Iceni Magazine Norfolk Issue 82

I C E N I N O R F O L K

ISSUE 82

Focus On: Social Media

Clubaroo The Story

Don't Man Up It's Good To Talk

Best Of Norfolk

Through The Lens Of Our Readers

National Garden Scheme - Norfolk Snowdrops And Clematis In February

Welcome To Iceni Magazine, CONTACT DETAILS

“Though, February is short, it is filled with lots of love and sweet surprises” Charmaine J Forde Welcome to Issue 82!

This month’s focus is on ‘Social Media’. On Pages 40 and 41, home educator, Missy, shares her feelings of guilt surrounding social media, but also the benefits for her daughter’s education. We also offer five ways to spot an Internet troll – they get everywhere, don’t they?

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Elsewhere in this month’s magazine, Shona brings you a fascinating article about Earthing (check out Page 21). Author Lianna Champ shares why she believes it is dangerous to suggest that people ‘man up’ and why it is better to talk on Pages 24 and 25. Back again, for a second wonderful month, your photos can be found in the Best of Norfolk (Pages 30 – 33). Finally, if you are searching for a club or activity for you or a loved one to take part out, check out Clubaroo’s piece on Page 17.

So, while you’re snuggling up inside with love in the air, avoiding the cold weather, take time to enjoy this month’s Iceni Magazine.

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CONTRIBUTORS Becca Hamling, Cheryl Cade, Gemma Sandwell, Keri Beevis, Lianna Champ, Matt Porter, Mark King, Missy Hitchcox, Patrick Arundell, Serena Fordham, Shona Sundhari, Susan Leigh, Thomas Hamling, Tim Barnes-Clay, Vicki.

Page 3 Image Benjamen Terry - www.definedetail.com

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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.

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Contents 56

pages

Full of absolute dynamic

creative content!

“You Reap What You Sow”

35

30

BEST OF NORFOLK

FOCUS ON:

Readers Images

Social Media

36

24 52

DON’T MAN UP, It’s Good To Talk

06 09 10 12 15 17 18 20 21

The Benjamin Foundation Monthly Update Iceni News Love Light Norwich Festival Iceni News New 2020 Shows Announced Sometimes You’ve...

Just Got To Say ‘No’ Iceni Columnist Keri Beevis Clubaroo The Story The Gadget Man Review STM Myth 18L Laptop Backpack See What Mummy Says Valentines Day… For Four?!

The Green Column Let’s Talk Earthing!

22 24 26 28 30 34 35 36 38

We Are Not Robots: How Mindfulness Can Help...

Don’t Man Up, It’s Good To Talk Motoring Review Isuzu D-Max 4X4 Nibbles And Tipples February Best Of Norfolk Readers Images Nova Silver February Focus On: Social Media Is Social Media...

Good Or Bad For You? Social Media...

Social Media Is Like Marmite

IS SOCIAL MEDIA...

Good Or Bad For You?

40 42 44 45 47 48 50 52 54

Social Media Guilt On A Near Daily Basis...

5 Ways To Spot...

Trolls On Social Media Behind The Mask The Perfect Image Iceni Asks...

Why Do You Use Social Media?

What's On...

Across Norfolk This Month What's On...

Curtains What's On...

The Red Shoes What's On...

National Garden Scheme Iceni Horoscopes What Do Your Stars Hold?

THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION

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Issue 82 2020

The Benjamin Foundation The Benjamin Foundation is a local charity which helps people across Norfolk and Suffolk to deal with some of the challenges that life throws at them.

Whether it’s the prevention of youth homelessness, helping families to build stronger relationships or providing positive activities for young people with limited opportunities, our work brings hope, opportunity, stability and independence to the people we support.

Supporting Local Young Carers We are committed to supporting young carers to help them meet some of the unique challenges they face.

We want to give them the chance to escape their day to day pressures in a fun and friendly environment and offer them the opportunity to meet new friends and learn new skills.

Having the chance to talk to an understanding and listening ear about their lives is an important part of our support.

We currently run groups for young carers in Watton and Stalham and, since October 2019, we have been working with Carers Matter Norfolk to help deliver the Norfolk County Council funded service for young carers.

As part of this service, we offer monthly groups and one to one support for young carers in Norwich, Broadland and part of North Norfolk covering North Walsham, Stalham, Sea Palling and the surrounding areas.

For more information, please visit: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/service/boomyoung-carers/

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THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION

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Issue 82 2020

Butterfly Treasure Hunt 2020 Can you solve the treasure?

the

clues

and

win

We are bringing our popular Butterfly Treasure Hunt event back to Norwich for a third year and invite you to get together with friends, family or colleagues to enjoy a fun summer evening in support of our work.

Taking place on Friday 26th June 2020, the Butterfly Treasure Hunt is now a regular feature in our events calendar and has proven to be a firm favourite among families, friends and local businesses, with teams competing against each other to explore Norwich city centre while solving clues to unlock a conundrum.

The 2020 event will conclude at The Eagle pub on Newmarket Road, where teams can relax and enjoy a BBQ before the winning team is announced.

Thank you to Main Event Sponsors, Clapham and Collinge Solicitors.

Book by 20th March to take advantage of the Early https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/event/butterfly-treasure-hunt/

Bird

Discount!

Good Quality Furniture At Competitive Prices

Our stores in Norwich, Dereham and Holt sell good quality used furniture and electrical goods - with brand new white goods and beds too.

Please contact us about any items you wish to donate.

By supporting our stores, you’re helping us to help more local children, young people and families who are going through difficult times.

For more details or to find your nearest store, please visit our website: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/stores/

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7

ICENI - NEWS

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Issue 82 2020

Late-Night Opening For Norwich Market On Thursday 13th February To Celebrate Inaugural Love Light Norwich Festival Norwich Market has confirmed they will extend their opening hours to 9pm on Thursday 13th February to celebrate the launch of a new light festival coming to Norwich in 2020.

Love Light Norwich, brought to the city by Norwich Business Improvement District (BID), is a bright new light festival celebrating art and innovation with a theme of love and belonging in Norwich city centre. An illuminating trail of artworks utilising light, live performances, and community activities are all part of the artistic programme taking place from Thursday 13th February through to Saturday 15th February.

This cultural and inclusive event will welcome everyone to a free festival experience, which is set to become a regular highlight in Norwich’s cultural calendar.

Norwich Market has decided to join in with the celebrations, offering the community a new night experience combining its attractive and vibrant mix of food with entertainment activities and live performances taking place around the market.

Norwich Market, recently voted as Britain’s best outdoor market by the National Association of British Market Authorities, has become a unique and popular landmark in the city centre. The market’s participation in Love Light Norwich will become a must-visit attraction on the Love Light map on Thursday evening, which also coincides with late night shopping.

It’s set to be a great opportunity for new audiences and locals to experience what a street night market looks like in the heart of the city.

Credit: Norwich BID, featuring Joe Ridoutt (Bo-tanical), William and Mark Wright (Taxi Vintage Clothing) Heather Lovering (Lovering and Co)

buzz that Love Light just got brighter with the wonderful addition of the late-night Norwich Market on Thursday night. We all love the variety of what’s on offer underneath the best covered market in the UK. We know opening later for one night enables people to enjoy delicious food, drink and treats which will add to the festival feel of Love Light.”

Councillor Matthew Packer, cabinet member with responsibility for markets, adds, “We’re ecstatic that the BID and stall-holders are working together to give Norwich Market a starring role in this new free festival set to illuminate the city in February. We can’t wait for this new chapter being opened in our City of Stories and hope as many of you as possible will join us for this three-day event which promises to be spectacular.” #LoveLightNorwich #CityOfStories #Norwich

Caroline Bidewell, Head of Operations at Norwich BID and project lead for Love Light Norwich, says, “We’re excited to share the

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9

ICENI - NEWS

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Issue 82 2020

Million-Selling Musical Favourites, Children’s TV Icon And Popular Podcaster Head To Norwich

New 2020 Shows Announced Four exciting new shows have recently been added to the Norwich Theatre Royal line-up.

The multi-platinum-selling vocal harmony group, The Overtones, are opening their 2020 tour at Norwich Theatre Royal.

With their enviable vocal harmonies and strong personalities, they have become one of the UK’s most popular live acts singing at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at Buckingham Palace and in front of a million people at The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Back by popular demand, the quartet will bring their exciting blend of tuneful harmonies and entertainment to the stage on June 16.

They last appeared at Norwich Theatre Royal in 2016 as part of the hit show Puttin’ On The Ritz opposite Suffolk’s popular musical theatre star Ruthie Henshall in a celebration of the golden age of Hollywood.

The Overtones remain one of Britain’s household names thanks to appearances on dozens of TV shows across Europe and headlining at world-renowned venues like the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.

Overtones member Mike Crawshaw cannot wait to launch their latest tour in Norwich. He said: “We love performing classic songs and favourites from our albums. Over the last 11 years, we have learnt a thing or two about

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throwing a party. “People come to our shows to let their hair down, get their spirits up and dance their hearts out. We want everyone to leave an Overtones concert with a huge smile on their face and a spring in their step.”

Also heading to the city is children’s TV icon Johnny Ball with his live show ‘Wonders Beyond Numbers’ which puts the fun into maths on May 17.

Children’s TV’s Mr Maths Johnny Ball is set to share his love of numbers in his latest show.

The 81-year-old is promising no one will be bored in the audience as he tells stories of exploration, recreates the famous streak by Archimedes, and performs The Minute Waltz in under 60 seconds.

Fondly remembered for writing and starring in 20 series of BBC children’s hits Think Of A Number and Think Again, he also spent 12 years as a stand-up comedian and 25 years working in TV. Johnny has also written five educational stage musicals which focus on maths and science which played to up to 160,000 people a year.

Meanwhile the noble goals of 21st century feminists are explored as a popular podcast is transformed into a stage show with The Guilty Feminist: Live With Deborah Frances-White on May 11.

First launched in 2015, comedian Deborah Frances-White and her guests explore the noble goals of 21st century feminists while also confessing the insecurities, hypocrisies and paradoxes around those aims.

Issue 82 2020

laughs, excitement and spectacle is to be in the audience on May 11.

And the exasperated news reporter, whose comedy videos have gone viral, Jonathan Pie, brings his Fake News Tour to Norwich on April 6.

Described as ‘brilliant, brave, raw and analytical without forgetting to be funny’ by Ricky Gervais, Jonathan berates the people in power and the journalists who are apparently holding them to account.

His previous two tours have taken in venues like the Hammersmith Apollo and London Palladium, and performances across the US and Australia.

Jonathan also boasts over 1.2m Facebook followers and his response to the election of Donald Trump was viewed more than 150 million times worldwide.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “The Overtones always bring an air of excitement when they visit the city and we are delighted to be hosting the start of their 2020 tour which promises to be a musical feast coupled with their ultra-enthusiastic stage performance.

“Add in this exciting live version of a popular podcast which aims to discuss and explore feminism in an entertaining way plus the opportunity to learn a lot with the everexuberant Johnny Ball and enjoy the wit of Jonathan Pie, and it means some fantastic on-stage treats next year.”

This new touring version promises to also feature stand-up comedy, music, local guests and some surprises.

Nothing from the live show will be released on the podcast so the only way to experience the

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11

SOMETIMES...

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Issue 82 2020

Sometimes You’ve Just Got To Say ‘No’ Many people find that it’s their automatic default to say ‘yes’ whenever something is asked of them.

They may have learned to respond without even thinking about it, maybe regard others’ needs as more important than their own or don’t want to cause disappointment, offence or appear ‘difficult’ by declining.

Saying ‘yes’ can be a positive trait that opens new doors and experiences. It can be a significant investment in our relationships, but used too often or without due consideration can also lead to overwhelm, frustration and resentment.

Let’s look at why sometimes you’ve just got to say ‘no’: ● At times it can become apparent that we need to re-define the boundaries of our relationships and remind/reinstate

the parameters of what’s appropriate and acceptable. Over time we may have ended up doing things out of habit or by default. That’s not always the best or most respectful way to live. From now, let’s decide to be clearer about our roles and check whether the things we accept or agree to are still okay for us. Saying ‘no’ can be an important part of reclaiming our self-respect. ● Personal time and space is integral to good self-care. Don’t underestimate the role of some me-time. Just because you’re free and don’t have an important task or commitment at the moment means you should feel guilty or allow others to encroach on that time. If you had an appointment with an important client, it’s hard to imagine that you’d let something distract you from honouring it. So, put yourself in your diary and say ‘no’ to cancelling, unless a real emergency crops up. Commit to regular time for yourself.

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SOMETIMES...

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● Sometimes saying ‘no’ can be a way of letting others know how much you do, what else you’ve got on, that you’re too busy to take on any more. They perhaps don’t appreciate the extent of your responsibilities and commitments, how time-consuming they are and may well back off once you’ve explained firmly and politely. If you always say ‘yes’, they may think you don’t mind, are happy to be the ‘go to guy’. And it may be that it’s only upon reflection, that you start to appreciate how much you actually do, automatically, without a second thought. ● Don’t forget too that boredom is often underrated. We may feel obligated to fill every moment with meaningful activity, with chores, catching up with people, self-improvement. There’s often a list of things we could/should/ought to be doing, but doing nothing is fine occasionally. It lets our minds and bodies calm down and be still. It teaches us about the importance of silence and inactivity, about switching off our ‘I’m ready, bring it on’ adrenalin. Children often learn a lot when they’re bored. All too often they have technology, films and adults desperate to provide constant stimulus and amusement, but children, when left to their own devices, are often ingenious at using their imaginations and amusing themselves. That skill needs to be encouraged. ● Find acceptable ways of saying ‘no’, that you’re comfortable with. Anger and outrage can flare if we feel we’re under pressure to do more,

Issue 82 2020

always say ‘yes’, but that extreme reaction is often unnecessary. Saying, ‘it’s not a good time for me’, or ‘I’m busy, already doing x and y’ may be enough to placate the situation, inform others of things you’re already doing and encourage them to respect you and your time more. ● Then there are those of us who say ‘yes’ so frequently to invitations that we forget which concerts, events, parties we’ve actually been to! Saying ‘yes’ too often can turn special moments into a half-remembered blur. A bit like testing too many perfumes, we become numb and unable to fully appreciate each experience.

Saying ‘yes’ is important. It gets us out of our comfort zone, keeps us alert and receptive to new experiences and opportunities. And often when we say ‘yes’ and commit to seemingly impossible opportunities or agree to things we don’t want to do, we can be pleasantly surprised at how well they turn out. But equally, we need to be ready to say ‘no’ if we feel overloaded, trapped, taken for granted or not properly equipped to do a good job. Used well, both yes and no can serve positive roles in our lives.

Article By Susan Leigh Susan Leigh, Altrincham Counsellor and Hypnotherapist, has published her third book, 101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday (ISBN 9781910275160) based on her social media series. A glossy, pocket-sized book, it's full of inspirational quotes & pictures, a treat to give or simply keep for yourself.

For more information visit: www.lifestyletherapy.net PAGE

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13

ICENI - COLUMNISTS

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Issue 82 2020

New Year, New Book Well… old one, actually.

My third book, The Darkness Beneath, has been repackaged and relaunched as Deep Dark Secrets with my publisher, Bloodhound Books, and it was released middle of January.

Now you would think that Above: Keri Beevis with all these new books, I would be a brand new Beev. More sophisticated and refined than the old one, and a little less bumbly.

Hell no. It is definitely new year, same old Beev, and if January is anything to go by I am in for an interesting year. I have already had one incident in a local supermarket, where I was supposed to buy a pineapple for my mate, Ness.

‘If you pull the leaves and they come out then it will be ripe and ready to eat,’ she told me. Well, I’m no pineapple expert, so I took her advice. There I stood in the fruit and veg aisle, pantyliners in one hand, my other hand pulling at the leaves on all of the pineapples, and none of them budging.

This resulted in a phone call to Ness. ‘I keep pulling, but nothing is happening. What do I do?’ I wailed loudly (because I am like Dom Joly on a mobile phone), unaware that, as I explained my predicament, I was waving the pantyliners around in the air, much to the amusement of nearby shoppers.

Then during gusty winds on Tuesday night, my wheelie bin took off. When I say, took off, I don’t mean it rolled a few feet. It literally did a Dorothy and I was hunting for it for several days before I finally found it in a neighbour’s garden at the other end of the street.

questions, with readers invited to ask further questions in the comments below the post, which I would then answer. It was scheduled for 6pm and I almost forgot about it. Mama Beev had popped over for a cup of tea and we had been caught up chatting. Realising the time, I eased her out of the door and fired up my MacBook.

Twenty-five minutes later, the phone rings. I toy with ignoring it, but know if it’s my mother she will just keep calling back.

‘Hello?’

‘Oh, it’s only me,’ chirps Mama Beev. ‘I’ve just been to the shops.’

‘Okay. You do know I’m in the middle of the question and answer session for my publisher right now?’

‘Yes, I remember. But I just wanted to tell you that my feet have now grown so big, I couldn’t fit into any of the slippers in the supermarket.’

‘Okay.’

‘So I bought an elephant plant pot instead.’

‘That’s nice. Mum, I really have to go now and answer these questions.’

So there you have it. I may be a bestselling author, but my mouth, my wheelie bin and my mother will always keep me grounded.

The new year hasn’t changed Mama Beev either.

Book launch day involved a question and answer session on my publisher’s Facebook page. Nothing too daunting. There were some pre-arranged

My new Norfolk based thriller, Dying to Tell is now available to buy in paperback and Kindle. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more information.

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CLUBAROO

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Issue 82 2020

Clubaroo: The Story The idea for Clubaroo first came about when my eleven-year-old daughter was looking for music lessons; we couldn’t find any locally using search engines and, in the end, we finally found a class through local recommendation.

Previously, I had the same problem finding a veterans football team I could join.

There had to be a better way!

Over the coming months, I carried out extensive research into leisure activities and where they advertise their information. I found that there are thousands of amazing clubs, classes and hobbies in every county, but they had a real problem recruiting new members and participants.

It was clear that there needed to be a new resource to bring both clubs and people together.

So, the concept was born. At this point, we hadn’t come up with a name, and after much deliberation over a few days, my daughter just came out of nowhere with Clubaroo. We knew straight away that it was the perfect name for our new enterprise.

We then needed to identify what clubs we’d cover. It was a real shock seeing how many amazing clubs, classes and hobbies were out there and how we could help to connect people with them. There are of course all your standard activities such as football or swimming, but there are also great activities you may not have considered or even heard of such as bell ringing and pickleball.

It was vital that Clubaroo offered them all. The other challenge we faced was identifying the users of the site and ensuring that there were clubs for every age group, every gender and every ability.

This was really important to us as we wanted to offer a service that would truly work for everybody.

It’s totally free to use Clubaroo and it’s also free for clubs to advertise (this includes full contact information including weblink, description about their club and up to 3 images). We also regularly promote clubs on our social media platforms.

Over the last few months, we have built the website, started adding clubs and have started telling people that we are here and ready to get them out there trying new things.

If you or anyone you know wants to try something new locally or if you’d like to advertise your club then visit us at: www.clubaroo.co.uk.

Looking for a club, class or hobby? Clubaroo it!

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THE GADGET MAN

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Issue 82 2020

Carry Tech In Comfort With The STM Myth 18L Laptop Backpack This month, my review centres on a product that is aimed at safely carrying your gadgets. Or, in particular, your laptop computer.

For the past few weeks, I have been testing the STM Myth 18L Laptop Backpack.

STM Goods were established 20 years ago when the founder Ethan Nyholm realised that carrying his laptop around in a padded envelope whilst

hiking wasn't a lasting solution! He teamed up with Adina Jacobs and together they have been making fashion-conscious tech-carrying gear.

The Myth is available in three colour schemes, Granite Black, Slate Blue and Winsdor Wine, mine was the latter.

Unlike most laptop bags which are simply foam-padded, the Myth utilises a proprietary technology called 'SlingTech' which features extra padding and gapless corners and actually

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THE GADGET MAN

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Issue 82 2020

'suspend' your laptop away from the edges of the bag and thus out of harm's way.

Aside from this ingenious protection, the bag also boasts a ton of features including musiccentric CableReady systems, AirPod pocket and Earbud keeper. It also has a PassPort feature which allows you to securely attach other luggage whilst travelling, this is integrated with lumbar support, which made carrying the bag very comfortable. Helped by the Air-Channel back-panel which promotes air-flow and keeps you cool, so no more sweaty backs!

Aside from the standard back-carry straps, there is also a TPU coated webbing hand which is riveted in place. This allows you to carry the bag and the solid constructions keep it from banging off your legs.

The bag is made from 100% polyester with dimensions of H 17.7 x D 11.4 x W 5.9 in / H 45.0 x D 29.0 x W 15.0 cm. The bag weighs in at 2.2 lbs / 1.0kg (without the laptop!).

Inside the bag is a myriad of storage, plenty to carry up to 16" laptop and associated printed material. There are also several internal pockets for pens, plugs and accessories. It also has a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket!

I've been using this as my main laptop bag for a few weeks; my 15" Macbook Pro slides in effortlessly and when fully unzipped the bag doesn't just fall open, it feels like it is opening on a hinge and means the contents aren't going to just spew out all over the place.

The outside of the back is Water repellent and the outer zippers use reverse-coil zippers to protect the teeth and keep moisture and dirt out.

The bag feels extremely sturdy and very very comfortable to wear. The added back support is welcome and the flat base means it isn't falling over when you place it on the floor.

I can see many commuters finding a bag like this very useful indeed and it has plenty of storage space inside.

If you fancy trying out the bag yourself, you can download STM's App. Once you get it going, it's quite a bit of fun to play with and you can see how their bags look before purchase. https://www.stmgoods.com/stm-app2/ See you next time!

Review By Matt Porter www.thegadgetman.org.uk PAGE

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19

SEEWHATMUMMYSAYS

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Issue 82 2020

Valentines Day… For Four?!

For the last seven years, ever since we’ve been parents, we’ve celebrated Valentines Day as a family… sort of…

Often, we will dress as though we’re going out for the evening, and then as we’re watching an awfully predictable romantic movie, phones away! Well… for as long as we can before the conversation runs out! Just kidding, Becca!

Gone are the days of buying tacky fake petals and “his and hers” glasses to decorate the table.

We occasionally have a weekend away, or evening out but don’t feel it necessary to ask the grandparents to watch the kids on Valentines Day.

Well, from my point of view those days are gone. Becca adores a bit of tack, and the glasses?

Well, we still have those!

The general idea is that we will shop in advance for a three-course supermarket meal. Available from all major supermarkets, you usually get a starter, main, side, dessert and bottle of wine.

The kiddies join us when we’re eating our starter, and eat their evening meal. We then start to cook our main course, and do the bedtime routine just before it’s ready to serve.

The little ones feel like they’re involved with the evening, but they’re not up any later than usual so their routine isn’t disturbed and Mummy and Daddy get to enjoy the remainder of their Valentines meal without talk of Peppa Pig or playground squabbles.

So far… this doesn’t really differ from any other evening, except we still have two courses to eat! However, little touches make the evening slightly different from usual.

Even our parents have a romantic evening planned right?

Although I prefer to think that this just includes a meal, and then ignoring each other for the rest of the evening!

This plan, which as we know can change very quickly when children are around won’t be to everyone’s taste, but we love it… and that’s what it’s all about!

Thanks for reading!

Tom See What Mummy Says www.seewhatmummysays.com @whatmummysaysuk

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THE GREEN COLUMN

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Issue 82 2020

Should We Wear Shoes Less Often?

Let’s talk Earthing!

We live in a society where wearing shoes is normal. The moment we step out of our door, most of us are wearing shoes. Our shoes create a layer of separation between us and the Earth.

We are walking on rubber, insulating ourselves from the Earth.

This last week I had the joy of being invited to walk along a moss made pathway at our Forest School group at Out There Forest School. Two of the tribe had been creating a pathway through their den and it looked wonderful! The moss looked juicy and soft and I just had to take off my boots and walk along the beautiful carpet.

One of the girls joined me and we both ooooooed and ahhhhhed about how fresh and delicious it felt. The other interior designer then shared that when we wear shoes we don’t actually connect with the Earth. She spoke of a family friend that daily stands on the Earth barefoot and raves of how great it is. WOW! 11-12 year olds talking of Earthing (also known as grounding). My heart was full and my soul touched.

I am interested in the benefits that connecting with nature can bring to our physical and mental wellbeing and Earthing is one of Earth’s many free gifts to us…if we dare to go there. Taking off my shoes, standing on the bare Earth, whether it be grass in the garden, mud in the woods or sand at the beach, I feel calmer, more connected to myself and part of something larger than

just me. It helps me relax, let go of negative thinking and feel more connected to the world around me.

What’s the science behind it?

The Earth has an abundant supply of free electrons which helps to neutralise free-radicals in our bodies (we want to reduce free-radicals as they damage our healthy cells).

So when we walk barefoot on the Earth, these electrons naturally flow between the Earth and our body reducing the free-radicals within us and eliminating any static electrical charge which has an effect on blood viscosity, linked to heart disease. GPs have seen cures in inflammation, arthritis, insomnia, depression, chronic pain and quicker recovery times from Earthing. (Research from Dr. Stephen Sinatra, leading cardiologist.)

We are surrounded by So, get out there, whip off those shoes, stand or walk for 30 minutes barefoot and feel the benefits of better sleep, less stress and pain relief. You might feel a bit strange at first, but if 11 year olds are talking about, it must also be pretty cool as well as beneficial.

Happy Earthing, Article By Shona Sundhari PAGE

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21

MINDFULNESS

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Issue 82 2020

We Are Not Robots: How Mindfulness Can Help With Work No, this is not another article but by the time February hits you’re already feeling burnt out and unable to sustain the about AI and Robots.

I find that sometimes we forget that at work (and home) we are surrounded by people, this might sound strange but bear with me.

Mindfulness can help us meet our goals and be more productive both at work and home by taking it back to the basics that we are all human beings!

New year, resolutions, goals. How many start the year on the front foot, ready to go and energized

pace? Sickness levels rising in your workplace and the energy and enthusiasm you had at the start of the year lost? Sound familiar?

There is another way: Mindfulness. Here is the definition of Mindfulness from John Kabat ‘Paying attention in the present moment non-judgementally.

So what does non-judgement mean? Just because you are non-judgemental does not mean you resign from it; it means you are able

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MINDFULNESS

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to take a step back and act logically, reasonably rather than emotionally reacting to things that go on.

There is a mis-conception I believe around Mindfulness which is that it is some kind of relaxation technique been brought in to ‘chill out’ staff, or I’ve sometimes heard it being talked about as the ‘fluffy’ stuff. The reality is actually it’s the hard stuff... I will explain.

I want to take you back to the science. Is it fair to say that your workplace is made up of people? Anyone got robots? (if you have, then great and another blog!) anyway so one of our most basic needs as humans is safety.

A lot of the time and in particular stressful work environments where the focus is always to deliver more and more, our brains are tricked into thinking they are in actual danger.

Our brains have not changed much since caveman times and the same structures that create the fight or flight response when a tiger is attacking us are the structures that respond to ever-increasing work demands.

When we get ready for fight and flight, the logical and creative parts of our brain shut down and get us very basically ready to fight or run away, releasing cortisol and sending blood to our arms and legs, increasing our heart rate and sweating (nice!) all things that aren’t particularly useful for that board meeting.

As we go full steam ahead on goals and outcomes for the year ahead, if we aren’t careful this can push us into this fight or flight mode.

There really is another way and it’s a way that not only looks after wellbeing but helps you and others be more productive and creative.

Issue 82 2020

It also creates resilience as we shrink down the fight or flight centre, the amygdala, helping it be less reactive to stressful situations. This is where the phrase you may have heard ‘slow down to speed up’ comes from.

By taking the time to be present and slowing down and helping create pathways for mindful focus in our brains, we are then better able to speed up in terms of actually meeting the goals we set in a calmer and more logical fashion rather than a stressed or rushed approach.

In one workplace that I partnered with to incorporate Mindfulness, it was clearly linked back to customer outcomes. There was a correlation between the reduction in staff absence and building mindfulness habits.

The teams who went through the Mindfulness programme worked on the frontline answering customer calls and as a result of the Mindfulness training, the extra time in work resulted in 10,000 more customer calls answered!

What could you do to incorporate Mindfulness into your work life?

I’ve heard of organisations setting reminders in diaries, creating spaces for meditation practice or doing a mindful minute at the start of a meeting. What will you do?

If I can help you with building some mindfulness habits that create results for not only the wellbeing of you and the people around you but to help you ‘slow down to speed up’ and approach the year with productivity and creativity, you can reach me here: www.thehappinessbranch.com

Mindfulness helps to grow the regions of the brain responsible for learning and memory, emotional regulation and problem solving.

Article By Gemma Sandwell TEDx speaker and accredited Mindfulness Coach.

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23

DON'T MAN UP

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Issue 82 2020

Don’t Man Up, It’s Good To Talk

Men seem so good at cracking a joke or keeping busy with hobbies, over-working or hiding in their man caves to distract themselves from their emotional reaction to the unforeseen traumas and losses that life throws at us.

When we are happy or receive good news, we want to share it with the important people in our lives (and even those who aren’t in our lives get splashed with our excitement). When we receive sad or bad news, it should be exactly the same - both emotions need equal expression.

Yet society seems to have programmed men to be the strong one in the family, the one who doesn’t fall apart or let the tears show. The truth is, you can’t be anything for anyone, the best thing you can be is honest. Verbalising and sharing our feelings and grief with honesty about what we are feeling helps us to process our emotion in the present moment and connects us

to what is going on around us. We also begin to understand each other on a deeper level, human to human.

Verbalising our emotions at the time we experience them is a powerful release and can help prevent a build-up of tension which can manifest and take its toll in many different ways - whether through anger or other damaging emotions. I find that anger tends not to be an emotion in its own right but stems from either sadness or fear. Next time you feel angry, ask yourself what you are frightened of or what is making you sad.

Are boys programmed in childhood?

In these days of social media, children already have a hard enough time fitting in, so how do we help a child through loss and how can we encourage them to deal with their losses comfortably, confidently and above all, not

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to compare themselves to others when they experience their own losses?

We have all heard the comments “If you cry, go to your room”’ or “You’re a big boy; what are you crying for? I’ll give you something to cry about”. Or maybe we offer them sweets or chocolate in an attempt to distract them. All this does is send mixed messages, suggesting that feeling sad is wrong and should be hidden, rather than accepting and working through the emotion. Offering sweets and chocolate can then inadvertently drive the child to soothe themselves with food or some other substance.

This can manifest itself in later years as ‘comfort eating’. Every time something challenging happens, they may seek to find the answer in food etc. It never comes and just creates a vicious circle.

When children cry, they cry for a reason. Ask them what the matter is. Let them speak without interrupting. Accept what they say and feedback words to you show you have listened and heard them. Offer them a hug if they want one, but only after they have finished talking. Encourage them to talk through their tears - the emotion is contained in the words and speaking the words can help to unravel emotional confusion.

Girls don’t have the monopoly on tear ducts boys have them and that means men have them too! We should all be able to express our sadness through tears and words or in whatever way is right for each us without comment, comparison, judgement or consideration of gender.

Issue 82 2020

make changes to try and fit in which aren’t natural or right for us. As we learn to hide our painful emotions, we can then become emotionally awkward and can carry this through to adulthood.

When we find ourselves comforting someone who has suffered a loss, we don’t really know what to say and so we either don’t say anything or try to change the subject. Perhaps the griever should go first… put into words what they are feeling and just ask the other person to listen.

When we are speaking from a place of pain, we aren’t having a conversation, we are making a statement. We have wonderful role models today - Princes Harry and William and Rio Ferdinand. They have shown us that it’s ok to struggle when someone we love has died.

It will feel strange and we may feel vulnerable when we start to open up, but keep going.

Putting your pain into words is one of the greatest and most healing things you can do.

It takes courage and by sharing your feelings with others you will be showing them that it’s ok to open up too.

Lianna Champ has over 40 years’ experience in grief counselling and funeral care and is author of practical guide, How to Grieve Like A Champ

Our emotional reactions are our own and it’s ok to feel differently to others when we experience the same loss. We are not carbon copies of each another. When we suffer significant emotional loss, we don’t really know how we should react and what we should say. If we feel judged or compared with, we can start to doubt if what we are feeling is right and acceptable to others and we begin to question ourselves, so we

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25

MOTORING REVIEW

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Issue 82 2020

Isuzu D-Max 4X4 Blade Double Cab Review

By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist.

Follow on Instagram @tbarnesclay The Isuzu D-Max is big and It’s a versatile piece of kit, then, if you’re, say, bold and excellent for lugging a farmworker or a builder and you don't want to lease or buy another car for non-work activities. loads everywhere.

Yes, first and foremost, the D-Max is a slogger, but that's no shocker as it's a pick-up truck, after all.

The six-speed automatic "Blade" variant, driven for this review, has a double cab, so it's also a motor you can move your family around in.

Behind the Isuzu's wheel, you feel a bit like a character from the 1972 movie, "Deliverance".

However, you won't be squealing like a pig with the pick-up's driving dynamics. Don't get me all wrong here, the Japanese-made commercial vehicle is a beast in a straight line, but it takes a lot of energy to make it go around bends smoothly. It's also sluggish off the mark, noisy

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MOTORING REVIEW

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Issue 82 2020

The Isuzu D-Max’s 1.9-litre turbo diesel lump puts down 164 PS and makes 360 Nm of torque.

and bouncy when not loaded up. In other words, the truck never lets you forget it's a working machine at heart.

The Isuzu D-Max’s 1.9-litre turbo diesel lump puts down 164 PS and makes 360 Nm of torque.

This means it's capable of towing 3.5 tonnes and hauling a one-tonne load.

As with other D-Max models, its 4x4 capability is a significant feature, with a dial enabling you to opt for four-wheel drive on the fly. In addition, there’s a low-range setting, should you want extra traction and muscle for particularly hardcore terrain.

For all its rugged abilities, the £35,707 Blade Double Cab does have a smattering of luxuries, like a multi-function touchscreen, tinted windows and a remote-locking tailgate. It's also fitted with parking sensors, and a roller cover to keep prying eyes from seeing whatever's in the ample load bed.

Finally, the pick-up truck is sold with a fiveyear/125,000-mile warranty, and running costs are kept low thanks to 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals. Roadside rescue and recovery, a six-year anti-corrosion warranty and a three-year paint guarantee come as part of the package, too.

Certainly, this vehicle is suited to Norfolk life, or indeed any other rural area where a robust, workhorse might be needed.

Fast Facts - 1.9 Blade 4x4 Double Cab Auto - as tested: • Max speed: 112mph • 0-62 mph: N/A • Combined mpg: 36.2 • Engine layout: 1898cc, 4-cylinder turbo diesel • Max. power (PS): 164 • CO2: 205 g/km • Price: £35,707 PAGE

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27

NIBBLES & TIPPLES

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Issue 82 2020

Credit: Fen Farm Dairy

Nibbles &Tipples February Article By Cheryl Cade, Beer Educator There are a few places that trigger very special memories for me.

The Assembly House is one of them. I recall the day it caught fire, I cried. It was the last link I had to my grandmother. When shopping for school shoes, if we behaved, we were treated to tea and a sausage roll in the chandelier-lit dining room, with fine china; I felt like a princess.

Yet phoenix-like, it rose from the flames and it is still a treat that on down days I enjoy.

Under the leadership of Richard Hughes, it has kept its traditional expectation of quality, yet innovated with its Cooking School, bringing top Food & Drinks experts to the region to share their skills. A brief chat with Richard over

English Breakfast tea and you become affected with his passion to support quality local produce, leading to a range of events from Cheese to recreations of his time at the Lavender House.

It is local produce that I am thinking of at present. Over the last few years, I have been listening to people becoming more concerned about the environment. Each person having different ideas about what they can do to have less of an impact. I don’t think that there is one solution, yet I feel that if we shopped locally, brought seasonally and had knowledge of the food and drink we consume, it can make a positive impact.

With this in mind, I travelled to Fen Farm, Bungay, to visit Jonny Crickmore the home of the raw milk dispenser and Baron Bygod. To say that Jonny is passionate about his cows,

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Issue 82 2020

Credit: Fen Farm Dairy

Credit: Fen Farm Dairy

Credit: Fen Farm Dairy

Credit: Assembly House

ethos and business is an understatement.

Within minutes, we were up close to the beautiful girls, without whom this farm would not survive. The Montbeliarde cows have been selected because they are the breed of cows used by the Brie producers that Jonny studied with before making his first English Brie. They graze the meadow lands by the river until winter brings them into the sheds, where they are still fed from produce the farm has harvested over the year.

habits checked on a minute by minute system.

I have visited a few intensive farms, used for the production of milk or cheese and although you can tell that the cows are looked after, there is something different in the smaller production.

The farm has been at the forefront of trailing new ideas and investing in the environment.

The sheds supply all the electricity for the farm and dairy from solar panels. The cows and sheds help to heat the water used by the dairy; water pipes have been laid under the shed increasing the temperature from 4 degrees in the winter to 30+. Jonny has combined technology and the environment to help keep the cows healthy, limiting the use of medicines as they work with ‘good’ bacteria, while understanding each cow’s

Cheers Cheryl

I think if I were ever reincarnated as a cow, I would want to be one on Fen Farm. I firmly believe that the care and ethos of the Crickmore family and team is reflected in the quality of the produce they make.

Visit: https://cherylcade.com

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BEST OF NORFOLK Issue 82 2020

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Best Of Norfolk - Through The Lens Of Our Readers With a huge influx of photographers from our followers on Facebook, we are introducing a new monthly feature. Here are your photographs showcasing the very best of Norfolk from the past month. Take a look at these marvellous January images.

Sean Bayles - Blakeney

Christoph Gothorp - Cromer Pier

Laura Hudson - Felmingham

Fiona Ellis - Snetterton Racetrack

Dawn Machen - Thorpe Abbotts

Shiela Denny - Near Bacton, North Norfolk

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BEST OF NORFOLK Issue 82 2020

Kate Hughes - Holm Dunes Gary Pearson - New Year's Day 2020 Cromer

Daren Mann - Light trails outside St. John the Baptist Cathedral Sean Bayles - Starry skied Happisburgh Lighthouse

Craig Robert - Norwich PAGE

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BEST OF NORFOLK

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Issue 82 2020 Shiela Denny - Norwich at Night

Paul Hicks - Custom House, King's Lynn

John Millward - Sunrise in Salters Lode

Daren Mann - St Andrew's Abandoned Asylum Sue Day - Hethersett

Gina Upex - Winter Gardens at Sunset, Great Yarmouth PAGE

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Issue 82 2020 Laura Baxter - View from Felbrigg Hall taken on the 125th birthday

Gary Pearson - Wells-next-the-Sea

Mark Landamore - Turf Fen Windpump Jules Rickman-Jenkins - Cromer Pier - Winter Sunset

To be in with a chance of having your own photographs featured in the future, look out for our regular Facebook posts where you can add your images. Alternatively, send an email with your image and caption to: submissions@icenimagazine.co.uk PAGE

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33

NOVA SILVER

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Issue 82 2020

February At Nova Silver Valentine’s Day is upon us again, and here in Norfolk, you may hear the knock of Jack Valentine upon your door leaving little presents!

Norfolk is unique in having the phenomenon of the kindly gentleman who knocks and runs leaving a little trinket on the doorstep. He’s thought to have inspired locals to join in and leave anonymous gifts for loved ones.

It’s a great chance to show your loved ones you’re thinking of them and how much they mean to you. And although we may be biased, we think jewellery is a long-lasting and treasured way to show your love.

It’s a gift that’s always appreciated! We like to think we offer something for everyone- from the traditional hearts to something a little more unusual. Our sterling silver collections offer a huge range of choice and hopefully give you the opportunity to find something that is sentimental and meaningful specifically to your relationship.

As an alternative to hearts, for example, did you know that seahorses are symbolic of strength and power in a relationship? We aim to have a broad range of prices, from little earrings starting at £5 to more heirloom pieces that will be treasured.

In the US, the phenomenon of Galentines is growing and growing every year, where women show their love and appreciation for their friends with small tokens and gifts.

We’ve noticed a definite increase in people choosing to celebrate their friendships, and what better excuse than this cold and dreary time of year?

It’s a great time for women to celebrate other women!

Contact Details:

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Email: info@novasilver.co.uk

Visit: www.novasilver.co.uk

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Focus On:

Social Media

IS SOCIAL MEDIA...

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Issue 82 2020

Is Social Media Good Or Bad For You? Love it or hate it, social media now makes its presence felt in many areas of modern life.

For some, it's a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, to keep connected and establish their own community. For others, they view it as a free, effective way of building an online profile, developing business contacts and promoting their goods or services.

We cannot completely ignore it, even if we do get exasperated with the numerous selfies, pictures of restaurant meals and cat videos! Social media is an established part of everyday life for many of us. Statistics report that we check our devices every 12 minutes and spend an average of 3 hours 15 minutes every day online, often on sites owned by Google and Facebook.

Whilst there's merit in being aware of what's happening in the world at large, we can't ignore some worrying aspects of the internet and social media. Concern is frequently expressed about its impact on our lives and our relationships with others.

Social media can be seen as both good or bad.

Certainly chat rooms and forums can be a great place to find company if we're feeling friendless and isolated, with no one to talk to about how we're feeling. Finding reassurance, answers to questions from people experiencing similar issues can help us feel connected, supported and less alone.

It can also help us reach people we would never have been able to meet otherwise and, consequently, their friends too. Using social media we have the potential to speak to a vast audience, to a community of like-minded people.

But there are others aspects of social media which are not so rosy. How many of us see groups of people not talking to each other, sharing a meal whilst preoccupied with their phones?

Or parents on their devices, ignoring their children, or even using them as a babysitter for their children? Living in a virtual world where we're constantly checking our phones can have us believing that online is the real world, where the things we see and hear are the truth.

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IS SOCIAL MEDIA...

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Which is why it's important to: ● Manage your time online, and set aside specific windows for checking, posting and interacting. Become more productive by starting to use your day more efficiently. Of course, caring, understanding relationships are available online but real life, human interactions are important too. As many of us spend increasing time at home, working, shopping, banking and doing key tasks online, it's important not to become too detached from connecting with real people in the real world too. ● Manage your social media content and choose not to spread negativity, gossip, contentious opinions or excessive behaviour on your feed. Anything you post remains forever on your account. Ask yourself how you'd feel if years later it was revealed; a present or future employer, university admissions, professional body you've applied to join researched you and uncovered some indiscreet postings?

Even content that's been deleted can be found.

Manage your image and commit to sharing positivity, good results and happiness. ● Be cautious who you follow. Do a little research into a potential follower or 'friend's' back story and remember that not everyone is who they claim to be. By accepting them, they gain access to your life and possibly your contacts list. But they may be 'grooming' you for ulterior purposes, wanting to tell you a 'sob story' so you send them money or gradually

Issue 82 2020

go along with their suggestions. They may have failed to disclose that their enthusiastic comments about products and places are paid for by their clients and that they're essentially running an advertising campaign. Step back and weigh up what their agenda may be. ● Remember, you can unfollow if you want to. If you don't like the tone of someone's page, are unhappy about the content you're seeing, you can unfollow, report, block or elect to stop seeing further posts. ● Step out of your comfort zone and meet others in person. Grow in confidence by working on important communication skills. Walking into an interview, a network meeting, a social gathering can be a daunting prospect at first but it's a key adult life skill, even if sometimes things don't go too well.

You may fluff your lines, make a mistake, be rejected, look silly, but it's all part and parcel of evolving and growing as a person. The more you practise the better you get! ● Use your time offline well. When you're not at work go to places where you'll potentially meet people with similar interests and gradually form relationships, like a class, gym or group.

When you attend regularly you're likely to see the same faces. Practise conversing casually, make an effort, look after yourself and enjoy the challenge of doing something new and different.

Choose to be in control and allow your social media to add value to your life.

Article By Susan Leigh Susan Leigh, Altrincham Counsellor and Hypnotherapist, has published her third book, 101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday (ISBN 9781910275160) based on her social media series. A glossy, pocket-sized book, it's full of inspirational quotes & pictures, a treat to give or simply keep for yourself.

For more information visit: www.lifestyletherapy.net PAGE

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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Issue 82 2020

Social Media -

A Distraction Or A Networking And Communication Tool?

“With Social Media so prevalent, we are all extremely visible. Your prospective clients, your peers and your competition can drill as deep as they wish searching, reading and gathering information online about you and posted by you without you ever knowing who’s searching. Depending on what they find, your prospects may choose to do business with you or not.” - Mari Smith, marismith.com To most people, social media is like marmite; you either love it or hate it. Social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, just to name a few, play a big role in people’s daily lives.

tool for those with online businesses, vloggers and bloggers. Every like, every follow and every comment create a sense of reassurance to the user that there is someone out there appreciating their thought process.

People use social media for a variety of reasons, such as keeping in touch with friends and family across the world, making new friends and finding old friends or old school mates. Social media has something for every community.

According to a study by the New York Times, people share information on social media for a variety of reasons. Their reasons include a desire to share what they consider amusing content to others and in particular to define their personal digital brand.

Other people use it as a networking tool for business, acquiring new clients and forming new partnerships.

It has created new career paths and working practices. It is also considered a great marketing

Social media has evolved from being a handy means of keeping in touch with friends and family to being used in shaping the business world, politics, education, careers and much more.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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Issue 82 2020

In the last couple of years, we have seen the impact social media has had on elections, such as in the American presidential elections and even Brexit. In fact, a study carried out by Cardiff University cites that Instagram was very popular with younger voters in the run up to the elections held in December 2019.

Social media enables people to share information quickly and in the moment. The ability to share photos, opinions, events etc in real time has transformed the way we live and how we do business.

Most businesses nowadays use social media as an essential part of their marketing strategy.

It has become a key means of engaging with customers and for customers to connect with businesses.

As Jeff Bezos, CEO at Amazon, puts it: “If you make customers unhappy in the physical world, they might each tell 6 friends.

If you make customers unhappy on the Internet, they can each tell 6,000 friends”; that’s the power of social media.

It has changed the way people communicate with each other and what they share about themselves.

For those who have a Facebook account, it’s sharing information with people they have

not seen in years and they will probably never contemplate having face-to-face meeting with or just sit down for a good old fashion chat with them.

Some people go on social media just to check other people’s stories while others use it as inspiration maybe for artistic or creative works or just for information.

Social media is a very powerful technological tool. When used properly, it enhances people’s lives and businesses.

However, it has the potential to make people anti-social and take away their ability to interact on a face to face basis. … Sometimes, it’s better to pick up your phone and call someone for a chat or organise a coffee morning, or even better still contact someone on your social media to meet up. … You never know what difference that might make in someone’s life to have that social connection.

“Social media is the greatest leadership tool ever invented. It gives you the opportunity to amplify your voice, extend your influence, and create a tribe of passionate followers who want to hear from you.” Michael Hyatt

Article by Serena Fordham, Founder and MD of HER Business Revolution, Glow Virtual Assistants and Mums Empowerment Movement CIC. www.herbusinessrevolution.biz www.glowva.co.uk www.mumsempowermentmovement.co.uk

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SOCIAL MEDIA GUILT

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Issue 82 2020

Social Media Guilt Article By Missy Hitchcox

On a near daily basis, I grapple with my reluctance to spend time on social media, and my compulsive desire to stare at it without purpose.

From a parental and educator point of view, it really is invaluable in its ability to provide networking, knowledge and support. Without the large online home educating community, it would require substantially greater effort on my part to discover the array of classes, workshops, groups and gatherings available to my child.

I can rather effortlessly find myself tagged in relevant posts, invited to appealing events and generally stay connected with the people and activities we find essentially beneficial to our home education journey.

Of course, there’s the addition that online platforms can be wonderful for harnessing

a child’s creativity. While I wouldn’t dream of allowing my six year old to roam free on social media, with safeguarding measures, some apps can prove wonderfully entertaining and educational.

So far this month, social media has proved useful in orchestrating the re-enrolment of several classes we attend, and has served up an offering of museum visits, baking workshops, play dates and discounted resources.

And aside from education, the support available to parents via social media is phenomenal. A query posted on a parenting-related page can be answered in mere minutes. And sometimes just seeing a relatable meme or a comical status can be a reassuring nod or gentle nudge to keep persevering through tricky times.

Also, the opportunity to bore your family and friends with endless photos of your kids’ everyday happenings is too good to pass up.

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SOCIAL MEDIA GUILT

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But seriously, it’s a great way to store photos in the peace of mind that they won’t be lost.

On the whole, the positive impact of social media can be recognised in many respects.

And then there’s the guilt of checking the screen!

I hope I’m not the only parent who has heard “Mum, get off your phone!” on several occasions.

I do try to remain aware of observing what’s right in front of me, as opposed to looking at it through a lens with intent to upload later.

It can be a huge distraction from ‘real’ life, and a cunning time waster.

Issue 82 2020

I think with regards to teaching our children about the world of social media, it’s a great idea to show them the fun side and the positives, such as funny videos, messages and communication exchanged between family and friends. But it’s also essential to help them understand that it isn’t real life.

Gadgets, technology, the internet. They are just that. It’s a part of the world we live in, and our childrens’ futures.

But if they want a conversation with someone, picking up the phone and knocking on a door are much more human ways to reach out.

Also, whilst the support and encouragement on social media is evident, there is the often unmentioned ‘pressure’ to keep up appearances.

And while technology in itself is a fascinating subject for all to observe or study, lessons about humanity are by far the most valuable of all.

To always maintain an image of happiness, or wealth, or success. Which just isn’t reality. Life is full of highs and lows, but the truth is no one wants to capture a nose dive into misery.

We need to teach our children to engage in real conversations, form real relationships, and appreciate the real world around us.

It’s easy to see how a person spending considerable amounts of time online might feel completely isolated and particularly unfortunate when they hit a low point.

This can discourage the type of sharing that actually matters - real, honest communication with friends, family, and neighbours.

Screens can be great when a helping hand is needed to inform, entertain, or even distract our children!

But in a heartbeat, I’d rather get them outdoors to reconnect with nature, and ourselves.

And we will be doing just that, at every opportunity.

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SPOT TROLLS

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Issue 82 2020

5 Ways To Spot Trolls On Social Media Gone are the days of a troll being a creature living under a bridge threatening unsuspecting goats who dared to trip-trap above him.

to inflame the situation further. If you look through a person’s previous comments, a troll is likely to have repeated the same comment in response to many people. That is another key indicator of their ‘trollishness’.

Nowadays, the term ‘troll’ is used to describe someone online who deliberately posts something offensive or provocative. It can be frustrating to find yourself embroiled in an argument with a troll, sometimes without even realising it.

Fake Profiles

Here are five ways to spot a troll: Persistence One of a troll’s key objectives is to get a rise out of someone and so they will continue to push a subject, arguing the same points over and over again. You will often find that, even after you have chosen to start ignoring them, they will tag you in yet another comment in an attempt

As a result of being banned on a regular basis, trolls often reinvent themselves using yet another fake profile. Although they usually do believe the opinions they are spouting, they will hide behind a mask in a bid to get their point across but with very little possible personal attacks in response. In other words, if you click to see a potential troll’s profile, it will usually reveal that it was created fairly recently.

The profile and cover pictures will often be fairly generic and any posts they have shared publicly will be ones they want you to see, usually linked to the issue they are trying to make you get uptight about. Doing a reverse image

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SPOT TROLLS Issue 82 2020

search with a profile or cover photo can often reveal that they have used a stock image.

Language Trolls are not known for being the best when it comes to correct spelling, punctuation and grammar. In fact, their replies and posts are usually littered with errors.

One of the most common subjects when it comes to trolls seems to be the socalled invasion of foreigners into their country. The irony being that they bemoan those who do not know English well enough yet their own written language leaves an awful lot left to be desired.

Quotes A troll’s comments are often quotes from famous people or just a regurgitation of an original quote anyway. Often, words will have been entirely misconstrued to fit with their way of thinking.

The references usually come courtesy of former strong characters such as Winston Churchill or Margaret Thatcher.

Lack of Answers If you veer off track with a troll and request further information or an answer to a question you have posed, you may find you have hit a brick wall. Of course, they won’t just go silent.

They will continue to drag up their previous arguments rather than shedding any light on matters you have requested answers to.

So, there you have it: five ways to spot internet trolls. Of course, no two trolls are exactly the same (unless they have just reinvented themselves with a new name and profile picture), but they do tend to act in very similar ways. Remember: don’t feed the trolls.

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BEHIND THE MASK

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Issue 82 2020

Behind The Mask “That’ll look perfect on Instagram,” she thinks taking the twenty-seventh photograph of herself after changing the camera setting to ‘square’.

Becky is just one of millions of women and men around the world who feel some sort of pressure to present the picture-perfect them to their following on a daily basis.

There are clear benefits to social media.

However, there are huge drawbacks if people do not take control of their thoughts and feelings when it comes to the perceptions of other people.

Let’s think again about Becky. The view of herself that she is presenting to the outside world is completely different to how she thinks and feels about herself. The unlimited access to photos of people on Instagram and other social media platforms influences people’s negative opinions of themselves. Influencers, people who often endorse products they wouldn’t even touch in reality, are partly responsible for this

misery that so many people feel. The hard-sell hashtags and captions (although hard-sell in a way that they are actually making others think that they cannot live without a certain product) are incredibly convincing. A lack of ‘likes’ or comments in response to an image can severely dent someone’s self-esteem.

If we stop to think for a minute, behind those eyes with the perfect ‘on fleek’ eyeliner there, is sadness and beyond the highlighted cheek bones there is a faded smile. Looking deeper, we can see behind the mask and it is not always pretty.

Not in the physical appearance sense of the word, but in terms of the trauma social media can cause for vulnerable men and women. For years, the press has been blamed for posting ‘fat’ photos of celebrities with vile captions.

I distinctly remember ‘Blobby Williams’ and ‘Fat Le Blanc’ a few years ago now. Now, although the press continues to publish diatribe regarding appearances, the constant bombarding of so-called perfection on social media is a far less obvious threat, but potentially even more dangerous.

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ICENI ASKS

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Issue 82 2020

Why do you use Social Media?

“Social media allows me to keep in touch with my family and friends who live away. When I was undergoing cancer treatment, they said it helped them feel in the loop as they could see my progress in both written and visual form. For me, that record of what happened is really valuable too.” Victoria “I use LinkedIn quite a lot. It helps me to network virtually with many other people. Since I set up my own business, it has really opened my eyes to the possibilities that social media has in so many different areas.” Marika “Instagram is great for me. I adore taking photos and even though I’m only an amateur, having people comment that they like my images really is a boost to my self-esteem.” Joe “In all honesty, social media probably isn’t the healthiest thing for me. I’m trying to do my degree at the moment and Facebook is a constant distraction. I use it not only to message friends on my course, but also as a form of procrastination. Once you have seen a funny cat video, share it with someone else, they then reciprocate the favour and before you know it, you’ve spent your entire evening that you had set aside for writing an essay simply watching cat videos.” Rachael “I don’t use social media anymore. Before I had children, Facebook was my go-to social media platform. However, when I became a dad, I realised that people were portraying themselves as these perfect parents. It was just too much and I couldn’t cope anymore, so I deactivated my account. Who knows? Maybe I will return one day, but for now, I’m content with my decision.”

Tomas PAGE

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Carry on reading to find out

What's On Across Norfolk this month.

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Issue 82 2020

When it’s murder on stage…

Photo: Richard Davenport

CURTAINS February 11-15, 2020

It’s curtains for one unlucky musical star who meets a sticky end on stage on opening night and there’s only one person who can solve the mystery of whodunit.

Popular comedian Jason Manford brings to life the character of local detective Frank Cioffi as he heads up a star-studded cast in Curtains, at Norwich Theatre Royal from February 11-15.

He is joined on stage by Strictly Come Dancing star and television presenter Ore Oduba and West End star Carley Stenson for this laugha-minute comedy, packed with catchy songs, unforgettable characters and plot twists galore.

From the Tony Award-winning creators of blockbuster shows Cabaret and Chicago, this production tells the story of Jessica Cranshaw, star of the new Broadway-bound musical Robbin Hood, who has been murdered on stage on opening night. The entire cast and crew are suspects. Detective Frank Cioffi, who just happens to be a huge musical theatre fan, has a nose for crime and an ear for music, and has his work cut out trying to find the killer whilst giving the show a lifeline.

Jason is known to television viewers and radio listeners as a comedian and presenter.

He has been a team captain on the Channel 4

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panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats and has presented numerous television shows for BBC and ITV including Comedy Rocks, The One Show, Show Me the Funny, A Question of Sport: Super Saturday and Bigheads.

Strictly Come Dancing star Ore Oduba will play Aaron Fox. He won the 14th series of the dance show in 2016 and has now become a familiar face on primetime and daytime television with presenting credits including BBC’s One Show and ITV’s This Morning. He recently made his theatrical debut as Teen Angel in the UK Tour of Grease.

Musical theatre actress Carley Stenson will play Georgia Hendriks. She has recently starred as Fantine in Les Misérables in London’s West End. Her other West End credits include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical and Lady of the Lake in Spamalot. She has also played Christine Colgate in the UK Tour of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, touring to Norwich in October 2015. Carley also starred as Steph Cunningham in Channel Four’s Hollyoaks.

Joining them on stage is Alan Burkitt, who plays Bobby. Alan was in the original West End cast of Top Hat and then went on to play the lead role of Jerry Travers in the UK national tour, appearing on the Theatre Royal stage in April 2015. His other theatre credits include We Will Rock You in the West End, and Singin' in the Rain and 42nd Street both at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Also making a return to Norwich is Rebecca Lock who will play Carmen. She played Mrs Banks in the national tour of Mary Poppins, coming to Norwich in Summer 2016. Most recently, she has starred in Heathers The Musical in London. Her other West End credits include MAMMA MIA!, The Phantom of the Opera and Cats.

Samuel Holmes, who is Christopher Belling, has also visited Norwich before, in Shrek The Musical in Summer 2018 when he played

Issue 82 2020

pint-sized villain Lord Farquaad. He most recently starred in the UK tour of The Wedding Singer. His West End credits include Mrs Henderson Presents and Spamalot.

And Leah West, who previously starred in Disney's Film Beauty and the Beast and the ITV drama Unforgotten, will play Niki Harris. Her previous theatre credits include Grand Hotel and Allegro, both at Southwark Playhouse, and the UK Tour of The Smallest Show On Earth.

They are all joined by Emma Caffrey as Bambi, Adam Rhys-Charles as Daryl Grady, Martin Callaghan as Oscar Shapiro, Minal Petal as Johnny Harmon and Mark Sangster as Sidney.

Joining them in the ensemble are Kathryn Barnes, Pamela Blair, Charlie Johnson, Kate Ivory Jordan, Robin Kent, Thomas Lee-Kid, Ben Mundy, Gleanne Purcell-Brown and Samuel John-Humphreys.

Judy Foster, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “If you like your music delivered with a dollop of comedy then Curtains could be the show for you.

It’s fast-paced, full of twists and turns, bucketloads of witty humour and some really great big show-stopping musical numbers, plus a stellar cast – guaranteed to bring some warmth to the cold, grey days of February.”

The show is suitable for ages 12+.

SHOW INFORMATION: Curtains, Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 February, 2020. Eves 7.30pm. Wed, Thu & Sat matinee 2.30pm. Tickets £10-£49.50.

Discounts for Friends, Over 60s and Groups.

Captioned performance Saturday 15 February 2.30pm For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

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WHAT'S ON...

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Issue 82 2020

Stunning tale of a passion for dance set to return Photo by Johan Persson

MATTHEW BOURNE’S THE RED SHOES February 18-22, 2020 Matthew Bourne’s beautiful and double Oliver Award-winning adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale The Red Shoes is set to thrill audiences again at Norwich Theatre Royal from February 18-22.

Based on the 1948 Academy Award-winning movie starring Moira Shearer as the girl who

dreamed of being a dancer, The Red Shoes first toured the UK in 2016 and visited Norwich in February 2017.

It is a tale of obsession, possession and one girl's dream to be the greatest dancer in the world.

Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a battleground between the two men

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who inspire her passion. The intoxicating drama shows life imitating art with fateful consequences, and it is set to dazzle senses and break hearts.

This new revival from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company features a host of dancers from the original production.

The show spent seven weeks at Sadler’s Wells over the Christmas period and now heads out on tour.

Matthew Bourne said: “I’m proud that for nearly 20 years, New Adventures has built an unprecedented audience for dance throughout the UK, and for this national tour of The Red Shoes, we will play over 200 performances across 21 leading regional large-scale theatres, more than any other UK dance company.

We have an audience who are fiercely loyal, questioning and open-minded. As ever, I am grateful for their trust and enthusiastic support.”

He said he was thrilled that “most of the original leading cast will be returning, including Ashley Shaw in her multi award-winning performance as Victoria Page”, as well as “several New Adventures rising stars, who will be performing in the production for the first time”.

Reece Causton, who hails from Kings Lynn, will share the role of the Svengali-like impresario Boris Lermontov with Glenn Graham and Ben Brown, while Ashley Shaw will share the role of Victoria Page with Cordelia Braithwaite.

Issue 82 2020

will be shared by Glenn Graham, Liam Mower and Danny Reubens.

They are joined by Steph Billers, João Carolino, Cameron Flynn, Christina Rebecca Gibbs, Rose Goddard, Bryony Harrison, Daisy May Kemp, Kate Lyons, Matt Petty, Catrin Thomas, Jem Trim and Joshua White.

Set to the achingly romantic music of goldenage Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, the creative team behind so many of Matthew Bourne’s renowned productions also worked on the show, with regular musical collaborator Terry Davies orchestrating the score which is played by the New Adventures Orchestra, cinematic designs by Lez Brotherston, lighting

by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Groothuis and projection design from Duncan McLean.

The Red Shoes is supported using public funds

by Arts Council England.

Judy Foster, Norwich Theatre Royal communications officer, said: “We‘re very excited this wonderful revival of Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes is returning to us. It was a stunning show first time around – so if you missed it then, be sure to grab some tickets this time. It is a compelling emotional story featuring some of the most exciting names in UK dance and the staging of it will take your breath away.”

Julian Craster is danced by Dominic North (who wowed Norwich audiences as Edward Scissorhands in 2015), sharing the role with Stephen Murray and Harrison Dowzell; Irina Boronskaja is shared by Sophia Hurdley and Katie Webb; and the role of Ivan Bolewlawsky will be danced by Jackson Fisch and Liam Mower (best known as the original Billy Elliot in the West End). The role of Grischa Ljubov

SHOW INFORMATION: Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes, Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 February, 2020. Eves 7.30pm. Thu & Sat matinee 2.30pm.

Tickets £10-£46.50.

Discounts for Friends, Over 60s, Under 18s and Groups. For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

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WHAT'S ON...

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Issue 82 2020

Bagthorpe Hall

National Garden Scheme - Norfolk Snowdrops and clematis in February With the start of a new year brings an exciting new programme of open gardens across Norfolk.

The year begins with the beauty and grace of the Snowdrop, and four gardens are opening their gates to visitors this February: Horstead House, Mill Road, Horstead, Norwich, NR12 7AU A stunning display of snowdrops that

carpet the woodland set with winter flowering shrubs. Dogwoods grow on a small island in the River Bure, which flows through the garden.

Open on Saturday 15th February from 11am 4pm. Adult ÂŁ4.00.

Bagthorpe Hall, Bagthorpe, Bircham, King's Lynn, PE31 6QY Offers a delightful circular walk meandering through a stunning display of snowdrops that naturally cover the woodland floor. Walk returns through a walled-garden.

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Issue 82 2020

Open Sunday 23rd February from 11am - 4pm.

Adults £5.00.

The year begins with the beauty and grace of the Snowdrop

Chestnut Farm, Church Road, West Beckham, Holt, NR25 6NX is a mature 3 acre garden with collections of many rare and unusual plants and trees. On show are 100+ varieties of snowdrops, drifts of crocus and seasonal flowering shrubs.

The garden also displays garden sculptures by local blacksmith Toby Winterbourne. Open Sunday 23rd February, Thursday 27th February and Sunday 1st March from 11am - 4pm.

Adults £5.00.

Raveningham Hall, Raveningham, Norwich, NR14 6NS Pre-booking is essential for a visit to Raveningham hall’s guided snowdrop walk and talk to view large drifts of many different varieties of snowdrops. The garden also contains a restored Victorian conservatory, walled kitchen garden, newly planted stumpery, an arboretum established after the 1987 gale, Millennium lake and sculpture by Susan Bacon.

Open by ticket only on Tuesday 18th February 2pm - 4pm. Cost £20.00 which also includes tea and cake.

In addition to the snowdrop walks, Norfolk NGS is delighted to host a talk by Peter Skeggs-Gooch from Thorncroft Clematis entitled: Clematis throughout the year. Peter Skeggs-Gooch is one of the country’s leading clematis experts and is

the third generation owner of the Chelsea award winning nursery Thorncroft Clematis.

He will be giving a talk on how to grow Clematis in your garden all year round, which promises to be fascinating. Peter has spoken to plant lovers at some of the country’s leading horticultural associations including the Chelsea Physic Garden.

A morning not to be missed! The location is Garvestone Village Hall Dereham Rd, Garvestone, Norwich NR9 4AD. Monday February 24th 10:30 -12.30. Tickets cost £9 (+ £1.08 booking fee) and includes Coffee and Cake. Pre-booking essential as numbers are limited.

All open gardens will be serving home-made cake, tea and coffee.

Entry for children is free, but please check the website for wheelchair access and whether the garden is dog friendly.

You can find out about gardens open throughout 2020 by accessing our website: ngs.org.uk and searching for Norfolk gardens.

The website also highlights any gardens that open for groups by arrangement.

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ICENI - HOROSCOPES

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Issue 82 2020

Horoscopes For February Aries 21 March - 20 April You’ll have the attractor factor,

Libra 24 September - 23 October As seductive Venus

as sweet Venus enters your sign bringing extra sparkle. And with a Supermoon in your romance zone on the 8th, you may be irresistible. You’ll also be eager to get moving on your best plans and goals, with feisty Mars giving you courage to aim high. Don’t discount your imagination, as combined with your natural savvy, you can do very well Aries.

moves into your partnership zone, her presence can add sizzle to relationships this month. Plus, the February 8th Supermoon could bring sparkle to social events. Looking for romance? Be pleasantly surprised. The extra energy you bring to homely issues may see you making great progress.

Yet with Mercury rewinding, be vigilant to avoid mistakes.

Taurus 21 April - 21 May The future beckons Taurus,

Scorpio 24 October - 22 November You can have a special

and with a stirring influence encouraging you onwards, this is a great time to learn new skills, travel and reach for fresh opportunities. A potent Supermoon in week two can highlight your work/life balance and encourage a creative approach to resolving family issues. Eager to make new friends? With a sparkling social life, you could have a lot of fun.

allure as Mercury then the Sun, move into Pisces over coming weeks. But if you really want to stand out, then make use of the Supermoon on the 8th in a prominent sector to showcase your best skills. Networking can help you to link with others who share your ambitions, so go for it. Ready for more romance?

The week four New Moon can assist Scorpio.

Gemini 22 May - 21 June You can make definite strides

Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December February can

forward this month, with a chance to connect with those who value your ideas and abilities. Throw a little charm into the mix and you may be successful. The February 8th Supermoon highlights an opportunity that could be too good to pass by Gemini. Mercury will rewind from midmonth though, so take extra care when handling important issues.

find you energized and ready to take the world by storm. And with a potent lunation in your adventure zone in week two, you won’t need much persuading to grasp fresh opportunities.

Keen to get finances organized? From the 16th onwards, you’ll be ready to take back control. Need to recharge? From week three, a little pampering could go down very well.

Cancer 22 June - 23 July Charm can get you far, and

Capricorn 22 December - 20 January Finances may

help you succeed with job or business-related matters.

And with dynamic Mars powering through your sector of relating, you’ll have the strength to make your voice heard. It’s time to stand out from the crowd. Mesmerizing influences can find you yearning to get away from it all.

And if you go with a partner, it could be a very special time.

dominate early on, with a lunation on the 8th encouraging a desire to splurge. What attracts now could lose its lustre soon, so keep receipts just in case. You’ll get your energy back from the 16th, when feisty Mars enters your sign for six weeks, inspiring you to get moving on key plans. Have a reunion planned? Mercury retro from midmonth can make it a reality.

Leo 24 July - 23 August As delectable Venus enters your

Aquarius 21 January - 19 February You’ll be in your

travel zone, you may be ready for new love adventures and eager to get away from it all. The dramatic Supermoon in your sign on the 8th, can encourage discussion and a chance to air feelings. A love affair could peak at this time too. While you may be busy with work, you’ll have renewed energy to put into ideas that might prove lucrative Leo.

element until the 18th, with the Sun in your sign encouraging you to fulfil your potential. Plus, with a Supermoon in your sector of relating on the 8th, a key relationship may sizzle with new promise. Mind, this can also be a chance to clear the air. Money matters come into focus, although with Mercury rewinding from midmonth, extra care is needed in this regard.

Virgo 24 August - 23 September Dream sweet dreams

Pisces 20 February - 20 March Up to week three, you may

Virgo, especially around the 8th when a powerful lunar phase can stir up your psyche. Take a note of any that are vivid, as they could contain creative ideas and guidance. Mercury your ruler rewinds midmonth for three weeks, which might lead to misunderstandings and muddles, so stay alert. But softer influences highlight romance and a very fortunate encounter.

seek closure on key issues and relish the chance to let go of emotional baggage. Doing so can leave you with additional energy to put into exciting projects when the Sun enters your sign on the 18th. And with a delightful New Moon on the 23rd, it’s the perfect time to make a start on plans that fill you with enthusiasm for all you might accomplish Pisces.

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.

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