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November 2014

Living life in the East

NOVEMBER 2014

FESTIVE SPECIAL

The region's best Christmas markets The big Christmas light switch on Gift ideas for everyone Pick of the pantos Make the most of where you live

​

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SPECIAL COCKTAIL HOUR

What is your tipple of choice?

Issue 114

PLUS: Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Norwich & Saffron Walden

Your local, friendly, audio visual store

C

T O A R S T R O E N F F S O . .

S .

A M T S I HR Buy any Sonos player and we’ll give you 365 days of Deezer Premiuim+.

That’s unlimited access to all the music on earth, worth over £100.

Only one Deezer code can be redeemed per household. Regular price of Deezer Premium+ is £9.99 per month.

in this offer are PLAY:1, PLAY:3, PLAY:5, PLAYBAR, CONNECT and CONNECT:AMP. For more information visit:Promotion ends 31stIncluded of December, 2014. While stocks last. For terms & conditions see www.sonos.com/deezer

www.ortonsaudiovisual.com XX | eastlife.co.uk

Hertford • Hitchin • Northampton

WWW.ORTONSAUDIOVISUAL.COM

WE ARE AN AUTHORISED STOCKIST OF 2YR WARRANTY NOW AVAILABLE Here at Ortons Audio Visual we have over 25 years experience in the audio visual market and pride ourselves on our local store style with friendly, knowledgeable staff and top class customer service.

We stock only the market leading prestigious brands in our state of the art showrooms, with in-store demonstration facilities displaying the latest home theatre systems, hifi setups, multi-room audio/visual and custom integration.

This Christmas, why not pop in or speak to a memberof our dedicated Installation team for expert advice on your bespoke home automation requirements to make your audio visual dreams a reality .

✓

Selling Only Prestigious Brands

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Professional Advice

Custom Installation Service (No Obligation FREE Quote)

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Demonstration Facilities

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HITCHIN 17 Hermitage Road, Hitchin, SG5 1BT 01462 432930

HERTFORD 17 Old Cross, Hertford, SG14 1RE 01992 538230

NORTHAMPTON 11 Kettering Road, Northampton, NN1 4AJ eastlife.co.uk 01604 637515 | XX

Come into town early and get into the festive spirit on what promises to be a very enjoyable occasion. Join our herd of Cairngorm Reindeer in Harpur Square from 3pm and watch them parade in the town centre with Father Christmas.

Feel the Christmas spirit with the sounds of Bedford Rock Choir and Bedford Theatretrain also performing.

Christmas plans are in full swing with the town starting to look increasingly festive and shop windows decorated in style. To kick start the festivities, from the 21st November to 11th January, the Bedford Swan Hotel plays host to Bedford's Ice Skating Rink. Prices start from ÂŁ5 per person with mulled wine and mince pies also available for purchase. Time slots are available to book online from 1pm during the week and 10am-9pm at the weekend.

Visit www.thebedfordswanhotel.digitickets. co.uk/skating On Wednesday 26th November, wrap up warm and bring the family along as once again Bedford has their Christmas light switch on and firework display down by the Embankment.

This evening also marks the start of the 'Late night' shopping with stores opening until 8pm*.

Major stores and Independent shops aplenty in the town to give you lots of gift ideas. A popular alternative of course are the Love Bedford Gift vouchers, now available to be purchased at the Swan Hotel as well as the Tourist Information Centre. Take advantage of the FREE parking available every Wednesday evening from this date at Lurke Street, Allhallows and the Harpur Centre from 5.30pm.

Dont forget that FREE parking is also available for the first 2 hours on Saturdays at the Council owned car parks and FREE all day parking at the Harpur Centre and Council owned car parks on Sunday. For more information, please visit www.lovebedford.co.uk *opening times may vary so do check your favourite stores www.lovebedford.co.uk

Eastlife xmas advert_Layout 1 15/10/2014 11:26 Page 1

The new C-Class Saloon.

It offers more than outstanding performance.

Imposing looks. Cutting-edge technology. Extraordinary comfort. The new C-Class Saloon combines all these to give you an exceptional driving experience.

And right now it offers even more. It can be yours from only £329 a month.

Experience it for yourself. We’re sure that once you get behind the wheel, you’ll want to stay there.

Robinsons Group Mercedes-Benz of Bury St. Edmunds 01284 769 676 www.mercedes-benzofburystedmunds.co.uk Mercedes-Benz of Cambridge 01223 401 100 www.mercedes-benzofcambridge.co.uk Mercedes-Benz of Kings Lynn 01553 777 307 www.mercedes-benzofkingslynn.co.uk Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the new C-Class CO2 emissions 138-94 g/km. Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road

Model featured is a Mercedes-Benz new C 220 BlueTEC Sport Saloon with automatic transmission at £32,860.00 on-the-road (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ may apply. †Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. ††Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and retailer deposit contribution. Quotations September 2014 and registered by 31 December 2014, excluding C-Class MY804 Saloon. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Some combinations of features/options may XX |Prices eastlife.co.uk apply. correct at time of going to press (08/14). Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA.

ran

cond Road avai not b

Representative example C 200 SE Saloon with metallic paint 36 monthly payments of (Term of agreement)

£329.00*

On-the-road price

£27,500.00

Customer deposit

£3,999.00

Retailer deposit contribution

£1,176.06

Optional purchase payment

£13,075.00

Total amount of credit

£22,324.94

Total amount payable

£30,369.06

†

††

Acceptance fee

£180.00

Purchase activation fee

†

Representative Fixed interest rate

£95.00 5.5% APR 4.82%

ere.

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

ss

range: urban 40.4(7.0)-72.4(3.9), extra urban 61.4(4.6)-83.1(3.4), combined 51.4(5.5)-78.5(3.6).

road nths’ ions may

conditions and other non-technical factors. Whilst this offer is only available through Mercedes-Benz Finance, we do arrange finance on behalf of other finance companies as well.

Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). *Based on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement. Example based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges available on request for alternative contract lengths and mileages. This finance campaign is available on new C-Class Saloon models ordered/credit approved between 1 July and 30 not be available. Please contact your Mercedes-Benz Retailer for availability. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other published offer from the retailer. Terms and conditions

eastlife.co.uk | XX

The new C-Class Estate.

More room for style.

Sometimes space can seem like a luxury. In the new C-Class Estate it feels effortless. Luggage capacity is impressive: 490 litres with seats up and a huge 1510 litres with seats down.

Monthly payments of only £329* add to its attractions.

With athletic looks and efficient refined performance, it packs a sporty punch. It features new levels of intelligent systems and equipment too.

The new C-Class Estate - wherever you’re headed, you’re always in a special place.

Experience it for yourself.

Simply call your nearest retailer.

Representative example C 200 Sport with manual transmission and metallic paint 36 monthly payments of* (Term of agreement)

£329.00

On-the-road price

£30,695.00

Customer deposit

£3,776.07

Retailer deposit contribution

£2,802.99

Optional purchase payment†

£14,825.00

Total amount of credit

£24,115.94

Total amount payable††

£33,523.06

Acceptance fee

£180.00

Purchase activation fee†

£95.00

Representative APR

4.9%

Fixed interest rate

4.32%

Robinsons Group Mercedes-Benz of Bury St. Edmunds 01284 769 676

Mercedes-Benz of Cambridge 01223 401 100

Mercedes-Benz of Norwich 01603 751 000

Mercedes-Benz of Peterborough 01733 294 900

Mercedes-Benz of Kings Lynn 01553 777 307

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the new C-Class range: urban 37.7(7.5)-70.6(4.0), extra urban 56.5(5.0)-83.1(3.4), combined 49.6(5.7)-76.4(3.7). CO2 emissions 138-95 g/km.

Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors.

Whilst this offer is only available through Mercedes-Benz Finance, we do arrange finance on behalf of other finance companies as well. Model featured is a MercedesBenz new C 200 Estate Sport with manual transmission at £30,695.00 on-the-road including optional metallic paint at £645.00.(on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). *Finance offer based on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement on 10,000 miles per annum.

Excess mileage charges may apply. †Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. ††Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and Retailer deposit contribution. Quotations available on request for alternative contract lengths and mileages. This finance campaign is available for new C-Class Estate models only ordered/credit approved between 1 October and 31 December 2014 and registered by 31 March 2015, excluding C-Class MY804 Estate models. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other published offer from the Retailer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Please contact your Mercedes-Benz Retailer for availability.

Terms and conditions apply. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. Prices correct at time of going to press (10/14).

15259 C-Class Estate Advert - East Magazine.indd 1

08/10/2014 10:10

WELCOME TO EASTLIFE

NOVEMBER 2014

Editor’s Letter Dear Reader, The leaves are falling and it’s getting cold, which can only mean one thing – Christmas is just around the corner!

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.

After putting this issue together I am truly in the festive spirit. We’ve taken the stress out of Christmas and put together a fun-filled festive guide. From buying special gifts at the region’s festive markets, Christmas tree farms, shopping hotspots, Christmas light events, ice rinks and family-friendly pantomimes, we have it covered.

It’s been a long time since I’ve written a Christmas wish list to Santa, actually that’s a lie, at aged 27 I send lists to my mum and husband, although it’s now more web links to things I like rather than an actual list. If you don’t have a family member that is quite as obvious as myself, then check out our gift guide on page 55.

We’ve also teamed up with the region’s theatres to bring you the chance to win family passes to a selection of this year’s pantomimes, details of how to enter will be announced on our Facebook page very soon.

There will be further festive events posted online throughout the month so keep checking www.eastlife.co.uk for more details.

Emma Kemsley Like us on Facebook

/eastlifemag

Follow us on Twitter

@eastmagazines

Follow us on Instagram

@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 | 9

CONTENTS NOVEMBER FEATURES

NEWS 13

AROUND THE REGION - the region’s top stories

LIFEST YLE 20 31 37 49

REAL FIRS - where to buy your Christmas tree SWITCH IT ON - Christmas lights and events ICE RINKS - festive fun on the ice CHRISTMAS DAY DINING - family-friendly venues

55 70

GIFT GUIDE - present ideas for the whole family COCKTAIL HOUR - get into the festive spirit

EDUCATION

25

HE’S BEHIND YOU!

73

EDUCATIONAL NEWS - the latest news

74

FESTIVE FASHION - be the best-drerssed at your

This year’s pantomimes revealed

FASHION Christmas party

HOME & GARDEN 81 85 88

LIGHTING - how to light your home this autumn NEW HOMES - New development in Bungay DECK THE HALLS - Christmas decor trends

ARTS

43

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

93 95 99

ARTS COLUMN - Collette Hoefkens NEWS - the latest news and exhibitions CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - festive exhibitions

HEALTH

The region’s best festive fairs

101 103

NEWS - the latest news from around the region PROTECT YOUR SKIN - how to protect your skin against free radicals

AREA FOCUS 107 123 131

NORFOLK - listings and festive fun in Norwich ESSEX - what’s on and seasonal Saffron Walden BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS - shows and Christmas in Olney, Hitchin and Ampthill

143

SUFFOLK - out and about, winter in Woodbridge and a Bury St Edmunds Christmas

113

CHRISTMAS IN CAMBRIDGE Seasonal events and shopping

eastlife.co.uk | 11

Christmas collection Ways to keep in touch:

Visit our stores in: Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Colchester, Hitchin and Norwich.

NEW

HITCHIN STORE NOW OPEN

* Free delivery to UK and Ireland.

See website for full details.

East Life Oct.indd 1

09/10/2014 15:59

AROUND THE REGION

Around the Region Latest News from

The Norfolk Sports Awards

The hunt is on for the next local food hero

T

he annual Norfolk Sports Awards will take place 12 November with a ceremony held at The Forum in Norwich.

Now in its seventh year, the Norfolk Sports Awards honours the work and dedication of people involved in sport in Norfolk from coaches, to schools and community clubs, businesses and the unsung heroes who wash the kit week-in week-out.

T

hroughout November chefs all over Cambridgeshire are taking part in a competition to showcase two of the region’s finest products - Fenland Celery and Newmarket Sausages, in the first Cambridgeshire ‘Celerybration’ awards.

The nomination period has been running throughout October and with voting now closed, three finalists from each category will be invited to attend the ceremony where the winners will be announced and awarded trophies.

The purpose of the month-long competition is to recognise and celebrate the Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) status that has been awarded to Fenland Celery and Newmarket Sausages for their quality and provenance.

Each category is sponsored by a local business. The overall awards are supported by media partners BBC Radio Norfolk and the Eastern Daily Press. The winners then feed in to the National Awards, which are held in December.

Anthony Gardiner of G’s Fresh, who is organising the competition in conjunction with Powters Sausages of Newmarket said: “Not many counties can boast two PGI status products so we think it’s high time we celebrate this.”

26th Aldeburgh Poetry Festival

Each dish will be judged for its taste, presentation and the story behind the idea by an anonymous panel. The winner will receive a trophy, be hailed an eminent PGI Hero and be placed firmly on the regional food map.

Upon entering chefs will be provided with free Fenland Celery and Newmarket Sausages for a month.

The competition is open to chefs in Cambridgeshire, surrounding counties and Greater London.

The winner will be announced 1 December.

T

his year’s 26th Aldeburgh Poetry Festival takes place over its traditional 7–9 November weekend. It will be the last to be run by Naomi Jaffa, director of The Poetry Trust, who steps down after what will be her 22nd Festival. Aldeburgh is the UK’s pre-eminent annual celebration of contemporary poetry, internationally renowned for the range and quality of its programme and for attracting the biggest audiences. eastlife.co.uk | 13

our comfortable coach service to

Cambridge, St Neots, Bedford, Milton Keynes & Oxford Cambridge St Neots

Bedford

Wyboston Roxton Great Barford

Milton Keynes Buckingham Bicester Oxford

up to every 30 mins daily

01234 220 030

stagecoachx5.com X5_March 2014 - 168x240.indd 1

10/02/2014 11:33:22

AROUND THE REGION Next up at Titchwell Manor’s supper club

Chocolat Chocolat partner with Hotel du Vin for a Cambridge chocolate extravaganza

A

T

The evening costs £35 per person and includes four delicious vintage Ports together with a selection of single origin chocolates to sample. Guests will be treated to an evening filled with luxurious treats and an education in fine Port and chocolate.

Following Michelin-starred Mark Poynton’s October appearance at the boutique Norfolk hotel, it’s now Russell’s turn to cook up a six-course feast with Titchwell’s award-winning Head Chef, Eric Snaith.

truly Cambridge chocolate affair is upon us as Chocolat Chocolat pair with Hotel du Vin for an exclusive chocolate and Port tasting evening on Wednesday 12 November from 6pm.

he 18 November sees the second of Titchwell Manor’s three guest chef Supper Clubs, this time welcoming newly crowned National Chef of the Year, Russell Bateman – Head Chef of Hertfordshire’s three AA Rosette-winning Colette’s at The Grove.

Chocolatier, Isabelle from Chocolat Chocolat, will explain the perfect way to sample chocolate and Hotel du Vin’s Cambridge resident sommelier, Debbie Henriques will share some of her Port secrets. Finally the evening is set to end with a mini taste-test quiz.

Dine in the relaxed and informal Eating Rooms with three courses each from Russell and Eric. Expect flavours with flair including Russell’s oyster panna cotta, scallop, apple, celeriac and coastal herbs as well as his Inaya chocolate, cep mushroom, walnut sherry and brioche dessert.

£5 from each ticket sale will be donated to The Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. The Cambridgeshire charity is dedicated to providing specialist palliative care and support to adult patients and their family, friends and carers.

Treat your taste buds with an epicurean adventure, all for just £65 including wine or £60 for those who have previously attended a Titchwell Manor Supper Club. Head Chef at Mallory Court, Paul Foster will conclude the Supper Club Chef Series on Tuesday 27 January.

OvenGleamers launch four new East Anglian franchisees

O

venGleamers, a premium oven cleaning service, has launched four new franchisees with two in the Cambridge area and two more covering Peterborough and Norwich and the surrounding areas.

The cleaning process has been developed over the past 10 years by franchisor (and still a practicing OvenGleamer) Graham Rogers to provide a safe, quick and efficient service to return your cooker to an ‘as new looking’ condition.

The OvenGleamers cleaning process involves a complete strip down of your cooker ensuring that all your racks and trays are gleamed too. By dismantling the internal components of the ovens, your OvenGleamer will remove all the grease and burnt food that gets into all those tricky crevices.

Graham Rogers said: “I’m delighted to see the successful training and launch of four new franchisees in East Anglia. These four OvenGleamers will offer clients across the area the opportunity to experience a premium oven cleaning service.”

Tel: 0800 45 82 357

eastlife.co.uk | 15

GREAT DENHAM PARK BEDFORDSHIRE

NEW HOMES COMING SOON TO GREAT DENHAM. Be one of the first to register your interest online!

Discover your dream home at Great Denham Park. The first phase of this flagship development presents a collection of two and three bedroom homes and five wonderful show homes. Great Denham Park will offer the best of town and rural living, bordering the country park yet close to both Bedford and Milton Keynes.

It has so much to offer with great transport links, reputable schools and an idyllic setting. Register your interest online to receive regular updates and an invitation to the exciting launch event.

Greenkeepers Road, Great Denham MK40 4FF

See the Difference at dwh.co.uk or call 01234 343017 Details correct at time of going to press. Images typical of David Wilson homes.

289355_DWSM_DenhamPark_Ad_240x170_OCT14.indd 1

13/10/2014 14:44

AROUND THE REGION Racecourse mascot is up for national award

Still caring 300 years on

ustin’s has been caring for bereaved families for over 300 years and is now firmly established as Hertfordshire’s leading independent funeral director.

A

J

ust weeks after making his first public appearance Huntingdon Racecourse’s new mascot is vying for a national award.

‘Gerald’ made his debut at the Cambridgeshire track’s August Bank Holiday Monday and is already popular with all the youngsters who come racing.

Well over 500 children have joined ‘Gerald’s Gang’.

Now he’s been shortlisted in the ‘All About The Horse’ category of the Racecourse Association’s Showcase Awards to be held at Haydock Park Racecourse in northwest England next month.

Gerald is certainly ‘all about a horse’. He is based on Gerald, an Appaloosa horse who is a hack at the Lincolnshire racing stables of Steve Gollings, who sent out Soudain to win the inaugural Cambridgeshire National at Huntingdon Racecourse last November.

Before his big night on 13 November when he will be up against opposition from other racecourses such as Exeter, Goodwood, Hamilton Park, Fontwell Park and Brighton – Gerald the mascot will next be seen at Huntingdon Racecourse during the racing fixture on Sunday 2 November when there will be a Little Horrors Halloween Party.

Claire Austin, the tenth generation of her family to run the business, explained why a caring customer service has been vital to its success: “Many people have never had to arrange a funeral before and if they have lost someone very dear to them it can be quite traumatic,” she explains. “Our staff guide them through the entire process providing a caring and sympathetic service and ensuring the funeral is perfect in every way.”

“Saying goodbye to a loved one properly is very important,” says Claire. “At Austin’s we get enormous satisfaction from not only helping people arrange the perfect funeral but knowing that at the same time we are taking away all the worry and stress that is inevitable at a time of loss and sorrow.”

Still owned and run by the Austin family, the company has eight branches throughout North and East Herts and owns and operates the beautiful Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens in Stevenage.

Austin’s offers a completely bespoke service so whether clients are looking for a small, intimate affair or a more elaborate funeral their needs can be expertly catered for. The company can arrange all aspects of the funeral from flowers to caterers and orders of service to memorial stones depending on individual clients’ wishes.

To find out more about Austin’s visit www.austins.co.uk

The fun begins at 10.45am on Sunday 2 November.

The first race time is 12.45pm. Adult tickets on the day are £15; accompanied under 18s enter free of charge. Tel: 0844 579 3007. eastlife.co.uk | 17

18 | eastlife.co.uk

Milton Keynes - Luton

99

Why not make the most of this fast, comfortable coach link, hourly between Milton Keynes (Rail Station & Shopping Centre) and Luton (Airport, Station Interchange & Town Centre)!

01234 220030 East Life - Luton 99 - NOV 2014 - 168x240.indd 1

stagecoachbus.com 07/10/2014 09:56:17

LIFESTYLE

r i f e k a f o t o n y Sa W

ill you be faking it this festive season or donning your best lumberjack and chopping your own tree?

The real versus artificial Christmas tree debate replays itself year after year. While in recent years faux trees have hogged the limelight with fancy coloured optics and different shades (seriously, who buys a pink Christmas tree?), thanks to the Nordic trend, Scandinavian influences and rustic décor a real fir is firmly back in fashion.

And where better to choose your Christmas tree than in East Anglia? It’s no surprise that our pretty landscape and woodlands have made way for some of the best Christmas tree farms around.

Whether you want to pick your own tree and have it cut for you or buy a tree that’s already cut ready to go, we’ve put together a handy guide to festive firs…

Badger Hill Christmas Tree Farm, Bedford

This family run farm has over 10,000 trees growing in six acres of central Bedfordshire countryside. You can wander the plantations and choose your own tree, which you can dig up and cut down yourself or ask a member of staff to do it for you. The open day is 16 November from 10am to 4pm, where you can wander around, choose your tree and have it ready for collection before Christmas.

20| eastlife.co.uk

Rectory Farm Shop, Melton, Cambridge

From the end of November the farmyard will be full of Christmas trees waiting to be chosen. There’s a huge variety from Nordmann and Noblis to Lodge Pole and Norway Spruce. The farm offers a range of cutting options and will net your tree free of charge for your onward journey.

While you’re there stop by the Christmas Barn which is full of exciting decorations and festive treasures.

The barn is open seven days a week. You can also select your Christmas poultry. It’s highly recommended orders are placed in November.

Christmas in the Easters, Dunmow, Essex

For the ultimate Christmas experience head to this 900 acre Christmas tree farm. There’s a tree to suit all spaces and requirements. There’s also a huge selection of Christmas décor displayed in 12ft high trees and a Santa’s Grotto for the kids.

Dane End Christmas Tree Farm, Ware, Herts

This is one of Hertfordshire’s biggest farms offering quality home grown trees and wreaths. Choose your tree and help chop yourself or leave it to a member of staff. The farm have listened to its customers and this year have introduced a flood-lit forest so that you can stop by after work and choose your tree, leaving your weekend free.

LIFESTYLE

s m r a f e e r t s a m t s hri C t s e b ’s n o i g e r e iscover th

D

Elveden Farm, Norfolk

Elveden began growing Christmas Trees as a Forestry diversification activity nearly 40 years ago.

Over the years its reputation has grown and it is now one of the most popular suppliers in East Anglia providing to retail centres and local authorities across the country. The experienced team will be on hand to offer quality advice or you can make the selection yourself.

Plan your trip around the Elveden Festive Fair, 22 to 23 November. It is guaranteed to get everyone in the spirit of Christmas. The fair will be a festive extravaganza of East Anglian food and drink, gifts and Christmas themed entertainment.

Blackthorpe Barn, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

If you’re looking to indulge in the spirit of Christmas a trip to the barns is a must. Christmas trees will be available 29 November to 22 December. The trees are grown in plantations close to the Barn itself, by the Rougham Estate who have been in the business for well over forty years and are now acknowledged experts in the field.

Spend a festive day at the barn with a browse of its country Christmas shop and crafts, let the kids visit Santa’s Grotto, stop by the Christmas café or take part in one of the festive workshops which include decoration and wreath making.

eastlife.co.uk | 21

Presents Galore 2014 Look up, look down,

look around!

The C vehic ollection is les an d mo home to h is torcyc les, w toric aircr af ith pe riod S t, vintage wiss Gard en

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP

Call us on 01767 627933, or visit our new website!

8

29 30th

www.shuttleworth.org

East Life advert QP Nov.indd 1

17/10/2014 15:35:07

Christmas at Hylands Featuring the Hylands ChristFair Fair (Sat 6 & Sun 7 Dec 11am—7pm) Featuring the Hylandsmas Christmas Free entry to over 160 stalls of unique gifts, fine foods and including Santa’s Grotto and horse & carriage rides Sat 6 &festive Sunentertainment 7 Dec 11am— Santa’s Grotto Thurs 4 &7pm Fri 5 Dec Pre-booked only every hour 12pm—8pm Enjoy games, craft & music before meeting Santa for a special gift £10 child, £3 adult £20 family (2 &2) Free entry to over 160 stalls Christmas Party 12 Dec unique gifts, anfine foods and meal, table wine and an evening DJ An evening fullof of live entertainment, indulgent 3 course Ticketsinclud£75 per person festive entertainment Plus Pantomime, Christmasand Bunting & Fused ing Santa’s Grotto horse & Glass workshops and much more!

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ChristmasAtHylands

22 | eastlife.co.uk

The Best Kept secrets are kept within

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

To promote your independant Suffolk boutique please Paul Moreton on 01787 315055.

Celebrating the Red Arrows’ 50th Display Season From The Beatles to Bolero, Queen to Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Big Band to Puccini, the programme of music spans the past five decades and reflects the colour, flamboyance and entertainment provided by ‘Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’

Sunday 23 November - Cliffs Pavilion, Southend 01702 351 153 www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

Saturday 6 December - Ipswich Regent 01473 433 100 www.ipswichregent.com

Sunday 7 December - Theatre Royal, Norwich 01603 630 000 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk Featuring: The Bands of The Royal Air Force For more information please go to: rafinconcert.com

eastlife.co.uk | 23

CULTURE CHANGE create|share|sustain

Free Business Support for the Creative and Cultural Industries The Royal Opera House Culture Change programme will: • Open doors to funding to help you futureproof your business • Help you cut your bills and your carbon emissions • Assist in your economic and environmental sustain ability • Connect you with all the right people in your area If you are a freelancer or in a small creative business, contact Michelle Flinn, Business Support Programme Manager, to find out how the Culture Change programme can help you. Call on 01708 892 849 or email michelle.flinn@roh.org.uk www.roh.org.uk/about/culture-change

24 | eastlife.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

It’s panto time - oh yes it is!

I

t’s that time of year again, when men dress as women and some familiar faces reappear – yes, it’s the wonderfully confusing world of pantomime. This Christmas the region’s theatres will be hosting colourful favourites such as Cinderella and Aladdin, plus a few famous faces will be popping up in a town near you. Where will you be yelling those classic phrases this season? Take a read of our pick of the pantos…

NORFOLK

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

King’s Lynn Corn Exchange will host the fun-filled pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Friday 5 to 31 December. Will Snow White be able to escape the jealous clutches of the Wicked Queen?

Will there be a happy ever after? Come along to this traditional family pantomime and find out.

A few famous faces will be taking to the stage including Sue Holderness. Famed for her role as Marelene Boyce in Only Fools and Horses, Sue will be playing the Wicked Queen alonsgide pantomime favourite Ian Marr as Dame Dotty (pictured above).

Tickets priced £12 - £18. Box Office: 01553 764864.

King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW

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THE MADDERMARKET THEATRE’S CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION 2014

Friday 19 December Saturday 3 January

The B Little iggest Christ ma Show in To s wn

by Mary Norton, adapted by Charles Way and with the kind permission of Walt deFaria DIRECTED BY PETER SOWERBUTTS Maddermarket Theatre, St John’s Alley, Norwich NR2 1DR Box Office: 01603 620917 www.maddermarket.co.uk Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of detail in this brochure but errors and omissions can occur.

The John Jarrold Trust

Kindly supported by:

Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of detail in this brochure but errors and omissions can occur.

The John Jarrold Trust

Kindly supported by:

NTR November listing (Eastlife Magazine) 148.5x107 copy.qxp_norfolk journal Feb v5 06/10/2014 09:25 Page 1

NOVEMBER BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Sun 2 November JOHN MAYALL The Godfather of British blues £6.50 - £29.50 Mon 3 November THE MODERN ALCHEMIST Spectacular science £5.50 - £8 Tues 4 Nov JETHRO Cornish comedy legend £5.50 - £19.50

Thur 6 – Fri 7 Nov RAMBERT World class contemporary dance £5.50 - £23 Sun 9 November NORFOLK SCHOOLS PROJECT Local schoolchildren perform their own operas Free

Tues 11 – Sat 15 November GLYNDEBOURNE TOUR Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera, Verdi’s La traviata, Britten’s The Turn of the Screw £6.50 - £52 Wed 19 – Sat 22 November LORD OF THE FLIES Matthew Bourne’s new dance adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel – raw, intense and thrilling £6.50 - £28 Mon 24 – Sat 29 November ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS Norman Pace, Emma Barton star in hilarious smash-hit National Theatre comedy £6.50 - £26

One Man Two Guvnors

Tues 28 Oct – Sat 1 Nov JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Lloyd Daniels (X Factor), Danielle Hope (Over the Rainbow), Matt Lapinskas (EastEnders) star in favourite family musical. £6.50 - £27.50

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

26 | eastlife.co.uk

Compagnia TPO presents

Butterflies 13 – 22 DECEMBER

A TRULY MAGICAL SHOW FOR CHRISTMAS FOR AGES 4YRS+

FAMILY TICKET

£25 eastlife.co.uk | 27

LIFESTYLE

Peter Pan at Norwich Theatre Royal

The classic tale of the boy who never grew up gets a pantomime twist when Peter Pan takes to the stage at Norwich Theatre Royal this Christmas.

Based on JM Barrie’s children’s story, the highenergy festive spectacular boasts a warm-hearted story, which will appeal to the whole family, top-class dancing, stunning sets and an all-star cast headed by West End performer and former Coronation Street favourite Kevin Kennedy, best known as unlucky-in-love Weatherfield resident Curly Watts. Kevin will be taking on the role of the fearsome Captain Hook (pictured left) in the production, which runs from 18 December to 18 January. Joining him in the show will be a favourite with families everywhere – CBeebies presenter Sid Sloane who will wear a selection of fabulous frocks as Aunt Delilah. Tickets are priced £5.50-£21.

Eastlife have teamed up with Norwich Theatre Royal to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to see Peter Pan on Friday 19 December at 7.30pm. For details of how to enter visit the Eastlife Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eastlifemag, Twitter @eastmagazines or visit www.eastlife.co.uk Box office: 01603 630000.

Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL

SUFFOLK Beauty and the Beast at The New Worsley Theatre

This year’s pantomime offers a fun and fabulous spin on the classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Running from 27 November to 31 January enjoy a fun-filled production as Prince Promising who is about to be crowned his country’s rightful King has to overcome one tiny problem - he needs to find his Beauty. With a great cast and sing-a-long tunes, join in the fun as the Fairy Fortunate and Company bring you Beauty and the Beast – transformed into an irresistible rock ‘n’ roll pantomime. Tickets priced from £10.

Box office: 01473 295900.

Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS

Cinderella at Ipswich Regent Theatre

Cinderella is in demand this year! Also bringing the fairytale to life is the Ipswich Regent Theatre from 20 to 30 December. Starring singing and acting legend Maureen Nolan as Fairy Godmother, Lee LatchfordEvans from STEPS as Prince Charming, Gabrielle Green “Katrina” from CBBC’s Wolfblood as Cinderella and Nick Wymer “Mr Tubb” from CITV’s ‘My Phone Genie’ as Baron Hardup, the star-studded performance is packed with great songs, amazing dance routines and plenty of laughter.

Tickets priced from £13. Box office: 01473 433100.

3 St Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE 28| eastlife.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

Cinderella at Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is presenting a magical, traditional family pantomime for the festive season, 28 November to 11 January. Cinderella is full of fun and sparkle with more than a sprinkling of pantomime magic.

Filled with catchy songs, silly jokes, dastardly villains, swirling dresses and a huge dose of slapstick, you are sure to have a ball.

Eastlife have teamed up with Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal to offer one lucky reader the chance to win four tickets on Saturday 29 November at 7.30pm. For details of how to enter visit the Eastlife Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eastlifemag, Twitter @eastmagazines or visit www.eastlife.co.uk Box office: 01284 769505.

Westgate St, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1QR

ESSEX Cinderella at The Mercury Theatre

Standby evil laughter, get ready thunder and lightning! It’s that time of year again as the Mercury Theatre in Colchester hosts another fabulous pantomime. This year’s production is Cinderella from 5 December to 11 January and promises to be a traditional affair with plenty of audience participation, slop and sloshy fun and the return of favourite Mercury stars Dale Superville, Ignatius Anthony and Tim Freeman. Tickets priced from £10.

Box office: 01206 573948 Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT

Peter Pan at Chelmsford City Theatre

Peter Pan will be flying into Chelmsford City Theatre, from 3 December to 4 January. Join Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and the Lost Boys to do battle on Peter Pan’s arch enemy, the villainous Captain Hook and his pirates.

Peter Pan is an action-packed production featuring magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes, an abundance of comedy and even characters flying above the stage.

Eastlife have partnered with Chelmsford City Theatres to offer one lucky reader the chance to win four tickets (2 adults and two children) on Saturday 6 December at 6pm. For details of how to enter visit the Eastlife Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eastlifemag, Twitter @eastmagazines or visit www.eastlife.co.uk Tickets priced £20. Box office: 01245 606505.

Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG

BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS Aladdin at Gordon Craig Theatre

For a magical theatre experience this Christmas head to Gordon Craig for a colourful production of Aladdin, starring the multi-talented Shaun Williams.

Famous for his role as Barry Evans from Eastenders, Shaun will be showing his evil side as Abanazaar – the man determined to spoil all the hero of the show’s plans. Taking place 28 November to 25 January, the pantomime also sees the return of Stevenage’s favourite Dame, Paul Laidlaw, as Widow Twankey. With two fantastic performers at the helm, this is one show not to be missed!

Box Office: 01438 363200.

Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ

Robin Hood at The Grove Theatre

Robin Hood and his merry men will be making their way to The Grove Theatre, 12 December to 4 January for this year’s pantomime. Headlining as the Sheriff of Nottingham is legendary Australian Soap actor Alan Fletcher, who plays Karl Kennedy in Neighbours. He will be joined by 90s pop sensation Lolly and Britain’s Got Talent’s Steve Hewlett for a star-studded fun performance. Tickets from £17.

Box office: 01582 602080.

Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP

CAMBRIDGESHIRE Jack and the Bean Stalk at the Key Theatre

Pantomime favourite Jack and the Bean Stalk comes to the Key Theatre 4 December to 4 January for an all singing and all dancing Fe..Fi..Fo fun!

Bought to you in conjunction with The Production Exchange, the pantomime tells the classic tale of Jack who trades the family cow for some magic beans, only to awake to a giant beanstalk with a ghastly giant at the top. Tickets from £10.

Box office: 01733 207239.

Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF

Aladdin at Cambridge Arts Theatre

Join in on the adventure of a lifetime this Christmas with Cambridge Arts Theatre’s traditional family pantomime, Aladdin from 4 December to 11 January. The production team that brought you last year’s sell-out ‘feel-good family show’Robin Hood are reunited once again to take you on a thrilling magical carpet ride to far-off lands in an adventure for all the family to enjoy.

This is a timeless classic pantomime, brought to you with a trademark blend of sing-a-long tunes, spectacular dance routines, dazzling costumes and some truly terrible jokes.

Tickets from £10. Box office: 01223 357851.

6 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ eastlife.co.uk | 29

LIFESTYLE

The Big Switch On F

or most towns the switching on of the Christmas lights signifies the start of the festive season.

Crowds gather and carols play as residents eagerly await the big switch on. It’s usually a great (and cold) day that embraces community spirit and the love of a town. Read our guide to find out when the lights will twinkle into action in your hometown…

Peterborough Little kids will be thrilled with the guest-star making an appearance at the Queensgate Christmas light switch on. Yes, Pepper Pig and family will be turning on the lights of the shopping centre, Friday 7 November. Festivities start at 2pm. Visitors to the centre will be able to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with Father Christmas and guests.

Cambridge

The Christmas light switch on at Cathedral Square will take place 15 November at 5pm.

The Big Switch on in Cambridge taking place 15 to 16 November will host a weekend of activities starting at The Grafton Centre where the fun begins Saturday 15 November from 2pm.

Chatteris, 29 November, 4.30pm Ely, 28 November, 4.30pm St Neots, 30 November, 12noon to 7pm Huntingdon, 23 November, 1pm to 5pm

The fun continues on Sunday where you will find an array of circus performers throughout the city, activities at The Lion Yard, Grand Arcade and the main event taking place in the Market Square. With entertainment from midday, the Market Square stage will include choirs, dance acts, magic shows and more.

Heart take over the stage where this year’s special guest will come and flick that all important switch.

St Albans The city’s Christmas lights will be switched on Sunday 16 November. The afternoon and early evening spectacular will host pantomime stars, street entertainers and all-round festive fun.

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LIFESTYLE

Harpenden The Harpenden Christmas Carnival will kick start the town’s festivities. The spectacular event will take place in Harpenden High Street, 23 November and will feature a Farmers’ Market, turning on of the town’s Christmas lights, fairground rides and more.

Stevenage, 27 November, 4pm Hertford, 28 November, 4.30pm

Saffron Walden On 30 November, 10am to 5pm, Saffron Walden will hold a Christmas market in the Market Square in the lead up to the festive light switch on. For more details read our seasonal Saffron Walden guide on page 126.

Colchester Before Colchester’s annual Christmas Fair begins on the 7 December, the town’s Christmas lights will be switched on Sunday 30 November with a host of festive events taking place across the town’s shopping centres. Residents and visitors will gather for what promises to be a great event.

Norwich The city’s Christmas lights will be switched on Thursday 20 November at 6pm outside City Hall and The Forum. To get you in the festive spirit there will be plenty of family fun throughout the evening including a Christmas parade from Norwich Cathedral to The Forum at 6pm and the switch-on at 7pm followed by fireworks.

Burnham Market One of North Norfolk’s prettiest villages, Burnham Market will be flicking the switch on its Christmas lights, Saturday 22 November at 6pm. In the lead up to the event a Christmas market will take place from 12noon.

Holt Holt’s Christmas lights will be switched on Wednesday 19 November. There will be entertainment throughout the town and for the first time there will be a roundabout in Lees Yard offering free rides.

Jake Humphries, man of BT Sport and well known TV presenter will be switching on the lights.

Great Yarmouth, 26 November, 6pm Hunstanton, Sunday 30 November, 10am to 6pm Diss, Saturday 29 November, 3pm to 6pm

Saffron Walden, photo credit: Gordon Ridgewell

Ipswich This year a series of events will take place leading up to the ‘Big Switch On’ in the heart of the town on Thursday 20 November. A Christmas market will be lining parts of the town and there will be plenty of festivities for families including music and entertainment.

Beccles For over 10 years Beccles Business and Tourism Association (BBTA) has been proud to jointly run the Beccles Christmas Lights Switch-On with Beccles Town Council. This year’s popular event is set to be the biggest yet and will take place on Friday 28 November. The market town’s streets and stores will come alive with Christmas magic and there will be a fantastic market with almost 50 stalls.

Felixstowe, Saturday 29 November Aldeburgh, Saturday 29 November Halesworth, Sunday 7 December

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C H R IS T M A S F R O S T F A IR O v e r 2 0 0 e x h ib ito r s in c lu d in g : C R A F T S , G IF T S , F IN E F O O D S , E X Q U IS IT E P R E S E N T S FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT, G I F T S H O P & S T A B B L E YA R D R E T A I L E R S D R O P IN X M A S W O R K S H O P S & FA T H E R C H R IS T M A S 1 0 :0 0 - 5 :0 0 F r id a y, S a tu r d a y & S u n d a y 2 1 s t, 2 2 n d & 2 3 rd N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 A d u l t s ÂŁ 5 . 0 0 , a c c o m p a n ie d c h i l d r e n f r e e H e ld in T h e O ld P a la c e , R id in g S c h o o l a n d h e a te d m a r q u e e s , o n P a la c e G r e e n H a t f ie l d H o u s e , H e rt s , A L 9 5 H X Organised by Cliff Bloomfield www.frostfair.co.uk, 01487 814800 for Hatfield House, www.hatfield-house.co.uk

34 | eastlife.co.uk

Supporting

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FOR A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

IC E-ASSRK RAY DVENTURE PA

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on Saturday 13th December & Sunday 14th December 2014 BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AND SAVE JUST £9.50 ONLINE per Child Includes: An exciting present from Santa!

Suitable for children up to 10 years Adults: FREE!

BOOK NOW: WWW.RYE-ASSIC.CO.UK Or CALL: 01992 460 895 Ext 4

LIFESTYLE

get your skates on

Where will you be gliding with the greatest of ease this Christmas?

W

ith twinkling fairy lights and Christmas trees as a back drop, the sound of carols filling the air and the smell of roasting chestnuts not too far away, a trip to an ice rink is a must-do this Christmas.

Whether you dance on ice like Jayne Torvill or wobble like Bambi, an outdoor ice rink offers one of the most magical and festive settings of the season.

Take a look out our pick of festive fun on the ice...

Christmas Ice Rink, Norwich

Coming to Norwich’s Castle Mall Garden this Christmas is a spectacular open-air ice rink. From 6 December to 4 January visitors can make their way via the food court to the beautiful gardens for some festive fun. Skate times last 45 minutes and are a reasonably priced £6 for children and £8 for adults.

The open-air rink is a great way to finish a festive day in the City. For more seaonal events see our Chritsmas in the City special on page 110.

Ice Show Spectacular, Chelmsford, Essex If you fancy leaving the ice skating to the professionals but still want the festive buzz of an icy cold rink head to the annual ice show spectacular at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre, Chelmsford.

This year Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be taking to the ice from 17 to 21 December.

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St Albans

Christmas Lights Switch On Sunday 16 November 12pm – 6pm St Peter’s Street, St Albans

Family Fun

...

For more information please visit: www.enjoystalbans.com

Coming S o on

Visit Father Christmas in his Grotto Fun Fair Music and Dance Festive Market Food Stalls

FASHION LIFESTYLE

The North Pole, Parkers Piece Park, Cambridge

This winter skate your cares away at one of the UK’s most stylish open-air ice rinks from 21 November.

Nestled amongst the trees in Parkers Piece Park in the centre of Cambridge you can enjoy plenty of space to skate in a beautiful setting this Christmas.

Shining bright white the 600sqm ice rink has a session capacity of 200 and is festively decorated with innovative lighting. Whilst skaters enjoy the rink, spectators can watch from the decked terrace enjoying a hot chocolate, topped with cream or traditional mulled wine and winter warming snacks. The rink makes for a fabulous festive day out or evening trip.

The North Pole has also teamed up with foodPark Cambridge to add a spectacular pop-up winter street food market and bar alongside the ice rink. A collection of top quality food traders will serve a mouth-watering selection of freshly prepared street food washed down with hot chocolate or a tipple at the bar. The food market will be available 21 November to 19 December.

Adding to the festive family atmosphere will be traditional rides such a beautiful restored Carousel and dodgems. The whole experience is a must for anyone looking for a fun-filled festive trip with friends or family.

Van Hages, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire Mention Van Hages to anyone in Hertfordshire and it’s likely the first thing they will mention is the garden centre’s fantastic Christmas displays and outdoor ice rink.

Returning for a seventh year the popular ice rink will be available from 13 November to 5 January. For the first time the rink will be covered by a clear sky cover so skating is possible whatever the weather.

A visit to Santa’s Grotto will also be available from 8 November for just £5 per child. Children will be enchanted by the winter wonderland displays when visiting the grotto and each child will receive a surprise toy.

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Christmas Decorations

Crackers

Dried Fruit

Wreaths

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

ADVERTORIAL

W&M Smith For all your Christmas Needs In recent weeks I have heard the words ‘where has this year gone’. It does not seem five minutes ago we were filling the shelves at The Pightle Barn with Easter chicks, bunnies and all the Spring merchandise. But the clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in.

The pumpkins are on the compost heap and bonfires and fireworks are being lit. This is the reason that Pightle Barn is bursting at the seams with lots of goodies for Christmas. From the most basic of things like cards, wrapping paper, and tags to something just that bit different to decorate with or a gift for the person who has everything, just come along and see what W & M Smith has in stock.

This year we have bought from new suppliers to have a much more varied range, leaning towards the rustic look with wood featuring throughout the range of decorations. We also have the good old favourites, berries, silk holly and poinsettias, robins in all shapes and sizes, artificial and dried fruits, garlands from the cheap and cheerful to the luxurious with some having wreaths to match.

The Christmas cake is being fed on brandy so come and see what we can offer you in cake decorations both in plastic, claydough and also edible. We have a huge range!!

We stock cookie cutters in many different designs and if you want to package the final product up, the cellophane sweetie bags, both in plain and patterned are also available. Hamper baskets and trays, wood wool and shredded paper and tissue along with rolls of cellophane to finish off the packaging is something else squeezed in to the Barn. At the same time you can peruse all the tableware we have for the festive season, napkins, table cloths and cups as well as crackers again in a varied price range.

The list goes on and on .....

Come and visit W & M Smith soon, before it is too late as stock is moving fast.

eastlife.co.uk | 41

LIFESTYLE

Deepdale Christmas Market, Burnham.

Photo credit: Andy Davison

Merry Markets D on’t be fooled in thinking you have to jet off to a European city for a fabulous festive market, some of the best are right here in East Anglia

The market will take place around the outside of the castle where you can snap up some great gifts and munch on hot food and drink. Colchester Castle Museum will also be open for the evening.

There’s nothing quite like the sight, sounds and smells of a Christmas market. Among a bundle of special festive events you’ll find foodie gifts, hand crafted presents and usually something mulled to help you on your merry way. This winter get into the Christmas spirit with a trip to one of the region’s fun festive markets.

Christmas Open Evening and Market, Colchester Castle, Essex

Colchester Castle will host a Christmas open evening and market, 10 December. The festive treat will feature music and carols, the opportunity to visit Santa’s Grotto and soak up the Christmas atmosphere with a browse around the market.

Lavenham Christmas Fair

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St Albans Christmas Market, Herts

For classic Christmas charm, the St Albans German-inspired Christmas Market taking place 27 November to 21 December is a must visit. Possibly one of the prettiest festive markets in the UK with its 11th Century Cathedral grounds and Vintry Garden location, it’s no surprise that last year’s market attracted over 45,000 visitors.

St Albans Christmas Market

Due to its first year success the market plans to build on its popularity and has doubled in size going from 42 stallholders up to 80.

The food and drink offering will be second to none with a huge selection of fare from Germanstyle Bratwurst and Black Forest ham to pulledpork sandwiches, brownies and luxurious hot chocolate. Mulled wine and locally brewed beer will be served from a special outdoor bar and from carts dotted about the site.

There will be regular music and entertainment too. The popular ‘Carols on the Hour’ will take place at the Cathedral on Saturday 20 December, at which the world-respected St Albans Cathedral choiristers will delight visitors with a selection of popular carols every hour throughout the day.

Deepdale Christmas Market, Burnham

Start your Christmas on the North Norfolk Coast with a trip to Deepdale Christmas Market, 6 to 7 December. Holding off until December so visitors can enjoy an exciting and festive atmosphere, the popular market will host 90 stalls offering a selection of gifts and decorations.

A market wouldn’t be complete without a delicious range of food and drink. There will be the usual cheese, meat and beer stalls you might expect but this year Norfolk Deli are bringing German Christmas market products, which will certainly get the taste buds working.

The market will be filled with the sound of Christmas as a brass band and musicians entertain shoppers. The market brings together the very best mix of independent traders and is a great opportunity to support local trade.

44 | eastlife.co.uk

Ipswich Christmas Market

The popular Ipswich Christmas Market will return, 21 to 23 November. With the Ipswich Christmas lights having been switched on the exciting Market will take place in the Princes Street, Giles Square, Buttermarket and Queen Street areas in the Ipswich town centre. A variety of street entertainment is planned as well as a great selection of local and national traders selling gifts, crafts and hot festive food.

Bridge Farm Barns, Suffolk

For something a little different and with a historical feel Bridge Farm Barns in Monks Eleigh will be holding a Victorian Lamp Display with Festive Shopping, 29 November. The special and interesting event will be hosted by Monks Eleigh Bygone Collectors Club and will display Victorian Oil Lamps in the green barn. These elegant and decorative lamps will be lit to create a colourful display, which should put us all in the festive spirit.

Corn Craft, Black Barn Toys & Games and Sarah’s Attic will also be staying open late until 9pm for some late night Christmas Shopping.

The Corn Craft tearoom will remain open for drinks and light refreshments and supper can be pre-booked to be served between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

LIFESTYLE

Mill Road Winter Fair, Cambridge

Known for its character and charm, the popular Mill Road Winter Fair returns Saturday 6 December, 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Organised by a small team of Cambridge residents, the Fair extends along Cambridge’s historic and vibrant Mill Road, with the road closed to traffic from East Road to Coleridge Road for the day. The Fair is known for its festive atmosphere with over 10,000 people participating in different ways and enjoying all that the Mill Road area has to offer.

Many of the restaurants, shops and businesses along Mill Road take part in the Fair by staging their own events, providing special dishes and offers or raising money for charity. There’s a Food Fair in Gwydir Street car park with a wide range of specialist and artisan produce, plus craft and market stalls at a number of other spots including Donkey Common, Ditchburn Gardens, Bharat Bhavan, Great Eastern Street and the Co-op Car Park – all perfect for picking up festive presents or just treating yourself.

The Fair is officially opened at 10.30am with a ceremony in Ditchburn Gardens. There’s then a variety of events and activities to keep you entertained for the whole day. The Carnival Parade sets off from East Road around midday – a riot of colour and sound. Music, dance and other performances happen all along the road throughout the day at major venues and busking spots.

Plus there are arts and crafts, history exhibitions, tours and walks, and entertainment and activities for little ones.

This is a fantastic festive fair that embraces the essence of Christmas spirit as well as all the fun stuff in between.

Lavenham Christmas Fair, Suffolk

Light up your Christmas early this year by popping along to the Lavenham Christmas Fair, 5 to 7 December for a festive extravaganza of entertainment, exhibitions, shopping and wining and dining. The fun starts at 6pm on Friday 5 December with the traditional Lighting Up Lavenham ceremony in the Market Place when Father Christmas arrives in his sleigh and the whole village is instantly lit up with thousands of twinkling white lights.

There will be more than 80 craft and food stalls over the whole weekend. As well an abundance of gift and craft stalls shoppers will be able to tuck into a variety of local and French food and drink and mulled wine as you stroll around. What’s more all the stalls will be under marquees meaning your stay dry whatever the weather.

Following last year’s success, the stores and galleries of the village are preparing for an even bigger event with more fun for children, including donkey sleigh rides, a bouncy castle, vintage fairground rides and Father Christmas himself in his grotto. There will also be a craft fair in the village hall, an exhibition in the Little Hall museum, a guided Lantern Walk of the village on Saturday at 4.30pm, a choir singing carols in the Market Place at 1pm on Saturday and a carol service in the village hall on Sunday.

Christmas Dickensian costume is encouraged to help get into the Christmas spirit and there will be a prize for the best costume.

For more details visit lovelavenham.co.uk

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PLACE YOUR ORDERS NOW FOR CHRISTMAS

NUMBER 1 Delicatessen and Cafe Cafe open for breakfast, lunch and snacks

• Master Butchers.

• Combined Knowledge of Over 90 Years in Master Butchery.

• Traditional, Locally Sourced Meats.

28 Wingfield Street, Bungay, Suffolk, NR35 1EZ Tel/Fax: 01986 895 105

BURE VALLEY RAILWAY

STEAM TRAINS TO SANTA Return steam train from Wroxham to Santa’s Grotto at Aylsham Personal present for each child from Santa Children’s entertainer Refreshments for all the family Experience takes approx 3 hours and costs £15 per person

November - December 2014 BOOK TODAY - 01263 733858 Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BW

www.bvrw.co.uk

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9-5pm Closed Sundays GET YOUR BESPOKE CHRISTMAS HAMPER HERE 1 High Street, Clare, Suffolk 01787 278932

09 Sept East Life Ladies Shopping 2014 QP_Layout 1 09/09/2014 09:

UFFORD PARK WOODBRIDGE

Festive Ladies’ Charity Shopping Evening Thursday 27th November 2014 7:00pm - 9:30pm

£5

per person (£2.50 of the entry fee goes to Marie Curie) Tickets must be booked and pre-paid

Please join us for drinks, canapes and a night of amazing shopping. fashion and designer handbags | purses and scarves | gift vouchers | christmas gifts | ladies clothes | jewellery | cakes | reiki taster sessions | and much, much more ...

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

eastlife.co.uk | 47

BENSLOW CHRISTMAS MENU STARTERS home- made smoked salmon pate with horseradish cream and croutons or

lightly spiced apple and parsnip soup or

field mushrooms filled with bacon and stilton

MAINS traditional roast turkey breast, benslow xmas stuffing and all the trimmings or

salmon en croute with creamy mushroom sauce or

vegetarian nut roast and spicy (mild) tomato sauce

Please join us

all served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of potatoes

Celebrate Christmas with friends and colleagues in a traditional way Warm welcome, complimentary glass of mulled wine, log fire, home-cooked locally-sourced food, chamber music, sole use of dining room if required (20 guests minimum) and only a five minute walk from Hitchin train station.

Bookings are invited to arrive for lunches between 12pm - 2pm and/or dinners from 6pm till 8pm, Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 December

DESSERTS raspberry and white chocolate torte or

orange xmas pudding with cointreau cream or

cheese and biscuit selection with a fig ‘salami’

all served with coffee

£19.95

per head

T: 01462 459446

benslow music, benslow lane, hitchin, hertfordshire sg4 9rb t: 01462 459446 i e: info@benslowmusic.org i w: www.benslowmusic.org

EastLife_Sit in.indd 1

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BEST WESTERN HEATH COURT HOTEL Christmas Carvery

Available from Monday 1st to Wednesday 24th December & Boxing Day Monday to Friday 12.00noon - 2.00pm & 6.30pm 9.45pm (Excluding Party Nights) Sundays 12.00noon - 7.00pm Boxing Day 12.00noon & 2.00pm sittings available

Christmas Fayre

Celebrate Christmas in style, our Christmas Fayre Menu is available throughout December in Berties Restaurant & for larger functions, our Guineas Suite with Private Bar is available for up to 120 guests

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Join us & welcome in 2015, a sumptuous Six Course Dinner with Coffee & Petit Fours served in Berties Restaurant followed by our resident disco entertainment in our Guineas Suite until 1.00am.

www.heathcourthotel.com Telephone 01638 66 71 71 48 | eastlife.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

Christmas with all the trimmings

Don’t fancy stuffing the turkey this year? Then why not leave it to the professionals

W

e all know that peeling veg, cooking and washing up can suck the fun out of Christmas, so this year take away the hassle of the big day by booking a family feast without the fuss at one of the region’s fantastic restaurants.

Dining out on Christmas Day might not be for everyone but it does allow for the cook of the family to spend more quality time with relatives than in the kitchen. There’s plenty of restaurants and family-friendly pubs that are opening their doors to guests this Christmas. Offering the best bits such as crackers, champers and turkey, you can guarantee a merry little Christmas.

eastlife.co.uk |49

LIFESTYLE

BEERS IN BURY

If a good pint is an essential part of your Christmas Day then The Old Cannon, in Bury St Edmunds could be the perfect option. The Old Cannon ticks all the boxes for Christmas Day, it brews all its own beers on the premises using East Anglian grown and malted barley and choice hops, features a fabulous brasserie and bar and offers a slightly different yet cosy atmosphere to dine. The venue will be making Christmas Day as relaxing and enjoyable as possible with a mouth-watering five-course menu for only £70 per person. Smoked salmon, turkey with pork, cranberry and orange stuffing and crab are just some of the menus delicious highlights.

CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA

There’s nothing quite like a pre-Christmas dinner stroll and where better than along the beautiful Aldeburgh coast. If you love the idea of getting away this Christmas but don’t fancy straying too far from home, The Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh, is offering a fantastic festive package. Guests can indulge in a three-night full board stay from £590 per person with all the trimmings. You will arrive on Christmas Eve and be welcomed with an afternoon cream tea and warming glass of mulled wine to put you in the festive spirit. Then join fellow guests at Aldeburgh’s charming art-deco cinema for a short festive film, canapés, mulled wine and carol singers before making your way back to The Brudenell for a superb four-course dinner in the AA two rosette Seafood & Grill restaurant.

Start Christmas Day with a chilled glass of Champagne and a full Suffolk breakfast or perhaps something lighter and save your appetite for later. Join the hotel’s charity balloon race on the seafront at 11am followed by a traditional six-course lunch with all the trimmings. Afterwards you can simply relax or follow the Brudenell treasure hunt, there’s also a quiz at 6.30pm with the answers and winning team revealed after a buffet supper.

On Boxing Day enjoy a late breakfast then explore the local area or take a bracing walk along the seafront and watch the hardy compete in the annual Boxing Day charity swim; lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel with light entertainment. The next morning it’s time to bid farewell to friends old and new after breakfast. The hotel is just a step away from the shingle beach with panoramic sea views to the front, while at the back it overlooks the river Alde and surrounding countryside. Its tranquil location, coastal themed decor and fresh, locally sourced food optimises the perfect Christmas break.

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY

With its tree, decorations and Market Square, Cambridge offers a wonderfully festive atmosphere and where better than to spend Christmas Day itself than in the midst of the magic. One of the City’s leading hotels Cambridge City Hotel will be offering a delicious traditional five-course Christmas Day lunch. Served in the warm and inviting Bloomsbury Restaurant, diners can enjoy a Champagne cocktail on arrival and a traditional dinner with all the trimmings including half bottle of wine and crackers from £75 per person.

After a day of Christmas shopping in the city you may need to escape the hustle and bustle and refuel with a bite to eat. For a fabulous festive atmosphere and a choice of Christmas menus which will be available 27 November to 24 December, head to Bill’s Cambridge Restaurant. Tucked away on a small back street, off Green Street, the restaurant opens up like a tardis once you step inside with a bar, library and two private dinning areas. Its ‘merry Christmas’ and ‘winter wonderland’ menu are great for groups of friends who want to relax and dine after enjoying the festive buzz of the city, however booking in advance is essential.

NOEL IN NORFOLK

If you’re looking for a cosy, warm and festive atmosphere then one of Norfolk’s traditional and snug gastro pubs is a must for your Christmas Day lunch and there’s certainly no shortage of venues.

Whether you want coastal, river or country views, you will simply be spoilt for choice.

If the idea of a five-course dinner in front of a roaring log fire sounds like a Christmas card moment visit the King’s Head, on Holt Road in Letheringsett.

Housed in a historic building, the bar and restaurant combines original and modern features to create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. Guests will be waited on the moment they walk through the door with sparkles and canapés before tucking into a sumptuous lunch. The festive treat is available £75 per person and £50 per child, which includes a gift from Father Christmas.

With so many locations welcoming visitors to join them on 25 December for a festive feast, leaving the turkey stuffing to someone else has never seemed so appealing.

50 | eastlife.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

PARTY SEASON I

f you’d rather stay at home on Christmas Day, but don’t want to miss out on the festive fun, there’s still plenty of options to enjoy the party season with friends and family. Take a look at our top picks…

BEST PARTIES EVER

You’ll need to be extra quick to grab a ticket to this festive treat. Each year Best Parties Ever host a fabulous themed party nights in the lead up to Christmas. Renowned for its extravagant entertainment, it’s the perfect option for a Christmas work party or night out with friends. This year guests can live the glitz and glamour of a ‘Premiere…Red Carpet in the Riviera’ but you’ll need to move fast, tickets are selling like hot cakes with only a few dates remaining.

On the evening you will enjoy a mouth-watering four-course meal while the resident band entertains and a cast of aerialists, acrobats and West End singers and dancers perform. You can also try your luck in the gambling den, jump on the dodgems or go crazy on the dance floor.

Best Parties Ever are available at Barleylands, Billericay, Aldenham Country Park, Watford and Willen Lake, Milton Keynes. Prices start from £37.50 per person. Tel: 0844 499 4040

PARIS HOUSE

For the ultimate lavish pre-Christmas lunch with friends or a team evening out, Paris House located in the beautiful Wobrun Park is the perfect venue. Having recently been named in the top 50 restaurants in the UK by the Good Food Guide, guests will be treated to a special festive menu designed to use ingredients and a flavour palette you’d associate with a nostalgic Christmas, created by Michelin star chef Phil Fanning and his culinary brigade. There are six, eight and ten course menus available and the restaurant can host private dinners of up to 14 in the function room or 35 in the main restaurant for an exclusive use. Tel: 01525 290692

BENSLOW MUSIC

Throughout the year Benslow Music offers a programme of residential courses and a series of chamber concerts at its purpose built campus in Hitchin. However, this Christmas it’s offering something else – a fabulous Christmas menu.

Bring your friends and colleagues to Benslow Music and enjoy the ambience of the Victorian house set in four acres of stunning gardens. On arrival, you will be greeted with mulled wine and mince pies in front of the roaring log fire, followed by a three-course meal in the dining room. To enhance the experience there will be live chamber music playing throughout. To avoid disappointment early booking is highly recommended. Tel: 01462 459446. eastlife.co.uk | 51

Elegant History - Contemporary Comfort

Park House Hotel, Sandringham Sited on the Sandringham Royal Estate in the glorious countryside of rural Norfolk, Park House is the ideal place for a leisurely break.

We are fully adapted for people with mobility difficulties and various other disabilities, including Strokes, M.S. and Parkinson’s.

An in-house Care Team can provide peace of mind and reassurance that someone is on hand, or full personal care and assistance if required.

Optional themed weeks, regular afternoon trips and great in-house entertainment are available all year round.

Special reduced Winter Break Rates are available from 25th October – 19th December 2014 and 3rd January – 3rd April 2015. Please contact our Reception Team on 01485 543000 for availability and details.

Luxury is measured more by its quality standards than by quantity. This is the thinking behind Northrepps Cottage Country Hotel, on the North Norfolk coast – a hideaway located in a stunning Repton landscape, where every detail is beautifully simple and simply beautiful.

Northrepps Cottage Famous Monthly Carvery's Sunday 23rd November 2014

Festive Party Nights 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st December 2014 4 Course Meal and Entertainment £24.95 (Taking Bookings Now) Christmas Day Lunch 25th December 2014 Boxing Day Lunch 26th December 2014 New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance 31st December 2014

Visit Our Website: www.parkhousehotel.org.uk Email Us: parkinfo@leonardcheshire.org Phone: 01485 543000

Nut Lane, Northrepps, Cromer, NR27 0JN 01263 579202 | enquiries@northreppscottage.co.uk www.northreppscottage.co.uk

g{x ^|ÇzËá [xtw \ä|Çz{Éx Festive Menu £35.00

Private Banqueting Room

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Dance

www.kingsheadivinghoe.co.uk 01296 668388 reservations@kingsheadivinghoe.co.uk

52 | eastlife.co.uk

Bourn Golf and Leisure, Cambridge is the ideal Christmas party venue Whether your booking a get together with family & friends or a staff Christmas party, we will ensure that we take care of every last detail and help make it a Christmas party to remember.

We are easily accessible with ample free car parking spaces and can accommodate from 2-150 people..

Contact us now for availability & bookings.

01954 718057 info@bourngolfandleisure.co.uk www.bourngolfandleisure.co.uk

Gents Seiko Watch £399, available from both stores and dipples.com. Further range of Seiko watches available in both stores.

w

o

-n-thin l o

gs

Hearts On Fire diamond stud earrings available from £700, from our Norwich Store and dipples.com. The UK's Largest selection is available in our Norwich store

Come in and see us for all your knitting, crochet, cross stitch, tapestry, haberdashery needs.

Or Relax and enjoy your past time with like minded people at one of our crafty clubs or brush up your skills or learn something new at one of our workshops.

Moorcroft Pottery Garden Tulip Vase £430, available from our Norwich store and dipples.com. Moorcroft Pottery is available at both our stores.

Opening Times Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Thursday 9.30 am - 3.00 pm Friday & Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm

Please phone or email for further details

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

01462 612889

2-6 Swan Lane, Norwich, NR2 1JA (01603) 623051 11-13 Norwich Street, Dereham, NR19 1BX (01362) 692070

’s BC B the w” on Sho n ne se e As The O “

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

www.wool-n-things.co.uk n ’ n o ow see e Sh s ‘A On e Th

Corporate Christmas Party & Gift Ideas Book now and make sure you don’t miss out

CAMBRIDGE’S FAVOURITE CHOCOLATE SHOP on a Chocolatey Christmas!

Chocolate making tastingfrom courses • Chocolate, wine & cocktail parties Original Gifts and&Treats £2.50 Corporate Gifts (same day delivery available)

We can tailor courses to suit your requirements from 12 to 80 people at a

central Cambridge locationfor or we can come to you. courses.

Or for something different why don’t you give a voucher our chocolate

‘Perfect for team building, customer days and social events’

Learn how to make handmade chocolate truffles yourself, Giftand vouchers available.

Courses start from £17.50 per person, gifts from even less!

Please contact us to discuss your needs.

21 St Andrews St, Cambridge CB2 3AX | Tel 01223 778982 | www.chocolatchocolat.co.uk | info@chocolatchocolat.co.uk 54 | eastlife.co.uk

CATEGORY GIFT GUIDE

For Her She may say she has everything she needs but that doesn’t mean you can’t spoil her…

1.Crystal-studded Butterfly Bracelet, The Cuckoo Flower, Lavenham, £12.95 2.Michael Kors Rose Gold-Plated stud bangle, Ernest Jones, The Lion Yard, Cambridge, £89 3.Black leather Jacket, Miss Selfridge, The Lion Yard, Cambridge, £55 4.Cushion cut 1.11ct diamond ring handmade in Platinum, Trinity Street Jewellers, Cambridge, £15,000 5.2SEdus nude two stone earrings, Simply Silver, Ware, Herts, £45.00 6.Ciner gold and faux ruby bracelet, 20th Century Fashion, Clare, £148 eastlife.co.uk | 55

CATEGORY GIFT GUIDE

7.Aubade Stranger in the Night lingerie, Elouise Lingerie, Buckden, bra £119, brief £77 8.Hide & Seek Kit by Yes For Lov, Sin Sins Boutique, Norwich, £23 9.Home for Christmas Gift Set, Lush, Sir Isaac’s Walk, Colchester, £13.95 10.Embellished Clutch Bag, Monsoon, Centre:mk, Milton Keynes, £45 11.Jo Malone Pomegrante Noir Luxury Candle, £26 & Jo Malone Pomegrante Noir Cologne 100ml, £78, both House of Fraser eastlife.co.uk | 57

CATEGORY

For Him

A little inspiration for finding him the perfect present…

1.Hibiki 12 blended whisky, Tesco, £37 2.Gentleman's Frederique Constant watch with silver dial and drop second hand, Dipples, Norwich, £720. 3.The Hungover Cook Book, Burton, Butter Market, Ipswich, £8 4.Oliver Sweeny shoes, John Lewis, Grand Arcade, Cambridge, £120 5.Satchel by John Rocha, Debenhams, Chelmsford, £75 58| eastlife.co.uk

CATEGORY

6.Timberland Earthkeepers, Britton Hill Chuckka Boots, The Lion Yard, Cambridge, £135 7.Duffle coat, M&Co, Harpenden, £129 8.Turtle neck sweater, Next, £22 9.Oak Grooming Gift Set including BodyBuilder Shampoo, Conditioner, Texture Spray and Hair-wax, The Kemsley Barber Co, Bishop’s Stortford, £25 10.Superdry Hoodie, Superdry, Saffron Walden, £49.99 eastlife.co.uk | 59

Closed Easter Sunday

April Eastlife.indd 1

13/03/2014 17:20

GIFT GUIDE

For Gardeners Discover great gadgets and gifts for the gardener of your family…

1.MultiTool Garden by Wilkinson Sword, Alton Garden Centre, Essex, £17.99 2.Natural Gardeners’ Therapy Handwash and lotion (900ml), Jarrold & Sons, Norwich, £20 3.Zippo Flexible Neck Utility Lighter, Timpson, The Traverse, Bury St Edmunds, £14.50 4.Chilli Garden, www.thegreatgiftcompany.co.uk, £15 5.Bistro Table, Home Sense, £59.99 6.Plantabox, www.plantabox.co.uk, £26.95 eastlife.co.uk | 61

LIFESTYLE

For Foodies

1.Ninjabread Men: Make your own gingerbread ninjas, H. Gunton, Crouch Street, Colchester £4.99 2.Licor 43 smooth golden Spanish liqueur, Asda Nationwide, from £17.50 3.Aberfeldy 16 Years Old Single Cask, www.thewhiskyshop.com, £145.00 4.Santa Egg Cup and Toast Cutter, www.prezzybox.com, £6.95 5.World Food Cheese Board & Knives, Sainsbury’s Nationwide, £18 6.Cheese fondant, www.cuckooland.com, £64.95 eastlife.co.uk |63

Computer problems ? We have the solution...

Thinking of an Xmas present... We are now taking Xmas deposits • PC & Laptop - Sales, Repairs & Upgrades t: 01953 859753 7 Market Street • Business IT Support Wymondham, NR18 0AJ • Web Design & Hosting t: 01760 336122 • Wired & Wireless Networking 53 Market Place, • Business Telecoms & CCTV Swaffham, PE37 7LE • Remote Support & Online Backups

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

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t: 01223 834411 w: www.photoartgb.com e: info@photoartgb.com

Providing high quality print, scanning and framing services to artists, photographers, business and the public since 2005.

High Quality Giclée Print Services Fine Art Print For Artists & Photographers Bespoke Framing & Mount Cutting Canvas Wrap Prints From Your Images Scanning & Image Retouching Greetings and Christmas Card Printing Free & Friendly Advice On All Projects “The standard of work produced by PhotoArt GB has been of exceptional quality, with a clear high attention and care to detail.”

Open 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday Rectory Farm, 1 Brewery Road, Pampisford, Cambridge, CB22 3EN 64 | eastlife.co.uk

76 Broad Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4BE

www.elycomputers.co.uk

LIFESTYLE CATEGORY

Gifts for techies

1.The Bass Connect Bluetooth Speaker, Menkind, Intu Chapelfield, Norwich, £39.99 2.Naim mu-so - a revolutionary British made wireless hi-fi system, John Lewis, £895 3.Iphone 6, available at O2 Stores nationwide, price dependent on network & tariff. 4.Smartphone Projector, www.presentsformen.co.uk, £15.99 5.DDJ-WeGO3 - gives budding DJs the freedom to mix with millions of tracks from Spotify or iTunes, Richer Sounds, Hills Road, Cambridge, £249 6.The Click Stick – taking selfies just got better, Menkind, £19.99 eastlife.co.uk | 65

CATEGORY GIFT GUIDE

For Kids

Every year retailers publish their top 10 Christmas toys, usually the latest high-tech gadget but this year is whole another story. Town toyshops, online stockists and even large retailers are seeing the demand for old school favourites…

1.Disney Frozen Ice Skating Elsa Doll, The Cambridge Toy Shop, Cambridge, £38 2.Silver Slinky, Tiger, The Lion Yard, Cambridge, £3 3.The Farm Store Playhouse, dotcomgiftshop, £29.95 4.Can You Guess? Boardgame, Orchard Toys, Happy Days Toyshop, Olney, £11.75 5.Mini Kids Ride On Sports Car, Maplin, Quay Retail Park, Lowestoft, £169.99 eastlife.co.uk | 67

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17/01/2014 09:50

Cockt ail Hour T

hey’re fun, sassy and the fastest way to a mega hangover - make a visit to one of the region’s fabulous cocktails bars this party season.

Once upon a time cocktails were refined to the big city. A fancy drink and a quick way of empting your wallet in cities such as London and New York but now the cocktail scene is booming with new bars opening up all the time. This festive season you’ll find top mixologists and cutting edge bars creating classic cocktails with a Christmas twist.

Ivory Café & Cocktail Bar, Bury St Edmunds Situated in the heart of historic Bury St. Edmund’s, the Ivory Cocktail Bar is a hit with residents and visitors to the town. It’s renowned for making delicious food and cocktails to a high standard from scratch, using only premium spirits and fresh produce.

Have fun this season working your way through an extensive list of cocktails that range from the more classic cocktails such as the ‘Old Fashioned’ to the more novelty such as the ‘Cherry Cola’. This Christmas, Ivory Bar hopes to play host to many events such as Indie nights, live acoustic acts and DJs on select weekend nights. There will also be 70| eastlife.co.uk

homemade mulled wine and spiced cider crafted

by Ivory’s talented mixologists.

2 Abbeygate St, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1UL Tel: 01284 702277 The Library, Norwich Located off the main Market Place, The Library is perfect for a pit stop during shopping, for pretheatre drinks or a night on the town with friends.

Considered one of Norwich’s most stylish bars, The Library has a modern yet classic 1920s club feel with original bookcases in place. A great range of food is served with most cooked on a specially imported wood fired grill.

An ideal Christmas party venue, The Library features seating up to 150 people, a private dining room and cocktail lounge bar. If you’re out with friends we’d recommend starting the evening with The Aprol Spritz, a refreshing cocktail including Aprol with Prosecco and soda to get you in the Christmas spirit.

4A Guildhall Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JH Tel: 01603 616606 The Hidden Rooms, Cambridge Currently holding the top spot for the best venue for ‘nightlife in Cambridgeshire’ on Trip Advisor, The Hidden Rooms is a stylish and modern cocktail

LIFESTYLE The Library, Norfolk

The Lifehouse The Snug, St Albans

The Hidden Rooms, Cambridge

lounge perfect for those looking to enjoy an evening of drinking and music in an intimate, exclusive and atmospheric location.

The basement venue, which has a capacity of 200, has two rooms, ‘The Cocktail Lounge’ with sumptuous booths, fabulous cocktails and a signature brass bar and the ‘Events Room’ featuring dancefloor, DJ, live band facilities and a private bar.

There’s an extensive range of cocktails available including classics, sparkling, shooters and the ‘Hidden Exclusives’. This party season groups of 2 to 20 people can get into the festive spirit with three specialist cocktail master classes, spirit and wine tasting and dance workshops.

Customers looking to simply ‘walk-in’ are always requested to check the online calendar or contact the venue before they arrive to ensure a private function is not taking place.

The Basement, 7A Jesus Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8BA Tel: 01223 514777 Lot 104, Brentwood, Essex If you’re a fan of TOWIE and fancy joining the land of fake tan and side-partings this Christmas, stop by Lot 104 located on Brentwood High Street. The small

bar is a popular choice for pre-drinks and cocktails, which plays music over the chatter of the partying crowd. The bar’s position is great for those who then want to stumble onto the Sugar Hut at the end of the evening.

104 High St, Brentwood, Essex Tel: 01277 219499 The Snug, St Albans, Herts With locations in St Albans, Hertford and two in Cambridge, The Snug is a popular choice for Christmas cocktails with friends. This season the bar is going all out to provide festive fun. There’s a choice of menus including festive nibbles, the winter wonderland menu and a festive feast. All menus include various festive treats and crackers.

If you think you have what it takes to create the perfect drink The Snug will be offering a Christmas Cocktail Class for £35 per person. It makes for a great event for friends and colleagues to interact and practice their bar skills. If you’d rather leave the cocktail shaking to the professionals, you can add an extra slice of fun with The Snug Party Box; a mix of alpine fancy dress and props.

1 French Row, St Albans, AL3 5DU Tel: 01727 856631 eastlife.co.uk | 71

EDUCATION

Education news Primary schools take part in opera production

Culford School adds International Stars to its Tennis Team

P

upils from three South Norfolk primary schools are busy working on their own operas, which they will perform on the Norwich Theatre Royal stage on November 9.

The children from St Mary’s Junior School, Pulham Market Primary School and Diss Junior School are taking part in a Norfolk Schools Project run by the theatre. Their operas have been inspired by an adaptation of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies by ballet company Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.

The theatre’s Norfolk Schools Project is a free, operabased arts project delivered bi-annually to selected Key Stage 2 schools for pupils primarily in Years 5 and 6. It aims to give them the opportunity to enhance their creative and performance skills as well as boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

C

ulford School, Bury St Edmunds, has announced the arrival of two international tennis stars to its coaching staff, Andrew Richardson and Patrick Simon.

Andrew is a former regular of the British Davis Cup team who played on the ATP Tour from 1991-2001, has won a host of Satellite and Challenger titles and reached the third round of Wimbledon in 1997 where he faced fellow Brit, Greg Rusedski. While Patrick’s coaching history reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of modern tennis stars. Former world number one, Amelie Mauresmo, Junior French Open Champion, Amelie Cocheteux and ATP top 100 player, Julie Coin, have all benefited from Patrick’s coaching brilliance.

Andrew and Patrick join Culford’s existing tennis professionals, Tennis Director, David Hall and Head of Performance, James Yates. The bringing together of such a range of talent within Culford’s outstanding tennis facilities means the future for Culford’s tennis programmes looks promising.

The children have been working with a team of professional singers, dancers and drama teachers to write their own mini-productions. Each school has been working independently but then all three will come together for the performance in front of an audience at the theatre on Sunday, November 9 at 2.30pm. Tickets to the performance are free but must be booked in advance.

As part of the project, pupils also receive an exclusive backstage tour with the theatre’s technical team who explain and reveal some of the behindthe-scenes secrets of the theatre, including lighting, wardrobe and props.

The project is delivered free to the participating schools and is run by the theatre’s Education Department as part of its wide-ranging remit of work, which includes workshops, question and answer sessions and work experience placements.

eastlife.co.uk | 73

FASHION

Party essentials At this time of year, the Christmas party outfit is at the top of every girl’s shopping list. From peplum dresses with sequin embellishments to high-shine bodycon, the High Street is shimmering with seasonal treats.

Add a box clutch as the perfect finishing touch. £39.

Miss Selfridge, The Lion Yard, Cambridge

Jazz up a simple dress with a statement necklace for an instant party look. £29.99. Zara, Intu Chapelfield, Norwich

Pencil skirts are perfect for taking you from office to party in a flash. Pair with a shirt for the day and add a black tee and embellished necklace for an evening look. £295. Fanny & Frank, Market Hill, Woodbridge

Sparkle on the dance floor in this Joseph Ribkoff dress. £240. Jarrold, London Street, Norwich 74| eastlife.co.uk

FASHION

It may be winter but that doesn’t mean pastel colours are off limits, a touch of sparkle makes it a Christmas party must-have. £120 House of Fraser, Intu Lakeside, Essex

Faux fur is huge this season and works as a warm and cosy cover-up. £64.99 New Look, The Lion Yard, Cambridge

Forget carrying a pair of flats as backup, a beautiful slim but sturdy heel will keep you dancing all night long. £79 Jones Bootmaker, Abbey Gate, Bury St Edmunds

Be the height of sophistication in this elegant dress by Gina Bacconi, £276. Martha V, High Street, Newmarket

eastlife.co.uk | 75

Winter collections at eve st clair Smiths Footwear of Long Melford

An independent ladies retailer selling an eclectic range of beautiful clothes.

Quality pre-owned ladies fashion and designer labels at an affordable price. Visit us at 8 Sun Lane, Newmarket to see our wide selection of clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories.

Choose from our new Autumn Winter collections, dresses, separates, colourful knits, warm coats and jackets, scarves and jewellery.

Stockists include Marble, Gardeur, Emreco,

Pommodoro, Lebek and Strawberry Bay.

The Old Pharmacy, Hall Street,

Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9JQ

Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm 01787 312182 • info@evestclair.com Exciting spring stock now

Step into Winter

Sizes 8 - 20 stocked 35 -37 Bridge Street, Downham Market We are open…

01366 Tuesday - Friday, 388883 10am - 5pm and Saturday, 9.30am - 4.30pm

arriving, brands include;

ing stock now ands include;

rousers and Grahame

-­‐ Magee -­‐ Gurteen -­‐ Meyer Trousers

-­‐ Douglas and Grahame

-­‐ Bladen

-­‐ Seidensticker Shirts.

-­‐ Giordano Shirts and Shoes Exciting spring stock now arriving, brands include; -­‐ Hawick Knitwear.

“Style ● Magee “Style doesn’t doesn’t have have to to come come at at aa price price as as we can prove Made to measure clothing my weis can prove at at the the dressing dressing Room” Room” ● Gurteen Exciting spring stock now speciality. ● Meyer Trousers arriving, brands include; 8 Sun Lane,ladies Newmarket, CB8 8EW Quality pre-owned

● Douglas and Grahame fashion and designer Telephone: 01638 667778 ● Bladen-­‐ Magee All clothing alabels lterations are at an affordable -­‐ Gurteen ● Seidensticker Shirts. www.thedressingroomnewmarket.co.uk undertaken. price.

Visit us at 8 Sun ● Giordano ShirtsTand Shoes -­‐ Meyer rousers Lane, Newmarket to see

● Hawick -­‐ Knitwear Douglas and Grahame our wide selection of A warm welcome is always assured.

-­‐ Bladen clothing, shoes, handbags

and accessories.

-­‐ Seidensticker Shirts.

Dressing Room qtr.indd 1 -­‐ Giordano Shirts and Made Shoes to measure 236-­‐238 Sprowston Road, Norwich, N orfolk, NR3 4HT Sizes 8 - 20 stocked -­‐ Hawick Knitwear. clothing is my Tel. 01603 661220 Mob. 07961010059 Email: r.oliver.1@btconnect.com Tuesday – Friday, 9:30AM – 5:30PM. Saturday, 9:30AM – 4:30PM.

speciality. to measure clothing is my Made speciality. alterations All clothing

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NR3 4HT o Shirts and Shoes 236-238 Sprowston Road, Norwich, Tel. 01603 661220 Mob. 07961010059 Knitwear.

Email: r.oliver.1@btconnect.com

We are open…

Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 5pm and Saturday, 9.30am - 4.30pm

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Martin Lewis Mortgage Mayhem

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his is an important warning for anyone with a mortgage or who is about to get one. Home loan interest rates have dropped in the last month but pundits predict the UK base rate will rise early next year so it’s crucial to check now whether your deal is right and if you can save money.

And this isn’t trivial cash, for most mortgage holders it’s their single biggest expenditure, which means cutting the rate can be your single biggest saving.

Just a 1% point cut in interest on a £150,000 repayment mortgage will typically slash your outlay by £85 month.

For many with a decent deposit or equity, home rates are close to last year’s all time historic lows.

The likes of Nationwide, Lloyds, Virgin and Santander have cut rates recently some by as much as 0.7% points. So here’s how to check: •Benchmark the best rate using comparisons. While in general I’m a fan of using a decent mortgage broker, it’s important to understand that most brokers only search all the deals available to them.

There are two types of mortgages that are missing.

Most importantly are direct only deals, commonly offered by HSBC and First Direct. In other words you can only get them if you go direct to the provider not through a broker. Then there are also the rare ‘broker exclusives’ which of course only the broker offering it can tell you about.

I’d always start my search by using a comparison site that includes both broker deals and direct only deals to get a benchmark of the type of thing you’re looking for. These include www.google.co.uk mortgages, www.moneysupermarket.com mortgages and my own www.mse.me/mortgagebestbuys.

While they usually list deals by the interest rate the fees can make a massive difference so we’ve got a

‘total cost comparison’, showing the total fees plus interest you’ll pay over the fix or discount period.

•The rate you get depends on how much of your house’s value you’re borrowing. Your loan-tovalue (LTV) describes how much of the house’s value you’re borrowing. eg: a £10,000 deposit on a £100,000 home is 90% LTV. A lower LTV means a better deal.

For those looking to re-mortgage it’s important to understand it is your house’s value at the point you get the new mortgage that counts. So if your house has increased in value then it’s likely your LTV has improved. If it’s dropped, its got worse.

Most important to understand is that there are key LTV thresholds of 90%, 75% and 60%, where the rates get far cheaper. For example the cheapest 2 year fix for someone with a 9% deposit is 4.79% and yet with a 10% deposit it drops to 3.54% - that’s £104.47 a month less on a £150,000 mortgage. So it’s worth pushing hard if you can to make the next threshold.

•Finding just £100 more can boost your chances.

Many people push themselves just to the next threshold, yet even then it’s best to go just a little bit more. So if you’re applying for a 75% LTV mortgage on a £100,000 home, don’t borrow £75,000 go for £74,900. While it won’t make it cheaper, I’m told the fact you’re not on the brink can speed up the underwriting process as it doesn’t look to lenders like you’re at your limit.

•Finding a top deal is the easy bit but getting accepted is tough. Credit scoring plays a big role in acceptability. You need to manage your credit-worthiness, preferably a long time before application.

New mortgage rules launched this year mean you need to prove you can afford the mortgage even if rates rise. See www.mse.me/boostmortgage. eastlife.co.uk | 79

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80 | eastlife.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

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Lighten the mood A

s the nights draw in, Fenella Falconer, an interior design consultant, based in Manningtree, discusses how we can use light to our advantage this winter. Autumn is upon us so with the nights drawing in good lighting is essential to enhance an interior.

Whether you wish to make your home warm and cosy on a cold night or bright, light and contemporary lighting is key and great affects can be easily achieved. Accent lighting will make a considerable difference to the ambience and appearance of your home and this is important to remember.

Introduce an extra lamp or larger shade and you will likely be delighted by the result.

1.Shades of Autumn Fitting for the season but fabulous all year round, consider copper and brass for a striking impression particularly in the kitchen or dining room. Go for a sizeable statement shade - an oversized pendant over a dining table will look dramatic. It will cross the boundry between traditional and contemporary and will work in both large and small spaces. The colour will introduce warmth and interest. The Highgate pendant lamp, handmade by Jim Lawrence in Suffolk, is large, impressive and undoubtedly a conversational piece.

2.By the Light of a Candle The warm flickering light from a candle will only ever infuse atmosphere and can be used on all

3. scales. Large church candles on a mantel piece, floor standing lanterns, a dramatic candelabra or a scattering of tea lights on a dinner table will add ambience and a touch of romance to most rooms.

3.Shed a Little Height on the Situation A standard lamp will combine both style and practicality. Revive an old standard lamp with a new oversized shade. Go bold with the shade, a strong colour or pattern and show confidence and character. Alternatively an Arco style lamp will inject cool to even the most traditional setting whilst providing ‘hanging’ light that can be repositioned for reading, crafting and simply looking good. Lots of affordable, stylish, floor standing possibilities are available. This James lamp from www.johnlewis.com caught my eye.

4.Where the Wild Things are Textiles and furnishings adorned with Woodland creatures are fun, funky and very on trend. I love this ‘In the nature’ paper lampshade; of the moment style combined with the beautiful art of paper lace cutting in a fabulous, vibrant, hot pink colour. This design is perfect for a child’s bedroom however, I believe the affect will appeal to all ages.

Available at www.notonthehighstreet.com Working throughout East Anglia, Fenella will advise on all aspects of design and decoration and can supply a wonderful array of fabrics, paper, paints and home accessories.

See www.ff-interiors.com for more information.

eastlife.co.uk | 81

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ADVERTORIAL

HOME & GARDEN

New silk mill development by The PJ Livesey Group

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he PJ Livesey Group is redefining luxury living on the site of a former silk mill in the character village of Bungay on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.

The specialist developer is creating Waterside Maltings, a beautiful development of original family homes and townhouses all defined by the historic Grade II listed buildings. It is also reshaping the local market seeing a huge demand from buyers for apartments within the scheme with a waiting list for the next phase to be released.

The first apartments were converted from the original silk mill and showed how space and character can be combined all on one level. Such was the interest that more apartments were created behind the listed facade of the buildings and they to have all sold.

Sales and marketing director Craig Lynch said: “We have seen a wide range of buyers, from couples looking to downsize or just starting out, single people buying a place of their own, parents buying for children and people looking for a good investment.

“It really has been an interesting mix and we already have a list of people who have registered their interest in the next release of apartments.”

The next phase will be East Maltings, a block of eight, one and two bedroom apartments each indi-

vidually designed to have their own outside space.

Ground floor units will have their own gardens while upper floors have private terraces and there will also be one fantastic penthouse with a great rooftop garden.

The difference was apparent to one young couple who have just invested in their first home at Waterside. Gavin Marjoram and Laura Moore looked at a host of properties, old and new, before buying a three-bedroom home on the scheme.

Gavin, 24, a project engineer, said: “We both work full time so doing up a place was not really an option. But here everything has a 10 year guarantee and we can just get on and enjoy having our first home together.”

The couple are both from the area and knew the location would be a perfect spot for their daily commutes to Great Yarmouth and Norwich. They opted for a three bedroom property, the end one of a small terrace of five on the north side of Alma Beck, a pretty stream which runs through the development. Gavin and Laura are already well settled into life at The Maltings with walks into Bungay Village and lots of visits from friends and family.

The show home at Waterside Maltings is open Thursday to Monday 10am-5.30pm.

Tel: 01986 892 205 www.waterside-maltings.co.uk eastlife.co.uk | 85

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

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Deck the halls

Dressing The Home & Tree For most homes Christmas commences with putting up the tree. We’ve selected the best of the baubles, twinkling lights and delightful décor to help you create your seasonal masterpiece.

1.White Hanging Star Light, £8, Wilkinson 2.Red Christmas Folkart Star Decoration, £2.95, dotcomgiftshop 3.(pictured left) Christmas bunting £10, Lit Wall Moose Head £28, wooden floor Lamp £120, Sherlock petite sofa in versatile mini check red £650, Cushions £12, Red knit shearling throw £35, Versatile check stirling charcoal and red drum £90. All from Next 4.Dreamscape Christmas Decorations & Wreath, prices from £1, Sainsbury’s Home Stockings and Seasonal Touches It’s not just the tree that can be decorated, adding ornaments and garland to the home and hanging a stocking above the fireplace ready for Santa’s visit all work as a perfect finishing touch.

5.Dobbies Red Knitted Stocking With Fur Trim £11.99, Tesco 6.Dobbies 20 Star String Lights £19.99, Stag Jaquard Cushion £12.99, both from Tesco 7.Dressing The Tree Stocking, £20, Blackthorpe Barn, Bury St Edmunds 8.House Lantern, from £5.50, Blackthorpe Barn, Bury St Edmunds

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ADVERTORIAL

GALLERY INSIGHT: NORTON WAY GALLERY N

ow firmly established in its eighth year, Norton Way Gallery continues with its growing success. With a national and international client base, the gallery’s popularity has spread wider and further than gallery owner, Collette Hoefkens, could have imagined-

Collette’s aim has always been to promote dedicated artists who create honest art, of high skill and beauty.

She explains that keeping the gallery small has enabled them to specialize exclusively in original work and artists of significant potential and acclaim.

“ We have been open for over seven years now and although I always knew that Letchworth Garden City was the right place for us to be, I could never have dreamt that the gallery would be so well received and supported. Through the generous and discerning patronage of Letchworth and its surrounding towns and villages, we now have customers and collectors, throughout the county, country and across the world. Of course the Internet has helped as well!”

Visitors to the gallery can still enjoy the work of longstanding local and national favourites, such as Anne Songhurst, Phil Greenwood, Flora Mclachlan, Rob Barnes and Michael Alford but there is always new art and new talent to discover.

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Their latest collection of oils, watercolours, pastels, etchings, linocuts, bronze sculpture and ceramics starts with a special weekend opening, of their Autumn and Winter Show, on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of November.

ARTS

The Arts Scene

‘Shade’ by Phil Greenwood RE

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

A

s we firmly enter the darker and mysterious days of winter, the landscape becomes evermore transient and magical. Darkened silhouettes of trees and melodious leaf fall beckon us deeper towards the summit of the year. November offers a quiet and reflective moment to gather our thoughts before the hurly-burly months ahead.

As with nature the arts scene seems to gather the same momentum, however it offers no lull before the storm. November is as packed to the brim with shows and exhibitions as any other month. From The Bircham Gallery, Norfolk (Christmas group exhibition starts 8 November) to The Sculpt Gallery, Essex (‘Frosted Earth’ exhibition continues until the 29 November), there are plenty of heart-warming and soul lifting treats to be found throughout the whole of the eastern region.

In East Sussex, The Rye Art Gallery will be hosting ‘Silver Salts and Sea Birds’ a wonderful collection of work from the two Greenhalf brothers. Robert (SWA) is revered internationally for his sensitive woodcuts, oils and watercolours of birds. The beauty of his line combined with his minimal but perfect sense of colour create works of depth, poetry and movement. His respect and passion for the world of birds is quietly captured and immortalized within the picture he paints.

Peter Greenhalf (ARPS) works in a range of media including salt prints, cyanotypes, pinhole and silver gelatin photographs. Few photographers today still print by hand in the traditional way. Peter belongs to the rare group who do, preferring to influence the images he produces. Due to the unpredictability of the chemicals used no two photographs can ever be the same and thus each one is a unique piece of work.

Silver Salts and Sea Birds, 25th October - 23rd November, Rye Art Gallery, 107 High Street, Rye East Sussex, TN31 7JE. Tel: 01797 222433

Over in Hertfordshire at Norton Way Gallery, I will be commencing our ‘Autumn and Winter Show 2014’.

We will be exhibiting new works from all our regular resident artists including Anne Songhurst, Michael Alford, Phil Greenwood RE and Rob Barnes.

This November we are particularly excited to be welcoming French artist Liz Ridgeway to the gallery. Known for her powerful portrayal of intriguing figures and circumstance, Liz has been popular and successful in the UK and France and is displayed in numerous private collections in both countries. This will be her first showing in Hertfordshire.

Autumn and Winter Collection 2014, 15 November to 1 February, Norton Way gallery, 51 Norton Way North, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1BH. Tel: 01462 685139

eastlife.co.uk | 93

Angel gallery 17 Market Place Lavenham, CO10 9QZ Telephone: 01787 248417 www.angelgallerylavenham.co.uk philipandwendy@angelgallery.co.uk A 15th century wool merchant’s residence housing exhibitions by local and national artists, including collections of the works of Leslie Gibson, Mary Wild and pottery by John Leach.

The Wayland Dragonfly Gallery

www.thewaylanddragonflygallery.co.uk

Wayland House, Watton IP25 6AR

Exhibitions from March to December celebrating local Artists and Craftspeople. Open daily except Sundays. Also Hosts Tourist Information Centre For more information Call 01953 880205

‘This place is just utterly delightful, make it a destination stop for all the pretty artful things and lovely people!!’ EM Glass

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ARTS

ARTS from

Around the Region Italy’s Compagnia TPO return to the Jerwood DanceHouse with a magical show for Christmas

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his festive season follow the delightful transformation from caterpillar to butterfly with Compagnia TPO, one of Italy’s leading children’s theatre companies.

A truly magical show for Christmas, ‘Butterflies’ is for children aged 4 years+ and will run at the Jerwood DanceHouse Ipswich from Saturday 13 to Monday 22 December.

Using motion capture technology, Compagnia TPO invites you to a festive, playful, theatrical experience. Dotted with moments of participation children are invited to watch and join in with the company’s dancers. Paint with your arms, compose lullabies with your feet and chase caterpillars on all fours. Featuring a stunning performance space that is touch sensitive, ‘Butterflies’ creates an imaginary environment for both performers and curious onlookers alike.

‘Butterflies’ was a sell-out success when it debuted at the Jerwood DanceHouse in December 2009.

Foundry Lane, Ipswich, IP4 1DW Tel: 01473 295230

Maggi Hambling at The Stables Gallery

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elebrated East Anglian artist Maggi Hambling will be exhibiting her latest works, ‘North Sea Waves’ at The Stables Gallery, Diss Corn Hall, 5 to 29 November, with an opportunity to meet the artist Sunday 9 November at 12noon to 2pm.

Maggi Hambling has established herself over the last four decades as one of Britain’s most significant and controversial painters and sculptors – a restless creative spirit who is known for painting George Melly for the National Portrait Gallery and creating ‘Scallop’, the monumental sculpture celebrating Benjamin Britten on Aldeburgh beach.

Since 2002 she has studied the North Sea off her native Suffolk coast. “Whether the paintings are tiny or cover the studio wall, I try to translate the energy of the waves into oil paint on canvas,” she said. Poised between animation and disintegration, the waves speak at a fundamental level of the cycle of life and death: flickering ghosts of people and animals appear and disappear within them.

Her North Sea paintings have been the subject of several major museum exhibitions, most recently at the Hermitage, St Petersburg, Russia in 2013. In the same year she completed her first tapestries of waves for the High Altar of Winchester Cathedral – a collaboration with Ateliers Pinton, a French tapestry workshop in the Aubusson region, which worked with artists such as Picasso and Miro.

The Stables Gallery is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Entrance to the exhibition is free.

10 St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB Tel: 01379 652241

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20th Anniversary Show from Crude Apache

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o celebrate its 20th anniversary, Norwich’s renowned theatre company Crude Apache will perform its new production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

There will be nine performances between 5 to 15 November in the atmospheric surroundings of the Dragon Hall with its timbered walls, dramatic roof spaces and dark corners.

Back in 1994 ‘The Scottish Play’ was the first show the company ever performed in the Rotunda in Norwich Castle and many of the original cast are still involved with the company to this day.

Jo Edye who played Macduff in the 1994 version directs this new production, set in the Dark Ages of the 11th Century.

Jo has enhanced the already creepily supernatural feel of the play with an aptly moody monochrome setting, enhanced by Tim Lane’s haunting soundscape which makes extensive use of bird and found sounds. An opening scene featuring sinister crow like witches adds to the air of otherworldly menace.

Crude Apache don’t shy away from representing the ensuing horror with spectacularly arranged fight scenes and theatrical blood contrasting vividly with the otherwise subdued colour palette.

Since its formation Crude Apache have presented over 50 accessible, affordable and entertaining plays in and around Norwich. Its members are drawn together by friendship, passion for theatre and a love for Norwich and the surrounding area.

115-123 King Street, Norwich, NR1 1QE Tel: 01603 663922

ets

20th Anniversary of the Aldeburgh Documentary Festival f

C

elebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Aldeburgh Documentary Festival from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November with a very special programme featuring an enlightening and entertaining range of themes from wine-making and pro-democracy movements to coming-to-terms with moral duty.

Along the way there are life-affirming personal stories of love and loss, the impact of ‘progress’ and of adversities overcome. Seven inspiring sessions illustrate the all-important common ground between local and global, political and human, individual and universal.

This year’s line-up boasts the World Premiere of ‘A Life Illuminated: Neville Parry, Cinema Projectionist’.

The made-in-Suffolk film is a fascinating insight into one man’s lifelong love affair with the magic of the movies and a window into developments in the UK cinema industry over the last seven decades. It forms Part One of an insightful ‘Global Meets Local’ Double Feature.

This year’s opening night brings you the British Premiere of ‘Natural Resistance’ in which we meet four Italian winegrowers who live a life we all dream of. These natural wine rebels offer a model of charmed and joyous resistance against the ‘New World Economic Order’.

The closing night Show features star musician and lyricist Edwyn Collins, widely known for his hit ‘A Girl Like You’, who sings live on stage after the screening of ‘The Possibilities are Endless’, an intimate and life-affirming tale of rediscovering music, life and love. This just a few of the amazing events and screenings taking place. Acclaimed journalists, authors and TV presenters Libby Purves and Paul Heiney will present the weekend’s screenings and conduct question and answer sessions.

There will be introductions, discussions and debates, question and answer sessions, lots of informal exchange of opinion all through the Aldeburgh Documentary Festival’s 20th Anniversary weekend.

Expect quite a few pleasant surprises too, with the legendary Aldeburgh atmosphere and hospitality enabling close encounters with film-makers, movers and shakers.

Q

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ARTS The month ahead at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

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he dark autumn nights need not be dull with Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.

Looking at the month ahead, highlights include Seven Ages (12 November), a magical comedy celebrating the seven ages of life and come to the Theatre Royal fresh from a sell-out world tour.

Other must-see shows coming up include Clive Francis’ one man adaption of A Christmas Carol (16 November) and Ballet Theatre UK’s new production of Swan Lake (17 to 19 November).

The hugely popular LipService make a welcome return with The Picture of Doreen Gray (13 and 14 November).

Doreen Gray has it all and is famous for her youthful good looks but when she is invited to a school reunion, the headmistress dusts off Doreen’s portrait to reveal a dark and dreadful secret.

Dracula at Mercury Theatre Colchester

W

est End and Edinburgh Fringe sensations The Fitzrovia Radio Hour will return in a co-production of Dracula – as you’ve never heard it before until Saturday 15 November.

Clutch your crucifix and grasp your garlic as you are invited to take the role of the studio audience whilst Fitzrovia recreate the glamour of a 1930s BBC radio play live on stage.

With horror and hilarity in equal measure and backed by a host of bizarrely created sound effects using everyday household objects including staplers, hairdryers and the ever faithful cabbage, Fitzrovia bring their own and chauvinist style of a 1930s radio play comedy to this classic horror. Audiences get a glimpse into what it was like to make a radio production in the 1930s, not only with the on-air action but with the off-mic clashes of the performers.

Think you know the story of Dracula? Think again!

Directed by Cal McCrystal, the man responsible for the hilarious physical comedy of James Corden in the National Theatre’s hit ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’, and Physical Comedy Consultant on the Columbia Pictures movie ‘The Amazing Spiderman 2’, this production of Dracula promises to be truly wonderful. Tickets start at £10.

Tel: 01206 573948

Magic Moments at Fairhaven Garden

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leeting images of Broadland captured by David Dane in original oils and giclée prints is the latest exhibition at Fairhaven Garden. The exhibition is available from Saturday 22 November to Sunday 30 November, open daily 10am to 4pm with free entry.

David Dane is staging an exhibition of new oil paintings and giclée prints inspired by the Broads titled ‘Magic Moments’ which reflects the beauty of the Broads. Visitors will be able to meet David, who will be at Fairhaven daily throughout the exhibition.

David Dane has been one of Broadland’s bestknown artists for more than 40 years. In the 1980s and 1990s David took the Broads worldwide with a series of prints, published by Rosentiel’s in London.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, NR13 6DZ Tel: 01603 270449 eastlife.co.uk | 97

Cork Brick Gallery 6 Earsham Street, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1AG (Established in Bungay since 1990) Regular exhibitions of new and gallery artists, including: Tessa Newcomb Margaret Thomas Lizzie Riches Dee Nickerson Nicola Slattery Georgina Warne

Open Tue-Sat

11am-5.30pm

Tel: 01986 894873 email: corkbrick@xln.co.uk

www.corkbrickgallery.co.uk PAINT YOUR OWN FURNITURE - 1-DAY COURSE BOOK NOW for 15 NOVEMBER & 31 JANUARY

Woolpatch Gallery Aerial House, Hall Street Long Melford CO10 9JR

Shabby chic and French rustic 10am - 5pm furniture and so much more Aerial House,Open Hall Street Aerial House, Hall Street Open Wednesday to Saturday

Tuesday to Saturday

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Open 10am - 5pm Tuesday Saturday Open 10am - 5pm Tuesday to Satur Patchwork • to Accessories Classes • Workshops

• Knitting British Wools Fine Knitting Yarns Fine Yarns • British Wool 313452 • Accessories • Accessories Patchwork 01787 Patchwork Classes •woolpatchgallery.co.uk Workshops Classes • Workshops Bullock Fair Close, Harleston IP20 9AT Tel 01379 853067 Near Budgens/Free parking www.wildernessstores.com 98 | eastlife.co.uk

01787 313452 01787 313452 woolpatchgallery.co.uk woolpatchgallery.co.uk

ARTS

Christmas ARTS

Around the Region Christmas at the Fitzwilliam Museum

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his Christmas sees two special events taking place at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.

On Thursday 11 December at 7.30pm, the Museum’s perennially popular annual Christmas concert takes place in the splendid surroundings of Gallery 3. Enjoy a performance of seasonal favourites and a glass of wine amidst the Fitzwilliam’s fabulous collections and get the festive season off to a very special start.

A Christmas craft workshop will be held 12 December, 10.30am to 12.30pm. It will be an opportunity to design and make your own Christmas cards with seasonal inspiration from the Museum’s collection. Tickest priced £10, booking essential.

Tel: 01223 332904

Image: Fitzwilliam Museum

Christmas Exhibition at Bircham Gallery

A Vintage Christmas in Stowmarket

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he Museum of East Anglian Life is partnering with the Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival for the first time, extending the church’s already successful event now in its 10th year and adding to the 300 trees on display in the church with its own display in Abbot’s Hall.

Alongside the trees decorated by Stowmarket’s local businesses, schools and families, the Museum will proudly display fake firs decorated by Museum members and visitors as part of its ‘Vintage Christmas’ display. Opening on the 28 November with the Museum’s Christmas Craft Fayre and the Stowmarket Light Switch, the display will continue at the museum until 11 January.

B

ircham Gallery’s Christmas Exhibition will begin 8 November.

It will be a mixed exhibition showcasing a wonderful selection from the gallery’s best artists and craftspeople. There will be a display of a range of enamel objects/automata by John Grayson who takes traditional metalworking processes and applies them within a contemporary craft context.

Bircham Gallery, 14 Market Place, Holt, NR25 6BW Tel: 01263 713312

As well as visiting the Christmas trees you’ll be able to discover children’s toys from times past and see decorations that the Museum has never displayed before. Learn how people celebrated Christmas before online shopping, explore Christmas traditions and find out about festive folklore.

Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival is the biggest of its kind in Britain with over 300 trees and 25,000 visitors. It is held in St Peter and St Mary’s Church.

eastlife.co.uk | 99

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

HEALTH

Healthy Living The High Sheriff of Norfolk receives a tour of Norwich mental health hospital

H

untercombe Hospital Norwich recently welcomed Lady Dannatt of Keswick MBE, the new High Sheriff of Norfolk to tour the hospital and discuss how health care providers can support children and adolescents with mental health problems.

As High Sheriff of Norfolk, Lady Dannatt’s focus for the year is mental health. She explains: “Children and young people in particular are often frightened to speak up about their problems for fear of being shunned. I therefore want to encourage people to talk about mental health in order to remove the stigma it still has and to ensure that people don’t keep their problems a secret and suffer further.”

In addition to the tour of the hospital’s facilities, Lady Dannatt met with some of the patients who presented her with a piece of art work they had made as a thank you gift.

“Mental health remains a key government priority and it was really interesting to hear Lady Dannatt’s views on how to tackle mental health and how communities can help support individuals too,” said Neil West, hospital manager for Huntercombe Hospital Norwich.

Cambridge Clinic Saves Face with new accreditation

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osmex Clinic, located in Cambridge, has become one of the first in the UK to be officially accredited as safe and qualified to carry out nonsurgical cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers.

Legally, anyone in the UK can carry out these kinds of treatments and the industry has come under huge pressure to provide protection for patients from cowboy practitioners.

Save Face, which launched recently, is the first organisation in the UK to provide a register of accredited practitioners – all of which have been visited and assessed for professionalism, qualifications and safety to give patients confidence and peace of mind when booking treatments.

The clinic is privately owned by clinical director Lou Sommereux, who has been practising medical aesthetics since 2002, and offers treatments addressing natural ageing such as wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers for correcting asymmetry or volume loss, acne scar revision, leg vein treatments, skin tightening and rejuvenation or skin resurfacing and micro medical needling.

Huntercombe Hospital Norwich is a low secure facility providing in-patient mental health services for children and adolescents aged 12 – 18. The aim of the hospital is to help the young people recover from their illness and discover the opportunities to assist them in finding a full and happy life. eastlife.co.uk | 101

Cambridge Edition magazine

19/3/14

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HEALTH

Protection against the elements

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ith winter approaching SK Clinic & Spa’s Annalise Roper reports on how to protect ourselves against free radicals.

Most of us have heard about free radicals, however they affect everyone. You cannot see them, but they attack our bodies, especially our skin. Free radicals are not something that is easily explained as they happen on an atomic level. So here is the science bit – don’t turn the page it’s actually rather interesting.

Our bodies are made up of on average around 60 trillion skin cells and each day those skin cells take around 1,000 free radical hits. A free radical is an atom or molecule that is missing an electron in their outer shell and unfortunately for our skin, they are highly reactive and closely associated with oxidative damage. They attack the skin in the hunt for the electron it’s missing, trying to gain stability and causing oxidation damage to the cells. This in turn leads to premature ageing, sensitivity, pigmentation and it’s suggested more serious diseases. Oxidative damage causes biological organisms to age deteriorating the skin’s structural support, decreasing elasticity, suppleness and resilience of the skin.

Free radicals can be found almost everywhere; in certain unhealthy foods we eat, the pollution within a city, the sun in the height of summer, medication, cigarettes and alcohol to name but a few. However, the good news is we have anti-free radicals and antioxidants to help us.

The best way to tackle free radical damage is through anti free radicals or antioxidants, which are molecules found in vitamins that act as a shield between skin cells and unstable free radicals. The most powerful anti-free radicals are vitamins C and E. By introducing these into your diet and skincare routine, you’ll soon see and feel the benefits in both your body and skin.

This November SK’s treatment of the month is the ‘anti free radical facial’. On offer for £55 (usually priced at £65), this facial will repair the skin while deeply nourishing and replenishing the complexion from the harsh effects of free radical damage.

This effective clay thermal mask, scented with lavender and peppermint first warms, encouraging the absorption of vitamins into your skin, then cools to seal the rejuvenating benefits. Micro-emulsified vitamins A and E maximise your skins protection against free radicals and premature ageing. Your complexion feels velvety-smooth and deeply hydrated with improved texture, refined pores and is excellent for dry and dehydrated skins.

SK Clinic + Spa proudly holds an outstanding reputation for exceptional standards and awardwinning spa care. Located in Bury St Edmunds the spa celebrated its sixth anniversary in July 2014.

Tel: 01284 748470 www.skclinic.co.uk 4 Northgate St, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1HG

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NORFOLK

What’s on in

Norfolk

THEATRE & SHOWS

EDITOR’S CHOICE

4-Nov Jethro Cornish comedy legend Jethro is back with his very own unique brand of irresistible West Country tales for a fun-filled night of adult comedy.

Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 5-7 Nov Addams Family The wonderful Addams Family comes to devilishly delightful life in this magnificently macabre new musical comedy. Maddermarket Theatre, St John’s Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917

6-Nov Captain Murderer The well-to-do gentleman of the title is a serial wooer but all his brides come to a deliciously sticky end. When he turns his attentions to twin sisters, however, he finds the tables turned on himself in a fiendish act of revenge Guildhall Theatre, 29 King Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1HA. 01553 764864

7-Nov Stone’s in his Pockets Universally loved by all who see it, ‘Stones in His Pockets’ is brought to life by two highly talented actors who play 15 characters between them from the two cheeky lads intent on stardom to a Hollywood Goddess.

King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864 7-8 Nov Christmas Carol Seen through the eyes of Dr. Watson, literature’s favourite quirky detective is infused with the spirit of a crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge in this festive Victorian theatrical treat. The Granary Theatre, Staithe Street, Wells-next-thesea, NR23 1AU. 01328 710193 11-12 Nov Mark Steal For this new show Mark has found dozens more towns to humiliate, as well as pledging to discover the quirky little things that make Norwich seem ridiculous. Norwich Playhouse, St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1AB. 01603 598598 12-15 Nov Whistle Down the Wind Based on the novel by Mary Hayley Bell, ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ follows the fortunes of a fugitive caught between the prejudice of adults and the innocence of youth. Guildhall Theatre, 29 King Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1HA. 01553 764864

and a generation of young men.

Sheringham Little Theatre, 2 Station Road, Sheringham, NR26 8RE. 01263 822347 14-Nov The Children In Need Variety Show Hunstanton’s Princess Players are pleased to announce that this year’s autumn production will be a Variety Show in aid of the BBC Children in Appeal. Princess Theatre, The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252

Christmas Celebrations at Holkham Hall 6 to 7 Dec & 13 to 14 Dec 10am-5pm oin in the festivities as the doors open at Holkham Hall for traditional seasonal celebrations. See the hall magnificently decorated with Christmas trees galore, real greenery from the park, amazing decorations, delicious scents and candlelight.

Meet costumed characters from Christmas past and cheeky elves who love to sing and play their ukuleles! Listen to magical music and choirs singing or the storyteller with his captivating tales. Add a touch of sparkle with angelic art activity, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or have your face painted and get into character this yuletide. Festive food and drink and a visit to the gift shop to find that perfect present, all add to the Christmas spirit.

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13-Nov Blackadder Goes Forth (& Over the Top) The Seagull Rep round off their superb Blackadder shows with the final three episodes of the BBC comedy.

Blackadder continues his desperate campaign to get out of the trenches by any means possible. This show will delight Blackadder fans and coincides with the centenary of WW1. Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 13-15 Nov Forty Years On The play within the play is about the changes that had happened to the country following the end of the Great War in 1918 and the loss of innocence

14-Nov Separate Tables Affection, love and desire linger on within lives blighted by loneliness and disappointment in this classic drama, set in a small seaside hotel in the 1950s and packed with humour and compassion. Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 14-Nov An Evening with Mervyn Stutter Mervyn Stutter is an actor, comedian, satirical songwriter, scriptwriter and has been touring the village halls of England for over 10 years now and audiences love him. The Granary Theatre, Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-sea, NR23 1AU. 01328 710193 15-Nov The Little Match Girl Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s much loved classic, this is the enchanting story of a young child’s hopes and dreams; simple pleasures and losses.

Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 19-22 Nov Lord of the Flies The action is transferred from deserted island to deserted theatre. A group of schoolboys find themselves abandoned. With no adults around they start to make their own rules and create their own civilisation, before order breaks down and the story builds to an electrifying climax. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL 01603 630000 20-Nov Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Shakespeare’s classic political thriller, bringing his tale of assassination, intrigue and divided loyalties vividly to life with their trademark, fast-paced story-telling and sharply delineated characters. Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 20-29 Nov Last of the Summer Wine Join Foggy, Clegg and Compo for an

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Norfolk Logs The home of traditional Norfolk firewood delivered direct to your door in bulk loads or bagged.

Contact Norfolk Logs today to book your winter fuel and spend this winter in front of a nice log fire

NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS

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For the freshest, finest Italian dishes visit Umberto’s Trattoria Italia Pizzeria.

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Also serving other traditional Italian dishes.

Family run restaurant since 1992.

68-70 St. Benedicts Street Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4AR Telephone: 01603 517413 www.umbertostrattoriaitaliapizzeria-norwich.co.uk

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108 | eastlife.co.uk

NORFOLK evening of classic English comedy as they go on one last adventure. Maddermarket Theatre, St John’s Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 27-Nov Clamber Up the Crucifix This is a play with one actor playing five different roles, a gritty and emotional reminder of what life was like for millions of young men a century ago.

The Granary Theatre, Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-sea, NR23 1AU. 01328 710193 28-29 Nov Mark Thomas A tale of hubris, planes, demos and undercover deceit told by an award winning performer. Norwich Playhouse, St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1AB. 01603 598598

15-Nov Blondie Tribute Introducing a Blondie Tribute called ‘One Way Or Another’ a tribute with a difference. Two big video screens with specially acquired film footage from the USA - video animation and costume changes. Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston, NR31 6PP. 01493 662832 15-Nov Paul Carroll’s Music Hall Tavern A truly magical night of dazzling amazing costumes, side-splitting laughter and a cast of characters singing and dancing all night long Cromer Pier, Cromer Sea Front, Cromer NR27 9HE. 01263 514459

19-Nov Back to Broadway ‘Back To Broadway’ is the all-singing, MUSIC all-dancing, theatrical sensation that invites you to take a breathtaking

journey through the magical world of 1-Nov Hotel California musicals. Princess Theatre, The Green, Desperado pay homage to this musiHunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252 cal phenomenon by faithfully recreating the whole of the album, and many 23-Nov Sinatra, Sequins And Swing more of your favourite Eagles songs This show is a full Big Band conlive on stage. Diss Corn Hall, St Nichocert featuring two of the UK’s most las Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 spectacular sounding Big Band Swing artistes, saluting the music and Hol6-Nov The South lywood glamour of 1953-1960. Princess The South’s debut album, unveils their Theatre, The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 own brand of irresistible pop melodies 5AH. 01485 532252 laced with twists of caustic wit and opens another new chapter started by 29 Nov-29 Dec The Cromer Pier The Beautiful South. King’s Lynn Corn Christmas Show Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, A magical and sparkly winter wonKing’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864 derland of live, traditional variety, to warm your hearts and get you 6-7 Nov Rambert in the Christmas spirit. Cromer Pier, The rock’n’roll swagger of the Rolling Cromer Sea Front, Cromer, NR27 9HE. Stones is brought thrillingly to life in 01263 514459 Rooster, Christopher Bruce’s electrifying celebration of the swinging sixties.

Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 1 Nov - 1 Feb Points of Departure 8-Nov Churchfitters Looking at the transatlantic slave trade and contemporary migration, A double bass made out of a photographers Hélène Amouzou, saucepan, heart-wrenching vocals Mamadou Gomis and Judith Quax accompanied by a musical saw and foot-stompingly fast fiddle mixed with examine migration from West Africa. infectious funk-rock rhythms; ChurchfitThe Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts ters is a folk band like no other. Diss University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. 01603 593199 Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. 01379 652241 1-29 Nov 45th Eastern Open including Artists’ Postcards 8-Nov The Elvis Years An outstanding concert production of The ‘Eastern Open’ is one of the most the West End musical Jailhouse Rock long standing and largest regional featuring original star Mario Kombou. art competitions of its kind. It regularly Cromer Pier, Cromer Sea Front, Cromer attracts over 300 artists from 7 counties NR27 9HE. 01263 514459 entering around 700 2D works. Shakespeare Barn, 29 King Street, King’s 13-14 Nov Pot-Pourri Lynn, PE30 1HA. 01553 764864 A musical pastiche: with songs from the 1930’s onward. The programme 1 Nov-4 Jan John Wonnacott and John Lessore: The Life Room and the will include items from the Musical Theatre, some popular standards, a City little twist of Jazz and much more.

This is an exhibition of the work of two important British painters, John WonnaMaddermarket Theatre, St John’s Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 cott and John Lessore, and the paintings they made in and around the art

school while they were teaching there in the early 1980s. Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Meadow, Norwich, NR1 3JU. 01603 493649 1-22 Nov Drawing Workshops The Arts Centre will be hosting on sight a series of drawing workshops where local artists have committed to encouraging others how to build and develop their personal vision. Shakespeare Barn, 29 King Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1HA. 01553 764864 8 Nov-14 Jan The Christmas Show A wonderful selection of works from our best artists, chosen for the annual Christmas exhibition with gifts in mind.

Bircham Gallery, Market Place, Holt, NR25 6BW. 01263 713312 14 Nov-27 Dec Jo Pluckrose & Steven Skipper An eclectic collection of thoughts, photographs and paintings from Steven Skipper and Jo Pluckrose.

Westacre Theatre, River Road, King’s Lynn, PE32 1UD. 01760 755 800

SPECIAL EVENTS

8 Nov-23 Dec Thursford Christmas Spectacular With a cast of 130 professional singers, dancers and musicians, many of whom are West End performers, this 3 hour performance delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety.

Thursford Green, Thursford, NR21 0AS. 01328 878477 3-27 Nov Norwich Ghost Walks Spend two hours in the company of the master storyteller The Man in Black and his ghostly crew as they take you around the older parts of this heritage city telling tales of eccentric characters, murderers and, of course, ghosts.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Town Centre, Bishopsgate, Norwich, NR3 1RZ. 07831 189985 8-Nov Farmers Market & Artisan Crafts Fresh local produce and artisan handmade crafts and lots more, as well as the award-winning Wiveton Hall Farm cafe, shop and pick your own fruit farm. Wiveton Hall, Coast Road, Holt, NR25 7TE. 07775 741752 12-Nov History of Aviation in Norfolk A talk by Stephen Pope on the History of Aviation in Norfolk. Lynn Museum Market Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1NL. 01553 775001 16-Nov Christmas Fair Beat the Christmas rush and shop early for some original locally-made handcrafted goodies. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham, NR13 6DZ. 01603 270449

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THE FESTIVE SEASON IN NORWICH

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he tree, the twinkling lights and a fun and festive atmosphere all combine to make Norwich the perfect place for Christmas. From markets and parades to arts and theatre, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The official switch on of the Christmas lights will take place Thursday 20 November, 6pm to 8pm at Norwich City Hall and The Forum. A Christmas lantern parade will leave Norwich Cathedral at 6.15pm to wind its way through the city’s streets to Millennium Plain where children can meet Father Christmas and deliver their letters. Festive crowds will enjoy Gospel singers, choirs, the Garage Christmas performance, glowing Hula Hoops, acrobatic elves and festive food.

The festivities continue into the month with a wonderfully warming day at The Assembly House Christmas Fair, 29 to 30 November. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful festive atmosphere in the beautiful surroundings of The Assembly House, a stunning Georgian building located in the centre of Norwich. As always, The Assembly House will be decorated in fabulous festive style and this popular event will feature a host of seasonal stalls, perfect for finding Christmas presents and stocking fillers, as well as delightful decorations and tempting edible treats.

Christmas shopping

Christmas in the city wouldn’t be complete without a traditional festive market. This season visitors will be spoilt for choice. From the 1 to 21 December the annual Castle Mall Christmas Craft Fair will be the perfect place to pick up a special present.

The Dragon Hall’s Medieval Christmas Market on King’s Street is one not to be missed. The annual spectacular returns 6 to 7 December in the magnificent medieval trading hall in the company of costumed stallholders and period musicians. With over thirty stalls selling toys, gifts, clothing, wreaths, food, jewellery, pottery, glass and much more, the market is now an eagerly anticipated Christmas event in Norwich with the ancient hall tastefully decorated in traditional seasonal splendor. Entry is priced £2.50 for adults, £1 for under 16s and children under 5 are free.

Lovers of all things vintage and retro will adore The Norwich Fleamarket presents The Christmas Nostalgia Fair, Saturday 13 December, 9.30am to 4.30pm at St.Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Halls.

Visitors can browse over 100 stalls all with one thing in mind – recreating an old-fashioned Christmas. As well as live music adding to the festive atmosphere shop for antiques, vintage and retro items and paraphernalia, children’s books, toys, Christmas 110| eastlife.co.uk

cards and more. Entry is £2 and under 18s are free.

Arts and crafts

Norwich’s art scene comes alive this Christmas with a host of festive inspired exhibitions and events.

A must visit for fashion fanatics is the ‘Fabulous 1950s Fashion’ exhibit at The Museum of Norwich at The Bridewell from 15 November.

Supported with exhibits from Norfolk Museum Services’ own amazing Costume and Textile Collection, this temporary, travelling show will highlight how film star glamour and couture design filtered down into everyday life. The exhibition includes costume and accessories from the period, and a retro rock and roll jukebox.

As part of the exhibition on 13 December visitors can take inspiration from the style of the period and take part in a felting workshop, making a felt flower brooch or sputnik rocket badge for a Christmas gift, while on 20 December there will be the opportunity to make Christmas tree decorations and 50s style badges for stocking fillers.

For something a little more festive the ‘Christmas in the Trenches’ exhibition at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery on 29 November will be a heart-warming and enjoyable event.

AREA FOCUS

Inspired by the Christmas truce of 1914, this First World War day includes choral performances of carols, talks by popular speakers and the opportunity to take part in a giant commemorative art project, plus a family trail and a chance to discuss your First World War family photographs and objects with staff from the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum.

If you fancy learning how to create your own retro Christmas head to Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 20 and Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 December, 11am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Step back in time as Norwich Castle prepares for a traditional Christmas with decorations and card making galore, plus tales of Christmas time.

There really is something for everyone this season and we mean everyone, including your pet pooch. On 13 December The Forum will host a Santa’s Grotto for Dogs. A must for all dog lovers, make a donation to the Norwich and Mid-Norfolk RSPCA and take a picture of your pampered pooch with Santa, a silly but fun event. Woof!

For Norwich Theatre Royal panto fun turn to page 25 for our pantomime special. For further details about Christmas in Norwich and accomodation visit www.visitnorwich.co.uk

Image credit: Melanie March

Music & entertainment

There’s plenty of musical and theatre entertainment too. Carols with The King on 7 December at The Forum is a must-see. The evening will be a fantastic festive mix of Elvis’ Christmas songs, plus some of his greatest classic hits and of course a carol or two for you to sing and dance along with.

Following last year’s sell-out shows, popular vocalist Joe Ringer and his Orchestra return to the Norwich Playhouse with the Michael Bublé Christmas Songbook from 8 to 9 December.

On 16 December St Andrew’s Hall will host the Norwich Philharmonic Family Christmas Concert.

The Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra give four to five concerts a year from a diverse repertoire, giving pleasure to audiences and members alike.

Annually at Christmas they play at St Andrew’s Hall – one of the Norwich 12 buildings.

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Your own lane into Cambridge

Under the Personal rsonal supervision of principals principals, Tina Pilgrim & Donna Buc Buchanan

Classes for children's grades & vocational levels in

Cambridge has one of the most advanced Park & Ride services in the UK.

Dedicated bus lanes throughout the city make Park & Ride one of the most reliable ways to get in and out.

Classical ballet, modern theatre, contemporary & tap dance

Buses depart every 10 minutes.

Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call 01223 845561

Teaching faculty are all fully qualified and CRB checked & include examiners of the Royal Academy of Dance, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing & Professionals

The quick way in and out of Cambridge

from Theatre & Classical Companies For further details, Please contact 01223 356023 or email us at king.slocombe@tesco.net www.kingslocombe.com 8 Emmanuel Road, Cambridge, CB1 1JW

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St Neots

Christmas

Lights switch on 2014

Sunday 30th November Market Square 12.00 -7.00pm

Santa and Reindeer Carol Singing Live Music

Market Stalls Roast Chestnuts Funfair Rides

Fireworks Mulled Wine Childrens Craft

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CAMBRIDGESHIRE

What’s on in

Cambridgeshire THEATRE & SHOWS 3-11 Nov The Gang Show This year’s show will feature a mix of great family entertainment, fantastic singing and plenty of laughs. Expect well known sketches, along with hits from Dreams Boats & Petticoats and a medley of American classics – plus their very own version of Strictly Come Dancing. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 9-Nov Stone’s in his Pockets Universally loved by all who see it, ‘Stones in His Pockets’ is brought to life by two highly talented actors who play 15 characters between them – from the two cheeky lads intent on stardom to a Hollywood Goddess.

Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 10-Nov Frankenstein Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 11-Nov The Trials of Galileo This reprimand of Pope Urban contained Galileo’s tragedy – a mistaken belief that all he had to do was show his reasoning and evidence and the church would fall in behind him.

Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 21-Nov What the Dickins Brimming with unfeasibly quick costume changes, stupidly surreal characters and wonderfully daft jokes, ‘What The Dickens?’ is the most absurd contribution to the Dickens legend you could hope to see. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 17-22 Nov To Kill a Mockingbird Set in the Deep South, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel sees racial injustice envelop a small-town community. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Prisons Week Exhibition at Peterborough Cathedral Sunday 16 to Saturday 22 November sing real stories from prisoners at HMP Peterborough, this exhibition invites you to put yourself into the shoes of inmates and follow their journey from desolation towards the beckoning door of freedom.

Take a look inside a replica cell and see the type of living arrangements experienced by prisoners. Crafts and gifts made by inmates at Peterborough Prison will be on sale. The exhibition is displayed in the 16th century “New Building” at the far end of the Cathedral.

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Tel: 01733 355315 - www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk 25-29 Nov Oklahoma Experience the magnificence of the open range in Cambridge with Rogers and Hammerstein’s enduring story of rural love on a mid-Western farm, Oklahoma. Featuring some of the best songs in musical theatre.

Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 13-Nov An Evening with Noel Fielding Expect a magical mix of Noel’s unique brand of stand up comedy, live animation, music and some of Fielding’s best known TV characters (such as The Moon and Fantasy Man).

Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QB. 01223 357851

29-30 Nov Dawn French The award-winning actress, best-selling novelist and all round very funny lady has written a new show, based on her life and career, called 30 Million Minutes. Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QB. 01223 357851 12-Nov Ross Noble With an on-stage presence like no other, Ross’s exuberance, spontaneity and cerebral style have established him as one of Britain’s best-loved comedians. The Cresset , Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 20-21 Nov High School Musical This stage version features a talented and enthusiastic cast of local young people and includes all the hit songs and lots of fast moving dance routines.

The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 27-Nov Torvill and Dean: Our Life on Ice For the first time ever, legendary ice skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are appearing in a UK theatre tour, where they will talk to fans in an intimate setting about their fascinating career and give their own side to the stories that have been reported in the press over the years.

The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 9-Nov Tell Tale Hearts: Inside Out It’s bedtime but instead of getting ready for bed two siblings use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511 11-15 Nov A Journey’s End The entire story plays out in the officers’ dugout over four days from 18 March 1918 to 21 March 1918, during the run-up to the real-life events of Operation Michael. Angles Theatre, Alexandra Road, Wisbech, PE13 1HQ. 01945 585 587 29-Nov I Believe in Unicorns After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe las year, followed by a sell-out tour of Britain,house and Wizard Presents ‘I Believe in Unicorns’, a highly

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Festive travel made easier

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No need to shop online this Christmas!

The busway is the easy route into Cambridge this Christmas, so you can make your shopping trips part of the festive fun!

And don’t forget, the busway also runs to Peterborough, Mondays to Saturdays, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

buses run 7 days a week

Visit the busway website for times and ticket information.

www.thebusway.info TBW Xmas 2013168x240_eastllife.indd 1

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CAMBRIDGESHIRE recommmended family show. Angles Theatre, Alexandra Road, Wisbech, PE13 1HQ. 01945 585 587

EDITOR’S CHOICE

10-Nov Jolly Good An hour of stand up from a new and exciting bunch of Cambridge comedians, don’t miss out on what is sure to be a jolly good night. Corpus Playroom, Park Street , Cambridge, CB5 8AS. 01223 300085 18-22 Nov Proof David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play explores in a subtle and absorbing story what its like to be haunted by family issues, mental health worries and fears of mediocrity amidst brilliance. Corpus Playroom, Park Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AS . 01223 300085 18-22 Nov War War Brand War An adaptation of Aeschylus’ Oresteia for a century of humanitarian intervention and marketised warfare, war war brand war interrogates family, war and tragedy in the internet age.

Corpus Playroom, Park Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AS. 01223 300085 18-22 Nov Peter Pancreas Addenbrooke’s Charity Pantomime 2014 present Peter Pancreas; a medical themed take on a classic. There will be puns, pirates and plenty of poor medical students making fools of themselves. Come along for a swashbuckling cornucopia of singing, dancing, innuendos and cringe worthy jokes. Mumford Theatre, East Road Cambridge, CB1 1PT. 0845 196 2320

MUSIC

7-Nov The Sensational 60s 50th Anniversary For one night only six legendary names from the 1960s take to the stage and deliver to you a night never to be forgotten. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 9-Nov John Mayall Known as the Godfather of British Blues, Mayall is a singer, songwriter, and bandleader acclaimed for founding The Bluesbreakers. Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QB. 01223 357851 19-Nov West End Ladies West End leading ladies Kerry Ellis, Joanna Ampil and Ria Jones join forces to celebrate their critically acclaimed careers. With special guess star Rory Taylo, this glittering concert features songs from the best loved musicals of the past 40 years including ‘Miss Saigon’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Cats’ and more. Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QB. 01223 357851 24-Nov Shane Filan The former Westlife singer takes to the

I

t’s like entering Aladdin’s Cave when you walk into Haddenham Galleries at Christmas time.

There is a cornucopia of gifts for her, him and for children at every price and for every taste. Jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, sculptures, all hand made by regional artists and makers. If you are searching for something a little more exotic, the Ethnic Gallery is stuffed with wonderful goodies from the remotest bazaars of the world. You can really enjoy Christmas shopping in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and reflect on your shopping lists whilst having a delicious cup of tea or coffee and light lunch in the teashop. Open every day 10-5 Nov, 15 – Dec 24.

Christmas Cornucopia at Haddenham Galleries Craft Centre, 20 High Street, Haddenham, Nr Ely. www.haddenhamgallery.co.uk stage with his solo tour following the release of his first solo album entitled ‘You and Me’. Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB. 01223 357851 24-Nov Saturday Night Beegees This truly powerhouse show takes you on a musical journey of some of the bands most iconic songs and hits that will have the whole family dancing in the isles. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 22-Nov 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. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

1-16 Nov Heroes of Adventure To mark the Centenary of the First World War, Quarry Bank will be exploring the effects of the War on the Greg family and workers alike in the exhibition ‘Heroes of Adventure.’

Peckover House and Garden, North Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JR. 01945 583463

22-23 Nov Soke Military History Fair This year sees the return of the city’s annual military history fair to the Museum, with an emphasis on the First World War. See displays of militaria by the Soke Military Society, meet costumed soldiers, and take part in wargames.Peterborough Museum, Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF. 01733 864 663 1-15 Nov Still Life Lynne Strover Gallery is delighted to be welcoming Judy Buxton, Arthur Neal, Emma Dunbar and for the first time, Christine McArthur to the gallery for our October Still Life exhibition.

A selection of new work from each artist will be available to view and purchase. Lynne Strover Gallery 23, High Street, Fen Ditton, CB5 8ST. 01223 295 264 1-30 Nov Discover a World of Waterways Discover a lost world of interconnecting waterways - once a vital network for people living and working in the East Anglia Fens. Cambridge & County Folk Museum, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AQ. 01223 355159 1-23 Nov Past, Present, Somewhere A rare opportunity to enjoy the collected films and projects by artist duo Karen Guthrie & Nina Pope in this their first gallery exhibition since they won the Northern Art Prize in 2008.

Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AQ. 01223 748100

SPECIAL EVENTS 1-2 Nov Amy Sharrocks: Museum of Water Accumulating over two years in different sites worldwide, Museum of Water is an invitation to ponder this precious liquid and how we use it. At each site, the public are invited see, touch and uncover the existing collection, which is delicately displayed in a series of lit cabinets. Grand Arcade, St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge, CB2 3BJ. 01223 302601 4-Nov World War One Poetry Evening Join Poet Laureate Pete Irving and members of Poets United for a recital of the Great War’s most famous poems, plus new works offering a contemporary reflection on the sacrifices made 100 years ago. Peterborough Central Library, Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1RX. 01733 864 2801 14-16 Nov Christmas Gift & Craft Fair Browse an array of gifts and crafts.

Elton Hall, Elton, Peterborough, PE8 6SH, 01832 280468 With thanks to Cambridgeshire.net for contributing to our November listings.

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6

Christmas in Cambridge

C

ambridge is beautiful at any time of year but during Christmas the city begins to look like something from a fairy tale. The lights sparkle throughout the historic streets, the Market Square comes alive with festive smells and carol singers gather to entertain shoppers.

There’s plenty to see and do with The Big Switch On being the first of one of many festive events.

Taking place over the weekend 15 to 16 November Cambridge BID invites you to join them in the fun and festivities.

This year Cambridge will host a weekend of activities starting at The Grafton where the fun begins Saturday 15 November from 2pm with a special appearance from TV’s Ben and Holly, who are set to leave their ‘Little Kingdom’ for a day to entertain the crowds alongside Santa and his helpers, Cambridge Arts Theatre and the winner of Cambridge Has Talent.

The fun continues on Sunday where you will find an array of circus performers throughout the city, activity at The Lion Yard, Grand Arcade and the main event taking place in the Market Square. With entertainment from midday, the Market Square stage will include choirs, dance acts, magic shows, street dancers and of course the Cambridge Has Talent Winner. Heart take over the stage where this year’s special guest will come and flick that all important switch.

Christmas Shopping

Cambridge shopping offers something for everyone.

With three shopping centres within the city centre, boutiques, crafts and a market to explore, you’ll find no shortage of gift ideas.

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The popular Mill Road Winter Fair returns on Saturday 6 December with a range of festive stalls (see our Christmas market special on page 43 for more details) and the Market Square is busier than ever offering local produce, festive treats and crafts.

One of the great things about Cambridge is that it’s full of independent stores, great for purchasing oneoff gifts and supporting local trade.

Anne Prince, editor at Independent Cambridge, a guide to and a celebration of the City’s best independent traders, venues and events, spoke of the importance of Christmas for retailers and explained what shoppers can do to help: “In the wonderful world of high street retail, Christmas is crucial. Many more people are now shopping online, but where’s the fun in that?” she says.

For the past few years Anne has set herself the challenge of an “Indie-Christmas Shopping Challenge” where she aims to buy all presents, food and drink from independent stores – do you think you could do the same? If so, Cambridge is the perfect place to start.

Anne adds: “To me it feels like Christmas shopping used to be. It has the added benefits of personal service, shorter queues and a range of special gifts.

I can really tailor to each recipient and because I can always find presents I know will be appreciated for their personal nature, it takes less time and can actually save money too.

“Buying from independent stores, as opposed to online or chain stores in the festive sales period helps them through leaner months of the year.”

Shorter queues? We know where’ll be heading for our Christmas shopping.

AREA FOCUS

Festive feast

With all that shopping you may need to stop to refuel. If you’ve spent far too much on prezzies head to Hotel Du Vin for a bargain mulled wine with complimentary mince pies for just £3.50. The offer will be available every Wednesday throughout November between 5pm to 7pm and is the perfect way to end a day of shopping.

If you’re hosting Christmas this year and want to impress book your place at the Christmas Dinner Tasting by The Cambridge Wine Merchants on Monday 1 December. Nine winter wines will be available to taste plus delicious Christmas themed food. Tickets cost £25 and are available from Cambridge Wine Merchant branch.

If the Christmas spirit is getting far too much to handle or perhaps you fancy something quick, easy and delicious sail along to Coast Fish Restaurant on Trinity Street. The kitchen prepares a wide array of seafood, as well as breakfasts, burgers and dishes inspired by traditional French recipes. Visitors can enjoy meals amid the interior’s wooden furnishings and ambient lighting or if you’re feeling too tired after all that shopping take your meal home with its takeaway service.

Events and panto

In the lead up to Christmas, Cambridge theatres and attractions will be bursting with entertainment.

Following on from the City’s Christmas Market, The Botanic Garden is holding a Recycled Christmas event on 6 December where families can enjoy festive crafts using recycled materials and plants from the Garden. It’s a drop-in session between 11am and 3pm so no booking is required; normal admission for adults and £3 on the day for children.

the fabulous collections and on Friday 12 December (10.30am-12.30pm) there’s a chance for adults to get creative making Christmas cards with seasonal inspiration from the Museum collection.

This year pick up a special Christmas card featuring a David Jones image from 1927 called ‘Nativity with Beasts and Shepherds’, available at the Kettle’s Yard shop and don’t forget to keep an eye out for The Polar Museum’s advent calendar on Facebook and join them for a talk on ‘Christmas at the Poles: From Paranoia to Plum Pudding’ on Monday 8 December at 6pm.

Enjoy the galleries of the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences at a special evening opening on Thursday 18 December (5pm-7pm); follow the new trail and see what you can discover in the shadows.

If that’s not enough to keep you entertained Cambridge’s theatres have a jam-packed schedule. The Junction will show ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, 8 December to 4 January, Cambridge Arts Theatre will be hosting Aladdin from 4 December to 11 January, The Mumford Theatre will entertain with ‘A Medieval Christmas’ on 7 December and The Proteus Theatre Company will give its family fun rendition of ‘Rapunzel’ on 14 December.

Wow with so much going on you’ll be thankful to put your feet up on Christmas Day!

Over at the Fitzwilliam Museum on Thursday 11 December the perennially popular annual Christmas concert takes place in the splendid surroundings of

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our city, our stories, our stuff 20 October - 23 November 2014

Five weeks of culture and creativity across Cambridge Exhibitions, events, workshops, performances, talks, trails and hands-on fun

www.curatingcambridge.org.uk #OurCam presented by University of Cambridge Museums

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COMING OPENING DAYS 18th October 10am-1pm 18th November 5.30pm-8.30pm

ESSEX

What’s on in

Essex

THEATRE & SHOWS

1-30 Nov Fitzrovia Radio Hour’s Dracular Clutch your crucifix and grasp your garlic as we recreate the glamour of a 1930’s BBC Radio play, inviting you to take the role of studio audience as West End and Edinburgh Fringe sensations The Fitzrovia Radio Hour return to the Mercury once more to tell the story of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 4-8 Nov A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is a mad cap farce with music set in ancient Rome. With a very funny script and wonderful music, you’ll be in for a fantastic time with this unforgettable, hysterical musical.

Cramphorn, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, 01245 606505 4-6 Nov Only Fools & Three Courses This is a big fun night out in a friendly party atmosphere with some of the finest comedy actors in the land, professionally produced to the highest standards with your enjoyment at the top of the menu. Palace Theatre, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 7-8 Nov Private Peaceful ‘Private Peaceful’ relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 9-Nov Lee Hurst One of the UK’s sharpest comedians is back on the road to find out what really gets on our nerves. Join Lee for an evening of uproarious comedy as he explores the country’s biggest bugbears and ways to solve them.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333 9-Nov Frankenstein Encore Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Firstsite, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1JH. 01206 577067

EDITOR’S CHOICE

H

ylands Estate has Christmas wrapped up featuring East Anglia’s top rated Christmas Fair on 6 to 7 Dec, offering free entry to over 160 inspiring stalls with entertainment running throughout, a brand new Santa’s Grotto experience 4 to 5 Dec, Pantomime and Soiree’s.

New for 2014 is a Party Night on 12 Dec, serving you up awardwinning food and great entertainment. The vast and exciting Workshop programme is unbeatable in choice and provides the perfect experience for yourself or to purchase as a gift. Learn to make Christmas bunting for your home, silver clay jewellery as a bespoke gift or personal fused glass decorations for your tree. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ChristmasAtHylands

13-Nov Des O’Connor Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a true show business legend live on stage for a wonderful evening of comedy, laughter and music Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 14-Nov Circus of Horrors The story twists and turns with grisly murders and sensational shock’s – all interwoven with some of the greatest and most bizarre circus acts on earth; sword swallowers, knife throwers, daredevil balancing acts and much more. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on Sea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633 14-15 Nov While You Were Away ‘While You Were Away’ tells the local story of The Great War – the

colourful characters who lived in Braintree and the surrounding area during this period and their experiences of war. Braintree Arts Centre, Notley Road, Braintree, CM7 1WY. 01376 556354 16-Nov Reflections of the Great War A timeline of events of the Great War told in song and the poems of the war poets, the songs illustrating events that affected the civilian population of England. Brentwood Theatre, Shenfield Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AG. 01277 200305 20-22 Nov Gigi Gigi is blossoming into a beautiful young woman, whilst her mother yearns for the lead in her latest musical production. When Gaston, a family friend, breaks up with his latest flame, Gigi’s Great Aunt Alicia and her Grandmother scheme to make Gigi his next mistress. Gigi however has other plans. Brentwood Theatre, Shenfield Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AG. 01277 200305 21-Nov The Noise Next Door With a perfect blend of ludicrous characters, witty one-liners and musical extravagance, this show is guaranteed blow you away. Immerse yourself in a night of finely tuned anarchy. Palace Theatre, Station Road, Southend-onSea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 21-Nov Champions of Magic Audiences will witness mastery of card manipulation, death defying stunts, mind boggling sleight of hand and spectacular illusions from some of the foremost performers in magic.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333 22-Nov Live at the Playhouse ‘Live at the Playhouse’ returns with another line-up of top TV comedians.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 22-Nov ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas An all singing and all dancing collection of your favourite festive tunes which will get the audience singing along and fill them with early Christmas cheer. Suitable for children and adults of all ages. Braintree Arts Centre, Notley Road, Braintree, CM7 1WY. 01376 556354

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CAPEL MANOR GARDENS AT

Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th December 10.00am – 4.00pm Get in the mood for a cracking Christmas at Capel’s A-maze-ing Christmas Event. Take your little ones on a magical journey around the enchanted Christmas maze and gardens, searching for fairies, reindeer and lost presents.

Can you find Santa? Follow the clues that lead you through our fantasia to meet the man in red.

Visit our children’s zone for crafts, magic shows, face painting and tractor rides.

New for this year is our guided illuminated moonlight walk.

Adults £6.50 Concessions £5.50 Children (2-16 years) £3.50 Children (1 year and under) Free Free ofof Charge Charg.

Visit our shopping village for unusual Christmas presents and treats or stop for a mulled wine and a mince pie!

CAPEL MANOR GARDENS • BULLSMOOR LANE • ENFIELD • EN1 4RQ

Tel: 08456 122 122

www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk

ESSEX 26-29 Nov Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colours comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable.

Brentwood Theatre, Shenfield Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AG. 01277 200305 25-29 Nov Cowardy Custard Cowardy Custard first staged at the Mermaid theatre in 1972 draws on his plays, two volumes of autobiography and fifty three of his songs to present a potted biography and his own view of the theatre and Britain in general, but more than that, it is a witty tour through the catalogue of one of Britain’s most prolific song writers.

Palace Theatre, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 29-Nov Thank You for the Music Its Lycra-tight harmonies and superb musicianship have entertained the world for longer than ABBA during the 70s and 80s. Braintree Arts Centre, Notley Road, Braintree, CM7 1WY. 01376 556354 30-Nov The Queen’s Knickers A celebration of the garments we all wear but never show, this children’s classic is inventively told by two elastic actors. Palace Theatre, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135

MUSIC

10-15 Nov Rock of Ages This 80s-themed hilarious musical features over 30 eyebrow scorching tunes. Palace Theatre, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135

12-Nov Let’s Hang On The award-winning production ‘Let’s Hang On’ takes you on a musical journey through the prolific career of one of the most successful bands of all time - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 14-Nov The Twist This exciting cast brings you an American Diner right into the theatre where “Big” Tony Tremendo, the diner owner, delivers a show packed with authentic vocals, a live band and comedy.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 15-Nov How Sweet It Is This stunning live show combines first class music together with the slickest choreography and an amazing band to deliver truly outstanding performances. Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945

15-Nov Purple Zeppelin Voted Best Tribute Act of 2012, Purple Zeppelin are proud to pay tribute to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. West Cliff Theatre, Town Road, Clacton-on Sea, CO15 1LE. 01255 433344 15-Nov A Vision of Elvis Celebrating all the music of Elvis Presley in a respectful and enjoyable way, from Sun Studio’s through to the ‘68 Comeback with the finale being the Concert Years, and engaging audiences with an uplifting and authentic experience. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on Sea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633 16-Nov Songbird: The Music of Eva Cassidy A fantastic concert performance which also tells the story of one the greatest singers of the 1980s and 1990s. Palace Theatre, Station Road Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 20-Nov Dancing in the Streets A spectacular Motown celebration of some the world’s most influential and enduring songs of the 20th century. Palace Theatre, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 20-Nov One Night of Tom Jones – starring Glen Leon The hottest new show for 2014 a brand new production which is without doubt the best Tom Jones Tribute concert to go on tour ever. West Cliff Theatre, Town Road, Clacton-on Sea, CO15 1LE. 01255 433344 21-Nov Licence to Thrill: The Music of James Bond Every Bond song is an event in itself and this exciting, fast and sexy show brings you hit after hit, iconic themes and incidental music. Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 22-Nov Saturday Night Bee Gees Saturday Night Bee Gees is the hit show that transports you through the formidable musical talents of Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb. Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 23-Nov RAF in Concert Join the Bands of the Royal Air Force as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of one of the UK’s greatest national icons - The Red Arrows. Palace Theatre, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 29-Nov The Rat Pack Swinging Christmas Show The Rat Pack are joined by special guests including a star studded Band and the stunning Siverbell Showgirls,to

add even more glamour to this yuletide treat for all the family. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on Sea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

1-30 Nov Bruce McLean The exhibition features a major survey of the work of Bruce McLean. The exhibition features work from 1965 to the present presented across seven galleries occupying 855 square metres.

Firstsite, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1JH. 01206 577067 1 Nov - 20 Dec Beauty and the Beach This exhibition explores the style, design and inspiration of women’s swimwear during the 1940s, 50s and 60s. The exhibition highlights the changing shape and coverage of swimwear alongside our changing attitudes towards the body. Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea, SS2 6EX. 01702 212511 14-Nov Keith Vaughan In Essex Gerard Hastings, a leading authority on the life and work of Keith Vaughan (1912- 1977), will talk about the artist’s last twelve years when he spent weekends at Harrow Hill Cottage, Toppesfield. The Fry Art Gallery, Castle Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1BD. 01799 513779

SPECIAL EVENTS 6-Nov Rose Pruning - Climbers & Ramblers Discover the winter pruning techniques for all types of climbers and ramblers to aid successful growing. Workshop repeated on 12 November. RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET. 020 31765830 8-Nov Victorian Christmas Market A wide range of unique and festive gifts will be available to buy from around 30 local community groups.

Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on Sea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633 8-9 Nov The Festive Gift & Food Show The Festive Gift & Food Show is a fabulous Christmas shopping opportunity like no other - set in the warm and indoor hall the event boasts hundreds of local and national shopping stands selling everything from home wares and exquisite hand-crafted jewellery, to an assortment of bizarre cheeses and luxurious wines and spirits. Garon Park, Southend on Sea, SS2 4FA. 01702 549623 15-Nov Dolls Houses & Miniatures Fair Long established event featuring dolls houses & miniatures selling all things in 1/12th & 1/24th scale. The Assembly Rooms, High Street, Dedham, CO7 6DE. 01945 870160

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Seasonal spirit in Saffron Walden

W

ith a history spanning over 1,000 years it’s safe to say Saffron Walden has seen its fair share of Christmases but with each year comes a bigger and better display of festive delights.

Christmas fairs

Before the town’s big Festive Fair at the end of the month you can begin to get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to one of the many local festive events taking place. On 23 November Saffron Walden County High School Farm Club will host a Christmas Fayre and Carols in the Barn from 12noon to 4pm.

Visitors will be able to browse the craft stalls, say hello to Santa, stop by the pets corner, enjoy musical entertainment and listen to carols in the barn from 3.30pm.

St Mary’s Church will also be hosting a Christmas Fair, Saturday 29 November from 10am with traditional favourites such as craft stalls, mulled wine, games and music.

Festive fayre

Saffron Walden’s official Christmas celebrations will kick off on Sunday 30 November when the town will be spreading Christmas cheer to residents and visitors in the Market Place and King Street with a fabulous market and musical entertainment from 10am to 5pm. Father Christmas and the town’s mayor will be flicking the switch on the Christmas lights at approx. 4pm.

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The sound of music

There’s nothing quite like a Christmas carol or two to set the festive mood and in the lead up to the big day Saffron Walden will becoming alive with seasonal sounds.

On 30 November an Advent Carol Service will be held at St Mary’s Church at 6.30pm, followed by a Salvation Army Carol Concert in the Town Hall on 3 December at 7.30pm. Audley End House will also hold a Carol Concert in the Great Hall, on 4 December at 7.30pm. Booking is essential for this event.

Shop ‘til you drop

Part of the fun (or stress) of Christmas is shopping for gifts for loved-ones. If you’re still searching for the perfect present head to Saffron Walden on Friday 5 December for its annual Late Night Shopping Evening.

Starting in the morning from 9am with a Christmas Market, the town will be buzzing with Christmas shoppers and festive fun. Charity stalls will line the central streets, Christmas carols will fill the air and Father Christmas and his sleigh will be attending.

Most stores in the town and the market will stay open to 8.30pm, an ideal shopping opportunity for those who work nine to five.

AREA FOCUS

Saffron Walden is becoming a fashionistas playground with a range of fabulous boutiques.

You’ll find the latest fashions in the likes of Ruby Rooms and Blue as well as high street stores and designer staples at Fanny & Frank. There’s also plenty of gift shops such as The Blueberry Store and The Corner Cupboard.

A Christmas Gift Fair in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust will be held at the Town Hall to coincide with the Late Night Shopping event.

Festivities at Audley End

The beautiful Audley End House and Gardens is perhaps Saffron Walden’s most famous attraction and is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Christmas.

On 29 to 30 November the historic residence will be hosting a Victorian Christmas where visitors will be able to step back in time to the 1800s as the house is prepared for Christmas. The scene will be set with traditional stalls, Victorian street theatre, music and rides. The event will also be repeated on 6 to 7 December, standard admission charge applies.

During the same weekend and selected dates throughout December visitors can jump aboard the Audley End Miniature Railway for some festive fun.

The one and half mile train ride will lead passengers to Santa and his helpers at his magical grotto in the woods. Every child will get to meet Santa and be presented with a gift, while the adults warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine. Booking is highly recommended.

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BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS

What’s on in

Beds, Bucks & Herts THEATRE & SHOWS

EDITOR’S CHOICE

4-8 Nov Antigone This is a timeless story about loyalty and truth, human nature and human behaviour - and about what happens when one person takes a stand against the rules. Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ. 01923 235455 6-Nov Dave Gorman Gets Straight to the Point The wonderfully innovative comedy mind is back with a brand new live show that promises more of his blend of stand-up comedy and visual storytelling. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ. 01234 269519

7-9 Nov Oliver Based on the Charles Dickens novel ‘Oliver Twist’, it tells the story of Oliver, a workhouse boy who is sold to an undertaker, who runs away and eventually ends up joining Fagin’s gang of thieves and pickpockets. Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200 8-Nov The Circus of Horrors The story twists and turns with grisly murders and sensational shocks – all interwoven with some of the greatest and most bizarre circus acts on earth: sword swallowers, knife throwers, daredevil balancing acts, astounding aerialists and much more. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333 8-Nov Frank Skinner: A man in a Suit Following a sell-out London run comedy legend Frank Skinner extends his critically acclaimed new stand-up tour. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth, Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 0845 0753993 9-Nov The Nutcracker The enchanting tale of The Nutcracker follows Clara and her nutcracker doll, which magically transforms into a princely soldier. Their adventures see the Prince and Clara combat the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy on a wonderful trip to a Kingdom made entirely of sweets. Hawthorn

Victorian Christmas Fair at Mill Green Museum and Mill Sunday 30 November, 12pm – 5pm anta will be in his grotto with his trusty elf chatting to all the excited girls and boys. Have you been good since his last visit? Mr Scrooge has loads of money and will change up new coins for old pennies to spend around the fair. Browse and buy from the festive market, Victorian street sellers, children’s fun activities, storytelling and games with the Artful Dodger. Hot Victorian street food will be available for all with mulled wine and mince pies for grownups and juice and sweet things for children. Commercial stalls will be on-site selling their Christmas wears from jams and chutneys to craft gift items. The event will finish with singing Carols around the tree.

Entry: £3 Adults, £2 per child. Grotto Entry £4 per child with a gift from Santa, siblings see Santa together.

S

Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX. 01707 357117 11-15 Nov Swan Lake The story of Prince Siegfried’s love for the Swan Queen Odette, their battle against the evil sorcerer, Rothbart, and a fateful encounter with the manipulative Odile is revealed in English National Ballet’s acclaimed production of Swan Lake. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 11-15 Nov The Wedding Singer This musical comedy based on the film features 80s pop, Miami Vice, Las Vegas Weddings and Tina Turner. Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. 01923 235455

15 Nov Victor and Albert The gents are a musical comedy duo in the age-old tradition of two men and one piano. Their highly original songs, at times risqué, cover a broad range of topics, tackling the taboo in a light-hearted yet urbane way. For them no corner of the mind is too dark to be explored. Hawthorn Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX. 01707 357117 18-Nov Ballet Black Back at the Palace by popular demand, this company of black and Asian classically trained dancers celebrates the talents of performers from around the world. Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. 01923 235455 20-23 Nov The Adventure Join an intrepid gang of young detectives to explore a dark and scary disused building, discover clues, crack codes and find the courage to help solve a fiendishly puzzling mystery.

Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. 01923 235455 21-Nov Glyndebourne’s The Turn of the Screw Seven characters, each in search of true love, enter a maze of delusion and confusion, from which they emerge sadder but wiser. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 23-Nov Beauty & the Beast Ballet Cymru, nominated by the Critics Circle National Dance Awards in 2013 as Best Independent Company, presents a sparkling and refreshing ballet based on the eternal fairy tale.

Hawthorn Theatre, The Campus , Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX. 01707 357117 23-Nov Jon Richardson: Nidiot The perennial singleton and misanthrope is determined to become a more easygoing person for the sake of his friends and his future health.

Come and find out whether or not a leopard can change its spots, or if they are doomed to be angry forever not

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21/11/11 09:52:14

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Little and Large: 3 hour experience handling and flying some of the smallest species of birds through to the largest - £78.00 Two hour bird of prey or owl experience £35.00 The complete Owl Experience - 2 hours of handling and flying the owl and an adoption of an owl of your choice - £55.00

Half Day Family Bird of Prey Experience (2 Adults and 2 Children): Handle and fly many different pecies of birds of prey - £125.00

Raptor and Reload - 1 1/2 hours flying handling different species of birds and 1 1/2 hours of rifle shooting, archery and cross bows and laser clay shooting - £98.00

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BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS to have been given a more uniform and symmetrical fur pattern. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 25-29 Nov Calamity Jane Calamity Jane can outrun and outshoot any man in Deadwood. Hard, boastful and desperate to impress, she travels to Chicago on the Deadwood Stage to recruit a star, Adelaide Adams. But things don’t go too smoothly for Calamity, as everyone in town favours the new girl and she struggles to keep her jealousy and pride in check.

It takes her long standing enemy Wild Bill Hickok to make her see sense, and realise her secret love. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 26-29 Nov A Tour of Arnham Your guide will take you on a tour around some of the rarely seen rooms and provide an insight into the strange events that have happened there over the last 120 years. Queen Mother Theatre, Hitchin, SG4 9YA. 01462 455166

MUSIC

5-Nov Live Midweek Music – Bill Cornell & his Jazz Katz Relax on a Wednesday evening at the Rhodes while listening to the very best from the vibrant local music scene.

Midweek Live Music events are now established as a ‘must see’ night for music fans of all ages so unwind, kick back and relax. Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3JG. 01279 651746 7-Nov Winter Mountain ‘Winter Mountain’ blend melodic folk songs, heartfelt lyrics and two voices in a sound reminiscent of a time before digital recording when the emphasis fell on the importance of live performance, the power of harmony and the essence of the song. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800 8-Nov Joe Brown Packed with timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll, all interwoven with Joe’s effervescent delivery and humorous reminiscences. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800 9-Nov Ultimate Elton (and The Rocket Band) Rapidly established as the foremost Elton John tribute act in the UK, ‘Ultimate Elton’, who also plays with a live band, presents an uncannily accurate reproduction of the classic live shows of one of pop music’s most successful and best-loved artists. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333

11-12 Nov Talon The show features a host of worldclass musicians and it is the immensely powerful four part vocal harmony and exact musical production on which Talon have built their reputation. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800 12-Nov Dancing in the Streets The talented cast and band will bring to life the infectious, melodic, foottapping songs with a touch of soul and style guaranteed to have you singing along and dancing in the aisles. A great celebration of Motown. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333 13-Nov Dreaming of Kate A fantastic live band who have worked with a range of major international artists. Numerous costume changes, dance routines and stage props help Maaike Breijman amaze her audience as she effortlessly performs songs spanning the whole of Kate Bush’s career. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 0845 0753993 19-Nov Madama Butterfly Back by overwhelming public demand, this award winning opera returns with exquisite sets, featuring a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes, including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333 19-Nov Martha Wainwright With an undeniable voice and an arsenal of powerful songs, Martha Wainwright is a beguiling performer and a refreshingly different force in music.

Since 2005, she has released three fulllength studio albums and various EPs that have been met with worldwide critical acclaim. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800 19-22 Nov Fiddler on the Roof Tevye, a poor milkman and the father of five daughters, has always lived by Jewish traditions but his three older daughters want to marry for love rather than accept whatever husbands Yente the Matchmaker finds. Tevye must cope with this as well as the precarious life he and the villagers of Anatevka face every day. The Court Theatre, Station Road, Tring, HP23 5QY. 07543 560478.

21-Nov Think Floyd Live in Concert This extraordinary show, dubbed ‘The Definitive Pink Floyd Experience’, is renowned for its stunning celebration of one of the world’s greatest musical phenomena. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ. 01234 269519

29-Nov Roy Orbison If you love good music, then this is the show for you, as Barry Steele presents his all live spectacular multimedia tribute to The Big O, featuring classic Orbison hits from the 60s right through to the late 80s. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. 01582 290333 29-Nov The Rollin’ Clones There are no better deliverers of vibrancy, edginess, masterly musicianship and charisma on the tribute circuit, and all this by the strutting, trout-pouting Jaggernaut-load.

Hawthorn Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX. 01707 357117

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

6-20 Nov Hertfordshire University Another sparkling exhibition, filling all galleries, from the talented students of Hertfordshire University. Letchworth Arts Centre, The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EW. 01462 670788 10 Nov-31 Dec Paper Panda Wonderful typographical lyrical papercuts made from recycled paper by the talented Louise Firchau. Obsidian Art, Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5XJ. 01296 612150 22-29 Nov Jo Spyropoulos, Mike Townesend and Steve Betts The Gallery becomes the domain for three artists who share the space for one week only. Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QP. 01234 346995

SPECIAL EVENTS

6-8 Nov Continental Market in Watford The town centre will come alive with the tastes, smells and products of Continental Europe and beyond. This year there are some new exciting stalls: German salami, Finnish crafts, Peruvian handicrafts, Italian macaroons and Paris handbags. High Street, Watford, WD17 1AZ. 0151 2801925 16 Nov Celebarte Diwali Accompanying the outdoor Diwali celebrations that day taking place in the town centre, everyone is invited to the Palace for a spectacular family evening of festivity and fun, to help celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights.

Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, WD17 1JZ 01923 235455 14-16 Nov Knebworth ChristmasFair A popular fair where you can find jewellery and other accessories, handmade cards, aromatherapy products, through to ceramics and wood turning. There will also be a good selection of festive food and drink to choose from. Knebworth House, Knebworth, Herts, SG1 2AX. 01438 812661

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AREA FOCUS

N

Have an Olney Christmas

estled on the Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire borders alongside the Great River Ouse, Olney is a beautiful location at any time of year. However, when the festive season arrives the historic market town twinkles into life.

Olney Town Council hosts perhaps one of the biggest and most renowned Christmas events around each year, A Dickens of a Christmas. Attracting thousands of visitors to the town, it’s a must for anyone who loves Christmas or who wants to experience traditional festive fun – trust us, even Scrooge would find it difficult not to get into the Christmas spirit here.

This year’s annual Dickens of a Christmas market will be held on Sunday 7 December, 10am to 4pm.

Traders dressed in Victorian clothes will occupy Olney’s Market Place and High Street with stalls offering treats for your festive table and under the tree. Everything from an array of gifts, holly wreaths and wrapping to handmade crafts will be available.

Visitors will be able to sample delicious mulled wine, hot chocolate and turkey rolls as well as other tasty food and drink. The Farmers market offers delicious local produce and is the perfect opportunity to get some tasty ingredients if you’re planning a Christmas party.

Decorated trees will line the high street, lights will sparkle and the town’s main tree will all add to the festive atmosphere. There will be an opportunity for children to visit Father Christmas and his elves in the grotto, meet birds of prey and enjoy fairground rides. There will be brass bands, street entertainers and three indoor craft fayres.

Even visitors are encouraged to dress up in Dickensian theme but be warned the Dickens Day is renowned as being the coldest day of the year, so wrap up well. If the cold becomes too much, most of the town’s pubs and restaurants will be open where you can warm up with a nice hot beverage.

Late night shopping

If you fancy missing the hustle and bustle and have some serious Christmas shopping to do be sure to visit Olney’s Late Night Christmas Shopping event on 27 November. Olney is a little hotspot for shopping with a range of antique stores, toyshops and the latest fashions. The town’s lovely boutiques, independent stores and galleries will open until 8pm.

Anyone with a keen eye for fashion should check out Noa Noa, a global Scandinavian lifestyle brand with more than three decades of experience in the creation of womenswear, accessories and childrenswear. Located on the Market Place, the store will be taking part in the late night shopping event and will have some great items for special gifts.

For one-off items stop by Afterglow located on the High Street. Combining especially sourced vintage pieces and items from cutting edge designers you’re bound to find a treasure in this fabulous store.

Throughout the late night shopping evening the Olney Christmas lights will add an extra sparkle to the elegant Georgian High Street. A brass band will be playing carols and mulled wine and mince pies are available to accompany your shopping. After 8pm why not visit one of Olney’s pubs or restaurants to finish off your evening.

Images copyright Jeremy Rawlings

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AREA FOCUS

A Hitchin Christmas

D

uring the festive season the region’s historic market towns really do come alive and Hitchin is no exception.

As one of the oldest towns in Hertfordshire and home to the elegant St Mary’s Church, Hitchin is a wonderfully picturesque town for festive fun.

This year Christmas celebrations begin with the switch-on of the town’s lights on 21 November at 6pm. The evening will be a great gathering offering seasonal cheer and a live music programme with Heart Radio presenters.

Once the town is twinkling a fun-filled festive month will begin. To get you into the Christmas spirit early and as an opportunity to shop for some special handcrafted gifts, visit the British School Museum’s Christmas Fair on 29 November, 10am to 2.30pm.

The fair is free to attend and will offer a selection of crafts, toys, jewellery and cakes.

The museum is getting into the Christmas spirit this year with a chance to have tea with Santa on Sunday 30 November and ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Thursday 4 December, where renowned raconteur Keith Baldwin will return to the museum with readings from everybody’s favourite Christmas tale in a genuine Dickensian era setting. Tickets are priced £10 and include mulled wine and mince pies.

The Christmas Tree Festival Held every year since 1997 in Holy Saviour Church, the festival is believed to be the oldest established Christmas Tree Festival in Britain. This year’s festival will take place over the weekend of 12 – 14 December.

Around 50 trees are displayed, each decorated by an individual, school, family, local group or business to illustrate a theme of their choice. The effect in this beautiful Butterfield church is magical. Live music is featured throughout the weekend and hot and cold lunches and teas are served in the adjacent hall.

The Festival opens with a special preview and concert on the Friday night and closes with a service of thanksgiving on the Sunday night. Over 2,000 visitors are expected to attend this magical event.

Christmas Markets Nothing signifies Christmas like a festive market. For fabulous food and drink, shopping and all-round fun pop along to Hitchin’s Market Gala Day on Sunday 14 December.

For a final spot of shopping before the big day and for a chance to buy the very best in local produce for Christmas dinner and a range of festive treats take a trip to the ever popular Craft and Farmers’ Market, Saturday 20 December. After all that festive fun we think you might just about be ready for Christmas!

eastlife.co.uk |139

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AREA FOCUS

Festive Season in Ampthill

S

ometimes you just can’t beat a historic market town and there’s no better time to visit than at Christmas. Take a trip to Ampthill, a small town and civil parish located between Bedford and Luton.

Best known for its regular market, which has taken place for centuries, the town knows how to celebrate Christmas in style.

The town has several lively pubs, a wide variety of restaurants and a selection of small independent specialist shops and businesses, which all come together for the festive spirit.

Christmas lights

Christmas begins with the light switch on taking place Sunday 16 November from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

Crowds will gather in the Market Square for fun festive entertainment in the lead up to the switch on at 4pm.

It’s never too late or early for that matter to start your Christmas shopping and if you’re looking to give someone a one-off or thoughtful gift this Christmas, why not take a browse at the Ampthill Methodist Church Christmas Fair on Saturday 29 November from 11.30am to 1.30pm. There will be a variety of stalls featuring toys, bric-a-brac, food goodies and a classic tombola.

Ampthill’s biggest and most popular festive event is the Christmas Tree Festival. This year the festival will take place 6 to 7 December from 11am to 9.30pm at St Andrew’s Church.

Across the two days there will be a jam-packed schedule of activities from storytelling, live music, stalls with Christmas crafts, a raffle and seasonal refreshments such as mulled wine and mince pies.

On Saturday 6 December Robert Daws will host the Community Concert at 7.30pm.

The festival is an exciting and merry event, which will display a range of decorated Christmas trees that have been submitted by local businesses, organisations and schools.

Christmas carols

It’s a given that most of us will be extremely busy in the lead up to Christmas but if you are a resident or live locally to Ampthill an hour singing carols could be just what you need to relax before the big day. On 22 December everyone is invited to come together and sing carols around the sparkling Christmas tree in the Market Square, between 6.30pm to 7.30pm. What a wonderful way to start the Christmas week.

After the hype there’s always a general slump between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve where many of us have over indulged and can’t bear the sight of another chocolate. To lift your spirits take the family to enjoy the classic pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. Taking place at Parkside Hall, 27 to 28 December, the Maurice Kachuk production is a great way to finish this year’s festivities.

eastlife.co.uk |141

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THEATRE & SHOWS

6-Nov Our Friend, The Enemy The Western Front, Christmas 1914: lights appear from the German trenches and soldiers meet between the firing lines. The events which follow are the most astounding stories of the Great War told through the eyes of one soldier. Private James Boyce takes us on a magical, haunting journey through the events surrounding the Christmas truce. Haverhill Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill, CB9 8AR. 01440 714140 6-7 Nov A Murder is Announced A staple of crime fiction, often considered the best of all the Miss Marple novels. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130 7-9 Nov Horror-On-Sea-East Film Festival This brand new feast of the spooky, macabre and plain downright weird, screen a fine selection of new independent horror films from the UK and across the globe. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 7-Nov The Man Who Woke Up Dead A taut thriller, influenced by 1950s film noir and the dystopian worlds of George Orwell. It’s a dark, claustrophobic nightmare, akin to the thrillers of Alfred Hitchcock, exploring the divide between fact and fiction.

The Cut, New Cut, Halesworth, IP19 8BY. 0845 6732123 8-Nov Ipswich & the Great War A tribute to the men and women who battled for victory. The stories of Military heroes & Munitions Workers, of Zeppelin Raids & Rationing, and the vital work done by Ipswich Manufacturers. New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipwsich, IP1 2AS. 01473 295900 11-Nov Ha Ha Hood Ten years after a messy divorce Robin and Marian are forced back together to fight the Sheriff once more. Ipswich Corn Exchange, King Street, Ipswich, IP1 1DH. 01473 433100 14-Nov That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show Get ready for a party as the UK’s most successful Rock ‘N’ Roll variety show,

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Remembrance Events in Ipswich

F

rom Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 November, a new First World War centenary exhibition is at Ipswich Town Hall, with features of local interest, medals, memorabilia and general information. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm. It is being run by the Borough Council with the support of the Royal British Legion.

On Sunday 9 November, 10.30am, a Remembrance Day Parade and Service will be held in Christchurch Park. Four Army Air Corps will again lead the parade through the town centre. Deputy Lord Lieutenant Major Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, the acting Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich will all be participating in the service, along with other invited guests from around the county, and veterans’ organisations, cadets and local groups.

Tuesday 11 November sees a short service of Remembrance held at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park to mark the signing of the Armistice in 1918.

the legendary ‘That’ll Be The Day’, returns with its brand new 2014 Christmas Show. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 15-Nov Separate Tables In a small seaside hotel, affection, love and desire linger on in lives consumed by loneliness and disappointment.

Rattigan’s sensitive potrayal of middle class hypocrisy is packed with humour and compassion. The Cut, New Cut, Halesworth, IP19 8BY. 0845 6732123

16-Nov A Christmas Carol Bringing to life a whole host of Dickensian characters, from the spectral Jacob Marley to the warm and loving Bob Cratchit and his son Tiny Tim, not forgetting of course the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 17-22 Nov The Mousetrap The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst.

Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed. Ipswich Regent, 3 St Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE 01473 433100 19-22 Nov Oh! What a Lovely War ‘Oh! What a Lovely War’ tells the story of this defining event of the 20th century through songs, sketches and period newsreel. A rousing musical, presented as a music hall revue, this highly charged satire on war and its horrors is, in turns, brilliantly comic and deeply moving. Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2AN. 01787 374745 21-Nov Remember When At Christmas This enchanting Christmas production now in its 8th sell out year, is a truly wonderful mixture of all of your favourite Christmas songs and carols, stunning costumes and lots of good old fashioned festive fun. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 21-22 Nov Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol Literature’s favourite quirky detective is infused with the spirit of a crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge in this festive Victorian theatrical treat. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130 25-Nov My Beautiful Launderette The plot addresses several polemical issues of the time, including homosexuality and racism, depicted within the social and economic climate of Thatcherism. Theatre Royal, Westgate

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Kiln Farm Guest House off J47 of A14. En-suite rooms around courtyard setting. l Conservatory dining room and guest bar l Certified CL Site l Children & Pets Welcome l Visit Britain Silver Award Winner

01359 240442 e-mail davejankilnfarm@btinternet.com

Suffolk Punch Trust Kiln Farm.indd 1

Christmas Events

Wednesday 3rd December

17/05/2012 12:56

a hoofin’ great day out 10am - 3pm

Christmas Wreath Making and Lunch

Enjoy a day designing your own Christmas Wreath starting with coffee and biscuits and demo, then a delicious lunch

Sunday 23rd November

and in to the do afternoon make There’s so much and you see.

Meet ownSuffolk Christmasbreeds Wreath followed the horses,your rare and with afternoonride coffeearound and cake. the enjoy a tractor-trailer £30.00 and per person farm. There’s a picnic play area and our café serves lovely homemade treats and cream teas. Family tickets available. Under 5s FREE. Please book in advance for both events on 01394 411327

10am - 2pm

Stir Up Sunday at the Stud Make your Christmas Pudding this year at The Suffolk Punch Stud watch a demo by Judith our famous cake maker, then have - a - go leaving with your very own Pud. Coffee and tea with biscuits on arrival, light lunch included. Please bring your own pudding bowl. £25 per person.

make a day of it, whatever the weather

MAKE A DAY OF IT, WHATEVER THE WEATHER Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK • CAFÉ

RAREHORSE BREEDSDEMOnstrations • PETS PADDOCKS • CAFÉ • FARM RIDES HORSE DEMONSTRATIONS • FARM MUSEUM • HERITAGE GARDEN •RIDES GIFT SHOP MUSEUM • HERITAGE GARDEN • GIFT SHOP 144 | eastlife.co.uk

Woodbridge Suffolk IP12Walk, 3JR. Hollesley, 01394 411327 Suffolk IP12 3JR. 01394 411327 www.suffolkpunchtrust.org www.suffolkpunchtrust.org

SUFFOLK Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 27-Nov The Rise and Fall of Little Voice The play tells the story of a shy, reclusive girl named Little Voice who spends her time locked in her bedroom listening to her old record collection, perfecting impersonations of famous divas. The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH. 01502 589726 28 Nov-14 Jan Cinderella Known for its traditional, fun-filled, family pantos the Theatre Royal will once again serve up a sparkling festive treat filled with catchy songs, silly jokes, and a sprinkling of magic. Packed with dastardly villains, miraculous mice, swirling dresses and some stupendous slapstick. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 30-Nov The Nutcracker This all-time ballet favourite in which young Clara is swept into a fantasy adventure when one of her Christmas presents comes to life, is at its most enchanting in Peter Wright’s glorious production. Quay Theatre, Quay Lane Sudbury, CO10 2AN. 01787 374745

14-Nov Aurora Orchestra Take a surreal journey through the rooms of a house, starting in the kitchen with a jazz ballet for spoons, dishcloths, sieves and saucepans.

The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 14-Nov Shaun Loughrey & His Band The son of one of Tyrone’s finest country singers Johnny Loughrey, Shaun was brought up in a home filled with country music and it was almost inevitable that one day he would find himself being drawn to a life on the stage. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130 16-Nov The Day the Music Died This very special one-off show commemorates the 55th Anniversary of this great singer-songwriter, Buddy Holly. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 14-Nov Soul-Town Telling the story of Soul and Motown through the decades, you can expect great melodies, lots of tambourines, hand clapping, driving bass lines, infectious dancing and plenty of audience participation. Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2AN .

01787 374745

MUSIC 19-Nov Pascuala Ilabaca & Fauna 8-Nov BurySound Final A favourite on the new scene of The best up and coming live acts young Chilean singer-songwriters, her competing for the 2014 crown. The music is rooted in traditional sounds Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edbut effortlessly integrates influences munds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 gathered in such distant places as India or Mexico with shades of jazz, pop 9-Nov New Words, Fresh Voices and rock. The Apex, 1 Charter Square This is the Seagull’s bi-monthly perforBury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. mance platform for local poets and 01284 758000 songwriters. Described as ‘a place of truth-telling which is the basis of all good poetry’, contributors explore what is good, bad and fascinating about being human – all told with refreshing honesty and good humour.

The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH. 01502 589726 10-Nov Justin Carrie Currently a successful solo artist, Justin Currie’s music is dominated by strong imagery and storytelling, powerful yet understated vocals and a sound that, whilst firmly rooted in nineties pop-rock, translates beautifully into modern, urban ballads. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 13-Nov One Night of Elvis Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist, Lee Memphis King presents the ultimate tribute to The King - celebrating the entire career of the musical legend, accompanied by his world-class band and backing singers.

The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000

24-Nov Joe Brown A show packed with timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll, all interwoven with Joe’s effervescent delivery and humorous reminiscences. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 24-Nov Rumours of Fleetwood Mac The show will showcase and celebrate in meticulous note-for-note detail, all the classic hits from one of the most outstanding and enduring catalogues in the history of recorded music.

Ipswich Regent, 3 St Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE. 01473 433100 30-Nov The Sensational 60s Experience This is without doubt the ultimate 60s extravaganza touring the UK on its 50th Anniversary. For one night only six legendary names from the 1960s take to the stage and deliver to you a night never to be forgotten. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

1-5 Nov Autumn Exhibition A mix of artists have been out and about with their paints and easels during this past summer and have produced a marvellous collection for the Autumn Exhibition. The Hunter Gallery, Hall Street, Long Melford, CO10 9JQ. 01787 466117 1-Nov Christmas On The Horizon The final exhibition of the year, opening on Saturday 1 November and as usual, it will feature work in all media from as many artists that can fit into the gallery. Sea Pictures Gallery, Wells Lane, Clare, CO10 8NH. 01787 279024 4 Nov - 4 Jan Fine Art Prints Gainsborough’s House print workshop exhibition. Demonstration days: Wed 12 Nov & Wed 10 Dec, 10am-4pm.

Apex Gallery, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 11-Nov Target: Lowestoft ‘Target Lowestoft’ is richly illustrated with images, some have recently been discovered, and will examine not just the damage inflicted at the time but how it shaped the town we know it today. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200

SPECIAL EVENTS 1-Nov Sustainable Living Fair Bury’s ‘Sustainable Living Fair’ has a huge selection of stalls, demonstrations & live music. Come and get your bike/electronics repaired, sample woodworking/up-cycling, learn about renewables, activities for children and much more. Free to attend. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 1-Nov Spooky Fireworks This year’s ‘Fireworks in the Park’ will combine another fantastic firework display with a very special Halloween theme with spooky scare-fest surprises around every corner. Christchurch Park, Bolton Lane, Ipswich, IP4 2BX. 01473 252435 7-Nov Festival of Remembrance Led by The Royal British Legion & featuring the Volunteer Band of RAF Honnington with a moving & enjoyable concert, followed by Drumhead Service of Remembrance including two minute silence. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 21-23 Nov Ipswich Christmas Market Ipswich Christmas Market features a wide range of local and national traders selling a fantastic range of quality gifts, crafts, grocery and much more.

Princes Street, Buttermarket, Ipswich, IP1 1DH. 07736 826180

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AREA FOCUS

A GUIDE TO EARSHAM STREET

A

t the heart of Bungay’s wonderful array of shops is Earsham Street - the town’s hub for stores selling beautiful antiques, artefacts, curios and arts. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing in hope of finding a hidden treasure or great for picking up an extra special gift. Whether you love shopping or collecting, just want to browse or perhaps stop for a bite to eat, we have it covered…

Gift shops Crocks of Bungay is a charming family-owned and run gift shop which has been based in Earsham Street since the 1970s. It’s a one-stop shop for finding the perfect present, greeting card or wrapping paper with a wide variety available as well as an extensive range of jewellery from local silversmiths.

For party essentials head to Lodge Cordell or take a trip to Sexton Blakes, a fabulous store which sells a mix of gifts, furniture and home accessories that you may not find on the high street. The store is owned by a husband and wife duo who also run Black Dog Antiques.

Antiques and arts Earsham Street is renowned for its antiques and galleries. A dream store for anyone that loves interior design or art is Cork Brick Antiques and Gallery, which has kept its finger firmly on the pulse of ever changing fads and fashion. The antique store sells an array of furniture and quirky items while next door, the gallery shows a vibrant collection of works from local artists.

Food and Drink For a quick bite Earsham Street Deli is a must visit.

Offering a selection of homemade goodies the deli also offers the opportunity to purchase some of the region’s best produce including cheese, chutneys and cakes.

The Three Cooks at the Three Tuns pub in Earsham Street offers a selection of Southeast Asian, Japanese and English cuisine. A firm favourite with locals, this restaurant delivers good food at competitive prices.

If you would like to take home some of the region’s highest quality fruits and vegetables stop by Giddens & Thompson Greengrocer. The store aims to provide the very best seasonal, fresh and locally sourced produce which means your dishes will taste extra yummy.

Living in Bungay With charm, character and community Bungay is a great place to live. If you’ve been tempted to have a look at the property available, pop along to the newly opened Hunters Estate Agents. It’s well equipped to offer a service to the vastly different markets in the immediate areas of Bungay and the surrounding villages. There will be an offering of sales, lettings and full management facilities from its newly refurbished offices in Earsham Street. Hunters is the fastest growing agency franchise in the UK with well over a hundred offices nationwide and are delighted to have arrived in East Anglia.

Christmas market Taking over the length of Earsham Street this Christmas is the return of the Bungay Christmas Street Market, Sunday 7 December, 9am to 3.30pm.

Featuring over 100 stalls the festive market is perfect for Christmas shoppers looking for gifts, decorations and a delicious selection of food and drink. Up to 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the popular market, which has now established itself as one of the best markets in the East of England.

Adding to the festive atmosphere is a number of events and entertainment throughout the day.

Father Christmas will arrive at 11am to welcome children to his grotto at the Fisher Theatre, South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band will be playing from 10.30am onwards, Old Glory Molly Men will parade through the market at 2pm and Wingbeat Birds of Prey will be displaying its collection of owls and other birds.

Visitors to Bungay are reminded not to park overnight in Earsham Street on Saturday 6 December.

Parking will be available throughout the town.

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148 | eastlife.co.uk Lightfoot.indd 1

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Gainsborough’s House

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Gainsborough’s House showcases the life and works of the artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), one of the greatest painters in the history of British art. The work on permanent display allows you to explore Gainsborough’s whole career, from early portraits and landscapes to later works from his London period.

A new shopping experience

for clothes, jewellery and accessories,walberswick gifts, books, toys and games.

Tea Room and courtyard garden serving delicious cakes, cream teas & light lunches. on the Village Green, Walberswick, Suffolk. IP18 6TT. 01502 723173 Open 10am - 5pm every day

A range of themed merchandise, based not only on the artist Thomas Gainsborough, but on the heritage of Sudbury and the Georgian period.

BOOKS . . . CLOTHING . . . FOOD . . . HOME . . . TOYS AND GAMES . . . ART . . . KITCHEN . . . TOILETRIES . . .

CERAMICS . . . MUSIC . . . STATIONERY . . . JEWELLERY Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sundays 11am - 5pm Closed: Good Friday and between Christmas and New Year Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street Sudbury CO10 2EU Telephone: 01787 372958 mail@gainsborough.org www.gainsborough.org Administered by Gainsborough’s House Society (charity 214046)

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Diamond engagement and wedding ring specialists Engagement rings – a wide range of new and vintage diamond rings in Platinum or Gold. Prices from £500 – £25,000.

Wedding rings – hundreds of sample bands to try in store, available in all widths in Platinum, Gold or Palladium.

Visit our website and browse our products.

5 Church Street Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1DH Tel: 01394 389666

www.aspensjewellers.co.uk

AREA FOCUS

Winter in Woodbridge

I

f you’re looking for Christmas spirit and a magical winter setting, a visit or overnight stay in Woodbridge is a must during this year’s festive season.

With its picturesque riverside walks, cosy pubs, restaurants and independent stores, the town will be buzzing with community spirit and a festive atmosphere. Expect the streets lined with twinkling lights, welcoming restaurants and filled with Christmas cheer.

The festive season begins with the return of the much loved Mammoth Christmas Street Fair on Sunday 7 December, 10am to 5pm. Regarded as one of the most exciting events in the Woodbridge calendar more than 130 stalls take over the Thoroughfare and Cumberland Street to give shoppers a real Christmas treat. The smell of festive food and the sound of Christmas carols fill the air as shoppers browse a huge range of trinkets, treats and treasures.

Christmas Shopping If you just can’t wait until December to start your Christmas shopping there’ll be plenty more opportunities throughout November.

For most of us Christmas is a time for indulgent foods but before you go ahead and splurge on the Christmas food shop why not stop by The Gallery in Woodbridge for a wine and cheese evening hosted by local cheese expert Hamish Johnston on 13 November. Various cheeses will be sampled along with wines to complement them.

For some soothing gifts and spirituality stop by the Woodbridge Christmas Holistic Fayre, 15 to 16 November taking place at the Community Hall. The event will be a ‘Holistic & Music Festival Experience’ with stalls, workshops and a free prize draw.

Shoppers can browse and buy Christmas gifts from handmade goods such as pottery, soap and wooden garden furniture to seasonal food, clothing, crafts and plants. The market is always very popular and is growing every year with new stallholders bringing an even wider range of goods.

Tim Fincham, owner of Woodbridge Sandwich Shop and organiser of the Christmas Market said: “This market has been going for more than 15 years during which it has grown in both size and popularity. We have regular visitors from Clacton, Harwich, Norwich and the towns and villages nearby. It is a fantastic way to kick start the festive season and pick up some gifts and decorations.”

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10 Oct East Life Box Cmas lunch 2014 HP _Layout 1 09/10/2014 13:27 Page 1

UFFORD PARK WOODBRIDGE

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Sunday 21st December 2pm - 9pm

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New Woodburner Showroom Open days New Woodburner Our new woodburner showroom, located We are hostingdays our Showroom Open in the same building as our Aga showroom official Open Days on

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Friday 5th and Saturday Our new woodburner showroom, located 10.00am We are–hosting our 6th September We have on display from OER, as our Aga instoves the same building showroom official 4.00pm and you are mostOpen Days on Aga, Stanley, Woodwarm & High isFlame at Martlesham, now near completion. welcome to attend.Friday 5th and Saturday and a rangelocated of accessories. are able 6th September Our new woodburner showroom, in theWe same building as our Aga showroom at 10.00am – display stoves from OER, to supply only or ifWe youhave wishonour 4.00pm and you are most Special open Martlesham, is now open. experienced engineers Aga, can Stanley, Woodwarm & High Flame complete offers welcome to attend. andworks. a range of accessories. Weday are able the entire installation to supply onlyWoodwarm or if you wish our We have on display stoves from OER, Aga, Stanley, & High Flame and a range of Special open engineers can complete engineers accessories. We are able toSuffOlk supply onlyWOOdburNerS orexperienced if you wish our experienced can complete the day offers the entire Unit 6, Bridge Business Parkinstallation works.

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Suffolk Woodburners are part of the long established Martin Melville company

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UFFORD PARK WOODBRIDGE HOTEL | GOLF | SPA

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Knitting Groups on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons.

Workshops and Classes.

Small groups and one to one teaching available.

CHRISTMAS DAY AND BOXING DAY LUNCH This is the time of the year that you deserve to be spoilt with delicious food and great service. Leave the cooking and washing-up to us and enjoy a scrumptious, freshly prepared 3 course lunch.

Christmas Day £67.95 per adult, £25 per child (5-14 years old)

Boxing Day £24.95 per adult, £15 per child

(5-14 years old)

Children under 5 years old FREE

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The popular Farmers’ Market will take place 22 November at the Community Hall and offers a range of fresh and seasonal local produce, while on 27 November a special Ladies Festive Shopping Evening will be held at Ufford Park, 7pm to 9pm.

In aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, the fantastic evening will be held in the traditionally decorated Deben Suite and offer a range of festive stalls selling the things most us women love the most: designer handbags, purses, scarves, jewellery and more. Tickets must be paid for in advance, cost £5 with half of the entry being donated. Tickets include a glass of fizz on arrival and canapés.

Within the town you’ll find a great selection of independent stores selling antiques, homewares, jewellery and gifts. For the latest fashions stop by Fanny & Frank, a fantastic boutique selling a beautiful range of clothes, accessories and footwear and stocking designer labels such as Vivienne Westwood and Adrianna Papell. Located on Market Hill, the store has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in the town.

Christmas will be going out on his sleigh around Seckford Heights & Oxford Drive in Woodbridge from 6pm collecting further money for charities supported

by Rotary.

Then on the Market Hill in Woodbridge on Monday 22 December the Woodbridge Rotary Club will be holding their annual Carol Service on the Market Hill.

Father Christmas plans to come along again and hand out sweets to the children on the Shire Hall Steps.

After the success of last year’s Christmas Storytelling at The Crown, professional storyteller Justine de Mierre will be returning this year with more wintery and festive tales to entertain and delight the children of Woodbridge on Friday 5, 12 and 19 December, 4.14pm to 5.15pm. Just as last year, there will be Christmas cards from various characters from ‘Storyland’, and the children will get to pick from them which story they would like to hear next. The storytelling will take place in front of the fireplace in the main bar with a story carpet and comfy cushions surrounding it so everyone can relax and join in.

Special events

On 15 November two of Santas Elfs will be in the Woodbridge Thoroughfare handing out leaflets and telling children that Father Christmas will be arriving at Notcutts on Sunday 16 November at around 11am. He will then be there from 11am until 4.15pm every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.

On 7 December the Rotary Club will be having a bottle stall in the Thoroughfare raising money for riding For The Disabled and other charities supported

by Rotary. As if he has not got enough to do Father

eastlife.co.uk |155

urs half page_Layout 1 13/10/2014 15:32 Page 1 3/10/2014 15:32 Page 1

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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.

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Plus LARGE SELECTION of hand made 100% wool rug in stock.

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Glebe House Residential Retirement Home, Hollesley, Woodbridge PANTOMIME

Glebe House is a fine Victorian former rectory situated in the heart of the Suffolk Heritage Coast – offering a unique and caring environment for the care of the elderly in their retirement.

A Traditional Family Pantomime

We offer: • Long term care • Early stage of dementia care • Short term care • NVQ trained dedicated staff • Respite holiday care

• Day care • Spacious bedrooms all with ensuite • Activities & outings • Convalescent stay • Traditional home cooking

by Peter Duncan

directed by Karen Simpson designed by Rebecca Lee

Please contact us for further information, to request a brochure or to arrange a visit.

Friday 28 November 2014 – Sunday 11 January 2015

Glebe House Retirement Home Rectory Road, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3SJ

Box Office 01284 769505 Online at www.theatreroyal.org

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Love it Come and see our fantastic selection of cards and gifts and discover why we’ve been awarded Best Independent Card Retailer East Anglia 2013 and finalist best gift shop 2014.

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You’ll love it! eastlife.co.uk | 157

Have a Bury Christmas

I

f there’s one town that knows how to celebrate Christmas in style it’s Bury St Edmunds. Attracting visitors from across the region, Bury St Edmunds has firmly established itself as a town of Christmas cheer.

This year’s seasonal festivities see a festive weekend at the end of the month Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November with the return of Bury St Edmund’s famous Christmas Fayre.

Set off by the town’s Angel Hill and Abbey gardens with its dramatic Cathedral and medieval Abbey Gate, which has links to Charles Dickens, the Christmas Fayre is a fantastic festive event with something for everyone.

Growing in size and reputation, the Christmas Fayre will see the town transformed into a traditional Christmas market with colourful stalls selling local produce and crafts as well as over 300 traders from around the UK and mainland Europe, classic fairground rides and on-stage entertainment.

This year the fayre has grown in size and is now eight markets rolled into one. Visitors will also be able to sample the delights of Bury St Edmunds’ provisions market while this year the date coincides with the Cathedral’s Christmas Fair and the Medieval Fayre in Moyse’s Hall Museum. There will be street entertainment and more stalls in at The Apex.

The opening evening on Thursday 27 November is a great time to visit with a parade, half price fairground rides, free parking and a firework finale.

Entertainment continues throughout the weekend

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with a great mix of music. From church choirs, school bands, rock, jazz and folk, the weekend will finish with a traditional carol concert on Angel Hill with music provided by the Salvation Army band and the Abbey Gateway in the background – a truly magical experience.

Due to popular demand the weekly street market will be open again on Friday 28 and run for all three days and the local Farmers’ Market will be open on Sunday 30 November.

If you’re looking to pick up some handcrafted goodies or fancy sampling some of the region’s mouth-watering produce hurry along to Bury St Edmunds.

Christmas light switch on

Kicking off the Bury St Edmunds festivities this year is the switch-on of the Christmas lights on Thursday 20 November, which is officially St Edmunds Day. The event commences at 2pm with a Charity Market and local schools performing on the stage.

The lights will be switched on at 7pm by local radio presenter Mark Murphy. Once lit the sound of music will fill the air with a performance from a ‘Blues Brothers’ act on stage through to 8.30pm. This is a great evening of free festive entertainment.

Warm up

When the cold becomes too much to bear head to Harriet’s Café Tearooms to warm up.

AREA FOCUS

Located in a beautiful historic building the elegant tearoom is perfectly fitting for a festive afternoon.

Waitresses wear period uniforms and the tearoom has regular live piano music. The winter menu will offer flavoured syrups guaranteed to spice up your latte and a range of delicious hearty meals.

Entertainment

At the hub of Bury’s entertainment scene is The Apex. If you’re looking for great live music and events this Christmas you won’t find better than The Apex’s fun festive line-up.

Relive Christmas from wartimes with ‘Hits from the Blitz: We’ll Meet Again’ on 4 December a “feelgood” 1940s show. Famous wartime tunes and singa-long songs are brought to life by the singers and multi-instrumentalists of the Five Star Swing band, tickets priced £15. Keeping with the historic theme, ‘Carols by Candlelight’ on 16 December will see the The Locrian Ensemble present a truly magical Christmas concert of carols, Christmas tunes and seasonal surprises performed in lavish period costume. Tickets priced £19.50.

Frank, Doris, Dean, Bing and a whole gang of cool celluloid cats and hip Hollywood chicks.

For a great festive family afternoon be sure to book tickets to ‘Father Christmas Needs a Wee’ on 22 December. The show is a musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much loved book, which tells the story of Father Christmas forgetting to do something very important after those tasty treats when he reaches number 10. TaleGate Theatre hit the perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic music and the extra sparkle they have become known for.

Tickets priced £12.

The Christmas line-up is finished off with ‘An Albion Christmas’ on 23 December, which features the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings. The show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain. Tickets priced £18.

Jazz lovers can swing their way into the festive spirit with ‘Jazz at the Movies’ on 17 December. Joanna Eden and the Chris Ingham Quartet will play jazzy festive favourites made famous by Ella, Eartha,

eastlife.co.uk | 159

NEALS YARD REMEDIES

NEALS YARD REMEDIES

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NEALS YARD REMEDIES

Gorgeous organic gifts , natural skin care and luxurio us products for you to choose.

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Tis The Season...

At Neals Yard Remedies, Bury St Edmunds

34 Abbeygate Street, Bury-St-Edmunds IP33 1LW www. nealsyardburystedmunds.co.uk Telephone: 01284 706004 Email: burystedmunds@nealsyardremedies.com NEALS YARD REMEDIES

NEALS YARD REMEDIES

NEALS YARD REMEDIES

27, 28, 29 & 30 NOVEMBER BURY ST EDMUNDS

RES SPE THU IDENTS CIAL RSD EVE AY NING 27T H

2014

THURSDAY 27: 4-8 FRIDAY 28: 10-8 SATURDAY 29: 10-8 SUNDAY: 10-5

Venues Include: Abbey Gardens, Angel Hill, Apex, Athenaeum, Arc Shopping Centre,

01284 764667 160 | eastlife.co.uk

tic@westsuffolk.gov.uk

www.burystedmundschristmasfayre.co.uk

SOCIAL SCENE

This month on Facebook you were loving.. . .

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SOCIAL SCENE

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

We’ve captured some beautiful autumnal images on our travels throughout the region..

We’d love to see your seasonal shots too. Share them with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eastlifemag

It’s panto time.

Oh yes, it is!

“TWEET TWEET” A Selection of our favourite tweets from the last month: @Unique_PR Oct 14 We love this coverage for @BraxtedCookery in @Eastmagazines. It’s an amazing place to learn to cook #cookery @PhilBarrington Oct 10 @Eastmagazines I just wanted to say a BIG thanks to your team for the great article on my King’s Lynn exhibition in last month’s edition. :D @ElyGinCo Oct 12 @Eastmagazines On the road 6am this morning & now handing out #gin tasters @AutumnShow @PeterboroArena Blackberry & Chocolate #gin #winners!

162 | eastlife.co.uk

We’ve teamed up with theatres across the region for our next BIG competition. Look out for how to win a family ticket to one of this year’s pantomimes on our Facebook page.

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