Iceni Magazine Norfolk Issue 115

Iceni

“An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.”Martin Buber.

Welcome to Issue 115 of Iceni Magazine!

This month, our focus is on Pets. Around 62% of all UK households have pets – so to say we are a nation of animal lovers would not be an exaggeration. Page 43 gives us an overview as to the importance of pet insurance while on Page 48, you can gain some useful ideas for supporting a child with the grief of losing a beloved animal. Tom from See What Mummy Says shares his family’s pet history (a condensed version) and why he and his wife feel pet ownership offers so much to them and their children (Pages 46 & 47).

Elsewhere in this issue, be sure to check out the Best of Norfolk in photographic format – we have such a stunning range of photos submitted by our Facebook followers (Pages 29 – 37). EcoQueen Jill shares her views on the cost-of-living crisis and what this might mean for our environment (Pages 17 – 19). Finally, don’t miss the heartwarming story on Page 9 of how one Redwings resident saved a life.

Until next month, we hope you manage to keep warm, dry and fed, alongside enjoying all that November has to offer. Take care!

Copyright © Iceni Magazine Limited. All rights reserved. No articles, adverts, content or design in this magazine may be used or reproduced either in whole or part, online or in print. The views and advice from contributors are not necessarily those of Iceni Magazine Limited. Every effort is made to ensure the contents are accurate, however Iceni Magazine Limited can not assume responsibility for errors, omissions or incorrect information. Iceni Magazine Limited accepts no liability for loss, damage or difficulties resulting from contracts between The Client and their customer. Inclusion within the magazine does not imply a recommendation.

The Benjamin Foundation

For over 25 years, children, young people and families across Norfolk and Suffolk have been supported by The Benjamin Foundation to overcome big challenges in their lives.

Each night, we accommodate up to 200 vulnerable young people, equating to over 50,000 safe nights’ sleep a year. They can finally feel safe from youth homelessness.

Each week, 150 young people access our emotional wellbeing support improving their mental health, increasing their self-esteem to finally feel understood.

Each year, over 400 young people attend our youth work in the community to gain new life skills, expand their horizons and finally feel confident. Overall, in the region of 2,000 local children and young people every year finally feel hopeful of a better future because of the work of The Benjamin Foundation.

Give Hope To A Young Person This Christmas

You can ensure children and young people supported by The Benjamin Foundation charity receive the gift of hope this Christmas.

Over the years, our Christmas Appeal has been generously supported by members of the public, families, local community groups and businesses to ensure each of our young people receives a present during the festive season.

This year you can support our Christmas Appeal in more ways than ever before:

• Make a monetary one-off or regular donation.

• Buy a Virtual Gift for a loved one this Christmas.

• Donate a physical gift for a young person supported by our charity.

• Volunteer to help sort and organise donated gifts.

If you would like to support young people this Christmas, please email: events@benjaminfoundation.co.uk, call 01603 615670 or visit https://benjaminfoundation. co.uk/event/christmas-appeal-2022/ for more information.

Thank you for your support.

Norwich Reuse Drop Off Centre Pop-Up Shop

We are delighted to announce that we will be holding a Pop-Up Shop at our new Norwich Reuse Drop Off Centre on Sunday 6th November 9am - 4pm.

In partnership with FCC Environment, our revolutionary reuse drop-off centre provides a facility for local people to donate good quality, pre-loved items they no longer need but still have life left in them to raise funds for our charity and reduce waste to landfill.

Our Pop-Up Shop will have hundreds of items including clothing, furniture, DVDs, toys, bric-a-brac and much, much more - so why not visit us on 6th November and see what you can find!

You will find us at the former Mile Cross Recycling Centre on Swanton Road, Norwich NR2 4LH or visit our Facebook page for the latest information: https://www.facebook.com/ thebenjaminfoundationnorwichreusedropoff

Norwich Sleep Out - Thank You!

On Thursday 20th October over, 70 people took part in Norwich Sleep Out 2022. They spent one night sleeping outside raising money to help #endyouthhomelessness. We are so grateful to every single person and organisation who supported the event, which has so far raised over £16,000 to support young people in Norfolk and Suffolk to take their next steps to independence. It's not too late to support Sleep Out and young people in Norfolk and Suffolk. If you would like to make a contribution, please make a donation here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/norwichsleepout22

Thank you for your amazing support!

For more information visit: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/

Festive Collection 2022

Join the Bure Valley Railway this festive season for one of their pre-bookable Christmas experiences.

For families with children, there is the Festive Express, a one-hour experience from Aylsham Station which includes festive refreshments, a 30-minute steam train ride and a visit to see Santa in his grotto. Each child will receive a personalised present from Santa himself! Trains are running weekends from 3rd December and daily from 17th December, up to and including Christmas Eve. Ticket price is £19.00 per person (Adult/Child).

For adults, there is the Noel Night Train on 1st December. Enjoy Aylsham Station all lit up and decorated, whilst listening to Aylsham Brass Band playing festive favourites, before boarding a special evening train for a 60 minute journey by steam through Norfolk’s night sky.

A hot drink and mince pie is included in the ticket price, together with a 10% discount on purchases in the gift shop. Ticket price is £16:00 per person.

The Whistlestop Café at Aylsham Station will be offering a pre-bookable festive afternoon tea weekdays from Monday 14th November until Friday 16th December. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, homemade scones and festive cakes with tea or coffee for £12.50 per person (minimum 2 people per booking).

After Christmas (27th December to 3rd January), there are the Mince Pie Specials. Enjoy a steam train ride from either Aylsham or Wroxham and receive a free warm mince pie in the Whistlestop Café.

Book online at www.bvrw.co.uk or Tel: 01263 733858.

Redwings Celebrates Animal Hero Who Helped Save Friend’s Life

Redwings is celebrating a very special animal hero who helped to save the life of one of his Sanctuary friends.

As a healthy, heavy horse on no medication, Rourke - a 17hh, Irish Draught cross gelding - was the perfect plasma donor when Coral - another Redwings resident - fell ill.

Coral, a 9.2hh piebald mare, who came in as part of a welfare case, was flagged for losing weight and after staff noticed some redworm larvae in her faeces, she went downhill quickly, needing urgent supportive care.

Redwings Veterinary Surgeon Dawn Trayhorn oversaw Coral’s care. She said: “Coral was losing protein from her intestines. It was a critical situation, and we could have lost her.

“She wouldn’t have survived without the intensive care she was given, and the plasma from Rourke was vital in getting her to turn the corner.

“Rourke did really well during the procedure and had lots of TLC and yummy dinners afterwards. He’s a real animal hero.”

Dawn added: “It’s amazing when we’re able to save a life. The whole team pulls together in situations like this. It’s difficult, but also what we’re here for. Coral and Rourke are very special to us.”

For more information about how you can support Redwings’ important work please visit: redwings.org.uk

“Coral is now doing great. She’s back at Redwings Caldecott Visitor Centre and hopefully can be rehomed at some point in the future.

Poorly Coral Rourke giving blood

Coral feeling better

Attleborough Fireworks 2022

Attleborough’s Fun Fest Team are pleased to confirm details for the return of the annual fireworks evening at Attleborough’s recreation ground, which will this year take place on Sunday 6th November.

As before, admission will be from 4.30pm onwards and the display itself to begin at approx 6.30pm. We look forward to welcoming everyone along.

NEW for 2022!! The evening will include a special fire performance from ‘Piratechics’ prior to the launch of the fireworks display.

The fireworks display this year will be accompanied by music. We will also have the usual attractions, including a craft fair in the scout hut, food and drink stalls, face painting plus mascot characters entertaining the crowds on the night.

We have also this year invited an excellent range of hot food and drink suppliers, all locally based, these include Debbie’s Dinky Donuts, Florenco’s Coffee Trailer, Krispie Crazy, Paul’s Plaice, Sweet- Ness, The Food Dude, The Mobile Pizza Co, The Shake Shack and Tony Perkins Butchers BBQ.

Tickets are priced at £2 each, children under 10 free. Tickets are on sale from the following outlets in Attleborough:- Cranks Bicycles, Mrs Bean Bistro and Tony Perkins Butchers.

In view of the big demand which is expected, we recommend you get your tickets as soon as possible, and arrive early so to enjoy both the food outlets and other attractions and entertainment leading up to what will be a fabulous display.

All profits raised will, as always, be made available for distribution to local charities and good causes. We will be notifying the arrangements very soon after 6th November. This will be posted and announced on the Attleborough Fun Fest Team Facebook page.

The Fun Fest Team would like to also give a special thanks to everyone involved and give mention to Anglian Demolition for their continued support. We would also like to thank all of the event sponsors, including Attleborough Town Council, Kissinger Property Management Ltd, NR Fitness, Cecil Amey Opticians and Orbit Homes.

For more information, please keep checking the Attleborough Fun Fest Team Facebook page. www.facebook.com/AttleboroughFunFest

We look forward to seeing you all there on the night!

My Mother Has Been At It Again

When it comes to indecisiveness, my mother is head of the queue.

She dithers over every decision and often she will later wish she had done things differently.

Because she is so terrible at making her mind up, quite often she will look to the rest of the family for guidance, and this is no more apparent than when we are out to eat and she is perusing the menu.

Now my mother is a nightmare in this scenario and waiting staff must despair of her as she reads over every item, unable to decide what she wants to eat. Often she will ask the rest of us what we are having then, with fear of missing out, she will eventually go for the same thing. This usually also requires some dithering as we generally go for different dishes and she will be unsure who to copy.

By the time you read this we will, again, have just gone through the longwinded process as her birthday is coming up.

Now, my friend, Ness, has her birthday a couple of days after my mother’s and this year they are both celebrating on the same weekend. Ness told Mum she could choose which date she wanted first.

As you can imagine, this was a palaver in itself, as my mother wasn’t sure.

‘I think I want to do the Friday,’ she said. ‘But it’s going to depend on whether your sister has to stay late at work.’

‘So shall I tell Ness to do the Saturday then?’ I pushed.

‘Well, I don’t know. Because if your sister is late off, we’ll have to go out on the Saturday instead.’

This wasn’t going to be easy; I could tell.

‘But surely she won’t know if she’s going to be late until the last minute,’ I reasoned.

‘And we will already be in the restaurant.’

‘True,’ she admitted, though still unwilling to commit to the Friday.

Above: Keri Beevis

‘Is she often off late?’ I asked.

‘Well, no,’ came the answer. ‘But she might be.’

I wasn’t going to win this, so I made the decision. We were going to have to take a chance on the Friday and Ness could book the Saturday. I left Mum to decide where she wanted to go, which was an exercise in itself. The family WhatsApp group was going nuts.

‘Where is Ness going?’ Mum asked a few days later.

‘The Mediterranean restaurant, Gem,’ I told her.

‘Oh, I’ve heard it’s nice there.’

Fool, fool me. I should have pretended it hadn’t been decided yet.

A couple of days later Mum had popped round for a cuppa.

‘I don’t think you’re going to be very happy with me,’ she told me sheepishly.

I was immediately wary. ‘Why?”

Because you’re going to Gem twice in two nights. I have decided I want to go there too.

I was genuinely not sure how to react.

So there we have it. Two meals out on consecutive nights, both in the same place.

Gem, you had better be worth it.

My new book ‘The Sleepover’ is available in kindle, paperback and audio format. The kindle copy can be purchased for a special introductory price of 99p here

Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more information.

I Never Thought Of It Like This Before

How often have you overheard a remark, been party to a conversation or seen something that has caused you to reflect and say, ‘I never thought of it like that before’?

Or had a strongly held opinion or belief blown apart when a new piece of information came to light? It can be disconcerting to have to acknowledge that what we held onto, and perhaps even defended, as right and true is not what we believed it to be.

Even our eyesight can fool us. From a distance we may see a shape, an outline that we’re 100% certain is one thing, but as we approach, we begin to realise that it’s something completely different, or even nothing, just a shadow casting a particular image.

Much of what we see and hear is appreciated through our personal lens, through our background conditioning and personal

experiences; what we think, see and imagine the truth, the reality to be. Interestingly, if we approached ten people to give witness testimony after seeing a traffic accident, there would probably be slight variations in their stories, not deliberate falsehoods, but a genuine belief in what they had to say.

In addition, our perspective can be dependent on how we’re feeling, our emotional state. We may be sensitive to other people’s attitudes, behaviour and comments, influenced by how stressed we are, whether we’re feeling vulnerable, pressurised by the demands of work or struggling with a domestic or relationship issue. Any of these can impact on how we interpret what happens to us, on how personally we react, how convinced we are about someone else’s intentions, about how things seem to be.

So, if we’re tired, stressed or feeling a little overwhelmed we’re likely to react rather differently than on calmer, easier days. It’s

natural to become defensive and self-protective at times of hassle and stress, perhaps losing our tolerance, resilience and sense of humour for a while.

Using time well means allowing enough time, not trying to fit in one more call, job or appointment when you really should be moving on. It benefits no one to arrive hot and hassled, when you’re less likely to be calm and open to any discussion points or seek a constructive outcome. Remember, you never see celebrities and superstars running red-faced from place to place. Of course, they have assistants, but they also manage their scheduled appointments and allow enough time to do them and themselves justice.

Life can throw up interesting situations. It’s wonderful to know that, with the right mindset, and when feeling receptive, a discussion, question or story has the potential to open the doors to a whole new way of thinking for us. Even when started relatively innocuously.

In life, it’s important to allow ourselves to be receptive to other ways of thinking, to appreciate that things aren’t always what they seem at first. So, that even if we choose to continue following the same path, at least we’re doing so with more commitment, insight, a slightly enhanced perspective. There’s potential for growth in an attitude like that!

And it may be that a row, a serious disagreement, or even a chance remark prompts us to reconsider and question previously held

beliefs. This provides space for reflection on our existing opinions, giving ourselves time to be quiet and heal. And if we become aware, through feedback or self-reflection, that we’re behaving in ways that are unhelpful and ‘not us’ it can be important to consider any feedback, take time out and detach for a while. It’s useful sometimes to question if they’ve got a point, or if there’s some validity in what they have to say.

Pausing to ensure we have a good approach and are empathic includes being open-minded, practising quality listening, being prepared to be sensitive to other people, their points of view, so trying to understand their world a little and what motivates their thoughts, feelings and actions. This can bring a whole new perspective into our interactions and dramatically shift our previously held opinions.

Significant growth can occur during those interludes. It’s important to take the opportunity to dedicate some time and make space to seek out the bigger picture, to take a walk in nature, sit in the garden, perhaps be alone. Doing this can be beneficial and improve mindset, perspective, stress and happiness levels.

When we accept the potential for things to be different than we first thought and not what they initially seemed to be we bring energy, light, curiosity and receptiveness into our lives and the situations in which we find ourselves. It can be fascinating to discover that things are not always what they initially seemed to be.

Enjoy the revelations!

Article By Susan Leigh

Susan Leigh, South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support. For more articles, information or to make contact please visit: http://www.lifestyletherapy.net

Cost Of Living Crisis - Good Or Bad For The Environment?

Not since the 1970s and early 80s have we seen inflation as rampant as now; fuel, energy and food, all essentials to daily life are quickly becoming unaffordable for many.

We’re all looking at ways to make our money go further. The impacts of the current situation are being felt by many of us - as much fear of the seemingly spiralling bills and the lack of control we seem to have on them.

But rather like during lock down, which had a positive impact on the environment because we weren’t out and about consuming and causing havoc, will this time prove to be good for the planet?

Energy & Heating

On a positive front, thankfully the weather is being kind to us currently. With unseasonally mild temperatures (hopefully I’m not tempting providence), many of us have been able to resist putting our heating on full time which will certainly be better for the environment.

Have you had the discussion of whether to turn the heating off completely and then turn on when it’s really cold, or to keep it on low and then boost occasionally?

Which is the most energy efficient way? Personally, we keep our thermostat at 16deg at night and try to keep to 18 during the day. Then we boost for 30 mins or so when it’s needed.

I’m sure I’m not the only parent to be constantly saying ‘switch the lights off when you leave the room’ … no thought not. I don’t have a SmartMeter but I’m told that they can create quite obsessive behaviour working out what is biggest energy eater in the house. Switching equipment off at the wall may seem a small unimportant act, but as we know cumulatively it can make a difference. And making a conscious decision not to put the dishwasher/washing machine on unless its full or adjusting to the half load setting, can only be a good thing.

Food

With the recent inflation figures showing major price increases in what would be considered food basics this area of the family budget can seem really scary. Some pasta products have risen by 60% with tea going up by 50% and vegetable oil by 65% in the last year, this will have an impact on our finances. What changes can we make?

There are lots of articles being published about whether it’s cheaper to use a slow cooker or an air fryer.

Both options have their advantages, but having spent a week trying to remove burnt rice

pudding from a slow cooker bowl having overcooked it, I suspect any eco advantages of cooking it this way have been lost with the additional water and energy used to clean it up.

The media is giving us lots of ideas of how to make our food budgets stretch and cook more economic but still nutritious meals, but it is hard.

If you’ve not been taught how to cook it’s incredibly intimidating trying to do it when you don’t have the confidence or knowledge to start. Even more so if your budget is really tight or you have fussy eaters in the household.

3 Rs Reduce Recycling Repurposing

Many of the eco practices that are often promoted by the environmental influencers could help.

I’m thinking in terms of recycling, repurposing, buying secondhand (anything not just clothing), or even just sharing resources. But in their own rights, these practices mean that we’re not consuming new and that will negatively impact businesses and those who working within them and supply them.

Should We Abandon Eco Products & Just Buy Budget?

Eco doesn’t always have to be more expensive, but sometimes needs a little bit of creativity, planning and ultimately an assessment of priorities.

• What is the reason you buy that particular item?

• Is there a cheaper way to achieve that same result?

• Is that priority worth it at the moment?

Household Cleaning - if you bleach everything within an inch of its life, you may find this one a little difficult to deal with but home-made cleaning products made using store cupboard ingredients are very effective.

Vinegar, soda crystals, lemon juice and bicarb of soda can sort out a multitude of sins/cleaning issues, but you may need to carry out the cleaning a little more often to get the same longterm results.

Laundry - I’ve spoken before about the Ecoegg - once bought an initial kit will give you approx.

70 washes before you need to replace the laundry beads. These can be bought scented so no need for a fabric conditioner.

Combine with a bar of Castile Soap to act as a stain remover and these should get most laundry clean. Maybe combine with the occasional traditional wash for a deep clean but you can get an initial Egg with scented laundry beads for about £10.

Personal Care/Skincare - for those who read my articles regularly (thank you), you’ll know that this eco area is “my thing”. It is difficult to try and balance budget with personal ethics. The things I consider are

• Do they work? Can be difficult to assess as many are rarely independently tested

• How long do they last?

• What am I prepared to compromise ie impact of ingredients on health/environment etc.

Anything that makes us stop and review what we do and our impact, whether financially or ecologically is likely to have a positive eco effect.

Whatever you choose to do, know that you can only do your best and if you don’t feel entirely comfortable with your choices, review and adjust.

If you do need help providing food for you and your family there is help out there - contact

The Norwich Food Bank 01603 251733.

Article By Jill Roberson

@jillecoqueenliving on Facebook and Instagram

Re-Vamp Your Skincare

Routine This Autumn

After a sizzling hot summer, it’s time to replenish your skin. Excessive tanning,

from one too many sun-fuelled cocktails, it’s no wonder

skin needs pepping up!

This

Its

formula will last you approximately

months. It’s ethyl alcohol-free

which will cleanse away any dirt that accumulates, both morning and night.

full of

Using a cleanser in your skincare routine is key to balancing your skins mantle and providing necessary nourishment.

Tone - Prepare Your Skin To Soak Up The Goodness Of Your Post Cleansing Moisturiser

Odylique Calming Rose Super Tonic

Available to purchase from - www.odylique.co.uk

This vegan, extra strength, multifunctional skincare toner has a unique concentrated formula derived from rose petals. Distilled rose petal hydrolat is reinforced with rose essential oil and loaded with antioxidants. This soothing toner will cleanse and tone your skin. It can also be used as a hydrating spritz, alleviating redness and decreasing sensitivity from exposure to central heating and cold winds.

Exfoliate - Make Exfoliation Part Of Your Evening Routine

Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Bha Liquid Exfoliant

Available to purchase from - www.paulaschoice.co.uk

Make exfoliation part of your evening routine, avoid physical scrubs and instead opt for chemical exfoliants, that help to eliminate dead skin cells. This lightweight formula is gentle on the skin. The exfoliant fluid will remove dead skin cells, alongside cleansing the pores, leaving you with brighter, clearer skin. BHA (Salicylic Acid) is acknowledged for its calming properties which helps to minimise the look of fine lines and also soothe the skin.

Moisturise - Rebuild Your Skin Barrier

Green People Beauty Boost Skin Restore

Available to purchase from - www.greenpeople.co.uk

If you love a facial then this product is for you. This certified organic rescue cream is jam packed with skin boosting goodness. Replenish your skin with the collagen stimulating, hydrating properties of Green Marine Macro Algae and Wakame Seaweed. The skin rejuvenating Evening Primrose Oil will soften your skin locking in moisture and the cell regeneration Mandarin Oil will awaken your skins glow.

Hi, I am Charlie, a former make-up artist originally based in Norwich. I have always been passionate about art and channelling it through creative makeup. I trained at Norwich City College in Fashion and SFX makeup. My work has been published both nationally and internationally.

Want to see more? checkout my Instagram - @ThePoutyLip

BMW 545e xDrive M Sport Review

By Tim Barnes-Clay. Follow on Instagram: @tbarnesclay

If you’re feeling flush but also want to save money with a hybrid, the BMW 545e xDrive M Sport could be the ideal solution to your dilemma.

Yes, there are plenty of ways to save cash if you’re in the market for a 5 Series. Notably: don’t buy the 545e model. But where’s the fun in that?

With a 0-62 time of under five seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 155mph and all the creature comforts you’d expect from any BMW; you can beat the ridiculously high fuel prices thanks to a three-digit mpg figure.

Being the M Sport model, you get athletic styling inside and out, plus bigger alloy wheels, which help bridge the gap between the more

executive-like SE model and the full-beans big daddy M5.

BMWs aren’t always the prettiest cars nowadays, but the unmistakable sight of the kidney grilles at the front should be sufficient to impress your mates.

Even more notable is the acceleration, which pins you back in your seat. Plus, the four-wheel drive provided by the xDrive system offers a tremendous amount of grip to hold the car to the road in the bends.

Mind you, the 5 Series is still a reasonably big saloon, so it has its limits and can feel cumbersome when trying to throw it round a corner.

The excellent eight-speed semi-automatic gearbox, featuring paddle-shifters behind the

steering wheel, means you can channel your inner racing driver if desired. However, most will probably leave it in fully automatic mode most of the time.

It is not all about noise and performance, though. The hybridity means it can do over 30 miles of engineless, electric-only driving.

On the inside, the cabin is typically BMWexcellent kit, supreme comfort and very nice, indeed. And, as a size up from the 3 Series, you’ll also benefit from more room.

You have also got the pleasure of using BMW’s excellent iDrive system, which continues to be a class leader.

The 545e

it’s

in,

drive,

infotainment

What

It goes

-

it’s cheap to run, too.

•

•

•

•

•

Dine Out: Bistrot Pierre

Nottingham constantly welcomes numerous visitors, from global origins, that admire its famous castle and who learn of the legendary Robin Hood, plus other notable connections, including the lace industry, for example.

Entertainment has world-class artistes, often performing at several venues in Nottingham. Sports, of many types, attract devotees and enthusiasts throughout each year. Retail therapy is well taken care of and a vast number of businesses provide necessary goods and services. Restaurants in Nottingham offer authentic foods and beverages of all types and styles, from a simple tea or coffee, through snacks, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners, to full (banquet) dining.

Award-winning Bistrot Pierre, independent French restaurant (est. 1994) has developed and installed another menu, which adds to their already extremely popular other menu options, that include Prix Fixe and Soirée Gastronomique. The Menu Soirée offers 3 courses and also includes a complimentary glass of their signature Cuvée 22 wine.

Following a choice of starters, main courses (Plats Principaux) include Boeuf Bourguignon, Roast Pork Belly, Vegetable Tagine and more. I selected CHICKEN LIVER PARFAIT with grilled artisan bread and homemade red onion confiture to commence the dining occasion. This made an excellent start. For the main course I chose CHICKEN PRINTANIER (Panfried chicken breast, asparagus, fricassee of

wild mushrooms, peas, truffle oil and tarragon, with tenderstem broccoli and new potatoes). This dish is paired with a glass of XX11 BLANC DE BLANCS. Flavoursome, tender, succulent and perfectly cooked, with excellent presentation, this warranted ‘Compliments to Chef’ - without hesitation! Head Chef, Bozena and the brigade of chefs create impressive dishes. For dessert I favoured STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING (Vanilla ice cream), A perfect ending to a most splendid dining experience. High-quality wines/drinks are available, too. Parties, events and celebrations are organised regularly.

Thank you to Amy and Cian, for their genuine, warm welcome and Sophie, for exemplary service throughout.

Bistrot Pierre, 13 - 17 Milton Street, Nottingham NG1 3EN. Tel: 0115 941 2850. E-mail: Nottingham@pierre94.co.uk

Other UK Bistrot Pierre restaurants can be located by viewing their very informative website. Gift vouchers are also availablenow there’s a thought for a surprise. Highly recommended. www.bistrotpierre.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

Review By Trevor Langley

Kula Shaker Announce Norwich - Waterfront Show

On Wednesday 7th December 2022 ahead of their January & February 2023 UK Tour!

“this won’t disappoint” - Mojo

“Kula Shaker regain the conviction in the power of rock’n’roll that made them so huge”Classic Pop

“ambitious, occasionally barmy and impressive”- Daily Express

“channels the red-hot form of their youthful days” - Shindig!

Tickets for the KULA SHAKER - Norwich Waterfront show are available from:

Wednesday 7th December 2022

Following the release of their acclaimed double album ‘1st Congregational Church of Eternal Love (and free hugs)’ and off the back of a successful year of touring in Europe and Japan, Kula Shaker will play 14 dates in January and February 2023.

The ‘Eternal Love Tour’ will see the band playing venues from Edinburgh to Exeter and follows the announcement of a one-off special show at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire on December 8th.

Frontman Crispian Mills comments “What the world needs now is LOVE, sweet love. (affordable fuel, food, world peace and an end to debt-slavery would also be nice); so light up the incense and break out the magic mantra-cake as we’re taking the 1st Congregational Church of Eternal Love (and free hugs) on the road to liftoff ’23 with some all-round good vibes.” “surely the best thing they’ve released yet” (Album of The Week) - Louder Than War.

NORWICH - Waterfront Doors - 7.30pm

Tickets - £27.50 advance Website - https://www.ueaticketbookings. co.uk/ents/event/21315/ Age - 14+ (under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult)

For further information on KULA SHAKER, check out the following websites / social media links:

Website - https://www.kulashaker.co.uk/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ kulashaker

Twitter - https://twitter.com/kulashaker

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ kulashakerofficial/

You Tube Channel - https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCoTrZweaRXMDdY9ItQ3RiZA

Inspiration For Christmas

With Christmas

For those who love capturing the beautiful moments of life, we have a gorgeous two lens camera pendant which is crafted in sterling silver. This is a type of camera with two objective lenses of the same focal length. One of the lenses is the photographic objective, also known as the taking lens, whilst the other is used for the viewfinder system mostly viewed from above at waist level.

We have a wide selection of Amber ranging from small to big stones and all different colours such as cognac, lemon, green, cherry and even a mixture of all. When it comes to buying presents for friends and family it can be a struggle, so we have put together this matching set of amber pieces to make Christmas that little bit easier this year. Featuring a small rectangle pendant, as well as matching drop earrings or studs. To create a full set, we have a choice between bracelets varying on how big you prefer the stones. Amber is worn for good luck and protection from evil making this a meaningful gift. People use Amber to eliminate negative energies and fears as well as hep with patience and wisdom. Some say this stone can also relieve body aches.

Shrieking Violet jewellery is hand crafted with sterling silver and tiny flowers which are compressed in resin. The Shrieking Violet range is very popular for gifting, especially the mixed selection including multiple different flowers inside. With a wide variety of choice for many flowers, these pieces range from small pendants, bracelets, rings and earrings to large pendants and brooches. There are matching sets of pendants and earrings in most styles to create a full set.

here, our team at Nova Silver have come together and chosen what we think to be some of our best gifts for the holidays.

Dawn Mountain - Autumn In Witton Woods

Charlotte Watlow - Fun-Gi To Be With

Dawn Mountain - Happy Squirrel At Blickling

Charlotte Watlow - Gunton Norfolk

Helen Chapman - Wells-Next-The-Sea

Hannah Marie - Horsey Dunes Double Rainbow

Chloe De Souza

Alex Harvey-Jones - Blakeney Marshes 13-10-2022

Dawn Mountain - A Misty Start At Blickling Hall

Fiona Ellis - Lynford Lake

Charlotte Watlow - Witton Woods

Helen Chapman - Sunrise Bedingham

2022

Rachel Sarah - Great Moulton

Alex Harvey-Jones - High Tide At Blakeney

Laura Baxter - Pulls Ferry, Norwich

Hannah Marie - Redwings Horse Sanctuary Aylsham

Sheila Anne - Elm Hill Prettiest Street

Norwich

Charlotte Watlow - Horningtoft Tracks Charity Plough Day

Dawn Mountain - We’re Watching You, Gunton Park

Lisa Towell - Reflection

Focus On: Pets

When Children Want A Pet!

Yet again, we read in the press of another parent discussing their reasons for wanting to agree a contract with their children before allowing them to have a pet.

No doubt parents up and down the country are ruefully smiling as they say through gritted teeth, ‘good luck with that, we’ve been there, tried it, got the t-shirt!’

A contract, though, can be a great idea in principle. Children will initially agree to anything in order to achieve their desired goal. But an animal, whether it be a pony, dog, cat or guinea pig, needs time, attention and looking after, and some are more demanding than others!

Sitting to discuss the ground rules and outline a contract allows time to really clarify what’s entailed in regularly living with a pet. Feeding, grooming, exercising and cleaning cages, water

bowls or litter trays all require consistent input, yet it’s the case that the parent becomes the fall-back guy, relied upon to take up the slack when fun, friends and other interests become too distracting.

A contract requires both parties to sit down together to discuss and negotiate the areas of responsibility, followed by signatures once it’s been agreed. Doing this can be a valuable way of focusing the child’s mind on what’s expected of them, and agree on the penalties that may be incurred. Displaying the contract prominently can then provide an ongoing reminder, a point of reference should standards start to slip.

Having responsibilities, caring for others and showing respect are important for children to learn at an early age. It’s not unusual to hear teachers express their disappointment at parents who are too busy or distracted to teach children about consideration, selflessness and commitment. They may even complain that

parents leave it to their children’s teachers to do their job for them.

So having children look after a pet on a regular basis, even when it’s pouring with rain, is an unpleasant task or is time-consuming is a crucial lesson for life.

A contract can provide a clear reminder of what was agreed during the initial enthusiasm and promises made pre-pet.

And a pet can add significantly to a child’s life. There are many accounts of children whose mental and physical development was noticeably enhanced after a pet came into their lives. The benefits can be life changing.

Dogs especially, don’t judge, often refuse to be ignored and are persistent in their demands, wanting to be stroked and given attention, in return giving unconditional love.

Their constant presence enables them to become a child’s loyal, inseparable companion, sometimes becoming their one true friend in life. This can be especially important if the child feels lonely, different, shy or awkward.

Some children will tell their pet everything, so that it becomes their trusted confidante. They may feel comfortable about sharing their secrets, their distress at a family divorce or death, open up about their upset over a situation at home, problems at school and find it easy to disclose their inner fears, anxieties and concerns.

It may be that a pet becomes a child’s first experience of death and loss. Going through the death of a much-loved pet and learning to deal with it by asking questions and perhaps having a burial service or ritual can be an important lesson. They learn about grief and its associated emotions.

However, if there’s any doubt about a child’s ability to sustain interest in years of commitment to an animal it’s important to reconsider carefully in advance.

Or it may be that a very young child is unable to fully understand how to treat an animal properly, would be rough with it or irritated at having to look after it and would take their frustrations out on it.

Animals have very few ways of protecting themselves; their options tend to be biting, snarling and scratching which then result in the pet being punished.

Education is important and it might be useful, prior to pursuing the pet route, to volunteer at an animal shelter, borrow someone else’s pet to walk and look after or even sponsor something exotic at the nearest zoo and then visit regularly.

There are even virtual pets that demand attention and regularly remind their owner of their presence. A child may soon realise that they’re not that interested in having a pet long-term. One of these options might be a more viable alternative, at least at first.

Article By Susan Leigh

Susan Leigh, South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support. For more articles, information or to make contact please visit: http://www.lifestyletherapy.net

Pet Insurance And Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out

Pet insurance has been and still is a growing concern with pet owners, due to the increasing amount of necessary trips to the vet.

Some of these trips can be extremely expensive depending on the reason.

Additionally, routine check-ups can be an expense that can be greatly minimised by simply opting into a basic pet insurance plan. Pets are exposed, often daily, to situations that can cause illness and accidental injuries. Let’s face it, you can't be with your pet all the time, and like children, pets can get themselves into dangerous situations. Unfortunately, these situations can sometimes lead to vet bills reaching hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds. When you take into consideration just how many routine check-ups, medicines, preventative measures, examinations and surgeries your pet may need, you can imagine how quickly the cost of being a pet owner can add up.

There are several options available concerning pet insurance that are very affordable to

keep your pet well taken care of when those unexpected veterinary pet care bills arise.

Complete pet health insurance plans can start from as little as £5 per month with some companies, which is a small amount to keep your loved pet safe and healthy for years to come. However, be sure to read the small print before signing up to anything as some existing conditions may not be covered. We understand that the cost of living rises have hit many of us hard, so you may wish to make savings in your monthly outgoings. However, cancelling or not taking out pet insurance in the first place could result in an even heftier amount needing to be paid out when treatment is required.

To find a plan that will suit your pet’s needs, as well as your own financial situation, head over to a comparison website, such as Money Supermarket, to find out what will work well for you.

After selecting one or two that look like they fit the bill, we also recommend checking out the companies on Trust Pilot to see how well they fair.

Dog Obedience Training: The Basics

There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog.

For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that you need to be able to trust your dog around other people and other dogs. Conflict is not something to be encouraged.

And of course, training your dog well will also make your dog a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bites and

other behavioural problems encountered by dog-owning households.

When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained.

These basic commands include:

1. Heel - it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind.

2. Respond to the word No - the word ‘no’ is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you lots of trouble.

3. Sit - training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training programme.

4. Stay - a well-trained dog should remain where its owner commands, so ‘stay’ is a very important command in dog training.

5. Down - lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training programme.

Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.

Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavioural issues.

A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owner’s commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog

training programme will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviours.

In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfil some of the dog’s own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.

Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were originally bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behaviour.

Basic obedience training and ongoing sessions provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds, such as German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these dogs to burn off excess energy and simply to enjoy themselves.

Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both you and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all-important bond between you - the pack leader - and your dog.

“

A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owner’s commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion.”

For as long as I can remember, we’ve had a pet in the house.

I guess it’s one of those things that you copy from your own childhood experiences, along with other traditions.

Myself and Becca both had cats and dogs when we were younger, as well as other smaller animals like rabbits and hamsters so it seemed inevitable we would introduce these family members into our own home.

It wasn’t long after we first moved in together that we bought two dwarf hamsters “Salt” and “Pepper”. They were small, fast and quite difficult to handle. The first day we had them I had to pop to work and jokingly said to Becca as I left the house “Don’t lose the hamsters!”

PetsLess than an hour later, I received a frantic phone call. Yes, that’s right. One of the hamsters had escaped from its ball. Becca had put them each in a hamster ball to explore their new home and had gone into kitchen. Anyone that’s owned hamsters will know the sound of a hamster ball banging from object to object imagine if you suddenly realise that the house is silent Becca ran into the lounge to investigate and found a hamster ball sitting empty, with the lid on the floor beside it. The other hamster was thankfully still in its ball.

Panicking, she put cushions against any gaps under the doorways and searched carefully around the room, trying to communicate to the Sky engineer through a closed door that she would be with him as soon as possible!

Eventually, she found the tiny hamster and managed to retrieve it unharmed from their adventure.

This wasn’t the last time one of them escaped but this month’s magazine would be double the length if we shared all of the stories!

We’ve had a couple of hamsters and fish since we’ve had children and they have proved very popular. Our last hamster, a long-haired breed with a Harry Potter inspired name “Neville Albus Hamling” was very much loved by us all and is still talked about often, although he died a few years ago now.

One constant throughout our time as a couple, and our children’s lives has been our dog Max. Max is now twelve years old. He’s a Cavalier King Charles who sleeps most of the day and doesn’t like walking or playing anymore. (To be honest, he’s never liked walking but he used to be very energetic playing with toys!)

He has grown progressively less interested each time we’ve had a child but has remained as lovely and tolerable as the days when the attention was just on him.

He has a very set routine including straight out in the garden after he’s eaten and his nightly belly rub before retiring to his bed. Quite simply, he’s the loveliest dog! You might think you own the nicest dog but I’m sorry, you’re wrong!

I think having a pet is a really good experience for children. Learning routine and responsibilities along with love, care and eventually loss are all life experiences that are invaluable. Teaching that other people have needs and learning about communication without using words have proved very useful also (Although getting the children to feed the dog or open the door for him is an ongoing struggle!)

We’d love to know about your furry family members!“ We’ve had a couple of hamsters and fish since we’ve had children and they have proved very popular.”

for reading!

Supporting Your Child With Grief Following A Pet Death

2. Talk

Avoiding talking about your pet will make it feel as though the death is a taboo subject. Allow your child to ask questions. It’s also useful to share memories, funny and happy, to remember the pet and the importance of it in your life.

3. Scrapbook

Why not create a scrapbook together? Add photos of your pet and child together along with some of their favourite memories about their pet.

Pets, whether dogs, cats, rabbits or even fish, can become part of a family easily.

The death of a beloved animal is often a devastating moment in anyone’s life, let alone for a child whose first experience of someone dying might be this.

While the death of a pet is something that everyone must face if they choose to bless the home with the presence of an animal, it can be challenging knowing how to support a child with their grief when the inevitable happens.

Here are five top tips.

1. Be honest

Keeping secrets from your child will not allow them to grieve properly. Trying to conceal a pet’s death does no one any favours. I still remember feeling distraught almost a decade later when I discovered a family pet hadn’t gone to live elsewhere, as I’d been told, but actually died. Telling someone that their dog, for example, was getting old and its body couldn’t cope should suffice rather than going into too much detail about its ailments.

4. Books

There are numerous books aimed at children to help them understand pet loss and their own emotions. The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst is fantastic and sensitively written. The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise by Adrian Raeside is another excellent choice, avoiding the topics of heaven and religion that a lot of books seem to mention.

5. Special place

Finally, why not take the time to create a special place where your child can go to remember their beloved pet? Many people plant a tree where the animal is buried, or its ashes are scattered.

The Real Dog Food Company

Around six years ago, when we brought our Golden Retriever, Brody, home, we decided to embark upon a raw food or BARF (biologically appropriate raw food or bones and raw food) diet.

While for many, this might seem like a relatively new phenomenon, it is nature’s way and existed forever.

There are so many benefits to this way of feeding a dog that we couldn’t ignore them, and it worked well for us and, most importantly, for Brody. A BARF diet can lead to improved immunity, stronger bones and joints, better coat and teeth, and a less offensive body odour. After our successful raw food journey, we decided to embark on a different mission: opening a butcher's shop for dogs. In fact, our current premises were previously occupied by a butcher. Here at the Real Dog Food Company, our mission is simple: we want to support you in feeding your dog the highest quality food that is British and ethically sourced. Our own products come straight from farms in Norfolk and are frozen within 24 hours.

If you are considering changing your dog’s diet, pop in and have a chat while you browse our products. We are always more than willing to answer any questions you might have. Our shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30 to 3.30. You can also follow us on our social media channels for further information about what we do.

The Real Dog Food Company Ltd, Church Street, Attleborough, NR17 2AH.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

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www.therealdogfoodcompany.com

Horoscopes For November

Aries 21 March - 20 April

The changes you make earlier in the month will allow you to break free, and try out new paths that you’ve been too distracted to explore. A situation that’s kept you stuck, will begin to yield under the influence of the Lunar Eclipse. And difficult though it might be, it’s worth doing whatever is needed to embrace a new lease of life. It’s time to broaden your horizons, Aries!

Taurus 21 April - 21 May

How you see yourself and how others see you could be important, especially if you’re ready to assume more responsibility or are considering a change of career. Once you’ve made the leap, you’ll realize you’ve done the right thing. As the Sun glides into Sagittarius, it’s time to get down to business. Tie up loose ends and jettison anything that is preventing progress, Taurus.

Gemini 22 May - 21 June

If your time is taken up with work and responsibilities and there are no hours left for other activities, key influences will bring things to a head. You’ll be ready to do something, even if it’s a little drastic. But dare to look ahead, and you’ll see that once you’ve taken that step, you’ll be able to embrace more of life and see it through a bigger lens. You’ll be ready for take-off!

Cancer 22 June - 23 July

The more you let go of trying to get it right, the more your romantic life and creative projects will succeed. If a budding relationship has been going down the wrong track, the Lunar Eclipse could shake things up and cause you to question your motives. Plus, as Jupiter turns direct, you’ll be geared towards broadening your horizons. If you’re ready to flourish, getting organised helps.

Leo 24 July - 23 August

If you asked for change, you’re going to get it, Leo. Things might be uncomfortable early in the month. But persevere, and this will lead to a breakthrough that releases your true genius. As the emphasis shifts, you’ll be ready to connect with those who you truly chime with. Bold opportunities await, and the New Moon in week four will guide you to take the right steps.

Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December

A change of heart may be needed before you can make the progress you want and deserve. A potent Eclipse makes this a time to release the old, so you can embrace the new when the Sun enters your sign later this month. You may need to relinquish a plan that you’ve put a lot into. However, the New Moon suggests that something fresh and exciting will be along to replace it.

Virgo 24 August - 23 September

If inspiration seems to have dried up, it may be because you’re trying too hard and need to refill your creative well. Travel could be one option, and a trip might be the start of interesting developments. But you’ll also enjoy spending time at home, and using this opportunity as a chance to reflect and recharge. Once you know what you want, there’s no stopping you!

Capricorn 22 December - 20 January

Life may seem to happen all at once, especially earlier in the month, when an Eclipse could mean events stack up to bring major changes. And much as you’ve wanted them, you likely didn’t expect them to happen all at once. This is the perfect time to clear the decks Capricorn, because from late next month when the Sun is in your sign, you’ll be eager to take the world by storm.

Libra 24 September - 23 October

Don’t be put off, if some of your best ideas aren’t going to plan. This month could see you changing your mind several times, before you can commit to something that really thrills you. The New Moon inspires you to connect with someone who you’ve wanted to associate with for a while. If a friendship develops or you’re inspired to collaborate, it could be good for both of you.

Aquarius 21 January - 19 February

The plans you’ve spent time on may need modifying, or perhaps jettisoning altogether. Something new is coming your way, and because it’s so exciting and so different, you’ll want to explore it further. Your social life offers some fabulous opportunities too, and moving in fresh circles could be a way to gain access to a group that offers something that you really want.

Scorpio 24 October - 22 November

A relationship or issue on the home front, could come to a head earlier this month, as a lively Eclipse shakes things. You’ll no longer be able to push issues under the carpet, but may have to tackle them head on. Once you do, you’ll begin to uncover solutions that work for all concerned. Ready to start a side hustle? The New Moon brings a great opportunity to enhance your income.

Pisces 20 February - 20 March

A Lunar Eclipse early on sets the stage for a time of discovery, and a chance to set the record straight. Something you find out could bring relief, but it also means that you now have your work cut out, as you can fully embrace an idea you’ve been dreaming about for a while. Plus, a new beginning may be on the cards, indicating changes to your career, business or ambitions.

Astrologer Patrick Arundell provides a unique take on Horoscopes and Astrology. Join him daily for your Daily Horoscope and his penetrating insight into this fascinating subject. Also FREE Horoscope Videos.