KL Magazine July 2019

ISSN 2044–7965

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ISSUE 106 JULY 2019 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

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welcome

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xactly 69 years ago this month, the centre of King's Lynn became the cultural focus of the country as a week-long programme of music and the arts attracted everyone from Benjamin Britten and John Betjeman to Peggy Ashcroft and Peter Ustinov.

It had been organised virtually singlehandedly by Ruth, Lady Fermoy (herself an accomplished concert pianist) to celebrate the restoration and opening of the Guildhall of St. George – a project in which she had played a major role. In fact, the festival was so prestigious that the BBC Home Service did a live broadcast of the official opening.

It was a huge success as well, and every year since then the King's Lynn Festival has continued to attract worldclass performers and artists and earn a formidable international reputation.

In fact, King's Lynn is one of the liveliest towns you can hope to visit in July. In addition to the King's Lynn Festival itself, this month also sees the return of Festival Too (which has grown to become one of the largest free music festivals in Europe) and the start of a calendar of exciting free events organised by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk.

Assuming you have any space remaining in your diary, you might also consider visiting the Old Buckenham Airshow (see page 14) which offers the very rare opportunity to see a range of historically-important aircraft in action – including the only B-17 Flying Fortress still flying outside of the USA and the most famous Spitfire of them all.

More down to earth (literally) is a major new exhibition looking at the life and work of W. G Sebald (see page 114), who spent the last 30 years of his life in

COVER IMAGE

meet the team

Norfolk and is now regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

And people who’ve always found taxidermy slightly creepy will enjoy reading about a very different kind of stuffed animal on page 110 of this month’s magazine as we meet local artist/craftswoman Shauna Richardson – who’s managed to create her own fascinating art form in the shape of something she’s christened crochetdermy.

With so much to do and see this month, we’d better let you get on with enjoying the magazine. We’ll see you again next month!

Eric Secker EDITOR KL magazine

Brancaster Beach by Ian Ward

MANAGING DIRECTOR Laura Dunn

CONTENT MANAGER

Sarah Woonton

EDITOR

ADVERTISING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

DISTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTORS

Eric Secker

Amy Phillips Lisa Barrett

Jessica Smith Pete Tonroe

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Ward

Clare Bee Alison Gifford

contact

18 Tuesday Market Place King’s Lynn PE30 1JW 01553 601201 info@klmagazine.co.uk

KL magazine is published monthly by KL Publications Ltd. The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and KL magazine takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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contents

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KLmagazine July 2019

DIARY DATES This month’s forthcoming events A SUMMER OF FUN IN KING’S LYNN Free events for all the family to enjoy TAKING TO THE SKIES...

A preview of the Old Buckenham Air Show THE HISTORY OF BINHAM PRIORY From political intrigue to religious scandal SCOTTY’S LITTLE SOLDIERS The story of an inspirational local charity TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE INITIATIVE Revitalising the centre of King’s Lynn THEN & NOW The changing face of west Norfolk JULY IN THE GARDEN Expert advice with Wendy Warner HIGH HOUSE GARDENS The new event space with a long history FASHION The latest styles from our local boutiques THE PERFECT TASTE OF SUMMER We talk to Sharrington Strawberries

JULY 2019

70 80 86 92 98 101 104 110 114 118 122

FOOD AND DRINK Recipes and recommendations FRESH FROM THE SEA...

On the trail of local lobsters THE ENGLISH WHISKY COMPANY Raise a glass to the spirit of Norfolk IRON LADIES OF KING’S LYNN Businesswomen in the 19th century A PASSION FOR POOCH’S Tasty local treats for your dogs YOU AND YOUR PETS With London Road Veterinary Centre HOME INTERIORS Stylish ideas with a coastal theme GOING WILD WITH CROCHET Shauna Richardson’s crochetdermy LOCAL LINES OF SIGHT The unique world of W. G. Sebald THE WORK OF MAZ JACKSON Modern art, medieval techniques MICHAEL MIDDLETON That’s one small step for a cat...

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FENLAND COUNTRY F FA AIR STOW-CUM-QUY Y,, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Traditional Country Fair Established 1981 - www.fenlandfairs.com

Sunday 25th & Monday 26th August

Parade of Hounds

BASC Cookery

Ring Displays

BASC Dog Events Lurcher Show & TTe errier Show Sunday & Monday

(qualifier for Countryman’s W We eekly on Sunday)

British Driving Scurry

Fun Fair

Clay Shooting

Heavy Horse Show - Monday RING DISPLAY YS S: Falconry - Gun Dog Demonstrations Bee Keeping - Bygones and much more The Fenland Gundog TTe eam Event returning this year on Sunday

• Ferret Show • Rural Craft Marquee • Children’s Rides • Full Catering & Bars For further information and event listings visit: www.fenlandfairs.com

GA ATTES OPEN 8:30am to 5:30pm Admission Adults £12.50 | Children under 13 FREE Address: Quy Hall, Stow-Cum-Quy CB25 0AF

WHEREVER SUMMER TAKES YOU, LET STEBBINGS DRIVE THE WAY

500 CARS. 1 LOCATION

Hamlin Way, Hardwick Narrows, Kings Lynn, PE30 4NG Call 01553 661661 • www.stebbings.co.uk 6

KLmagazine July 2019

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Diarydates

LOCAL EVENTS IN JULY & AUGUST

ALL ABOUT DOGS SHOW Created by dog lovers for dog lovers and their four-legged friends, the All About Dogs show is the ‘pawfect’ day out for you and your dogs! Your beloved pets can enjoy two days full of exciting arena displays, expert advice, shopping, and lots of fun activities including the popular ‘Fun Dog Shows’ where your dog can win rosettes, and ‘K9 Aqua Sports’ where your dog can have a splash in the giant dock diving pool.

There will also be talent competitions, lots of amazing displays and much more. You can fetch discount advance tickets now by visiting the website at www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk.

WHEN: Sunday 25th and Bank Holiday Monday 26th August (9.30am-5pm) WHERE: Norfolk Showground, Easton NR5 0TT

TRUE’S YARD FISHERFOLK MUSEUM: NORTH END GUIDED WALKS

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT Festival Too presents a special one-day event for your mind, body and spirit. This free-to-enter event will feature experienced mediums, tarot cards, angel cards, aura photography, animal communication, healing, hypnotherapy, hypnobirthing and so much more! For further information, please visit @purpleEventsPage or email info@purpleevents.co.uk

WHEN: Saturday 6th July (10am-5pm) WHERE: Dukes Head Hotel, King’s Lynn PE30 1JS

NORFOLK ENTERPRISE FESTIVAL

Every week from now until September, you can enjoy a fascinating guided walk around the historic North End fishing quarter of King’s Lynn – including a visit to Pilot Street with its tales of life in the North End and smuggling, and a tour of the area’s last fisherfolk yard with cottages.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, and the ticket price includes admission to True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum. If you’d like more information on how to book a private guided walk, please contact the museum on 01553 770479 or e-mail info@truesyard.co.uk.

The Norfolk Enterprise Festival (NEF) is a coming together of Norfolk entrepreneurs, startups, investors and their families to connect, celebrate, learn and discover the hidden entrepreneurial gems our county has to offer. The NEF takes stimulating, exciting and innovative business workshops, talks and discussions, and places them in a field to create a unique enterprise festival.

Tickets are £15 for adults, £7.50 for 16-25 year olds, and under 16s are free. Group saver tickets for 10 adults are available for £100.

For tickets, see www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/norfolk-enterprisefestival-2019-tickets-55271717194. For more information, go to www.norfolkenterprisefestival.co.uk.

WHEN: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1pm WHERE: True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum, King’s Lynn

WHEN: Saturday 13th July (11am-10pm) WHERE: Hoveton Hall Gardens, Norwich NR12 8RJ

KLmagazine July 2019

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IMAGES: BOROUGH COUNCIL OF KING'S LYNN & WEST NORFOLK

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More ways to celebrate summer in King’s Lynn

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Thanks to a series of free events supported by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk over the next few weeks, there’s never been a more exciting time to head for the centre of King’s Lynn...

uly is festival month in King’s Lynn, but there’s even more to look forward to over the next few weeks, thanks to a series of fantastic free events supported by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk. The worldrenowned King’s Lynn Festival and Festival Too (which is now one of Europe’s largest free festivals) are hugely popular, but as we head towards the school holidays a number of special events will be encouraging people into the centre of King’s Lynn, supporting local businesses, and giving everyone the perfect opportunity to enjoy themselves. And it all starts on the weekend after Marti Pellow and 5ive wrap up Festival Too – when the centre of King’s Lynn will be transported back to wartime.

FORTIES LYNN 21st July (10am–4pm) Town Hall, Stories of Lynn, Lynn Museum and the Tuesday Market Place Here’s your chance to discover what it was like to live in King’s Lynn during the war. Organised by Norfolk Museums Service, you’ll be able to take part in a tea dance at the Town Hall, hear from an ARP Warden, and meet a British Red Cross nurse, who’ll be sharing tales she heard from the soldiers at Dunkirk as she washed, bandaged and comforted them. A captured German airman will be in the cell at Stories of Lynn, and you’ll be able to hear his story of being shot down over West Norfolk.

Meanwhile, a Royal Naval Patrol Service Sailor will be talking about how mine sweeping in the North Sea and English Channel kept the vital convoys safe.

You’ll be able to make your own ‘Spitfire Badge’ (orginally used to raise funds for the RAF) and you can also inspect the fascinating ‘bomb map’ displaying what buildings and structures were targeted around King’s Lynn.

At Lynn Museum, you’ll be able to meet a Land Army Girl, learn about rationing, and try some of the mashed potato truffles that were invented using the ingredients available at the time.

And don’t forget to visit the sweet shop with your ration coupon – and discover the wartime ‘make do and mend’ crafting skills.

Meanwhile, the Tuesday Market Place will be hosting Eddie Seales’ Big Band, who’ll be playing swinging nostalgic tunes to get your toes tapping. Sarah Mai will be playing 1940s songs, with some rousing speeches from Winston Churchill during the interludes.

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ABOVE: The Tuesday Market Place in King’s Lynn will be the focus for a full calendar of free events over the next few months, featuring everything from classic cars to folk music and from 1940s fashions to mods and rockers

The Dad’s Army Volunteers and Civil Defenders will be around the centre of King’s Lynn, and there’ll be the rare opportunity to visit the air raid shelter under the Tuesday Market Place.

There’ll also be a range of 1940s fashion, vintage bric-a-brac, military and homefront memorabilia available in the Stone Hall.

For more details of Forties Lynn, please visit the website at www.westnorfolk.gov.uk/fortieslynn

FOLK IN THE TOWN 27th-28th July (11.45am-6pm) Tuesday Market Place For the fourth year running, the centre of King’s Lynn will be filled for two days with traditional folk, Americana, folk rock, bluegrass and everything in between with Folk in the Town.

Headlining the show on Sunday will be Gentlemen of Few, a group who made it to the final three acts in the 2014 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards.

Passionate fans of folk and blues music, this six-piece have been writing and touring together for 10 years now, and have been described by television presenter and radio DJ Chris Evans as “so young, yet so amazing.”

Also performing this year will be the winners of the Showcase events that took place in King’s Lynn and Hunstanton recently. Each winner

picked up £100 and a prize spot at Folk in the Town – and local duo Tabernacle Dusk (who won in King’s Lynn) can’t wait to play on the main stage.

Other confirmed artists include The Ann Duggan Band, who’ve been described by Maverick Magazine as a “duo not to be missed, delivering a rollercoaster of a show that take you on a journey that’s entertaining and engaging – this is musicianship at its best!”

Returning to perform in King’s Lynn are the ever-popular Shackleton Trio, a highly original and energetic group influenced by British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions – although they add a distinctive East Anglian twist.

For the latest information and full details of performers, please visit the website at www.westnorfolk.gov.uk/folkinthetown

MODS AND ROCKERS

11th August (10am-3pm) Tuesday Market Place The bikes are back in town for the Mods and Rockers classic scooter and motorbike meet in August – and whether you’re into Lambrettas and Vespas or Triumphs and Harleys, this event always gets people’s engines revving.

Trophies will be awarded to the best motorbike, custom motorbike, scooter,

custom scooter, oddity and people’s favourite, although it’s not just about the bikes.

Judges will be on the hunt for some 1960s style too, and the best-dressed people on the day will also be picking up a trophy.

Entertainment this year includes live music from The Groove Hounds, a spot of ska will be provided by Skarma, and rock ‘n’ roll fans will be treated to a performance by Shake Rattle Roll.

Throughout the day, DJ Sue Simper will be playing rhythm and soul, and it promises to be a great day out for the whole family. You can follow the event by searching for @modsandrockerskl on Facebook.com.

FURTHER AHEAD...

In September, the Tuesday Market Place will be full of iconic minis and classic cars, and there’s still time for exhibitors to sign up for these events on the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk website.

While Heritage Open Day will once again offer people the opportunity to glance behind the door of historic buildings in Lynn, another family event will also be held in the Tuesday Market Place, giving children the chance to meet their heroes and heroines.

For further details of these and all other events in King’s Lynn, please visit www.westnorfolk.gov.uk/events

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NATURE AND INSPIRATION 1 MAY – 29 SEPT 2019

JULY What’s On Show times all at 7:30pm unless stated

Fri 5th Sat 6th Sun 7th

SPONSORED BY

Oye Santana

The UK No.1 Winner at the 2018 National Tribute Music Awards.

Power… passion… perfection.

Westlife: The Twenty Tour Live From Croke Park, Dublin Live Broadcast • 8pm Enjoy Westlife’s comeback for one unforgettable night.

Jimmy Crickets – Great Value For A Tenner

Comedy legend Jimmy Cricket returns with his live show that is choc full of one liners and visual comedy!

It’s Laughter You’re After • 2.30pm Thurs IfBilled as ‘The Real Norfolk Show’, enjoy a fun filled afternoon 11th of music, some fabulous magic and great comedy songs!

Desires Sat Dangerous Enjoy your best night out ever with one of the most 13th Raunchiest, entertaining male revue shows. (18+)

Mary Duff Concert Sun The With her career going from strength to strength, Mary Duff is 21st globally recognised as a talented and charismatic Irish singer.

Theatre Live - The Lehman Triology Thurs National Live Broadcast • 7pm 25th by Stefano Massini and directed by Sam Mendes.

What A Night – The Jersey Beats Fri Oh! A show night out not to be missed with stunning costumes, 26th choreography, production and more!

Davidson – The People Fight Back Sat Jim The people’s favourite and one of Britain’s greatest ever 27th comedians, JIM DAVIDSON OBE telling it ‘like it is’.

Carole King Songbook Sun The Get ready for a two-hour adventure into the world of 28th Carole King, celebrating her fascinating musical journey.

Measure For Measure Live Broadcast •7pm Wed RSC’s Shakespeare’s early 1600s play brought to life and 31st up-to-date by Artistic Director, Gregory Doran.

For ticket prices, more info & to book visit the website:

www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

or call the Box Office: 01485

532252

The Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton PE36 5AH KLmagazine July 2019

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BARRY L HAWKINS Independent Auctioneer and Land Agent

Antiques & Collectables

Wednesday 17th July at 9.30am (10am online)

VIEWINGS: Saturday 13th July 10am to 1pm Tuesday 16th July 12noon to 6pm

Bid online at our auctions through

Downham Market

Auction Rooms

www.barryhawkins.co.uk 01366 387180 15 L Ly ynn Road, Downham Market PE38 9NL

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Diarydates

LOCAL EVENTS IN JULY & AUGUST

TRIBE NORFOLK 2019 Tribe Norfolk is a festival for the whole family, celebrating all that’s good and great about Norfolk.

Guests will be able to enjoy the beauty of the wild, the splendour of Norfolk creatives, taste fabulous cuisine, and buy treats at the Norfolk produce and makers market. Music will be provided by 15 local bands and musicians, including headliners Sam Coe & The Long Shadows and the unmissable Pirate Joe/The Foreign Locals – an act with a unique cabaret of travelling stories.

The weekend also features a range of activities for all ages, plus holistic therapies in a nurturing and supportive community. Tickets are available from www.tribenorfolk.co.uk

WHEN: Saturday 13th July (10am-10.30pm) and

HUNSTANTON OPEN AIR CINEMA Following the successful event last year, Hunstanton is hosting two more outdoor cinema screenings this summer as part of the borough council's Hunstanton Heritage Gardens programme. On Saturday 27th July, the town’s Green will be the place to put your picnic blankets and settle down for the screening of Oscar-winning movie Bohemian Rhapsody. The film will be preceded by a screening of a short black and white film from Hunstanton Heritage Centre featuring classic footage of a railway journey from King’s Lynn to Hunstanton.

On Saturday 17th August, the big screen will be returning with a showing of Mamma Mia – another chance to sing along to some classic songs from the 1970s. The movie will be preceded by a showing of the award-winning and thought-provoking film A Plastic Ocean.

Both screenings in July and August are free events.

Sunday 14th July (10am-5.30pm)

WHERE: Happy Valley, Massingham Road PE32 1DN

WHEN: Saturday 27th July (9pm) and Saturday 17th August (8.30pm) WHERE: The Green, Hunstanton

12TH ANNUAL BOUGHTON JAZZ PICNIC

Artists Judi Tussaud, Deanee Clark, Rebecca Lloyd, Colin de Chair, Vanda Richards and Pat Bustin will be displaying their work in aid of Tapping House Hospice.

Artwork on display will include watercolours, acrylics, pastels and oil paintings.

Admission is free but donations are welcome.

For more information, please telephone 01328 316514.

Come early, bring your chairs and picnic baskets and relax on the lawn as Barry Tyler’s Original Dixieland Jazz Band returns to the everpopular Boughton Jazz Picnic. The Saffron Walden-based band plays amazing New Orleans jazz in the classic style of Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke and Fats Waller.

There’s real ale on sale, a jive floor people who can’t resist dancing, and ample parking. Admission is £7 on the gate for adults and free for children. Every year, the proceeds are donated to charity, and this year’s event will be supporting Help for Heroes.

WHEN: Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th July, 10am – 5pm WHERE: Brancaster Staithe Village Hall, Brancaster PE31 8BY

WHEN: Saturday 20th July, 12.30 – 3.30pm WHERE: Rectory House, Boughton, Norfolk PE33 9AH

TAPPING HOUSE HOSPICE: ART EXHIBITION

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IMAGES: JOHN ALLAN

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PICTURES: Apprearing at this year’s Old Buckenham Airshow will be wildcats (opposite), the iconic Supermarine Spitfire MH434 (top left), the famous Hawker Hurricane (top right) which was responsible for the majority of victories in the Battle of Britain, and the American P-50 Mustang (bottom right).

Norfolk’s only airshow returns to the skies...

Featuring some of the most famous and most important aircraft in the world, the Old Buckenham Airshow takes place this month – offering history, excitement and fun for all members of the family

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orfolk’s only airshow also happens to be the largest in two counties and one of the top 20 in the UK – and returns this month when Old Buckenham’s award-winning airshow takes place over the weekend of 27th-28th July. Winner of the prestigious EDP Hoseasons Tourism Award for Family Event of the Year in 2016, it boasts a range of familyfriendly facilities – children under 12 go free – and has played host to some of aviation’s most extraordinary and iconic aircraft over the years.

This year’s event is no exception, and the largest-ever number of air displays are planned for each afternoon of the show.

KLmagazine July 2019

In the air, arguably the biggest star will be Sally B – the only B-17 Flying Fortress still airworthy in the UK. These 25-tonnes, four-engine US bombers would have been a familiar sight over East Anglia in WWII, and today Sally B single-handedly fulfils the vital mission of honouring the 79,000 Allied Airmen who died fighting during the war.

She’ll be joined by the ‘holy trinity’ of WWII fighters – the Spitfire, Hurricane and Mustang, and the Spitfire in question is arguably the most famous single-engined aircraft on the planet.

MH434 not only had a successful wartime career – she went on to star in pretty much every movie featuring a Spitfire including Battle of Britain, A Bridge Too Far, The Longest Day, and

Hope and Glory – a resume which would make most movie stars jealous.

For the first time ever, another titan of WWII will be on display at this year’s show – the suitably-named Sea Fury, the last propeller-powered fighter used by the Royal Navy. With a colossal 2,100hp engine, this extremely rare aircraft earns its forbidding name, as does the similarly-named Fury (built in 1935) – the only flying example of one of the most powerful biplanes ever made.

Advanced aerobatics at their finest will be on show with the return of the Norfolk-based Wildcats – the formation duo of Willie Cruickshank and Al Coutts. Flying some of the most challenging aerobatic manoeuvres 15

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PICTURES: The Old Buckenham Airshow will give visitors the rare opportunity to see the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B (top left) which starred in the film Memphis Belle and is the only B17 flying outside of the United States (top left). The show will also feature a Slingsby Firefly (centre) piloted by RAF legend Rod Dean.

mere feet from each other (at 150mph no less) the Wildcats will display on both afternoons of the show.

For the first time in around 70 years, another WWII icon will arrive at Old Buckenham this month. Whilst large aircraft like Sally B are no strangers to the skies, one sizeable marvel is also able to land and take off from the airfield – the remarkable Douglas DC3.

This two-engine aircraft was arguably the most effective troop and equipment carrying aircraft of WWII, after which it formed the basis of a new type of business – which we know today as the ‘airline industry.’

So good is the design, in fact, that DC3s were built without engines and used as gliders – they can land on just about any runway, be it grass, gravel, ice or snow. They also boast a rather substantial record – despite the passage of some 82 years, DC3s are still in commercial service all over the world, used as air ambulances, cargo planes and a lifeline for some of the most remote places on earth.

Rather famously, they’re still the cargo-carrying aircraft of choice in the

North West Territories of Canada – as made famous by the worldwide TV hit Ice Pilots.

DC3’s are rugged and versatile, but they’re not the epitome of elegance.

Luckily, an extremely rare machine will bring elegance and power to Old Buckenham in one large and bright yellow package – the Beechcraft Staggerwing.

First flown in 1938, this extraordinary machine is still faster than almost all single-engine aircraft built today, with 450hp, six fuel tanks and five seats. In fact, the ‘Golden Era’ of Hollywood’ was a time when the only way to travel was aboard the Staggerwing.

Today, only 99 are thought to still be flying, of which only three are in the UK. The Staggerwing, along with the Spitfire, is consistently voted as being one of the most beautiful aircraft ever made according to a range of highlyrespected aviation magazines and periodicals over the last eight decades.

You’ll be able to see two of the UK’s trio at Old Buckenham this month – and the show features a new exotic aircraft display which showcases

another Staggerwing, offering a rare chance to get close to a true icon.

The exotic aircraft display is just part of a huge range of things to see and do on the ground all weekend. More space than ever before will be hosting all manner of living history displays, classic cars, military vehicles, two museums, and the chance to take to the sky with the airfield’s flying school – together with the Attack and Destroy Bar, serving local real ales only available during the Airshow weekend from Grain brewery.

Along with a nuclear missile (yes, a nuclear missile) there’s simply too much to list – and there really is something for everyone.

Old Buckenham Airshow 2019 27th & 28th July For more details of the event and ticket information, please see the website at www.oldbuckenhamairshow.com

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KLmagazine July 2019

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Discover a very different approach to car servicing With totally honest advice and completely transparent pricing, K Brown Auto Repairs offers the service you and your car derserves

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or over 25 years, people have been bringing their cars to K Brown Auto Repairs time after time for all their servicing and MOT needs – and for a very good reason. Because Keith and Tamsin Brown have always been committed to ensuring their centres at King’s Lynn and Hunstanton are welcoming and reassuring – and full of friendly and approachable staff. Which makes a refreshing change to an experience that can often be intimidating.

"We recently had to make a special journey to help my daughter because she had a puncture and was too nervous to visit a garage," says Tamsin.

"Even though her parents own two repair centres and she's used to that environment, she felt she couldn't do

K Brown Auto Repairs KLmagazine July 2019

that alone as a woman. I think that says a lot about the industry's general approach to customer service."

At K Brown Auto Repairs, you won't have to worry about being taken advantage of by mechanical 'experts' with some sort of 'superior' knowledge.

No one will tell you that you need a new tyre, brakes or part of your suspension if the reality is that they can last a bit longer. And you'll never have to be concerned with receiving a bill for work that's driven by sales targets rather than honest recommendations.

"Our success has been built on completely honest and trustworthy advice," says Tamsin. "If your brakes are starting to wear, for example, we'll give you a realistic idea of when they'll need some attention. What we certainly

won't do is tell you they need replacing immediately - which is the kind of 'service' that gives the industry such a bad name."

At K Brown Auto Repairs, there's no need to feel unnerved about having your car serviced or feel worried about taking recommendations 'on faith' because a team of trained staff will be happy to reassure you and explain any technical details in helpful, simple terminology.

It’s the honest and reliable service that you and your car deserve.

King’s Lynn Simon Scotland Road, Hardwick Ind Est Tel: 01553 763763 Hunstanton 12 King’s Lynn Road Tel: 01485 533786 www.kbrownautoskingslynn.co.uk Find us on Facebook

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The troubled history of Binham Priory...

Its atmospheric ruins are hugely impressive, but the remains of Binham Priory disguise a fascinating history that goes back over 900 years and includes political intrigue, scandalous behaviour and mad monks

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ocated about six miles from Fakenham, Holt and Wellsnext-the-Sea, Binham Priory is best known for being the most complete and impressive monastic ruins in Norfolk.

It’s a beautiful, peaceful and somewhat bucolic setting – which puts a pastoral gloss on a rather tempestuous past.

The story starts with Peter de Valognes, who founded the priory as a ‘cell’ (think of it as a branch office) of St. Albans Abbey in 1091.

Peter de Valognes wasn’t just any landowner, however. After all, if your uncle wins the Battle of Hastings, conquers England, and then gives you extensive lands in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire, it’s likely you can

found pretty much anything you fancy.

The building itself wasn't finished until the middle of the 13th century, and apart from a few notable exceptions was poorly served by its priors, many of whom were unscrupulous (to be kind) or irresponsible (to be honest) – they frequently argued with the ‘mother’ abbey of St. Albans, they wasted money on senseless lawsuits, and they even indulged in scandalous behaviour.

Sometime around 1212, the frustrated abbot of St. Albans finally removed the prior at Binham, causing Robert Fitzwalter (the leader of the barons opposed to King John) to forge a document ‘proving’ that such an act should have been his decision alone.

He actually laid siege to the priory in

protest – and the unfortunate monks caught in the middle found themselves eating bran and drinking water out of the priory's drainpipes.

Shortly after Fitzwalter fled at the sight of the king's soldiers – who’d been sent from London to end the siege – Binham welcomed (to some extent at least) the arrival of Alexander de Langley, the one-time prior of Wymondham Abbey.

Having driven himself insane through over-studying, he was in the habit of flying into fits of frenzy – for which he was rather uncharitably flogged and sent to solitary confinement at Binham.

When he died, the monks buried him in chains, presumably in a final attempt to keep him quiet.

In 1317, William de Somerton became

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prior at Binham, and soon began spending vast sums on his interest in alchemy. It’s unlikely he ever managed to turn any base metals into gold, but he certainly succeeded in selling off a considerable amount of the priory’s property in the process – including two chalices, seven golden rings, and a number of silver cups and spoons.

When the understandably concerned abbot of St. Albans announced his intention to visit Binham to put an end to all this, he was unceremoniously refused – causing king Edward I to order the arrest of de Somerton and his monks, of which there were 13 at the time.

Six of the monks eventually ended up in prison, but de Somerton himself managed to escape to Rome – although he eventually returned to Binham and even managed to regain his position, shortly before having to run away yet again after running up the equivalent of £500,000 in debts.

It wasn’t long before Binham Priory was resisting yet another VIP visit, this time from the Bishop of Norwich – although the villagers stepped in and made a concerted effort to make him welcome.

And before the dust had settled on that controversy, the eccentric William Dyxwell was appointed prior at Binham – and spent most of his time wandering about dressed as a vagabond. He was eventually 22

deposed in 1461, only to be reinstated a year later.

Consequently, despite the wider issues of the Reformation, it probably came as something of a relief when Henry VIII suppressed Binham Priory in 1539 – by which time there were only six monks on site and the priory’s annual income had dropped to the equivalent of £58,000.

Before long, some of the monastic

buildings were demolished, the rubble and stone being used for grand newbuild properties in the area (particularly Appleton and Wells-next-the-Sea), and in 1741 the parishioners were given permission to sell the last of the priory's bells. The great west window, which is now thought to be the earliest of its kind in the whole country, was bricked up in 1809.

When the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings surveyed Binham Priory in 1900, it wrote that “it is impossible to approach or enter the building without being impressed by its grandeur – and at the same time depressed by the state into which it has lapsed.”

There was a real danger the building may gradually collapse into utter ruin, but by the end of the 20th century the work of the Pilgrim Trust, English Heritage, the Historic Churches Preservation Trust and the Norfolk Churches Trust had cleaned, conserved and protected the site for future generations.

Far from being a crumbling (albeit picturesque) ruin, however, Binham Priory is still alive and well. Today, it has an important place at the heart of the local community as the Priory Church of St Mary and the Holy Cross, and in addition to regular services hosts a number of special events – including Binham’s famous series of classical music concerts which start next month.

KLmagazine July 2019

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KLmagazine July 2019

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“We're inspected ourselves on an annual basis to ensure we maintain exceptional levels of work and service.”

Darren Goldsby General Manager

The only electrical service you need to know

From design and installation to inspections and testing, Bircham Electrical is keeping homes and businesses safe across Norfolk

I

t comes as a surprise to many people - both at work and at home - to learn that the requirement to have your electrical systems inspected and tested on a regular basis is actually driven by insurance companies, and that failure to do so may invalidate your insurance if the worst comes to the worst.

"Unfortunately, some people leave it until there's a problem," says Bircham Electrical's General Manager Darren Goldsby, "and by then it could well be too late. Just because it works doesn’t mean it’s actually in a good working condition!"

Regular inspection and testing (which is every ten years for private homes,

three years for agricultural buildings and annually for caravan parks) is only one of the many electrical services offered by the family-owned Fakenham-based business.

Bircham Electrical was established over 20 years ago, and today Darren who has over three decades electrical experience himself - oversees a team of six time-served electricians and two apprentices who cover the whole of Norfolk in a fleet of distinctive red vans.

From energy-efficiency lighting and mains upgrades to smarthome heating systems, Bircham Electrical offers a complete design and installation service for virtually any structure that uses electricity - including commercial properties, agricultural buildings, new builds and rented properties, cinemas, leisure centres, estates, stately homes and churches.

Moreover, all work carried out by Bircham Electrical meets the stringent criteria required by the company's

status as full members of NICEIC - the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting.

"It's the most respected and highest level of certification in the industry," says Darren. "We have two Quality Supervisors in the team, and we're inspected ourselves on an annual basis to ensure we maintain exceptional levels of work and service."

If you do find yourself with an electrical emergency on your hands, you'll find Bircham Electrical is only a telephone call away.

"In an emergency we can make things very safe very quickly,” says Darren, “and we can often do that during the course of a telephone call."

For a safer, more reliable and fullyguaranteed electrical service for your home and for your place of work, contact Bircham Electrical today for more details and further information.

4 Wymans Way, Industrial Estate, Fakenham NR21 8NT Tel: 01328 851824 Web: www.bircham-electrical.co.uk E-mail: admin@birchamelectrical.com KLmagazine July 2019

BIRCHAM ELECTRICAL

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Supporting the children of our fallen heroes...

Ten years after her husband was killed in action, Nikki Scott’s charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers is helping more children of bereaved forces families than ever, and has been recognised and supported by royalty

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PICTURES: A year after her husband was killed in action, Nikki Scott (photographed opposite with her children Kai and Brooke) set up Scotty’s Little Soldiers – a charity to support bereaved forces children across the UK. Two years later, in 2012, Nikki won The Sun Military Awards for her support to armed forces (photographed above with Jamie Oliver, who presented her with the award, and some of the forces children).

W

hen Prince Harry married Meghan Markle on 19th May 2018 the ceremony was reportedly watched by around two billion people across the globe. Prior to their wedding, the couple personally selected seven charities to benefit from donations to mark their special day – and Scotty’s Little Soldiers was one of them.

For anyone who doesn’t know, Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a military charity based in King’s Lynn that offers support to bereaved forces children.

Scotty’s Little Soldiers was founded by Nikki Scott after her husband Corporal Lee Scott was killed in action on 10th July 2009 whist serving in Afghanistan, leaving behind Nikki, five-year-old Kai and seven-month-old Brooke.

“As soon as I saw two official cars approaching my house I just knew,” says Nikki, recalling the day that her world fell apart. “They asked me to sit down and pass my baby over before telling me that Lee had been killed in an explosion.”

This devastating news came six weeks after Lee had left home for his tour in Afghanistan, and in the same week that numerous other soldiers also lost their lives.

“My first thought was for my kids,” says Nikki. “Kai was five at the time and telling him was by far the hardest thing I KLmagazine July 2019

have ever done. I knew I was about to shatter his world.”

Nikki was assigned a visiting officer and received lots of support from the regiment and from family and friends.

She was given information on charities that could help her, but none of them were specifically for children.

“As I looked through all the leaflets I was given,” she says, “I remember thinking there must be some sort of support for Kai, but there wasn’t.”

A turning point came for Nikki nine months after Lee’s death, when her cousin convinced her that she and the kids should have a holiday. Whilst away, Kai laughed for the first time since losing his hero.

“Seeing Kai laugh again made me realise that I had to pick myself up,” says Nikki. “Lee would have been really angry with me if he’d seen the way I’d been living.”

When Nikki got home she continued researching military charities – and having concluded there wasn’t one for forces children, she decided to set up her own.

“I immediately knew that I wanted the charity to be called Scotty’s Little Soldiers,” says Nikki, “and the first thing I wanted to do was raise money for a holiday home so bereaved families could go away and have a break.”

Scotty’s Little Soldiers was officially launched in August 2010, and Nikki

Meeting Prince Harry

Lee, Kai & Brooke 27

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PICTURES: Scotty’s Little Soldiers has gone from strength to strength since it was set up in 2010. In 2017, Scotty’s Little Soldiers were involved with and invited to a party at Buckingham Palace arranged by Prince William, Kate and Prince Harry. Prince Harry personally thanked Nikki for her work.

“I remember thinking there must be some sort of support for Kai, but there wasn’t”

initially had ten children she looked after, two of which were Kai and Brooke.

Nikki appeared on television and radio in a bid to raise awareness of her new charity, and the public really got behind her. She was able to finance a holiday home in Great Yarmouth and was donated some toys which she sent to each of the children on their birthdays – a day that can be very hard for a child missing their parent.

Nikki also arranged an annual party for the children so they could meet other kids in the same situation as themselves. Scotty’s Little Soldiers continued to grow and the children she was able to help increased.

In 2012, Nikki’s efforts were recognised when she won The Sun Military Awards for her support to armed forces. The glitzy ceremony was televised on ITV and she was presented her award by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. She even brought tears to the 28

eyes of the then prime minister David Cameron.

“That was a turning point for the charity,” says Nikki. “It got us into people’s consciousness, and we had more money coming in and more families signing up.”

In 2017, Prince William, Kate and Prince Harry arranged a one-off party at Buckingham Palace for bereaved forces children. Scotty’s Little Soldiers helped with the event and Nikki met Prince Harry – who personally thanked her for her work. The following year, Prince Harry and Meghan personally selected Scotty’s Little Soldiers to be one of seven charities to benefit from their wedding.

Scotty’s Little Soldiers is working harder than ever, and to date has supported over 400 children. The charity now has six holiday homes across the UK and children are supported continually until they’re 18.

In fact, the charity is about to launch a new programme for 19 to 25-year-olds, as it’s been recognised this is an important time and support is as beneficial as ever.

“We always try to identify different ways we can help,” says Nikki. “We have found there can be a long wait for counselling, so we’re recruiting for a Head of Support to bridge that gap. The charity is continually evolving, and I hope that we can reach more families and continue to support more children.”

For more information about Scotty’s Little Soldiers, or to make a donation, go to www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk KLmagazine July 2019

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What about the children?

Breaking up is hard on everyone involved, especially children, but as Maria Endall from Hayes + Storr explains, shared parenting can help lessen the impact...

C

oping with your own emotions during a break-up is hard enough, without all the opinions (and sometimes interference) of those around you.

However, the bigger and likely more troubling question is: how do you make the separation easier on your children?

So often separating parents begin to think of the children as ‘theirs’ – belonging to them, and denying the important relationship between the child(ren) and the other parent.

Clearly, children don’t have the same insight or understanding into the reasons for the break-up, but if they are regularly surrounded by conflict, it’s not uncommon for them to feel they are in some way implicated or even responsible for it.

Seeing the two people they love and need the most go their separate ways can have a lifelong affect on a child’s mental wellbeing, depending on how it is handled by their parents.

Children can’t be expected to ‘choose’ which parent to live with, and assuming that both the mother and father are fit to parent, what happens next?

Although it may seem inconceivable at the time, shared parenting arrangements (where children spend equal amounts of time with both parents) is an option worth considering.

For shared parenting to work, you and your ex-partner will need to live within a reasonable distance of one another so that your children can attend the same school, continue friendships, and maintain contact with other family members – causing the least amount of disruption to their lives as possible.

Each parent then shares responsibilities, which may include school runs, attending after-school activities, appointments, helping with homework and so on.

Following a break-up, children often

remain living with one parent and have limited contact with the other. This level of contact can feel transient and insufficient. With a shared parenting arrangement, both parents retain equal status and the children benefit from the routine and stability of having both parents fully involved in their lives.

If you’re interested in a shared parenting arrangement, it’s worth exploring further with your solicitor or putting it forward for consideration if you’re attending mediation.

If you would like further advice on shared parenting arrangements, please contact Maria on 01553 778900. If you require advice on any other legal matter, please call 01553 778900 or email law@hayes-storr.com.

MARIA ENDALL

Family Solicitor

This article aims to supply general information, but it is not intended to constitute advice. Every effort is made to ensure that the law referred to is correct at the date of publication and to avoid any statement which may mislead. However no duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Always seek our specific advice.

The Old County Court, County Court Road, King’s Lynn PE30 5EJ W: www.hayesandstorr.co.uk | E: law.kingslynn@hayes-storr.com

OFFICES AT: KING’S LYNN | HUNSTANTON | FAKENHAM | SWAFFHAM | HOLT | WELLS | SHERINGHAM

KLmagazine July 2019

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KLmagazine July 2019

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Do you really have to pay tax on gifts?

Very few people fully understand the inheritance tax implications of making financial gifts, which is why Stephenson Smart is here to help

F

ollowing recent research carried out by the National Centre for Social Research (NCSR) and the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), it was found that there was a “staggering lack of awareness” of the inheritance tax (IHT) implications of making a financial gift in the UK – with only 25% of people understanding what it actually means.

Fortunately, Stephenson Smart can help you make sense of the current ‘gifting’ rules and their IHT implications.

ANNUAL £3,000 EXEMPTION Every year, you can make gifts of up to £3,000 without any IHT implications – and any unused amount may be carried forward, although only for one year.

OTHER EXEMPTIONS You can give as many gifts as you want to up to £250 per person per tax year.

Gifts between spouses are exempt from IHT, and on death a spouse can pass on their unused tax-free allowance.

Wedding gifts are also exempt from IHT up to certain limits – up to £5,000 to children, £2,500 to grandchildren or great-grandchildren, or £1,000 if given KING’S LYNN 01553 774104 FAKENHAM 01328 863318

KLmagazine July 2019

to any other relative or friend.

Gifts to registered charities are also exempt, as are those to political parties under certain conditions. They may also be used to reduce the rate of IHT on death on the entire estate.

Gifts given to help with family maintenance are also exempt from IHT. These can be in the form of a transfer of property on divorce, gifts to children under 18 or in full-time education, or towards the living costs of a dependent.

In some cases, gifts made from income may also be effective in passing on value without being exposed to IHT.

POTENTIALLY EXEMPT TRANSFERS Gifts in excess of the exemptions noted above can become what are known as Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs), which are transfers that may be exempt from IHT depending on when the gift was made and whether the donor dies within seven years of that date. Gifts made within three to seven years before a donor’s death are taxed on a sliding scale, and after seven years, no IHT will be due on the gift.

DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 384121 WISBECH 01945 463383

THE IHT THRESHOLD For an individual, the IHT threshold is currently £325,000 and £650,000 for married couples and civil partners. An additional residence nil rate band (RNRB) is available for estates which include residential properties left to direct descendants. From April this has been £150,000 and will rise to £175,000 on 6th April 2020.

This is just a brief outline of things worth considering when making gifts – and there may be scope for substantial savings when planning your estate in this manner. Stephenson Smart has a dedicated team of Chartered Tax Advisers and Tax and Estate Practitioners, so please contact us if you have any queries about gifts and IHT and we’ll be happy to help.

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

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ABOVE: Helping deliver the Townscape Heritage Initiative project are Steven King (left), THI Project Officer for the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, and local property developer Wyndham Spice (right)

Looking back at history to build a brighter future Over the last five years, the Townscape Heritage Initiative has breathed new life into one of the most historic areas of King’s Lynn looking to the future with one eye on preserving the past...

B

ack in 2014, the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) was awarded £1 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (formerly known as the Heritage Lottery Fund), a figure which was matched by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk to create a £2 million fund to conserve, enhance and regenerate the historic shopping streets in the town's St Margaret’s Conservation Area.

The area covers the traditional shopping streets of Tower Street, St James’ Street, Saturday Market Place and the south end of the High Street, and the THI project aimed to enhance and protect the heritage of the area primarily through the repair of its many historic buildings.

KLmagazine July 2019

Over the last few years, these repairs have helped stimulate economic activity in the area and return empty buildings back into use.

The THI has also encouraged and funded wider community enjoyment and appreciation of the town’s heritage, through a programme of talks, arts projects, education and training together with a community event held in the Saturday Market Place to celebrate the history of the area and its future.

All building work was required to be carried out using traditional materials and methods, and the project ensured that surviving architectural features were restored to their authentic historic design.

While some of the funding

contributed towards the cost of enhancing the Saturday Market Place, one of THI's most notable success stories concerns the old Courts building at 29–34 St James Court. This neglected area was taken on by property developer Wyndham Spice (owner of local building company Spice Building) to create a number of modern two- and three-bedroom properties, featuring a residents' courtyard with direct access to the town centre.

Standing in the new courtyard, Wyndham is keen to point out how the original stonework has been incorporated into the restored building and pleased that most of the flats have already been taken.

“Working with Steven King, Pam Lynn and the borough council, we've created

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IMAGES: MATTHEW USHEr & BOROUGH COUNCIL OF KING'S LYNN & WEST NORFOLK

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ABOVE: As part of the THI project, the once-neglected area of St James Court in King’s Lynn was taken on by property developer Wyndham Spice, who has created a number of modern two- and three-bedroom properties

“The project is aimed to enhance and protect the heritage of the area...”

six very attractive town houses in a disused area of King’s Lynn," he says.

"The combination of the original style and stone with modern interiors and a courtyard has worked really well - it's transformed the area."

Steven King is the borough council's THI Project Officer, and he couldn't agree more.

"This is a great example of how the THI is enhancing a part of King’s Lynn Town that used to be the ‘place to be’ but has been slightly underused more recently due to business closures," he says. “The speed at which Wyndham has let these properties shows the interest in living in this up-and-coming area. As well as creating more residential properties in town, THI has also improved the exterior look of business premises like Fenton Insurance Brokers. And future work in the Saturday Market Place will create amazing flats and apartments overlooking the Minster and renovated business premises”.

The Fenton Insurance Building, once known as Greyfriars Chambers, was

34

originally built as a public house in the 19th Century and was radically altered in the 1930s to complement the newlyrebuilt Theatre Royal opposite, which is now a bingo hall. It is one of the very few Art Deco influenced buildings in the town.

As part of the THI repairs, the building was re-roofed, cement-based render was removed, and the façade was rerendered with a lime render that allows the building to breathe. Windows

reflecting the Art Deco period were reinstalled, and striking Art Deco features including cream and green tiles, chevron-shaped design details and window canopies were reinstated and refurbished.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme is expected to end in September, having restored and repaired some 20 properties in the process and regenerated an important part of King’s Lynn town centre.

ABOVE: Before and after images record the recent transformation of the building once known as Greyfriars Chambers in King’s Lynn KLmagazine July 2019

IMAGES: BENCHAPMANPHOTOS.COM

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A new lease of life for a Grade II listed property

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How RGR Developments have totally transformed the beautiful Norton House in Snettisham – both on the inside and outside...

n expanding Norton House in Snettisham to accommodate up to 10 people and offer fullyaccessible facilities, RGR Developments paid just as much attention to the exterior as they did to the interior – which was featured in last month’s issue of KL magazine. After all, when you’re working on a Grade II listed building and creating a new extension that’s around five times bigger than the one you’re replacing, it’s essential to retain as much as possible of the original property’s period charm and appearance.

“This was a totally bespoke project that saw us working closely with the architects from start to finish,” says Ryan Rix of RGR Developments. “Due to the age of the property and the architectural vision of Atelier

Associates, it meant that the standards of construction and finish had to be exceptionally high – and all of us are really pleased with the results.

Especially the owners!"

Thanks to the work of RGR Developments, it’s now virtually impossible to tell where the original property makes way for the recent additions.

The specially-designed barelled and vaulted porch entrance looks as though it’s always been there, and that’s an impression enhanced by a beautiful custom-made arched window that echoes the property’s existing windows.

“We built a huge new dining and kitchen area and covered that with a planted ‘live’ roof,” says RGR Developments’ Gary New, “and we installed a lantern insert on top of that to bring light from the outside into that new space.”

As for the rest of the outside, its transformation has been remarkable.

Levelling the ground level for full disabled access, RGR Developments has created a multi-function outside area with three distinct spaces; one for lounging and relaxing, one for dining, and a secluded patio leading off a new bedroom with a planted garden. All of which is cleverly enclosed by a new carrstone wall that’s built to the same level as an existing outbuilding and maximises the surrounding views.

The new-look Norton House is testament to the superb craftsmanship and build standards of RGR Developments, and a stunning example of the expertise they can bring to your property – whether that’s a simple extension or a major renovation project.

8 Mill Road, Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen King’s Lynn PE34 3BZ | Tel: 07921 910651 /

07817 941897 | Web: www.rgrdevelopments.co.uk | Email: info@rgrdevelopments.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2019

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West Norfolk: Then & Now

A MYSTERIOUS BUILDING FROM A VANISHED PAST The area around the famous South Gate in King's Lynn has seen countless changes over the last century or so – in fact, no buildings now survive from

before the 19th century other than the South Gate itself and the former pub adjacent to it.

The intriguing building pictured at the top of the page was photographed in 1945, and used to sit at the end of nearby Southgate Street – but no one seems entirely sure what it was.

Various suggestions include an

almshouse, a garage, a scrap metal yard, a private house, and even a pub called The Dolphin, which served its last customers and closed sometime around 1907.

If anyone can shed any light on the real history of this building (and why it was demolished) we’d be really interested to hear from you.

If you’re interested in seeing more of how our area has changed visit www.truesyard.co.uk 36

KLmagazine July 2019

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Overcoming the greatest ever planning challenge It may seem impossible to build anything under Paragraph 79, but as Studio 11 Architecture explains, all it takes is style and flair...

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here are 217 paragraphs in the National Planning Policy Framework (2018), but one of them is particularly significant for people wanting to build their own home in the countryside or on the coast – the (in)famous Paragraph 79.

Essentially, it sets out the stringent criteria for any homes proposed to be built in a rural area – and while gaining planning permission under Paragraph 79 can be a badge of honour for architects, it can be a frustrating and near-impossible task for the uninitiated.

“Entrusting control of your project to a team of specialists is the only realistic path to success in these cases,” says Kris Baxter of Studio 11 Architecture.

“You need to be prepared to compromise, because Paragraph 79 projects are totally and completely bespoke, and require an exceptional and unique approach to design.”

They also require a thorough understanding of local planning policy, good working relationships with the relevant officals, an appreciation of the area’s vernacular architecture, and a genuine commitment to sustainability and sympathetic landscaping.

“Planning applications made under Paragraph 79 are probably the most difficult you’ll ever come across,” says associate Johnathon Gower. “Any proposal has to be truly outstanding or innovative, has to raise the level of design in rural areas, needs to reflect the highest standards of architecture, and should significantly (and sensitively) enhance the location. No matter how impressive, a generic design simply won’t receive approval – your project needs to set trends, not follow them.”

Studio 11 Architecture has a proven track record of successful building projects across Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, and enjoyed

success in gaining approval for Paragraph 79 and other challenging properties in rural areas. Kris, Johnathon and their experienced team can maximise your budget, ensure the design is fully compliant with all planning requirements – and help create the home of your dreams.

“Taking on a Paragraph 79 project isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the rewards of having a completely unique home in a beautiful setting can be amazing,” says Kris. “Just remember that the road to success may be just as bumpy, long and windy as the singletrack road leading up to your new property!"

For a free consultation about your project and further information, please contact the team at Studio 11 Architecture today.

Norfolk Studio: Holkham Studios, Longlands, Holkham Estate NR23 1SH Telephone: 01328 854110 Email: design@studio11architecture.co.uk Website: www.studio11architecture.co.uk KLmagazine July 2019

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KLmagazine July 2019

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Lettingbetter

Our monthly round up of the latest news and legislation concerning Landlords and Tenants in the private rented sector with Edmonton Estates Director

Damien Simone

Quickfact With the abolition of Tenant Referencing Fees “no cost” applications from tenants with poor rental history are set to skyrocket.

Tenant blacklist anyone?

F

or some time now I have been following the progress of the Government’s intentions to expand the Database of Rogue Landlords & Property Agents nationally.

Currently it only serves London and can only be updated by the relevant local authority and only following a landlord (or agent) having been subject to a Banning Order for a serious breach of property related (or criminal) law. The fact that tenants are not permitted to make entries to the Database is just as well, otherwise any landlord or agent making a deposit deduction would risk appearing on there irrespective of the legitimacy of their claim.

However, I have been thinking for a while about the legitimate benefits of having a Rogue Tenants List to match.

I had a busy start to 2019 with 6 Court Possession Hearings within 2 months against tenants who were in serious breach of their contractual obligations.

All cases were found in our favour (not that I’ve ever lost one yet) and the tenants successfully evicted. Two of those tenants have since gone on to rent properties through other local agents with references never having been requested from our firm.

I don’t consider this to necessarily be a poor standard of due diligence on the other agent’s part but more likely that misinformation has been provided by the tenant regarding previous addresses and also the delay for a County Court Judgement to appear on a person’s credit profile. This provides a window of opportunity to effectively cheat the checking system if the rogue tenant claims to have been living with parents or friends during the recent past rather than confessing to 5 months unpaid rent at another landlord’s expense whilst waiting to be evicted.

In my opinion breaching a financial contract is no less a case of non-violent

Edmonton Estates Ltd, Nelson House, Bergen Way, King's Lynn PE30 2DE 01553 660615 www.edmontonestates.co.uk info@edmontonestates.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2019

theft than stealing a person’s purse or wallet when they are not looking. You weren’t legally entitled to take or retain the money and as a result financial distress is caused to the rightful recipient. On this basis surely there are fair grounds for establishing a public access database of tenants who have been successfully evicted or charged for excessive property damage through the judicial process?

The Government has proved over the last few years that tax increases for private sector landlords is something it’s very good at. It may want to also look at supporting landlords in other areas such as this to ensure the long term continued flow of its new favourite revenue source.

Independent Lettings & Property Management Specialists

39

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Why some plants prefer a sea view too Norfolk has over 90 miles of coast (even more when the tide’s out!) and that has a number of significant challenges for coastal gardeners and their plants, as Wendy Warner explains...

A

lthough the subject may seem somewhat irrelevant to most inland readers, there’s an awful lot to be learned from the plant choices and techniques used for coastal gardening – and keen gardeners are always interested in hearing of different plants in different locations.

If you’re new to coastal gardening, firstly look to see what’s thriving in neighbouring gardens – a tip that also applies to any new garden in any environment. If your village is taking part in the Open Gardens Scheme,

spend an afternoon looking around the featured gardens and quiz the owners on their successes and failures.

Obviously, the individual position of your own garden is going to affect the severity of the coastal conditions. If you’re living in a beachside property, for example, you’ll be competing with the harshest weather – whereas if you’re a few hundred yards away from the shore in a more built-up area, you’ll still have to cope with the strong winds and salty air, but to a lesser extent.

The main problem for coastal gardens is high winds – and this can be overcome by creating a windbreak

or shelter-belt against the prevailing wind. Of course, if the reason you bought your property in the first place was for the stunning sea views, the last thing you’ll want to do is block that out

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“Keen gardeners are always interested in hearing of different plants in different locations...” with a hedge!

In that case, you may have to forfeit the seaward side of the garden, and concentrate your efforts on a side or back garden.

Using a hedge to create a windbreak rather than a solid wall will reduce and slow down the wind, filtering out the airborne sand and salt rather than channelling it. Most of these plants can withstand exposure and are salt tolerant, although they may need some form of support while they get established – and could even benefit from a temporary fence alongside for a year or so.

Escallonia with their small glossy leaves and a profusion of white, pink or red flowers can be grown as a hedge or windbreak, and Sambucus nigra (common elder) will give flower in the spring, followed by berries which will encourage birds into the garden and can be used as hedging – or allowed to grow into a larger tree. Elaeagnus with its tough, variegated evergreen foliage is another good choice.

Three hedging possibilities to give flowers followed by berries are Pyracantha (firethorn), Berberis (barberry) and Prunus spinosa (blackthorn). Other classic coastal shrubs which are softer in their appearance are Hippophae (sea buckthorn), which has silvery, willowlike leaves and orange clusters of orange berries along the stems, Tamarix (tamarisk) with arching stems and plumes of light pink flowers, and larger varieties of hardy Fuchsia such as Fuchsia magellanica – with a profusion of drooping, red and purple bellshaped flowers.

You won’t be surprised to learn that lawns don’t thrive terribly well in a coastal environment. Instead, you should try to bring the beach into your garden – with sand, shingle and

KLmagazine July 2019

ABOVE: Coastal gardens aren’t limited to sea grass – the conditions are perfectly suited to plants such as Escallonia (centre left), common elde (centre right) and sea buckthorn (bottom)

41

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ABOVE: Ideal plants for gardens close to the coast include rosemary (top left), top right tamarisk (top right) sea lavender (bottom left) and rock roses (bottom right) – even inland gardeners can learn a lot from these plant choices and the best way to help them thrive

pebbles with patches of coast-proof, low-growing plants. You’ll find many of these in the Alpine Plant section at Thaxters – their natural mountainous home of high wind and poor soil is very similar to coastal conditions.

Try Armeria (sea thrift) with white, red or pink round flowerheads on stems above mounds of narrow green leaves, Erigerons with their daisy-like blue or pink flowers, alpine Dianthus or pinks, Helianthemums (rock roses) with trailing stems and flowers of white, yellow, orange, red or pink that open in the sun – or Delosperma with its succulent foliage and vivid, bright flowers. Once some shelter has been established in the garden, other plants can be introduced. The best plants for coastal situations have special adaptations which make them more tolerant of wind and salt. Look out for those with tough, leathery leaves or a protective covering of fine hairs – which limits salt damage and conserves moisture.

Lavenders, Rosemary, Buddleja (butterfly bush), Cistus (sun rose) and Cytisus (broom) all create some 42

structure, are beautifully scented, and are great for attracting bees and other pollinators. And don’t forget to pay attention to common names such as ‘sea holly’ (Eryngium), ‘sea lavender’ (Limonium) or ‘sea poppy’ (Glaucium) – and Latin names containing ‘maritima’ (of the sea) or ‘littoralis’ (of the shore).

All these negative factors aside, the sea actually reduces the likelihood of hard frosts – and light levels and humidity are often higher than they are inland. That means you may be able to grow some slightly more tender plants than you could inland once you’ve created a little shelter.

Architectural plants can always be found by the coast including hardy palms such as Trachycarpus fortunei, Cordylines, Phormiums and grasses such as Festuca glauca.

Once you’ve chosen your plants, you can always take the coastal theme one step further by adding some old rope, a lobster pot or two, some driftwood and a gabion bench – just cast your mind back to

the late 1990s, when Alan Titchmarsh and his Ground Force team created several inland coastal gardens and established something of a trend!

YOU AND YOUR GARDEN Wendy Warner is the Manager of Thaxters Garden Centre in Dersingham.

You can visit the website at www.thaxters.co.uk or telephone 01485 541514. If you’d like some inspiration for your garden or have a particular issue or variety of plant you’d like Wendy to look at, please contact us at info@klmagazine.co.uk.

KLmagazine July 2019

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KLmagazine July 2019

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steel Lifestyle ‘St. Vincent’ stainless r gas barbecue with a side burne

Ernest Doe goes al fresco for the best summer ever From barbecues to patio heaters, Ernest Doe has all the ingredients you need to make the most of your summer entertaining...

T

here’s no better way to enjoy summer evenings with friends and family than by treating them to a barbecue, and at Littleport and Fakenham, Ernest Doe has everything you could possibly need to make your garden this summer's dream destination.

Our complete range of Lifestyle gas and charcoal barbecues covers all budgets and can cater for any number of guests – although if you’re looking for a truly ‘go anywhere’ BBQ experience, our brilliantly convenient Grill-2-Go collection can grill, sear and boil wherever you are.

If you need any advice on choosing the barbecue that’s right for you and your guests, Ernest Doe can give you all the in-store expertise and help you need, and we'll even deliver and install your new BBQ for you!

From accessories to drinks coolers and even the gas cylinders themselves, we’ve got everything your garden

needs to be hosting the perfect summer party – including a stylish range of patio heaters, firepits (from the practical and economic to the decorative and luxurious) and table-top heaters for an inviting warm atmosphere that will last all night long.

And for an even more stylish outdoor setting, our range of wooden garden furniture includes tables, seating and complete dining suites – and can be made even more comfortable with a selection of optional covers and cushions For the very best BBQ experience, Ernest Doe has everything you could possibly want (and a lot more besides) and in the unlikely event you can’t find what you’re looking for we can usually have it in store within 24 hours.

There’s nothing quite like a summer barbecue – and no one can help you make it a success quite like Ernest Doe!

LITTLEPORT HENRY CRABB ROAD, LITTLEPORT, ELY CB6 1SE | TEL: 01353 860761 FAKENHAM 66 HOLT ROAD, FAKENHAM NR21 8DY | TEL: 01328 855611 KLmagazine July 2019

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT BBQ

• Charcoal barbecues may be traditional, but cooking with gas is much more convenient and quicker • Prepare your food well in advance, ensuring frozen meat is thoroughly thawed out • Marinade your meat and fish overnight for maximum flavour • Using light olive oil or vegetable oil will help prevent burning • If your BBQ has a lid, use it! It's the best way to lock in the flavours and keep cooking temperatures constant

www.ernestdoe.com 45

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The new event space that’s 160 years old...

PICTURES: High House Gardens, located in Congham, is a stunning location available for events including weddings, concerts and fayres

High House Gardens sits on 50 acres of land at Congham and this beautiful spot feels miles from anywhere – but with King’s Lynn less than 10 miles away it’s the perfect setting for hosting memorable events

A

s you drive down the long drive approaching High House Gardens in Congham it’s like stepping back in time. The beautiful Victorian walled garden once sat beside a huge luxury house built in 1856 and was owned by the Elwes family. Over 160 years later, brothers Douglas and Philippe Clifton Brown now own the stunning grounds and have decided to welcome guests for special events.

“It’s such a beautiful location that we felt it should be enjoyed by everyone,” says Douglas. “Two years ago we decided to have the original walls around the garden restored, and I not only wanted it to pay for itself but also give other people the opportunity to see the grounds that we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy our whole lives.”

In fact, the brothers spent many happy hours playing in the garden when they were children. Back then, Congham Estate (the estate on which

KLmagazine July 2019

the garden sits) belonged to their grandfather, Cedric Clifton Brown.

Cedric lived in the neighbouring Congham Lodge and bought the estate in 1956, exactly one hundred years after High House had been built.

Sadly, all that was left of the beautiful Victorian home by that point were ruins, the result of a devastating fire in 1939.

“The fire apparently started with an electrical fault in one of the bedrooms,” says Anthony Clifton Brown, Cedric’s son and father to Douglas and Philippe.

“It was in the first months of the Second World War, so no fire engines were available, and the house was completely decimated.”

Cedric had originally bought the land as a shooting estate and it was farmed by tenants. It has since been passed down the family to Anthony and now to Douglas and Philippe.

“Sadly we eventually had to remove the ruins of the house,” says Anthony,

“because they had simply become too dangerous.”

After Cedric’s death, the Clifton Brown family never actually lived on the estate but did visit frequently, and in the 1970s had the old coach house and stables converted into two cottages.

With the stunning walled garden, 50 acres of land, and two cottages with seven double bedrooms in total that can be let, it’s easy to see why Douglas and Philippe decided this would be the perfect location for events.

“There’s plenty of space so we can put up a marquee and cater for around 300 guests which is ideal for weddings,” says Douglas. “We’d also like to hold music concerts here and use the space for an open-air cinema. In fact, the opportunities are endless.”

Douglas has bought and restored a railway carriage that was originally constructed between the wars. It’s been converted into a small bar and is a fascinating focal point in the walled 47

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“It’s such a beautiful location that we felt it should be enjoyed by everyone” garden.

“We’ve got a great team here,” says Douglas, “and we’ve all worked really hard to prepare the walled garden for events.”

It’s a real family affair, and the head gardener is Douglas’ partner Milly Welby, who will continue to develop the garden over time. Milly is also a sculptress and is looking to place artwork around the garden - and the whole team, coordinated by Toby Wing-Pentelow, is looking forward to developing the rest of the grounds in the future.

Pat Wakefield has spent over a year restoring the original Victorian wall, and by some strange twist of fate has returned to the site of one of his first jobs as an apprentice 50 years ago – taking down the ruins of High House!

After a great deal of work, High House Gardens opened its doors in May this year when it hosted the launch party for Festival Too. It also hosted the Congham Food Fayre last month, which was a two-day event attended by food producers and guests from around the county.

“The first two events couldn’t have gone any better,” says Douglas. “We were delighted with the attendance and the response, and we can’t wait to host more events.” Already on the calendar is a Wedding Fayre on 29th September and a Christmas Food Fayre on 15th December, plus lots of private celebrations.

“There’s a definite wow factor as you enter the walled garden as it’s surrounded by magnificent mature trees that were planted over 150 years ago,” says Douglas. “As a family we’re really lucky to have this stunning location and I’m delighted that we can finally share it.”

For more information on High House Gardens, or to discuss ideas for a forthcoming event, please contact Toby Wing-Pentelow on 07530 200016, email highhousegardens@gmail.com or visit www.highhousegardens.co.uk.

48

PICTURES: High House was built in 1856 and sadly burnt to ruins in 1939. In 1956 Cedric Clifton Brown bought the estate which has been passed through the family and is now owned

by Douglas and Philippe (pictured with their father Anthony). The estate is now available for events and recently hosted the Congham Food Fayre. An old railway carriage, which has been restored, sits on the grounds and is used as a bar.

KLmagazine July 2019

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KLmagazine July 2019

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The comfortable solution to climate change...

Discover a high-performance range of environmentally-friendly air conditioning systems from the 4 Way Group

L

ong gone are the days when we could rely on warm weather for six months and colder temperatures for the rest of the year. The increasing effects of climate change mean that we're having to cool down (and warm up) our homes at unusual times – which is one of the reasons why air conditioning is becoming so popular.

"Air conditioning isn't seen as a luxury any more," says Steve Simpson of the 4 Way Group in King's Lynn. "It's not being fitted as standard in new-build properties yet, but that day isn't too far off."

For over 20 years now, the 4 Way Group has been leading the field in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire (and even further beyond) for domestic and commercial air conditioning systems that are

professionally designed, expertly installed, and reliably maintained and serviced. A high-quality air conditioning system doesn't just improve your comfort levels and raise the quality of the air you're breathing, however.

Because it circulates and filters the air, removing pollutants and mould, it can even have health benefits for people who suffer from allergies and asthma.

What's more, it's playing a part in the fight against climate change. The 4 Way Group supplies advanced systems that conserve electricity usage and use the refrigerant R32 - which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) almost twothirds less than some of its more ozone-depleting predecessors.

"Our latest Fujitsu systems offer some of the most energy-efficient air conditioning currently available anywhere," says Steve. "They have a

very high Coefficient of Performance (CoP) of up to 4.71 - and that equates to an impressive A+++ rating!"

Available in a wide range of sizes, the slim and stylish designs can be mounted on walls, floors or ceilings depending on personal preference.

They can be recessed into ceilings or even hidden completely through a discreet ducting system.

"We'll ensure your air conditioning minimises your running costs and energy usage – and delivers a comfortable environment all year round." says Steve. "And the even better news is that thanks to our in-house teams most of our systems can be installed in a single day."

For a breath of fresh air at home and at work, contact the 4 Way Group today for more details, information and a free quotation.

t 01553 767878 w www.4waygroup.co.uk e sales@4waygroup.co.uk Recognised and accredited throughout the industry:

KLmagazine July 2019

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With summer in full swing it’s time to head to Norfolk’s incredible coastline and stand out with a sunburst of bright colours and bold prints. Feel fabulous and enjoy a fresh new wardrobe as you soak up the sun…

Amboseli print Amboseli Dress in Nightsky by Adini

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KLmagazine July 2019

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Styletip

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Versatile and comfortable, it’s perfect for travelling or exploring – and teamed with a statement necklace and heeled sandals it’s perfect for summer dinner dates too.

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Ottie Jersey Woven Mix Short Sleeve Shift Dress by Joules

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“

Tracey and Maddy were warm, friendly and highly professional. The treatment has had a massive impact on my body confidence and it didn't hurt one bit.

The results from the first treatment have completely blown me away. I can honestly say it’s changed my life...

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- Katherine, client

Step out with confidence this summer...

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The Rejuvenation Room in King’s Lynn offers an incredible hair removal solution that’s permanent – and pain-free!

ummer’s a time for wearing pretty summer dresses and enjoying feeling the sun on our skin. However, for some of us, baring our flesh comes with a pressure to have silky smooth, hair-free skin.

If you’re sick and tired of shaving and waxing, laser hair removal could be just what you have been waiting for. After a short course of treatments, you can be permanently hair free!

The Rejuvenation Room, based on the High Street in King’s Lynn, has a revolutionary new laser – Soprano Titanium – that achieves incredible results.

“Soprano Titanium is the predecessor to the multi award-winning Soprano Platinum Ice,” says Tracey Travis, owner of The Rejuvenation Room. “It’s the new generation

of hair removal.”

The Rejuvenation Room is only the fifth clinic in the country to have it – the nearest one is currently Harley Street in London.

“People travel from all over the country for the treatment,” says Tracey, who works alongside her daughter Maddy Gaskins.

Unlike other laser hair removal treatments, the Soprano Titanium (which is FDA approved) is virtually painless and can be performed on all skin types, including tanned skin. Six short treatments are usually recommended at 4-6 week intervals, and a minimum of 60% of hair can be expected to be removed permanently.

Many people find the results take effect after just the first treatment – and are completely hair free by the end of the course.

Tracey’s strong medical background

means you know you’re in very safe hands – she has spent over 28 years in nursing, specialising in neonatal intensive care, general practice and women’s health, before doing a degree and qualifying as an advanced nurse practitioner and prescriber.

“It’s incredible seeing the confidence silky soft skins gives people,” she says.

“It makes people feel good inside and out.”

Visit Tracey and Maddy for a free consultation, where they’ll talk you through the process and test the laser on your skin so you can discover for yourself how pain free it is!

No.4 Hair and Beauty, 4 High Street, King’s Lynn | Tel: 07774799936 Email: info@therejuvenationroom.co.uk | Facebook: @rejuvenatekingslynn KLmagazine July 2019

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4 & 8 Mph Scooters | Riser Recliner Chairs Electric & Manual Wheelchairrs | Adjustable Beds | Stair Lift fts Walking Aids | Rampss Bathroom | Toilet Aids

30-38 Blackfriars Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1NN Tel: 01553 768751 | FREE CUSTOMER PARKING

KLmagazine July 2019

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Feetfirst Tips and advice with local expert

Elizabeth Dutton from The Foot Care Centre

Healing your heel

Feetfacts

It is estimated about 75% of the population suffer excess pronation due mainly to the hard unnatural surfaces that we walk on daily. This condition can cause problems with knees, hips and backs (these problems can effect children through to the elderly). By realigning the lower limb to its natural angle an orthotic can ensure correct foot function, will help alleviate pain and significantly reduce the need for any surgical intervention.

Pain in the heel is a common complaint but there’s plenty of ways to resolve the problem as Elizabeth Dutton of The Foot Care Centre explains...

N

iggling pains in the heel or through the sides of the feet is often known as plantar fasciitis or policeman’s heel.

Plantar fasciitis is a disorder of the connective tissue which supports the arch of the foot and the insertion site of the ligament on the bone characterized by micro tears, breakdown of collagen and scarring. The resulting pain is usually most severe when weight bearing first thing in the morning, or following a period of rest.

The causes of plantar fasciitis are not entirely clear.

Risk factors include long periods of standing on hard surfaces, increase in high impact exercise and obesity. Other factors can include inward rolling of the foot, tight achilles tendons and a lifestyle that involves little

The Foot Care Centre KLmagazine July 2019

exercise – leading to weight gain. Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis but in fact have not been proven to have a role in causing the condition. Diagnosis is typically based on signs and symptoms.

Useful treatments include low level light laser, ultrasound and shockwave therapy. These treatments use light and high intensity acoustic pulses to stimulate an internal repair and regeneration process by causing the body to respond to the treatment. Preventative options include padding and the insertion of orthotics.

Some cases of plantar fasciitis resolve with time, rest, stretches - and changes in activity will all help.

The Foot Care Centre has recently teamed up with a company called Foothealth Orthotics. We are now using their latest technology which involves a

Fun with feet A fun innovative programme aimed at young children to introduce them to the importance of their feet and how to look after them at an early age. Activity packs and further information available at funwithfeet.co.uk.

biometric scanner to create a bespoke orthotic. This affords the opportunity to ensure that each individual condition can be resolved over time. Orthotics can be used to help a wide range of complaints and are an effective means of realigning the lower limbs.

01553 768661 | Email: enquiries@thefootcarecentrekingslynn.co.uk 4b Tower Street, King's Lynn PE30 1EJ | www.thefootcarecentrekingslynn.co.uk

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S E E

I N S

T Y L E

T H I S S

U M M E R

Call into the new practice to book your appointment. Find us at 44 Market Place.

TAKE CARE OF YOU YO Y OU TH THIS HIS YEAR YEAR Are you concerned about your teeth wearing? Are they chipping or looking smaller? We can help to restore appearance and function.

D.A. Seaman Optometrists

Tel 01760 722661 | www.daseaman.org.uk 44 Market Place, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7QH.

Problems with snoring, grinding or clenching your teeth at night?

Do you suffer from headaches, ear pain, face pain or neck pain?

we hav ave a ra range of tre reat atments tha hat could help with these conditions Phone the practice to make an appointmentt for a consultation and treatment plan.

Contact us to re e find out mor Tel: 01553 631094 Address: PARTNER

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www.castlerisingdentist.co.uk 64

KLmagazine July 2019

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Helping you achieve a better quality of life...

BMI The Sandringham Hospital continues to offer the very best in local healthcare, including joint reconstruction and sports injuries

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ith two operating theatres, a diagnostic imaging department and outpatient and minor treatment area, BMI The Sandringham Hospital is part of a nationwide network of hospital clinics that performs more complex surgery than any other private healthcare provider in the country. It's also supported by an exceptional team of medical professionals and experienced consultants such as Mr Sivaraman Subramanian, who specialises in hip and knee

reconstructions, managing failed knee replacements, and a range of sportsrelated injuries including cruciate ligament damage, cartilage procedures and meniscal repair.

Since joining the hospital over two years ago, Mr Subramanian has introduced a number of complex operations previously unavailable locally, and has helped people of all ages - including several well-known local sportspeople. In addition, he’s the only consultant at BMI The Sandringham Hospital (and the adjoining Queen Elizabeth II Hospital) to have completed three prestigious fellowships - at the University Hospital in Leicester, Cardiff University Hospital (sponsored by the British Orthopaedic Association) and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital at Stanmore, the largest orthopaedic hospital in the UK and a world leader in the field of orthopaedics.

Thanks to 24 beds all featuring ensuite facilities and with appointments

available as and when you need them, there’s never been a more comfortable or more professional way to receive the treatment you’re looking for than BMI The Sandringham Hospital. Especially with the help of speciaIist consultants such as Mr Subramanian.

"I've always enjoyed my work, but my main motivation is patient satisfaction and the success of the operation," he says. "The best part of my job is when patients come for follow-up examinations and tell me how much their quality of life has improved. That's the most important thing."

For more details and information on the various treatments and procedures available at BMI The Sandringham Hospital, please contact us on 01553 769770 and discover the best in local healthcare.

Serious about health.

Passionate about care.

BMI The Sandringham Hospital, Gayton Road, King's Lynn PE30 4HJ • Tel: 080 8101 0336 Email: info@bmihealthcare.co.uk • Web: www.bmihealthcare.co.uk KLmagazine July 2019

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PICTURES: Simon Turner (pictured opposite) has been growing strawberries since 1982. He had never grown a strawberry before but almost 40 years on he’s an expert in his field with Sharrington Strawberries well known for its quality produce

Why we’re enjoying strawberries for longer...

KL magazine talks to Simon Turner of Sharrington Strawberries about the new varieties and sophisticated growing techniques that mean we’ve got a lot more time to enjoy our favourite summer fruit

W

ith the Wimbledon Championships upon us again, our thoughts are inevitably turning to strawberries and cream.

The connection between strawberries and tennis probably dates back to the 1500s, when Thomas Wolsey (a powerful figure in the court of King Henry VIII) built the grand palace now known as Hampton Court. Thomas used to invite guests to his tennis courts, and spectators were treated to strawberries and cream – and the association with tennis was born!

But you don’t need to be watching tennis to enjoy strawberries and cream.

Strawberries have always been enjoyed in the summer, and were traditionally

KLmagazine July 2019

produced for only around three to four weeks of the year in June. Now, thanks to the introduction of different varieties of strawberries and new growing techniques, strawberries can be enjoyed all the way from April to October – and it’s something Simon Turner of Sharrington Strawberries knows a lot about.

“Anybody can get strawberries in June, but the aim is to get them out of season,” says Simon, who’s been growing strawberries since 1982.

Techniques include using polytunnels which cover the strawberries with polythene to warm them up and protect them from the rain so they’ll flower earlier; and at the other extreme, some strawberry plants are held in a

cold store at minus 1.5Co to extend their life – and as they’re planted later in the season, they also flower later.

“What we’re actually doing is cheating nature,” says Simon. “We want to produce strawberries over as long a period as possible.”

Simon knows an awful lot about strawberries, and he’s well known for the quality of his produce. His strawberries are supplied to over 50 outlets in Norfolk, including restaurants such as Morston Hall and North Street Bistro in Burnham Market, and shops such as Budgens in Holt and various branches of Spar, and Simon has his very own shop in Sharrington.

You may be surprised to learn that Simon doesn’t come from a farming

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“What we’re actually doing is cheating nature.We want to produce strawberries over as long a period as possible.”

Berry interesting STRAWBERRY FACT FILE

1

Strawberries got their name because they’re bedded in straw, which is placed around the plants to protect them from soil splash.

2

Strawberries are the only fruit with their seeds on the outside.

The average strawberry is adorned with some 200 of them.

3

The strawberry plant is a perennial. If you plant one now, it will come back next year and the following and the year after that. It may not bear fruit immediately, but once it does, it will remain productive for about five years.

4

Strawberries reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. They’re also low in calories and high in vitamins C, B6, K, fibre, folic acid, potassium and amino acids.

5

Strawberries need bumble bees to grow. The bees work as pollinators and are a crucial part of the strawberries’ formation.

6

Strawberries are sweeter at room temperature than cold.

To be enjoyed at their very best, they should be taken out of the fridge an hour before they’re eaten.

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background (his father was a lieutenant commander in the navy) and Simon started his career as a gamekeeper. In fact, his decision to grow strawberries was somewhat out of the blue, when a friend offered him a piece of land.

“It was 1982 and I was offered 2.5 acres for £5,000,” he says. “I had no experience in farming and I’d never grown a strawberry before. I did have a lovely garden, though, and felt confident in my growing ability – so despite having to borrow the money, I decided to go ahead and do it.”

The first year was tough. Back then there were no cold store facilities or polytunnels, so the strawberries produced just a small crop. Simon grew cabbages as well and worked every hour, roping in friends for unpaid support.

“I only just made enough money to pay interest on my borrowings to the bank,” he says. “I was working for nothing and I had blisters on blisters.”

Luckily, the following year’s strawberry crop was five to six times bigger. Simon’s soil was just right, producing plants that were half a metre high.

“Because my plants were so tall and leafy the strawberries were in the shade, which meant they took longer to grow,” he says. “As everyone else’s strawberries had finished, mine were just ripe! It was a stroke of luck, really. I was able to charge more for my strawberries because people couldn’t get them anywhere else and it ended up being a really successful year.”

Since then, Simon’s business (named Sharrington Strawberries after the village in which he began) has grown in size (he now has 70 acres spread across

a few different sites around Sharrington) and the quality of his produce is better than ever.

Simon is completely self-taught, having learnt his craft by reading and attending shows – as well as being totally dedicated and having a genuine passion for his work.

Simon puts the quality of his strawberries down to Norfolk’s light soil and good climate. He also believes his strawberries are so delicious because they’re grown in the ground on slightly raised beds and his sophisticated irrigation system waters them in trickles from underneath, rather than soaking them, which can cause rot.

“Farming involves a lot of work and long hours, but I love what I do,” says Simon. “I’ve got a beautiful farm, a lake and woods, and most of all I get real satisfaction out of seeing people enjoy high quality strawberries.”

KLmagazine July 2019

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fruit it & ve veg July’s ’s Highlight H Locally grown soft fruit

butche hery ry

Our well stocked sh hops include seasonal fruit & vegetables. Try our deli fo fr for pies, pasties sausage rolls, pasties, rolls cakes and cheese. cheese Or try our hugely popular BBQ packs in the butchery!

Heacham

Walsingham

Norfo folk Lavender Lynn Road PE31 7JE t: 01485 570002

Guild Street NR22 6BU t: 01328 821877

Row F, 124/125 Norwich NR2 1ND t: 01603 621966

Norwich Market

deli

www.walsingham.co

TIMBERS COUNTRY LODGE

Meet, drink, dine, celebrattee, staayy & en njjoy

Lime & soy glazed pork cheek, kim chi, crispy noodle

NEW ON THE MENU

A unique Grade II listed barn complex located in the beau(ful Norfolk Countryside

Cider cured Sea Trout, gnocchi, shellfish saffron cream, brown crab mayonnaise

• Fantas(c restaurant with frequently changing menus • Comfortable bar & lounge area (dogs welcome) • 46 rooms including a 6 person log cabin • Licensed wedding venue with marquee recep(on area

R E S TA U R A N T | RO O M S | E V E N T S

Lynn Road, Fincham, King's Lynn PE33 9HE | 01366 347747 | (mberscountrylodge.co.uk KLmagazine July 2019

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THE

BERNEY EA ATT • DRINK • STA AYY

W T’S YOUR WHA

Stay y,, Relax

Enjoy the Summer

Enjo oyy a relaxing short break this spring at The Berney.

Call us on 01366 347995 or go to our website: www.theberneyarms.co.uk/stay for more information on our lovely rooms.

Church Road, Barton Bendish PE33 9GF

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FAVOURITE? FOLLY SELECTED TEAS

order ONLINE AT THEFOLLYTEACADDY.CO.UK

KLmagazine July 2019

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Vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake INGREDIENTS For the cake

1 2

Pre heat the oven to 180°C, Gas mark 4.

Grease and line two 7” round tins.

360ml soya milk 1 ½ tsp cider vinegar 260g caster sugar 150ml sunflower oil 230g plain flour 2 tsp vanilla extract 80g cocoa powder ¾ tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Whisk together the soya milk and vinegar in a large jug. The milk should curdle slightly. Whisk in the sugar, oil and vanilla extract.

For the vegan buttercream

Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until the mixture is smooth, being careful not to over mix.

100g soya spread 200g icing sugar 1 tbsp cocoa powder

5

3

In a large mixing bowl sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda.

4

Divide the mix between the two tins and bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

6

Allow the cakes to cool in their tins and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

7

Whilst the cakes are cooling the buttercream can be made. Add the soya spread to a mixing bowl and beat until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add in the icing sugar, beating well until the cream is smooth.

KLmagazine July 2019

8

To add the cocoa powder add a few drops of boiling water to the powder and make a paste. This can now be added to the cream and mixed through until it is evenly incorporated.

9

To assemble the cake, place one layer onto a serving plate and spread an even layer to the top. The second layer can now be placed on top to create a sandwich.

10

Spread the remaining cream over the top and sides of the cake with a pallet knife and use a plastic side scraper to smooth and remove any excess cream. Finish the cake of with some dried rose petals or fresh fruit.

Judith West

OWNER AT FOLLY TEA ROOM Hoppers Yard, Bull Street, Holt NR25 6LN 01263 713569 www.follytearoom.co.uk

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The George & Dragon

An 18th century pub full of character and charm with a Dickensian feel, the George & Dragon at Castle Acre has recently undergone a full refurbishment, making it perfect for every and any occasion...

W

ith the historic village of Castle Acre just around the corner, Swaffham a short drive away and King’s Lynn 15 miles east, the George & Dragon pub in Newton is perfectly located – not to mention that it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside.

As you enter the beautiful 18th century pub it’s hard to imagine that less than two years ago it was a derelict building. That’s before Tiffany Turner took it on and gave it a thorough refurbishment.

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“It had been derelict for nine years and we wanted to bring it back to its Georgian roots,” she says. “We were sensitive to its origins but we also wanted the pub to be welcoming and comfortable – and decided to give it a truly Dickensian feel.”

The pub, which opened its doors in June last year, oozes character, with low ceilings, old leather chairs, an entire wall of leather-bound books and carefully chosen lighting. There’s also original 18th and 19th century oil paintings on the walls sourced from all over the world. The attention to

detail is impressive and it’s clear the refurbishment has been a labour of love.

“We had to replace everything from floor to ceiling,” says Tiffany. “It took over a year but we’re really happy with the results. We wanted a traditional pub feel.”

The interior offers the Pickwick Club Room, a delightful snug and two wonderful bar areas seating up to 100 in total. There’s also a garden room that opens onto a terrace and garden area seating up to a further 150, as well as a play area for children – all with the KLmagazine July 2019

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On the MENU

beautiful countryside as a backdrop.

Tiffany has ensured that families feel welcome (hence the wonderful children’s play area) and there’s a great children’s menu that includes healthy food as well as vegetarian options, and delicious drinks including freshly made lemonade.

“All our food is fresh and of high quality and we try to cater for everyone,” says Tiffany. “We have an extensive menu that includes a wide selection of dishes and we cater for vegans and intolerances so have meals that are dairy and gluten free. We are happy to make dishes to order – it’s important to us that people enjoy what they are eating.”

There’s also a wide selection of drinks at the George & Dragon including local ales and quality wines, but Tiffany is aware that not everyone wants to drink alcohol.

“We have a great choice of nonalcoholic cocktails and other exciting soft drinks that can be enjoyed in a lovely glass with fruit, so will still feel special,” she says. “We also serve lowalcohol gin and tonics and Ghost Ship ale that is alcohol free.”

This low-alcohol range is great news for people who want to drive to the George & Dragon, and there’s ample parking available.

For those who want to make a night of it, the Pig Shed Motel is on site, offering spacious luxury eco-friendly bedrooms. There are ten rooms in total, consisting of family, double and twin rooms, so it’s the ideal destination for a special occasion or memorable evening.

STARTERS

Buffalo Mozzarella Prosciutto, broad beans, chilli and mint (GF)

Grilled Sardines Portuguese peppers, toast (DF)

Sweet Potato Falafel Dukkah & herb salad (VG) (GF)

MAINS

Chargrilled Moroccan Spiced Lamb Chops Smoked tahini & black onion seed, lemon fennel, fried butter beans, sorrel & sumac (DF)

Chargrilled Sea Bream Fillet Capers, chilli, lemon & parsley, Agrodolce peppers, new herb potato salad

Kale & Carrot Pakora Kale & carrot pakora, chargrilled flat bread, coconut raita, onion salad, pickled carrot,mango chutney, fries (VG)

Dates for the diary

AT THE GEORGE & DRAGON 1st-14th JULy

23rd-25th AUG

DESSERTS Pecan Pie

Bourbon butterscotch, vanilla ice cream (N)

Meringue Lemon coconut cream, basil, strawberries, raspberries (DF)(GF)

Chocolate Mousse Strawberry, pistachio (VG) (GF) (GF) Gluten Free (DF) Dairy Free (VG) Vegan (N) Nuts

It’s Wimbledon!

Pimms, strawberries & cream for £5

August Bank Holiday Beer Festival Enjoy beer, BBQ, music & volleyball!

TO BOOK Please call 01760 755623 Visit www.newtongeorgepub.com to see our full menu

For more details and information, please call 01760 755 623

KLmagazine July 2019

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MEET the Chef Talking with the George & Dragon’s Head Chef Tiago Rodrigues KL magazine: Have you always enjoyed good food?

Tiago Rodrigues: Absolutely! I’m Portuguese and lived in Italy for some years, and when I was growing up I was constantly around food. There’s a very different mindset towards food in places like Italy, Greece and Portugal – people live to eat, rather than eat to live. Food is very much a focus of everything, particularly when it comes to family gatherings.

KL magazine: How did you come to be a chef?

Tiago Rodrigues: When I was 16 I was living in London and had a pot-washing position at a restaurant to earn some money. One of the chefs didn’t turn up one night and the Head Chef asked if I’d like to fill in. I did and he then offered me a position – I literally became a chef overnight!

I think it came from the fact I used to potter around the kitchen and at break time I’d make my own lunch. I think he saw something in me, and he decided to give me a go.

KL magazine: How did you come to be in Norfolk?

Tiago Rodrigues: I emigrated from London to Canada when I was 18 and worked there as a chef for about 10 years before returning to London and working at the Sherlock Holmes restaurant on Trafalgar Square.

I was visiting Norfolk and met the Head Chef at the White Horse at Brancaster Staithe, who offered me a position there. I soon fell in love with the county and wanted to stay.

I then went to Thornham Deli, before starting The Yurt restaurant at Drove Orchards, and I came to the George & Dragon from there .

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KL magazine: Was it exciting to join the George & Dragon from the very beginning?

Tiago Rodrigues: Yes, because

s e u g i r d o Tiago R

since it was a new pub I was able to have a strong input into the menu. It’s everybody’s dream to build something from the ground up and try to make it a success.

KL magazine: How would you describe the food you produce at the George & Dragon?

Tiago Rodrigues: It’s a real mix. We’re

KL magazine: What do you love most about being a chef?

Tiago Rodrigues: Creativity and

expression. Your artistry is put on a table for people to admire and enjoy.

What can be better than that!

really trying to stick to the drive towards vegan and vegetarian food, but we have some delicious meat and fish dishes on the menu too. We like rustic Mediterranean food and we also make a lot of north African, Asian and Indian dishes with loads of flavour, colour and fresh ingredients.

KL magazine: Do you have a favourite dish?

Tiago Rodrigues: It’s hard for me to pick a favourite, but on the menu we currently have a Moroccan marinated spiced lamb – and that’s delicious!

KLmagazine July 2019

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ummer Join us t his summe on our patt io. .

We’ve got a fantastic variety of Gins, Cocktails, and Real Ales to enjoy in the sunshine Or why not book one of our delicious After noon teas?

Full Afternoon Tea £14.95 o r £ 1 9 . 9 5 ( w i t h P ro s e c c o )

Burger & Bee Burge Beer * only £9.99

Great Bircham, King’s Lynn PE31 6RJ | T Te el: 01485 578 265

www.thekingsheadcountryhotel.co.uk

We are now tak taking bookings for our stunning NEW B&B rooms overlooking the river!

g in rv on YS Se od DA pm fo R - 9 TU m SA 2 p 1

B&B Noow open

Every FRIDAY evening throughout June, July & August 5pm-9pm, last orders 8:30pm Children’s option £5.95 *Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available

NEW DECKED AREA Join us for a drink or dinner on our new outside decked area overlooking the river

Tracey & Stuart welcome you to their newly refurbished pub beautifully set between two rivers • TRADITIONAL HOME-COOKED FOOD • GIN SHELF • AFTERNOON TEAS • B& B • T O U R I N G C A R AVA N PA R K

01366 384040 | www.theheronstowbridge.com The Heron Stowbridge, The Causeway, Stowbridge PE34 3PP

KLmagazine July 2019

Marleys, Unit 3, Langley Road, South Wootton PE30 3UG Tel: 07904 508444 | Facebook: @marleyscafekl Open: 7 days a week 8am-4pm | 9am-3pm on Sundays Breakfast served all day | Lunch 11:30-2:30pm 75

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C O A C H I N G

A wonderful and unusual venue.

Relaxed and friendly, for chilled out drinks.

Authentic Mexican food

Open Tuesday to Saturday 12 noon -10pm Book a table via our social media or give us a call

1 Railway Road, King’s Lynn | 01553 762277

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Private venue or room hire available. Perfect for: Wedding reception Wake Fancy hen doo or other celebrations

•

•

•

For reservations please call: 01760 723244

c ret Our se d n e k e e w il b a r is co c k ta & S a t ri open F pm! fr o m 6

www.kingsarmscoachinginn.co.uk 21 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7LA

KLmagazine July 2019

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Flavour of the month

Chives Brasserie: serving top quality food in the heart of Hunstanton...

A

trip to Sunny Hunny is always delightful, even when it’s not particularly sunny – although we were lucky enough to choose a beautifully bright day to visit Chives Brasserie, a family-run restaurant on the High Street, which has been at the heart of Hunstanton for 17 years.

There’s a small outside seating area, but we opted for a table inside. The atmosphere was calm, the restaurant being decorated tastefully in neutral tones.

As we took our seats, a local woman came bounding over to us and asked if it was our first visit. We told her it was, and she began waxing lyrical about Chives, telling us that the food is outstanding and that she’s visited on a regular basis since it first opened its doors all those years ago. High praise

KLmagazine July 2019

indeed!

As we glanced over the menu, we were truly spoilt for choice. Chives specialises in fresh fish (always a good sign for a seaside-based restaurant), but also has a wide selection of modern English food, pasta dishes and pizzas – and for those wanting something lighter there’s a wide range of sandwiches available on white, malted bloomer or gluten-free bread. There’s also ciabattas, soup and side orders.

“We cater for everyone,” says Sandra Bowman, the owner of Chives Brasserie. “We want people to come here and enjoy whatever they want. As well as serving delicious lunches and evening meals, we also serve breakfast, and scones and cakes for people who just want to pop in for a coffee and a treat.”

We visited at lunchtime, and as a starter I ordered tempura-battered king prawns with chilli jam and watercress, while my friend ordered the field mushroom filled with blue cheese, wrapped in puff pastry. Because everything is cooked freshly to order, it took a while to be prepared, but it was

certainly well worth the wait. The food was delicious, and the battered prawns were almost certainly the best I’ve ever tasted.

For our main courses, I had a trio of beautifully-cooked pork while my friend opted for the seabass, which was served with samphire and some more of those delicious king prawns cooked in a cream sauce.

We were both genuinely impressed and very full, but I must confess that we manged to find space for a rather indulgent chocolate brownie – we decided to share one to lessen the guilt, but it was a very generous portion so we both had plenty. It was superb, and I liked the fact it came with fresh fruit – which made it a practically healthy sweet treat!

Chives Brasserie is open daily from 9am, with last food orders at 9.30pm.

Food can be made to order for any dietary requirements and alcohol is served, so there really is something for everyone.

CHIVES BRASSERIE 11 High Street, Hunstanton PE36 5AB Tel: 01485 534771 77

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Discover some of the best kitchens in the world...

At The German Connection in Burnham Market, you’ll find a stunnning collection of stylish and innovative modern kitchens – and a complete service from design to fitting that’s second to none

T

here's a very good reason (to be honest, there are several reasons) why we talk about German kitchens rather than those made in France or Italy, and you only have to spend a few minutes at The German Connection in Burnham Market before realising why that's the case.

"It's not just because their products are renowned for their high quality, precise engineering and high standards of manufacturing," says Robert Howlett,

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who opened the Burnham Market store with his business partner Alan King back in March. "German kitchens are the best in the world in terms of design and functionality."

After working together on various building projects for over eight years, Robert and Alan (both carpenters by trade) realised there was a genuine need for totally bespoke, totally unique and totally amazing kitchens.

They visited the KBB Show in Birmingham, which is Europe's largest dedicated kitchen, bedroom and bathroom exhibition, and came across two of the most highlyrespected brands in the business - Nolte Küchen and Bauformat.

"These German kitchens ticked all the boxes for us," says Robert. "Their reputations are first-class, their build quality and finish are outstanding, and their approach to design was exactly what we were looking for."

The result was a hugely

successful showroom in Ely, which actually proved so popular over the years that Robert and Alan decided to bring their incredible kitchens to north Norfolk. In March, The German Connection opened a second stunning showroom in Burnham Market, with the ground floor dedicated to Nolte Küchen displays and the upper floor showcasing Bauformat kitchens. It's just a small selection of the available designs, choices of finishes, various internal layouts and drawer combinations, but it's a hugely impressive one.

"We can only display a representative choice of what's available," says Robert, "but we've already had people come in, have a quick look, and say 'I want to buy that one!'"

Everywhere you look you'll find innovative details and clever design solutions. The automatically rising corner units are brilliant space savers, and the multi-temperature drawers can be set to act as a fridge, freezer, pantry KLmagazine July 2019

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or wine cooler. Some units even have built-in heat shields to prevent the contents getting too warm, and the kitchens' subtle mood lighting can be altered to suit the time of day and ambient light conditions. No detail is overlooked. Because all the kitchens are made to order, all the apertures for appliances are precisely cut to fit the appliance itself - you'll never see a space filler or panel - and whether you're using a gas or induction hob (which have different depths) the worktops are sized to match perfectly.

That extraordinary level of accuracy is something that has to be seen to be believed, although it's something Robert and Alan are ideally placed to appreciate.

"As carpenters we're continually amazed at just how well-built these kitchens are," says Robert. "Our 600mm units aren't 600.5mm or 595.5mm they're exactly 600mm, and it doesn't matter how good a carpenter you are, you'll never cut something as straight as a laser."

Moreover, The German Connection offers a supreme level of reliability. All components are rigorously tested to guarantee a minimum 15 years 'operating life' and all wall units are built to withstand greater weights than standard kitchens. And while most kitchens come flat-packed for assembly at a later time, Nolte Küchen and Bauformat are manufactured and assembled at the same time - so they can be quality checked at every stage before they leave the warehouse.

"It makes the units more resilient, more rigid and more robust," says Robert. "It means that installation time isn't taken up by the need to put together every unit before it can be fitted."

If you'd like to discover some of the best kitchens in the world, visit The German Connection and see how your home can be transformed. You won't just receive all the help and advice you need, you'll also be able to see a full 3D visual of your kitchen - and receive a comprehensive quotation that fully details the cost of every single unit.

"There's no one available locally who can offer a service like ours," says Robert. "Few companies can handle the design, the supply and the installation together with all the plumbing and electrics. These are the best kitchens you'll ever see, so we want to offer the best service you'll ever receive!"

5-7 Foundry Place, Burnham Market, King's Lynn PE31 8LG Unit 3A, Stretham Station Road, Wilburton, Ely CB6 3QD 01328 738309 | www.thegermanconnection.co.uk KLmagazine July 2019

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- Alison Matthews

“

“

The fish is caught on our boats, brought straight into the restaurant, prepared, cooked, and put on the plates. You can’t get much fresher than that!

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PICTURES: Richard and Alison Matthews are a husband and wife team that deliver local shellfish from pot to plate. Richard (pictured left with his colleague Henry) has been a fisherman for over 40 years.

A fresh taste of Norfolk’s delicious king of seafood

If you enjoy lobster you’re in luck, because it’s lobster season – and the north Norfolk coast is the perfect place to catch these delicious fresh lobster. KL magazine talks to Richard and Alison Matthews to learn more

W

e all know that here in Norfolk we’re lucky enough to be able to enjoy freshly-caught lobster. Certainly most of us will be aware that from now until September we’re in the main season for UK lobsters – which makes it the ideal time to be thinking about enjoying this delicacy. But why is Norfolk such a good location for lobsters – and do you know how to prepare one?

In our quest to find out more about lobsters, we caught up with Richard and Alison Matthews. The husband and wife team own Rocky Bottoms seafood restaurant, which is located in the beautiful coastal village of West Runton, where they deliver local shellfish from pot to plate.

KLmagazine July 2019

Richard has been a fisherman for over 40 years, and in 2008 Richard and Alison bought an old 18th century brick kiln – and had a vision to transform it into a restaurant to sell Richard’s fresh fish. In May 2015, after much work, the restaurant finally opened its doors.

“Initially we were just going to do lobster rolls and crab sandwiches with a pot of tea,” says Alison. “But it evolved so much from there – and we now do a wide selection of dishes.”

With Richard catching the fish and Alison dressing it, they make the perfect team!

“The fish is caught on our boats, brought straight into the restaurant, prepared, cooked, and put on the plates,” says Alison. “You can’t get much fresher than that!”

KL magazine: How did you come to be a fisherman?

Richard Matthews: I had a friend who was a fisherman, and I used to help him every now and again. I was actually a welder by trade, and I thought being a fisherman would be a better life. I got together with one of my best friends and we bought a boat, made some pots and got started. I was about 20 at the time.

KL magazine: What do you enjoy about your job – and is there anything you don’t enjoy?

Richard Matthews: I love the fact you never know what to expect and every day is different. You can’t beat working

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LOBSTER facts 1. They taste with their legs A lobster’s chemosensory leg and feet hairs identifies food, while small antennae in front of its eyes are used for tracking down food that’s further away

2. They chew with their stomachs The grinding structure lobsters use for breaking up food is called the gastric mill, which is like a set of teeth in their stomachs

3. They don’t scream in pain when you cook them Lobsters don’t have vocal chords, and they can’t process pain. “I’ve dressed lobsters for over 30 years, and I’ve never heard a noise from them,” says Alison.

4. They can regenerate limbs It would probably take around five years for a one-pound lobster to regenerate a claw that’s the same size as one that has been lost, but they can do it!

PICTURES: Richard catches the lobsters and Alison dresses them and serves them at their restaurant Rocky Bottoms in West Runton, making them the perfect team!

outside – although no one enjoys it when it’s pouring down with rain and the wind is blowing. That’s all part and parcel of being a fisherman, however, and I wouldn’t do anything else.

KL magazine: Why is the north Norfolk coast such a good location for lobsters?

boats but I’m happy with my traditional boat. Actually, I think there’s only two of them left.

KL magazine: What impact does the weather have on your catch?

Richard Matthews: If the weather’s

Alison’s

TOP TIPS ON HOW TO DRESS A LOBSTER

rough, we might not be able to go out to sea for a few days, so bad weather can have a massive impact on the amount of lobsters we catch. But you have to take the rough with the smooth and accept that some days we’ll come back with pots full of lobsters, whilst other days we won’t be able to get any.

It’s all part of being a fisherman.

• Boil in water for 10-12 minutes.

KL magazine: What boat do you sail and why is it so good for catching lobsters?

KL magazine: What’s the best way to enjoy lobster?

DID YOU KNOW?

traditional double-ended Norfolk crab boat. It’s very low in the water, which works well for hauling pots. A lot of fisherman are changing over to faster

restaurant is lobster grilled underneath with a little garlic butter and eaten with chips or new potatoes and a lovely salad. But really, with lobster, the world is your oyster.

Richard Matthews: We’ve got a

unique chalk reef and it’s never been trawled on, so it’s still very natural – and the water is extremely rich in nutrients, making it a great environment for crabs and lobsters to feed and grow.

Richard Matthews: I still use a

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Richard Matthews: A favourite in our

• Drain the lobster, cut down the middle, and open it up • Take the little crusty bit away from the head piece and rip the claws off • Take the excrement sac out and turn the tail over – everything left is ready to eat!

Once boiled and prepared, the dressed lobster will last for two days if kept refrigerated. It’s fine to freeze lobster as long as it’s fresh when frozen. It will then last up to three months.

KLmagazine July 2019

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KLmagazine July 2019

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56 3-2019 196

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Gin Berry Fizz

Fruity, light and refreshing, this berry flavoured cocktail is perfect for summer WHAT YOU WILL NEED We like to serve these in a gin balloon but you can alternatively use a long glass or a large wine glass.

INGREDIENTS 25ml Chambord 25ml Gordon's Pink Gin Lemonade 2 fresh lime wedges Ice

1 2

Fill the glass with 4-5 cubes of ice.

Add the Chambord, then the pink gin, and finally top with lemonade.

3

Slowly stir the ice and squeeze a lime wedge and drop it in.

4

Add another lime segment to the rim of the glass as a garnish if you fancy it!

Claire Evans

OWNER AT THE KING’S ARMS COACHING INN 21 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7LA www.kingsarmscoachinginn.co.uk 01760 723244 KLmagazine July 2019

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ABOVE: The Nelstrop family have a 600-year-old tradition of growing and processing grain. Andrew Nelstrop (pictured above with his wife Katy and their children) produce award-winning whisky from their Norfolk distillery and offer daily tours.

Raising a glass to the best whisky in Europe...

In the heart of Norfolk, the Nelstrop family produces award-winning whisky and supplies it to 23 countries across the world – and tours to the local distillery have become an increasingly popular attraction

I

n 2006, St. George’s Distillery was built in Roudham and became the first whisky distillery in England for over 120 years. It was the vision of the Nelstrop family to produce the very finest English single malt whisky, and they’ve certainly achieved that – and a lot more besides.

The English Whisky Company (which is based at the distillery) has been responsible for producing the Best Whisky in Europe according to Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (the world’s leading authority, no less) in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019.

Other awards received include a gold medal for their whisky The English: Original and a silver medal for The English: Smokey, both of which were awarded at the San Francisco World

KLmagazine July 2019

Spirits Competition 2017.

Around 150,000 bottles of whisky are produced a year at the Norfolk distillery, and the annual turnover of visitors has reached around 85,000 – with people coming from all over the world to learn about the production of English whisky and to sample some in the process. The distillery sits on ten acres of land where guests can take a stroll over to a beautiful river, and there’s a delightful restaurant and coffee house on site, named The Kitchen, where visitors can enjoy delicious brunches, lunches, afternoon tea or a simple coffee and cake. There’s also a shop that sells a wide selection of whiskies from all over the world – including the distillery’s own extensive (and highly-acclaimed) English Whisky range.

“We have lots of visitors to the distillery, but we wanted to create a chilled environment for guests of all kinds, which is why we introduced The Kitchen,” says Andrew Nelstrop, Managing Director of The English Whisky Company. “Some people do the tour of the distillery and then enjoy a walk to the river, followed by lunch and spend a full day here, whilst others may simply come just for a coffee – but everyone’s welcome!”

St. George’s Distillery sits on the very farm that Andrew grew up on. It was bought by his father James Nelstrop in 1976 to grow barley. In fact, the Nelstrop family have a 600-year-old tradition of growing and processing grain.

“As a family we know an awful lot

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about barley,” says Andrew. “Moving to Norfolk was perfect because it’s ideal for growing barley – it has the right climate and the right soils.”

His father’s roots were very much in farming, but he was also an astute businessman and he has a genuine flair for mixing the two skills. James spent two years in Australia and introduced direct drilling, before returning to England and establishing the first ‘centre pivot’ irrigation system in the country.

When he reached his 60s, James was in no mood to retire – and decided to put into practice an idea he’d had for a long time; with so much knowledge about (and experience with) barley, surely they should start producing whisky!

“Father always wanted to open a whisky distillery and he was still talking about it in his 60s – so we said he should just go ahead and do it!” says Andrew. “He planned it as a micro-brewery at first, but when we looked into it there were rules in place stating that the copper stills had to be a minimum of 1,800 litres – so we ended up building a big distillery instead, and discovered it was the first new whisky distillery in England for over 100 years!”

Andrew had followed in his father’s footsteps and had been both a farmer and a businessman. He had a building

company when the distillery was built (which came in handy!) and then got more involved with the distillery itself.

James gradually stepped back from the business before sadly passing away in 2015.

“The English Whisky Company was doing really well at that point,” says Andrew, “so my father got to see his grand idea come to fruition.”

The business continues to go from

strength to strength, and the tour of the distillery (which takes place daily every hour) is fascinating. Every drop of whisky is made by hand, from the barley being malted and milled to the final stage where the whisky is bottled.

Guests can see and smell how grain is mixed with water and boiled to create a mixture known as ‘worts’ (which is much like Horlicks), and see yeast added to turn it into ale – which is then converted into a clear and very alcoholic whisky. Water is added and the whisky placed in casks to mature, a

process that takes anything from five to 50 years.

“You can’t call it whisky until it’s been in a wood cask for at least three years,” says Andrew. “So while the business was set up in 2006, it wasn’t until 2009 that we released our first whisky.”

Interestingly, 70% of the flavour and 100% of the colour in whisky comes from the cask itself.

“Bourbon casks make a golden yellow whisky, sherry casks will make a dark brown whisky, and red wine casks make a pink whisky,” explains Andrew. “Cask selection can really make or break a whisky, but it’s something we’re very good at.”

Once matured, the whisky is bottled and sent off to be enjoyed around the world in no less than 23 countries!

It’s remarkable to think all this is on our doorstep. So, if you’re looking for a day out that’s a little different, or if you simply want to enjoy the delightful setting, a walk by the river, a meal or coffee, St. George’s Distillery is well worth a visit.

You can even hold your work conferences there, so there really is something for everyone.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Distillery: 9am-5.30pm Tours: Hourly 10am-4pm (please book ahead if 10 or more people are in your group) The Kitchen: 9am-5pm

St. George’s Distillery, Harling Road, Roudham NR16 2QW Tel: 01953 717939 Web: www.englishwhisky.co.uk

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KLmagazine July 2019

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KLmagazine July 2019

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“A really brilliant service and fantastic floors!”

It’s time to treat your stone and tiled floors to the UK’s most advanced cleaning system and the professional services of Xtraclean

A

lthough you might think the winter months are the harshest on your stone and tiled floors, the summer can be equally damaging, with the doors open and people wandering inside and outside all the time and all sorts of dirt and grime following in their footsteps - quite literally!

When that works its way into crevices and grout lines, it all becomes a bit too much for mops and off-the-shelf cleaners – which means it’s time to call on the services of Martin King and his Swaffham-based team at Xtraclean.

“Natural stone, tiles and solid wood floors look fantastic at first, but you can’t keep those ‘as new’ looks forever,” says Martin. “If your floors have been professionally fitted they deserve an equally expert approach to cleaning – and that’s where Xtraclean comes in.”

For over 25 years now, Martin and his

team have been treating floors across Norfolk to the most advanced and powerful cleaning system in the UK. “Stone floors aren’t the easiest surfaces in the world to clean,” says Martin, “but our powerful system and our specially-developed products can bring heavily-soiled floors back to their very best. And we can usually achieve that in a single visit!”

Over the years, Xtraclean has built a strong reputation for a reliable, friendly and fully-insured service with a team of highly skilled, trained and experienced technicians – all committed to keeping your floors looking as bright and fresh as the day they were laid. After an initial survey and test, Martin and his team will get to work, breaking down ingrained dirt and loosening surface soiling.

They’ll even move the furniture for you!

Xtraclean’s state-of-the-art turbo “clean and capture” system then pressure cleans the floor using its own

water supply – and captures all the waste in the process. Without using invasive and harmful procedures such as grinding and resurfacing (which can actually damage your floor) the results are truly spectacular.

“For added and longer-lasting protection we can seal the floor with specialist products to help keep those good looks for longer,” says Martin. ”And if you're looking for a particularly amazing finish we can re-polish and buff highly-honed surfaces!”

There’s no great secret to offering such a high quality cleaning service – all it takes is the most advanced technology and the most professional products currently available in the UK. “To be honest, you have to see the results to believe them,” says Martin.

“Just ask our customers!”

Get your floors back to their best for summer and contact Xtraclean today for an extra-professional service.

Unit 3, Jack Boddy Way, Swaffham PE37 7HJ Tel: 01760 337762 Web: www.xtraclean.co.uk E-mail: sales@xtraclean.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2019

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Remembering the iron women of King’s Lynn...

ABOVE: This 1885 painting by Peder Krøyer offers a rather romanticised view of working conditions in an 18th century iron foundry

You may think that women in business is a relatively new development, but for the second half of the 19th century, one of the most successful ironworks in Norfolk was owned by three generations of women

T

he first reaction to the incredible news as it spread through King’s Lynn in the mid-19th century was one of incredulity – it simply couldn’t be, could it? The fact that an iron foundry had been left to a woman set tongues wagging and made for sensational news.

Having no children, John Aickman knew he had to take steps to secure the future of his King Street business, and laid careful plans which didn’t include

92

leaving the property to his nephew William, who was then managing the foundry. Instead, he left it to his housekeeper, Elizabeth Spurr. In fact, when he died in 1847, Aickman left the foundry together with “all land and real estate in King’s Lynn and elsewhere in the United Kingdom” to Elizabeth, “with rights and appurtenances to be held by her heirs for ever.”

Whispers soon began to circulate that the inevitable would almost certainly follow, and nephew William would

eventually get his hands on the money and property anyway – because what belonged to the wife became the husband’s on marriage. Six months after Aickman’s death, his nephew married Elizabeth Spurr and was in for another shock – Aickman’s will was devised in such a way that the property and money remained hers.

John Aickman had been born in Scotland in 1779, and came south aged about 40 – travelling through Yorkshire when the Industrial Revolution was in

KLmagazine July 2019

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“The fact that an iron foundry had been left to a woman made for sensational news...” full swing. In Birstall he met the Spurr family of Master Founders who owned an ironworks of considerable size called Pearson & Spurr, and this friendship was crucial to the story and the development of his future ironworks in King’s Lynn.

In fact, for the next three generations a collection of Aickmans (from Scotland) and Spurrs (from Yorkshire) settled in King’s Lynn through inheritance and marriage.

Why John Aickman chose King’s Lynn in the first place is unknown, but as the ship from Hull sailed up the River Great Ouse and tied up at one of the wharves with the many warehouses backed by large merchant houses he must have been impressed by this thriving port and prosperous town.

He bought a three-storey timber framed house in King Street with warehouses and a private wharf behind it and was soon joined by his wife Jean.

The inconvenience of the timber framed house was soon apparent, and by 1827 a major reconstruction had taken place, with the creation of two town houses separated by a wide arch allowing traffic into the foundry yard.

A striking plaque reading “John Aickman’s Foundery MDCCCXXVII” in cast iron can still be seen above this archway, showing the archaic spelling of foundry. By the 1830s, Aickman’s ‘works’ was fully established in King’s Lynn, and the family was well regarded in the town.

Following the death of his wife in 1837, John Aickman brought Elizabeth Spurr, the daughter of his friends at Birstall, to King’s Lynn to act as his housekeeper – and before long he sent his nephew £300 for the trip to Norfolk (via Birstall) from Scotland.

Following their marriage after the death of Aickman, the couple had two daughters – Jean would live into the next century and saw the family and

KLmagazine July 2019

PICTURES: Nothing now remains of the original timber-framed home of John Aickman’s iron foundry (top) – but his replacement building still stands on King Street in King’s Lynn (bottom)

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ABOVE: The grave marker of John Aickman (left) was appropriately made from cast iron and features a number of Masonic emblems. After the demolition of his original King Street property in 1827 (right, top), Aickman built two grand town houses separated by an archway – above which can still be seen the striking plaque commemorating the opening of the new foundry .

foundry pass through many difficulties, while the younger daughter Alice married a Fenland farmer.

As for nephew William, he was never robust, and asked his brother George Aickman to come from Scotland to join the firm. In the now time-honoured tradition he stopped off at Birstall, where romance flourished and he married Marianne Spurr, bringing her to settle in King’s Lynn in 1855.

During these years, the foundry was prosperous and busy. The coastal trade in and out of King’s Lynn was good, with barge traffic heading downriver to Bedford and ships sailing across to the Baltic. On a smaller scale, farm-

94

implements were made and skilled repair work was also in demand.

As William’s health gradually failed, yet another partner was needed – and 30-year-old Thomas Spurr came down from Birstall. It came as no surprise when he married Jean Aickman in St Margaret’s church in 1866 – the year William died.

Once again, tongues wagged as he left “his stock-in-trade as an iron founder” to his daughter. It meant the controlling interest in the foundry was now owned by mother and daughter, Elizabeth and Jean – although it was managed by their male relatives.

Difficult times were ahead for the King’s Lynn business as railways started competing with shipping and there were two young families of six children each for the business to support.

The Yorkshire link with King’s Lynn proved invaluable when Marianne died, followed three years later by husband George, leaving six orphaned children.

The Spurr relatives took all the children up to Birstall except for three-year-old Charles, who stayed in Norfolk with Jean and Thomas.

Elizabeth died in 1880 in old age, leaving her considerable properties to her daughter Jean “for her sole and

separate use.” Jean was known as the matriarch of the family and to new generations as ‘Granny Spurr’ and under her ownership the foundry finally came to an end in 1896 – leaving only the remarkable lintel in King Street to commemorate this unusual family.

KLmagazine July 2019

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Insuranceinsights

Our monthly look at insurance issues for you and your family with the experts at Adrian Flux... © Matt Usher

Toptips

1 2 3

Discounts for experienced 4x4 drivers are available Limited mileage policies available for those who take short journeys Owner’s club discounts for members of affiliated make or model clubs

Making your 4X4 even easier to handle

Want to get driving on, or off, the road with your four-wheel drive?

Then that’s where Adrian Flux, a leading broker in the market, can help.

T

hey come in all shapes, sizes and names. But it doesn’t matter whether you drive a 4x4, a 4WD, a four-wheel drive a Land Rover or a Jeep, Adrian Flux can source the best available scheme to make sure you’re covered.

And it doesn’t matter if you’re keen on green-laning or off-roading too because that is included as standard on most policies.

Adrian Flux don’t believe in a onesize-fits-all four-wheel drive policy which is perfect given the wide-range of vehicles on offer in the market.

Ex-MOD Land Rovers, imported Pajeros, classic off-roaders, kit 4x4, Q-plated, SUVs and luxury and modified models - with roll cages, spoilers and flared arches or snorkels a bespoke insurance deal for you and your car can be offered no matter how it is customised.

With competitive quotes sourced from a panel of more than 40 insurers, you don’t need to waste time ringing around dozens of insurers when the King’s Lynn company can do it for you.

Minutes are also precious for emergency responders who play a vital role in countryside safety across the UK, with countless groups of 4x4driving volunteers helping with rescues and medical assistance in hard-to-reach areas.

To make it easier for these heroes to keep their services running, Flux introduced specialist insurance for 4x4 response workers. It provides all the great benefits of standard off-road cover, but with guaranteed protection for volunteer activities.

Owner’s club and limited mileage discounts are two other excellent benefits that can be offered along with specialist knowledge. And that insight

has helped Flux become the UK’s number one kit car insurance specialist too.

As one of the most popular types of kit car, 4x4 buggies and off-road kits are available to transform even the tamest vehicle into a real mudwrestling off-roader.

Whether it was bought as a project, hobby or simply to have fun getting dirty, your individual needs can be met with cover that also includes agreed valuations, goods in transit cover, multi-vehicle cover, build-up cover, limited mileage discounts and so much more.

Adrian Flux Insurance Services, which has more than 40 years’ experience, is based in Lynn and will not be found on price comparison websites. Our best deals are available over the telephone. Call us now for a free, no-obligation quote.

TEL: 01553 400399 | EMAIL: contact-us@adrianflux.co.uk WEB: www.adrianflux.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2019

EDQ

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To find out more

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01553 692634

A47 Pullover Road, King’s Lynn PE34 3LS Email: sales@dmgtimber.co.uk

www.dmgtimber.co.uk 96

Calll 0800 773 4921 for a test riide KLmagazine July 2019

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Officially one of the UK’s best used car companies!

Shortlisted for five awards at the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2019, Paragon Motor Company leads the way in first-class customer service

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ater this month, the winners of the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2019 will be announced at a major ceremony hosted by TV personality, singer and writer Alexander Armstrong at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The awards are generally regarded as the industry’s Oscars, celebrating the very best in modern motor retailing – including official main dealers, large independent groups and smaller family-run businesses from every corner of the UK. When the nominations for this year’s awards was announced recently, it was astonishing to see Wisbech-based Paragon Motor Company making the shortlist for no less than five awards.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that as a fully independent business, Paragon Motor Company is ineligible for any awards

presented to official dealerships – and since it doesn't actually make cars, it can’t be considered for awards given to manufacturers either.

It means that of the 10 awards that Paragon Motor Company could be considered for, they’ve made the shortlist for 50% of them – the Aftersales Excellence Award, the Customer Care Award, the Independent Garage of the Year Award, the Most Improved Dealership of the Year Award, and the Used Car Retailer of the Year Award.

It’s hard to overestimate just how impressive this is. The latter category is open to every one of the 13,000 used car dealers in the UK – yet only eight of them have been shortlisted for the award. Moreover, no other company in the UK (including all the multi-branch groups and official main dealerships) has received more nominations than

Paragon Motor Company – and they’re the only business in the area who’ll be represented at this year’s awards.

“Even though it’s a couple of weeks before the awards ceremony itself, this is still an incredible achievement,” says Paragon Motor Company’s managing director Gary Robinson. “We’ve built the business on exceptional customer service, innovation and best practice – and every single member of the team works really hard to deliver that. It’s so rewarding for all of us to see that recognised on a national level.”

If you’d like to experience one of the very best used car services in the UK (and that’s official!) contact Paragon Motor Company today for the car or commercial vehicle you’ve been looking for – and an unrivalled level of service.

Paragon Motor Company, Lynn Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE14 7AN T: 01945 223138 | W: www.paragonmotorco.co.uk | E: paragonmotorco@btconnect.com

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“

“

The provenance of the fresh goods is really important and we’ve been able to keep within these boundaries as we’ve grown.

- Sarah Morris Co-owner of Pooch’s Dog Treats

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It’s a dog’s life – and it couldn’t be tastier!

ABOVE: Liz (left) and Sarah (right) set up Pooch’s Dog Treats Ltd after one of their dogs was allergic to commercially mass-produced food

Every single day in the UK, we spend over £1 million on dog treats – but few of us consider their health benefits or nutritional value.

KL magazine meets a local business planning to change all that...

S

o many good business ideas come from the need to make, buy, or do something that isn’t already available.

Flitcham-based Pooch’s Dog Treats Ltd came about when Liz and Sarah Morris discovered that one of their dogs, Ellie, was allergic to commercially mass-produced food, and decided to set about baking some treats of their own.

“We simply started in the kitchen in the house ten years ago,” says Liz, “and Ellie was immediately so much better. We didn’t include any preservatives or additives – just fresh ingredients with a high meat content, and she loved them. She could finally enjoy something with no adverse effect to her. We thought we might be onto something!”

KLmagazine July 2019

At the time, Liz and Sarah had four dogs who all enjoyed the treats, so they began to experiment making different treats with various locally-sourced meats and ingredients, putting them in different coloured candy-striped bags and taking them to car boot sales. And they literally flew out of the car.

In the early stages, Liz and Sarah hit on the idea of having a theme, with the colours of the bags representing the different type of treats and their contents – red for roast beef, yellow for cheese, and orange for chicken and carrot. They haven’t changed any of the colours 99

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or bags, and – possibly more by accident than design – their original design has proved to be another selling point.

“People love the packaging, and we’ve thought about changing it many times,” says Liz. “The danger with that is that our treats might become like any mass-manufactured packaging, and our customers love the look. We always use biodegradable paper, and we also use ‘used once’ delivery boxes which our stockists hand back for us to use again and again.”

As they’ve developed their brand over the years, they’ve continued to adhere to the original ethos of their business.

“As we’ve grown we’ve not changed our methodology,” explains Sarah. “The dough is still all handmade, and we buy in fresh meat and game – the provenance of the fresh goods is really important and we’ve been able to keep within these boundaries as we’ve grown.”

In the early days, they would buy meat from supermarkets, but as time went on they started to source fresh meat, game and other ingredients from local suppliers, of which there are so many in Norfolk. They buy their meat from Arthur Howell in Wells-next-theSea and game from the Holkham or Sandringham estates.

Liz and Sarah have also been able to build on the fact that Norfolk is a holiday destination, and many visitors who buy Pooch’s treats will ask if there's a local stockist closer to their home. They now have around 230 stockists nationally (and even some abroad), many of whom were introduced to the brand by customers taking the treats to local pet shops and

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asking them to stock them.

All Pooch’s treats are baked by a small team of six in a recentlyexpanded facility on the Sandringham estate, and all ingredients are locally sourced. Liz and Sarah use fresh apples and carrots as well as the meat, fish and game products – baking everything one week and sending them out to suppliers and customers the next.

Like produce for human consumption, Pooch’s treats are subject to strict regulations. DEFRA (the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) makes regular visits, and the business itself is tested every six months for salmonella and bacteria.

And like any food item, Pooch’s has tasters for its products. As well as Liz and Sarah’s own dogs, their chief tester is a dog called Freddie Fisher, who’s featured on the back of their van and who they believe exhibits a remarkable likeness to the Black Shuck, the ghostly black dog alleged to roam the Norfolk countryside.

For the future, Liz and Sarah want to continue to grow, offering the same personal service they always have, but keeping the methodology exactly the same. They are members of Buy Local, a group of businesses who agree to use 80% of the products or services from businesses based within Norfolk, thereby reducing the county’s carbon footprint and supporting other local producers.

Pooch’s also supports local charities, and co-sponsored last month’s Pooch’s in the Park, a fundraising dog show event in aid of the Norfolk Hospice Tapping House held at Sandringham Visitors’ Centre. They are also involved with Paws 4 Thought Norfolk, a charity

which cares for and supports the homeless and their dogs.

Dogs and their welfare are clearly a passion for Liz and Sarah, and their original idea to turn that passion into a business has paid off. But they know they couldn’t have done it without the continuing support of their loyal customers.

“We’ve got stockists and personal shoppers who’ve been with us since day one,” says Sarah. “The business support in Norfolk has been absolutely key – with that and our great team, we know how lucky we are.”

STOCKISTS Walsingham Farms Shop in Heacham & Walsingham Drove Orchards at Thornham GJL in Fakenham Holkham Hall JE Howard Butchers in West Newton To see the full list of stockists, visit the website: www.poochs.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2019

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Animalmatters

Our monthly look at the issues concerning you and your pets with our Clinical at London Road & Hollies Vets...

Director

Jennifer Sinclair

Smallbites

Overcoming the fear of the vet...

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tress and anxiety are big factors causing pet owners to not want to visit their local veterinary surgery. Naturally, taking a pet out of its home environment will cause a level of anxiety, particularly if it’s already feeling poorly and coming into a veterinary environment where there are other animals present. However, there are ways to help our pets adjust to coming in to a veterinary practice, as well as hopefully addressing anxieties owners may have too.

If your dog isn’t good with other dogs, appointments can be booked at the beginning or the end of a surgery, or you can use an alternative entrance to avoid a busy waiting room. It may be possible to wait in a separate room with a nervous or excitable dog.

Dedicated cat waiting areas offer a calm area away from dogs. As cats feel safer when they’re on a high surface and covered, owners can also make use of tables to place their cat’s basket on, and cage covers which can be sprayed with a reassuring cat pheromone. This area can also be used for small mammals, although rabbits prefer to be

on the floor than on a raised surface.

Hospitalisation of your pet will be given careful and individual attention with consideration being given to each individual’s needs.

• Anxious pets can be housed away from other patients to reduce their levels of anxiety.

• If more than one pet is being admitted to the hospital, there could be options to allow these pets to stay together in a larger kennel together.

This is particularly important for bonded rabbit pairs.

• Bedding and toys brought from home with a familiar smell can also be placed in the kennel with them during their stay.

• If your rabbit or guinea pig is being admitted to the hospital, bringing some of their own food and bedding will help them to feel calmer during their stay.

Many owners struggle to get their cats into the basket at home. It is worthwhile leaving the cat basket out for a few days in the house before your appointment, with the door open to allow the cat to enter the basket if they choose to. Owners often find that their

LONDON ROAD Hospital Walk, King’s Lynn • 01553 773168 HOLLIES Paradise Road, Downham Market • 01366 386655

KLmagazine July 2019

All of our staff at London Road Veterinary Centre and the Hollies Clinic want pets and their owners to experience the most stress-free experience as possible when coming in to see us. That is why we offer a number of options available to pet owners to try to make the visit as smooth as we can. These include: • Cat-only clinics between 2.30-4.30pm at our London Road branch (on mondays) • Confidence clinics offered free of charge with Simonne, our Behaviour Counsellor • Designated towels/blankets to cover cat and small animal carriers • Pheromone diffusers used routinely in our kennel areas to reduce anxiety

cat will go into the basket by themselves and explore, often choosing to sleep in there. If booking an appointment for the same day, spraying bedding in the basket with a facial pheromone 15 minutes before travelling will help the cat to feel more relaxed and make encouraging them into the basket much easier. Using a toy or favourite treat can also help to achieve this. Cover the basket with a blanket on three sides to make your pet feel safe and more secure while travelling and waiting to be seen.

Bring dogs with an empty tummy, in order to tempt them and distract them with a tasty treat in the consult room.

Frequent trips to the practice to receive tasty treats and a warm greeting can help our more anxious pets to feel relaxed.

info@londonroadvets.co.uk www.londonroadvets.co.uk

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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CLIPBUSH BUSINESS PARK FAKENHAM NR21 8SX info@gjlanimalfeeds.co.uk www.gjlanimalfeeds.co.uk

Call now for me to come & deliver to your door, stable, farm or paddock!

01328 851351

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King’s Visit V isit the the O NLY LY ffireplace ireplace sshowroom howroom iin nK ing’s L ONLY Lynn ynn

Austin Fields, King’s Lynn, PE30 1PH tel: 01553 772564 | web: www.krfireplaces.co.uk

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BEFORE

AFTER

Why the secret of success is the personal touch...

For over 40 years, Metric Carpets has been going the extra mile to offer carpets and flooring of exceptional quality and a service to match

W

hen Alistair Allen started working with his father at Metric Carpets in the centre of King’s Lynn some 30 years ago, he was given some valuable parental advice – that in business it’s the little things that matter the most, and that nothing beats the personal touch.

Despite the advent of online shopping and social media since then, Metric Carpets has remained true to those traditional values – which helps explain why this family-run business is now enjoying its fourth successful decade and is still supplying high quality carpet and flooring solutions across west Norfolk.

“We've always been willing to go the extra mile and have always offered customers the very best service we can,” says Alistair, whose son Greg now heads the Metric Carpets team of fitters and whose son-in-law Ben manages the Norfolk Street store. “We’re more than happy to visit customers at their

home to recommend what styles and colours will work best, we’ll move the furniture (and put it back afterwards!) and we’re always willing to offer all the help and advice we can.”

A case in point was a customer who had recently used Metric Carpets to supply and fit the carpets and flooring in her new home – and called Alistair for help after her cat had accidentally been locked indoors and had taken out its frustration on one of her carpets (pictured above).

“It was a relatively simple job and we were happy to charge a nominal amount for the repair work,” says Alistair. “Damage caused by pets isn’t something we come across very often, but it’s a perfect example of what my father told me – that the little things matter.”

It's that kind of approach that makes Metric Carpets your first choice whether you're looking for a hard wearing loop carpet for high traffic areas, a soft deep-pile carpet for

ultimate comfort and warmth, or luxury vinyl floor tiles for the very latest styles and designs.

“I was surprised the first time a customer asked who fitted our carpets,” says Alistair, “but it turned out that in the past they’d had the same fitters turn up for two different jobs from two different companies. I’m pleased to say that at Metric Carpets we use our own team of fitters – and they don’t fit carpets or lay floors for anyone else. I’m even even more pleased that some people will actually ask for our fitters by name – and that’s very unusual!”

They may be little things, but as Metric Carpets has continued to prove for the last 40 years, they go a very long way.

floors designed for life

36 Norfolk Street, King's Lynn PE30 1AH | TEL: 01553 775203 Email: info@metriccarpets.co.uk | Web: www.metriccarpets.co.uk KLmagazine July 2019

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Everyone loves to be beside the seaside, but you don’t have to live there to enjoy a touch of coastal chic. Thanks to some of the best names in local interiors, it’s easy to bring that nautical look into your home...

Postcards From Norfolk bedding ALDISS

Fakenham

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Wooden seahorse wall decor

ELSE FURNISHERS Wisbech

Evans Lichfield shrimps cushion

CHARMED INTERIORS

Downham Market & Spalding

Driftwood bench

ELSE FURNISHERS Wisbech

Blue & white fish table lamp

ALDISS

Fakenham

Large crab & octopus plate

BAREFOOT LIVING Burnham Market

Shore birds made to measure blind

POPPI INTERIORS Swaffham KLmagazine July 2019

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British coastal birds wallpaper

POPPI INTERIORS Swaffham

Mussel pot

BAREFOOT LIVING

Burnham Market

Postcards From Norfolk cushions

ALDISS

Fakenham Lobster Creek towels

JellyďŹ sh paperweights

BAM & ARROW Swaffham

Lobster wallpaper

POPPI INTERIORS Swaffham

Ornamental bird

BAREFOOT LIVING Burnham Market

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VISIT OUR 35,000ft2 SHOWROOM

Full of top quality fur nishings from the store that puts customer care and service above all else!

Showroom open 7 days a week: Mon to Fri: 8.30-5 Sat: 9-5 Sun: 10-4

BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

CARPETS

ACCESSORIES

Tel: 01945 410226 | www.elses.co.uk | Leverington Common, W isbech PE13 5JN

KLmagazine July 2019

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The perfect blend of contemporary & antique

You can now take home a beautiful touch of Strattons inspirational style, thanks to a new interiors and lifestyle shop at the boutique hotel

B

am & Arrow’ Interiors & Lifestyle shop is part of the Strattons story in Swaffham, Norfolk. Strattons Hotel is a family run boutique hotel, restaurant and café deli which opened in 1990 and has long been recognised as a peaceful and romantic destination with unique interiors, original art and delicious food.

Opening an Interiors shop in 2018 was a natural progression; you can expect to see items from the shop within the hotel bedrooms and take home a slice of Strattons! Bam & Arrow is an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique with influences from

Scandinavia and maximalism. You can explore a collection of gift ideas with local artists greetings cards; British vegan candles; handmade jewellery and kitchen ware and be inspired by one off antiques, art, ethically sourced taxidermy and a small stock of unique furniture.

There is an on-site café deli CoCoes open daily serving a large selection of homemade cakes, breakfast, brunch, lunch and takeaway or you can book into the hotel for traditional afternoon tea from £16.50pp with a monthly themed menu, all made in house by the talented chefs at Strattons – giving you another reason to visit us in Swaffham!

Strattons is hidden behind the main shop fronts in Swaffham with Bam & Arrow and the café deli CoCoes onsite. There is no parking, however there is ample parking available in the town of Swaffham only a minute’s walk away.

OPEN: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am – 4pm Sunday 11am – 4pm Ash Close, Swaffham PE37 7NH 01760 723845 Follow us on Instagram @bamandarrow KLmagazine July 2019

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Crochet takes a walk on the wild side Shauna Richardson invented the term CrochetdermyŽ to describe her unique work - realistic life-size animal sculptures created through crochet. And her award-winning creations really are something else‌

IMAGE: NICK HAND

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KL magazine: How did you get into crochet in the first place?

Shauna Richardson: I don’t

KL magazine: What first made you crochet life-size animals?

Shauna Richardson: I make things for my own amusement, and I enjoy creating things and experiences contrary to what is expected. The first piece I made was a crochet bear – not a pocket-size toy, but a 7ft realistic rendition. I went on to use the bear in many interventions, the first of which was in 2008 when I entered it in the One Crochet Item category at the Burnham Market Flower and Produce Show. I did not think it through though, and the whole enterprise became a little uncomfortable when the bear went on to win not only the Best in Category prize but also beat some splendid prize gooseberries for the Best in Show cup.

IMAGE: DOM CLARK

remember being unable to crochet.

Both my grandmothers were avid lace crocheters, and undoubtedly they will have tried to pass on their skills.

Knowing me, once I had learned the most basic stitch it is likely that I would have stopped listening and started to experiment.

LEFT IMAGES: TARGET STUDIOS

M

ost people that crochet tend to make blankets, scarves and maybe a pair or two of booties, but local artist Shauna Richardson has taken it to another level entirely. She crochets animals, but they’re not the cute and cuddly small toys you might expect. In fact, Shauna makes life-size animals.

The first was a 7ft brown bear and it took her eight months to complete.

That was just the start of her career and 11 years later her work has received widespread critical acclaim and is now exhibited internationally in addition to prestigious UK venues such as the Natural History Museum, the Saatchi Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Shauna is possibly best known for The Lionheart Project - a flagship initiative for the London 2012 Olympic Games for which she crocheted three 25ft lions that toured the UK in a mobile glass vehicle. She’s re-imagined Boris Johnson as a life-size gorilla, and was commissioned to create an unofficial portrait of Prince Harry.

Her work is completely unique, and 10 years ago Shauna, who now lives in Norfolk, gave her special style of crochet an equally special name – Crochetdermy®.

PICTURES: Shauna Richardson (pictured opposite) crocheted three 25ft lions for the London 2012 Olympic Games. They toured the UK in a mobile glass vehicle (pictured above).

KLmagazine July 2019

“I’m extremely lucky that something I enjoy doing so much is of interest to others...”

KL magazine: How and when did this go from being a hobby to a career?

Shauna Richardson: The bear seemed to capture people’s imaginations and gain media attention quite quickly. That coupled with the discovery that the crochet process was beneficial to my wellbeing meant that my career began to evolve from day one.

KL magazine: Is this what you always saw yourself doing for a living?

Shauna Richardson: I have ADHD, which went undiagnosed in my youth.

Rather than having the luxury of choosing which career path to follow, the main challenge was survival.

Creative activity has always been my refuge and I am extremely lucky that something I enjoy doing so much is of interest to others.

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IMAGE: TARGET STUDIOS

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creating BOJO (that’s the gorilla’s name), Boris Johnson was involved with the London Olympics and was generally presenting himself as a harmless oaf. I wanted to create a piece that was superficially approachable but was in fact one of the most dangerous animals in the jungle. I’m not sure if he’s aware of the piece, but his then wife Marina Wheeler came to see it and seemed to think I had captured a certain ‘something’ of the man.

KL magazine: You also worked on another large-scale project for the London Olympics didn’t you?

Shauna Richardson: Back in 2009 I was commissioned to create The Lionheart Project for the Cultural Olympiad in celebration of the London 2012 Olympic Games. It consisted of three 25ft crocheted lions housed in a giant bespoke mobile glass exhibition case, which toured my then home region of the East Midlands. It was stationed outside the Natural History Museum in London for the duration of the games. It took me two years to crochet 36 miles of wool – which was spun from the fleece of countless Swaledale sheep. It was the biggest single-handed crochet sculpture in the world, and after several more years of touring, it finally retired to Ripley’s Believe it or Not in the USA. 112

KL magazine: Where did the name Crochetdermy® come from?

Shauna Richardson: I came up with the term as an introductory gambit.

Introducing myself as someone who ‘crochets animals’ can be a bit of a conversation stopper.

KL magazine: How have you found all the media attention your work has attracted?

Shauna Richardson: It has opened many doors and meant that I have been fortunate enough to meet some very interesting people. Having said that, it has also led to some rather bizarre situations. One of the most surreal was at an exhibition opening when I was taken into a side room and asked to wait. Before long, Prince Charles

entered the room and we had a nice informal chat.

KL magazine: You recently moved to Overstrand near Cromer –what made you decide to move to Norfolk, and how are you finding it?

Shauna Richardson: Both my husband and I are artists, so we are pretty flexible as to where we live. We have both grown up coming to Norfolk for holidays, so the area is very familiar to us.

When our friends started to migrate this way, it seemed the obvious thing to do. I enjoy swimming and am very fortunate to be in Overstrand, where people live hand in hand with the sea.

The village is full of happy friendly people – and great dogs. It’s perfect.

IMAGE: NICK HAND

KL magazine: How did you come to turn Boris Johnson into a gorilla? Do you know if he’s seen it and what he thinks of it?

Shauna Richardson: At the time of

PICTURES: Shauna’s life-size animal creations have received widespread critical acclaim and she’s named her unique work Crochetdermy® KLmagazine July 2019

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Lines of sight through the local landscape...

PICTURE: © BASSO CANNARSA / OPALE / BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

A major new exhibition examines the life and work of the acclaimed Norfolk-based author W.G. Sebald and the creation of one of the most famous books in East Anglian literature

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KLmagazine July 2019

PICTURES: © ThE W.G. SEbald ESTaTE

Y

ou may not have heard of The Rings of Saturn, but the 1995 book is considered one of East Anglia’s most famous literary masterpieces - and its author was judged one of the greatest living authors in the world until his untimely death in 2001.

Now, an unprecedented exhibition is bringing together a diverse selection of celebrated artworks, curious objects, archive material and unseen photographs to tell the story behind the creation of W.G. Sebald's highlyacclaimed book.

From the mystery of Sir Thomas Browne’s skull to the secret landscapes of the Cold War, from the ghostly vessels of vanished herring fleets to the intricate pattern books of Norwich silk weavers, the exhibition Lines of Sight at Norwich Castle Museum gathers the threads of Sebald’s enigmatic text to present a uniquely poetic visual portrait of East Anglia that will appeal to both those familiar and new to his work.

Winfried Georg Sebald (Max to his friends) was born in Germany towards the end of the Second World War, and came to Norfolk in 1970 to become a lecturer at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. By 1988 he'd been appointed Professor of European Literature at the university, and the following year became the founding director of the British Centre for Literary Translation.

Tipped as future winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature before his death at the age of 57, Sebald's evocative and enigmatic books continue to attract a remarkable international following and the exhibition is being held to mark what would have been his 75th birthday.

"Sebald’s books are an idiosyncratic mixture of text and image - part fiction, part autobiography and part travelogue," says Curator Dr Nick Warr from the UEA. "He produced all his published texts while living and teaching in Norfolk, and the distinctive character of the East Anglian landscape and the stories of those who have made a home here are the elements that connect them all."

A remarkable feature of the exhibition are Sebald’s own and previouslyunseen photographs that were taken during his walks along the Norfolk and Suffolk coastline. This extraordinary visual record documents one of the most famous journeys in modern

PICTURES: a fascinating glimpse into the work of W.G. Sebald (opposite) is offered by these rarely-seen images of dunwich, the railway station at lowestoft (with Sebald’s own crop marks) and an untitled landscape from 1997.

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PICTURE: © THE W.G. SEBALD ESTATE

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European literature - and maps out Sebald’s creative process as it meanders its way around the places, people and events that have shaped the region.

To augment this archival element of the exhibition, Sebald’s work is juxtaposed beside the objects and artworks he weaved into his narrative.

Items from Norfolk Museums’ own collections (the ornate Norwich weavers’ pattern books, for example) are shown with remarkable loans from national collections - such as Willem van de Velde’s magnificent oil painting The Burning of the Royal James at the Battle of Sole Bay (1672) from the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

With the story behind the creation of The Rings of Saturn as its focus, Lines of Sight is as much about showcasing the amazing things that inspired Sebald to write his masterpiece as it is about inspiring renewed interest in his work for a new or established readership.

One of the most interesting aspects of the exhibition is discovering Sebald’s fascination with the 'overlooked' - the objects, places, people and events that have drifted to the margins of everyday life. In The Rings of Saturn, Sebald set out to identify the patterns of nature and history they contain - and seek meaning in the strange family resemblances they appear to share.

From the cosmic dust of an exploded moon to the gas-lit winter gardens of a Victorian mansion and from the bombing raids of the Second World 116

PICTURE: © THE W.G. SEBALD ESTATE, COURTESY OF UEA

ABOVE: W.G. Sebald as the ‘narrator’ of The Rings of Saturn, a remarkable work which includes everything from Norwich ‘pattern books’ (right) and Willem van de Velde’s painting of the 1672 Battle of Solebay (below)

War to the history of sugar beet farming, Lines of Sight presents Sebald’s unique perspective on the history and ecology of East Anglia in an engaging and inclusive manner.

“Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is delighted to be showing this collaborative, seminal exhibition." says Curator Dr Rosy Gray of Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery. "The impact of Sebald’s work on artists today ensures that his writing and image-making is continually re-visited and rediscovered, bringing new audiences to the work. Lines of Sight is a very important event for people familiar with Sebald's work and for anyone with an interest in art, literature, photography and local history.”

Lines of Sight: W.G. Sebald’s East Anglia at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery runs until 5th January 2020 and is presented in collaboration with the University of East Anglia. For more details and information, please see www.museums.

PICTURE: © NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, GREENWICH, LONDON, norfolk.gov.uk.

CAIRD COLLECTION KLmagazine July 2019

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Discover a festival of art at Tim Clayton Jewellery As part of this year’s King’s Lynn Festival, Tim Clayton Jewellery features the very first solo exhibition by local artist Mary Landles...

F

or over 40 years, Tim Clayton Jewellery in King's Lynn has built an enviable reputation for combining the very highest standards of craftsmanship with unique and creative jewellery design. It’s also become a popular fringe venue during the King’s Lynn Festival, when Tim Clayton uses his Chapel Street store to promote the work of both established and up-andcoming local artists.

This year, the store’s dedicated firstfloor gallery and exhibition space will be presenting the debut solo show of local wildlife and landscape artist Mary Landles – giving people the very first opportunity to see (and purchase) Mary’s charming and atmospheric work.

"It's really exciting, and I'm really grateful to Tim Clayton Jewellery for

giving me such a wonderful space for my first solo exhibition, she says. “Tim's approach to jewellery is deeply rooted in natural forms and shapes, and that suits my own work perfectly."

Having spent most of her life in Hunstanton, King’s Lynn and North Wootton, Mary has used her art to focus on the natural environment of west Norfolk – preferring oils to add depth and colour to her landscapes, but then employing acrylics on raw linen to realise the fine detail of animals’ fur and feathers.

In addition to building her own portfolio and working on several commissioned pieces, Mary has also taught art at St. Martha’s Catholic Primary School in King's Lynn for the last ten years – encouraging the future generation of artists.

Tim Clayton Jewellery KLmagazine July 2019

Tim Clayton’s festival exhibition always offers a wonderful opportunity to discover some of the most talented artists currently putting paint to canvas in the area – but when you visit this year’s show, don’t forget to see the store’s hugely impressive (and equally artistic!) selection of jewellery, giftware and accessories.

Mary Landles Exhibition 12th July - 24th August Mary Landles’ first solo exhibition of wildlife and landscape paintings at Tim Clayton Jewellery runs during the store’s normal opening times (9am-5.30pm Monday-Saturday) and admission is free.

21-23 chapel street, king's lynn tel: 01553 772329

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Modern art produced with medieveal materials

ABOVE: The studio of local artist Maz Jackson is a fascinating blend of modern ideas and techniques first perfected in the 15th century. The small painting below has just been selected for an international exhibition of miniatures in Quebec

Taking inspiration from local medieval landmarks and using techniques from a 14th century Italian painter, Maz Jackson produces work with a very modern aesthetic – and remains rooted in the past

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uring her childhood Maz Jackson was always drawing. An only child growing up with a father who was the master grocer in New Buckenham, she was always watching, sketching, and taking note of the shop full of people, colour and general life going on in front of her eyes.

“Drawing is the root of everything to me, and the ‘essence of line’ has captivated me for years.” says Maz. “I was influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Hockney, all of whom were amazing draftsmen.”

Her father took her to the opera and ballet from the age of nine, as he wanted her to absorb as much culture as she could – and together they’d visit Norwich Castle or Ely Cathedral, places she never tired of going.

KLmagazine July 2019

After attending a private school in Diss, a convent in Norwich and then Norwich Art College, and having her work shown at the Royal Academy as a student, Maz held a solo show at the Grapevine Gallery in Norwich – and the visitors began asking who the various artists were.

“The odd thing is that they were all me!” says Maz, “I realised I hadn’t got any focus and didn’t know who I was. I was very traditional, working in oils and watercolours. So I simply stopped, got hold of some crayons, picked up a notebook and began scribbling in it. And some imagery started to appear.”

By chance, she then met an old friend who asked if she’d tried painting

in egg tempera. Until then she’d never considered it, but managed to get hold of a copy of The Craftsman’s Handbook

by Cennino d’Andrea Cennini (first published in 1437) and after reading about the methods described in it, started to work.

“I loved it, and things suddenly started to happen” says Maz. “I felt that my dad had led me into this way of painting, after taking me to see medieval places with all their history and amazing gilding, colours and glasswork. It really hit me that this was why I wanted to work like this.”

The Craftman’s Handbook is the most informative source of the methods, techniques, and attitudes of medieval artists. Cennini provided 119

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detailed descriptions of tempera and fresco painting, and detailed the technical procedures of Giotto, the founder of the great tradition of Florentine painting.

Egg tempera is a method of painting whereby a mixture of egg yolk, coloured pigment and distilled water are used to produce fast-drying permanent works. It was the primary method of painting until after 1500 when it was superseded by the invention of oil painting, and examples can still be found from the first century CE. As the medium is non-flexible, it has to be applied to solid surfaces; in Maz’s case ABOVE: Local artist Maz Jackson at work in her studio she uses prepared wood, Florence, Palermo and the Venice but this technique has also been used Biennale, and has also exhibited in over the centuries while painting Paris, New York, Monaco, Tokyo and frescos on church walls and has been Beijing. discovered to be one of the methods In preparation for a show in America, used in ancient cave paintings.

Jeff Borgeau, the Director of the Maz uses seasoned oak for her Museum of New Art in Detroit was paintings, sized with rabbit skin glue stunned. and wrapped in old washed linen. The “Opening the crate containing Maz's boards then have to be sized again with art,” he said, “was a mixture of ‘gesso’ like opening a casket (which is similar to revealing a precious a primer) before the jewel." artist can get For all her started. accolades, Maz’s “You have a true joy is working in specific time her peaceful studio window in which to which overlooks her apply the paint.” garden. says Maz. “It’s a “It’s quite a medium unlike monastic life really,” anything else, and she says. ”I like the is quite magical. peace and quiet, and The protein when I’m painting molecules in the I’m always thinking egg make a of new things – chemical bond with probably the next six the pigment or seven pieces I’m particles. When you going to start on!” apply it, the brush Some of Maz’s strokes dry almost immediately, and it work is commissioned, but the majority gets harder and harder as you apply of her work is her own ideas, and she each layer, up to a maximum of about enjoys the freedom that brings for her. eight months. So it can take quite a “I can pick and choose what I want to while to complete a single painting.” do and where I go next,” she says, “and As well as egg tempera painting, Maz for me that’s what art is all about.” has spent her lifetime sketching and To see more examples of Maz drawing, and has recently gone back to Jackson’s work and find out more making books of her prints. She is the about her art, please see her website winner of national and international at www.mazjacksonart.com. awards and has regularly exhibited at

“I can choose what I want to do and where I go next, and for me that’s what art is all about...”

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Michael Middleton’s

WildWestNorfolk

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ast month, a group of us were sitting on the South Quay in King’s Lynn, enjoying a few drinks on a peaceful evening that was only disturbed by the hordes of seagulls celebrating the recent birth of their multiple offspring in the noisiest way possible. We’d been admiring the bright full moon, and one of our party said they wished we could somehow send the over-excitable birds there.

“At least it might shut them up for once,” she said.

It reminded me that exactly 50 years ago this month Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the moon, giving us one of the most famous one-liners in history – “that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Yes, it was an astonishing achievement and one we should probably still be proud of (no one else has walked on the moon for 47 years), but I can’t help feeling that if animals could speak for themselves they’d almost certainly remind us that as far as the final frontier is concerned, they got there first. Not that they ever had much say in the matter, however.

Animals have been press-ganged into heading skywards since the 18th century. Back in 1783, the Montgolfier brothers sent a sheep called Montauciel (literally ‘Climb-to-the-Sky’) together with a duck and a cockerel on a twomile trip in their newly-invented hot air balloon to see if living creatures could survive such an off-world experience.

Happily, they could.

Consequently, when we started reaching even greater heights 160 years later, it was animals who found themselves volunteered to do the

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pioneering. The first living creatures sent into space were a group of fruit flies in February 1947, who took off in a V-2 rocket captured by the Americans from the Nazis during the Second World War. It was a successful launch, and the flies were recovered alive by parachute.

Poor old Albert II wasn’t quite so fortunate, however. Two years later he became the first monkey in space (Albert I hadn’t got quite high enough), but he didn’t live to celebrate the fact, due to a malfunction with his parachute – a fate which similarly befell the first mouse in space in 1950.

In fact, it would be another ten years before a monkey returned to earth safe and sound – when two of them did it at the same time. Able and Miss Baker may have only spent little more than 16 minutes in space in May 1959, but it was enough to earn them instant celebrity status. Certainly more than Marfusa, who became the first rabbit in space the same year.

Miss Baker – who became the cover girl for the June 1959 issue of Life magazine – enjoyed a rather indulgent life of strawberry gelatin with bananas (and sacks of fan mail) until her death in 1984, achieving the record for the oldest living squirrel monkey.

By then the monkeys' achievement had been eclipsed (if you’ll excuse the pun) by the acheivement of Laika, the stray Siberian husky who went down in history as the first living being to orbit the earth in November 1957 – despite protests in the UK from the RSPCA and the British Society for Happy Dogs.

Unfortunately, Laika's story didn't have a very happy ending, and she never returned to earth.

The Russians finally managed to bring

animals safely back home in 1960 with the dogs Belka and Strelka – who were accompanied by an anonymous grey rabbit, two rats and 42 equally nameless mice. Surprisingly, it would be another three years before the first cat was ‘encouraged’ into space. The French sent the young female known as C341 over 100 miles into the sky in 1963, and she eventually landed safely – as cats generally tend to do. Largely due to the fact she’s the last cat to have boldly gone where no cat has gone before, Félicette (named Félix by the press, who failed to realise the cat was female) remains the only feline to have survived a trip into space.

Three years later, the dogs Veterok and Ugolyok spent over 20 days in space, a record which no dog has ever broken, and in 1968 two Russian tortoises became the very last animals to make the headlines, becoming the first living beings to travel around the moon. Slowly, no doubt.

Despite the fact that various animals would continue making significant space debuts over the next few decades (bullfrogs in 1970, fish in 1972, spiders in 1975 and newts in 1985), all their efforts were in vain – thanks to the moment at 2.56am on July 21st, 1969 when Neil Armstrong placed his 9½ sized boot on the surface of the moon.

A boot which is still there, by the way.

The noisy animals that started all this have never been anywhere near the outer atmosphere, although they do feature in the story of early space exploration. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space, and her official call sign on her momentous flight was Chaika. Which is, as if you couldn’t have guessed it, the Russian word for seagull.

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