Iceni Magazine Norfolk Issue 91

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

ISSUE 91

Focus On: Pets

New Feature Lovely & Local

Motoring Review

New Lexus LC Convertible

Once Upon A Body The Story Continues...

Best Of Norfolk

Through The Lens Of Our Readers

Welcome To Iceni Magazine, “The month of November makes me feel that life is passing more quickly.

In an effort to slow it down, I try to fill the hours more meaningfully.”

Henry Rollins Welcome to Issue 91 of Iceni Magazine, the penultimate of 2020 (the year that just keeps on giving).

This month’s focus is on Pets. Serena Fordham explores people’s decisions to keep pets (Pages 42 & 43) with Susan Leigh explaining how keeping pets can reduce our stress levels (Pages 44 & 45). Becca from See What Mummy Says discusses the first-born of her family and the pet’s reactions to all three children’s arrivals (Pages 50 & 51).

Elsewhere, we have a new monthly feature entitled Lovely & Local, courtesy of regular columnist, Cheryl Cade, on Pages 24 & 25. She visits home of Norfolk Dapple Cheese, Ferndale Farm, and tells us all about it. Be sure to check out Pages 30 & 31 where Gemma Sandwell advises us to avoid the news and how that could drastically benefit our health. Karen Sidell, creator of It’s Playtime Tots, shares some excellent suggestions of activities to use with younger children, especially suitable for planning ahead in case of a winter lockdown (Pages 18 & 19).

While our November celebrations won’t be quite the same as usual, we are sure that you can find a little metime snuggle up warm with a hot chocolate in your hand and read Issue 91. Until next month, stay safe, warm and happy.

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CONTRIBUTORS Becca Hamling, Cheryl Cade, Gemma Sandwell, Karen Sidell, Keri Beevis, Luke Wells, Matt Porter, Mark King, Missy Hitchcox, Niki Etheridge, Patrick Arundell, Serena Fordham, Susan Leigh, Thomas Hamling, Tim Barnes-Clay, Yellow Mysteries Entertainment

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!

08

“You Reap What You Sow”

20

MOTORING REVIEW

CHRISTMAS SHOWS

New Lexus LC Convertible

At The Garage In Norwich And The Workshop In King's Lynn

24

44 16

LET YOUR PET HELP You Manage Stress

06 08 11 12 13 14 16 18 20

NEW FEATURE: Lovely & Local

The Benjamin Foundation Monthly Update

22

Nibbles & Tipples November

42

Pets Why Do So Many People...

Iceni News Christmas Shows

24

New Feature: Lovely & Local

44

Let Your Pet Help You Manage Stress

26

The GadgetMan Review Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush

46

Dogs Trust Appeals For Foster Carers

28

Women Of Norfolk Mary Cecil

48

My Daughter Wants...

A Maltipoo

30

Stop Watching The News How You’re Attacking...

50

See What Mummy Says Hello Max!

Once Upon A Body: The Story Continues...

32

Nova Silver November

52

Iceni Asks...

What was your first pet?

It's Playtime Tots “It’s Childs Play!”

33

Best Of Norfolk Readers Images

53

Just For Fun ‘Murder Of Exotic’

Motoring Review New Lexus LC Convertible

41

Focus On: Pets

54

Iceni Horoscopes What Do Your Stars Hold?

Iceni News Christmas Lights In Fakenham Iceni Columnist Mark King Iceni Columnist Keri Beevis Guilt & The Pet Owner (In Memory Of Sylvester)

THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION

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Issue 91 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.

Preventing Youth Homelessness

We want to end youth homelessness and we're tackling the problem locally by providing a home and support to over 100 vulnerable young adults every night.

We provide young people with a safe, stable home and the skills they need so they can leave us and forge successful independent lives.

Each year, we provide over 40,000 safe nights accommodation for vulnerable young adults.

“I now have more confidence and skills to live my life in my own place the way I want it to be.” (Young person supported by The Benjamin Foundation)

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THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION

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Issue 91 2020

Christmas Gift Appeal 2020 - Can You Spread A Little Joy? Each year, our Christmas Gift Appeal is wonderfully supported by members of the public, local community groups and businesses to ensure each person helped by our charity receives a present during the festive season.

This year, our Gift Appeal is slightly different.

Due to the impact of Covid, we have made some changes to provide you with different ways to get involved but ones which keep you, our colleagues and people who use our services safe.

New Ways To Donate For 2020

This year, to help us safely give presents to the young people and children help, we are asking you to donate if you can instead of giving physical presents.

• Click here to make a donation online via Virgin Money Giving.

• Donate via text so we can buy the items which our young people need the most.

Text FESTIVE 10 to 70470 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message.

• Post Gift Vouchers to Christmas Gift Appeal c/o Norwich Furniture Store, St Edmunds House, 103 Oak Street, NR3 3BP Your donation will make a real difference:

• £5 will buy toiletries for a young person supported by our Housing and Homelessness services.

• £10 will pay for a Christmas lunch for a young person living in one of our accommodation centres.

• £15 will buy a gift for any of the young people we support.

How to Donate a Physical Gift However, if you would still like to donate a physical gift, we are happy to accept these. We would like to ask that everyone who would like to donate a physical gift lets us know in advance on events@benjaminfoundation.co.uk In a year which has been tougher than ever, can you spread a little joy? Visit our website to get involved with this year’s appeal: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/christmas-gift-appeal/ ‘Thank you for your support’

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7

ICENI - NEWS

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Issue 91 2020

Christmas Shows At The Garage In Norwich And The Workshop In King's Lynn

Last Christmas’ My First show - Little Red Riding Hood at The Workshop. Credit: Andi Sapey

The Garage in Norwich and The Workshop in King’s Lynn will reteam with Norwich-based All-In Productions for two new Covid-19 secure My First shows for ages seven and under this Christmas.

My First Panto: Goldilocks and The Three Bears runs 27 November 2020 to 10 January 2021 at The Garage in Chapel Field North. My First Panto: Cinderella Rocks runs 16 December 2020 to 3 January 2021 at The Workshop in New Conduit Street.

The decision follows the success of The Garage and All-In Productions’ Covid-19 secure production of My First Show: Little Bo Peep and Her Missing Sheep which was part of the recent INTERLUDE festival in Norwich’s Chapelfield Gardens.

Adam Taylor, The Garage’s executive director and head of centre, said all venues and All-In Productions are applying everything learnt from Bo Peep to the Christmas shows.

Both will feel different from pre-Covid productions while still being full of the interactive family fun the My First series is known for.

“There’ll be smaller audiences, two-metre distancing, face masks where appropriate. At the moment, the shows will be end on. But this is a process, not a destination. When we made Bo Peep in August, the rules around singing changed. So, we will be focusing on additional guidance over the coming months and going above and beyond to make sure our audiences feel safe and comfortable while still having fun.”

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ICENI - NEWS Issue 91 2020

Last Christmas’ My First show - Rapunzel at The Garage. Credit: Andi Sapey

My First Panto: Goldilocks and The Three Bears invites you to head out to the Wild West where Mummy Bear, Daddy Bear and Baby Bear live quite happily. Life is sweeter than an enormous jar of honey. But a mischievous wind is blowing down the prairie and with it the famous bandit Goldilocks, who causes havoc while they are at Old Man Rogers’ annual rodeo. What will she eat? What will she break? Where will she sleep?

Most importantly - who will the pig wrestle?

Sing, dance and play along with Goldilocks and the Bears in the only pantomime in Norwich that isn’t too hot, isn’t too cold but is just right.

Tickets are on sale now from https://thegarage. org.uk/shows/my-first-panto-goldilocks-andthe-three-bears/ Your carriage awaits for My First Panto: Cinderella Rocks. Poor Cinders dreams of being a rock star, but instead she must clean and cook for her ugly sister. Until then, she just plays her guitar in the cellar to an audience of mice. Her life is turned upside down by Velcro, her fairy godmother in training, who joins Cinderella's band and helps her on her way to play the music at the royal party with just a little bit of magic sparkle. But Cinderella will have to show the world how amazing she is quickly, as the magic will run out at midnight. Tickets are on sale now at https://theworkshopkl.ticketsolve.com/ shows/1173605113/events/428302245 PAGE

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9

ICENI - NEWS

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Issue 91 2020

Virtually Christmas In Fakenham Plans are afoot to have a virtual celebration and Christmas lights switch on in Fakenham on Thursday 26th November.

Following the forced cancellation of the traditional Seasonal lights switch on in the town centre, Active Fakenham are coordinating local groups and businesses to put on a show via the internet.

Richard Crook, from Active Fakenham, is exploring the idea. He said, “We would hope to include some live content and some pre-recorded locally produced films. It could include music and messages from local groups and businesses.”

It is hoped to have the online event in the immediate lead up to the switch on and for a short time afterwards.

Richard added, “We will have a mixture of professionally produced films as well as asking local people to provide short films, photos and messages which can be made using their mobile phones or tablets etc. We are also arranging for a local videographer to make some short films and interviews. This is new territory for us, and we are working with local people and a very small budget. We don’t plan to challenge Netflix or the BBC, but it will be a local fun event and an opportunity for any local people to get involved.”

The lights switch on will be Thursday 26th November which is a change of date from what was originally advertised.

More details will be available soon, but anyone interested should contact Richard on richard@activefakenham.org.uk or 07887 803091.

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11

ICENI - COLUMNISTS

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Issue 91 2020

The Diary of a Norfolk Family

By Mark King I must admit I am on Facebook more than I should be.

I must be wasting at least two to three hours a day of my life scrolling through what is basically the same old thing. The vast majority of information is not actual posts by friends, or vague acquaintances, but a torrent of cleverly disguised Above: Mark King advertisements. Then there are the posts that suddenly appear five days after the event. I had one pop up from Norwich City FC to say they have just taken the lead. This was on Wednesday morning for Norwich’s second goal against Rotherham who they played the previous Saturday, even though just the night before they had beaten Birmingham City 1:0 at home!

Then I find most posts that people actually put on their Facebook feed are just reposts of quotes. The type that involves being looked after by angels, or about becoming a stronger person the more you are stabbed in the back. There are plenty of quotes with pictures of cute puppies and kittens, and occasionally

one with some old lion who is battered and worn with words of encouragement scrolled above it.

So, why am I wasting so much time on this? The answer is, I just don’t now. I tried having a Facebook free day every Wednesday. I lasted one week. The second Wednesday I was on it for half an hour first thing in the morning before I remembered that I was supposed to be having a Facebook free day.

So, if I’m addicted to it, should I worry about my children and Facebook? Well, it seems not. The kids spend as much time on their phones as I do, but both of them have never used Facebook, In fact, none of their friends have ever used Facebook, and it seems most under eighteen-year-olds think Facebook is dull, and only any good for us oldies! Instagram used to be their thing, but now it’s TikTok. I think it is Facebook that should be worried, because just like the Church of England as it congregation dies off, without the youngsters to take their place, then its power will fade, and in the brutal world of business, that can very quick indeed. www.always-hanging-around.blogspot.com Follow on twitter: @author_king

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ICENI - COLUMNISTS

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Issue 91 2020

My Monkeys Turned Thirteen This Year By monkeys, I mean my kitties, Ellie and Lola, and if we’re going to get technical, then they are thirteen years and seven months old.

They are well on the way to being geriatric pussycats (apparently that’s a thing), Above: Keri Beevis which worries me no end because I know the time I have left with them is limited.

We are a nation of pet lovers and get so attached to our fur babies. They are a part of the family and it is awful when it is time to say goodbye. I am keeping everything crossed that we have a few more years together yet.

I have always been really close to my girls, even more so this last year, as I now write mostly fulltime.

They are my constant companions, waking me up in the morning wanting cuddles, and breakfast of course - we must never forget breakfast.

In fact, since I have been working from home, I have learnt their expectations have risen in the food department. Whereas they used to have breakfast and dinner, with dried biscuits left down to snack on, they now expect lunch too.

I don’t actually need a clock in this house. I spend my mornings writing, disappearing to Planet Fiction, and am always brought back to earth with a resounding meow, to find Ellie and Lola sat side by side on the floor by my desk, looking like a feline version of The Shining twins as they stare at me expectantly.

They make the rules and will always find a way to get what they want. So, the three of us now have lunch together.

They may be gluttons, but they also keep me grounded. A few weeks back, I was agreeing a new three-book deal with my publisher and I celebrated with champagne. The following morning, I was sat on my kitchen floor in my cat hair covered leggings with a hangover, scrubbing out two litter trays.

Then, just yesterday, I put my finger in my mouth, not realising I had splattered it with chicken-flavoured cat food. Eight out of ten cats might like it, but this human certainly didn’t.

My brand-new thriller, Trust No One, is due out on the 16th November.

Initially, I put my foot down; lunch was not going to become a regular thing, but I guess those of you with cats will know it doesn’t quite work like that.

My crime thriller, D For Dead is available to buy in paperback and Kindle now.

Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more information.

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13

GUILT & THE PET OWNER

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Issue 91 2020

Guilt & The Pet Owner (In Memory Of Sylvester) Here I am again, once more in the terrible situation of having to decide whether or not to euthanise one of my beloved animals.

This time, it’s one of my cats. He was born in my porch, his little feral mother having decided that I looked like I’d provide them with a suitable home. She gave birth to two sons, and they moved in and allowed me to look after them. Sylvester is the last one of the three.

He’s eleven.

He suddenly appeared with a sore on his face.

I thought perhaps he’d been in a fight; he’s not called Sylvester for nothing. He’s always been a bit of lad, bringing home gifts, chasing other cats. But when I took him to the vet’s four weeks ago, she said that she felt it was either

an abscess or a bad cancerous growth. These past few weeks, he’s had injections, antibiotics and latterly steroid treatment. He even stayed for a week at the vet’s while they gave him treatment there.

Even so, when things don’t seem to be working, the guilt that many animal lovers feel is intense.

There are so many concerns about doing the right thing, not prolonging their pain, but at the same time, not giving up on them either. Here are some of my thoughts and feelings today. ● Is it as bad as it looks? I know that there have been times when I was sure that an animal was close to death and then, one injection later, it’s been completely fine. Sometimes animals recover amazingly quickly from situations that look very serious.

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GUILT & THE PET OWNER

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● Have I done enough? Agonising over the options of what to do to help a sick animal is a nightmare. They trust us so much. My beautiful cat just looks at me and purrs while I decide what to do about his future. ● Did I miss some of the signs? Was I negligent in not noticing him being unwell sooner? There is dreadful guilt at feeling that I, in some way, should have intercepted his illness earlier and perhaps been able to have more time to treat him. I know that sometimes I’m not fully alert to my animals. I love them, stroke them, buy them the very best food and drink, but sometimes I am busy and don’t check them over. ● Am I being selfish in keeping him alive? There is no way that I want to keep a sick, suffering animal alive just to suit my own selfish wants. They can’t tell us how they’re feeling. Sometimes I’ve had animals that don’t seem to be in distress but are very ill and need to be let go as a kindness. Further treatment sometimes just prolongs their suffering.

Sometimes animals recover amazingly quickly from situations that look very serious.

Issue 91 2020

There are so many concerns about doing the right thing, not prolonging their pain, but at the same time not giving up on them either. ● Are there other options? Should I go to another vet, animal hospital, practitioner and get a second or third opinion? Sometimes that can be a cruel option, prolonging further suffering and distress. The animal has no idea what is going on and is poked, prodded and medicated. I trust my vet, otherwise I wouldn’t be going to her in the first place.

Well, as a final word, since I started writing this article I have been to the vet’s. I was advised to put my little cat to sleep, so I did and have brought him home and buried him in my garden. I’ll get a headstone for his grave. He’s buried next to his mother and his brother.

A source of comfort is that he has had a good life, especially for a stray. He’s enjoyed lots of love, gourmet dinners, central heating and a cosy place to sleep.

And, at the end, no prolonged suffering.

Article By Susan Leigh Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor, 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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15

ONCE UPON A BODY

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Issue 91 2020

Once Upon A Body: The Story Continues...

Niki from Once upon a Body has received a place to train as a hair and makeup artist at the Iver Academy at Pinewood Studios. Her place was given to her due the amount of passion and dedication she has for her work.

Niki has been working as a self-taught artist since 2014 when a friend of hers wanted to be painted as a tiger for a public display of awareness. Up until this point, Niki had only worked on small face painting events but was suddenly pushed into the spotlight after her tiger. It grabbed the attention of the press and social media.

Since then, she has developed a long line of relationships with photographers and models who have all wanted to work with her. Her reputation precedes her, as you can see from social media and her references displayed on her website.

During the dreaded lockdown, Niki was still working full time for the NHS but managed to continue to keep her makeup skills up to date. Obviously, she was unable to work on

models and with photographers, so she set up a mini studio in her home and practised on herself, which meant completely dropping the comfort blanket.

On her switch from other people’s makeup to her own, Niki said: “I have only ever been able to body paint and do makeup on other people.

Working on myself was out of the question.

When I started, I was rubbish! But since April this year, I have grown more confident with my own creations, and I’ve enjoyed learning new tips and skills. Social media was a great help for me; I have had a lot of fun making videos showing my makeup looks and interacting with other creators.”

Niki feels she still has a long way to go. Her training will push more boundaries and give more room for further development. “I will continually learn more skills and practice as much as I can around my current day job.

Training with the Iver Academy is my ultimate goal and a huge dream of mine!”

Niki has recently joined the UK face and body painting convention group which are

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ONCE UPON A BODY Issue 91 2020

Niki had only worked on small face painting events but was suddenly pushed into the spotlight after her tiger. currently holding virtual body painting competitions while tighter restrictions are back in place. The last competition was a Disney themed full body paint project, where Niki entered with an enchanting 'Fantasia' piece.

“Sadly, I didn't place in the top five, but I was immensely proud of what I achieved. I had only ever entered one competition previously, five years ago, and it was a disaster! I have entered in a Halloween and Christmas body painting competition for 2020, so hopefully I'll at least place. Whatever happens, I will never give up. I will keep trying, no matter how many times I am knocked back along the way.”

Niki currently has a go fund me page set up: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ iver-makeup-academy-funding along with links and more information on her website: www.onceuponabody.co.uk On the subject of her fundraising, Niki adds: “Any help through donations or sponsorship will be greatly appreciated.

I have been partly supported by Ben Nye makeup, a SFX company in LA, which is amazing!”

You can also follow and support Niki's work on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok as 'Once upon a body'.

Watch this space!

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IT'S PLAYTIME TOTS

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Issue 91 2020

It’s Playtime Tots “It’s Child’s Play!” This phrase is used to dismiss the importance of something or refer to it as being easy, but child’s play isn’t easy and, in the words of Maria Montessori, “Play is the work of a child”.

Working their bodies and minds, play allows children to learn and grow at a significant time in their development, but it also puts a lot of pressure on mums and dads to support their learning. This has been even more evident since the pandemic.

Schools and Nurseries were closed, play dates with friends or trips to playgrounds were not allowed, Baby and Toddler groups weren’t running (and a lot still aren’t!), so the pressure of entertaining our children 24/7 at home was definitely on us. Plus, as parents, these times that the children are playing are when we get to seek advice, support and reassurance from other mums and dads about our child’s development or behaviour.

It’s hard work! It isn’t a case of putting a child in a room full of toys and them playing happily for hours. Children are curious, they strive for adventure and need constant stimulation. We have a world of information at our fingertips thanks to the Internet, which can help, but is also overwhelming trying to work out what kind of activities to offer to help their development, as well as working out if it is suitable for their abilities and then find the time and all of the resources to set them up.

Offering a range of play and learning opportunities gives children the foundations to learn. This is easy in an Early Years Setting such as a Nursery School, Playgroup or Baby and Toddler group with lots of space and an array of resources to hand. The environment is also designed for learning, so most children easily engage in the activities, but at home, it is more of a challenge.

I am an experienced Early Years Practitioner and have spent years working with children in a Nursery School, as a Private Nanny and as a Class Activity Leader. However, lock-down was still tough on me, so I can only imagine how hard it must be for the mums and dads who haven’t got the background knowledge I have.

I have always been passionate about supporting families and, in particular, other mums.

Motherhood is tough and sometimes lonely, so by using my knowledge and experience, I founded It’s Playtime Tots to support them.

I help mums with their child’s learning, development and behaviour through play at home which is simple but fun. I am an advocate of child-led play and really encourage my mums to embrace this too. By observing a child’s abilities and interests, we can plan and create activities which will not only engage them fully, keeping them entertained, but also enhance areas of their learning, development or behaviour at the same time.

I provide a free support group on Facebook, posting weekly activity ideas plus general

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IT'S PLAYTIME TOTS

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tips and advice to help with play. I also create tailored play plans and a 1:1 play support service too. My 1:1 Play Support sessions are popular as I not only suggest lots of play and activity ideas to do at home based on what their child enjoys but I also give lots of advice and reassurance which mums are missing from meeting up at groups.

Since launching in August 2020, It’s Playtime Tots has already helped lots of families. I have supported mums with children who are slightly delayed in hitting their milestones, such as their speech or walking unaided, as well as helping deal with unwanted behaviour, like tantrums or throwing items, and also mums who just need some new inspiration on what to play.

Michelle from Norfolk approached me for ideas on how to entertain her toddler during the winter months. She is now armed with a list of ideas but also feels a lot more at ease about her son’s development and behaviour, in particular, his speech and throwing of objects which came up during our call. Michelle said, “Karen had ideas that never came to mind. They are perfect for what my son likes, so she really did listen.

We don’t see a health visitor or anyone like that, and to have the reassurance has made me feel loads better.”

For parents who are finding being stuck at home and entertaining their babies, toddlers or

Issue 91 2020

preschoolers challenging this winter with the uncertainty of another lockdown looming over us, my top tips are: 1. Choose open-ended toys that have lots of ways to play rather than one purpose. Some examples are: ▪ Blocks ▪ Balls ▪ Baskets, bowls and tubs ▪ Wooden figures 2. Enjoy a variety of activities. Some examples are: ▪ Imaginative play - set up a café, zoo, pet hotel or a post office ▪ Arts and crafts - grab paint, glue, cardboard, feathers, stickers and anything else that takes your fancy to get creative.

▪ Sensory play - enjoy exploring different textures, smells and sounds. You could play with jelly, foil blankets, lights and shaving foam.

3. Keep active! Toddlers need 3 hours of physical activity a day. Suggested ways to keep active are: ▪ Get outside - go for a walk, head to the park, go riding on scooters or bikes, and run around making big bubbles with giant bubble wands.

▪ Dance - pop some music on and throw a dance party or enjoy an online class.

▪ Games - play homemade basketball with a laundry basket and small light plastic balls, play chase, and make an indoor obstacle course.

I am over the moon that It’s Playtime Tots has been so well-received and am looking forward to sharing more of my ideas for playtime and supporting lots more families along the way. If you would like to join my group on Facebook or book one of my services, you can find more information about It’s Playtime Tots at www.itsplaytimetots.co.uk Karen Sidell Early Years Practitioner and Founder of It’s Playtime Tots.

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19

MOTORING REVIEW

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Issue 91 2020

New Lexus LC Convertible Review

oring Journalist on ot M , ay Cl sne ar B m Follow Ti itter: @carwriteups.

Tw d an y la sc ne ar tb Instagram: @ The Lexus LC Coupe has always looked impressive and elegant all at the same time. With fluid flanks, a low-slung roofline, and razor-sharp lights, it never fails to create a sense of theatre.

But now Lexus has stepped the pace up further, by ushering in a brand-new softtop version - called, funnily enough, the LC Convertible.

you rarely need to ask for more engine power because you can compensate with the precisely assembled collection of ratios.

The muscle and range of cogs help the Convertible blast to 62mph in 5.0 seconds, and on to a licence-losing top speed of 168mph. The timbre of the V8 pulling in air as the throttle input changes is as gratifying as it is galvanising.

As well as the glorious sound the LC makes,

The all-new car shares the LC Coupe’s gorgeous design and adrenaline-charged performance while adding the fun associated with windin-your-hair motoring. And, as with the hard-topped model, a non-turbocharged unit sits under the hood. This alone makes the LC different. Why? Well, there’s a glut of turbocharged cars out there, so a burbly, normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 lump kind of forces you to take notice.

Furthermore, the LC is armed with a tenspeed auto ’box. There are so many gears that PAGE

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Issue 91 2020

“ isIf top-down luxury motoring what you’re after, then the LC Convertible is a beautiful choice of car

”

there are other plusses to its atmospherically nourished powerplant - and that’s throttle feedback. Any weight, however slight, that’s added to the accelerator-pedal has an instantaneous influence on forward propulsion.

Gearshifts are on the ball and clear-cut, too. The steering-wheel-attached paddles are pleasingly weighted and lovely to operate. But, if you don’t want to experience changing gears by hand, the auto mode does a great job.

The LC Convertible’s ride is firm, but there’s loads of control, so any sense of inflexibility is worth it. The Lexus’ body feels robust, too, with no indication of agitation from the shell, even over tatty tarmac. The steering is pleasantly light as well, so it’s unchallenging to point the LC’s snout in the direction you want it to go.

Indeed, every aspect of the Japanese-made car, from the feel the chassis provides to the engine and steering, enables you to drive the new model with confidence.

If top-down luxury motoring is what you’re after, then the LC Convertible is a beautiful

choice of car. The roof can be lowered or raised in just 15 seconds, and its refinement and kit list, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, make it hassle-free to live with.

In its most fundamental form, the model is priced at £90,775. But the £96,625 Sport+ Pack grade is the one to have. It comes with 21-inch wheels, integrated neck heaters and semi-aniline leather upholstery. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but not many drop-tops provide the same level of elation as well as sophistication.

The fact that the LC Convertible also looks good enough to eat makes it impossible to dislike.

Fast Facts (LC 500 Convertible Sport+ Pack) • Max speed: 168 mph • 0-62 mph: 5.0 seconds • Combined mpg: 24.1 • Engine layout: 4,969cc, normally aspirated V8 • Max. power (PS): 464 • CO2: 275g/km • Price: £96,625 PAGE

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NIBBLES & TIPPLES

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Nibbles &Tipples November Article By Cheryl Cade, Beer Educator I am afraid that this month’s Nibbles and Tipples is going to make you hungry.

Each time I think back to the food at Benoli, I am in a heady dream of dessert (but I am going to make you wait for it). I remember the old family Italian on Orford Hill (Norwich) before it changed hands as always being one of the best for Italian coffee (if the décor was a little dated). I had promised that I would try to get to the new restaurant, yet there always seemed to be other places to go.

Ok, those of you who know the secret can now shout, ‘What took you so long?’ Those of you that don’t know, yet love authentic Italian food, pick up the phone and book! Face it, I don’t usually enthuse like this.

We’ve been working really hard and felt we deserved a treat. We weren’t dressed up enough

for some places, yet still wanted something nice.

So, just being round the corner and everywhere seemed quiet, we’d finally try here. On arrival, it was full. The lady found us a table in 1 hour (more time to shop). When we returned, we were ushered upstairs through the well-planned and tastefully modern décor to our table. Then we met Pedro. You don’t need to read the menu, just listen to him or any of the staff talk about the food and nod. The passion and, even better, the knowledge are there. These people have tasted what they are selling and love it.

We started with olives and 24-month parmesan croquettes. Crispy and crunchy deep-fried pasta on the outside is matched with soft creamy centre. The suggested wine, Oltre Passo, had a crispness and dry finish that moved us nicely on to our mains. Bucatini Vongole for my husband; warm octopus with a chicory, gorgonzola and walnut salad for me. Last time I had Octopus, it was chewy and tasteless, yet Pedro convinced me, and my word, he was right. It was perfectly

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cooked with elements of crabstick and the sea.

We cleared our plates, yet did not want the experience to end; bring on dessert!

Mascarpone ice cream with a little side of warm spiced cake for him, while I picked tiramisu. I was worried by the size, yet the first bite took me on a journey of delight, a sweet bitter topping that was crisp, yet chocolate and coffee sat on top of sweet cream above a pillow of spongy coffee boozy cake. I couldn’t speak. The balance was perfect. When asking Pedro why everything tasted so good, he just wrote down the word, ‘Homemade’.

Would I return? Like a shot! For the service, staff, décor and the tiramisu. They also have vegetarian and vegan options I also made a quick visit the recently opened St. Giles Pantry (Norwich). Sitting next to Bread Source, this new deli opened by Alan, prides itself on only having local products, from crackers and chutneys to the more unusual spirits and wines. Alan is passionate about sharing the stories of the producers in his small but relaxed deli with well-considered seating to allow for consumption of some devilish looking cakes.

Keep your eye out for his meet the producer’s events in the future.

Cheers, until next month.

Cheryl Visit: https://cherylcade.com

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LOVELY & LOCAL

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New Feature: Lovely & Local

Welcome to the first of our ‘Lovely & Local’ articles.

These articles aim to introduce you to some of our passionate local food and drinks producers across the region.

For our first visit, we travelled to Ferndale Farm, home of Norfolk Dapple Cheese, to meet Arthur with his small team of Craig and Megan. As I entered the dairy, I was greeted with an aroma of sweet milk and yoghurt. Arthur, a friendly young man dressed in his whites, was all smiles and the passion in his work radiates off him.

Their cheese story began with his mum, Elinor Betts, who started to make cheese in 2004.

The day starts early with Mum (semi-retired from cheese making) heading to Abbey Farm in Binham to collect 2000 litres of fresh milk at

6am followed by a day-long process, as you can never hurry cheese making. Arthur explained that the milk is gently heated to the right temperature before the starter culture is added followed a little later by the rennet. This had happened just prior to my arrival, meaning that in the tank was something akin to creamy firm panna-cotta.

Then the really hard work begins; Arthur and his team cut the curds by hand, then slowly, fingertip by fingertip, they ease the curds from the edges so every precious piece is available to be heated gently again while stirred.

Once ready, the curds are lifted from the whey into moulds where they are pressed before drying for two days. After two days, cheeses, like the Norfolk Dapple, Carrow and Ruby, are lovingly coated in butter and wrapped in untreated cotton before heading to the maturation room where they are turned regularly and can hibernate for 4-6 months. They also make a

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Issue 91 2020

washed rind cheese (Tawny) using local strong ale which does not have its protective coat of cloth, instead it has a weekly wash in ale.

Norfolk Dapple also creates its own siblings, a cold smoked version and mature. Smoked Dapple takes a short journey to the in-house smoker where it sits while curls of wood smoke infuse its rind making its subtle way into the core. As Arthur noted, ‘A true smoked cheese should have an edge of bonfire and a core of sweet, warm wood’.

I asked Arthur what his biggest worry was at present, and although Covid and the impact it was having on his customers features high, his biggest concern has always been wastage. Most of the unsellable cheese goes into compost or is eaten by the farm staff. Arthur showed me that one small crack allowing a little vein of the surface mould to enter the paste (main cheese body) results in him removing more than a factory cheese maker would. Yet Arthur will not let a cheese leave the building if it is not at its best for his customer. And if it needs another two months to be ready, then he gives it the time to create the flavours that have won his cheese so many awards.

Ferndale Cheeses are available from a number of Farm Shops. You can check out their website https://www.ferndalefarmnorfolkcheeses. co.uk/ stockists for your nearest stockist.

If you feel there is a local producer that is an unsung hero or just generally produces the best you’ve ever tasted, drop me a line and perhaps you will see them shortly on this page.

Article by Cheryl Cade Visit: https://cherylcade.com

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THE GADGETMAN

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Issue 91 2020

Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush Clean your teeth with sound at 40,000 pulses per minute This month, you will be relieved to read that we are leaving Einstein’s Photon Theory and Particle Physics behind and review traditional oral hygiene products, but this one uses fluid dynamics and 40,000 sonic pulses a minute to keep your teeth sparkling clean!

This week, I have been testing the Ordo Sonic+ toothbrush, which cleans the surface of your teeth and also in between them.

The Ordo Sonic+ looks like an unassuming electric toothbrush at first glance, but when you look a little closer, you find a very smartly manufactured device with a fair bit of extra functionality from traditional toothbrushes.

The Sonic+ comes in three colours schemes; white/silver, rose gold and charcoal grey.

The Sonic+ comes in three colours schemes: white/silver, rose gold and charcoal grey. Also included in the box is a USB Induction Charger.

This means that no electrical contacts are touching when the brush is charging which is great when using in a bathroom (A full charge should last 3 weeks). Also, in the box is an interchangeable head which fits easily onto the toothbrushes body.

Ordo’s Sonic+ Brush head has a built-in silicone-polishing element designed to help whiten your teeth using a polishing action.

It worked really well as you have a choice of brushing modes to suit your needs. Clean used for everyday cleaning. White - highest frequency, ideal for removing surface stains.

Massage - utilises a pulsating action for a gentle massage. Sensitive - uses a reduced power output for sensitive teeth and gums.

The recommendation for brushing by Dentists is that we should be doing this at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes.

The Sonic+ helps keep to this regime by pausing every 30 seconds. This allows you to ensure that you clean each of the four quadrants of your mouth. Two minutes in the morning and again before bed will have you on your way to having

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teeth like Rylan Clark, but don’t let that put you off!

The interesting angle to this product is the offer of a subscription to replacement heads and refills. I think this is a great idea as all too many times, I have ended up stopping using electric toothbrushes when finding a replacement brushheads becomes too difficult. When you order the Sonic+, you can choose your refill frequency and you will be sent replacements at your chosen time. You can also cancel your subscription at any time with no strings attached.

At £55, I think it’s great value and the toothbrush itself is high tech, but not crammed with unnecessary features that end up being a faff. The four modes were useful and there is a noticeable change in the sound of the brush when you do select each of them. This is using sonic waves and as such, you can hear your teeth being cleaned.

Great value and a brilliant product, available to buy from ordolife.com.

See you next month! Stay safe.

Matt www.thegadgetman.org.uk

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WOMEN OF NORFOLK

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Women Of Norfolk Mary Cecil (1857 - 1919) Born Mary Rothes Margaret TyssenAmhurst on April 25th 1857 in Didlington Hall (near Swaffham), Norfolk, she was commonly known as ‘May’ among family.

Her surname was changed to Tyssen-Amherst in 1877 (reasons for changing the ‘u’ in ‘Amhurst’ to an ‘e’ are unknown, it could be to adhere to spelling errors of their name over the years).

Her father was William Tyssen-Amherst and her mother was Margaret Susan Mitford.

Mary’s family came from wealthy Flemish traders who had come to own property in Hackney (London) and Norfolk. Her father was a collector of books and artefacts, especially of Egyptian origin - this was a huge influence on the young Mary. The collection of antiquities was (at one time) one of the largest in England.

Mary’s mother, Margaret, was a talented wood carver (with many of her works decorating Didlington Hall) and an amateur surgeon; noted for her skills in needlework.

One of seven daughters, Mary was homeschooled by tutors on the guidance of her mother and father. She was taught in the arts (painting, music), domestic arts (coined ‘culture of domesticity’, covering cookery, needlework etc.) and also horsemanship. On the persistence of her parents, she was also taught the importance of childhood education, caring for the poor and the significance in establishing institutions that fostered the health and welfare of society.

Influenced by her father’s collection, Mary became interested by Ancient Egypt at a young

age and would spend most of her time within the museum that her father had built within the family estate. In 1871, Margaret and William took the young Mary to Egypt (which had recently opened up to tourism). However, they did not travel commercially and instead went by private car of Isma’il Pasha (Khedive ‘Sutlan’ of Egypt and Sudan from 1863 to 1879). While in Egypt, they stayed at the Shepheard’s Hotel in Cairo and made trips to the pyramids, Saqqara (an ancient burial ground) and Suez. During this trip, Mary began to sketch local birds, camped in the desert and toured the palace of Inji Hanim (Isma’il Pasha’s aunt through marriage to his uncle, Sa’id Pasha). In 1885, Mary went on to marry Colonel Lord William Cecil, the son of the 3rd Marquess of Exeter and together had four sons: William Cecil (1886-1914, killed at the Battle of the Aisne), Thomas James Cecil (18871955), John Francis Amherst Cecil (1890-1954) and Henry Mitford Cecil (1893-1962).

In 1892, Mary’s father, William, was appointed the 1st Baron Amherst of Hackney for his membership of the House of Commons, which he served on multiple occasions. However, William had no male heirs and so a special remainder was granted allowing Mary to success him as 2nd Baron Amherst of Hackney (styled Lady William Cecil, Baroness Amherst of Hackney).

This remainder would allow the title of Baron to be passed onto any male heir that Mary would produce in the future. Some time after, William became in debt when he was defrauded by his solicitor and was forced to sell his vast collection and a large portion of estate to settle

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the debts - he would die suddenly seventeen years later (in 1909), with Mary inheriting the title of Baroness.

In 1901, on the encouragement by Howard Carter (who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun), Mary began an excavation at Qubbet el-Hawa near Aswan in the south of Egypt - this was quite unusual for a woman (at the time) to not only pursue a passion in archaeology but also to participate in a dig. While exploring the west bank of the Nile, she believed she had come across an ancient cemetery and contacted Carter to evaluate the site. Carter, who was one of the European Chief Inspectors and in charge of excavations in the Nile Valley, arranged permits to dig and supplied an inspector and workers for Mary. They discovered a termiteinfested necropolis containing a number of coffins. It was documented that a coffin of an unknown male disintegrated when touched while one of an unknown female was successfully transported out of the tomb intact. Mary kept detailed diaries of the expedition in which uncovered an estimated thirty-two tombs - the site of these were known as the ‘Cecil Tombs’ and later coined ‘Tombs of the Nobles’. It was reported that, from the tombs Mary uncovered, Carter took a lot of the best-preserved artefacts for himself.

On her return to England, Mary published her findings in the ‘Annales du Service des Antiquites de l’Egypte’ in 1903 with the title “Report on the Work Done at Aswan”. In the same year, Mary was invited by Princess Henry of Battenburg to return to Egypt to continue her excavation, though this did not reveal substantial findings. During this time, the discovery of a papyrus (a form of thick paper) engagement contract was discovered on Elephantine Island and both Mary and Carter worked hard to have the contract published. The following year, Mary published the book “Bird Notes from the Nile” with all the proceeds being donated to St. Mary’s Church in Scarborough, North Yorkshire - it was from this book that inspired the naming

Issue 91 2020

of the black crowned crane (balearica pavonia ceciliae - the ‘ceciliae’ deriving from her married name ‘Cecil’). Mary continued her charitable work with the Children’s Invalid Aid Fund, the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (where she would serve as Lady Justice) and then became one of only two women directors at the London’s Queen’s Hospital for Children.

In 1906, Mary went to serve as Lady-in-waiting to the recently appointed Queen of Spain, Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg (daughter of Princess Henry, Mary’s personal friend) and was then requested to travel to China, on the invitation of Empress Dowager Cixi, to help organise schools (focusing on the teaching of English) for Chinese girls. Once the project was finalised, Mary returned to Queen Victoria (of Spain) to continue her role as Lady-in-waiting.

On the outbreak of World War I, Mary had returned to England and started to hold fundraisers in the hopes to raise money for the war effort - this was done through exhibiting her paintings at the Dudley Galleries and holding events at the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace (Surrey).

Unfortunately, Mary’s eldest son (William) was killed at the Battle of the Aisne on September 16th 1914. On his death, he held the rank of Captain. He was buried at the Soupir Communal Cemetery in Hauts-de-France, Northern France. In 1919, Mary was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her charitable work and the work she did in sanitation and health. In November 1919, Mary’s mother (Margaret) passed away, and a month later, on December 21st 1919 Mary herself passed away in London at the age of sixty-two.

Article By Luke Wells.

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STOP WATCHING

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Issue 91 2020

Stop Watching The News How You’re Attacking Your Own Immune System This may be an unpopular article this month but one that I feel needs speaking up about.

One of the biggest things we can do for our health, happiness and, yes, immune system right now is to stop watching the news. I don’t just mean watching the news ‘programme’ on TV, but so many are looking at the news app on phones, reading recycled news and opinions on social media, and taking part in posting and sharing views on the current situation.

I’m not saying be naïve to what is going on in the world; absolutely check government websites and information if you are planning to travel (or even just local restrictions for going shopping etc!), but it’s the incessant interruption and fear that’s going to be doing you real harm (far more harm that what a lot of us are worried about at the moment).

When we watch the news our bodies don’t know the difference between actual and perceived danger, so as you read about lockdown, your body goes ‘Uh oh, danger!’ and gets your ready to fight or run away. It floods you with cortisol and other hormones, shutting down your digestion and attacking your immune system (even if you are not consciously aware).

I used to watch the news every morning; it was part of my routine. I didn’t know any different.

I didn’t know the science; it was something to occupy me while I got ready for work, but I didn’t know all the harm I was doing. I am a highly sensitive person (HSP), and I had huge levels of anxiety, but there I was putting myself into a fearful state before I had even left for work!

Learning Positive Psychology and Mindfulness has been life changing. You don’t know what you don’t know, so I hope I can spread some awareness of what is going on here.

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Issue 91 2020

So, if you find yourself constantly checking the news or surrounded by news ‘recyclers’, here are some things you can do: ▪ Build a Mindfulness habit. This naturally shrinks our fight/flight centre which makes us more resilient and helps to fuel our creative parts of the brain (yes, we have all been there ready for a day of being creative and productive, then whoosh that energy is gone with the next phone notification). This could even be as simple as taking a few breaths before we start the day or a walk in nature.

▪ Take the news app off your phone, stick to recorded TV programmes or Amazon or Netflix where you won’t be disturbed by the news.

You can also mute friends on social media who happily recycle the news without them knowing.

▪ Build Happiness Habits. Even just practising three things every day you are grateful for (even more if you feel yourself being pulled into fear)

I used to watch the news every morning; it was part of my routine. I didn’t know any different. can really shift the brain into an open state and shut down that fear response. I’ll sometimes write a whole page in my journal on gratitude if I’m feeling a bit low.

▪ Self-Care - I’m not talking about just bubble baths here but proper self-care: your diet (even more important if you are in fear), exercise (use up the cortisol and glucose being released), setting boundaries with those who recycle fear or drain your energy. It’s a responsibility, not just for you but those you work or live with, and this is even more important if you are an HSP as you will be picking up additional fear. Ask yourself what does my body need right now?

It might be food, some breaths, a walk, some water, it could be really basic, but we forget basic when we get caught up in life.

What could you do if you gave yourself the chance to really boost your immune system and have the creativity and flow every day you desire? Which dreams are you not achieving as you’re being pulled into this fear?

If this resonates with you and you would like to incorporate happiness habits into your life and business and really start to make this shifts in your own life, please get in touch.

Article By Gemma Sandwell Bsc Hons, Dip PP, ICF ACC TEDx speaker, Mindfulness Teacher and Mindset Coach www.thehappinessbranch.com

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NOVA SILVER

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Issue 91 2020

Nova Silver One of the benefits of being a smaller business at the moment is the ability to be innovative and responsive when it comes to customer needs.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been adding QR codes into our window display to give you the ability to shop directly from our website and have your new jewellery ready to collect later, or even shipped directly to your door at no extra cost.

We know you love to see our jewellery in the flesh, and we know it can be hard to gauge size and colour accurately over the internet. But we also know that there are many of you who aren’t keen to spend lots of time in shops. While we’re taking every precaution with a rigorous cleaning schedule, social distancing and strict quarantine procedures, we’re also looking to make shipping as hassle free as possible.

If you see something you like in our window, just scan the QR code with your smart phone. This will open the Nova Silver website in a pop-up showing the item and giving further information about the piece. Simply add to the basket and check out. That lets us know to get the item ready and you can then either collect the piece as little as half an hour later, or sent to you with our daily post run. Whether you’re in a queue waiting to come in, passing by after opening hours, or something’s caught your eye when you hadn’t planned on shopping and don’t have a mask, we think it’s the perfect solution.

We’re changing our window displays regularly and making sure we’ve got a great selection available so there’s something for everyone. Let us know what you think!

Contact Details:

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Email: info@novasilver.co.uk

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BEST OF NORFOLK

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Best Of Norfolk - Through The Lens Of Our Readers Thanks to a huge influx of photographs from our followers on Facebook, have a look at these marvellous October images of our stunning region.

Amanda Pestell - Ketteringham

Victoria Trevor - Old Buckenham, views towards Banham PAGE

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BEST OF NORFOLK Issue 91 2020

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Amy Temperton - Blakeney Key

Charlotte Louise - Thetford Forest PAGE

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Lisa Towell - Pumpkins at Ha Ha Farm

Issue 91 2020

Daniel Mason - Fallow deer at the Holkham Estate

Rachel Farrow - Sundog at Dickleburgh PAGE

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BEST OF NORFOLK

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Issue 91 2020

Maria Holloway - Rainbow in Hackford

India Bonnett - Blickling Hall

Simon Rudd - Running through the fields of Felmingham PAGE

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Issue 91 2020

Victoria Trevor - Sandy Lane, Old Buckenham

Simon Boosey - Sea Palling

Sheila Denny - Bacton Woods PAGE

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BEST OF NORFOLK Issue 91 2020

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Gavin Jaynes - Autumn at Mousehold Heath

Alice Hewitt - Felbrigg Hall PAGE

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Laura Baxter - Felbrigg Woods

Issue 91 2020 Simon Rudd - As soon as I've posed for this, I'm chasing that dog!

Maria Holloway - Autumn in Hackford

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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Focus On:

Pets

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PETS

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Issue 91 2020

Pets - Why Do So Many People Keep Them?

There are many reasons why people have pets.

Some people have pets for their playfulness, others for companionship or other unique personalities and characteristics.

“Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.” - James Cromwell, American Actor So, what’s our favourite / most common pet? Well, according to statistics, the most popular individual pet owned in the United Kingdom is the dog, with 25 percent of people owning one. In total, 40 percent of the UK population owns a pet.

There are many benefits to having a pet. Pets can help their owners relieve stress and loneliness. When you get home from a stressful day at work feeling exhausted, there is

that loving pet waiting by the door to welcome you home, tail wagging, indicating their happiness at seeing you enter the house.

When you sit down on the sofa and turn on the television, there is that little fluffy animal who jumps on your lap and meows at you.

Keeping pets can help reduce anxiety and enhance your mood. According to medical research, pets can decrease their owners’ cholesterol level and lower their blood pressure.

A study in the U.S.A revealed that watching fish swimming in an aquarium has a calming effect and helps to lower blood pressure which is why you find a fish tank in most doctors’ waiting rooms in America.

In addition, pets, such as dogs, can help to keep their owners physically healthy.

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PETS

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Issue 91 2020

Research has shown that older people who regularly walk their dogs, walk faster and for longer periods and have better mobility in and around their homes.

depend on their owners for food and shelter.

Parents can take the opportunity to teach their kids to become more responsible by letting them keep and take care of their own pet.

Pets also enhance their owner’s opportunities to meet and socialise with other pet owners, thus enlarging their circle of friends and enriching their lives.

Children, in general, love to play with pets.

Growing up with pets can improve children’s social skills, it encourages responsibility, and it can also help them to develop compassion, understanding and respect for all living things.

Research has also shown that children growing up in families with cats or dogs are less likely to develop allergies and tend to have a higher immune system further down the road.

In some cities in China, many retired people carry their bird cages out for a walk to a nearby park in the morning. There, they gather around with many other bird keepers. While the birds are socialising by singing with one another, their keepers are socialising with each other too, which is beneficial to the birds and their owners, both mentally and physically.

“I think having an animal in your life makes you a better human.” - Rachael Ray Having pets encourages a sense of responsibility. Unlike wild animals, pets

When you sit down on the sofa and turn on the television, there is that little fluffy animal who jumps on your lap and meows at you.

“Animals are such agreeable friends-they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” George Eliot For some people, having a pet helps to boost their self-esteem. Pets are not “snobbish” or “prejudiced” against their owners because of their social status or their appearance. Whether we are rich or poor, good-looking or not so good looking, overweight or underweight, pets do not care; they love their owners unconditionally.

What’s your favourite pet? If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be?

Maybe a cuddly Koala bear or an elephant in your garden.

Have fun thinking of some of the awesome animals you’d like as a pet!

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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LET YOUR PET HELP...

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Issue 91 2020

Let Your Pet Help You Manage Stress Have you ever found yourself unable to move off your couch because your gorgeous, much-loved pet has curled up next to you or has settled themselves so firmly on your lap that you’re loathe to disturb them?

Are there times when your pet is languishing across your keyboard and you’re praying that they don’t press ‘send’ on a half-finished email, yet you’re loving the fact that they’re supervising your work? ● Being close to your pet helps keep you calmer, even if you do have a wry smile on your face due to their antics. When you’ve ‘no choice’, you can gradually allow yourself to relax in their company. It’s a wonderful feeling to be so trusted by a creature that feels secure and is totally at ease with you. And after a busy day

filled with a miscellany of sometimes stressful experiences, dedicating attention to your pet can be a great way to manage stress. ● Pets have no agenda. When you walk through the door, you may be greeted by exuberant paws, be expected to take them for a walk, replenish their food bowl and be completely there for them. Those moments of enforced pet-time can be a delicious opportunity to recharge your batteries and overcome the urgent mental prompts about what you should/ought/must be doing next.

What’s more precious than spending time going for a walk or settling down with a gently dozing creature who’s totally at peace and curled up next to you? ● Sometimes we have to park our to do list temporarily and give in to those moments,

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LET YOUR PET HELP...

Issue 91 2020

accepting them as a good reason to stop running from one job to the next. Ignoring your pet is futile, so attending to them might as well become your main priority. ● Why not turn those moments into something even more special by allowing yourself to really celebrate the connection you have with your beautiful companion? When they are relaxing peacefully on your lap, you may not even be able to reach your phone or the TV remote control. There’s no real option but to simply sit it out. ● So, turn your attention away from external distractions. Stroke their coat and enjoy its feel and texture. Is it soft and silky or has it a more coarse feel to it? Tune in to their smell, their breathing, the little sounds they perhaps make. Smile at any tremors or movements - are they chasing or playing in their dreams? ● As your internal chatter calms and settles, become more mindful and tuned in to your own breathing, each breath becoming a calmer, more relaxed experience. Notice your body; is there any tension in your shoulders, chest, stomach, back? Allow it to subside.

You know that you’re not going to be moving for a while, so commit to enjoying those few meaningful moments and value the special gift that your beautiful pet is giving you. Appreciate some time out as quality time for yourself, a very precious present and way to manage stress.

Stroke t heir coa enjoy it t and s feel an d textur e.

Article By Susan Leigh Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor, 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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DOGS TRUST

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Issue 91 2020

Credit: Richard Murgatroyd Photography

Dogs Trust Appeals For Foster Carers In East Anglia To Help People And Their Dogs Fleeing Domestic Abuse Dogs Trust Freedom Project, a pet fostering scheme run by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has launched an appeal to animallovers in East Anglia to temporarily care for the dogs of survivors of domestic abuse, enabling their owners to flee to safety.

showed that almost half (49%) of professionals working in the sector are aware of domestic abuse cases where the pet has been killed. To date, the Freedom Project has helped over 1,400 people fleeing domestic abuse by fostering over 1,600 dogs.

Dogs Trust launched its Freedom Project in 2004, offering a lifeline for dog owners who are escaping from domestic abuse. The Freedom Project provides foster homes for dogs and enables survivors to access safe accommodation without the fear of what may happen to their dog if they cannot take them with them.

Dogs Trust is currently expanding the project into East Anglia and urgently needs foster carers to support this vital service. The East Anglia service is set to run across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Alongside already operating in Essex, this will mean that Dogs Trust can offer full coverage of the Freedom Project in the East of England.

Sadly, there is a strong link between domestic abuse and abuse to pets, with research showing that pets will often be used by a perpetrator as a tool to threaten or coerce. Dogs Trust research

Sarah Rowe, Freedom Project Coordinator for East Anglia at Dogs Trust said: “It has become clear that a

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DOGS TRUST

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Issue 91 2020

Credit: Richard Murgatroyd Photography

dedicated pet fostering service is needed in East Anglia to support people and their pets fleeing domestic abuse. By establishing a specialist pet fostering service in this area, we can help dog owners in East Anglia find refuge away from their abusive perpetrator, without worrying what will happen to their beloved pet. “To do this, we urgently need the animal loving public of East Anglia to come forward to volunteer as foster carers. As lockdown restrictions began to lift, we saw demand for our services increase and, in August, we fostered a record number of dogs on the project. It is more important than ever that we can continue to provide our services, and we urgently need volunteers to help us support people and their pets when they need it most.�

Credit: Richard Murgatroyd Photography

home. They must have some experience of caring for dogs, have their own garden or access to a communal garden, and be able to commit to fostering a dog for at least six months.

Involvement in fostering through the project is always kept completely confidential to protect both the dogs and the foster carers. Dogs are not fostered within the area that the owner is from and the foster carer will not know who the owner is or where they live. Additional measures have also been put in place during the current pandemic to ensure the safety of volunteers, staff, and dogs.

The Dogs Trust Freedom Project is looking for volunteers who are at home during the day, potentially people who are retired or work from

If you think you can help or would like more information on the service, you can visit www.dogstrustfreedomproject.org.uk, call 0808 196 6240, or you can apply via our website via this link: https://www.moretodogstrust.org.uk/volunteer.

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MY DAUGHTER...

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Issue 91 2020

My Daughter Wants A Maltipoo This is a sentence I never expected to say, considering her lifelong apprehension of dogs and general lack of interest in animals.

Aside from processing the initial surprise of this sudden, desperate desire, and the price tag of an ethically bred Maltese cross Poodle puppy, I have been contemplating the possible benefits of pet ownership for both of my children.

Psychiatric studies have demonstrated the benefits of pets for the mental wellbeing of adults and children alike. Potential perks for children include increased self-esteem and confidence, as they are permitted to handle and care for small or vulnerable animals. This also aids in the development of mutually trusting relationships. Being entrusted with a pet to name, feed and nurture can boost the trust a child feels toward their parent or caregiver

in return, and observing the trust a pet feels for its family highlights the mutual aspect of the relationship.

A pet can act as recipient of a child’s innermost thoughts and secrets, and this nonverbal communication creates a special bond for children. As most of the affection a child feels for a pet is expressed through playtime and cuddles, this provides plenty of comfort contact for a child. Interaction with animals can teach children about empathy, compassion and responsibility - lessons I feel both my children could benefit from.

Another valuable life lesson a pet can provide is the ability to cope with uncertainty. Good and poor health, dealing with the unexpected, accidents, death and bereavement are all a part of life. Having a pet can provide firsthand experience of managing all these things.

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MY DAUGHTER...

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Issue 91 2020

Left and right: “Isla & Martha, with Remy”

The element of life with a dog which seems most appealing to families is the physical activity and connection with nature. Some extra motivation to get the children outdoors in every season for adventures and playtime.

For insight into family life with a new puppy, I asked my friend Emily Wallington, fellow Beautician and Norfolk mother of two, about her experience of welcoming Remy the Cavapoo into their home: “Bringing our fluffy bundle home was scary, exciting and everything in between. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly, and I had spent months preparing. Our eldest fell in love immediately, was a whizz with the training and formed an instant friendship. My youngest was terrified of dogs, didn’t want him inside and would say things like “He’s sooo cute! I think he’d like to go back to his mummy now.” She soon became more used to him and all seemed like it was going well. By day two he could sit, lay, give his paw and roll over. He was cuddly, sleepy and generally the cutest thing ever.

“Week two was a different story. He’d found his feet and his confidence. The puppy biting started and things got much harder. We had a family session with our trainer and learned some great techniques, which helped. We knew the biting was normal – but, oh my goodness, it was a hard few weeks! Our youngest became really quite frightened of him again. Using the techniques we’d learned and a lot of consistency, it did improve.

“Our puppy is now six months old and although he’s full of energy and has his crazy moments, he’s such a lovely little character and has become a best friend to both of the girls. As expected, there are some limitations on family days out - places he’s not allowed. But having him has opened up a new love of exploring the outdoors as a family. Watching children grow up with an animal is a wonderful thing to experience - from the bonds they form to learning about commitment and responsibility as well as the new adventures it encourages. We have found it a really positive experience, and there is no doubt that our puppy is a hugely valued part of our family. We can’t imagine life without him.”

Article By Missy Hitchcox Missy Hitchcox is a Norfolk mother of two. She has a background of English Literature and Creative Writing studies. Her professional career has centred on the Beauty industry, and she now home educates her children.

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SEEWHATMUMMYSAYS

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Issue 91 2020

See What Mummy Says As the focus this month is pets, we thought we would introduce you to another member of the family, our first born... Max, our dog and how he has adapted to the children!

We bought Max, a toy sized Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, when we lived in an annexe attached to my parents’ house. It was at this house that he had a lot of fun with a toilet roll when we were out one day! Just after his second birthday, Max’s first big change happened when he joined us as we moved to our own first home!

He, of course, had all the attention throughout his first two years with us.

Less than a year later, we were getting ready to welcome our daughter B and, when I was

pregnant, Max became even cuddlier than he usually was (whether it was me leading it due to maternal instincts, who knows?). When B arrived, Max instantly ran over to meet the new addition. He had a little sniff whilst wagging his tail and, from that day on, there has always been a bond. He would even place his paw on the side of the Moses basket when he slept as if protecting the baby. I will always remember when Tom arrived home late one night and Max flew off our bed, barking from the top of the stairs and growling until Tom called up to him.

Any burglar would’ve been scared I’m sure... at least until they saw the mini fluff ball.

When B began moving about and exploring his tail or ears, he would just let her, even with the inevitable tugging, and look over with wide eyes

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SEEWHATMUMMYSAYS

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Issue 91 2020

at us waiting for us to release him from her grip (which we of course did asap). I then changed jobs and worked as a childminder, and Max again took this in his stride adapting. His approach to other children is very much to fall asleep out of the way and move as they approach. He has now worked out that when they get older, he can stay out for a stroke or belly rub.

a bond with N but having another child in the house certainly didn’t faze him.

Almost four years and another house move later, we welcomed N. This time was slightly different.

We arrived home to show him our new bundle, and he took one sniff and walked away. Over the coming days and weeks, he gradually built up

Max still loves his cuddles and time with us of an evening. He’s a great lap dog and still gets called a puppy when we take him out walking!

If we ever got another dog, it would definitely be another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

Another four years passed, and we have just brought home our newest family member (I) who Max has managed to give even less attention to. The occasional glance his way is the best he can hope for, I think!

Max remains ever loyal to us, even though we keep introducing more and more children into his life!

Thanks for reading!

Becca X You can keep up to date with our families adventures, including Max at www.seewhatmummysays.com or on Twitter @whatmummysaysuk

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ICENI ASKS

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Issue 91 2020

What was your first pet and what was its name?

“I never wanted a pet, to be honest. It wasn’t until I became a teenager and felt that angst and hatred towards my parents that I decided to treat myself to one. I saved up my paper round money and bought a tarantula. The reason? My mum was an arachnophobe! Yes, I was cruel.

We get on better now, and I’ve not had a pet since.” Damien

“Bob was my first pet. He was a tortoise that I inherited from my great uncle who was unable to take him into his nursing home.” Martin

“I remember having a kitten when I was very young, but she didn’t last long at our house because she used to climb up the curtains. We didn’t even have chance to name her!” Julie

“I had a black lab called Peter. Every dog I had as a child was called Peter in fact. They were all black labs too. I had no say in their names!” Jack

“The first pet that I actually owned myself was one that I won at the fair. You know the ones?

They came in a plastic bag filled with water. I often wonder how they didn’t pop with dead peach slice-like slivers lying around on the high street. It was called Magic Stamper. Yes, a fish, which obviously has no feet. A five-year-old's choice. Go figure!” Vicki

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JUST FOR FUN Issue 91 2020

Think you know the answer?

Let us know via our Facebook page and we will reveal the answer at the end of the month.

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ICENI - HOROSCOPES

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Issue 91 2020

Horoscopes For November Aries 21 March - 20 April

Gemini 22 May - 21 June

Taurus 21 April - 21 May

Cancer 22 June - 23 July

With Mercury and Mars forging ahead, you’ll soon get back on your feet Aries, and feel you have more control over the direction of your life than you have in some time. The Jupiter/Pluto tie peaks on the 12th, and can see you setting off with the wind in your sails to accomplish something big. Make a new start with business and finances on November 15th, and reach for new opportunities from week three. A Lunar Eclipse on the 30th brings important information to light.

A more positive phase gets underway, which can find you willing to move out of your comfort zone and commit to a plan you’ve been hatching for some time. Don’t let others distract you from your goals, as this might water down your resolve and find you accomplishing less. The New Moon on the 15th is excellent for a fresh start or new phase in a key relationship. Business and finance need extra care at the time of the Eclipse on the 30th, so avoid impulsive moves.

With Mercury your guide planet turning direct along with Mars, delays may melt away and plans can get back on track. You might be keen to make up for lost time, by channelling your energy into one or two key projects, and this could bring excellent results.

Ready to streamline your lifestyle? Make a start at the time of the New Moon on November 15th.

From week three, relationships shimmer with promise, although the Eclipse on the 30th hints at romantic dramas.

If the last few weeks have been trying, a positive shift could see obstacles melting away, and a renewed determination showing up. A dynamic aspect can bring an opportunity to join a team or collaborate on something that you might greatly contribute to. There’s more Cancer, as the November 15th New Moon may see a budding romance taking off.

The Eclipse in a secluded sector could find you questioning your lifestyle and considering a major change.

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ICENI - HOROSCOPES

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Issue 91 2020

Leo 24 July - 23 August

Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December

Virgo 24 August - 23 September

Capricorn 22 December - 20 January

Libra 24 September - 23 October

Aquarius 21 January - 19 February

Scorpio 24 October - 22 November

Pisces 20 February - 20 March

The Sun in your home zone, may see you stepping back from life and taking stock of your current situation. Things are looking up this month, with fewer delays and a can-do attitude inspiring you to take on more challenges. Ready to launch a home or family project? Make a start around the New Moon on the 15th, for a smooth experience. As the Sun eases into your leisure zone from the 21st, it’s time to explore your creative side. A romance might heat up too.

With Mercury and Mars pushing forward from the 3rd and 14th respectively, any delays around finances and other matters can begin to ease. The Sun in Scorpio until the 21st, is helpful for communication, negotiation and for better understanding other people’s motives. Keen to launch a bold idea?

Wait until the November 15th New Moon, and you could do very well. A powerful Eclipse on the 30th, might put you in the spotlight, so make every move count Virgo.

With lovely Venus in your sign until the 21st, you may attract more than your fair share of attention Libra, and connecting with others, whether online or off, can be fruitful. Keen to enhance your image? This is the time to do so. There might be exciting developments on the home front, as a potent Jupiter/ Pluto tie indicates life-changing opportunities.

Have a desire to enhance your skills or take up a course? The November 30th Eclipse could be a defining moment.

The Sun in your sign until November 21st, can enhance energy, and with Mercury and Mars pushing forward, you’ll feel more vital and ready to roll. Delays could ease, and you’ll be eager to take advantage of a golden opportunity.

If you’ve done the preparation, there will be no stopping you. Venus in your sign from the 21st, makes you an attractive option, so make the most of this, while a Lunar Eclipse hints that money matters might need careful attention.

The Sun in a private zone until November 21st, makes this a good time to reflect on life, tie up loose ends and get rid of emotional baggage.

With positive developments on the cards, you may soon be back to your adventurous self and keen to explore new opportunities. A moneymaking scheme could begin to take off after a lot of work, and this should be rewarding. A Lunar Eclipse across your relationship axis on the 30th, makes it hard to deny your feelings, Archer.

If delays have blocked progress, this month can find you doing much better, as Mercury and Mars push ahead. Plus, a powerful aspect in your sign, hints that launching a plan or key project on November 15th, could get it off to the best possible start or coincide with developments. Looking for friendship or romance? Venus’s move into Scorpio, hints at sparkling encounters. The November 30th Eclipse, encourages you to jettison activities that have lost their sparkle.

Shine bright Aquarius, as with the Sun in your sector of image and reputation, this is the time to make a big splash. This month can see you getting somewhere with those ideas and plans that have been on the backburner. Plus, the New Moon on the 15th, could give you a boost regarding any projects or start-ups.

As the focus shifts to a more sociable zone from the 21st, networking, whether online or off, might bring benefits. Avoid making a snap romantic decision around the 30th though.

Experienced delays with finances? If so, better times could be ahead this month, as Mercury and Mars turn direct after their rewind phase. You’ll be in a more adventurous mood until November 21st, and eager to explore new ideas or upgrade your skillset. A chance to work as part of a team can be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, and may lead to even bigger and better options. Ready for a revolution on the home front? The November 30th Eclipse might usher it in.

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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