May Eastlife 2015 - 10th Anniversary Edition by Thompson Media Partners Ltd

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May 2015

Living life in the East

May 2015

Make the most of where you live

1 YEAR

EDITION

Issue 120

Making the most of where you live

WREST AT WAR

Sun 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mon 25 May 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm Take cover as this explosive action packed weekend propels you into wartime Britain.

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MAY 2015

Editor’s Letter Dear Reader,

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

We couldn’t be more excited to roll out the 10th anniversary issue of Eastlife Magazine this month, with its own special cover. It’s a very exciting time for us and I’m pleased to be part of Eastlife’s milestone. As part of our celebrations we’ve put together a ton of fun stuff for this very special issue, including a timeline of how we’ve changed over the decade and the teams favourite locations. You’ll notice the number 10 features throughout this issue with a list of the region’s top 10 spas, festivals, half term events, restaurants and wedding exhibitions. We also raise a glass to English Wine Week. This month we will also celebrate online with our biggest competition yet with a 10 day giveaway. Festival tickets, a meal for two, night at Potters, selfie sticks and concert tickets are all up for grabs. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Twitter for more details or visit www.eastlife.co.uk for news on how to enter. We head into our second decade with some exciting news - our brand new website will be available very soon and Eastlife will be undergoing a little facelift with changes to its design and additional content, just watch this space!

Emma Kemsley

Get more from Eastlife by joining our thousands of followers and Facebook fans online! 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 | 3

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CONTENTS MAY FEATURES

NEWS 9

AROUND THE REGION - news & events

LIFESTYLE 25 26 39 50

EASTLIFE 10TH ANNIVERSARY - timeline special

PRIVATE SCHOOL FEES - should British parents

EASTLIFE’S TOP 10 - our favourite locations HALF TERM - attractions and activities FOOD & DRINK - Bedfordshire’s finest

EDUCATION pay the same as overseas billionaires?

FASHION FESTIVALS

The essential 2015 festival guide

FESTIVAL FASHION - stand out from the crowd

EXHIBITIONS - 10 of the summer’s biggest fairs

WEDDINGS HOME & GARDEN 73 79

PROPERTY - newly launched developments KITCHENS- new designs that won’t break the bank

GARDEN SHOWS - gardening inspiration

ARTS

THE REGION’S TOP 10 SPAS Great offers and fabulous facilities, where will you be relaxing?

87 89 92

ARTS COLUMN - Collette Hoefkens

PERSONAL TRAINING - exercise tips and advice

ARTS NEWS - the latest gallery news EXHIBITIONS - what’s on this summer

HEALTH AREA FOCUS 101 109 121

NORFOLK - listings and a trip to Harleston CAMBS - what’s on and a visit to Peterborough ESSEX- things to do, Uttlesford District villages and cockles in Leigh-on-Sea

135

BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS - events and the latest news from the Ampthill Festival

141

SUFFOLK - theatre listings and focus on the county’s finest villages

146 ENGLISH WINE WEEK

Raise a glass to the region’s finest vineyards

THE SOCIAL SCENE - your comments and pictures

eastlife.co.uk | 5

W&M SMITH

May 2015 sees W & M Smith enter into their 35th year of trading. The business has grown from £300 worth of paper bags on the landing of the family home to more than filling The Pightle Barn in Middlewood Green, out growing premises on the way. The saying “what goes around, comes around” has in recent months come true. Back in the late 80’s dried flowers and grasses were very popular, but they then went out of fashion as the silk flower quality vastly improved. Now the rustic image is becoming very fashionable with weddings and decor they are now yet again on the shelves. Not in quite the quantities as before but that may alter in the future. A new range of resin garden ornaments has just arrived, including an Eagle, Kestrel and Red Kite. Birdhouse feeders in the shape of a post box are back on the shelves in three different sizes, as is the life size pheasant.

With the bridal season nearly upon us, there are now available metal post boxes for the wedding cards instead of the cardboard ones previously stocked. Several brides are also looking towards the bird cage for the same use and W & M Smith has a large range of these also. To add a bit of humour to the stressful wedding day you can have wedding toilet paper with matching hankies to put in the “smallest room”.

rooms at home. Papers and glues can also be found as well as paints and beads, all to add that little sparkle to the finished item.

With the good old English weather quite often the topic of conversation, another new line is a matching shopping bags and umbrellas for those rainy days and for the sunny barbeque days why not get a glass juice dispenser and glass jars to match. The glass jars have a screw cap on with a straw so no unwanted creatures will get into your Pimms!!

The Pightle Barn has become known to people as “an Aladdin’s Cave” of all sorts of products. No request is ever ignored and if the item is not something W & M Smith wants to stock they will always try to find a source for you. Customer service is very important to them and along with the advice and help offered you will not be disappointed.

Decoupage craft is also growing in interest and at The Pightle Barn cardboard and MDF letters and numbers are flying out of the doors as everybody seemingly wanting to put their own personal touch to their

Finally W & M Smith would like to congratulate Eastlife on their 10 year anniversary and wish them continued success in the future.

Father’s Day falls in mid June and a range of garden gifts for him indoors have just come in, gardening gloves, aprons, string dispensers, labels and markers etc etc. We are sure you will find him something amongst the vast array of stock.

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

Gardeners Gifts

Shopping Bags

Bird Food

Metal Planters

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

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 a 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.

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

a night of dirty dancing

wAS £119 PEr PErSOn

mon 04 may | 1 night | Featuring the hit touring show, a night of dirty dancing as they perform ‘hungry eyes’, ‘hey Baby’ and ‘(i’ve had) the time of my life’. Five course dinner with selected wines included.

yOur PrIcE

one night sPecial featuring Billy ocean

£89

H wAS £124 PEr PErSOn

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

yOur PrIcE

£109

Battle of the Boy Bands

wAS £114 PEr PErSOn

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.

yOur PrIcE

drinks inclusive* Magic of Motown

wAS £144 PEr PErSOn

SELEcTEd WInE with your evening meal

Fri 22 may | 1 night |

drInkS IncLuSIvE from 6Pm until Close of bars

Potters drinks inclusive* suMMer Ball

Quote ‘EASTLIFE’ at time of booking.

£109

H wAS £144 PEr PErSOn yOur PrIcE

sat 30 may | 1 night | a firm favourite in the Potters calendar. Plus from 6pm your drinks are Free*. Five course dinner with selected wines included.

These nights are popular and will sell fast. To book your One Night Special call: 0333

yOur PrIcE

Back by popular demand. Plus from 6pm your drinks are Free*. Five course dinner with selected wines included.

£89

£129

3207 405

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.

AROUND THE REGION

Around the Region Latest News from

WILL YOU BE MAKING A CHANGE?

s part of its mission to get more people shopping locally, local food & drink website www.BigBarn.co.uk based in Huntingdon, has launched a new campaign this month to encourage people to make just one change to the way they shop and see the difference it can make. It comes at a time when real foods are hot topic, with eating healthy and organic produce becoming somewhat of a trend over recent months. Make One Change aims to encourage every shopper across the country to make a single change to the way they shop. It could be signing up to a veg box scheme for a month, ordering milk to be delivered by a local cooperative, buying all your fruit and veg from the local farm shop or grocer, buying bread from the bakers or meat from the butchers. It could even be growing your own. BigBarn founder, Anthony Davison said: “We’ve found in the past is that once a person makes a decision to change the way they shop, it normally leads onto other small changes. We’re hoping this campaign will be the start of a whole new way of thinking for people.” The BigBarn website will provide a host of ideas and tips on how to change the way you shop, as well as advice, ideas and literature for retailers and producers who want to get involved in the campaign. www.bigbarn.co.uk/make-one-change

Spending habits of Norwich residents revealed

eat My Price has revealed the top money wasting habits that cause Brits to lose an average £470 each every year. This includes little things like leaving the lights on in unused rooms, getting a takeaway because we can’t be bothered to cook and letting loyalty points expire – which all stack up and drain our hard-earned cash. The survey revealed that 74 per cent of people in Norwich admit to spending money unnecessarily. The top three things that people in Norwich believe they waste money on are: - Leaving lights and TVs on when they have left the room. - Not using loyalty voucher accumulated before they expire. - Buying food and not checking the use-by date, so it goes off before it’s eaten. It’s estimated that people in Norwich could be saving £342 a year by shopping smarter. In the battle of the sexes, women confess to being bigger money wasters than men, with over four in five (82 per cent) admitting to spending money unnecessarily compared to seven in every ten men (71 per cent). Shopping is one of women’s greatest downfalls with three in ten (31 per cent) failing to return unwanted clothes. Four in ten (40 per cent) admit to resorting to takeaways because they are too busy to cook – compared to just 32 per cent of men. www.bespokeoffers.co.uk/beatmyprice

eastlife.co.uk | 9

Open Fridays, Weekends & Bank Holiday Mondays, from April to December

Bromham Mill & CafĂŠ Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford MK43 8LP Phone: 01234 718044 Email: cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk

AROUND THE REGION McBusted to perform at Newmarket Nights

cBusted is the latest artist to be announced as performers at The Jockey Club Live & Newmarket Racecourses series of Summer Music Events. They will take to the stage on 29 August. McBusted, a synergy of McFly and Busted, first came to be at the end of 2013 after the astonishing success of their brief reunion at the Royal Albert Hall on the occasion of McFly’s tenth anniversary concert. Status Quo, who have sold over 118 million records throughout their illustrious career, will also be returning to Newmarket Racecourse for the first time following the release of their latest album ‘Aquostic’, and will perform on 17 July. Status Quo and McBusted join already confirmed Kylie, Kaiser Chiefs, Madness, Sir Tom Jones, Spandau Ballet and Boyzone. Alongside incredible headlining performances, the action kicks off earlier in the day with six races giving fans the chance to witness and enjoy the thrilling drama and spectacle of racing. Tickets start from £17 www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk

Weird and Wonderful Wood 2015

he Weird and Wonderful Wood returns to Haughley Park, near Stowmarket on 16 to 17 May.

This fair is a celebration of many aspects of woodwork, showcasing the talents of specialist woodworkers. Attracting over 8000 visitors from far and wide over two days, there are new things to see and at this year’s event where the site will play host to a replica 46ft Saxon Ship, a Shephards Hut and welcome an amazing digery doo player from Bosnia and a Wood Carver from Nigeria. Demonstrations include carving and sculpture, fine furniture making, musical instrument making, displays by traditional fletchers and bowyers, chain saw carving, hurdle making, wood turning, pole lathe turning, labyrinth making, as well as traditional gypsy caravan displays. There will be a working mobile sawmill on site, so if you want to bring your own tree, it can be cut for you! Workshops, for both adults and children are free and include activities such as archery, den building, willow weaving and withy work to name a few. www.weirdandwonderfulwood.co.uk

Eastlife 10th anniversary Competition

his month, to celebrate its 10th anniversary Eastlife will be hosting its biggest ever competition with a 10 day giveaway. For 10 days throughout May readers will have the chance to win amazing prizes. Full details will be announced from 1 May so keep checking the Eastlife Facebook page (/eastlifemag) and Twitter (@eastmagazines). The Best of British Board Game, selfie sticks, a 24 hour survival course courtesy of The Big Outdoor Show, tickets to Madness at Newmarket Nights, a months supply of Corkers Crisps, a pair of weekend camping tickets to LodeStar Festival and one night at Potters are just some of the outstanding prizes up for grabs. Prizes and details of how to enter will be announced daily on the Eastlife website at www.eastlife.co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 11

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Email: info@lovebedford.co.uk Download the app at your app store Bedford Town Guide www.lovebedfordoďŹ&#x20AC;ers.co.uk

AROUND THE REGION Vegetables get a Michelin makeover for National Vegetarian Week

rom English asparagus to apricot sorbet, Mark Poynton, Chef Patron of Michelin-starred Alimentum in Cambridge, will be serving a marvellous meat-free, six-course feast during Vegetarian Week, Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May. Realising the true beauty and potential of our earthly crop, from a plump tomato to a crooked carrot, Mark designs all of his dishes around the vegetables before adding the protein. Savour sensational concoctions using the finest local and seasonal produce, including English asparagus with morel mayonnaise and quail eggs finished with an asparagus and rapeseed emulsion; and cauliflower, pomegranate with a glazing of 100% cocoa for just £65 per person. Vegetarian or not, you’ll never look at vegetables the same way again. For more details of how to sample the tasty dishes visit www.restaurantalimentum.co.uk Win a Bumper Bus weekend rental

American Diner opens in Grand Arcade, Cambridge

ringing great food, retro fun and the best soundtrack in town to restaurant group Ed’s Easy Diner has opened in the Grand Arcade, Cambridge. Whether you’re looking for a pre or post-shopping pit stop, treating the kids at the weekend or just hankering for a hot dog, it’s an ideal stop. Located opposite Topshop on the upper floor of the shopping centre, Ed’s all-American menu will serve the best US diner classics every single day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Welcomed by retro neon lights and nostalgic music courtesy of vintage Dime Selector juke boxes, diners can relax by choosing their best-loved hits of the era with every penny going to the humanitarian charity, Action Against Hunger. To celebrate the new arrival, anyone who signs up to the Ed’s Club at www.edseasydiner.com will receive a free burger!

Celebrate local English wines at Luton Hoo Hotel n Saturday 30 May Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa will be continuing their series of special Meet the Winemaker dinners with an English Wine themed evening – just in time for English Wine Week.

O B

umble Bus rental campers are offering Eastlife readers the chance to win a weekend campervan rental. Complete with everything you need for a weekend away, rentals are great for festivals, roadtrips, adventures and of course exploring the beautiful sights of the East of England. To enter simply visit the website at www.bumblecampers.com/eastlife. Entries will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will be announced 20 June. Competition closes 15 June.

Hosted by Derek Smedley a Master of Wine at Warden Abbey, the only commercial vineyard in Bedfordshire, guests will be treated to a delicious three course dinner and expertly chosen wines, personally presented by Derek at the beginning of each course. After dinner, guests will enjoy an educational talk from Derek who will be discussing his 55 year career within the wine trade as well as his time at Warden Abbey, studying at Cambridge University, travelling around the world as a wine buyer for Whitbreads and tutoring wine dinners for the Oxford and Cambridge Club. Meet the Winemaker Dinner at Luton Hoo Hotel costs £75.00 per person. www.lutonhoo.co.uk eastlife.co.uk | 13

careis... knowing there will never be a dull moment. Foster a young person. You need a sense of humour, plenty of patience, and above all else, a big heart to be a foster carer.

If you can be the support a young person needs, call us on 0800 022 4012 to find out how.

0800 022 4012 fosterwithfca.co.uk

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Look up,

look down,

17/03/2015 17:45

look around!

Shuttleworth is home to th e Collection of historic air craft, vintage vehicles and motorcycles, and a 19th-C entury Swiss Garden

7 June - Airshow featuring the Light Aircraft Association (LAA)

www.shuttleworth.org/laaparty

20 June - Edwardian Picnic & Evening Airshow

www.shuttleworth.org/edwardian

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP

enquiries@shuttleworth.org

A wide range of events, airshows and family entertainment throughout May and June at the Collection and Swiss Garden. Book online on our website!

01767 627933 Life May 2015 HP.indd 14 East | eastlife.co.uk

www.shuttleworth.org/events

Reg Charity No. 307534

12/04/2015 16:33:58

House, Park & West Garden

Stable Yard Shops

Hatfield Park Farm

Coach House Restaurant

Pay once visit all Season! Buy a ticket to the House, Park & West Garden or West Garden & Park, have it stamped while you are here.Then you can use it for return visits to the West Garden and Park until the end of September. Terms and conditions apply.

www.hatfield-house.co.uk/payonce

House, Park and Gardens open 4th April to 30th September. 22 minute train journey from London Kings Cross. Free Parking - Sat Nav AL9 5HX

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

16/03/2015 13:51:27

15330_THGC_GolfofFestival_Ad_240x168_Layout 1 19/03/2015 10:03 Page 1

Festival of Golf 2015

29-31 July 2015 Back for a second year the Thorpeness Festival of Golf is played on the glorious Suffolk coast and promises to be bigger and better this summer. Daily competitions, coaching clinics with European Tour coach Bill Ferguson & Thorpeness PGA Pro Frank Hill and a gala prize-giving dinner at Thorpeness Country Club. For more information call 01728 454926 or email proshop@thorpeness.co.uk www.thorpeness.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

Make Some Noise The summer festival season has become somewhat a British tradition over the past decade. With few niches uncatered for, we’ve put together a handy guide for finding the right festival for you… Theme – from fantasy and floral to the playground and philosophy, festivals can be so much more than bands and beer Secret Garden Party, 23 to 26 July This is one for the kooky types among you. With hot tubs, yoga, mud wrestling and dance-offs, the not-so Secret Garden Party has this year established itself as the place to be seen. www.secretgardenparty.com Holt Festival, 19 to 26 July From comedy to cuisine, politics to pop and classical and much more, the Holt Festival brings you the best in music, theatre and the spoken word in a glorious artistic celebration. Staged in the last week of July with the charming North Norfolk Georgian country town as its backdrop, this award-winning annual feast of the arts has quickly become one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Norfolk calendar. Tickets from £15 www.holtfestival.org Norfolk & Norwich Festival, 8 to 24 May Norfolk & Norwich Festival is one of the oldest city festivals in the UK and is a celebration of creativity, innovation, beauty and diversity with jazz, classical music, comedy and dance. www.nnfestival.org.uk Fling Festival, 4 July Taking place in the Hylands Estate, Chelmsford, the Festival is like no-other, curated purely for adults. Embracing a playful childlike theme, the events is a bespoke day of live music, burlesque and cabaret, enlightening talks and wordsmiths, surreal theatre and immersive arts and crafts, the scrummiest food and tented venues. Tickets from £22 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/fling VW White noise, 31 July to 2 August A top festival weekend featuring vintage and pimped VW motors, original music including newly announced headliners ‘Gentleman’s Dub Club’ and ‘Norman Jay MBE’ and feel good soundtrack across several stages plus theatrical and creative arts for adults and children all taking place at Euston Park, Suffolk. WhitSun Fayre, 24 to 25 May Returning to Bury St Edmunds town centre, the fayre offers a delightful day out for all the family, with highlights including a beach, mini farm, Farmers’ Market, circus skills workshop, board games, street

Secret Garden Party

entertainment and more. www.burystedmundsfestivals.com Cambridge Folk Festival, 30 July to 2 August One of the longest running and most famous folk festivals in the world, the Cambridge Folk Festival returns to Cherry Hinton Hall with acts including Joan Armatrading, The Proclaimers and Passenger to name a few! www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk Bury St Edmunds Festival 2015, 15 to 24 May The festival will be bursting with activity with 10 days of great music theatre, film and exhibitions. This year marks an important milestone as the festival celebrates its 30th year. There will be a packed and varied programme of events at The Apex, the Theatre Royal, the Abbeygate Cinema and many the other venues and spaces around the town. East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival, 31 May Taking place at Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, the Dragon Boat Festival is open to everyone. As well as the colourful and exciting races, a wide range of continuous bankside entertainment including funfair, inflatable games, children’s activities, food stalls and bar guarantee a fabulous day for all the family. Fairy Fair, 24 to 25 May This Spring the Fairy Fair returns to the lovely grounds of Holt Hall, North Norfolk. Expect to find lots of magical activities and workshops, great live music, walkabout performers, entertaining shows and storytelling. A great day out for families. Entrance tickets £10.00 per adult, £8.50 per child www.fairylandtrust.org eastlife.co.uk | 17

MUSIC – there’s nothing better than sipping cider and listening to live music on a sunny day. Take a look at our top 10 music festivals Latitude, 16 to 19 July Taking place in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk, Latitude has established itself as one of the country’s leading music festivals. Now in its 10th year, music and culture collide with a line-up of comedy, poetry, film, musical and theatre acts. For the first time, this year will see the introduction of swimming in the lake and hot tubs! Weekend adult tickets £192.50 face value plus booking fee. www.latitudefestival.co.uk Red Rooster, 5 to 7 June Set in the idyllic private grounds of Euston Hall, Suffolk, the Red Rooster Festival returns for its second year. Inspired by the sounds and lifestyle of America’s Deep South, Suffolk’s R&B, Blues and Americana, you’ll find the music soothing and the food scene succulent. Besides the main and smaller stages, Red Rooster plays host to campfires under the stars, a ‘gators lake, wide open cornfields, shady woodland and fun activities laid on for the kids, which all makes for an atmosphere evocative of Southern-style hospitality in this safe and friendly festival. Tickets £42.40 plus booking fee www.redrooster.org.uk Aldeburgh Festival, 12 – 28 June and the Snape Proms, August This year opens with the premiere of Harrison Birtwistle’s chamber opera The Cure in a double bill with his earlier piece The Corridor. As well as quality music, there will be walks, talks, films, the vibrant fringe programme at The Pumphouse and visual arts exhibitions. The Snape Proms return this August, with 30 great events over 30 days ranging from folk and jazz to world music, classical, folk, comedy and poetry. Tickets from £5. www.aldeburgh.co.uk

Alban Street Festival

LodeStar Festival, 4 to 6 September A great way to finish the summer season, LodeStar Festival is a three day event full of live music performed across three stages, entertainment, crafts, theatre, outdoor activities, food and drink, and much more for all of the family to enjoy. www.lodestarfestival.com Alban Street Festival, 21 June The historic city of St Albans will once again be celebrating all that is fun and fabulous about its vibrant city, by hosting The Alban Street Festival from 12pm to 6pm. This year two stages and one performance piazza will play host to musical and theatrical acts who will entertain your eardrums throughout the day and at 2pm the Rock Choir will get St Albans rocking with a mass sing-along to raise the roof of St Peter’s Street. The day will host exhilarating performances, free children’s workshops, crafts, games and tantalising street food. World Yoga Day and the Feast Day of St Alban coincide this year, and what better way to celebrate in the sun than with an outdoor yoga workshop at 3pm! www.enjoystalbans.com/albanweekend Rythms of the World Festival, 20 to 21 June The Rhythms of the World Festival has evolved into one of the most significant – and best value – world music festivals in the UK, attracting up to 30,000 visitors to the two-day event. People of all ages and backgrounds come from Hertfordshire and beyond to see local community talent perform alongside artists from around the world. www.rotw.org.uk

Latitude Festival

18 | eastlife.co.uk

V Festival, 22 to 23 August Returning to Hylands Park, Chelmsford, V Festival is back with another outstanding line-up of acts including internationally acclaimed artists Sam Smith, Calvin Harris and Tom Jones to name a few! This year, the VIP camping area is bigger than ever with a choice of colourful pods, yurts, huts, bell tents, Gypsy caravans and campers. Day tickets priced £89. www.vfestival.com

LIFESTYLE

Country & village – explore the great outdoors with traditional village fairs and extravagant country shows Worstead Festival, 25 to 26 July Celebrating its 50th anniversary, there’s live music, stalls, attractions, fun for the kids, heavy horses, ring events and vintage farm machinery. Adults £5, under 12s free. www.worsteadfestival.org Wayland Show, 2 August The show returns to Watton to provide families with a fun-filled, dynamic and educational day out in the Norfolk countryside. www.waylandshow.com OuseFest, 20 July to 2 August A fortnight of exciting events celebrating the Ouse Washes Landscape and Communities. www.ousewashes.org.uk

Red Rooster

The Suffolk Show, 27 to 28 May The Suffolk Show returns to Trinity Park with nine rings packed with amazing entertainments, displays and 700 stands. Tickets priced adult from £19 www.suffolkshow.co.uk Suffolk Walking Festival, 9 to 31 May This year’s Suffolk Walking Festival will have an exciting programme of over 90 walks. www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk Holkham Country Fair, 25-26 July The fair ensures two days of fun and interest for all ages, thanks to a full programme of events and displays in the Grand Ring, from morning to evening. www.holkhamcountryfair.co.uk

Cambridge Roar, 19 June to 11 July Hosting 18 events over 23 days at Quy Mill Hotel and Spa, the Cambridge Roar is set to be bigger than ever before. Visitors can enjoy The Watering Hole – a two day beer festival, Battle of the Bands, a family Father’s Day event and much more. www.thecambridgeroar.co.uk

LeeStock Festival 2015, 23 to 24 May This fantastic music festival is now in its 8th year and will be held at Melford Hall in Long Melford, featuring 26 acts over two days on the May bank holiday. Scouting For Girls will be headlining on the Saturday and Dumbfoundus, from Norfolk will headline on the Sunday. Tickets from £12. www.leestock.org

Willow Festival, 10 to 12 July Like Eastlife, the Willow Festival also celebrates its 10th birthday this year. Taking place at Peterborugh Embankment, the three day event attracts a footfall of approximately 50,000 visitors each year and continues to be the city’s premier arts event showcasing emerging talent and 170 plus live bands and solo acts. www.willowfestival.org.uk

Outdoors Festival, 2 to 17 May The Outdoors Festival brings you more than two weeks of activities celebrating the Broads National Park. The programme for the fifth birthday edition boasts a record number of events covering a huge range of activities with nearly 200 opportunities to explore the great outdoors. www.outdoorsfestival.co.uk

Ampthill Festival, 3 to 5 July With headlining names such as Razorlight and Scouting For Girls at AmpRocks, the return of the popular Proms and Gala, the festival is set to be one of the best yet. For more details take a look at our Ampthill special on page 139. Tickets from £15. www.ampthillfestival.co.uk

Peterborough Green Festival, 23 May to 31 May Bringing together attractions, community groups, charities and businesses, the Green Festival celebrates everything “green” in Peterborough with a wide variety of events and activities running throughout the day, offering plenty of fun for the whole family.

eastlife.co.uk |19

LIFESTYLE

Food & drink - sample the very best in East Anglian produce with a trip to one of the region’s many foodie festivals World Food Festival, 16 May Returning to Welwyn Garden City from 11am to 4pm, the festival will feature more than 25 food stalls producing culinary delights for visitors to sample. The day will also see specialists deliver a series of cooking demonstrations, from local delicacies to worldwide foods, so visitors will be able to create their own culinary delights at home. Free to attend. www.welwyngarden.co.uk Crab & Lobster Festival, 15 to 17 May The Crab and Lobster Festival is a weekend celebration of two lovely coastal towns, Cromer and Sheringham. The festival showcases some of the areas best produce, cookery theatre demonstrations, heritage displays and food trails. www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk Ely Food Festival, 3 to 4 May Located again on Palace Green and part of the Eel Festival, Ely’s Food and Drink Festival, sees even more artisan traders, an expanded street food scene and some amazing chefs demonstrating at the Cookery Theatre. www.visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk North Norfolk Railway Beer Festival, 17 to 19 July Beer, food, drink and entertainment are all available over the three days at Sheringham station. Sausage & Beer Festival, 25 to 26 July With live music over both days, the festival at Jimmys Farm, Suffolk features quality food and drink, cookhouse, theatre and a sausage eating competition - this is one foodie event not to be missed! Adult tickest priced from £17.50 www.jimmysfarm.com

Ely Food Festival

Flavours Summer Food and Drink Festival, 6 to 7June An action-packed line-up of events and attractions right across two days at Henham Park, Southwold. www.flavoursfoodfestivals.co.uk Essex Food & Drink Festival, 18 to 19 July This is the county’s ultimate foodie day out full of tastings, dining, shopping and cooking inspiration from celebrity and top local chefs at Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree. Making an appearance on the main stage cookery theatre on Saturday 18 July is John Torode, best known for being a judge on BBC 1 Master Chef. James Martin, presenter of BBC 1’s hugely successful Saturday Kitchen will be demonstrating from the main stage on Sunday 19 July. Tickets from £7.50. www.essexfoodfestival.co.uk Cambridge Beer Festival, 18 to 23 May Returning to Jesus Green, Cambridge is the 42nd Cambridge Beer Festival. The festival features a wide range of local and national beers of all styles, as well as cider, perry, mead, wine and bottled & draught beers from around the world. The festival is also famous for its CAMRA Cheese Counter, where a very wide range of fine cheeses, together with locally produced bread, pork pies, ham and other savoury items are available. www.cambridgebeerfestival.com Norwich City of Ale, 21 to 31 May Norwich City of Ale is a ten-day celebration of local pubs, breweries and real ale taking place throughout the fine city. www.cityofale.org.uk Eat Cambridge, 9-24 May Eat Cambridge is an annual festival of food and drink with the aim of showing off local independent producers to local food fans throughout the county of Cambridgeshire. The festival features a fortnight of fantastic local food and drink, a jam-packed two-week schedule of tasty fringe events and a huge food and drink fair at the Corn Exchange in the historic city of Cambridge. www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 21

The Cambridge Roar 18 events over 23 days! from 19th June - 11th July 2015 Tickets selling out now! Visit www.thecambridgeroar.co.uk Raising funds in to obtain yours! support of:

For further information and to buy tickets visit:

www.thecambridgeroar.co.uk

ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL 2015

12â&#x20AC;&#x201C;28 JUNE

Multi-Story Orchestra

Gabriela Montero

The Pumphouse

See an orchestra perform in an Ipswich multi-storey car park.

Flamboyant Venezuelan pianist improvises soundtracks to two classic 1920s silent films, Battleship Potemkin and Faust.

30+ events across three Festival weekends, from Afro funk soul to psychedelic pop and from the satirical readings of Craig Brown and Peter Serafinowicz to an opera for babies

Bandstand on the Beach Free live music on Aldeburgh beach every lunchtime during the Aldeburgh Festival

www.aldeburgh.co.uk 01728 687110 22 | eastlife.co.uk

Produced by

City Events heybridgecreative

Association of Independent Festivals

Everyday Dining- Not – notJust just for aACelebration! Everyday Dining for Celebration! Two course lunch and coffee @ £18.00 per person Two course lunch andand coffee @£23.50 £18.00 per person Three course lunch coffee @ per person Available Monday - Saturday Three course lunch and coffee @ £23.50 per person Sunday Lunch Available Monday - Saturday Two course lunch, coffeeand and chocolate truffles @ £19.50 perperson person Two course lunch coffeeand @ £18.00 per Two Course Sunday lunch coffee @per£19.50 Three course lunch, coffee and chocolate truffles @ £25.50 person

Everyday Dining – not just for a Celebration! Three course lunch and coffee @ £23.50 per person La Carte- Saturday Available AMonday Hintlesham, Ipswich, IP8 3NS A La Carte menu available for lunch and dinner seven days a week

(excluding Sunday lunch time) 01473 652334 reservations@hintleshamhall.com Sunday Lunch Menutruffles @ £19.50 per person Two course lunch,www.hintleshamhall.com coffee andLounge chocolate

Available from 7am until 10.30pm, seven days a week.

Three course lunch, coffee and chocolate truffles @ £25.50 per person

Afternoon Tea – Served 2-5pm Registered charity: 1100596 A Traditional Afternoon Tea with a variety of cut sandwiches, A served La Carte cakes and scones with clotted cream & preserve £16.50 per person www.suffolkpunchtrust.org

A La Carte menu available for lunch and dinner seven days a week Champagne Afternoon Tealunch – Served 2-5pm info@suffolkpunchtrust.org (excluding Sunday time) renowned Afternoon Tea plus the added EE FRHintlesham’s SS of Champagne – £25.50 per person PA luxury of a glass L A U Lounge Menu ANN ISSION ADM7am H Available from until 10.30pm, seven days a week. T I W

Afternoon Tea – Served 2-5pm A Traditional Afternoon Tea served with a variety of cut sandwiches, cakes and scones with clotted cream & preserve £16.50 per person Champagne Afternoon Tea – Served 2-5pm Hintlesham’s renowned Afternoon Tea plus the added luxury of a glass of Champagne – £25.50 per person There is so much to see: Come and meet our . PETS PADDOCK gentle giant Suffolk Punch Horses and join us . TRACTOR RIDES . HERITAGE MUSEUM for a fascinating trip into . HERITAGE GARDEN Suffolk’s rural past - fun . HEAVY HORSES and learning for all ages. . CAFE & GIFT SHOP Just 30 minutes from Ipswich or an hour from Bury St Edmunds; Hollesley, IP12 3JR I 01394 411327 24 | eastlife.co.uk

TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH THE STORY OF

ince its launch in 2005, Eastlife has come a long way. Moving from solely print into the digital age with a website and app, a name change, developing its content and expanding its team, Eastlife has seen some special moments over the last decade

JULY 2014 Nicole Ranaweera joined the team as our social media expert

APRIL 2014 Emma Kemsley takes over from Chris as editor

OCTOBER 2012 Chris Johnson takes over the role of Eastlife Editor and content expands from event listings to include lifestyle, fashion, food and drink and more AUGUST 2011 Paul Gibson joined the company as director JULY 2011 the website changes to www.eastevents.co.uk JANUARY 2009 East Magazine launches its first website www.eastmag.com

Em 01

25/5/05

12:56 am

Page 1

NEW The best of

live where you most of Make the

SUFFOLK

ESSEX NORFOLK CAMBS

MAGAZINE

JUNE 2005

SEPTEMBER 2006 Stewart Hedges joined the Eastlife Sales team.

HERTS BEDS

£2.50

ISSUE INSIDE THISTOURING

NG THE AMAZI CIRCUS INSECT GABLE'S MEET CLARK PARTNER DANCING HAPPY TRIGGER IEW LK INTERV IN NORFO LLOYD PACK N'S WITH ROGER BILL WYMA TREASURES THE ESSEX DOWN ON WITH PIG FARM TY JIMMY DOHER ER’S THE SUMM ALS TOP FESTIV TOUR TAKE A THROUGH CAMBRIDGE

Arts Crafts Living Fashion Gardens Property Interiors Food & Drink People & Places nt Entertainme Antiques

JUNE 2006 Darren Marshall joined the Eastlife Sales team.

n’s The regio best biggest and s guide to what’ h on this mont

pages of events

what’absout? it all

tells us Darren Day his role about life and the new as Alfie in al stage music

JUNE 2005 the first edition of East Magazine is printed with Darren Day as the cover star at A4 size

MAY 2015 Eastlife celebrates its 10th anniversary

SEPTEMBER 2014 Eastlife becomes mobile with the launch of its app for Apple and Android users

SEPTEMBER 2013 Craig Lewis joins the team as designer and production manager

FEBRUARY 2012 East Magazine becomes Eastlife Magazine and changes size from A4 to a handy handbag size B5. The latest website www.eastlife.co.uk is launched JANUARY 2011 Sonia Sibley joined the company, bringing the accounts in-house JANUARY 2009 Jim Leishman joined the company as part of the sales team. DECEMBER 2008 Sean Thompson purchased Eastlife under Thompson Media Partners JUNE 2005 John Boston is the first editor – he created content and designed the magazine and adverts by himself As we head into our next decade Eastlife will be introducing exciting changes with a brand new mobile friendly website and improving its content with a bigger food and drinks section, interviews and more – WATCH THIS SPACE!

eastlife.co.uk | 25

CATEGORY

From international cuisine to hearty pub grub, we look at the top Bedfordshire restaurants voted by Trip Advisor REVIEWERS

3. 4.

The Bell At Westoning Topping the list for Bedfordshire’s best restaurant is The Bell at Westoning. A cosy and welcoming establishment, the menu is a fusion of English, Italian and French cuisine with a twist and offers a great choice of delicious and reasonably priced dishes. Tel: 01525 712511 Greenfield Road, Flitton, Bedford MK45 5DR St. Helena Restaurant, Bedford Described by reviewers as “five star”, the restaurant has a worthy reputation for serving high quality and delicious food. Its location in an elegant, period country house in a village setting makes it a beautiful place for lunch or dinner. Tel: 01234 344848 High Street, Elstow, MK42 9XP Amici, Bedford A small traditional restaurant in the heart of Bedford’s historical town centre, Amici is praised for its authentic Italian cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. Tel: 01234 340734 27 St. Peters Street, Bedford, MK40 2PN The Croft Kitchen, Biggleswade Set in the market town of Biggleswade, The Croft Kitchen is a contemporary restaurant experience, specialising in best quality seasonal ingredients, prepared and presented with a passion for good food – it’s no wonder customers return again and again! Tel: 01767 601502 28 Palace Street, Biggleswade, Bedford SG18 8DP

LIFESTYLE

Bedfordshire’s BEST 5.

Rice Thai Restaurant, Bedford Forget flying half way around the world, a little piece of Thailand has landed in Bedford. With comments such as “a treat for the taste buds” the restaurant offers authentic dishes with the tastes and aromas of Thailand, served in a stylish setting. Tel: 01234 272053 41 St Cuthbert’s Street, Bedford MK40 3JG Martini Restaurant, Leighton Buzzard Scoring points with diners throughout Bedfordshire is a little Italian restaurant best known as Martini Restaurant. Serving traditional homemade Italian dishes, the restaurant has a great menu choice plus beautiful courtyard, which adds to the al fresco Italian experience on summer nights. Tel: 01525 853796 19-21 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard The White Hart, Flitton A must-visit for meat lovers, the restaurant is famed for its mouth-watering steaks, having for the last 12 years used Scotch Beef supplied by Ingle & Caves in Marston Moretaine. There are plenty of options for fish lovers too, with daily deliveries of fresh fish. The real local ale and wine selection is good too! Tel: 01525 862022 Brook Lane, Flitton, Bedford MK45 5EJ Galloway’s Restaurant, Woburn Housed in a grade II listed building in the picturesque village of Woburn, the restaurant has an old world charm and prides itself on its home cooked specialties using the finest local produce. Tel: 01525 2904 22-23 Market Place, Woburn, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire MK17 9PZ

The Plough at Bolnhurst, Bedford With low beams, original features and an open fire, The Plough is an atmospheric pub. The menu changes with the season and offers delicious beautifully presented dishes. The kitchen is open to view from the bar and restaurant, which adds to the experience. Tel: 01234 376274 Kimbolton Road, Bolnhurst MK44 2EX

10.

The Higgins Pantry, Bedford Set in the heart of the buzzy Castle Quay area, alongside the river Ouse, The Higgins Pantry is a bustling bistro great for a tea, coffee, a light bite or lunch. The menu has a southern Italian influence with tapas and stone baked pizzas available. Praised by reviewers for its excellent atmosphere and consistently good food, The Higgins Pantry really is a little piece of Italy in Bedford. Tel: 01234 276340 Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD Listings and details were correct at time of print.

eastlife.co.uk | 51

ROASTS 12 - 6 EVERY SUNDAY! 100% LOCALLY SOURCED FRESH PRODUCE DAILY SPECIALS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

LIVE MUSIC

/poacherelsworth

1 BROCKLEY ROAD, ELSWORTH CB23 4JS

01954 268167

Relaxed • Remarkable • Refreshing Award winning food | Locally sourced ingredients Weekday 2 course lunch menu - £14.95 Warm friendly atmosphere

Café Summer Opening

Bury Lane, Sutton Gault | Tel: 01353 778537 www.anchorsuttongault.co.uk

9:00am - 5:00pm

1st April - 30th September

Café Winter Opening 1st October - 31st March

9:00am - 4:00pm Last hot food orders are taken at 3.45pm Supper Clubs take place on Wednesdays & Fridays.

Many thanks to all our wonderful customers for voting us the best in Bedfordshire!

pavilion b e d f o r d

52 | eastlife.co.uk

p a r k

Have you discovered Bedford’s best kept secret?

Restaurant • Light Lunch • Café Opening hours: Tues - Sat 11am - 10.30pm | Sunday 11am - 5pm The Higgins Pantry, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD | Tel: 01234 276340 www.thehigginspantry.co.uk |

TheHigginsPantry |

@the_pantry

KIDS EAT FREE! WHEN AN ADULT MAIN COURSE IS PURCHASED FROM THE MAIN MENU

Terms & Conditions: One free kids meal can be obtained per adult ordering a main course from the main menu. One voucher per table. Available for children up to the age of 11 years. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount promotion including breakfast/lunch/pronto/set menus. Valid until 31.12.15 excluding bank holidays. Voucher must be surrendered upon redemption. Valid at any Frankie & Benny’s or Little Frankie’s restaurant excluding airport locations. Not for resale. No cash value. No photocopies/torn/damaged vouchers will be accepted.

eastlife.co.uk | 53

DEDHAM VALE VINEYARD

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Dedham Vale our Vineyard offers a perfect day out. Whether you decide on a pre lunch walk through our woodland or a self guided tour of our vines, winery and cellar, a visit to our tasting barn is a “must”. Newly restored and with views onto lakes, a wild flower meadow and woodland it is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and a Seasonal Suffolk smoked food platter. Our wine shop offers all the Dedham Vale Vineyard still and sparkling English wines, ciders and liquors. We are also delighted that wine merchants Wheelers of Colchester have chosen Dedham Vale Vineyard to showcase some of their best selling wines. Wheelers Wine Cellar at Dedham Vale Vineyard will further enhance our wine selection. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 5pm To book the barn for a special event or an organised tasting please call

01206 271136

or visit our website www.dedhamvalevineyard.com or email info@dedhamvalevineyard.com

Chilford Hall vineyard is situated just 8 miles from Cambridge amidst tranquil, rolling countryside and is one of England’s oldest established vineyards. The Wine Shop and Bistro is open from 9.30am to 5pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from March to October for light lunches, afternoon teas and wine tastings. Our guided tours start at 3pm, booking is essential. www.chilfordhall.co.uk events@chilfordhall.co.uk | 01223 895600 Balsham Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire, CB21 4LE

54 | eastlife.co.uk

One of East Anglia’s oldest commercial vineyards producing a range of White, Red and Rosé wines as well as Quality English Sparkling wines. For more information, including full tasting notes, go straight to our online shop! OPEN May to September - Monday to Saturday - 10am to 5pm For full contact details and to view our online shop, please visit our website:

www.shawsgate.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

RAISE A GLASS to ENGLISH WINE WEEK Eastlife’s regular wine contributor and expert Neil Bull, celebrates English Wine Week, 23-31 May, with the region’s finest

ine making in England is thought to date back as far as the Romans in 55BC. However, it is more likely to have been started in 1066 when the Norman invasion included an order of Monks who had the skill and knowledge of winemaking and planted vineyards in their monasteries. The Domesday survey in the late eleventh century recorded vineyards in 46 southern England locations as far afield as East Anglia and Somerset. When Henry VIII was crowned there were 139 vineyards in England and Wales. The crown owned eleven, sixty-seven were in the hands of the nobility and the Church was responsible for fifty-two. There was a sudden decline in the number of vineyards soon after this which some have put down to a much cooler climate making it very difficult to produce wine of any quality. Testing the soil Vine growing fluctuated for many years before a resurgence just after the Second World War. The industry really picked up speed in the 1960s, 70s and

80s with the number of English vineyards increasing to well over 400 by the early 90s. As the understanding of favourable soils and aspects has increased, so too has the quality of the wines. The best vineyards are well sited and grow appropriate varieties for their situation. This demonstrates the French idea of ‘terroir’, where the combination of soil type and local topography, together with the effect of their interaction and that of the macroclimate, determines the microclimate. Vineyards such as Nyetimber in Sussex used a very scientific methodology to seek out the right soils and situations to achieve exactly what they wanted from their wine. Nyetimber’s growing list of awards is testament to this scientific approach while sparkling wine now accounts for around half of the 2.5 million bottles that are produced in the UK. Homegrown In East Anglia there are around 30 vineyards. The climate, with good levels of sunlight and low rainfall eastlife.co.uk | 55

West Street Vineyard

is favourable. The grape variety Bacchus, which can be very similar to a French Sauvignon Blanc, particularly enjoys these drier, brighter conditions and New Hall Vineyard in Purleigh has won many awards for its Bacchus Reserve. New Hall Vineyard has over 65 hectares of vines and is one of the oldest and largest in the Country. The first vineyard in Purleigh was planted back in 1120. In 1207 the crown ordered two barrels of Purleigh wine to be sent to Bury St Edmunds in readiness for the arrival of King John. Giffords Hall Vineyard is a family run vineyard located in the village of Hartest between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury. The soil is a sandy/clay mix, which, along with a favourable climate, produces quality grapes, high in natural sugars and acids. This allows them to make both sparkling and dry, aromatic still wines. The 2010 Giffords Hall Rosé was not only awarded gold, but also received the Waitrose trophy for the most outstanding Rosé at the National English and Wine Awards. Chilford Hall Vineyard is one of the largest in East Anglia and the first vines were planted 30 years ago. The winery has a selection of modern equipment such as stainless steel tanks and pneumatic presses. This, along with the use of oak barrels, gives them the opportunity to produce clean, crisp wines some of which can be barrel fermented. Wyken Vineyards were planted in 1988 on a southfacing slope where the soil is sandy loam over chalk, giving the ideal conditions to produce some award winning wines such as Wyken Bacchus 2013 – winner of the East Anglian Best Wine 2013. There is also an award-winning restaurant on site. www.eastanglianwines.co.uk gives more information on these and many other vineyards in East Anglia. Neil Bull A.I.W.S. Essex Wine School www.essexwineschool.com

56| eastlife.co.uk

ith English Wine Week on the horizon & Eastlife’s 10th anniversary, it’s the perfect excuse to sample some of the region’s finest tipples. Here in East Anglia, we’re blessed with some of the country’s finest vineyards and tastings schools that make for a great day out. Here is our top 10… West Street Vineyard Set within the historic and picturesque village of Coggeshall, West Street has one of the largest range of English wines on offer in the country as well as its own award-winning West Street white, which has won international wine medals. Experience wine tasting, vineyard tours and sample breakfast lunch or dinner over looking the vineyard and the River Blackwater beyond. The vineyard at West Street is the perfect setting for a fabulous alfresco moment with family and friends. Tel: 01376 563303 West Street, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex CO6 1NB Giffords Hall Vineyard Giffords Hall is a family owned vineyard planted on the site of an ancient glacial riverbed near Long Melford in Suffolk. The vineyard hosts regular ‘cellar door’ days and three different types of tours with prices starting from £16.50 Per Person. Tel: 01206 271136 Green Lane, Colchester, Essex CO4 5TS Chilford Hall Located eight miles outside Cambridge the stunning vineyard hosts a number of tours and tastings starting from £15 per person, a wine shop and bistro and has established itself as a sought after wedding venue. Tel: 01223 895600 Balsham Road, Cambridge CB21 4LE Dedham Vale Vineyard Set in the picturesque Essex Countryside, Dedham Vale is an enchanting place comprising of 40 acres of vines, wildflower meadows, lakes and woodlands in Boxted. It features a vineyard trail through vines, picnic area, tastings and winery. Tel: 01206 271136 Green Lane, Boxted, Colchester, Essex CO4 5TS

LIFESTYLE

Oak Hill Vineyard A small run family business the vineyard produces white wines and has a beautiful converted granary, which is available for rent as a self-catering holiday cottage. It’s the perfect base for exploring the delights of the Suffolk Coast. Tel: 01379 586868 Willow House, Fressingfield, Suffolk IP21 5PE DJ Wines This is a small, intimate winery set in an idyllic rural location overlooking the historic village church at Monk Soham. Here you’ll find no rows of vine but an number of interesting tasting experiences from as little as £6.50 which will explain the process of the wine and liqueur making. Tel: 07882 649833 Unit 3, The Winery, School Road, Monk Soham, Woodbridge, IP13 7EN Essex Wine School Whether you want to learn more about the art of wine tasting or simply want to get together with friends and enjoy an educating and entertaining experience, the Essex Wine School hosts a number of courses and events in Chelmsford and Colchester. Hosted by a knowledgeable Neil Bull, there’s an option to suit all requirements. Tel: 01371 267260 www.essexwineschool.com Shawsgate Vineyard One of East Anglia’s oldest commercial vineyards producing a range of White, Red and Rosé wines as well as Quality English Sparkling wines. There are two tour options available plus wines can be purchased on site. Tel: 01728 724060 Badingham Road, Framlingham,Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 9HZ Cambridge Wine School An independent wine education company, which offers fun-filled Wine Tasting and Wine Courses in the heart of Cambridge. Tel: 01223 655391 Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1QA Winbirri Vineyard There are a number of tour and tasting experiences days throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour through the vineyard; learn about its history and the process of making wine before being invited to the tasting room to sample a selection of our award-winning wine. Tel: 07595 894841 Bramerton Road, Norwich, NR14 7DE

eastlife.co.uk | 57

Excel lent GCSE and A Leve result l s

g n i n r o n M 9.30am

Oepdneesday 20th May W

Friends’ School SaffronWalden “Calm, caring place for individuals who benefit from bespoke push, stretch and support” - The Good Schools Guide 2014

www.friends.org.uk

admissions@friends.org.uk 01799 525351

EDUCATION

GIVE PARENTS A BREAK ON SCHOOL FEES

s it right that overseas billionaires pay the same as hard-pressed British parents?

Every parent wants the best for their children, and for some that means years of financial hardship so that their son or daughter can attend an independent school. There are some excellent ones in eastern England, from Greshams in Holt to the Stephen Perse Foundation in Cambridge – and a host of others. But is it right that, all over the UK, cash-strapped parents in England are paying the same fees as billionaires from Russia and the Far East? Although most schools in the independent sector offer generous bursaries, these are highly competitive and aren’t available to all pupils. According to Alexander Nikitich, founder of the Carfax Education Group, which works with overseas families to prepare their children for entry to British independent schools, British schools should openly charge foreign parents more than British ones. UK universities pursue a policy of charging more for overseas students – so why not independent schools, he asks. “It would enable schools to use this supplement to subsidise UK pupils – whose parents struggle with fees that continue to rise in excess of average earnings in the UK – and help towards covering the additional cost of supporting overseas students.” According to the 2014 Independent Schools Council (ISC) census of their member schools, the proportion of overseas students now stands at 4.8 per cent. A total of 25,000 non-British pupils (with parents based overseas) and 11,300 foreign nationals (with parents based in the UK) are at independent schools. Ninety-one per cent of these in total are at boarding schools and their total pupil numbers last year increased by one per cent, despite average fee rises of around four per cent. This group form a growing part of the independent school pupil population – particularly at boarding schools. Many schools – concerned to preserve the very’ Englishness’ the overseas parents seek – are endeavouring to restrict numbers. This could be done by increasing fees to this group. Mr Nikitich practises what he preaches. He says that Carfax Tutorial Establishment in Oxford, part of the Carfax Group, is the first independent school in Britain to openly charge British parents less than their foreign counterparts. “It seems strange that foreign parents, who value

the British independent school sector so highly, aren’t making more of a financial contribution to it. If they paid higher fees, schools could afford to help pupils from less well-off British homes for whom the cost is a real struggle. Billionaires from Russia and the Far East are paying the same as British dentists, doctors and solicitors who are seeing their incomes plummet in real terms.” He adds: “Private schools overseas are entirely open about charging more to foreign students. It seems foolish for it to be a problem in England. We see many British pupils at our tutorial colleges whose parents could simply no longer afford school fees and decide to opt for small class sizes and oneto-one attention, in many cases at half the price. The fact that we charge less to British parents really makes a difference to them.” Mr Nikitich says that, quite apart from affordability, higher fees are also justified by the extra support overseas pupils need from school staff, especially in the first term or so, as they settle into an unfamiliar environment. “These children are living in a foreign country far from home. They won’t be used to English public school life or a disciplined approach to learning and often need a lot of additional help from busy teaching and pastoral staff if they’re to make a success of their time in England.” He also says that, as drops in pupil numbers among hard-up British parents leave smaller independent schools struggling to stay open, charging foreign parents a higher tariff could be crucial. For smaller public schools, in particular, which operate on incredibly tight margins, a few extra thousand pounds can make all the difference between survival and closure. Carfax Tutorial Group www.carfax-education.com eastlife.co.uk | 59

Inspired Learning

Co-educational day & boarding for ages 2-18

Open Morning 10am & May Fayre 1pm Saturday 9th May

Give us a call

01604 765765

Come and see for yourself.

Whole School Open Day (Nursery - Sixth Form)

Friday 1 May 9.30am - 12noon

SAINT FELIX PUPILS LEARN FOR LIFE

Early Years Open Day (Nursery & Reception)

Saturday 16 May 10.30am - 12.30pm www.northamptonhigh.gdst.net

A School of the Stephen Perse Foundation Independent School of the Year*

*Independent School Awards 2014-2015

A nurturing environment in an excellent setting, full of opportunities Early Years places available from rising three. Contact admissions@ damebradburys.com to arrange a visit and find out more!

Dame Bradbury’s School Ashdon Road, Saffron Walden, CB10 2AL 01799 522348 | www.damebradburys.com 60 | eastlife.co.uk EastLifeMay15quarter.indd 1

21/04/2015 12:48:54

Jan runs regular watercolour workshops and weekly water colour, mixed media, line and wash courses in her studio at Leath Barn, West Somerton. Jan also organises annual Painting Holidays in Greece and Norfolk. Very good accommodation available

Leath Barn, The Street, West Somerton Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 4EA 01493 393639 Email Jan: info@janblanch.co.uk www.janblanch.co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 61

Sparkle in the crowd as you party until the early hours in this glitter jumpsuit from French Connection. Price: sale price £90 French connection, The Galleria, Hatfield

Flash Tattoos are the must-have accessory of the year. Shimmer in the crowd with Bohemian Jewellery Tattoos. The metallic transfers come in a range of colours and patterns, last between three to five days and are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Price: £16.95 www.bohemianjewellerytats.com

Add some 70s inspired fringing to your festival look. Pair with a white tee and denim shorts and you’re good to go. Price: £59.99 Zara, Cambridge

The perfect sandal to see you through the weekend. Price: £38 Office, intu Lakeside

62 | eastlife.co.uk

FASHION

Festival season is upon us. We have the hottest looks to be the best dressed in the crowd while soaking up the live music.

FESTIVAL FEVER Accessorise a simple outfit with a tribal inspired scarf by Becksondergaard Price: £85 Coleen and Clare, Southwold

Make your hair stand out with Colour Ways semi-permanent hair dye from W7 Price: £5.95 TK Maxx and Next stores

Comfortable and stylish, this outfit is casual festival style at its best Top: £39.99 Shorts: £12.99 TK Maxx, The Galleria, Hatfield

Keds are the ultimate summer festival footwear Price: £43 Schuh stores nationwide

Beat the British weather with this stylish Gerry Weber jacket Price: £320 Jarrold & Sons, London Street, Norwich

eastlife.co.uk | 63

SPRING IS HERE Colourful Clothes for Colourful Characters Leading stockist of Pont Nurf in the region

Sizes 14 - 36

Wedding outifts from ÂŁ169

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eve st clair of Long Melford As a change of season approaches we feature fresh and vibrant new collections from our favourite brands. Marble, Bianca, Emreco, Gardeur, Pomodoro, Lebek and Viento Donna

An independent ladies retailer selling an eclectic range of beautiful clothes. The Old Pharmacy, Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9JQ Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm 01787 312182 - info@evestclair.com

64 | eastlife.co.uk

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19/09/2013 14:53

SUMMER

WEDDING FAIRS

As the summer wedding season begins, we count down the biggest 10 exhibitions for brides-to-be

very year thousands of brides (and some poor grooms) begin their wedding plans with a trip to one of the many wedding exhibitions and fairs that pop up throughout the year. From extravagant exhibitions with hundreds of exhibitors to much smaller village fairs, we take a look at the most inspiring wedding events this summer. The Truly Marvellous Wedding Fair, 3 May, 10am – 4pm Forget everything you know about wedding fairs this is different! A relatively new fair to the wedding scene but yet perhaps one of the most creative and engaging to have popped up in years, The Truly Marvellous Wedding Fair is Brought to you by Suffolk venue Kenton Hall Estate and national award winning wedding planner Caroline Gould. The fair will feature a ‘Truly Marvellous’ wedding, fabulous fashion shows, mock woodland blessings, street food, wine tasting, farm tours, live music, Cragg Sister’s woodland tearoom and of course the opportunity to meet the best and most creative wedding suppliers in Suffolk. Expect a mix of Instagram worthy trends and themes. The fair is free to attend and the team have also, this year, launched a new wedding blog (www.trulymarvellousweddings.co.uk) for the best local wedding inspiration and ideas. Tel: 01728 862062 Kenton Hall Estate, Kenton, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6JU All images courtesy of The Truly Marvellous Wedding Fair

66 | eastlife.co.uk

Truly Vintage’ Wedding Fair, 7 June, 10am – 4pm Calling all vintage lovers! With 30 plus exhibitors, all dedicated to offer you ideas for a vintage-inspired wedding, you’ll be surrounded by the most talented, professional and vintage-lovin’ people in the know. You’ll also have the opportunity to see what Glemham Hall can offer you as a venue for your wedding. A quirky, yet grand, historical house – what better setting for a vintage style wedding! Tel: 01728 746704 Glemham Hall, Little Glemham, Suffolk, IP13 0BT The Heart Essex Wedding Show, 12 – 13 September September sees the start of the wedding fair season and what better way to start than with a trip to the popular Heart Essex show. From accessories to bridal gowns and cakes to confetti, this show has it all. There will be catwalks shows throughout the day and Heart presenter & Essex favourite Mark Wrights plays his ultimate club classics wedding playlist. Tel: 01245 524519 The Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, CM15 9NN The Gressenhall Wedding Fair, 12 July, 10am – 3pm Whether this venue is on your list or you want to meet with local suppliers, the fair offers the opportunity to do both. See the Old Chapel decorated for a big day, find inspiration from past and present or stop for some vintage style with Flamingo Amy and her pop-up salon! Tel: 0778937594 Gressenhall, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 4DR

WEDDINGS Moggerhanger Park Wedding Fair, 10 May, 11aM - 4pm Gain inspiration, advice and tips on how to plan your big day. As well as goody bags and vouchers the event plans to feature ‘Inspiration Boutiques’ with expert presenters talking about everything from ‘How to plan your wedding’ to ‘Getting the most out of your wedding photographs.’ Tel: 01767 641007 Park Road, Moggerhanger, Bedford MK44 Posh Events Weekend Wedding Fayre, 27 to 28 June, 11am – 3pm Following its previously successful shows, the Posh Events Wedding fair returns with a host of local suppliers, free goodie bags and a glass of bucks fizz. Tel: 07977227266 Peterborough United Football Club, London Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE2 8AL Stoke by Nayland Hotel: Wedding Fayre, 6 September, 11am – 3.30pm Now in its ninth year, the fayre offers the opportunity to view this popular venue, view up to 40 quality suppliers and watch two fashion shows. There’ll also be goodies up for grabs including the chance to win a spa pass and £100 voucher. Tel: 01206 262836 Leavenheath, Nr Colchester CO5 4PZ The Suffolk Wedding Show, 27 September, 11am to 3pm Here you’ll find everything you need to plan your wedding under one roof with quality services from a huge range of local exhibitors. There’s also the chance to win £500 worth of décor. Tel: 07834 979862 Wherstead Park, The Street, Wherstead, Suffolk, Ipswich, IP9 2BJ The Newmarket Wedding Show, 6 September, 11am to 4pm One of the most renowned wedding shows in the region returns this September. The show features the best suppliers from the surrounding areas of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire including florists and wedding cakemakers to wedding dresses and chocolate fountains. With around 145 exhibitors, the show is a day out in itself. There will also be bridal fashion, demonstrations, entertainment as well as tips and ideas from all the wedding show suppliers going on throughout the day. Tel: 0845 257 2921 Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, CB8 0TF Wedding Spectacular at St Andrew’s Hall, 6 September, 11am to 4pm With some 50 leading suppliers in the Halls, bridesto-be have the opportunity to view some of the very best businesses in Norfolk plus the chance to see the ‘Fabulous Fashion Shows’ with outfits for all of the wedding party. Tel: 01787 460593 St. Andrew’s & Blackfriars Halls, St. Andrew’s Plain, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1AU eastlife.co.uk | 67

CONSUMER

m e fro the dvic nload a e r w o o d m For n Lewis it r vis ti Mar fe app o o.uk .c li East .eastlife www

Martin Lewis Do you know enough about your pension?

aster Monday saw the most radical changes to private pensions for a generation. The political spin is it’s ‘freedom and choice in pensions’. Yet more choice means it’s far easier to get it wrong, so here’s what everyone needs to know in five minutes… Pension freedom sounds like something from Braveheart – what’s actually happening? This is all about how you use your pension savings. As always you can take a quarter of it as a taxfree lump sum. Yet for decades most people have effectively needed to use the remainder of the money to buy an annuity – a product that pays you an income each year until you die. Now anyone aged 55 and over can take the whole amount as a lump sum, paying no tax on the first 25% and the rest taxed as if it were a salary at their income tax rate. Does it apply to all types of pension? No, we’re only really talking private pensions where you and/or your employer saved up a pot of cash for retirement. Technically these are known as ‘defined contribution’ or ‘money purchase’ pensions. It doesn’t apply to the state pension, nor in the main part does it apply to pensions where what you’re paid is a proportion of your final salary – known technically as ‘defined benefit’ pensions. There are ways to convert these final salary pensions into a pot of cash (be very careful of scammers), but don’t do it without genuine independent financial advice Is it worth taking out my pot as soon as I can? Usually not. If you’re in your 50s or early 60s you’re probably still working towards retirement and should be focusing on putting yourself in a position to have enough income when you do retire – so you want your pension to keep growing. Yet you’re saying if I want to, I can just take out all

the cash? If you choose to yes, but remember only 25% of it is tax-free. The rest is taxed at your current income tax rate like salary, and if you take a huge whack, just like if you earn more, some of it will push you into the higher tax bracket. If I don’t want to take it all out what can I do? Option 1: Leave it in your pension for when you need it. Then each time you withdraw, 25% of that amount is tax free. Option 2: Take 25% tax free, then buy a flexible income drawdown product. This is a product you buy to keep the rest invested so it can still hopefully grow, but you can also use it to take income when needed. Option 3: Take 25% tax free, then buy an annuity. This gives you a guaranteed income each year for the rest of your life. There are different charges on all of these, and it’s important to check them out and always compare different providers. Eh, I thought annuities were as dead as a dodo’s granny? Actually annuities are a decent concept, you get the security of knowing exactly how much you can spend each year, and that it’ll last for the rest of your life. The problem is the rates have been crap, and 60% of people just got them from their pension provider rather than checking for better deals, especially people with poor health who could’ve got much better rates. Yet done right, with some of your pension, it can be a useful option for security of income for life. OK so it’s complex, but hasn’t the Government set up a free advice service? No. It’s set up a free guidance service called www.pensionwise.gov.uk. This isn’t just a semantic difference – this system will tell you what you can do, not what you should do. It won’t include help on your benefits, nor on what product to get. eastlife.co.uk | 69

Welcome to Estia

For a professional approach to supplying quality Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms. Whether you prefer an ultra-modern or a timeless classic design, Estia have the right choice for you in thousands of colours. All leading brands of appliances are available. With over 35 years experience, we cater for all budgets - from small projects to complete refurbishments to include small building works. NO PROBLEMS, ONLY SOLUTIONS! We look forward to meeting you in our showroom soon!

19C East Street, St Ives PE27 5PD Tel: 01480 700016 www.estiainteriors.co.uk

Suffolk Carpet Weavers Visit our new showrooms at Top Street, Martelsham IP12 4RB LARGEST RANGE of Qualities and Colours in 80/20 Twist Piles in East Anglia. LARGEST RANGE of Bleach cleanable stain resistant carpets at affordable prices. Also the ONLY RANGE of Green Carpets made from recycled plastic bottles and comes with Lifetime stain and soil warranty 25 year Quality warranty. Plus LARGE SELECTION of hand made 100% wool rug in stock.

01394 610202 www.suffolkcarpetweavers.co.uk 70 | eastlife.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

Aura Development, Cambridge

TOP OF THE PLOTS I

t’s no secret that new homes are in demand. If you’re in the market for a new pad, be it an extravagant city apartment or retirement living, we’ve rounded up some of the region’s most sought after spots… CAMBRIDGESHIRE Like its character and charm, living in Cambridge will never go out of style. Despite the city being favoured for its historic buildings and architecture, there’s a demand for new build properties and one first class address in particular – the Aura. Following the rapid sale of earlier phases, a collection of 10 premium detached villas are set to be launched at the Aura development, Long Road, Cambridge. Located to the south of Cambridge city centre, Aura is ideally located for excellent schooling and mainline rail links to London. With Cambridge city centre just 2 miles away, Aura offers the sense of a familiar townscape yet on the edge of the countryside. The four and five bedroom residences offer expansive and luxuriously appointed accommodation arranged over more than 4,000 sq ft. Available in a selection of three layouts, each home will be finished to the highest standards with the very best materials and specification, incorporating lots of creature comforts for the best in luxury living. Each property also has its own private garden, backing onto mature woodland plus views over the fields

beyond, creating a peaceful and green setting. Andrew Loveday, sales director for Countryside, regarding the demand for high value, new build properties in Cambridge said: “The villas at Aura are quite unique for the Cambridge property market. The homes have already proven very popular as they offer the Cambridge housing market an outstanding solution to the limited supply of large family housing in the city. As Cambridge continues to attract the attention of large companies and its business sector grows, there’s a real need for new homes to reflect this growth.” The new show home soon to be unveiled is The Lusso Villa, a spectacular five-bedroom property that offers an expansive family living space filled with natural light. Guide prices for the new release of residences will be in excess of £2 million. Tel: 01223 656 167. www.auracambridge.co.uk SUFFOLK If you dream of living by the sea then Felixstowe’s latest collection of apartments could be for you. Undertaken by a small family run business, Gipping Homes, the former Bartlet Hospital and the adjacent annex, which was once the Bath Hotel that was linked to the Suffragettes, is being transformed into a prestigious development of one, two and three bedroom apartments. eastlife.co.uk | 73

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Introducing the East Maltings at Waterside Maltings, the latest release of originally designed 1 & 2 bedroom luxury apartments & luxurious newly built 2 & 3 bedroom mews homes set within this iconic landmark development. All properties include private gardens or generous terraces, many with views over Alma Beck. Bespoke fitted kitchens with a full range of integrated appliances & luxury bathrooms complete with Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware. Private allocated parking and in a prime position only 25 minutes from Norwich City centre. Purchase your home with a 5 % deposit & 75% mortgage via the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme - ask our sales team for details.

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*Photographs used are typical of the specification at Waterside Maltings, carpets, flooring, lighting blinds & all free standing furniture are not included unless otherwise stated. Please refer to a sales negotiator for further information.

HOME & GARDEN

With the old hospital built on an original Martello Tower and the building a Grade II listed property much time and effort has gone into the design to ensure that the building is restored under the guide lines of English Heritage and to protect many of its original features. The Bartlet occupies a commanding position overlooking the pretty wooden beach huts that line the four mile promenade stretching from Landguard Point to Felixstowe Ferry. A short walk beside Blue Flag beaches takes you into Felixstowe Town, with its thriving shops, cafes, restaurants and numerous leisure facilities. There are 29 apartments, three new build town houses and two single storey properties available within the development. www.thebartletfelixstowe.co.uk HERTFORDSHIRE McCarthy & Stone is celebrating the recent sales success at its new Assisted Living development, Park House, with over 57 per cent of apartments sold offplan in a matter of weeks. The developer has seen an overwhelming response to its new apartments since launching its prices in January, with 32 of the 56 apartments already sold. A thriving community is now forming at the development, with many residents attracted to the host of on-site facilities and excellent transport links on the doorstep. Located in the thriving market town of Hitchin, the attractive development comprises of a selection of 56 one and two bedroom Assisted Living apartments, priced from ÂŁ257,950. As well as modern apartments, Park House offers a table service restaurant serving freshly prepared meals, a homeowners lounge, conservatory and wellbeing suite, ensuring residents have everything they need to enjoy an independent retirement. Facilities in Park House include flexible domestic and personalised care packages which can be tailored to provide varying levels of support according to homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; individual needs. A dedicated Estate Manager also ensures the smooth running of the development, with 24 hour, 365 days a year on-site staffing, providing peace of mind for both homeowners and their families alike. Tel: 0800 2014811 www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/hitchin

NORFOLK BORDER A picture perfect village surrounded by beautiful countryside, Bungay not only offers a great quality of life but also boasts an impressive development of new homes - Waterside Maltings; a combination of traditional regional charm and quality modern living. A distinctive Grade II listed mill building sets the tone, offering interesting options for anyone looking for something different to the traditional cottages or detached estate housing. This includes apartment living - perfect for anyone wanting a low maintenance home that offers security and flexibility. Of the eight apartments in the East Maltings building only two remain for sale. One of them, a luxury two bedroom penthouse with a private terrace that offers truly wonderful views, the other a first floor two bedroom apartment that has been cleverly designed to make most of the light. The apartments are ideal for anyone who wants to be able to spend periods of time away whilst knowing their property is secure, being maintained and cared for in their absence. The latest phase of release includes two bedroom mews houses with open plan living and dining areas and recessed kitchen, all flooded with light from wide bi-fold doors onto the garden. Tel: 01986 892205 www.pjlivesey-group.co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 75

TROWMANS

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HETAS certification Full central heating installations and servicing Fully qualiﬁed HETAS and OFTEC Over 40VAT stoves £1699 on display in TOTAL PRICE INCLUDING installation engineers (conditions apply) & install Wood andSupply multi fuel stovesAGA Little Wenlockour showroom AGA Masterchef Free site surveys and quotations • Wood and multi-fuel stoves renovations stainless steel ﬂue liner, Fireplace and chimney Oil gas andClassic solid with fuel range cookers AGA Masterchef XL

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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

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76 | eastlife.co.uk

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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.

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

HOME & GARDEN

Let Your Kitchen Sell Your Home

uying and selling homes is big business, and as we enter key selling season there’s never been a better time to buyer-proof your home. The estate agent mantra is simple, “highlight the best bits and play down the weaknesses.” Called ‘home staging’, this insider approach to selling your home relies on tried and tested techniques for improving your home. Furthermore, research from The Home Owners Alliance underlines how careful preparation can make all the difference, especially when it comes to the kitchen. The kitchen, they say, is the most valuable room in the home, worth most per square foot than any other room. But rather than pay out for a complete new kitchen to sell your house, replacing doors, drawers and worktops can be a cost effective and less disruptive alternative. Kitchen makeover specialist Dream Doors has local showrooms in Norwich, Bury St Edmumds, Ely, Chelmsford and Colchester, Managing Director, Troy Tappenden gives an insider insight and advice for homeowners seeking to sell their home this spring: “When staging your home to sell set aside the bulk of your budget for a kitchen makeover – this is where you’ll get the best return on your money. It really is worth maximising this important space as a well-presented kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to prospective buyers making an offer – and a good one at that.” He adds: “Start early - if you’re planning for a spring sale start thinking about your kitchen upgrade in autumn or winter the year before. Assess what work needs to be done – carry out a Kitchen Audit. Be realistic and ask a third party for input – a trusted and honest friend or an estate agent. Also ask yourself some honest questions and try to answer from a buyer’s perspective. Consider aspects of design e.g. is there the sufficient storage? Does the layout work well? Is there enough space for all the appliances or do new ones need to be introduced? Is the colour scheme neutral?” Once your Kitchen Audit is complete there are different levels of kitchen upgrade, which can be achieved by working with a kitchen makeover specialist. Level 1: It could be the layout, cupboard fronts and surfaces are fine in which case it could be a simple case of adding new door handles, carrying

out a thorough de-clutter and spring clean and a lick of paint (remember neutral works every time) Level 2: It might be that the layout, cupboard fronts and handles are clean, well cared for and neutral but the worktops are scuffed in which case it could be as simple as buying and installing new worktops Level 3: The kitchen cupboards look dated and scruffy. This might be a good time to invest in new cupboard fronts and worktops to accompany the spring clean and lick of paint Level 4: You’re trying to attract a more high end buyer. This could involve new cupboard fronts and worktop as well as updating fixtures and fittings and white goods. It might sound extensive but remember if a kitchen looks fresh, modern and up to date it’s more than likely to add extra value to your sale so you’ll re-cap your initial outlay anyway. Once the work is complete remember to keep your kitchen as clutter free and neutral as possible. Create a blank canvas on which potential homeowners can project their ideas of a dream kitchen. Moving away from the kitchen, other sound conventional ‘home staging’ advice focuses on easyto-action and practical tips including: · De-clutter and de-personalise · Add mirrors in key places to give the impression of space · Clean carpets throughout · Keep it neutral – muted colour schemes work best · Add fresh scented flowers · Buy new/ brighter lightbulbs eastlife.co.uk | 79

HADLEIGH KITCHEN & BEDROOM STUDIO 86-88 High Street, Hadleigh IP7 5EF

Tel: 01473 827666

www.hadleighkitchens.co.uk

SIMPLE HAS NEVER LOOKED SO STYLISH PERSONAL SERVICE – QUALITY PRODUCTS – ATTENTION TO DETAIL

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.

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

80 | eastlife.co.uk

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

01473 851 360 COLCHESTER 01206 382 226 IPSWICH

Ipswich: Unit 10, Alstons Court, Leslie Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9PL www.gt-ipswich.co.uk West Mersea: Unit 1B, Rushmere Close, West Mersea, Essex CO5 8QQ www.gt-westmersea.co.uk

Here at Cambridge Home and Garden we have a large selection of good quality garden furniture, and full ranges of bedroom and dining furniture, available to buy at very competitive prices. You will find us based at Willingham Auctions, where you can view all of our items, six days a week. There is also a cafe on site, serving delicious homemade food. View our full ranges online at www.cambridgehomeandgarden.com

25 high Street, Willingham, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5ES 01954 261252

This season’s must have bag For Durstons growbags and compost Pop to the Co-op

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82 | eastlife.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

Garden Day out T

he sunny weather means we can finally start appreciating the garden again. Whether you’re looking for some inspiration, new furniture or just fancy a day out, this month check out one of the region’s shows

Entertainment throughout the day will keep guests occupied and informed with question sessions with Capel Manor Gardening Experts, workshops, presentations and the opportunity to learn about vegetable growing and allotments.

The Hertfordshire Garden Show at Knebworth House Enjoy a day at this popular Spring Garden show taking place at Knebworth House from 2 to 4 May. Find new ideas, plants and accessories to make your garden look really special.

Admission includes access to the show, West Garden, Hatfield Park and Woodland Garden. Shopping at the Stable Yard will also be available. Prices for the Garden Show are £10 for adults, £9 for seniors and accompanied children 15 or under are free of charge. www.hatfield-house.co.uk

There are always a wide variety of exhibitors at the show, including some of the best nurseries and specialists from across the region. Talk to the growers and choose from a huge range of top quality plants. There are also accessories and decorative items for your garden. It’s a great way to get your garden ready for the new season, with plenty of fresh ideas for inspiration. Entrance to the Garden Show is included in the Knebworth Park and Gardens admission ticket making for a very good value day out. The 28 acres of formal Gardens at Knebworth House are looking spectacular this spring. Also, families can enjoy a visit to the Adventure Playground as well as the famous Dinosaur Trail and maze in the Gardens. Knebworth House can be visited for a small additional supplement. Save 10% when you book tickets online through the Knebworth House website. www.knebworthhouse.com Hatfield House Garden Show The Hatfield House Garden Show returns 30 to 31 May at Queen Elizabeth Oak Field. There will be a host of exhibitors from nursery specialists, design and books to sheds, seed and furnishings, so you can get your garden in shape in time for summer.

Spring Plant Fair The annual Spring Plant Fair, organised by Suffolk Plant Heritage in partnership with Helmingham Hall will be held in the beautiful grounds of Helmingham Hall on 24 May. It’s a chance for visitors to indulge in their passion for all things gardening. There will be a free plant such as the lovely ‘perennial wallflower’ and Erysimum ‘Ruston Royal’ for 800 visitors. A wide range of unusual and popular plants will be available from over 50 nurseries, local National Plant Collections and the Suffolk Plant Heritage propagation group, which will be selling rare plants, some not offered for sale elsewhere. The Garden Marquee will host Gardening Workshops and the Plant Doctors will be available to offer advice on any gardening topic. Visitors can also browse among a wide range of exhibitors offering everything from hand tools to soap and garden furniture to sun hats. The Plant Fair gives the whole family a full day out, live music, a dance tent, home made teas and lunches as well as a range of food stalls. Entry to the Plant Fair is £7.00 per adult. Children are free. www.helmingham.com eastlife.co.uk | 83

84 | eastlife.co.uk

BEAM ENDS

From initial design to final installation and completion, our kitchens are specifically and individually created to your needs from the finest materials and finished by hand too. We specialise in hardwood and granite worktops. Call us now for further details and a guide to prices. Traditionally-designed and Timelessly-beautiful Kitchens

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ABSTRACT BRITAIN From Hepworth to Hodgkin

SATURDAY 25TH APRIL TO SUNDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015 The Higgins Bedford Castle Lane Bedford, MK40 3XD 01234 718618 thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk w : www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk t:

Free admission David’s Pool, 1985 © Sir Howard Hodgkin, 2015

86 | eastlife.co.uk

ARTS

The Arts Scene Heart by Lucy Grossmith

Blossom by Phil Greenwood RE

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

ith rumours of a heat wave just around the corner, it would appear that spring and summer are merging this year. As hedgerows and woodlands meet in a riot of colour and bud, the temperature is rising and natures’ palette is wild with creativity. So are our wonderful regional art galleries and this month we are starting in Suffolk, with the ever inspiring and uplifting Lion House Gallery. Until the tenth of May, you can catch ‘Heart of the Countryside’, a superb new collection of work from renowned Suffolk artist Lucy Grossmith. Living in a charming old cottage built in 1430, Lucy works in a studio at the end of her Suffolk country garden. The inspiration for her paintings is all around her. As she steps out into the air she sees all the textures and colours of the landscape and its changing seasons. She may sight a fleeting fox in the moonlight or a hare running across the meadow. Her passion for nature, wildlife and the countryside is reflected with love in her delicate, detailed and highly collected paintings. Lucy’s paintings are like finely woven threads of light, colour and movement. Beautiful hues of spring, summer, autumn and winter enlace creating quietly wondrous scenes of happiness and harmony. Like many professional artists Lucy is self-taught. She works full time on her paintings and illustrations, working for international card companies, individual private commissions and paintings for sale. She has recently been delighted to work with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust to produce a range of cards to help with their fundraising.

Friday 3 April to Sunday 10 May 2015 The Lion House Gallery, High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10 9PR Tel. 01787 249616 www.lionhousegallery.co.uk Travelling north to Hertfordshire, it is time again for my own gallery to open its doors for the Spring and Summer Collection 2015. The weekend of the 16 to 17 May sees the start of our latest exhibition and sale of works. Celebrating with wine and nibbles you are all invited to join us for a weekend of simply browsing or the opportunity to add to your own private collection. As always we have a rich mixture of original oils, watercolours, ceramics, bronzes, etchings and wood engravings. We have an abundance of new pieces from our regular gallery artists, myself included. In addition, we are very proud to introduce painter Carole Saunderson and print maker Jenny Lines to our host of renowned and appreciated artists. 16 May to 1 August Norton Way gallery, 51 Norton Way North, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 1BH Tel: 01462 685139 www.nortonwaygallery.com Also showing in Letchworth but at the beginning of the month is the towns well established art society. This is an enthusiastic and dedicated group of local artists working in a range of media and styles. Held at the characterful Three Horse Shoes public house in the lovely hamlet of Willian, why not stop for a refreshing country walk and light refreshment. Saturday 2 to Monday 4 May, 10am till 4pm eastlife.co.uk | 87

VK GALLERY Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Discover: May Exhibition 1st - 31st May New Paintings by Marc Brown & Stephanie Stow. In support of Craft & Design Month, craft by Lucy Burley, Sarah Hillman, Jane Crisp & Charlotte Brocklehurst will also be on display during May.

East Life half page Izaak2:Layout 1

18a Bridge Street, St Ives, Cambs PE27 5EG 14/4/15 (01480) 12:07 498130 Page 2www.vkgallery.co.uk

Come and meet

Dylan Izaak WE WARMLY INVITE YOU TO A PRIVATE VIEW OF NEW WORKS FROM BRITAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST INNOVATIVE CITYSCAPE ARTIST

FRIDAY 5TH JUNE FROM 7 - 9PM strictly an RSVP event PLEASE CONTACT THE GALLERY FOR YOUR PLACE ON THE GUEST LIST

RSVP : tel : 01462 622233 / 896164 email : info@gallery1066fineart.com 6a Hitchin Street Baldock Hertfordshire SG7 6AE www.gallery1066fineart.com

88 | eastlife.co.uk

ets

ARTS from

Around the Region Event at Curwen Print Study Centre

The Landscape Patterns Project

he Landscape Patterns project is part of the Breaking New Ground and supported by Heritage Lottery fund. The Brecks are a diverse landscape which merit exploration. The Landscape Patterns Project aims to capture the excitement of discovering a pattern amongst nature, whether it is within moss, on a fungi, in exposed roots, and interpret these into artwork. The projects are led by Stephanie Hartick, a landscape architect and artist and take place in various locations. There are 10 art projects open to various groups and the general public; some are suitable for people who have never sketched as well as accomplished artists, as it is all about encouragement and social participation and the therapeutic effects gained from being outdoors. The workshops include: Tue 19th May: Sketch book strolls is an opportunity to take part in a Breckland walk exploring the forest and heathland around Brandon Country Park. To book visit www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk Wed 27 May: Artists on Legs is a half term activity walk for children and careers. To book visit www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk Wed 3rd June: Landscape Patterns, Heritage patterns. Art collages interpreting the Anglo Saxon patterns for people recovering from mental health issues. Based at West Stow Anglo Saxon village. Sat 13th June: Landscape Patterns, Art in the Park. Open to general public at Brandon Country Park

urwen Print Study Centre at Chilford Hall, Linton opens its doors to the Studio over the weekend of 6 - 7June between 11am and 5pm. Visitors can view the studio and talk to tutors throughout the weekend about the courses on offer. There will be something for everyone to enjoy across the weekend including beautiful presses dating from as far back as 1837, the tutors own work and prints by famous names such as John Bellany RA, Chloe Cheese MA RCA, Stanley Jones MBE, John Mills PPRBS ARCA FRSA will be available to buy as well as more affordable prints. There will be opportunity to buy printmaking materials and a second hand arts book stall. It is 15 years since Stanley Jones MBE and Sam Alper OBE opened the Curwen Print Study Centre as a non-profit Trust to focus on teaching Fine Art Printmaking. The studio buzzes with activity every day and there is a real need to expand into a second studio and enable the addition of a research and study area. Raffle tickets will be available to buy in support of the Study Centre, which will be drawn on 17 October. Every ticket is a winner with everyone receiving a print, which could be a print donated by an artist from one of the courses or it could be a John Bellany RA, Chloe Cheese RCA MA, Stanley Jones MBE. Tel: 01223 892380 Chilford Hall, Balsham Rd, Linton, Cambridge CB21 4LE www.curwenprintstudy.co.uk

eastlife.co.uk | 89

WATERSHEDSTUDIO WATERSHEDSTUDIO POPULAR EAST ANGLIAN VENUE FOR ONE AND TWO DAY PAINTING COURSES Excellent and professional tutors covering most media and catering for all abilities Friendly rural studio established fifteen years Over 28 tutors including: Carole Baker, Soraya French, Roger Dellar, Richard Taylor, Margaret Glass, Andrew Pitt, Charles Evans, Kay Elliott, John Shave, Sue Williams, Sylvia Paul and many more. Lunches, homemade cake, and tea & coffee on tap included – everything is home cooked in the 5* hygiene rated kitchen Excellent local accommodation available

For more information contact Allison Bond 01255 820466 | allison@watershedstudio.co.uk or check out the website www.watershedstudio.co.uk Watershed Studio, St Clere’s Hall Lane, St Osyth, Clacton on Sea, Essex, CO16 8RX

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C urwen P ri nt Stud y C entre

Come knitting, crochet, crochet, Comeininand andsee seeus us for for all all your knitting, cross needs. crossstitch, stitch,tapestry, tapestry, haberdashery haberdashery needs. Relaxand andenjoy enjoyyour your past past time with Relax with like like minded minded peopleatatone oneof ofour our crafty crafty clubs or brush people brush up upyour your skillsororlearn learnsomething something new. new. We will skills will be be running running workshops : Beginners Knitting, , workshopsfrom fromFebruary April : Beginners Knitting BeginnersCrochet, Crochet,Toe Toe Up Up Socks Socks ,, Circular Beginners Circular Knitting Knitting formore moredetails details telephone telephone 01462612889. for 01462612889. OPENING TIMES TIMES OPENING Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Thursday 9.30 am - 3.00 pm Thursday 9.30 am - 3.00 pm Friday & Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Friday & Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm

Please phone or email for further details Please phone or email for further details

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

01462 612889 01462 612889 Email: info@wool-n-things.co.uk

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

www.wool-n-things.co.uk www.wool-n-things.co.uk 90 | eastlife.co.uk

DISTINCTIVELY PRINTMAKING Courses for artists of all abilities and ages 2015 Brochure out now curwenprintstudy.co.uk 01223 892380 enquires@curwenprintstudy.co.uk

Gainsborough’s House Museum & Gallery

Exhibition until 31 May 2015

Artists at home and at work Photography by Anne Purkiss Gainsborough’s House is the childhood home of Thomas Gainsborough RA (1727-1788) and displays an outstanding collection of his paintings drawings and prints.

Open daily: 10am to 5pm (Sundays 11am to 5pm) Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2EU 01787 372958 | www.gainsborough.org Registered Charity number: 214046

STAMFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY 2015

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Henry V Romeo & Jul iet Tom Jon es Based on the by Henry novel Fielding

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based on the novel by Henry Fielding

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

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

On The Rocks, Uist by Pam Carter

Colour: April 25 - May 30 On The Rocks, Uist by Pam Carter

Oil on canvas

32” x 32”

Judith Bridgland, Pam Carter, Joe Hargan, Peter King

www.limetreegallery.com

Tel: 01787 319046 Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9JF eastlife.co.uk | 91

TOP

10 ART EXHIBITIONS To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Eastlife, we’ve picked our favourite 10 art exhibitions taking place this summer... John Craske at The Gallery at Norwich University of the Arts, 12 May until Saturday 6 June

Over 70 acclaimed award-winning artists at 1066 Gallery

rom first time buyers to connoisseurs of fine art, Gallery 1066 is representing over 70 acclaimed award-winning artists from around the globe and boasts the stunning works from artists such as Fabian Perez, the leading figurative artist of our time, to Dylan Izaak, Britain’s most innovative cityscape artist and official Olympic artist 2012. Dylan Izaak will be attending the Gallery 1066 on 5 June, 7-9pm, to unveil a collection of vibrant mixed media originals and collectable editions featuring his slant on the urban world. This event is strictly guest list only so please contact the Gallery to find out more about the prestigious event. Tel: 014362 622233 Willow Mews, 6a Hitchin Street, Baldock, SG7 6AE IMAGE: Dylan Izaak ‘Water Under the Bridge’

n extraordinary four-metre long, Bayeux-style panoramic tapestry of the Dunkirk evacuation is the centrepiece of ‘Threads’, an exhibition of work by Norfolk artist John Craske at The Gallery at Norwich University of the Arts. This is a rare opportunity to see a selection of Craske’s work some of which has not been on public display before. ‘Threads’ opens to the public on Tuesday 12 May until Saturday 6 June and admission is free. Tel: 01603 610561 St Georges Street, Norwich

ARTIST ROOMS: Jeff Koons at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, 9 May to 6 September

orwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery will be hosting an exciting exhibition of groundbreaking work by American artist, Jeff Koons (b. 1955), widely regarded as one of the most important, influential, popular, and controversial artists of our time. ARTIST ROOMS: Jeff Koons will be the first time Koons’ work has been shown in East Anglia and is the only chance to see Koons’ work in the UK in 2015. Tel: 01603 493649 Castle Meadow, Norwich, NR1 3JU 92| eastlife.co.uk

Abstract Britain at Higgins Bedford, 25 April to 27 September rawn entirely from the Cecil Higgins Collection, Abstract Britain charts Britain’s journey into abstraction. This exhibition features work from the artists of St Ives, Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Peter Lanyon, the post-war experimenters, William Scott and Victor Pasmore, the geometric abstraction of Bridget Riley and the emotionally figurative work of Howard Hodgkin. The exhibition looks at the different paths British artists have taken to non-figurative representation. Tel: 01234 718618 Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

ART IN SUFFOLK at Gainsborough House, 6 June to 25 October

Francis Bacon and the Masters at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts 18 April – 26 July

rancis Bacon and the Masters is a groundbreaking exhibition in which Bacon’s obsession with the art of the past will be brought into full focus. A major body of works by the artist will be juxtaposed with masterpieces by some of the greatest painters and sculptors in the history of art, in a spectacular exploration of Bacon’s working methods and ideas. Tel: 01603 593199 Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ Treasured Possessions from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment at the Fitzwilliam Museum, 24 March – 6 September

isitors to the Fitzwilliam this summer can expect 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. Each of the 300 beautiful and engaging objects was once a treasured possession, revealing the personal tastes and aspirations of its owner, and preserving precious memories. Tel: 01223 332900 Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB

Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88), TWO CHILDREN, drawing On loan from The Red House, Aldeburgh

he natural beauty of Suffolk is well known, but perhaps what is less well known is that within this county there are a number of museums that contain some of the greatest examples of art in the country. This exhibition is a celebration of the art that, for one reason or another, found a permanent home in Suffolk. At Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich and Moyse’s Hall, Bury St Edmunds, wealthy Suffolk family collections formed the kernel of great public collections. In Newmarket, not surprisingly, a collection was amassed that celebrates Britain’s great sporting art heritage including works by the leading artists of the day. In Aldeburgh there is a very personal collection of the composer Benjamin Britten and the singer Peter Pears. It was fascinating to hear from the curator that on a wall in Britten’s bedroom was a drawing by Thomas Gainsborough featured here. Tel: 01787 372958 Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury CO10 2EU Rivers Thurne and Bure Art Trail, 23 May - 7 June

Leigh Art Trail, 6 - 13 JunE

entred around the delightful fishing town of Leigh-on-Sea, the Leigh Art Trail welcomes visitors to come and view the wide range of artworks, in the many artisan shops and studios of local artists. Now in its 18th year, the Leigh Art Trail showcases a variety of artworks in over 35 different venues. Various events will be taking place throughout the week, check the website for details. www.leigharttrail.com

Whitney McVeigh at Kettle’s Yard, 25 April 2015 – 21 June 2015

hitney McVeigh is making a new installation for St. Peter’s Church, next to Kettle’s Yard. Her compelling work explores the presence of history, collective memory and the nature of mark making as a human imprint. Tel: 01223 748100 Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ

ewly extended for the 2015 Norfolk and Norwich Open Studios is the Rivers Thurne and Bure Art Trail. Art lovers can enjoy the beauty of the Norfolk Broads while following the trail which runs from Thurne to Stokesby linking artists in Thurne, Oby, Upton, Stokesby and Fleggburgh and is based in the Broads National Park. Visitors can experience the beauty of the Norfolk Broads by boat, on foot or by road whilst visiting artists working in their studios. The seven multi-disciplined artists and artisans taking part include Ann Lamb, Michelle Daniels, Colin Giles, Corrin Tulk, Jan Dingle, Brenda Carpenter and Russell Canham. Broads National Park eastlife.co.uk | 93

EACH gift in every Will makes a difference Registered Charity No. 1069284

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21/11/11 09:52:14

HEALTH

SHAPE UP FOR SUMMER time to get your body on track

ands up - who has fell off the fitness New Year band-wagon? Yes, me too. The year started out with such good intentions; a new gym membership, fridge and cupboards stock piled with fruit, veg and healthy snacks and a goal in mind. I really did think this would be the year that I would get the closest I possibly could to a Victoria Secrets Supermodel body. Ok that might have been an unrealistic thought given I don’t have the time nor am I prepared to workout four hours a day and I am foot too short, but like the majority of the country my New Year resolution was simple, get fit and in shape in time for summer.

Why is it that we set out with these fitness goals but come spring more than half of us have fallen somewhat off track? I sat down with personal trainer and nutritional guru Neresh Douglas for some inspirational advice. Neresh is a fully qualified personal trainer that is making working out at home easier than ever before. For most of us and the recurring problem Neresh hears is that our lives are just too busy to fit in a regular exercise regime and lets face it, after a long day at work, hauling yourself to the gym is

pretty tough. With this in mind Neresh has taken personal training to the next level by offering training in the comfort of your own home, small training groups with friends in the park and Skype training sessions. Based in St Albans and the West Hertfordshire region, Neresh makes working out convenient by bringing the gym to the home. She says: “People’s time is becoming more precious, taking out the element of having to travel to a gym makes it more doable.” With 18 years experience in the industry, Neresh relocated to St Albans from Bermuda 16 months ago. Following this move the idea of the ‘virtual trainer’ was born. In order to keep training her old clients, Neresh began to offer Skype training sessions, where she demonstrates the routine and is a supporting and motivational voice via the laptop. “The advantage of Skype training is the being in the comfort of your own home but fully supervised and motivated by a professional. Also you can train at any time of day or night and keep costs down,” she explains. eastlife.co.uk | 97

04 April East Life Summer Health Fitness 2015 HP_Layout 1 13/04/2015 16:16 Page 1

Get fit and de-stress at Ufford Park Woodbridge

Ease the stress of your busy lifestyle at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa. Work out in our Health Club with its 33 station gym, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub, indulge yourself in our Thermal Suite Spa, or play a round of golf on our championship 18 hole, par 71 golf course. Afterwards you can relax in the bar, whilst enjoying the stunning view over the 120 acres of historic parkland. Golf & Spa breaks from only £89 per person* Leisure day passes - from only £13.00 per person Leisure memberships - from only £28.95 per month • Food served all day Day Spa experiences - from only £20.00 per person Pay and play golf - from only £23.00 per person (off peak) • 2 mile trim trail Golf membership from only £16.50 per month

• 2 storey driving range • Dogs welcome

* Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability.

t 0844 477 1835 w www.uffordpark.co.uk

(localMay_89721 rate) 89721 Michael Gaunt Advert (EL) Michael Gaunt Advert (EL) Melton, May 16/04/2015 09:52 Page 1 Yarmouth Road,

Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW

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98 | eastlife.co.uk

HEALTH

“Each person is different. A good trainer can carry someone throughout every stage of his or her life. I do a lot of postural work, assessments, a range of movement, pregnancy and post natal.” Neresh showed me a typical 30 minute session in my home, which was far better than any half an hour I’ve ever spent in the gym. We didn’t need much space, equipment was provided and she was motivational throughout. When I was ready to quit, which I would of done after five minutes if I’d been on my own, Neresh was there to offer words of encouragement to help me continue. As we trained she explained that personal training doesn’t have to be expensive. Sessions can start from as little as £10 per hour when you train with a group of friends, what better way to get fit than by gossiping with friends? Whether you have a holiday booked, want to shape up, get fit or lose weight, obtaining your best body is easy when you have a plan. Neresh gave us some handy tips and advice for the most common excuses and scenarios: Fallen off your original plan If the January gym hype is over for you Neresh says it’s vital to identify where it went wrong. She says: “Most people usually set unrealistic goals such as losing a stone in a month. I never tell a client to get on scales, weight varies but I massively encourage taking measurements. Take your measurements every three weeks while working out and you’ll soon see the result on tape measure.” Exercise tip: Get someone to exercise with you and take measurements together, you’ll likely stay on track if you have support.

Lack of time If you’ve heard the phrase “you need to exercise an hour a day” then think again! “It’s a myth,” Neresh says. “20 minutes at a time, two 10 minute sessions, intervals of squats and push ups at 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds, and repeat 10 times. “Walk the escalators, carry a basket around supermarket rather than a trolley, get off the bus at a stop earlier it’s best to incorporate an active lifestyle more than thinking of gym time.” Exercise tip: Keep your every day life active such as squat when you brush your teeth and do push-ups while the kettle boils. Losing weight “This is my main bulk of cliental,” explains Neresh. “You need to identify where the weight come from. It’s useful to keep a food diary, get a trainer and nutritionist, but don’t radically change your diet, it’s all about proportion control. Eat your cake and enjoy it but be mindful of what is happening the next meal, eat in moderation and start incorporating exercises into every day life such as taking the stairs and walk where possible.” Exercise tip: Resistance cardio for optimum weight loss. Do both Squats and biceps together, use as many muscle groups in one move as possible. For more information about training with Neresh, fitness advice and recipes visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Ndpersonaltraining www.ndpersonaltraining.com

83 eastlife.co.uk | 99

INTRODUCING

RE T REATS

Laid-back luxury holiday retreats in Norfolk BAREFOOT RETREATS is passionate about marketing luxury holiday properties that are individual and unique, from cottage hideaways, to beautiful boltholes, coastal gems and rural retreats. AS OUR GUESTS you will have the keys to some of the most beautiful and individual homes in Norfolk; providing a distinct laid-back luxury holiday experience ensuring you feel at home from the moment you arrive, until you return the keys. You’ll have access to our exclusive concierge service, ideal if you’re organising a special celebration or want to experience something different on your holiday. And once you’ve chosen your property, you’ll receive a Barefoot guide ensuring you have all the information you could need to enjoy your precious time away. AS A HOME OWNER we will maximise the earning potential of your second home by managing all the marketing, PR and guest liaison for you. Sharing your holiday home should be as easy and enjoyable as the holidays our guests will enjoy there and we will make it our job to look after your home as if it were our own, providing you with a fully managed service.

WHY BAREFOOT? As our guests you can look forward to a boutique hotel experience with the

freedom of self catering. All our properties feature a welcome hamper, Barefoot branded bathrobes, slippers and beautiful linens. If you’re looking for a wonderful holiday experience or are considering marketing your home and are seeking a fresh and innovative approach, please call us on 01485 512245 or visit our website www.barefootretreats.co.uk. Emma Ta g g Director

H e le n M i l li n Director

L U X U RY P R O P E RT I E S • A M A Z I N G P L AC E S • U N I Q U E E X P E R I E N C E S

Barefoot Norfolk Ltd, The Boardwalk, High Street, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LX 01485 512245 • enquiries@barefootretreats.co.uk • www.barefootretreats.co.uk

NORFOLK

What’s on in

Norfolk

THEATRE & SHOWS 4-May Bruce Forsyth Entertains Bruce Forsyth, the nation’s most famous and loved performer, entertains in a very special evening of comedy, piano, dance and song. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL. 01603 630000

EDITOR’S CHOICE

21-May The Measure of All Things A new live-cinema performance from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Green, who narrates his latest documentary live on stage, accompanied by New York-based classical ensemble Music. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000

5-9 May The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Bruno’s friendship with Shmuel takes him from innocence to revelation, revealing the poetic irony that through a child’s eye everyone can appear the same. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 5-27 May Summer Laughter Show 2015 This is the longest running Summer Season in the UK in an intimate cabaret style setting with a drinks service at your table. Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston-on-Sea, NR31 6PP. 01493 662832 6-9 May The Sorcerer ‘The Sorcerer’ is an uproariously funny operetta which turns class and social structure on its head. Maddermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 8-May Tormenta Flamenca A flamenco performance that is spellbinding, connecting with the audience in a way that is intimate and unique. Sheringham Little Theatre, 2 Station Road, Sheringham, NR26 8RE. 01263 822347

the ‘old favourites’ captures the music, comedy and camaraderie of the war Featuring Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Donald Peers, Bing Crosby, Max Miller, Arthur Askey and Al Jolson. Princess Theatre, 13 The Green Hunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252

50 things - Wild Wednesdays at Brancaster Estate 27 May, 10am-4pm oin the National Trust team for a day of 50 things themed family fun on the Norfolk Coast at Brancaster Beach. From kite flying to stone skimming, track a wild animal or make some coastal wild art. Stay with the team for as little or as long as you like, there’s no pressure. Grab your scrapbook and start ticking off your adventures. Please meet at Brancaster Beach (PE31 8AX), look out for flags & staff. This is a great way to keep the kids entertained this half term. Price: No Additional charges Tel: 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

9-May Jack Dee Helpdesk Whether it’s relationships, career advice, personal worries or something as simple as how to tell your emotionally stunted in-laws you no longer want them in your life. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864

a fiery philosophical debate, ‘Man and Superman’ asks fundamental questions about how we live. Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241

11-16 May Peter Pan Goes Wrong Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does, as the accident prone thesps embark on a thrilling adventure to Neverland, with hilariously disastrous results. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000

16-May Macbeth Speaks Dean Taylor Productions are well known in the north of England for the past 10 years for their adaptation of Shakespearean Comedy with the scripts being written by Dean Taylor. The Granary Theatre, Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AU. 01328 710193

14-May Man and Superman A romantic comedy, an epic fairytale,

19-May We’ll Meet Again An entirely new production, including

21-30 May Neighbourhood Watch An innocent mistake on an estate leads to an alarming escalation of events as the residents of Bluebell Hill Development take extreme measures to protect themselves. Maddermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 22-23 May Fish Out Of Water All the ingredients of package holidays as late flights, double bookings, foreign food etc. - provide an evening of uproarious and innocent fun. Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252 23-May Political Mother Pulsating live music, extraordinary ensemble sequences and cinematic editing make ‘Political Mother’ a dance experience like no other. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 23-30 May Copacabana With an original story woven around Manilow’s music, this is a fun filled, action packed show full of feathers and sequins. Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier, Cromer, NR27 9HE. 01263 512495 24-May Chris & Pui Show With songs, comedy sketches, a dash of magic and heaps of joining in, this is a family show for children aged two to a hundred and two. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 25-29 May Exit A young couple having a domestic squabble, the sort of which we over hear or have everyday of our lives. Nothing extraordinary, no heroic deeds or tragic acts of generosity, just a tiff - or so it would seem. Mad-

eastlife.co.uk |101

NORFOLK dermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 26-27 May Judy - The Songbook of Judy Garland The UK premiere of a song and dance spectacular celebrating the classic songs of Miss Judy Garland. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn. PE30 1JW. 01553 764864 28-30 May Carousel Opposites attract when Julie Jordan falls in love with the rebellious carnival barker Billy Bigelow. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 28-May Pasha Kovalev ‘Life Through Dance’ In this amazing new show starring Pasha and his sensational dancers, the audience will be transported into the world of Ballroom and Latin Dance with all its glitter and sequins. Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252 MUSIC 7-May Magic of Motown Britain’s biggest Motown revival takes you back with five-star performances, over 36 Motown classics featuring all the fabulous dance moves, glittering costumes and superb, driving musicianship synonymous with the label. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864

‘

8-May Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music ‘Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music’ is a screening of the Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen Technicolor, with subtitles so that everyone can sing along, a host and free fun pack. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864 9-May And Finally Phil Collins This two hour plus spectacular includes all the classic hits; In The Air Tonight, Easy Lover, Another Day In Paradise and many more, Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252 8-10 May Folk on the Pier Now in its seventeenth year, Norfolk’s largest folk-rock and roots music event offers yet another top class line-up including headliners Oysterband, Edward II and Ray Jackson’s Lindisfarne Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier, Cromer, NR27 9HE. 01263 512495 11-May Lucy Spraggan Lucy Spraggan is an English singersongwriter and musician hailing from Sheffield. Performing what she describes as ‘A-Flop’ - a mixture of hiphop, folk, and acoustic - she has found

fans across the UK and the whole world, thanks to her YouTube videos. The Waterfront, 139-141 King Street, Norwich, NR1 1QH. 01603 632717

16-May Lady Sings the Blues The two hour concert parades some thirty songs from the wonderful Billie Holiday repertoire - including many that are all-too-frequently ignored. Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston-on-Sea, NR31 6PP. 01493 662832 20-May Abdullah Ibrahim Charismatic South African pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim plays a special concert that celebrates his 80th year, bringing together echoes of the township jazz he grew up with, a stunning solo piano set, and the lustrous colours of a brand new trio. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 21-May The Good Old Days Starring the Legendary 60’s hit recording stars The Bachelors with John Stokes. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864 22-May Red Shadow This group play a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. The Granary Theatre, Staithe Street, Wells-nextthe-Sea, NR23 1AU. 01328 710193 24-May Pop Factor The Concert Pop Factor tributes the very best of now! A show that’s a celebration of the top artists and biggest chart hits. Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252 28-May The Johnny Cash Roadshow All aspects of Cash’s life are covered including all the greatest hits plus an amazing video back drop with evocative images and shots from Johnny Cash’s life. Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 29-May Swan and Dyer Vicki Swan & Jonny effortlessly blend traditional material with contemporary sounds. Their performances showcase new interpretations of old songs alongside original self penned tunes and new contemporary songs that are entirely at home in the tradition. The Granary Theatre, Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AU. 01328 710193 31-May The Fureys The group are responsible for some of the most stirring music ever to capture the public imagination. Their folk/ middle of the road based songs and music has received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls around the world. Maddermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2

1DR. 01603 620917

31-May Joan Armatrading For her last major tour she has decided this is the perfect time to perform her first ever full scale solo concert. Her performances will include songs that span her entire career so far. Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton PE36 5AH. 01485 532252 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 29 Mar - 1 Sept 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 1-4 May Pebbles Photography Exhibition The latest collection of framed limited edition prints, canvases and aluminium wall art by photographer Stephen Clark. Brancaster Staithe Village Hall, Brancaster Staithe, PE31 8BV. 01485 210810

2-16 May Frank Gibson Local artist Frank Gibson works with watercolours to create large seascapes and landscapes of the surrounding area. The Old Warehouse. 29 King Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1HA. 01553 779095 16-May Costume and Wardrobe Event The evening will include an illustrated talk with a question and answer session, a look behind the scenes in the wardrobe and the opportunity to buy retro/vintage clothes and accessories. Maddermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 22-23 May Bee Inspired - Bee-Friendly Plants Talk To complement the Bee Inspired exhibition, local beekeeping support group Dicklebees, will be giving free talks, demonstrations and be on hand to answer questions. Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 SPECIAL EVENTS 15-May Crab & Lobster Festival The Crab & Lobster Festival returns for the sixth year with a Grand Opening Concert to kick off the Festival weekend. Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier, Cromer, NR27 9HE. 01263 512495

24-May Treasure Hunt Take a gentle stroll around Norwich answering questions about the various places of interest as you progress. Your journey will take 90 minutes to 2 hours. Maddermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917

eastlife.co.uk | 103

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Situated in the Waveney Valley, Harleston is an ancient town home to old coaching inns, a historic market and reputable local traders. Throughout the town you’ll discover independent and specialist shops and beautiful Georgian architecture. During the summer months The Waveney Valley is perfect for discovery on foot or cycle with its numerous way-marked routes and quiet country lanes including much of the ‘Angles Way’. Things to do Harleston Museum is a compact, volunteer-run, museum full of artefacts relating to the life and times of the people of Harleston. More specifically these items illustrate; personal and domestic life, working life, costume, recreation, entertainment and the built environment of the town. For something a little off the beaten track, make a trip to Grain Brewery, located in the Waveney Valley. The brewery holds a number of events throughout the year and visitors can explore the shop or when its

not too busy ask for a tour of the brewery itself.

demonstrations and plenty of opportunities for tastings.

Food and Drink Harleston offers a delightful mix of restaurants, pubs and tea rooms which deliver seasonal dishes using fresh local produce. If you fancy sampling some of the local produce on offer head to the Harleston Farmers’ Market, which takes place on the third Saturday of every month, 9am to 1pm.

What’s on? Everyone’s War - How We Worked, Laughed and Cried Starston is presenting a village tribute to the First World War to be held in St. Margaret’s Church, Starston on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May. The event will include readings of prose and poetry, music and song, visuals projected onto a screen and family anecdotes from people who live in Starston.

The Waveney Valley Food & Drink Festival, which takes place 3 – 11 October 2015, now in its fourth year, helps to raise the profile of the Waveney Valley, encouraging tourism at a traditionally quieter time of year and bringing together local producers, instilling pride in the area in which they live and work. Visitors will be able to browse stands from many local producers and retailers from within the Waveney Valley and try and buy a whole range of delicious goodies to take home and enjoy and to stock up the pantry or the freezer. There will be cookery

Antiques and Vintage Street Market Harleston’s second Antique and Vintage Street market will take place Sunday 21 June, followed by evening street party on the Market Place. The Harleston & Waveney Festival The festival returns each summer during August. This year promises a jam-packed schedule. Visitors can expect to enjoy an electric mix of arts and artists spanning international, national and local talent of the highest quality. eastlife.co.uk | 105

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Explore historic Cambridge by bus Departures throughout the year Why not make the most of your visit to Cambridge by booking a City Sightseeing tour on our open-top buses. Tickets are available online, or buy your ticket on the bus.Tours include a free map, and pre-recorded audio is available in multiple languages.

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CAMBRIDGESHIRE

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Cambridgeshire THEATRE & SHOWS 4-9 May Dear Lupin Roger Mortimer’s brilliantly hilarious, often touching, and always generous letters to his son Charlie, are vividly brought to life in this new stage adaptation, starring James Fox. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 5-May La Fille Mal Gardee Frederick Ashton’s final full-length ballet is one of his most joyous creations, inspired by his love for the Suffolk countryside. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 5-May Don Q Flintlock Theatre bring their signature high-energy storytelling to this re-imagining of Cervantes’ classic tale. Filled with fights, dances and gypsy-jazz, ‘Don Q’ is a fast and furious romp of a show. Mumford Theatre, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT. 0845 196 2320 6-May The Hard Problem Hilary, a young psychology researcher at a brainscience institute, is nursing a private sorrow and a troubling question at work, where psychology and biology meet. If there is nothing but matter, what is consciousness? Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 7-May Dylan Moran - Off The Hook Dylan Moran star of Black Books, Shaun of the Dead and Calvary is back with his new stand up show. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 8-May Roy Chubby Brown He’s still rude, he’s still crude and this time he’s turning headlines into punch lines as his rip-roaring brand of banter continues to burst bellies across the country. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 8-May Andrew Lawrence: Reasons To Kill Yourself Come and laugh in his stupid face at his disappointing life and some amusing thoughts he’s cobbled together about how awful the world is. The

EDITOR’S CHOICE

New Works by Lee Madgwick 21 May-14 June ward-winning East Anglian artist Lee Madgwick has built up a considerable following for his mysterious and emotive paintings which depict scenes of abandonment, seclusion and dereliction. Returning to Byard Art for his third solo show, as a recently elected member of the Royal British Society of Artists, Lee’s most recent collection sends his audience on a pilgrimage glimpsing a world of peculiar sights, sounds and lives on their travels. Byard Art, 14 King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ. Tel: 01223464646 T: @byardart www.byardart.co.uk

Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511 9-May Morecambe and Wise REBOOTED The ground breaking concept of this show is centred around the content and not the subject. Angels Theatre, Alexandra Road, Wisbech, PE13 1HQ. 01945 474447 10-13 May The Tiger Who Came to Tea The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333

14-May Man and Superman A romantic comedy, an epic fairytale, a fiery philosophical debate, Man and Superman asks fundamental questions about how we live. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 16-17 May Milton Jones An evening in the company of an idiot. Or is he? Yes he is. Only come if you like jokes though. If not you’ll be cross. Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QB. 01223 357851 17-May We’ll Meet Again With the fabulous music of The Martyn St James Band, here is an afternoon show with a recollection of the days when the spirit of Britain was at its highest, and an era to be proud of. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 17-May Rapunzel Told in an inventive, visual and physical style with live music and magical design, Rapunzel is a delightful production for children about the curiosity and joys of growing up, risk taking and discovering who you are. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511 18-23 May The Importance of Being Earnest David Suchet stars as Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s much loved masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 20-May A Chorus Line It tells of the achingly poignant ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies to land a job in the show, and is a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 23-May Watch Out Festival A festival of dangerous new theatre and dance. A day-long showcase of wild and innovative new shows developed with Cambridge Junction. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge,

eastlife.co.uk | 109

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CAMBRIDGESHIRE CB1 7GX. 01223 511511 26-May The Siege of Calais English Touring Opera present ‘The Siege of Calais’ as part of a season of greatest hits and hidden gems sung in the original language. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 27-May The Wild Man of the West Indies Based on an episode in Don Quixote, it’s a love story of Shakespearean depth, set on a Caribbean island. A rare feast for lovers of bel canto (beautiful singing), and a rare adventure for lovers of theatre. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 28-30 May La Bohème ‘La Bohème’ is a tale of young love, starting on Christmas Eve in a Paris garret. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage,Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 28-May Noah a Musical Adventure This brand new, spectacular, fun-filled family musical based on the story of Noah and the Ark is packed full of great original songs. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 29-30 May George’s Marvellous Medicine Roald Dahl’s classic tale comes to the stage. Angels Theatre, Alexandra Road, Wisbech, PE13 1HQ. 01945 474447 30-31 May Ruby Wax: Sane New World This show is based on her critically acclaimed book ‘Sane New World’ which helps us understand why we sabotage our sanity with our own thinking. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511 MUSIC 10-May A Gala of Opera in Italian The region’s premier chamber orchestra returns to Cambridge for a dramatic evening of opera in Italian. West Road Concert Hall, 11 West Road, Cambridge,CB3 9DP. 01223 335184 11-May Beth Hart When Beth Hart sings, clocks stop, hearts dance and neck-hair tingles. And when she tells her rollercoaster story, in a West Coast drawl that could distil whisky at fifty paces, it’s every bit as compelling. Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB. 01223 357851

12-May UB40 Naming themselves after the unemployment benefit form, UB40 formed in 1978, before releasing their debut album ‘Signing Off’ in August 1980 – considered by many to be one of the greatest reggae albums ever released by a British band. Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB. 01223 357851 13-May Bella Hardy A heartfelt collection of self-composed songs which tell a story of travel, choices, lessons unlearned, and also of hope. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 15-May Fairport Convention Expect an intimate mix of material from their recent albums as well as classics from the band’s earlier repertoire. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511 15-May Roy Orbison Up Close and Personal Roy Orbison was born in 1936 and formed his first band when he was thirteen - they called themselves The Wink Westerners. By 1958 Roy Orbison was offered a spot on the Everley Brothers’ show. Angels Theatre, Alexandra Road, Wisbech, PE13 1HQ. 01945 474447 15-May Letz Zep ‘Letz Zep’ are the best known and most successful tribute to Led Zeppelin. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 22-23 May The Threepenny Opera The Threepenny Opera by composer Kurt Weill and playwright Bertolt Brecht transformed saccharine, old-fashioned opera and operetta forms, incorporating a sharp political perspective and the sound of 1920s Berlin dance bands and cabaret. Mumford Theatre, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT. 0845 196 2320 23-May The Ring – an orchestral adventure Wagner’s four-opera Ring Cycle (Das Rhinegold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung) is one of the most extraordinary works ever conceived. West Road Concert Hall, 11 West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DP. 01223 335184 27-May Bon Giovi Fronted by rock vocalist Andrea Ojan, Bon Giovi have toured extensively for over 15 years and are now established as the world’s leading tribute to New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705

30-May The Carpenters Story Phil Aldridge’s lavish arrangements, stunning vocal harmonies and Claire Furley’s uncanny representation of Karen Carpenter combine to bring back memories of pop’s most melodic duo. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 24 Mar - 6 Sept Treasured Possessions from the Renaissance to the 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 Apr - 21 Jun Inventory: Invisible Companion Whitney McVeigh is making a new installation for St. Peter’s Church, next to Kettle’s Yard. Her compelling work explores the presence of history, collective memory and the nature of mark making as a human imprint. Kettle’s Yard. Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AQ. 01223 748100 25 Apr - 16 May Spring 2015 The agllery is everishly gathering work from across the counties to delight and brighten your home. Lynne Strover Gallery, 23 High St, Fen Ditton, CB5 8ST. 01223 295264 1 May - 31 Dec Bringing Artwork to Addenbrookes New artwork at Addenbrooke’s, Cambridge from Primavera featuring impressionist seascapes from Jean Thomas and abstract, vivid paintings from Ophelia Redpath. Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ SPECIAL EVENTS 2-May Newmarket 2000 Guineas The Saturday starts the fantastic weekend of style and sophistication, exhilarating racing and awesome entertainment. Newmarket Race Course Cambridge Road, CB8 0TG. 01638 675500 9-24 May Eat Cambridge Festival A fantastic programme of food and drink themed fringe events, offers, interactive talks and workshops, and special one-offs that showcase the city’s amazing independent food and drink scene. Various venues, Cambridge 18-24 May 42nd Cambridge Beer Festival The festival features a wide range of local and national beers of all styles. Jesus Green, Cambridge

eastlife.co.uk | 111

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EXPLORE

PETERBOROUGH

hether it’s for a day out or short visit, Peterborough makes for an exciting outing Offering an exciting mix of culture, countryside and city attractions, Peterborough is in its prime. The city has gone from strength to strength over the years and is now a vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis waiting to be discovered. Things to do Theatre and arts, nightlife, food and drink, shopping, heritage – whatever you may be looking for Peterborough has it. Discover Peterborough’s history and visit its magnificent Cathedral, which provides the most beautiful backdrop to the city. Sometimes referred to as a hidden gem, Peterborough Cathedral is awe-inspiring, both inside and out. It not only has a rare painted wooden nave ceiling dating back to the 13th century, it is also the burial place of Katharine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife. If you have time, take a tour of the Cathedral with a trained guide who will fill you in about the fascinating stories

attached to this ancient building. Tours take place at 2pm every day from Monday to Friday, and at 11.30am on Saturday mornings. They usually last around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Tickets are £8 per person (£6 concessions) and you can book in when you arrive at the Cathedral. Groups or anyone who would like to book ahead can call 01733 355300. From here, follow the heritage trail and be transported back in time at Peterborough Museum. There are the ever-changing exhibitions at the numerous art galleries and city museums. On 7 June visitors to the museum can discover what Peterborough was like in the Middle Ages with a costumed guide. Shopping in Peterborough is quite a pastime, in fact you are spoilt for choice with shopping centres such as Queensgate and Riverside hosting large retail brands, the City Market,

Cathedral Square offering street entertainment, alfresco cafes, Farmers Markets and lots more at the heart of the city, independent stores, regular farmers markets and craft fairs. When the sun shines head to Ferry Meadows Country Park. Less than three miles from the city centre, here you can let the kids play, take a relaxing walk around the lakes and woodlands, cycle and go fishing. If you’re visiting for the weekend check out the extensive line up of drama, ballet and concerts available at the city’s two theatres; the Key Theatre and the Cresset Theatre. To see what’s on this month turn to page 109. eastlife.co.uk | 115

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Food & Drink When the daylight fades experience Peterborough’s nightlife. There is a selection of restaurants serving cuisine for every taste and cocktail bars and nightclubs open until the early hours for the party people among you. Whether you prefer fine restaurants or pub food, Peterborough has a great selection of places to eat and drink. For a little romance this month try one of the floating restaurants down by the river or try a dish from around the world at one of the city’s Mexican, Thai, Oriental or Italian restaurants. As well as chain restaurants throughout the city, you’ll find a number of great establishments such as Clarkes located on Queen Street and some hidden in the city’s hotels such as Sweet Olives Restaurant at Queensgate Hotel and the Brassiere at The Bull Hotel. Head a little outside to the surrounding villages and you’ll discover quality country pubs with roaring log fires and hearty British dishes. The Crown Inn in nearby Elton, is a beautiful five star country inn with bed and breakfast accommodation.

What’s on This summer Peterborough will host a number of exciting events and festivals. Here’s a few dates for your diary: Dragon Boat Racing and the Peterborough Festival, 13 June Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition and the fastest growing water activity in Britain today. Up to 10 people paddle each 30’ boat with a drummer at the front beating time and a helm at the tail steering a straight course. The Festival is open to everyone and up to 52 crews are expected to battle it out over the 200m race course, watched by several thousand spectators. Peterborough Rowing Club at Thorpe Meadows offers a superb venue for racing and a fabulous day is guaranteed with plenty of bankside family entertainment including funfair activities,

inflatables and children’s rides plus a variety of food stalls and bar. The Peterborough Heritage Festival The Big Weekend, Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June Fringe events from 12 – 28 June Make sure you don’t miss one of the city’s most popular events, with the excitement and colour of the Heritage Festival – the only city centre multi-period Living History festival in the country, with 300 re-enactors, 3,500 years of history and 30,000 visitors all in one weekend. Peterborough Arts Festival, 6-7 Sept Held over one weekend, this is the highlight of Peterborough’s cultural calendar, including amazing street theatre, large scale spectacular with fireworks and an incredible concert at the Broadway Theatre. eastlife.co.uk | 117

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VISIT

PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL

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Climb the winding stairs, see stained glass and ceilings close up, stand over the West Front arches and enjoy the view from the top. Mon 4th May, 11am & 1.45pm Sat 23rd May - 11am & 1.45pm Mon 25th May - 11am & 1.45pm Sat 30th May – 1.45pm, plus dates to October £15 / £10 / £5 (children 10 + only)

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ESSEX

What’s on in

Essex

THEATRE & SHOWS 1-16 May Noises Off ‘Noises Off’ lifts the curtain on the ups and downs on-stage and behind-thescenes as bungled romances collide with wayward sardines, forgotten lines and just a few precious egos. Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 4-May Sing-a-long-a Frozen A screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along with Elsa and Anna, together with live host and a magic moments fun pack so that you can interact with the movie. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 4-10 May Edinburgh Previews A fantastic opportunity over 4 nights to experience the hilarious routines being tried out by some of the country’s top up-and-coming comedians in readiness for the Edinburgh Festival. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 5-May La Fille mal gardee Frederick Ashton’s final full-length ballet is one of his most joyous creations, inspired by his love for the Suffolk countryside. Cramphorn, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 5-May Rich Hall Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 6-7 May Sex in Suburbia Claire Sweeney stars in and co-writes this brand new comedy about dating, men and finding Mr Right. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 6-9 May The Addams Family The weird and wonderful family comes to devilishly delightful life in The Addams Family. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 7-May Pope Head- The Secret Life of Francis Bacon A solo show of the life, the philosophy and inner most truth of the artist Francis Bacon. Cramphorn, Duke Street,

EDITOR’S CHOICE

All About Dogs 3 - 4 May 9.30am - 5pm ith exhibitors, showcasing everything for your dog, entertainment, fun dog shows, competitions, family entertainment, meet the breeds and expert advice at the show, its the perfect place to visit with your dog! At the Dog Show, dogs and their owners can join in the fun! From obstacle challenges, agility, fly ball, obedience tests and even Scruffts, there is so much to do at the countries most loved dog show. Free parking Adults £10, Children under 16 £5 Brentwood Centre, Brentwood, Essex,CM15 9NN www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk

Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 8-9 May The Tiger Who Came to Tea The tea-guzzling tiger is back on the road in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos! Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 8-May Liam Williams A self-reflective introduction to British comedy’s bright young thinker, Williams’ debut was a down-beat promenade through casted optimisms, and personal shortcomings. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 9-May The Ugly Duckling Beautiful puppet characters, live music, captivating story-telling and a generous sprinkling of theatre magic. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135

9-May Living with Luke Funny, poignant and real, the play is adapted from the blog ‘Living with Luke’, and fuses wrestling and theatre to show what life is like living with an autistic child. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633 10-May Ministry of Science Live The new production takes an anarchic approach to science communication whilst looking at the inventors and engineers who have shaped and inspired the modern world that we live in. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-onSea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 12-16 May Twelve Angry Men A jury has murder on their minds and a life in their hands as they decide the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 12-16 May Pirates of Penzance Celebrating their 50th anniversary Trinity Music and Drama are proud to present The Pirates of Penzance. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 19-May Al Murray: One Man, One Guvnor Twenty years ago Britain’s favourite publican Al Murray, The Pub Landlord, embarked on his one man mission as the King Cnut of Common Sense, holding back a tide of bottled beer and ninny state nonsense. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 19-23 May The Vicar of Dibley When Geraldine Granger is assigned to a small village parish little does she know it’s filled with some larger than life locals. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 19-20 May Absent Friends Summer 1974. A well-intentioned tea party descends into chaos. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 21-May Lee Nelson Lee Nelson is back with a brand new show. Civic Theatre, Duke Street,

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ESSEX Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 20-May Nursing Lives Like all Vamos Theatre shows, Nursing Lives is wordless, telling its story through physical communication, a strong visual design and an original soundtrack. Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 22-May Jimmy Jones With his live concerts as popular as ever, and videos still selling in their millions, this is an hilarious night not to be missed. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 26-30 May Earthquakes in London This modern tale of 3 sisters coming to terms with modern life and possible environmental apocalypse was one of the National Theatre’s biggest and boldest shows of recent years, and is given the CTW treatment. Old Court Theatre, 233 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6JT. 01245 606505 27-31 May Hairspray Follow Tracy Turnblad as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular dance show. Can this ordinary girl realize her extraordinary dreams, integrate the television show, inspire her mum and still have time to win the boy she loves? Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 27 May -13 Jun Little Shop of Horrors With a mixture of popular music styles – including rock ’n’ roll, doowap and Motown – ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a charming and funny boy-meets-girl, plant-eats-world musical that never fails to entertain. Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 29-May Pasha Kovalev - Life Through Dance A non-stop action packed journey through life and love expressed by the language of dance. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633 MUSIC 7-May An Evening with Texas The show will be a rare opportunity to see one of our finest vocalists and songwriters at close range. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 10-May Voice of the Heart All the hits that every Carpenters fan adores plus great medleys put together from their many album tracks. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333 12-May The Hummingbirds 1930s and 1940s nostalgia with close

harmony vocals. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333 15-May The Sinatra Guys and The G.I. Janes Treat yourself to a fantastic evening of Rat Pack classics and Swinging Hits from the 40s performed by leading West End Musical singers. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945

30-May Joan Armatrading For her last major tour she has decided this is the perfect time to perform her first ever full scale solo concert. Her performances will include songs that span her entire career so far. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135

16-May John Barrowman This will be John’s first full UK tour in four years and promises to be an entertainment experience not to be missed. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 14 Mar - 31 May Carla Zaccagnini, Elements of Beauty and The Parliament of Things A solo exhibition of new work by Carla Zaccagnini (b. 1973, Buenos Aires) will open alongside a group exhibition that features new and recent work by eight contemporary artists. Firstsite, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1JH. 01206 577067

21-May Lulu The Grammy-nominated songwriter is currently writing and recording the album which will showcase a return to her soulful roots, being both the music which initially inspired her to perform and her enduring passion. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135

11 Apr - 27 Jun Mark Bradford: Tide The paintings concentrate on these different stages of the tide, focusing on the intricate patterns each movement creates, how the tide is continually working out the quickest way to flood in and rush out. Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southendon-Sea. 01702 434449

21-May Hello Again - A Tribute to Neil Diamond In the first part of the show JJ takes you back to the early days of Neil’s successes with songs such as Solitary Man, Shilo and Forever in Blue Jeans. The latter half is a more lively adaptation of his Hot August Night album and songs from the film The Jazz Singer. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945

9-10 May Arts for Dogs Sake Exhibition An Open Submission Exhibition featuring work by selected artists from all over the UK & internationally including renowned and highly collectible work by sculptors Ostinelli & Priest. Hadleigh Old Fire Station, High Street, Hadleigh SS7 2PA. 07775 637539

22-May Hats Off to Led Zeppelin ‘Hats Off to Led Zeppelin’ are proud to be the only tribute act in the UK officially endorsed by Marshall amplifiers and they are managed by none other than Warren Grant. West Cliff Theatre, Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1LE. 01255 43 33 44 24-May The Glenn Miller Orchestra Ray McVay is proud to present the world’s greatest big band live in concert right here in Chelmsford. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 24-25 May Big Girls Don’t Cry ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ authentically revives the sublime harmonies of New Jersey’s finest. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333 30-May D’Ukes ‘D’Ukes’ manage to sing and play music by artistes as diverse as Amy Winehouse, Johnny Cash, Elbow, Beatles and Disney. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505

12-19 May Westcliff Art Trail The weekend will see the start of a week-long exhibition of local artists (from SS0 or SS1) at the Westcliff shops and public spaces as part of the annual Westcliff Art Trail. Various venues, Westcliff SPECIAL EVENTS 2-4 May Spring Craft Fair Nestled in the heart of rural Essex, Hyde Hall is an inspirational garden with sweeping panoramas, big open skies and far reaching views. RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET . 01245 402006 3-4 May Grand Victorian Travelling Show Be transported back in time to Audley End’s heyday with the sights, sounds and smells of this golden age. Try your luck at our Victorian stalls and be amazed by the spectacle of the travelling sideshow and its host of colourful characters. Audley End House, Saffron Walden. CB11 4JF. 0870 3331181 16-May Halstead Food and Craft Market Halstead Food and Craft Market offers a wide selection of quality food produce and handmade crafts by local artisans. Town centre, Halstead

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to symphonies, chamber and vocal music, through to jazz and vocal standards.

Image credit: Gordon Ridgewell www.ridgewell.net

DISCOVER

RURAL ESSEX E

astlife explores the rural villages of Essex

With miles of unspoilt scenery, colourful thatched cottages and neighbourly charm it’s clear to see why the Uttlesford District of Essex is regularly topping estate agency polls. Voted Britain’s best rural area to live and the second most desirable place to live in the UK by the Halifax Quality of Life Survey, the Uttlesford District includes some of the most charismatic villages in Essex yet has brilliant train links to London and is home to Stansted Airport. Stretching across beautiful greenery of Hatfield Heath and The Rodings, the popular residential towns of Great Dunmow, Stansted Mountfitchet and the much sought after market town of Saffron Walden, the Uttlesford District offers plenty to see and do. Eastlife takes a look at some of the village highlights… Great Dunmow Here you’ll find historic character that has been given a modern twist. Independent boutiques and high street stores are housed in old buildings and there are a number of restau-

rants and pubs ideal for lunch, dinner or a night out with friends. Stansted Mountfitchet Most would presume this small town is subject to being under the flight path but surprisingly there’s not a plane in sight. The small town is home to convenient stores, pubs and restaurants including the highly recommended Brasserie Restaurant on Lower Street. Besides great places to eat, the town also features the historic Mountfitchet Castle, an open-air museum experience where the visitor can travel back in time over 900 years and truly witness life in a medieval Motte and Bailey castle. Thaxted With a history dating back over 1,000 years its famous Guildhall, magnificent Church and restored Windmill set against a backdrop of Medieval houses are great to visit. The village is best known for its summer festival. This year the festival features a series of concerts run over four weekends from 19 June to 12 July. It includes a diverse and exciting programme which ranges from early music

Saffron Walden One of the most popular towns of Uttlesford District is the historic market town of Saffron Walden. The town retains much of its a rural appearance with many medieval buildings now home to modern day businesses. Visitors can browse its many independent boutiques, stop for a light bite at a number of cafés and tearooms or enjoy lunch or dinner at one of its many pubs and restaurants. Throughout the summer months the town’s Common is a popular place to relax and hosts events such as the French Market from 5 -7 June, the Motor Show on 16 August and Military Vehicle Display on 16 September. Village attractions In the surrounding villages to Saffron Walden there’s more to be discovered. The nearby village of Newport has two pubs and many glorious walks. Situated on the main road between the village and Saffron Walden is Just Like Wendy’s, a barn full of exquisite furniture, lighting and trinkets. Its newly opened tearoom is great for afternoon tea between browsing the beautiful homeware. If you have a passion for interior design or beautiful antiques, take a trip to Debden Barns, just outside Saffron Walden. Here you’ll discover a 17th century barn with an eclectic mix of antiques, homeware, gifts, garden accessories and home to Square 1 Café and holistic therapy and treatment rooms. It also hosts a regular farmers’ market. If food and drink are more your thing stop by the White Hart Restaurant & Bar in Howlett End, Wimbish for fine dining at its best. Elsewhere Fleur de Lys in Widdington is a great country pub offering traditional pub grub and a lovely beer garden for sunny days. eastlife.co.uk | 127

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BY THE SEA IN

LEIGH-ON-SEA W

hen the sun is shining Essexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coast comes alive, Eastlife takes a look at the best spots to visit this summer

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A short distance from the lively coastline of Southend-on-Sea is the much more subdued town’s of Westcliff and Leigh-on-Sea. Each offers a delightful mix of traditional seaside amenities, sandy walks and eateries. Westcliff At low tide Westcliff Beach offers lovely walks along the surf. Nearby you’ll find the renowned Rossi ice cream emporium, a favourite with residents and local celebrities. A relatively quiet part of the coastline, Westcliff is a great place to stop for a light bite al fresco style and watch the world go by. For something a little livelier head to the Genting Club Casino at Cliffs Pavilion for live entertainment year round. Leigh-on-Sea Leigh-on-Sea is a picturesque fishing town full of character and charm. With galleries and craft shops, a selection of pubs, excellent fish restaurants and the famous cockle sheds the town is the perfect place to unwind and take in the fresh sea air. Enjoy a stroll along the sea front in Old Leigh passing the cockle sheds and pub terraces, which during the summer months are

heaving. Stop for a bite to eat at the acclaimed Boatyard, a two-storey open plan restaurant with decking extending over the estuary or go al fresco and sit on the estuary wall with some of the freshest and tastiest seafood around from Osbournes Bros. There is also an award-winning beach for those looking to relax on the sand. Travel slightly inland and you’ll discover Leigh Broadway, which boasts a range of high quality independent shops and boutiques that reflect the personality of Leigh itself. There are also a number of quality restaurants and bars within the area. What’s on? Havens Hospices’ is a local Essex charity incorporating Fair Havens Hospice in Westcliff for adults and Little Havens Hospice in Thundersley for children. Each year the hospice host a number of fundraising events to help raise over £100,000 each week to be there for everyone who needs its care. There are many ways you can support the work of Havens Hospices. Here are some of the fundraising events taking place this summer:

Island to Island Mud Run Sunday 7 June Held in the historic site of Old Leigh running out from Bell Wharf and turning at Two Tree Island, power your way through some of the thickest mud in the Estuary, good luck trying to stay clean! Southend Half Marathon Sunday 14 June Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year is Southend’s prestigious running event. Starting and finishing at East Beach Shoebury, this is a 2 lap course taking in the new Garrison development and following the coast to the Sea Life Centre and back. Great Pier Swim Sunday 12 July One of the most unique swims in the UK, this iconic 3.3k open water sea swim is now in its eighth year. You will swim directly through the structure of the longest pleasure pier in the world. The route from Chalkwell Beach to Jubilee Beach in Southend gives views of the pretty Kent countryside over the water. There is also the opportunity to swim in a non-wetsuit category. For more information Havens Hospices’ events visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/events eastlife.co.uk | 131

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BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS

What’s on in

Beds, Bucks & Herts THEATRE & SHOWS 5-9 May The King’s Speech ‘The King’s Speech’ is the true and heart-warming story of one man’s struggle to overcome his disability and in his country’s darkest hour, deliver the now iconic speech broadcast across the globe to inspire his people. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 6-May Bayadère – The Ninth Life Expect a visually stunning performance packed with visceral energy and choreographic virtuosity from an international cast of exceptional dancers. Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. 01923 235455 6-9 May Avenue Q Hilarious, cheeky and uproariously entertaining, with a terrific batch of songs performed by a cast of hugely talented performers and puppets, ‘Avenue Q’ is the musical like no other. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UG. 0844 871 7607 7-May A Strange Wild Song In northern France in the Second World War, three children encounter a lost American soldier in the ruins of their village. Decades later, the soldier’s camera is unearthed and his grandson tries to solve the mystery of the photographs inside. He discovers a world of childhood, imagination and hidden courage, as fragments of war explode into the present day. Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS. 01992 531500 9-May Celebrate Vaisakhi Enjoy an evening of entertainment to celebrate the Punjabi Harvest Festival and Sikh New Year. Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. 01923 235455 9-May Factor 2015 A comical, cynical and controversial look at the manipulation of participants in T.V shows, featuring some of the finest entertainers on the variety circuit. Hawthorn Theatre,

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Thurs 14 May, 7-9 pm Museums at Night: Behind the Scenes at the Museum oin the museum for a rare chance to go behind the scenes of the British Schools Museum and explore our collections up close. Take a tour around the stores, see experts in action and have a go at being a curator. Also take the opportunity to see how your thoughts could shape the future of the British Schools Museum. Refreshments available from cash bar. Age 18+. Free admission. Tel: 01462 420144 British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS www.BritishSchoolsMuseum. org.uk

The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX. 01707 357117 10-May Let’s Hear It For The Boys An incredible night of entertainment featuring some of the most successful leading men in Musical Theatre, direct from London’s West End! Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333 12-16 May Mermaid On her sixteenth birthday, a mermaid rises to the surface, leaving childhood behind forever when she falls in love with a mortal prince. She knows she can no longer live at the bottom of the ocean – but must she destroy herself in order to be loved? Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. 01923 235455

13-16 May Mary Stuart Both women, isolated and surrounded by their duplicitous male courtiers, collide headlong, wrestling with the rank, ambition and destiny that their births have thrust upon them. The Court Theatre, Station Road, Tring, HP23 5QY 14-May Aladdin from Ballet Theatre UK Join Ballet Theatre UK on this dazzling re-telling of this exotic classic tale boldly brought to life through the entrancing magic of classical ballet. Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG. 01279 710200 14-May Man and Superman A romantic comedy, an epic fairytale, a fiery philosophical debate, Man and Superman asks fundamental questions about how we live. Hawthorn Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX. 01707 357117 14-16 May Carousel Dazzling dance routines, swinging songs and a bad boy to melt your heart. The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200 14-16 May Absent Friends Acerbic and painfully funny, Absent Friends explores friendship, marriage and what it ultimately means to be happy. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UG. 0844 871 7607 15-16 May Hairspray It’s 1962, the 50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore’s Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and and even bigger heart, has only one passion dancing. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333 19-May Jasper Carrott’s Stand Up and Rock Jasper is back to his very best, mic in hand regaling the audience with his ‘new’ stand up routines before introducing his musical friends that have been rocking audiences all over

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BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS the world. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 21-May 69 Shades of Black Boring, vanilla, Horlick’s swiller William Shight’s most interesting trait has always been his snigger inducing name. Up until now that is! The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage , SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200 21-May Sex in Suburbia Based on real stories from real women, this is the story of all of our lives. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 26 May - 6 Jun The Sound of Music Based on Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, this wonderfully lavish new staging of The Sound of Music tells the true story of the worldfamous singing family. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 28-29 May Ghost Train Arnold Ridley’s classic comedy thriller about a group of travellers stranded at a remote railway station, reacting with various degrees of credulity to the station master’s warning of death to anyone who sets eyes on the ghostly train that haunts the line. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333 28-May Sing-a-long-a Sound Of Music The smash-hit musical show that has been all around the world now returns to the UK for the 50th anniversary of the iconic movie. Yes the original Sing-a-long-a show is back. Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG. 01279 710200 MUSIC 13-May The Billy Joel Songbook Elio Pace delivers this sensational tour celebrating the phenomenal music of Billy Joel. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UG 0844 871 7607 14-May The Bee Gees Story ‘The Bee Gees Story’ unites the UK’s hottest talent for a truly inspiring evening of everything Bee Gees. This is the show that Bee Gees fans everywhere have been waiting for. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 0845 0753993 20-May Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Georgie Fame’s ‘Yeh Yeh’ topping the charts, he will be hitting the road in 2015 with The Blue Flames.

The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200 20-May The Drifters A fast moving, exhilarating show bringing the optimum of our own historical legacy along with events, people and culture over the decades of the dynasty. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 20-23 May West Side Story New York is brought to Hertford in this exciting musical, featuring some of the most enduring show songs including Tonight, Maria, Somewhere and Officer Krupke. Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS. 01992 531500 21-May Waterloo – The Best of Abba Tribute Show The phenomenal new tribute show ‘Waterloo’ looks back at the sensational rise to stardom of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid and gives fans the opportunity to experience the thrill of a live Abba show. Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG. 01279 710200 24-May Jackson Live in Concert ‘Jackson Live in Concert’ sees longtime fan and hugely talented Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 0845 0753993 27-May Pop Factor: The Concert Totally live and interactive, featuring a cast of top professional performers, Pop Factor takes you partying on a non-stop, high energy ride that’ll leave you dancing and singing all night! Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333 28-May The West End Men Performing songs from the biggest shows in the world as well as a selection of some of the best rock and pop classics, The West End Men showcases the talent and prowess of some of the finest performers of this generation. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 0845 0753993 29-May One Night of Elvis King Lee Memphis King, Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist presents the ultimate tribute to the King celebrating the epic career of this musical legend. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UG. 0844 871 7607 30-May Ga Ga - A Tribute to Queen GA GA are embarking on their 20th Anniversary Tour with a show packed

with massive Queen hits spanning right across the legendary band’s back catalogue. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ. 01234 269519 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 11 Apr - 7 May Italian Connection In the first themed show of the year, the galleries artists are invited to submit work on the theme “Italian Connection”. Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QP. 01234 346995 18 Apr - 17 May Hertford Art Trail and Festival The work of 27 artists has been selected to be shown in a range of venues across Hertford, with the duration of the trail now extending to cover the entire four weeks of the Festival. Courtyard Arts Centre, Port Vale, Hertford, SG14 3AA. 01992 509596 1-31 May Highlanders: Billeted in Bedford The exhibition tells the little-known story of the Highland Division billeted in Bedford between August 1914 and May 1915. The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3XD. 01234 718618 5-16 May On Display: Heath Mount School 10 members of Year 8 share a mixed exhibition of drawing, painting, print and sculpture, created between the ages of 11 and 13. Courtyard Arts Centre, Port Vale, Hertford, SG14 3AA. 01992 509596 19-30 May Carolyn Perry and Patricia Parker: Translating the View An exhibition of painting, exploring the landscape of India and woven tapestry, exploring the landscape of France. Both artists have spent time in these countries and aim to depict the visual richness bound up in everyday sights. Courtyard Arts Centre, Port Vale, Hertford, SG14 3AA. 01992 509596 SPECIAL EVENTS 28-May Victorian Day Drop into the Museum and find out what it was like to be a Victorian Child. British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 9TS. 01462 420144 30-31 May Behind the Scenes Tours Explore parts of the property not normally open to visitors. Peckover House, North Brink Wisbech, PE13 1JR. 01945 583463 31-May Pitch in Picnic The annual event as part of The Green Festival, get stuck in to some delicious food and bring something to share too. Next to Apex House, Oundle Road, PE2 8AT

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Cakestand and Crumb is a little gem, hidden down a narrow yard, off the Market Square in Ampthill. The Vintage Café and Bakery opens Thursday to Monday and serves a fantastic range of cakes, lunches & afternoon teas.

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138 | eastlife.co.uk

Take a culinary journey round Italy at Fratelli, an elegant & contemporary restaurant in the heart of Bedfordshire that explores the food of regional Italy.

01525 405551 • fratelli-italian.co.uk 111 Dunstable St, Ampthill, Bedfordshire MK45 2NG

AREA FOCUS

SUMMER IN

AMPTHILL A

300 acre park, bustling market and friendly community spirit makes Ampthill one of Bedfordshire’s most cherished towns With over 200 listed buildings, gorgeous Georgian fronted structures and a jam-packed annual events calendar it’s clear to see why Ampthill is charming residents and visitors alike. The town is renowned for its historic market, which takes place every Thursday, its wide variety of restaurants such as the newly opened Number 4 Bar & Grill and a selection of independent boutique stores and businesses. However, it’s not just the elements of a thriving town that make it a popular place to visit. This summer Ampthill welcomes the return of the Ampthill Festival from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 July; a weekend of music and events that attracts visitors from far and wide. Hosting the infamous AmpRocks, now in its 6th year, Proms and Gala, the festival has established itself as one of the biggest summer events in Bedfordshire. AmpRocks, Friday 3 July A boutique music festival,

AmpRocks sponsored by Charles Wells is the opening night of the annual Ampthill Festival, held in a natural amphitheatre in Ampthill Park. Organised by volunteers for the local community the nights hosts some popular names and is a must for music fans. This year, iconic rock band Razorlight will headline. The band is formed by lead singer and rhythm guitarist Johnny Borrell and are known for a string of hits that include, Golden Touch, In the Morning, Somewhere Else and the No 1 single ‘America’ Joining Razorlight as the main support act are chart topping Scouting for Girls. There are also performances from the likes of The Cuban Brothers and talented Time to Live, who won Redborne Battle of Bands. Tickets are priced £22. Proms, Saturday 4 July The well-attended, annual Ampthill Park Proms will be taking place in the setting of Ampthill

Great Park. This popular evening is the central part of the Ampthill Festival weekend and this year falls on American Independence Day. The Proms sees the return of the popular Ampthill Town Band, Redborne Jazz Band and the talented Ampthill Concert Orchestra (ACO). As the theme for the Ampthill Festival weekend is New York New York, the music will be influenced by this and performing alongside ACO will be, the Royal Academy classically trained and internationally renowned, soloist Rebecca Bottone. It’s a great opportunity to bring a picnic, relax with friends and enjoy a wonderful summer evening, which will conclude with an exciting fireworks extravaganza. Tickets priced £16 adults, £7 children. Gala, Sunday 5 July The Gala is the last day of the Ampthill Festival and closing this year’s festivities with a free gig are cockney legends Chas and Dave. They will take to the main stage in Ampthill Park. eastlife.co.uk | 139

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SUFFOLK

What’s on in

Suffolk?

THEATRE & SHOWS 2-May Prof Kaos’ Science Blast Science Blast, the live-action family show that likes to blow stuff up! Lasers, lights, explosions, the coolest experiments around and your chance to vote on the S factor. The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH. 01502 589726 3-May A Night of Dirty Dancing Relive the passion, indulge in the romance and celebrate the greatest movie soundtrack of all time. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 5-9 May I Believe in Unicorns Spellbinding and moving story by one of our greatest storytellers, Michael Morpurgo. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 6-May Rich Hall - 3:10 To Humour Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 6-16 May Feed the Beast As traditional political loyalties splinter, and the country’s future is in the balance, Steve Thompson’s new drama asks whether a good man can be a good politician. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS. 01473 295900 8-May Births, Deaths & Marriages Four young theatre makers have decided that they’ve got just enough time left to change the course of their lives forever – so they’re going to exchange the parts of their personalities they’ve never much liked for the alternative traits they’ve always wanted. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 9-May Dylan Moran Off The Hook Dylan Moran star of Black Books, Shaun of the Dead and Calvary is back with his new stand up show. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 11-16 May Oliver One of the best-loved musicals of

EDITOR’S CHOICE

45th Ipswich to Felixstowe Vehicle Road Run 3 May ver 500 vehicles, including cars, lorries, motorcycles, buses and military vehicles. The vehicles assemble in Christchurch Park at Ipswich from 9am-10.30am, then start to leave for Felixstowe at 11.30am, where they are displayed along the promenade (on both sides of the pier) during the afternoon (from about 12pm onwards). The Mayors and Consorts of Felixstowe and Ipswich will lead the parade in an historic vehicle (a Bristol LFS Eastern Counties double decker bus). Admission free (programmes available on the day for £1). Tel: 01473 715666 www.ipswichtransportmuseum. co.uk

all time, a show that has touched the hearts of millions. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 12-13 May Stone Cold Murder Cawood’s play is a tremendously absorbing thriller, whose tensions from the first rely on the plausible and unsettling situation of being stuck in an isolated old manor house on a stormy night. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 16-May Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? A naive young couple find themselves marooned in the vicious, humiliating and cynical battlefield of George and Martha’s marriage. The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH.

01502 589726 17-May Swinging to Victory A celebration of the moral boosting hits performed by the star singers and big bands of the 1939-1945 period, many of which have become the classics of today. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 18-23 May The Business of Murder Stone, a humourless and dour man, invites Dee, a television playwright, over to his flat on the premise of discussing a script. Once there, she is surprised when superintendent Hallett, the man with whom she is having an affair, also arrives for an entirely different reason. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS. 01473 295900 19-May Oysters Combining historical fact and contemporary fiction, Eastern Angles captures the soul of an ancient local industry and puts its beating heart on stage. The Cut, New Cut Halesworth, IP19 8BY. 0845 6732123 19-May The Pirates of Penzance Sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes in this highly anticipated new production from renowned film maker and director Mike Leigh. Haverhill Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill, CB9 8AR. 01440 714140 20-May Rossini’s The Barber of Seville Rossini’s classic comedy has been transported to Jane Austen’s England, a world of eligible bachelors, feisty heroines & snobbish relations. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 20-May The Affair The theme investigates the stereotypes that people so often perceive of one another. It is told with comedy and absurdity. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130 20-May When You’re Smiling Neil Sands and his wonderful West End cast are back with what promises to be their biggest and best matinee

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SUFFOLK nostalgia show yet. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 21-May Norsesome All the greatest Viking myths in one unforgettable hour. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 22-23 May The Forest An intriguing multi-sensory tale which immerses audiences in a world full of new sights, sounds, smells and sensations; The Forest is the unmissable new production from Frozen Light. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS. 01473 295900 23-May Jay Rayner In this special two part show, for the Bury St Edmunds Festival 2015, he brings together his life as a critic and his passion for music. The Apex , 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 24-May John Otway – Solo Expect madcap mayhem and some scintillating stunts from a man old enough to know better. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130 26-28 May The Elves and The Shoemaker A fun story featuring stunning puppets, music and surprises. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 26-May John Barrowman This will be John’s first full UK tour in four years, and promises to be an entertainment experience not to be missed. Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 Saint Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE. 01473 433100 26-May Titus Andronicus Titus was the smash hit of Shakespeare’s early career, and is written with a ghoulish energy he was never to repeat elsewhere. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130 27-May Ministry of Science Live A look at the inventors and the engineers who have shaped the modern world we live in. Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 Saint Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE. 01473 433100 28-May Withering Looks Take an ‘authentic’ look at the lives of the Bronte sisters with the fabulously funny LipService. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 29-30 May It’s Showtime! A glitzy review of some of the top West End shows. The New Wolsey Theatre,

Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS. 01473 295900 MUSIC 8-May Elvis vs Jerry Lee Lewis Who was the real king of rock n roll? Elvis the Pelvis? Or The Killer – Jerry Lee Lewis? This is your opportunity to decide as the two come head to head. The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH. 01502 589726 9-May Olivier Latry Olivier Latry performs works by Boëly, Franck and Guilmant. In the second half of the programme there is an opportunity to hear Vierne’s Symphony No. 2. The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RX. 01473 326200 9-May Abba Mania Featuring a special concert presentation, reviving special memories of when ABBA ruled the airwaves. Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 Saint Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE. 01473 433100 10-May We’ve Only Just Begun A celebration of the Carpenters music and the spirit of Karen Carpenter. Every song in the show is a chart hit, brilliantly performed by vocalist Toni Lee with her Big Band and singers. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 16-May Global Folk The team that have brought Mbawula and uplifting music from South Africa to past festivals now take us on a folk journey around the world. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 16-May Wolsey Orchestra A very English flavour pervades the first half of this concert, opening with Holst’s pastoral Somerset Rhapsody before introducing local cello star Olivia Da Costa as soloist in Elgar’s sublime Cello Concerto. Grand Hall Corn Exchange, Ipswich, IP1 1DH. 01473 433100 17-May The Nat King Cole Story This tour marks the 50th anniversary of Nat King Cole’s death. So, for all Nat King Cole fans, this is a must see show. The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH. 01502 589726 21-May The Base Tones This fresh new three-man vocal harmony group will bring to life some of your favourite groups. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130 22-May Demon Barbers XL Renowned for their no holds barred approach to their live shows, The Demon Barbers return to the concert

stage with a new repertoire, extra band members and a modern twist to their multi-award winning Roadshow. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 28-May Mari Wilson’s Ready Steady Girls In 2000 Mari was the obvious choice to play Dusty Springfield on the hugely successful UK tour of Dusty the Musical. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130 29-May Jaleo Flamenco An evening of scintillating vocals, footwork and guitar playing. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 30-May Swinging At the Cotton Club Take a step back into 1920s New York City and through the doors of Harlem’s hottest nightclub, ‘The Cotton Club.’ Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Present date - 28 May Spring Exhibition A celebratory exhibition of the galleries best known artists who have produced some stunning work over the past few months. Long Melford Gallery, Hall Street, Long Melford, CO10 9JF. 01787 319046 25 Apr - 6 Jun Printworks VI A comprehensive exhibition on the art of printmaking. With several new artists added to the gallery regulars, and hope visitors will get as much enjoyment from it as those did from creating it. Sea Pictures Gallery, Well Lane, Clare, CO10 8NH. 01787 279024 21-May Pictures at an Exhibition Mussorgsky’s masterpiece ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ was inspired by paintings by his friend Viktor Hartmann, and will be performed by Anthony Hewitt on the piano. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 SPECIAL EVENTS 12-May Bonhams Valuation Day Bonhams invites you to meet their specialists for free auction advice. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130 30-May Craft & Gift Fair Local exhibitors offer a great selection of handmade crafts & unique gifts at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds. A warm and friendly craft & gift fair shopping experience. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000

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Long Melford Hall, Image (c) www.markstaples.co.uk

EXPLORE

SUFFOLK’S VILLAGES I

n light of Eastlife’s 10th anniversary celebrations, we’ve selected 10 of our favourite Suffolk villages to explore this summer

Long Melford Long Melford truly is a Suffolk gem. Dating back to Tudor times, its historic buildings now house many country pubs, art galleries, hotels and fashion boutiques, making it a popular destination for shoppers. Its beautiful landscapes have been the inspiration of many of John Constable’s paintings and it boasts the longest tree-lined village street in the country. Top tip: Shopping here is a must but for history visit Melford Hall, which shows the trials and tribulations of by gone years at this beautiful National Trust site. Lavenham With its half-timbered crooked houses and narrow streets, Lavenham will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. However behind the historic beauty is a vibrant village home to independent boutiques, galleries and award144| eastlife.co.uk

winning places to eat and stay. Visitors can enjoy a guided walk or browse the award-winning Farmers’ Market held on the fourth Sunday of every month. Top tip: For an overnight stay visit the renowned Swan at Lavenham. Set in the heart of the village the15th century hotel offers cosy rooms, a great restaurant and is home to the newly launched Weavers House Spa. Clare Situated in the beautiful countryside is the old wool town of Clare. The town has a fascinating history, many interesting and compelling places to visit, and offers a wide range of antique outlets, vintage boutiques, galleries and high quality local cafes and pubs. Top tip: Just two minutes walk from the town centre is the Castle Country Park, a beautiful place to unwind or discover more of Clare’s fascinating

history. Dominating the park is the motte, a manmade hill rising 70ft above ground level, at the top of which lie the remains of a Norman castle. Cavendish Renowned as one of the prettiest villages in Suffolk with its picturesque green, thatched cottages and backdrop of St.Mary’s Church, Cavendish is a quintessential English village scene. It has a great sense of community spirit with many clubs and activities running throughout the year. Top tip: For something to eat or drink stop by The George, a welcoming pub situated on the edge of the village green. Orford This is a great place to enjoy a slower pace of life. Unwind with a stroll through this friendly coastal town with a fine castle keep and a bustling quay.

AREA FOCUS Dining is a must in Orford, you’ll find river cruise dining experiences, traditional pubs, award-winning bakeries and locally grown oysters. Top tip: Climb to the top of Orford Castle, catch a boat on the Alde River to Aldeburgh or take a boat out to the Orford Ness nature reserve with its iconic Lighthouse. Westleton Set in a landscape of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just miles inland from the Suffolk Coast, Westleton embodies a true village spirit. The village hall and church are focal point for activities, while pubs the White Horse and The Crown are a social hub. Top tip: Look out for the Barrel Fair to be held 15 – 16 August on the village green.

Lavenham Guildhall, Image (c) www.markstaples.co.uk

Yoxford Yoxford is a pretty village conveniently close to the larger towns of Southwold, Aldeburgh and Beccles and is a great base for exploring the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Aesthetically pleasing, the village has beautiful surrounding parkland and a fishing lake at Sibton Park. Top tip: Yoxford is known for its excellent shops, especially its antique and second-hand book shops. Its independent stores and restaurants are certainly worth a browse. Snape With a rich history this village has many points of interest. Its association with composer Benjamin Britten, which is recognised in the annual Aldeburgh Festival and Concert Hall. Snape has a post office, three pubs, a local football team and several community groups for youngsters and the elderly, and is home to over 600 residents – not bad for a small village! Top tip: A visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Snape Maltings. The riverside complex of converted Victorian buildings is home to a host of shops, restaurants and an RSPB centre. Wickham Market Wickham Market is a bustling, thriving community close to the River Deben within the Suffolk Coastal Heritage area. A large village, Wickham Market has plenty of amenities including a variety of shops and places to base for exploring some of Suffolk’s top attractions. Top tip: Easton Farm Park, the Snape Maltings, Framlingham Castle and Sutton Hoo are within a 10 mile radius.

Orford Castle, Image (c) www.markstaples.co.uk

Walberswick Walberswick lies on the south bank of the River Blyth and is tucked away amidst a thousand acres of coast, heath and marshland. It’s a popular destination for visitors in the summer. There are several shops and galleries, tearooms and two pubs. Crabbing is a popular past time for many summer visitors. Top tip: The summer fête on the Village Green is always well attended and this year will be held on 29 August. Cavendish Green, Image (c) www.markstaples.co.uk eastlife.co.uk

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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

“TWEET TWEET” A Selection of our favourite tweets from the last month: @TheatreRNorwich Apr 14 Our friends @Eastmagazines highlight what is in store here and where to eat/stay if you’re visiting

The beautiful weather has meant we’ve been able to start making the most of the region’s coastline. Don’t forget to send us your snaps!!!

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This month Eastlife celebrates its 10th Anniversary! Look out for our biggest competition yet and share your favourite Eastlife moments with us via Facebook & Twitter

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