-Mar Alun Cochrane: Me Neither Following a sold out run at the Edinburgh festival, the ray of sunshine himself returns to the Get Stuffed stage to perform his cheerfully miserable stand up. The Court Theatre, Station Road, Tring, HP23 5QY.

15-Mar La Traviata A tragic tale of searing passion, La Traviata is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 0845 0753993

21-Mar Reduced Shakespeare The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) covers comedy through the ages, from Aristophanes and Shakespeare and Moliere to Vaudeville and Charlie Chaplin and Nick Clegg. Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS. 01992 531500

17-21 Mar The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-time Winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards, this highly-acclaimed National Theatre production, embarks on its first ever nationwide tour. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UG. 0844 871 7607

22-Mar Jo Caulfield: Uniformed Opinions This is for anyone who has ever wanted to scream: “Please shut up – you don’t know what you are talking about!” The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800

eastlife.co.uk | 125

BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS 23-Mar Park This critically acclaimed production presents a breathtaking collision of highly acute physical theatre, text, athletic dance and funky music. Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. 01923 235455 27-Mar Gina Yashere: Laugh Riot A former lift engineer, Gina made her comedy debut at the Edinburgh Festival in 1996 and went on to sell out shows across the world. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 0845 0753993 29-Mar Alan Carr: Yap, Yap, Yap! The BAFTA and British Comedy Award winning comedian, author and chat show supremo returns to his stand up roots with his hilarious take on life. Yap it up! Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD. 01727 844488 31-Mar An Evening with Gervase Phinn Gervase Phinn will have you on the edge of your seat, as he shares his hilarious and sometimes poignant tales of life as a schools inspector in the Yorkshire Dales. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800 31 Mar - 1 Apr The End of The Affair The year is 1939. Britain is at war. And a tumultuous, passionate, illicit and sexually liberating love affair is about to begin that will carry a tragic price tag. A stunning adaptation of Graham Greene’s award-winning novel. The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200 MUSIC 4-Mar Que Pasa Our resident Jazz Quartet, Que Pasa, visit the Rhodes once more playing Latin jazz, classic standards, originals, contemporary jazz and more. Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Rd, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG. 01279 710200 7-Mar The Violin Sings: Andrew Hubbard in Concert With instrument in hand and music in the air – performing for friends old and new – expect a magical, humorous and heart warming journey through the greatest violin classics and hits from stage and screen. Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD. 01727 844488 8-Mar Melvyn Tan This promises to be a thrilling and spell-binding recital. Melvyn Tan is acknowledged to be one of the world’s top pianists and reviews unanimously acknowledge his phenomenal technical skills and scintillating virtuosity. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800

11-Mar The Tiger Lillies The Grammy nominated Godfathers of alternative cabaret are back on a tour with a show celebrating 25 years of dark and deviant theatrics. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon MK17 8LU 01908 280800

Europe alongside prestigious artists such as Robert Plant and Porcupine Tree. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800

12-Mar Big Band is Back! The English National Jazz Orchestra, a stunning swing big band, returns to Hertford Theatre, featuring the amazing vocals of Beverley Stone. Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS. 01992 531500

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 1-31 Mar Carol Wylde: Art SpacePastel Landscapes Carol Wylde’s landscapes will take us to faraway places like Nebraska, Costa Rica, Africa, Burma, but also close to home – Dorset and Saffron Walden. Bishop’s Stortford Museum, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG. 01279 710200

14-Mar Watford Philharmonic Society Watford Philharmonic is pleased to welcome Lara Melda, BBC Young Musician of the Year 2010 who will perform Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 0845 0753993

3-26 Mar Spirit of the Earth Combining the original hand-pulled prints of established print maker Kim Major-George with connecting poems by the contemporary poet Steve Thorp. Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EW. 01462 670788

16-Mar Nathan Carter Nathan has become the singing sensation of the new century. A young man who has now captivated audiences all over Ireland, The UK and beyond since he burst on to the scene in 2009. Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD. 01727 844488

7-14 Mar Anthony Mackay The much anticipated return for one of the original members. The painter and architect takes over the gallery space for one week only. The Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QP. 01234 346995

17-Mar Philharmonia Orchestra: 20th Anniversary Gala Concert Ashkenazy showcases Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony as part of his international series marking the composer’s 150th Anniversary. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ. 01234 269519 21-Mar Soul Legends An all-star cast of talented singers and musicians, elaborate costumes and jaw-dropping choreography truly revive everyone’s favourite soul classics. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333 24-Mar An Intimate Evening with Russell Watson Russell Watson is one of the biggest selling classical artistes of all time. His debut album The Voice spent a record breaking 53 weeks at Number 1 in the UK Classical music charts. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UG. 0844 871 7607 25-Mar Ray Quinn Many know Ray Quinn as one of the stars of X Factor in 2006, where he shot to fame for his insurmountable talent and exuberant, lovable personality. The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200 27-Mar Karnataka Winning plaudits from Radio 2’s Bob Harris and Rick Wakeman, Karnataka have performed in the UK, USA and

16 Mar - 9 Apr Wycombe Court Artists A lively and varied exhibition of painting, ceramics, glass & sculpture by this popular group of local artists: Julie Wetenhall, Sue Fawthrop, Caroline Selvey, John Ashton & Tim Robinson. Obsidian Art, Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5XJ. 01296 612150 SPECIAL EVENTS 15-Mar An New Beginning - Charity Gala An afternoon of song and dance with all proceeds going to “The Performing Arts Childrens Charity”, a charity to help disadvantaged and disabled children. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ. 01234 269519 26-Mar Stortford on Foot Take a walk through the town’s past and discover origins of the White Hart in North Street and the scandal surrounding its creator, to some of the surprising tales of the medieval town. Bishop’s Stortford Museum, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG. 01279 710200 27-29 Mar Bedford & Milton Keynes Jazz Festival We’re looking to spread Jazz across the region and add to the hard work the regular Jazz nights do. For a full programme of events please visit http://bedsmkjazzfest.wix.com/bedfordmkjazzfest Various Locations across Bedford & Milton Keynes.

eastlife.co.uk | 127

Peace of mind

for you and your family The Hertfordshire Fune Funeral eral Plan is a bespoke, bespokee, pre-payment plan exclus sive to Austin’s which exclusive takes care of your wishes wishes and simplifies the arrangements for your loved ones.

Planning ahead for peace of mind

www.austins.co.uk WELWYN GARDEN CITY • 01707 390018 STEVENAGE • 01438 316623 WELWYN • 01438 714686 HITCHIN • 01462 438422 HERTFORD • 01992 582052 KNEBWORTH • 01438 812365 WARE • 01920 468551 BUNTINGFORD • 01763 274111 austins_HFP_HBI_LandHPC_129x186_artwork.indd 1

16/1/12 10:49:16

QUALITY THAT LASTS

WWW.HERTFORDGLASS.CO.UK 10 YEAR NO QUIBBLE GUARENTEE 26 Ware Road, Hertford, SG13 7HH Fax 01992 581 759 Email info@hertfordglass.co.uk

128 | eastlife.co.uk

CALL FREE 08000 71 24 71

AREA FOCUS

HISTORIC

HERTFORD N

estled on the River Lea, Hertford is a charming town offering a great mix of galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants Popular with families and young commuters alike Hertford has a strong sense of community and good transport links to London and surrounding areas with two train stations in the town. The town has flourished over recent years with new stores, restaurants and bars appearing in the town centre. Attractions One of the town’s most popular attractions is Hertford Castle. The impressive building is set in secluded grounds hidden from view by the surrounding 12th century flint and stonewall. A trip will provide a fascinating history lesson as well as pleasant and leisurely stroll around the gardens. The grounds are open to the public all year round whilst the Castle building (Gatehouse) is open to the public during Open Days in the summer months. The Castle is a popular location for weddings. Hertford Museum is a great place to learn more about this beautiful town. Located on Bull

Street, the museum cares for in excess of 80,000 objects. Until 28 March the museum will host an exhibition of photographs by celebrated bird enthusiast William Bickerton. Bickerton’s passion for recording Hertfordshire’s bird life led him to produce these beautiful photographs of local birds in their natural habitats as well as travelling further afield to photograph coastal birds. For an overnight or weekend visit check out the latest entertainment at Hertford Theatre. You’ll find a jam-packed programme of theatre, music, arts and film screenings throughout the year. March highlights include comedian Seann Walsh and The Circus of Horrors. Food & Drink During the day the cafes, pubs and restaurants such as Baroosh and Lussmanns are packed with mums and shoppers enjoying leisurely lunch and coffee. In the evening Hertford has an impressive nightlife. If you’re thinking of

heading out into the town one evening try cocktails at The Snug or The Dog and Whistle for a quieter drink before heading off to Cinnabar for a night of dancing. For something a little more relaxed visit The Old Barge on the river, which hosts a pub quiz every Sunday. What’s on Hertford Arts Festival Launch at Hertford Castle Friday 17th April 6pm – 9pm Free Entry This evening will showcase one creation from each artist taking part in the Hertford Art Trail. The Mayor of Hertford will launch the Hertford Arts Festival and visitors are welcome to admire the one night only exhibition in the Castle. Wine and Refreshments are available on the night. English Celebration Festival Saturday 25 April 10.30am – 4pm. Free Entry Visit Hertford Town Centre where live music, theatrical performances and entertainment will fill the streets. From morris dancing to folk bands, the celebration is sure to put a spring in your step. This event is part of the Hertford Arts Festival taking place from 17 April – 17 May. eastlife.co.uk | 129

Ware Priory East Life Ad.qxd

13/02/2015

12:07

Page 1

ONE OF HERTFORDSHIREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PREMIER WEDDING VENUES

....where the past and present unite

choice of historic, traditional and contemporary surroundings range of wonderful rooms accommodating 10 to 200 guests picturesque riverside location and beautiful gardens

High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9AL Tel: 01920 460316 www.warepriory.co.uk

130 | eastlife.co.uk

AREA FOCUS

WONDERFUL

WARE

he small town of Ware is a flourishing delight

With new coffee shops and restaurants regularly popping up along the High Street and a growth in new homes, Ware is beginning to make waves in Hertfordshire. The town has a long and varied history but more recently has become a favourite for families and young commuters with its close proximity to Hertford and railway links. The High Street itself offers plenty of brand names and independent stores as well as trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. Attractions Ware’s location on the River Lea makes it perfect for beautiful long walks. The picturesque Towpath of the River Lea gives access to Nature Reserves on both sides of town; the Meads between Ware and Hertford

and the Amwell Nature Reserve, a favourite of bird-watchers nationwide. With such a rich history, it’s no wonder that Ware has a dedicated museum. Established in 1986, it incorporates the town’s WWII command bunker and a medieval well discovered during the building work. There is a herb garden outside which offers a lovely setting for a spring wander. Food & Drink For something different try Casa Lua, an exciting Spanish restaurant on Ware High Street. Enjoy a glass of wine and a light bite of tapas at the bar or indulge in a full meal in the cosy restaurant. For a light bite and refreshment head to the Lulu Coffee Com-

pany located on the High Street. The friendly and stylish bistro offer a great range of coffee and tasty treats. Sleeping Ware may be a relatively small town but it’s home to two magnificent historic hotels. Located just outside the town Fanhams Hall Hotel is Jacobean Manor House, which has been converted into a 77 bedroom hotel and is a popular choice for weddings. Its gardens make for great al fresco dining and there is even a Karaoke Klub for those looking for something a little livelier. With its fragrant walled gardens, stately Jacobean country house and 200 acres of Hertfordshire hotel parkland, the historic Hanbury Manor Marriott makes a grand first impression. The fivestar hotel has a relaxing spa and swimming pool and two good restaurants; the Zodiac and contemporary Oakes Grill.

eastlife.co.uk | 131

Norfolk potatoes it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be dinner without them from Buxton Potato Company, Norfolk

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to support local farmers and growers, like Buxton Potato Company, through our award-winning Sourced Locally initiative

pop to the co-op www.eastofengland.coop

The Best Kept secrets are kept within

Special thanks to John Foley Images @ Imagine Gallery If you would like to add your village to our framework, you could be live within 48 hours, villages also benefit For more information contact Paul Moreton on 01787 312817 from a complimentary back office system so Parish Councils can exchange information in real time. insidesuffolk.com A whole newshop, world ofcall marketing. To promote your independant Suffolk boutique please Paul Moreton on 01787 315055. 132 | eastlife.co.uk

SUFFOLK

What’s on in

Suffolk?

THEATRE & SHOWS 1-Mar Ordinary Days Told through a series of intricately connected songs and vignettes, Ordinary Days is an original musical about growing up and enjoying the view. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 3-Mar Verdi La Traviata A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, La Traviata is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 3-7 Mar Mist in the Mirror Adapted from the novel by Susan Hill author of The Woman in Black, this tense and atmospheric new production is an otherworldly mystery that leaves a terrifying eeriness suspended in the air. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS. 01473 295900 3-7 Mar The 39 Steps It’s a thriller, a love story and a comedy all in one; it’s got mayhem, it’s got trains and a plane crash. What more can you ask? Book early. The Quay, Quay Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2AN. 01787 374745 4-Mar Love’s Labours Won Shakespeare’s comic romance plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party, as youthful passions run riot, lovers are deceived and happiness is threatened. The Cut, New Cut, Halesworth, IP19 8BY. 0845 6732123 7-Mar Swan Lake The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 Saint Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE. 01473 433100 8-Mar Romeo & Juliet With its famous melodies, rhythmic variety and universal theme, this story of impossible love remains an all-time favourite, and is one of the world’s most popular ballets. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay,NR35 1EE. 01986 897130

EDITOR’S CHOICE

accurate renditions of all the iconic characters. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 13-14 Mar Cirque Berserk Combining contemporary “cirque” skills with thrilling stunt action Cirque Berserk is a danger-filled spectacle that will amaze audiences of all ages. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200

Gretchen Peters at The Apex Tuesday 31 March at 7.30pm

ince the release of her “career album” (NPR), 2012’s Hello Cruel World, two-time Grammy nominee Gretchen Peters has been in near-constant motion, touring for the past two years and releasing a live DVD and CD, and appearing at the Glastonbury, Isle of Wight and Cambridge Folk Festivals. The latest accolade for the Nashville-based singer-songwriter will be her induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October 2014. Price: £21.50 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3FD Tel: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

8-Mar Puppetry of the Penis From the West End of London to Broadway in New York, the boys have stretched themselves to the limit for over a ‘dickade’ performing the hilarious Ancient Art of Genital Origami and now they are back for more. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 10-Mar One-Man Breaking Bad: The Unauthorised Parody LA actor Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super-charged, hilariously

14-Mar Circus of Horrors The show that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent & now a West End smash is back to mark its 20th Anniversary in spectacular style. Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 Saint Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE. 01473 433100 17-Mar Secret Love To celebrate the 90th birthday of Hollywood icon Doris Day, acclaimed jazz singer & West End actress Claudia Morris dedicates this critically acclaimed show to her idol. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 22-Mar Licence to Thrill With a cast of top London singers and the star-studded Syd Lawrence Orchestra, this dynamite show will conjure up dreamy visions of a suave charismatic Bond and dangerously thrilling baddies. Be Shaken and Stirred! The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 23-28 Mar The Full Monty Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar winning writer of the film, has gone all the way with this hilarious and heartfelt adaptation that’s getting standing ovations every night. Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 Saint Helen’s Street, Ipswich , IP4 1HE. 01473 433100 23-28 Mar The History Boys “Pass it on boys... that’s the game I wanted you to learn... pass it on” This brand new production, from the producers of Avenue Q, Spring Awakening (UK Tours) and Seussical (West End), is an hilariously funny and exceptionally moving play about the true purpose of education. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS. 01473 295900

eastlife.co.uk | 133

SUFFOLK 25-Mar United We Stand An account of one of the most turbulent industrial battles of the 20th Century – the 1972 Builders’ Strike. This is the story behind the dispute with popular and political songs arranged by renowned folk musician John Kirkpatrick. Haverhill Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill, CB9 8AR. 01440 714140 26-Mar Alan Carr: Yap Yap Yap No stranger to yap Alan Carr will be yapping his way around the UK & Ireland with his brand new stand up show ‘Yap, Yap, Yap!’ The BAFTA and British Comedy Award winning comedian, author and chat show supremo returns to his stand up roots with his hilarious take on life. Yap it up! Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 26-28 Mar The Elephant Man The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. His belief that he can become a man like any other is a dream never to be realised. The Seagull, 1975 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH. 01502 589726

Orchestra, her touring orchestra for much of the last decade. Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 Saint Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE. 01473 433100

folk legends Guy Clark, Arlo Guthrie and John Prine. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000

14-Mar Suffolk Sinfonia Spring Concert We are delighted to welcome back guest conductor Christopher Braime for our Spring 2015 concert entitled “Crossing the Border”. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

16-Mar Bury St Edmunds Concert Series The Florin Ensemble has a string trio at its heart and performs a wide range of chamber music, from the core repertoire to larger scale works. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 18-Mar Fanfare Ciocârlia Purveyors of unadulterated Gypsy brass, Fanfare Ciocârlia fuse infectious, lightning-fast melodies, thunderous drums, unbridled brass and a mischievous, captivating stage presence. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000

21-Mar Alison Jiear: Here come the girls Laurence Olivier Award nominated vocalist Alison Jiear celebrates some 1-Mar American Roots Night of the finest female vocalists of the last Tales of illicit stills, street girls, jailhouses, century: including Judy Garland, Peglove and jealousy, the Delta Beltas gy Lee, Julie London, Doris Day, Nancy play hokum blues and ragtime as perWilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Dionne Warwick, formed by the musicians of America’s Dusty Springfield & Barbra Streisand. Deep South in the 1920s and 1930s. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, Ipswich, IP1 2AS. 01473 295900 NR35 1EE. 01986 897130

MUSIC

4-Mar Trio Da Kali The three musicians of Trio Da Kali hail from the Mande culture of Mali, from a heritage of distinguished griots, the caste of specialist hereditary musical artisans.The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 7-Mar Belcea Quartet The Belcea Quartet’s Brahms project threads his three quartets into a chain that links the classical era to the turbulent early years of the 20th century and the birth of modernism. Aldeburgh Music, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, IP17 1SP. 01728 687110 8-Mar Atea Wind Quartet Formed in 2009 and based in London, the Quintet comprises top young freelance musicians, who perform with some of the world’s finest orchestras and ensembles. The Cut, New Cut, Halesworth, IP19 8BY. 0845 6732123 10-Mar Katherine Jenkins Katherine Jenkins will be taking her new album “Home Sweet Home” far and near, with a full concert tour in the company of the National Symphony

21-Mar Acoustic Special with Tilly Dalglish & Jack Pout Tilly Dalglish has had songs featured on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music Mixtape and was the only solo artist on the main stage at FolkEast 2014. Support is from Jack Pout, a BBC Folk award nominated singer/songwriter from Norwich. The Quay, Quay Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2AN . 01787 374745 22-Mar Piatti Quartet The Piattis are amongst the UK’s foremost young string quartets, with a host of awards and critically-acclaimed recordings to their name. The Cut, New Cut, Halesworth, IP19 8BY. 0845 6732123 29-Mar Laura Wright Live in Concert A firm fixture at sporting events, Laura sings regularly at the International rugby matches, the 6 Nations at Twickenham and is England Rugby team’s first ever-official anthem singer. Ipswich Corn Exchange, Kings Street, Ipswich, IP1 1DH. 01473 433100 31-Mar Gretchen Peters In addition to headlining her own soldout tours, she’s supported country and

9 Mar - 4 Apr Sarah Cannell Painting mainly in the South Norfolk Marshes, dynamic, intense colour is in evidence in the artists work, she has an emotional connection and is constantly in awe of the multitude of vibrant colour which is there if you look long enough. The John Russell Gallery 4-6 Wherry Lane, Ipswich, IP4 1LG. 01473 212051 13-19 Mar Jason Avery Exhibition Jason’s latest photographic subject is livestock. These too are captured in beautiful Suffolk locations and have the same attention and quality that all Jason’s other work has. Snape Gallery, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, IP17 1SP. 01728 687110 20 - 26 Mar Driftwood Sculptures: Nature Reborn Artists carefully select unusual and interesting pieces of Driftwood in their raw salt bleached state, that are sourced ethically from New Zealand. Snape Gallery, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, IP17 1SP. 01728 687110

SPECIAL EVENTS

7-Mar Charity Gala Concert This show-piece Charity Concert will feature a range of music from sacred and secular vocal to classical and jazz instrumental. The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RX. 01473 326200 7-Mar A Horrible History of Ipswich Take a walk on the dark side, hear tales of murder & execution, ghosts & witchcraft, cruelty & disease. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS. 01473 295900 15-Mar Opening up the house Discover life in service in the 1930s. The family have returned from London and have guests arriving the next day for a long stay. Ickworth will transform from being a near-empty house to a hive of activity in the space of a day. Ickworth House, House Stewards Flat, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5QE. 01284 735270 22-Mar Stowmarket Day The Museum’s annual Stowmarket day is a fantastic opportunity for local people to enjoy the best of what the museum has to offer with historic machinery in action, family activities and demonstrations of 19th century printing. Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1DL. 01449 612229

eastlife.co.uk | 135

DISCOVER

STOWMARKET & NEEDHAM MARKET

136| eastlife.co.uk

AREA FOCUS

ffering historic charm, these two Suffolk towns make for a delightful visit

Stowmarket Located at the geographical heart of rural Suffolk on the River Gipping, Stowmarket has grown considerably in recent year, however despite its expansion it has managed to retain much of its rural charm, boasting beautiful listed buildings and the popular Museum of East Anglian Life. The museum is one of the highlights of the town. Set in 75 acres of countryside the museum is home to a fantastic collection of historical items, leisure courses and has an impressive events calendar. Highlights this spring include Stowmarket Day on 22 March, Easter Fun Day on 5 April and on 16 April Charlie Haylock brings his insight into the History of Spoken English. This summer sees the return of the StowFiesta to Chilton Fields on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June. The annual free community festival features top quality musical acts from both the local area and further afield as well as stand-up comedy, family entertainment and a wide range of stalls. Those looking to stop for a bite to eat should head to wonderful gastro pub The Shepherd and Dog, which has receives high praises from visitors. Needham Market Travel a short distance from Stowmarket and you’ll discover this delightful small town full of historic interest. The town boasts many unusual, independent and specialist shops, as well as fine Georgian and Tudor architecture. Needham Market benefits from being surrounded by some beautiful countryside popular with holidaymakers and cyclists. The town is fortunate to have Needham Lake close by which offers wonderful walks. Copies of the Needham Market Nature Trail leaflet are available from Mid Suffolk offices and it is certain that Needham Lake can provide many hours of family entertainment. The lake is well stocked and plenty of wildlife can be spotted. The 41st East Anglian Art Exhibition & Sale will be held over this Easter weekend from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April. Over 700 Paintings will be available to view with work of the region’s finest artists under one roof. Admission is £2.

A personal tour After relocating to Middlewood Green to accommodate for her expanding business, Wendy Smith, owner of W & M Smith and Needham Market resident for 26 years, gave us an insight into living in this rural Suffolk gem. With its good road network and rail service to London it comes as no surprise Stowmarket has become a popular place to live but it’s more the A14 that driving people to the town. Wendy said: “It’s a lovely small market town with independent shops. Market stalls have dwindled in recent times, which is a great shame but with in town supermarkets and also Tescos on the outskirts it has made that type of trade suffer. “The Mid Suffolk Leisure centre has very good facilities including a lovely gym and swimming pool. Stowmarket Golf Club is just outside and there is also a tennis Club right in the middle of the town.” Wendy says a visit to the town wouldn’t be complete without of course visiting the treasures of W & M Smith, her one stop-shop for floristry, sugar crafts and packaging but also The Museum of East Anglian Life and St Peters Church is a must. She adds: “Just outside in Needham Market you have Aldercarr Farm, the rare breeds farm at Baylham and also Stonham Barns, not forgetting the Mid Suffolk Light railway at Brockford. Stowmarket also provides a cinema at The Regal.” More of Wendy’s highlights include the weekly market and independent stores such as Noble & White, which offers a mix of items and Heathers in Bury Street for upholstery. “All in all you will not be disappointed,” she adds. “The Chequers is my favourite restaurant. If you like a good Chinese meal. If you are wanting British food The Lion at Needham Market or The Alder Carr Farm Cafe also in Needham Market are one of my favourite eating places.” Though Stowmarket may have grown residentially, the town has kept its rural charm. “There is a really lovely walk along the length of the River Gipping,” explains Wendy. “You will see so much wildlife and you are right beside the river giving a very tranquil feeling as you stroll along listening to the birds singing, whilst looking at the various architectural features.”

eastlife.co.uk | 137

SOCIAL SCENE

This month on Facebook you were loving.. . .

GET INVOLVED with the

SOCIAL SCENE

Just incase you missed it, every month we’ll bringing you the best of the month’s social media with a mix of pics, comments and stories from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

The past month has seen sunshine, snow and.. pancakes, all of which have meant some great photo opportunities. We’ve absolutely loved seeing your pics of signs of spring from around the region - keep them coming! Eastlife reader and local photographer Xavier Aaron, shared this beautiful pic of the Sunset at Flatford River Stour with the caption: “The colours are coming back slowly.”

Regular photographer Scott Hughes shared this image of the Boobie Hat fashion mob in Saffron Walden, following the recent ‘Saffron Walden Boobiebellion’.

“TWEET TWEET” Our regular advertiser Martha V lo ved their coverage in the Feb issue

We have some great competitions this month including tickets to Cirque Berserk and a family pass to Knebworth House visit www.eastlife.co.uk for more details 138| eastlife.co.uk

Pretty snowdrops in Saffron Wald en

ot a story or something to share? Get in touch today! ‘Like’ our Facebook page /eastlifemag Follow us on Twitter @eastmagazines Follow our Instagram @eastlifemag

10% off

& free delivery* Quote EAS51 online or bring this voucher into a store

Visit one of our Stores: Bishops Stortford, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Colchester, Harpenden, Hitchin and Norwich.

Ways to keep in touch:

*10% offer not valid on sale items, multibuys, gift vouchers or Micro Scooters. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This voucher is valid until 31.03.15. Free delivery to UK and Ireland. See website for full details.

East Life jan.indd 1

20/01/2015 09:47