KL Magazine July/August 2021

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE 123 JULY & AUGUST 2021 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

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Unless otherwise stated, footstools, headboards and accessories are extra. All major credit cards accepted. All offers subject to availability. E&OE. Due to limitations in the printing process, actual colours may vary from those shown. Prices correct at time of going to print.

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welcome

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ith the recent award of £25 million in government funding to help regenerate King’s Lynn and west Norfolk, the future looks particularly bright for the area - and the same could be said of our natural environment.

There was a very good reason why the BBC chose Wild Ken Hill at Heacham for this year’s Springwatch (and will be returning later this year). The estate is leading the way in rewilding and regenerative farming, and nature is already recovering after only a few years.

You can read more about the project on page 50.

And while we’re on the subject, we all know how hard our young people have been hit by the events of the

COVER IMAGE

last 18 months, especially in terms of education and employment - and they need our support. Because they’re not just an important part of our local communities, they’re the future of our local communities.

The government’s Kickstart Scheme is helping businesses create job placements for 16-24 year olds, and thanks to that initiative, Charlie Lock, Alex Cook and Katie Lilley-Harris have been able to join the team at KL magazine for the next six months.

All three trainees are extremely talented and are passionate about working in the media, and although they’ve only been with us for a few weeks their enthusiasm and commitment to producing your magazine is already outstanding.

But it’s not all about the future this month. We’re visiting Houghton Hall,

which is currently hosting a major exhibition by one of the country’s most famous sculptors, taking a tour of Blakeney Harbour with Temples Seal Trips, and talking to King’s Lynn Town FC about the forthcoming season.

We’re also meeting female fisherman Ashley Mullenger at Wells-Next-the-Sea to discover what it’s like to be one of the UK’s very few women working in the industry.

With everything west and north Norfolk has to offer over the coming months we’re sure you’ll have a great summer - and we know you’ll enjoy your magazine.

Eric Secker EDITOR KL magazine

Hunstanton beach front by Ian Ward

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KLmagazine July 2021

JULY/AUGUST 2021

© Pete Huggins

contents

6 12 18 24 36 42 50 53 56 62 KLmagazine July 2021

TONY CRAGG AT HOUGHTON HALL Modern sculpture in a fabulous setting A 70 MILLION YEAR STORY The famous cliffs of Hunstanton LOCAL WONDERS, FAMILY TRADITION Taking a tour with Temples Seal Trips A QUEEN WHO CHANGED HISTORY The life of Norfolk-born Anne Boleyn MEMORIALS TO NORFOLK’S PAST Inside St. Mary’s at Tittleshall THE ULTIMATE STAYCATION Inside two luxurious holiday homes NATURE STARTS TO RECOVER...

The inspirational work of Wild Ken Hill YOU AND YOUR PETS With London Road Veterinary Centre RISING TO THE OCCASION Spotlight on High House Gardens SUMMER IN THE GARDEN Expert advice with Wendy Warner

74 84 88

FASHION Fresh and fabulous styles for summer THE FEMALE FISHERMAN Catching up with Ashley Mullenger FOOD AND DRINK Recipes and recommendations

108 114 120 132

DISCOVER KING’S LYNN A tour of the town’s highlights

138 142 146

FLYING HIGH WITH THE LINNETS A focus on King’s Lynn Town FC

A STYLISH HOME FROM HOME Transforming 33 London Road QUEEN MAUD AT SANDRINGHAM English princess, European queen LOST KING’S LYNN Dr Paul Richards looks back in time

THE KL MAGAZINE QUIZ A sporting challenge for you MICHAEL MIDDLETON On the year that never was

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Contemporary art meets historic architecture...

© Pete Huggins

As Houghton Hall welcomes back visitors to its incredible setting, it also opens an important new exhibition showcasing the extraordinary work of British-born sculptor Tony Cragg

KLmagazine July 2021

© Pete Huggins

“It’s a privilege to be able to disturb the historic balance and give it a different meaning and function...”

© Jeff Spicer / PA Wire

© Jeff Spicer / PA Wire

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s a small boy, the worldfamous Liverpool-born sculptor Tony Cragg wanted to work on his grandfather’s farm. Always fascinated by geology (he still has a fossil he found when he was only seven years old) Tony left his agricultural ambitions and a career in science to build a formidable reputation as one the country’s most respected artists - but those early influences continue to inform his work.

Until the end of September no less than 11 large-scale works and 20 smaller pieces will feature in a unique exhibition in the grounds and historic interiors of Houghton Hall, which is one of England’s most beautiful Palladian houses.

Several new works have been made specifically for the exhibition, and many have never been seen in public before.

Created in bronze, stainless steel, fibreglass and polyester, they pose a question as to where our priorities lay.

“We cut down a forest, make it into a field and then turn it into a car park,” the Turner Prize winning artist says.

“We screw up landscapes, but art takes on space, makes new forms, ideas, emotions, languages and freedom. An increasing number of people have a better quality of life because art is in their life. Just think about that.”

Co-curated by Tony Cragg himself and Jon Wood of the Henry Moore Institute and co-editor of the Sculpture Journal, the exhibition offers a unique look at a truly remarkable artist.

Tony Cragg has been working and exhibiting since the end of the 1960s.

He represented Britain at the Biennale in Venice in 1988 (in the same year he won the Turner Prize) and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award in 2017.

His work is distinctly natural and organic, and it provides a stark contrast to the man-made order of Houghton Hall - but it’s a juxtaposition that works extraordinarily well.

“The first things apparent at Houghton Hall is the rigorous symmetry and strong lines which create a powerful statement that’s still effective today,” says Tony Cragg.

“Introducing sculpture into such an environment creates an interesting dynamic because the works almost look as though they’re misbehaving.

It’s a privilege to be able to disturb the historic balance and give it a different meaning and function.”

These are extraordinary works by an exceptional artist, and it’s often difficult to tell whether they’re artificial constructions or natural formations. In fact it often seems as though they’re

ABOVE: Tony Cragg’s extraordinary and free-flowing sculptures are a stark contrast to the formality of Houghton Hall, but it’s a juxtaposition that works brilliantly and creates a very real sense of drama 7

© Jeff Spicer / PA Wire

Georgian architects Colen Campbell and James Gibbs, Houghton Hall is one of the country’s finest examples of Palladian architecture - and the house and award-winning gardens have been open to the public since 1976.

This year’s exhibition is presented by the Houghton Arts Foundation, which continues to build an extraordinary collection of contemporary art in the grounds of Houghton Hall and forge links with colleges and public institutions across the region.

It obviously hasn’t been the easiest of journeys over the last 18 months, and it wasn’t helped with the considerable logistical problems involved in transporting the sculptures and other works from Tony Cragg’s studio in Germany.

“We own a huge debt of gratitude to Dorotheum and the Thaddaeus Ropac galleries for sponsoring this year’s exhibition and helping make it possible,” says Lord Cholmondeley. “I’ve always been a great admirer of Tony’s work and it’s incredibly exciting to see it interacting with the landscape and interiors of Houghton.” © Pete Huggins

actually alive. Perhaps the most surprising thing is that they appear to be perfectly at home in the grand setting of Houghton Hall.

“Tony Cragg at Houghton Hall will be the sixth contemporary art exhibition held here since 2015,” says Lord Cholmondeley, owner of Houghton Hall, “and I’m delighted to have the opportunity of showing Tony Cragg’s work here and for him agreeing to curate the exhibition himself. I’ve always been a great admirer of his work, and it’s incredibly exciting to see how it interacts with the historic landscape and interiors of Houghton.”

Built by Sir Robert Walpole, Great Britain’s first Prime Minister in around 1722 and designed by prominent

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© Pete Huggins

ABOVE: Tony Cragg’s sculptural works may be very abstract and contemporary, but they seem perfectly at home in the Palladian grandeur of Houghton Hall

Tony Cragg at Houghton Hall Until 26th September 2021 11am-5pm (last admission 4pm) Exhibition tickets: £18 per adult / students £10 Under 18s free All tickets must be pre-booked online at www.houghtonhall.com Houghton Hall, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE31 6UE

KLmagazine July 2021

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RESPECT everyone and ENJOY!” Elizabeth Esse (Owner)

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KLmagazine July 2021

Diarydates

LOCAL EVENTS COMING SOON JOOLS HOLLAND & GUESTS AT SANDRINGHAM PARK It’s one of the most fabulous settings in the country, and it’s one of the most enjoyable concerts you could experience. Live Promotion Concerts are presenting Jools Holland & his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra for a very special concert at Sandringham next month, and the acclaimed pianist and bandleader will be bringing some famous friends with him. Joining awardwinning singer-songwriter Eddi Reader will be Louise Marshall and the brilliant Ruby Turner.

It’s one of the must-see events in Norfolk this summer.

And don’t forget that the following evening (Sunday 29th August) Sandringham will be hosting The Night at the Proms with the world-famous London Symphony Orchestra.

TICKETS: You can book your tickets (prices start at £45) for this much-anticipated event which has been described as “an absolutely brilliant night out” by visiting www.livepromotions.co.uk/jools-holland and please note that all tickets bought for the originally-scheduled concert last year are still valid.

WHEN: Saturday 28th August WHERE: Sandringham House (west lawn)

SOUTH PICKENHAM VINEYARD TOUR & WINE TASTING The South Pickenham Estate is delighted to announce the return of their popular combined vineyard tours and wine tastings. The tour commences at 2pm with a trailer ride to the vineyard guided by Assistant Estate Manager Simon Kroon. He’ll tell you about the complete process - from which varieties of grape are grown, and why, to pruning and general care of the vines.

On your return to Home Farm you’ll taste various still vintages and the estate’s award-winning sparkling wine. Simon will also give you some tips on pairing them with food. And at the end of the afternoon you’ll have the chance to purchase some bottles to take home once you’ve discovered the ones that suit your palate.

TICKETS: £10 per person and to book your place please call 01760 756376 WHEN: Friday 20th August, Saturday 21st August, Friday 3rd September and Saturday 4th September (2pm-4pm on all dates) WHERE: Home Farm, South Pickenham Estate, Swaffham PE37 8DZ

KLmagazine July 2021

11

The very long story of Hunstanton’s cliffs The White Cliffs of Dover are perhaps our country’s most famous cliffs, but Hunstanton’s are easily the most attractive, being admired by people around the world - including local lords and savvy smugglers

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he late evenings bringing a refreshing breeze to a hot summer’s day are the perfect time to wander along the coast of Hunstanton towards the cliffs, because as the sun sets over the sea, the cliffs are bathed in glorious warm light.

They’re brown, they’re red and they’re white. It’s a three-layer face that’s unique to Britain, but how did these distinctive cliffs earn their stripes?

Unsurprisingly, the bottom layer was formed first.

“The base of the cliffs consists of red-brown carstone, which is a type

of sandstone,” says Naomi Stevenson of Green Geology. “It was laid down in shallow marine conditions some time during the Cretaceous period.”

That was over 70 million years ago, when the cliff base was actually under the sea. When ocean creatures died, their remains landed on the carstone and became fossilised over time. You can still find these fossils nestled in the second and third layers.

“The red rock is actually chalk - the red colour comes from iron pigment,” says Naomi. “It would have been formed much later after the carstone and it contains the most fossils. The

white stripe that marks the top of the cliffs is also chalk, laid in the late Cretaceous period around 66 million years ago.”

Both the red and white chalk are made of limestone, which more commonly forms in tropical climates.

This tells geologists and historians that Hunstanton once had a much warmer climate, far hotter than our most sweltering sunny days.

As the planet aged and sea levels dropped, the prominent cliffs could finally be appreciated by land-dwelling creatures, and when humans came along, settlements began popping up in

the area.

Proximity to the sea was useful for trading and transport, but eventually a few people found a more nefarious use for the easily-recognisable cliffs.

It was 1784, and on the shore of Hunstanton beneath the cliffs, customs officers were hiding in the night, waiting. Smuggling was rife in Norfolk, and they’d already seized some illegal imports of gin, rum and brandy.

The officers knew the ways of the smugglers. They’d sit offshore in small boats and wait for a signal to tell them it was safe to dock and unload the goods. The signal was given by a man who stood at the top of the Hunstanton cliffs, which were so identifiable the smugglers found them an easy place to disembark. Unfortunately for them, the customs officers knew that too.

Captain William Kemball and two of his crew were arrested by the revenue officers, backed by soldiers of the 15th Light Dragoons, but they didn’t give up without a fight. They fatally wounded officer William Green and soldier

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William Webb, and they’re now buried at St. Mary’s church in Old Hunstanton.

The bleak conflict of smugglers versus revenuers soon departed the shores of Hunstanton, and a century later Henry Styleman Le Strange of Hunstanton Hall stood atop the cliffs, an idea springing to mind.

Victorians had become charmed by trips to the seaside, which was said to be rejuvenating, and many of the upper classes flocked to beaches, eager to escape the smog-ridden cities.

With the expansion of railways across the country, people from other classes were finally able to pay for a ticket and enjoy a break on the coast too.

Henry Le Strange is the man responsible for turning what was originally called ‘New Hunstanton’ into a desirable holiday destination.

When the train line from King’s Lynn to Hunstanton was built, passengers were able to step from the carriages straight onto the promenade.

A grand pier stretching 830ft into the sea opened on Easter Sunday in 1870, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of Hunstanton from afar, and when they looked to the left, the

dramatic striped cliffs loomed over the waves.

Today, the cliffs at Hunstanton have been designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty, and it’s easy to see why. Generations of families from all over the country (and around the world) have made the trip to Norfolk to see the cliffs, and there’s certainly no sign of that changing.

With people keen to get back outside and breathe in the sea air after so long away, it’s been reported that there has been a serious shortage of beach huts for sale, with only two currently available in the whole of Norfolk.

Which means you may be very lucky if you’re looking to rent one of the colourful huts perched in the dunes of Old Hunstanton, so it may be a while before you can make that glorious view of Hunstanton’s stunning cliffs a more permanent one.

Over 50 stunning images of Norfolk by our photographer Ian Ward are available to purchase as ready-to-frame prints in a range of sizes from our online gallery at www.klmagazine.co.uk

PICTURE: Unveiled in 2017, this life-sized bronze statue of Henry Styleman le Strange looks out over the resort he created

KLmagazine July 2021

Insuranceinsights Our monthly look at insurance issues affecting you and your family with the experts at Adrian Flux...

Toptips

1 2 3

Enjoy the thrill of a motorcycle track day with Bikesure Special Events Cover.

Save money on your premium by storing your motorcycle in a locked building.

Quotes are quicker and cheaper over the phone.

Almost 80% of customers who got an online quote could have saved money by calling.

Cover you can trust for your classic motorbike A motorbike as special as yours deserves a special kind of insurance policy. That’s where Bikesure at Adrian Flux, can help

A

mong the cars and caravans on the coast road, you may notice a stunning motorbike carefully weaving its way through the bumper to bumper traffic on a sunny day.

Many make their way along the A149 to Sunny Hunny where they park up and congregate on the main green by the seafront. But it’s worth remembering that these beautiful bikes need the complete protection they deserve and need.

Looking for classic motorcycle insurance can be confusing. Some cover offered for classic bikes is not really designed with the needs of the enthusiast in mind. That’s where Bikesure, Adrian Flux’s specialist motorcycle department, comes into its own, finding the right policy and saving you money in the process.

The team at Bikesure are part of the biking scene and they probably know almost as much about your machine as you do!

It’s worth remembering when you are considering your insurance that the term ‘classic’ doesn’t necessarily mean the bike has to be expensive.

However, many insurers will only pay out the ‘market value’ if you suffer a total loss. That’s not the case at Bikesure because we can offer ‘agreed value’ cover which means the bike’s true value (as opposed to the current market value) will be assessed.

Our policies are incredible value for money but you can save even more with additional discounts for owner’s club membership, limited mileage deals, experience of riding classic bikes, extra security precautions and by taking multi-bike cover. We can even insure

your helmet and leathers.

Bikesure will not only save you money but help ensure you’re getting the best possible and most appropriate cover for your bike — even if it’s in storage as a long-term investment.

No matter what you ride, be it a Triumph T120, Suzuki GT750, Kawasaki ZZX900 or a Ducati 600 SL, we can offer flexible and competitive insurance by sourcing the best available scheme from among the many offered by our panel of more than 40 insurers.

Adrian Flux has 45 years’ experience in the insurance business and is based in King’s Lynn. Our policies cannot be found on price comparison websites and our best deals are available over the telephone. Call us now for a free, no-obligation quote for your bike, car, van, caravan or home.

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

KLmagazine July 2021

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KLmagazine July 2021

Don’t take your car’s air conditioning for granted If you’re wondering why your car’s air conditioning isn’t as effective as it once was, you’re not alone, as K Brown Auto Repairs explains...

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e’ve started to consider air conditioning a standard feature in our cars, but that means we’ve also started taking it for granted. Few people realise that it requires just as much regular care and attention as the rest of your vehicle, and even fewer know how it works.

“It’s not simply a case of bringing air into the car from the outside and cooling it down,” says Keith Brown, who started K Brown Auto Repairs with his wife Tamsin over 25 years ago.

“Your car’s air conditioning is actually quite a complex system comprising at least five integral parts, and it needs regular maintenance to continue working efficiently.”

In fact, one of the most startling facts about in-car air conditioning (which will come as a big surprise to many drivers) is that the refrigerant generally needs to be refilled every two years - especially as up to 15% will evaporate from your car’s system even if it’s not being used.

K Brown Auto Repairs offers a totally free air-conditioning check, which is perfect to see if your car needs reconditioning - because your air-conditioning system is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. It doesn’t just result in bad odours, it can also have an adverse affect on allergies.

“Even if we have to re-gas your car’s air conditioning it shouldn’t take more than hour,” says Keith, “and we’re also now using a new refrigerant that contains 98% fewer climate-damaging pollutants than its predecessor. That’s actually been a legal requirement on new cars for the last four years.”

K Brown Auto Repairs has always been at the forefront of car maintenance, and Keith and his team of engineers are already fully-trained and qualified in the servicing of electric vehicles. Technology is transforming our cars and the way we use them, but we’ll always need MOTs, regular services, diagnostics, tyre replacements and problem-solving - so we’ll always need K Brown Auto Repairs.

“We’ve always been open and honest with our customers, and we’ll never do any work to their cars without letting them know first,” says Keith. “That’s probably why we’ve got customers who’ve been with us from day one and why we’re now looking after their children’s cars.”

It’s an approach to car servicing that is (if you’ll excuse the pun) a breath of fresh air.

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

KLmagazine July 2021

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A natural local wonder and a family tradition Taking a trip around Blakeney Harbour to see the seals is a magical experience, but it’s even more enjoyable when you’re in the company of one of the county’s most colourful characters

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lakeney Harbour is one of the most beautiful spots in Norfolk, and a leisurely tour of its calm waters out to Blakeney Point to see the seal colonies as they arrive to have their pups is one of the most charming activities the county has to offer.

Especially when your skipper is someone as experienced, knowlegeable and friendly as Jim ‘Jimbo’ Temple. It’s tempting to say that he knows Blakeney Harbour like the back of his hand, but if truth be told he probably knows it a lot better than that.

The Temple family has been operating these boat trips for well over 60 years, and to say it’s a familyrun business is something of an understatement - because virtually everyone has a role to play, whether that’s as skipper, a crew member, handling bookings and ticket sales, or helping customers board the vessels when they leave Morston Quay - and the family even finds time to run The Anchor gastropub in Morston.

Speaking to Jimbo as we set out, he points outs his young crew member.

“That’s my grandson Alfie,” he says, “but he’s a bit older than I was when I started - I was only nine years old.”

Temples Seal Trips operates three distinctive red-and-white boats.

The oldest is the 26ft purpose-built Morston Ferry, and the next addition was the Four Sisters, named after the four daughters (Sally, Rachael, Louise and Elsie) Jimbo and Jane Temple had at the time, and the boat has an interesting story to tell.

“About 25 years ago we were taking a lot of coach parties and there’d usually be about 50 people,” says Jimbo. “We really needed a 50-seater boat to accommodate them all at once, but they were far too expensive.”

As luck would have it Jimbo found himself in Southampton around that time picking up a small boat for somebody else and saw the yard was building hulls for lifeboats. They had a perfectly shallow draught (the water in Blakeney Harbour is rarely more than four feet deep) and would be ideal as the bottom of a passenger boat.

“They told me they were working on a commission for the Royal Navy for 200 vessels,” says Jimbo, “but they’d somehow made one hull too many and it was just laying in the yard upside down. I bought it there and then.”

It cost around £1,000 to be transported to Norfolk and Jim spent the next three years building up the rest of the boat on which we’re currently talking - and he did it outside his house because the family didn’t have a KLmagazine July 2021

ABOVE: Jim ‘Jimbo’ Temple on board his boat Four Sisters - Temples Seal Trips has been operating for over 60 years, and virtually all members of the family have a role to play

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workshop big enough to take her.

The third and final boat is Lily Too, named for Jimbo and Jane’s fifth daughter Lily who was born after the Four Sisters was finished. The 12-seater is used for extra-busy times (there are plenty of those at the moment) but can also be privately chartered for exclusive trips, private parties and business lunches.

By this time we’re passing the old lifeboat station off to our right. The iconic blue and white building was closed in 1935 and is now used by the National Trust as an information centre and ranger accommodation for the surrounding nature reserves.

Naturally, Jimbo knows why the nearest lifeboat station is now five miles away at Wells-Next-the-Sea. “There’s a process known as longshore drift, which is when the sea moves huge amounts of sand and pebbles along the coast,” says Jimbo.

“The harbour has completely changed since I took my first boat out 62 years ago and it’s still changing. So has the way people think about the seals. When I started no one was bothered about them, but now they can’t get enough of them.”

By now the mammals in question are coming into view, basking in the sun on the end of Blakeney Point. Most of them are common seals who’ve come to Norfolk for the summer to have their pups, but Jimbo points out a handful of grey seals - which is slightly unusual since they come to Norfolk to have their young over the winter.

Even more unusual is the reason they’re here at all, since before the mid1990s there were none - and Blakeney Point is now home to England’s largest grey seal colony.

In August 1988 the BBC reported that a mysterious disease killing common seals in the North Sea and Baltic had

arrived in England after several dead seals had been found in the seas off East Anglia.

“We had 1,000 common seals here every year but we lost 600 of them in two weeks,” says Jimbo, who helped the National Trust dispose of almost 200 of them. “People all around the country wanted to help, so they started taking sick seals or abandoned pups to their nearest sanctuary.”

The problem was that many of the seemingly-abandoned pups were actually young grey seals, who naturally spend the first few weeks of their lives on the beach.

“In 1988 about 60 ‘abandoned’ young seals were released here,” says Jimbo, “and we didn’t think anything of it for a few years.”

But in September 1993 he can clearly remember seeing three very unusual pups on Blakeney Point.

“They were like little balls of cotton wool and we didn’t know they were grey seals at the time,” he says. “Next year there were 12, the following year 25, the year after that 50 - and last year we had 4,200.”

The arrival of the grey seal had an

unexpected benefit for Jimbo and his family, though, since it meant they could extend a summer-only business over the winter as well.

As we head back to Morston Quay on a journey that Jimbo’s made thousands of times over the last 62 years there’s an obvious question - does he still enjoy it?

“I still love it as much as I always have and I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he says. “My worst fear is not being able to do it anymore, but when that time comes I’ll still find a way to play a part in the family business. It’s in my blood.”

Temples Seal Trips ABOVE: The old lifeboat station at Blakeney is just one of the sights included on a tour of the harbour with Temples Seal Trips. At right is Jimbo’s grandson Alfie, who’s now working for the family business 20

Morston Quay, Norfolk NR25 7BH 01263 740791 www.sealtrips.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2021

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KLmagazine July 2021

Your marital status and later-life decisions

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Hayes + Storr explains how unmarried couples can protect themselves in later life...

he coronavirus pandemic has seen many marriage and civil partnership ceremonies postponed. A survey by the wedding planning website Hitched found that 71% of couples had postponed their weddings rather than proceed with just a handful of guests.

Despite the range of options available nowadays, many couples prefer not to formalise their relationships, which makes it important to plan for circumstances which may occur later in your life.

For example, couples who are cohabiting (or those in committed relationships but not living together) may find themselves in a situation where medical and financial decisions are made on their partner’s behalf without their involvement.

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) sets out who you want to make financial or healthcare decisions for you should you lose mental capacity. Regardless of marital status, no one can access your sole financial accounts unless you have granted authority to them under a

lasting power of attorney.

Despite a power of attorney being advisable, many people don’t put one in place and relatives can find themselves caring for loved ones who have lost mental capacity without having any authority to deal with that person’s finances.

When this happens, an application to the Court of Protection to be appointed as the person’s deputy could be necessary. If you are paying for someone’s additional care, bills, groceries, or maintaining the upkeep of their property, in the absence of a power of attorney, an application to the Court of Protection is often the only way to obtain authority to access their funds. It is expensive and time consuming, a lasting power of attorney being quicker and cheaper.

Before making a deputy appointment, the court will require evidence that you are the most appropriate person, and for cohabiting couples this can be trickier to establish than for those in a legally-recognised union.

Therefore, it’s important for

someone who is cohabiting to take steps to protect themselves in the event of lost capacity by making a lasting power of attorney while they are able to do so.

Married couples and civil partners are afforded recognition as next of kin for medical purposes. Even so, this doesn’t give absolute authority - and a separate health and welfare lasting power of attorney enables you to make your wishes clear.

Unmarried couples are not automatically considered next of kin and can find themselves in a situation where medical decisions are made on their partner’s behalf without their consent. It is therefore even more important to have a health lasting power of attorney in place.

For further information, please contact Hayes + Storr on 01553 778900 or e-mail law@hayes-storr.com

EMMA LANGLEY 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 | FAKENHAM | SWAFFHAM | HOLT | SHERINGHAM

KLmagazine July 2021

23

Born in Norfolk and immortalised in history Blickling Hall is one of the most popular stately homes in Norfolk, but it’s also one of its most important - being the birthplace of Anne Boleyn and arguably the origin of the Reformation...

E

xactly 520 years ago in a beautiful corner of Norfolk, the diplomat and politician Thomas Boleyn and his wife Elizabeth celebrated the birth of a daughter they named Anne - who would eventually become one of most important queen consorts in English history.

Although she would only be married to Henry VIII for three years, she left an indelible mark on the country. Had it not been for Anne Boleyn the Church of England may never have existed and her daughter Elizabeth would go on to transform the country from a

European state to a global superpower.

Anne’s birthplace of Blickling Hall has been described as one of the National Trust’s most beautiful buildings and was once voted the most haunted house in Britain - but it looked very different 500 years ago.

In fact it would have been unrecognisable. The current hall was built in the 17th century by Sir Henry Hobart when he acquired the estate from Sir Robert Clere in 1616 after the demise of the Boleyn family.

Regardless (and despite the differing opinions of various historians) a statue and portrait of Anne Boleyn can still

be found at Blickling Hall, proclaiming ‘Anna Bolena hic nata 1507’ which for people unfamiliar with Latin says ‘Anne Boleyn was born here in 1507’.

Educated in Holland and France and serving as a maid of honour to Queen Claude of France, the young Anne returned to England with the expectation of marrying her Irish cousin James Butler - but instead she found herself serving as a maid of honour to Henry VIII’s wife Catherine of Aragon.

Rejecting the king’s advances and refusing to become his mistress (unlike her sister Mary) Anne was obviously an extraordinary woman for her time.

and influential monarchs. Anne herself was venerated as a martyr and a heroine of the Reformation, and her birthplace is now one of the best-loved locations in Norfolk.

In the care of the National Trust since 1940, Blickling Hall is an extraordinary treat for the visitor. The 55-acre garden contains formal and informal gardens, listed buildings, specimen trees, Victorian garden ornaments, topiary, 18th century yew hedges, and a kitchen garden that was opened to the ABOVE: The glorious entrance of Blickling Hall, where Anne Boleyn public in 2010. (right) was born in 1507. A statue of the ill-fated queen can be seen in It also houses the top right of the picture. one of the most significant Henry VIII was so determined to have collections of manuscripts and her by his side that when Pope Clement books in England, containing around VII refused to grant him a divorce 13,000 volumes. Librarian John the king (with a touch of petulance Gandy has spent the last 11 years perhaps) began breaking down the cataloguing the collection, and influence of the church in England, expects it to take another seven closing monasteries across the country

years to complete.

It may be one of Norfolk’s most magnificent stately homes, but Blickling Hall is also one of its most poignant as the birthplace of Anne Boleyn.

“The king has been very good to me,” she wrote shortly before her death. “He promoted me from a simple maid to be a marchioness. Then he raised me to be a queen. Now he will raise me to be a martyr.”

Over 50 stunning images of Norfolk by our photographer Ian Ward are available to purchase as ready-to-frame prints in a range of sizes from our online gallery at www.klmagazine.co.uk

and declaring himself head of the Church of England.

Anne Boleyn married Henry VIII in secret towards the end of 1532, and was crowned Queen of England six months later. Within three months she gave birth to a daughter (much to the king’s disappointment) and in less than three years her husband was courting Jane Seymour.

She was investigated for high treason in April 1536, although the evidence against her (for adultery, incest and plotting to kill the king) was unconvincing at best. She was found guilty on May 15th and executed four days later. Henry VIII was formally engaged to Jane Seymour within 24 hours and married her before the month was out.

Anne Boleyn wasn’t resigned to history, however. Over 20 years later her daughter Elizabeth was crowned and would become one of the country’s most important 26

KLmagazine July 2021

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ollowing a recent major refurbishment, the Core Technology Projects’ showroom is now almost four times bigger than before, offering the very best home entertainment experience in the area - with a dedicated cinema room, specially-designed furniture, and live demonstrations of everything from the very latest ideas in home security to next-generation gaming.

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of digital and physical media rocketed, and next-generation consoles saw a huge increase in video games software.

In fact, overall spending on home entertainment soared by 17% in 2020 – the fastest annual rate since records began 25 years ago.

“People aren’t just demanding better pictures and better sound,” says Core Technology Projects managing director Jim Garrett. “They’re also looking for more comfort and more flexibility, and they’re looking for an expert local service to make sense of all the technical wizardry. And that’s where we come in.”

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Tel: 01553 776413 | Web: www.coretp.uk | E-mail: enquiries@coretp.uk 1 APS House, Oldmedow Road, Hardwick Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn PE30 4JJ KLmagazine July 2021

@coretechnologyprojects 29

ABOVE: Just a few of the first businesses to open at Poppyfields Retail Park, which also features a business hub and a beautifully-finished cafe (opposite). Pictured below is Paula Bloom of Christyana Fabrics and Blinds

Why business is now blooming in Snettisham The new Poppyfields Retail Park is already growing into a thriving business hub and retail community and it’s largely the work of Chris Blaxill, who’s completely transformed the site

W

hen Poppyfields Garden Centre at Snettisham closed, local businessman Chris Blaxill had a very bright idea. He didn’t want the local economy to suffer and see the popular site redeveloped into housing, so in March 2019 he bought it with a plan to create a multi-unit retail park and business hub. Even more impressive is the fact that Chris did the majority of the work himself.

“The place has been completely renovated,” he says. “The garden centre was all open plan, but I’ve sectioned the building into ten units for local companies and created a KLmagazine July 2021

fully-equipped business suite for virtual offices and remote working.”

He’s also created a fabulous cafe in the form of Poppylicious, which can seat up to 70 people and is testament to Chris’ attention to detail - even making the lights himself from pipe fittings. The comfortable seating is the perfect place to enjoy everything from a hearty breakfast to a quick coffee or a home-cooked lunch.

It’s hardly surprising that everyone is eagerly anticipating the cafe opening in early July. Take Glen Murtagh of GEM Software for example, whose company designs and creates a range of specialist software applications.

“We arrived here last August after looking for a permanent office that was local and convenient,” says Glen. “It’s a space that suits our needs perfectly and it has lots of potential. We’re really looking forward to seeing it develop.”

Equally impressed are 31

PICTURES: The interior of Le Kiera hair salon and (above right) one of the prestigious cars at Norfolk Automotive. Below is part of the stylish offices of ACS Architectural

the staff of the award-winning ACS Architectural and its sister company Archi-Vis Studio - who produce sophisticated CGI images to support planning applications or promote new developments.

“We used to be based in Hunstanton but our staff and clients often had trouble parking,” says Nick Borrmann.

“When we discovered Poppyfields Retail Park we knew it was perfect. The site already has a real community feel.”

That’s nowhere more apparent than at the luxurious Le Kiera hair salon, which was established by the mother and daughter team of Vicky Lee-Smith (George) and Kiera-Lee Fenables a year ago.

The chic salon offers a complete range of hairdressing services for women, men, and children in addition to treatments such as restylings and colourings.

“We’ve had a great response since we arrived here,” says Kiera. “More clients are booking with us all the time, and

32

we’re very proud of how the salon looks and feels.”

Chris Blaxill is understandably encouraged by the way local businesses have embraced the concept behind Poppyfields Retail Park, and already has several more waiting to set up home in the remaining units.

But not all of them will be based there permanently.

“We’ve also created Poppyfields Hub,” he says, “which is virtual office space to run within the site to help people remote working and utilise the site’s facilities, which in time will include a conference room and office space.”

Steve McAllister is one of the newest arrivals, selling a wide selection of premium clothing and accessories for men and women.

“Even though we’ve only been here a few weeks McAllisters already feels at home,” he says. “It’s in a great spot for passing customers, and I’m sure it will be a huge success.”

Paula and Marcus Bloom of Christyana Fabrics and Blinds offer a complete bespoke service for stylish curtains, fabrics, blinds and accessories.

Since arriving at the site almost a year ago, the couple couldn’t be happier.

“It’s brilliant being here,” says Paula. “We used to be based in Dersingham, but this is much more accessible and convenient for our customers.”

And as you discover these local businesses you can’t help but notice the fabulous collection of prestigious cars displayed on the edge of the car park. They belong to Norfolk Automotive, owned by Bradley Howe and Jeannette McEwan and specialising in used high-end German performance cars. Their office is directly opposite the cars themselves, but they’ll be moving to another area of the park soon to have a combined office and dedicated forecourt.

“We came to Poppyfields at the start of the year, but we’ve already noticed business has got busier,” says Bradley.

“It’s great to be able to showcase our cars in such a fantastic place. To be honest, I think Chris has done a phenomenal job here.”

As for Chris Blaxill, he sees this as the start of Poppyfields, with future plans of holding farmer’s markets, craft fairs and hosting special events.

“We’ll also be lighting up the park in the evenings once we introduce late opening times,” he says. “I’m really pleased with how everything is now coming to life, and I’m looking forward to seeing the future of the site.”

Seeing Poppyfields blooming once more is a wonderful addition to the local community, and it’s already becoming a popular destination. Just leave yourself enough time to see everything.

Poppyfields Retail Park Poppyfields Drive, Snettisham King’s Lynn PE31 7FR

KLmagazine July 2021

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KLmagazine July 2021

Making sure your HR Documentation is compliant

Are your contracts worth the paper they’re written on?

Discover the expert way to protect your employees - and your business

E

mployment tribunals are at an all-time high at the moment, having increased significantly over the past year - and they’re likely to increase significantly once the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme comes to an end in September. It’s interesting that a significant amount of the current caseload of more than 40,000 claims relate to employment contacts, which is just one of the reasons why it’s never been more important to call on the professional services of Human Capital Department.

“We’re very familiar with Norfolk and its many varied businesses and industries, and we’ve seen thousands of employment contracts over the years,” says HR expert Peter Lawrence.

“They vary hugely in quality and appropriateness, and that’s really important as even the simplest thing can leave an employer open to problems in the future.”

All business owners are aware their staff should have something in writing, but it’s amazing how many employees have nothing formal detailing the terms they’re employed under. By law all employees should be given the terms of their employment in writing, and it must detail essentials such as pay, contractual hours and working conditions - but it’s not quite as simple as that.

“Employment law changes on a regular basis, which means a contract drawn up ten years ago may well be out of date and doesn’t conform with the latest legislation,” says Peter.

“Employers are often tempted to use a generic contract they’ve found online, but there’s a real danger those contracts miss things that are crucial to the business and contain clauses that are unnecessary, irrelevant and unreasonable. An employment contract is only effective if it’s relevant to the needs of the business in question.”

At Human Capital Department, Peter and his partner Rod Lee have helped many local businesses with fullycompliant employment contracts, handbooks, HR policies and procedures - and even strategic HR initiatives to improve performance and increase efficiency.

“A contract stating a wage of £7 per hour for a young employee is perfectly okay, but it will be illegal when they reach their 21st birthday as that would be below the national minimum wage,” says Peter. “Whatever business you’re in, you can’t take the ‘one size fits all’ approach because your employees shouldn’t be on the same terms and conditions - it all depends on their roles and responsibilities.”

If you feel it’s time to review the employment contracts you’re currently using, or are looking for contracts that are both fit for purpose and effective at protecting your business, contact Peter or Rod using the details below.

m 01553 401781 / 0800 246 5614 1 humancapitaldept.com k info@humancapitaldept.com KLmagazine July 2021

35

Exquisite memories of Norfolk’s past...

It’s over 700 years old, has been judged one of the finest churches in England, and contains some of the most impressive and historically important monuments in Norfolk. Welcome to St. Mary’s in Tittleshall

T

ittleshall is a delightful village in the countryside between Fakenham and Dereham and has what appears to be a typical medieval church - but St. Mary’s is rather special, playing an important part in the history of one of Norfolk’s most famous families and one of England’s richest dynasties.

The church was built in the 13th

and 14th centuries (the first rector was appointed in 1302) and is Grade I listed.

The nave lacks any side aisles, the decorated five-light window is quite magnificent, and the elaboratelymoulded arch on the west tower is well worth seeing.

But it’s the memorials that are possibly the most interesting features of this charming church, because this is

the final resting place of early members of the Coke family, who bought most of the surrounding area following the Reformation. The earliest date from 1598, and include one to Sir Edward Coke and various descendants of the Earls of Leicester - almost 200 years before the completion of the family’s home that we all know and love as Holkham Hall.

It was during the 1530s that Robert Coke started the initial expansion of the Holkham estate, picking up the manor of Tittleshall and the neighbouring and now-deserted village of Godwick - and while Godwick Hall was the family home until the mid-18th century, St. Mary’s at Tittleshall would house their mausoleum until the beautiful and Gothic two-storey Coke Mausoleum was built at Holkham Hall in 1868.

At St. Mary’s the eastern half of the mausoleum (containing the coffins of 10 adults and several children) was sealed off and the remainder converted to a vestry and organ chamber. It’s the fine series of Coke memorials in the church that are the more interesting, however.

One of the oldest is a superb alabaster monument to Bridget Coke (née Paston) who died in 1598 aged 33. She’s featured as a kneeling figure in typical Tudor dress, with figures of her children against the base and eight kneeling weepers below her effigy.

Similarly impressive is the marvellous recumbent effigy of her husband, the Lord Chief Justice Sir Edward Coke, who died aged 82 in 1634, two years after a serious fall from his horse caused his health to decline.

Barrister, judge and politician, Coke

is generally considered to be the greatest legal scholar of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. He prosecuted Sir Walter Raleigh for treason and also conducted the government’s prosecution of the eight main conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot.

Taking five years to make, his funeral monument was commissioned by his eldest son Robert and it cost an astonishing £400 (roughly equivalent to £92,000 today) which was hardly surprising since it was crafted by Nicholas Stone, who was mastermason to both James I and Charles I - and the effigy of Coke was sculpted in white marble by John Hargrave.

Another true gem of a memorial is the classical canopied monument to Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester and his wife Margaret, which was installed in 1760. Designed by Charles Atkinson it features extraordinary busts by the French-born Louis-François Roubiliac, who’s been described as probably the most accomplished sculptor ever to work in England.

And finally there’s an exceptionally fine wall memorial to Mrs James Coke (who died in 1805) by Joseph Nollekens, the London artist generally considered to be the finest British sculptor of the late 18th century.

This is a church packed with heritage, but it’s also a very attractive and welcoming one.

In fact, when writing his masterful book on the country’s thousand best churches, former chairman of the National Trust Simon Jenkins travelled the length and breadth of England to select the most architecturally important and historically significant and the author and journalist included St. Mary’s at Tittleshall, a fitting tribute to this beautiful and fascinating church.

BELOW: The interior of the church of St. Mary at Tittleshall features a number of magnificent memorials charting the early story of the influential Coke family, including a fine alabaster tribute to Bridget Coke (inset), wife of one of the greatest legal scholars in English history

38

KLmagazine July 2021

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From electric car charging to solar panels and battery storage, the 4 Way Group is leading the way in energy-saving technology

t was recently revealed that the virtual (and somewhat controversial) currency known as Bitcoin uses more electricity than Sweden, Ukraine and Argentina and almost as much as Poland - which has brought our energy usage into even greater focus.

There’s no getting away from it - it’s likely that within 10 years you won’t be able to buy a new petrol or diesel car, and that’s probably when you’ll come across the concept of battery storage.

We’re already reaching the capacity of the National Grid, and that demand is only set to increase, with an estimated two million electric cars being sold over the next 12 months.

“The 4 Way Group has always been leading the way in the design and installation of energysaving technology for over 15 years now, and this is a

perfect example,” says director Stuart Olley. “By combining solar panels with domestic batteries you’re getting the best of both worlds - you’re using fullysustainable energy, you’re also saving money.”

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Essentially you’ll be buying energy at the lowest rate, storing it in a battery and then using it during the day. Even better, you can actually earn money by exporting the energy you don’t use.

The government’s Feed-in Tariff for homes with solar panels ended over two years ago, and it’s now the responsibility of individuals and their energy suppliers to claim for the surplus electricity they generate.

“We help all our customers access these new tariffs,” says Stuart, “which can be worth 5.5p for every single kilowatt exported to the National Grid and maximises their return on investment.”

The 4 Way Group is already an approved installer of the awardwinning EV chargers from the British company Myenergi, including the multi-functional Zappi - the world’s first solar-compatible EV charger. It’s all part of a complete energy solution that puts you in total control of your power consumption and which can be operated and adjusted remotely through a smartphone app.

“This is the future of electricity usage and we have the experience to get you there today,” says Stuart.

For a complete car charging, battery storage and solar panel solution contact the 4 Way Group today - and discover all the environmental and financial advantages for yourself.

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KLmagazine July 2021

41

Nave House

The Tracery

PHOTOS: NORFOLK COTTAGES

PICTURES: It’s hard to imagine a more luxurious place to relax while you enjoy everything Norfolk has to offer - and both The Tracery and Nave House retain plenty of original features that remind you they started life as a Methodist church in the centre of Fakenham.

The holiday homes you won’t want to leave...

In the centre of Fakenham, Edward Markham and Paul Chappell have created two of the most atmospheric and luxurious holiday homes in Norfolk inside a former Methodist church

A

fter you’ve transformed one half of a redundant Methodist church into an extraordinary home for yourselves, having 260 panes of glass made and cut individually, installing a minstrels’ gallery, and removing 60,000 bees in the process you might be tempted to rest on your laurels - and be forgiven for doing so.

But no sooner had Edward Markham and Paul Chappell completed their stunning home of Buckenham Lodge towards the end of 2018 they embarked on the next stage of the project - turning the remaining half of the church into two equally-luxurious KLmagazine July 2021

holiday homes.

“Edward and Paul are fantastic clients to work with,” says Mark Hunter of Design and Build Limited, which provides new build properties, full refurbishments and extensions throughout Norfolk. “They offered clear ideas on what they wanted to achieve, but they were also receptive to our ideas throughout the project.”

Working together with their appointed contractors (especially Darren Ayling of Ayling Construction and innovative architects Atelier Associates) helped make Edward and Paul’s vision a stunning reality.

“We always offer cost-effective solutions, but we never compromise on

quality,” says Mark Hunter. “The detail of the finish is crucial, and this project has that in abundance. It’s packed with character.”

The 3-bedroom Nave House and 2-bedroom The Tracery are exquisitely finished and offer truly luxurious accommodation.

These wonderful holiday homes are full of drama and delightful touches, taking them to the 43

PICTURES: Architecturally it’s probably one of the most beautiful buildings in Fakenham, but this former Methodist church has been transformed into two extraordinary holiday homes and also provides a stunning family home (Buckenham Lodge) for owners Edward Markham and Paul Chappell

level of a boutique hotel.

The dining room in Nave House features an original pew from the church, and the spacious Art Deco sitting room is beautifully lit by some rather unusual lights.

“They’re actually the air vent boxes that drew fresh air into the church,” says Darren Ayling. “We’ve re-purposed them and given them a new lease of life. They look great but they also serve an important function - and they’re a reminder of the building’s history.”

Wherever you look there’s something to admire - from the Vogue-inspired furnishings and wealth of 1950s pieces to the extraordinary 17ft drop of opulent wallpaper as you move upstairs. And while your attention is drawn to the magnificent chandeliers reclaimed from Italy, younger guests inevitably make a beeline for the Tudor-themed nursery - which has been designed around its centrepiece dolls’ house.

“We’ve had many guests say their children have been so enchanted with the room they don’t want to leave it,” says Edward Markham. “It’s a wonderful testament to the work we’ve done here.”

The Tracery might be slightly smaller but it’s equally impressive.

The upsidedown layout is a wonder to

44

explore, but the star is undoubtedly the top floor - which is flooded with natural light thanks to one of the church’s original full-length windows.

The bedrooms have a distinct oriental flavour (despite the fact one contains a church pew) and the spacious fullyfitted kitchen/dining area can seat up to four guests.

These holiday homes may be steeped in history, but they’re full of 21st century features - including WiFi, DAB radios with Bluetooth connectivity, USB sockets, smart heating systems, ecofriendly products, digital door locks and external dusk-to-dawn lighting in the entrance loggia.

It’s not surprising that Edward and Paul’s holiday homes have been in such demand since they were finished

- especially with the unprecedented increase in people taking ‘staycations’ rather than venturing abroad.

“It’s quite incredible to step back and consider what we’ve managed to achieve here,” says Edward. “When Paul and I first arrived at the church it was rather run-down and gloomy and you could never imagine anyone wanting to spend a night here. A few years later it’s been totally transformed and people simply don’t want to leave.”

If you’re interested in booking Nave House or The Tracery for your next weekend break or longer stay in Norfolk, please visit the website at www.norfolkcottages.co.uk and search for ‘Fakenham’.

KLmagazine July 2021

The most luxurious way to explore Norfolk Make more of your time in Norfolk with Griff Transport Solutions the company that’s going in the right direction in more ways than one

N

orfolk is one of Britain’s best-loved holiday destinations, and almost half of the properties along its coast are either second homes or buy-to-let rentals.

Over the last year the number of airline passengers has declined by almost 95%, whereas interest in ‘staycations’ has increased by 500% - which means more people than ever are discovering the benefits of holidaying closer to home. And there are few places more enjoyable to

visit than Norfolk. But the last thing you’ll want to do is spend your wellearned break driving around the area’s notoriously twisty roads and trying to find a convenient parking space.

Which is where Griff Transport Solutions come in, offering you a reliable and punctual private transportation chauffeur service from the day you arrive to the day you leave - and being available to call on throughout your stay.

“We have a huge amount of experience doing patient transfers for hospitals across East Anglia, so we’re very familiar with caring for people and maintaining exceptionally high and safe standards,” says Simon Griffiths, who founded the company 14 years ago. “If you’re coming to Norfolk for a holiday, our drivers will take you wherever you want to go and they’ll do it whenever you need them - and they’ll also take you safely home. All our drivers have a huge amount of local knowledge, and

King’s Lynn and Train Station bookings please call SIMON: 07876 North Norfolk bookings please call JOHN or JARROD: 07395

KLmagazine July 2021

366830 069773

they’ve all passed our enhanced and rigorous criteria in terms of customer care and safety.”

Simon and his team can pick you up at the nearest train station and take you to your destination. They’ll be available throughout your stay to help you discover some of the area’s bestkept secrets, and they’ll also ensure you don’t need to argue about who’s driving when you decide to enjoy some of the region’s award-winning pubs and restaurants.

“Our top-end vehicles are kept in pristine condition and our clients are always given the red-carpet treatment,” says Simon. “We like to think we offer the easiest, most relaxing and most flexible way to enjoy your staycation although with our service you probably won’t want to leave.”

To book Simon and his team and enjoy a first-class journey around Norfolk, please contact them by using the details below.

info@griffnorfolkltd.co.uk www.griffnorfolkltd.co.uk

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Living

For buyers and sellers the property market in west & north Norfolk has never been more vibrant,

Spencer Cushing of Sowerbys explains how to make the most of it...

Oakfield Barn, Yaxham

Why it’s important to dress to impress

R

ead any article on how to sell your property or ask any estate agent what advice they’d give on presentation and you’ll no doubt hear some of the same clichéd phrases such as ‘de-clutter’ or ‘paint the front door’ or even ‘bake bread before a viewing’ and while all of these are true, to really get the best results you need to sell a lifestyle.

I accept that some people may feel that ‘lifestyle’ is a dreadful Americanised term (I certainly do) but thanks to the exponential rise in social media usage across all age groups and the associated image sharing that goes with it on whatever your preferred platform is, ‘lifestyle’ is now part and parcel of all our lives. And property is no exception.

It’s precisely because of this that at Sowerbys we believe and invest heavily in our social media marketing because

we know that for every click one of our homes receives on traditional property portals such as Rightmove or our own website, that same property will generate three or four times the number of clicks on social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Aside from our current extraordinary market conditions, it’s not surprising that in more normal times some of the most successful sales are when the sellers have consciously stylised and dressed their houses to tap into and appeal to a certain type of lifestyle. It resonates with the type of buyer they’re aiming for and appeals to the largest spectrum of buyer type.

Indeed, developers both large and small will now start engaging the services and advice from interior designers at the earliest stages of planning a site. They

understand that like all fashions a certain ‘look’ has a lifespan of popularity - and if they want to stay ahead of the game they need to use professionals to ensure they get their look absolutely spot on.

Exactly the same advice holds true for holiday lettings.

Many of our buyers have come to Norfolk and fallen in love with our beautiful county, and as a result want their own ‘home from home’ to enjoy for themselves. However, they often wish to offset the costs of running another house by letting it out for a few weeks so other holidaymakers can enjoy it.

Such houses can really punch above their weight in terms of income return by a little bit of upfront investment by dressing them to appeal to the mindset of the Norfolk holidaymaker.

Furnish and finish a room so it transports you into the comfort and warmth you feel when nestling down in front of a fire after a windswept winter walk on Brancaster beach. Or use the furnishings to evoke the memories of long summer evenings enjoying a glass of ice cold rosé after a glorious summer day exploring the dunes of Holkham.

It’s all about creating an image that reflects a lifestyle that many have been thinking and dreaming about (particularly over the last 18 months) and if you catch that imagery perfectly then don’t be surprised if your property proves very popular with buyers or holidaymakers alike!

Moat Road, Terrington St. Clement

Burnham Market | Dereham | Fakenham | Holt | Hunstanton | King’s Lynn Norwich | Watton | Wells-next-the-Sea www.sowerbys.com 46

KLmagazine July 2021

Norfolk is a wonderful place to live, and few people have more experience in styling our homes than Aldiss, as managing director

Darryl Simpson explains...

Colony ‘coastal breeze’ candle

Beach huts bedding

A brighter look for our holiday homes

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community, and at Aldiss we’re making that Norfolk experience as enjoyable and comfortable - and stylish - as possible.

We’ve been furnishing Norfolk’s homes since 1892 and when our second store opened Lisbon in Norwich back in lamp 2004 we became the county’s largest home furnishing retailer.

Coastal collection For many years we’ve furniture been working with local holiday homeowners, property developers and B&Bs to enhance their offering and encourage their visitors to return to this wonderful part of the country.

It’s something we always consider when sourcing our products so they complement that ‘country cottage’ or ‘coastal retreat’ feeling and it’s something we’re now putting on a

e all love Norfolk, and it seems we’re not alone as increasing numbers of holidaymakers are visiting the county this year. Within the last few weeks I’ve seen it voted one of the UK’s top five holiday destinations and one of its fabulous beaches (Hemsby) judged third in a poll of the UK’s top ten.

It’s great news for our local business

more formal basis.

Headed by our Commercial Manager Steve Simpson (he’s no relation by the way), we’re currently in the process of launching a specialist furnishing service specifically for that market.

It will be taking a lot of the time and effort off the shoulders of holiday homeowners and letting agencies, and you’ll be able to call on the services of our individual specialists in every department.

And we offer everything from a complete curtain and soft furnishing service to advice on accessorising individual rooms - all you have to do is ask. Just tell us what you want and share your ideas, and we’ll give you all the tailored help and recommendations you need.

We’re always pleased to come to you in person (it helps us get a feel for the property and take more accurate measurements) but we’re equally happy for you to visit us in store - where you can see and feel the products for yourself.

Our service doesn’t stop within the entrance, however. If you have an outdoor space you’re looking to furnish we have a fabulous range of patio and garden furniture that’s perfectly suitable for the coastal lifestyle.

People have always loved coming to Norfolk and we’re fortunate they’ve always loved shopping at Aldiss. That sounds like the perfect combination to me.

Fakenham: Oxborough Lane NR21 8AF | 01328 86238 Norwich: Hall Road Retail Park NR4 6DH | 01603 272100 www.aldiss.com KLmagazine July 2021

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Put your future in our hands

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www.westnorfolkglass.co.uk *Image used is for illustrative purposes only. Terms and conditions apply.

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KLmagazine July 2021

David & Simon

The Hides, Titchwell

Building a better future for north Norfolk From refurbishments to complete renovations and new-build properties, Forest Homes is setting new standards for local homes

F

orest Homes has already made an impact on the north Norfolk coast with the completion of The Hides at Titchwell, a beautiful collection of four three-bedroom semi-detached cottages that make the most of the location and have been built to the most demanding standards.

But they’re about to make an even bigger (and better) impression with a series of exciting developments along this stretch of the Norfolk coastline, many of which we’ll be focusing on over the coming months.

“We’ve always wanted to build homes to the very highest standards but we’re also aware that we’re selling

lifestyles,” says Simon Smith, who runs Forest Homes alongside his long-time friend and fellow lover of north Norfolk David McDonald. “The location is always an important part of the design, and since we’re working in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we have to be very sensitive to that.”

Which goes a long way to explaining why all these properties have sea views to the front and south-facing outdoor spaces.

Forest Homes is now working on The Beeches at Titchwell, a development of two 3-bedroom properties which should be finished by the end of the year - and are about to start work on the refurbishment of Wellmarsh Cottage in the same village, which will be graced with a luxurious outdoor space for entertaining.

Simon and David have also recently received planning permission for the transformation and complete redevelopment of the nearby Orchard Cottage, a large 4-bedroom home which sits in a large and beautifully-

landscaped garden and will be a complete contemporary re-design.

“That’s a really exciting project and we can’t wait to get started on it,” says Simon. “It’s quite a complex design and it will probably be quite a challenge, but the finished property will be amazing.”

It also helps when you’ve built a team of highly-experienced and hugelytalented tradesmen around you.

“Although we’re obviously happy to be building our own projects we’re now in the perfect place to be offering all our services to anyone embarking on their own project ,” says Simon. “The quality of our work and our attention to detail are outstanding, and our standards speak for themselves.”

If you’d like to talk to Forest Homes about bringing your ideas for a fabulous property on the north Norfolk coast to life, please contact Simon or David for a free consultation.

Get in touch with us to discuss your ideas or find out more about our upcoming projects...

TEL:

07770 855203

KLmagazine July 2021

EMAIL:

info@foresthomesstamford.co.uk

WEB:

www.foresthomesstamford.co.uk

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Welcome to the future of the UK’s nature recovery This year’s season of the BBC’s hugely-popular Springwatch brought the initiatives of the team at Wild Ken Hill to an international audience and pointed the way to the future...

T

he naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter and author Chris Packham needs little introduction, but with Springwatch 2021 he introduced the world to a new way of farming and a new way of working with wildlife.

“We came to Wild Ken Hill looking for a vision for the future, and I think we’ve seen it,” he says. “But that takes

courage. It’s hard to change your mind and what you do - particularly when you risk making mistakes or alienating your peers. You’ve got to be brave to lead, and I think that this place is leading. Wild Ken Hill is leading to a better farmed landscape for wildlife and people.”

This spring a crew of some 30 people descended upon Wild Ken Hill to coordinate the programme from a large

barn packed with television monitors and miles of cables showing live feeds from more than 30 cameras - which were watched 20 hours a day so that nothing was missed.

And this multi-habitat location was full of surprises for the viewing public.

“The freshmarsh at Wild Ken Hill contains 5% of the whole UK’s breeding avocet population,” says Andrew Waddison of Wild Ken Hill. “The whole

ABOVE: Behind the scenes at Wild Ken Hill with the BBC Springwatch team as they monitor the live feeds from over 30 nest boxes and camera traps placed throughout the estate.

site covers some 4,000 acres, and we have over 2,500 species of wildlife making a home here. There has been so much to see - and the BBC told us they’ve never seen anything quite like it.”

The estate’s Project Manager Dominic Buscall is equally pleased about having Wild Ken Hill on the national nature map.

“Having Springwatch here has been amazing for raising awareness about what we’re doing here,” he says. “We have brought ideas like rewilding and regenerative farming to mainstream audiences and that’s really, really exciting - because we believe these might hold the key to nature recovery in the UK.” With the progamme committed to helping people think differently about the natural environment, the choice of Wild Ken Hill was an easy one as it’s the exemplar of what can be done in terms of regenerative farming and land management.

“We’re employing traditional conservation methods on the marshes,” says Andrew Waddison, “managing the water that flows through it, protecting it and ensuring it’s a suitable habitat for rare species.”

Precious wading birds such as avocets and lapwings nest on the KLmagazine July 2021

marshes, and since the project began two years ago, there’s already been an increase in the number of birds choosing to settle there.

“We’re also using regenerative farming on much of the farm,” says Andrew. “We haven’t used insecticides for ten years and we are reducing reliance on fungicides and chemicals, allowing nature to work for us.”

In addition to increasing biodiversity, this farming model returns the soil to its natural state. It can store carbon

more easily, creating nutrients for other plants and helping the fight against climate change.

“We’re also having a great deal of success with rewilding,” says Andrew.

“We’re letting nature take over much of the estate, returning it to how it should be - and what it once was.”

One of the main methods used to kickstart the rewilding process is the introduction of free-roaming livestock.

“We’ve got Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies, and Red Poll cattle roaming

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ABOVE: Over 2,500 different species of wildlife have found a home at Wild Ken Hill, from important wading birds and endangered birds of prey to rare butterflies and a quartet of beavers (below) who are already making a positive impact on the environment

free,” says Andrew. “They all play their part by grazing and turning over the soil, and distributing wild seeds that may have been in the ground for hundreds of years. Even in a short space of time we’re already getting wild meadows on land that had been overworked and barren. It’s great to see.”

Around 55 acres has been dedicated to the estate’s four beavers, making it three times bigger than Buckingham Palace and the largest beaver enclosure in England. Since their introduction last summer, the beavers have already begun transforming the landscape, forming new ponds, improving water quality and creating a diverse wetland wood environment.

Limited intervention is a key aspect of rewilding, and to manage this, fences have been put up around the perimeter of the farm to minimise human interaction with wildlife.

Unfortunately, the team still runs into problems.

“We want to create a space for nature to thrive and for everyone to enjoy and appreciate,” says Andrew, “but simply letting a dog off the lead can cause a

52

lot of damage. In some of our fields, it looks like there’s nothing in them.

But in reality there are probably four skylarks or lapwings in each one. In an hour, one dog could wipe them out.”

The project is going extraordinarily well, and everyone involved is astonished at just how quickly nature is recovering. The changes in farming techniques are expected to produce fewer greenhouse gases and improve the health of the food grown, while additionally creating access to greenspaces that’s known to have a positive impact on our mental and physical wellbeing The team at Wild Ken Hill is eager to educate everyone interested in their work, and guided tours around the site are available to book focusing on different aspects of the project - and land managers and farmers thinking of adopting this approach are encouraged to get in touch to learn more.

“This isn’t just a case of changing our farming methods because we wanted to try something new,” says Andrew.

“We’ve all got to do better to look after nature and our planet before it’s too late.”

It’s a forwardthinking view that’s refreshingly optimistic, and one that Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan fully endorses.

“This progressive thinking and will to work alongside wildlife has given us the opportunity

to look into a fabulous variety of nests - some of which we’ve never had on Springwatch before,” she says. “The spectacular marsh harrier was once the rarest breeding bird in Britain, but it’s now thriving in Norfolk. And I’ve seen more brown hares in the last three weeks than I have in my lifetime. It makes you think that there is hope for our wildlife.”

And for people already missing this look at a bright future for our envirionment and it wildlife, don’t worry - because the BBC will be back at Wild Ken Hill later this year for Autumnwatch.

Wild Ken Hill Heacham Bottom Farm, Lynn Road, King’s Lynn PE31 7PQ 01485 570044 www.wildkenhill.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2021

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

Clinical Director

Sarah Colegrave

Smallbites

Keep your dogs safe on the beach

I

t’s that time of the year when we head to Norfolk’s fabulous beaches and treat our furry friends to a trip to the seaside, but it’s important to remember that it’s not all fun and games - that lovely coastal environment can pose some serious threats to your dogs.

Always be prepared - make sure you’ve got an ample supply of dog waste bags (remember to dispose of them responsibly), and take plenty of fresh water, treats and toys with you.

Fresh water is very important, because drinking seawater can give your dog a nasty bout of sickness and/ or diarrhoea - and in some cases can make them seriously ill. Try to stop them drinking from rock pools or puddles, (they may be tempted to!) and give them regular drinks It can be hard to keep dogs out of the sea. It’s great exercise for them and usually it’s a safe and fun activity - but

not all dogs are natural swimmers and the sea can be unpredictable at best.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t let you dog swim, but a little bit of caution can go a long way.

If we have some lovely sunny days, perhaps the most important thing to do is keep your dog cool. If they’re too hot and are unable to reduce their body temperature by panting, they could develop heatstroke (and it can happen very quickly) which can be fatal. Some types of dogs are particularly prone to heatstroke, such as very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with short flat faces like pugs and bulldogs.

You can avoid heatstroke by ensuring they have a good area of shade to sit in and lots of fresh water to drink.

It’s also a good idea to avoid visiting the beach during the hottest part of the day - early mornings and evenings are best in the height of summer.

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

KLmagazine July 2021

Our Pet Health Club provides essential routine health care for your pet. Our clients save up to £190 per year on the cost of treatments and services. To keep your pets healthy and happy and spread the cost - just ask any of our friendly staff for full details of how to join.

Not all of the beach-related dangers to dogs are natural. Broken bottles or thoughtlessly-discarded sharp items (especially fish hooks) aren’t very easy to spot, but things such as these can easily get caught in your dog’s mouth or damage their digestive tract if swallowed, so you really do need to keep your eyes open.

Another problem is discarded food.

The things we consider to be treats are generally unsuitable for dogs, but when they’ve been carelessly left on the beach they can be mouldy, caked in sand (which can cause an obstruction of your pet’s intestinal tract) and potentially toxic. It’s important to remember that just like us, dogs can get sunburn - especially if they have white or pale fur. Shade should be provided for your dog to take regular shade breaks and cool off in. There are plenty of dog friendly suncreams available at the moment which can be useful to dogs with white ears or sensitive areas of skin.

Our team is always here to help, so if you need any more advice on seaside safety for your pets, please contact us. We hope you and your pets can get out and enjoy the warm weather and beautiful Norfolk coastline and countryside.

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

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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When you’re in Norfolk...

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KLmagazine July 2021

Going the extra mile 24 hours of the day For over 26 years Heacham-based Foreman & Son has offered a complete plumbing and heating service that’s second to none

W

hen Doreen Kemp moved to her new home in Dersingham she had problems with her heating system, which had been installed when the property was first built. It was very old, very outdated, and the boiler was coming to the end of its life.

“I called British Gas but they couldn’t be with me for at least two weeks, and I really needed some help immediately,” she says. “I contacted Foreman & Son and even though it was a Saturday evening they were here within 20 minutes.”

Once the faults were identified and system temporarily up and running, Doreen booked in her installation. After carrying out a chemical flush to ensure the system was clean (build ups of dirt can lead to noise and boiler failure) the team installed a new Baxi 816 heat-only boiler with fully-pumped S plan for complete control and an open-vented cylinder to ensure a constant supply of hot water - with a back-up in the event of a breakdown. Doreen couldn’t be

01485 570578 32 High Street, Heacham PE31 7EP KLmagazine July 2021

more pleased - or more impressed with Foreman & Son’s service.

“They were very polite, they took their shoes off when they came to my home and they left everything clean and tidy,” she says. “They were absolutely fantastic, and to be honest it was a shame to see them go.”

Foreman & Son also replaced Doreen’s existing flat panel steel radiators with modern convector models with thermostatic lockshield valves - enabling her to adjust the temperature of each individual room.

It’s that kind of personal attention and individual care that’s built Foreman & Son’s reputation throughout west and north Norfolk and was the inspiration for the company’s comprehensive BoilerCare service.

It’s available in a three-tiered range of packages to suit your specific needs and your budget - and they include unlimited call-outs, all replacement parts when necessary, an annual boiler service, no excess charges and £500 off the cost of a new boiler if your current one is beyond repair.

Foreman & Son also offers general plumbing and heating maintenance, underfloor heating and professional site work for multi-property developments.

And in addition to being available 24 hours a day, G3 regulated and Gas Safe and OFTEC registered, the company is also an approved installer of the market-leading Baxi and Ideal ranges of boilers.

“They’re a wonderful company and their service is really outstanding,” says Doreen. “They really do go the extra mile and I’d recommend them to anyone.”

www.foremanandsonltd.co.uk boilercare@foremanandsonltd.co.uk 55

A spectacular venue that rises to the occasion High House Gardens is a beautifully-secluded events venue in the heart of rural Norfolk, and while it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a special day or evening it’s an even better place to stay for a while...

H

igh House Gardens may well be one of the most beautiful venues in west Norfolk, and with more and more people taking short holidays and weekend breaks closer to home its luxurious two holiday cottages couldn’t be more perfect. And it’s virtually impossible to believe that you’re less than 10 miles away from the centre of King’s Lynn.

The stunning (and lovingly rebuilt) Victorian walled garden can cater for up to 300 guests, and since it opened with the launch party for Festival Too in 2019 it’s hosted everything from garden parties to a members-only

croquet club, film shoots and a meeting of classic MG car owners and their vehicles.

The gardens are also home to the Congham Food Fayre, and is a licensed wedding venue.

Over the last year or so, the courtyard complex of High House has been restored and its smaller garden is ideal for smaller events (up to 120 people) in more intimate surroundings than the vast walled garden.

“We obviously haven’t been able to host many events during the last 14 months, but that’s given us the time to concentrate on adding more facilities and making it more amazing than it

already was,” says Toby Wing-Pentelow, who oversees and coordinates the venue. “This is a fantastic place in which to celebrate. I’d be tempted to call it a hidden gem, but it’s not really that hidden anymore.”

It wasn’t always that way, however.

The walled garden once graced a fabulously grand house built on the Congham Estate in 1856 - but by the time the estate was purchased by Cedric Clifton Brown exactly 100 years later there was very little of the property left.

In 1939 a devastating fire started with an electrical fault in one of the bedrooms, and with the Second World

War in its early stages no fire engines were available. The house was almost completely destroyed and eventually had to be demolished.

But slowly and surely the charming setting was brought back to life. Still owned by the descendants of Cedric Clifton Brown, the family decided to write a new chapter in its story.

During the 1970s the old coach house and stables were converted into two cottages, and it took local craftsman Patrick Wakefield over a year to restore the original walls surrounding the gardens - who’d oddly enough worked on the site as an apprentice some 50 years previously, helping take down the fire-blackened ruins of High House.

As an events venue it could hardly be a more idyllic setting, and if it has a fascinating past it has an even more exciting future.

“We have so many plans it’s sometimes hard to know where to start,” says Douglas Clifton Brown, whose family are the present owners.

“Hopefully it will be possible for us to host a Christmas market, and since the acoustics in the garden are amazing it’s perfect for live music.”

“In the future we hope to organise fringe events for the King’s Lynn Festival and Festival Too, and we’re also in the early stages of planning a weekendlong film festival for next year.”

With so much to enjoy you’ll almost certainly find it difficult to leave High House Gardens, but happily you can extend your visit thanks to the venue’s two prestigious holiday lets.

Grooms Cottage has been accommodating guests for some years now, and started life as the quarters that housed the original house’s stable boys.

The unique (and deceptively spacious) single storey property can sleep up to eight people and is furnished in a comfortable and quintessentially English ‘country house’ style, with a large open fire, an AGA and antique furniture. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Fully accessible, it even offers views of the trout fishing lake from the sitting room window - and children love embarking on their own ‘Swallows and Amazons’ adventures in the surrounding parkland.

The newest holiday let is the delightful Stable Cottage, which PICTURES: High House Gardens is a fabulous setting for a memorable occasion, but it’s even better to stay in the glorious surroundings in one of the two luxurious holiday cottages

opened in April and sleeps up to seven people.

It started life as a Victorian coach house and took around a year to be renovated.

“I lived at Stable Cottage last year and I know exactly how lovely it is,” says Toby. “It’s been finished sensationally, and everyone who stays there has instantly fallen in love with it.”

A former garage has been converted to a large kitchen and dining area (the former kitchen is now a sitting room) and the open-plan layout is perfect for an unforgettable countryside experience.

“We’ve got even more ambitious plans for the venue over the coming years,” says Douglas, “but we’ll be keeping them secret for the time being.

Let’s just say they’re very exciting and I think we’re going to be really busy for the next few years.”

It’s difficult to see how you could improve on such an outstanding events venue, but then High House Gardens is always full of delightful surprises.

For more information on High House Gardens please contact Toby WingPentelow on 07530 200016, email highhousegardens@gmail.com or visit www.highhousegardens.co.uk

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KLmagazine July 2021

Providing expert, affordable tree care Crown Lifting | Crown Reduction Crown Thinning | Pollarding Deadwooding / Crown Cleaning Section Felling / Dismantling Call or email for a FREE, no obligation quote: 01553 670438 | 07738379991 bigbrowntree@gmail.com www.bigbrowntree.com

KLmagazine July 2021

59

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KLmagazine July 2021

BEFORE

AFTER

Just one example of how Coastal Flat Roofing can transform your old roofs using the innovative Flexitec system (above) - the company’s products are also perfect for lantern roofs on conservatories and garden rooms (left)

Discover a new approach to roofing It’s time t0 replace your old flat roof with some of the most advanced products available, thanks to Coastal Flat Roofing

W

ith many people replacing the old flat roofs of their garages, outbuildings and barn conversions it’s not surprising that so many of them are turning to James Thompson and the team at King’s Lynn-based Coastal Flat Roofing.

“Many of these older roofs contain dangerous and harmful materials such as lead and asbestos,” says James. “That’s why we install the very latest roofing systems that are both sustainable and fully recyclable.”

Bringing a lifetime’s experience in the trade to every project, Coastal Flat Roofing offers the very latest technology and the most advanced products currently available.

Take the synthetic rubber roofing membrane commonly called EPDM and technically known as ethylene

propylene diene monomer for example.

It doesn’t just have a much longer lifespan than traditional roofs it also needs virtually no maintenance.

It has great insulating properties, doesn’t result in joins (it’s a complete sheet) that are the most common cause of roof leaks, and its green credentials are extremely impressive.

“In fact when Greenpeace published their “Building for the Future” report, they ranked EPDM membranes the highest for their low-environmental impact,” says James. “The benefits aren’t just environmental though these roofs are incredibly cost-effective compared to other roofing types. And a single garage can be re-roofed in a single day.”

Coastal Flat Roofing also supplies the hard-wearing roofing system Flexitec, which combines the best elements of fibreglass with the versatility of overlay Web: www.coastalflatroofing.uk Email: info@coastalflatroofing.uk

systems.

Crack-resistant and chip-resistant it’s perfect for balconies (you can usually walk on it less than an hour after installation) and its flexibility is ideal for timber buildings.

“Wood expands and contracts with changing temperatures and that can cause fibreglass roofs to crack,” says James. “That’s why so many homeowners and developers are contacting us about Flexitec - because it adapts to movement in the wood.”

As we become ever more conscious of our impact on the environment, Coastal Flat Roofing can give your home a fabulous roof that looks amazing, performs even better and is great for the planet.

For a free estimation and a chat about your next project, contact Coastal Flat Roofing using the details below.

Garage Lane Industrial Estate Setchey, King’s Lynn PE33 0BE Tel: 01553 349283 / 07508 870075

KLmagazine July 2021

61

How you can help white take centre stage Over summer our gardens are usually packed with reds, yellows, purples and oranges, but as Wendy Warner of Thaxters Garden Centre explains, white can often steal the show...

Agapanthus

W

e all have our favourites when it comes to colour, be it the clothes we wear, our interior décor or the flowers in our gardens. But one colour that’s often overlooked is white as it can get lost and look rather insignificant amongst the brighter, more vibrant shades - and that’s a real shame because white can be one of the most wonderful colours in your garden.

Make it the star of the show by creating a white border or an area using a dark fence or hedge such as box or yew as a background. White stands out particularly well in shady areas but it can also give simplicity, freshness or a magical look however you choose to use it.

Use contrasting textures and forms in plant and flower shapes and combine this with green, grey and silver foliage, but it’s important to keep at least one third of the border green so the white flowers stand out as individuals and don’t become a glaring mass.

This area will come into its own at dusk as light levels drop, and often white flowers will attract moths and night-flying insects as they don’t have the bright flowers that entice daytime pollinators. Many of them have a scent that becomes stronger in the evening too.

Snowdrops are the most obvious example of white flowers stealing the show, as they bloom in the darkest months of the year when very few other plants are flowering. Another winter white flower is the Christmas Rose Helleborus niger. If you have a large garden you could have a white flowering hedge in the spring starting with cherry-plum in February followed shortly after by blackthorn.

Other white spring-flowering bulbs including Muscari ‘Siberian Tiger’, Narcissi ‘Snow Baby’ or ‘Mount Hood’ and tulips, double ‘White Valley’ with its lovely green streak, or the pure white fringed ‘Honeymoon’ will create a freshness above the emerging green leaves of other plants.

Into summer, lily of the valley will exude their gorgeous fragrance, as will the more traditional lilies.

You can use climbers on fences, walls or hedges to draw the eye towards the edges of the garden and make it appear bigger - and if used against a contrasting background, white flowers can be particularly effective.

Choose Trachelospermum jasminoides (the evergreen star jasmine), a traditional jasmine or sweet peas for their wonderful scents.

KLmagazine July 2021

Christmas Rose

Snowdrops

Tulips

63

Cherry Blossom White Clematis montana such as ‘grandiflora’ or ‘Elten’ are fast growing and look lovely entwined through a hedge - or for something a little more unusual try a white variety of wisteria or the white passion flower ‘Constance Elliott’.

If you have the space, the amazing ‘Rambling Rector’ rose could even be encouraged (as its name suggests) to ramble through a large tree.

Imagine the lovely floaty, frothy flowers of cow parsley in fields and along verges in the summer. There are some more delicate garden equivalents such as ammi majus and orlaya that can easily be grown from seed and will flower in their first year.

Other annuals, cosmos, geraniums, busy lizzies, petunias, pansies and tobacco plants all have white forms that can be used in borders, pots or containers. And don’t forget that for the fronts of borders, rockeries or for use as ground cover, there are a number of alpine plants that fit very well with a white colour scheme - including

low-growing phlox, saxifrages, white thrift, iberis (particularly a variety called ‘Masterpiece’) and the delightful Cerastium with its beautiful silver leaves and white flowers.

Throughout the summer taller perennials or cottage garden style plants can be used in the border.

Delphiniums, foxgloves, Canterbury bell-type campanulas, lupins and later, windflower anemones all have astounding white forms.

For genuine showstoppers in a pot, try a white variety of agapanthus or the spectacular Zantedeschia aethiopica or calla lily. Gaura (you might know them as floating butterflies) has small white flowers on the ends of long stems that will move gently with any breeze.

White flowering shrubs for the spring include magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons or azaleas, the highly scented mock orange (philadelphus) and the veil-like exochorda macrantha ‘The Bride’.

A particular favourite of mine is convolvulus cneorum which has silver

leaves and white cup-shaped flowers with pale yellow centres.

There are some very attractive white hydrangeas. In addition to the traditional mopheads and lace-caps there is hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ with huge globes of small, tightly packed bracts, ‘Polar Bear’ with large conical flower heads opening lime green and turning white - and the 2018 RHS Chelsea Flower Show winner ‘Runaway Bride’ which has a multitude of blooms on each branch.

Of course, there are many different white roses too, and I’d recommend ‘Iceberg’, ‘White Flower Carpet’ or ‘Silver Anniversary’ which obviously makes a great gift for anyone celebrating 25 years.

This summer try adding a little extra white to your garden and see what a difference it makes - especially as the light fades when you are sitting, relaxing with a glass of wine on the warm evenings.

And if you’re interested in seeing just how effective white can be, take a trip to the gardens at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent.

They’re some of the most famous gardens in England, and are designated Grade I on Historic England’s register of historic parks and gardens.

You might think white doesn’t even qualify as a colour but with a little time and effort it can be one of the most amazing sights in your garden.

YOU AND YOUR GARDEN

Hydrangea 64

Wendy Warner is the Manager of Thaxters Garden Centre in Dersingham. See the website at www.thaxters.co.uk or telephone 01485 541514.

KLmagazine July 2021

R SP ANG GR EC E EA IM OF T EN LA ST RG OC E K

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KLmagazine July 2021

65

Don’t let wasps spoil your summer

A10 PEST CONTROL

A10 Pest Control has over 45 years’ experience in the industry. So don’t let pests annoy you this summer, give us a call or head over to website to see how we can help.

www.a10pestcontrol.co.uk

01553 770617

ADD INSTANT SUMMER COLOUR

with our great selection of plants OPENIN G TIMES

plus so much more...

GARDEN CENTRE : Daily 9a m-5pm COFFEE SHOP: 9am-4.3 0pm

• Solar lighting and decorations for the garden • Summer clothing and footwear • Gifts, jigsaw puzzles and books (Paperbacks 2 for £6) Please see our website and Facebook for up-to-date news 49 Hunstanton Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6NA Tel: 01485 541514 | Web: www.thaxters.co.uk 66

Garden Centre & Coffee Shop KLmagazine July 2021

It’s your kind of home.

It’s our kind of service.

With a recently-refurbished showroom and ideas for every room in the house, MKM in King’s Lynn is bigger and brighter than ever...

A

s we start spending more time in the garden and making the most of our homes, it’s also the perfect time to discover one of the best landscaping displays in the area at MKM King’s Lynn - one of the friendliest independent builders’ merchants in the country. Combine that with a commitment to highquality products, efficient and reliable deliveries, and complete dedication to customer support and advice, and there’s little more your exterior spaces need.

But it’s not just about everything you could need in the way of paving, decking, garden furniture and outdoor

KLmagazine July 2021

buildings - because MKM is also packed with inspirational ideas for every room of your home.

“It was our 25th anniversary last year and we celebrated by doubling the size of our kitchen and bathroom showroom, completely refurbishing the offices, and employing specialist staff with a wealth of design expertise,” says branch director Damian Roach. “It’s been a really exciting time for us and the feedback we’ve received from our customers has been fantastic.”

MKM still offers a complete service to the building trade, but its new-look showroom offers a retail-friendly experience to everyone with a range of kitchens and bathrooms from leading British manufacturers - with a friendly team of in-branch designers to guide you through every stage of the process.

“One of our greatest strengths has always been our ability to offer something for every taste, every project and every budget,” says Damian. “MKM is now the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant, and our success has been built (literally) on local knowledge, innovative products, efficient deliveries and a friendly service.”

It’s time to discover the MKM difference for yourself.

67

The story of one of our best-loved flowers Lavender has been growing in Norfolk for the best part of 2,000 years, and it’s now considered relatively commonplace - but there was a time when it was (literally) the preserve of kings and queens...

D

rive from King’s Lynn to Hunstanton at the moment and you’ll be overwhelmed by the fields of rich, aromatic purple abundance at Norfolk Lavender in Heacham. It’s a magnificent scene that captures the true beauty of a glorious English summer day, showcasing one of the few therapeutic plants which are genuinely effective at relaxing, calming, soothing and balancing the mind, body and spirit. Lavender is now relatively commonplace, but there was a time when a mere 500g of it (which

is around the same weight as three apples) would have cost you more than a month’s wages.

It may already have been growing in Norfolk, but lavender certainly came to our attention when the Romans arrived in 43AD. Soldiers usually carried a first aid kit of herbs with them, and wherever the conquering armies settled they’d introduce a variety of plants such as rosemary, parsley, sage, thyme and fennel - and lavender.

In addition to having a love of building straight roads, the Romans were also aware of lavender’s special

properties. They used it as an insect repellent, burned it in honour of their gods, and used it as a base for massage oils. Even its very name pays tribute to the plant’s medicinal properties, ultimately deriving from the Latin verb ‘lavare’ (to wash) - and by the 1500s lavender was firmly established as the standard herb of cleanliness and calm.

It was used in virtually every room of the house - hung next to clothes to prevent them from moth damage, scattered in beds to deter vermin, placed in bowls to freshen the air, and mixed with charcoal to clean teeth.

In fact, when Walter Raleigh brought a strange plant called tobacco back from the country that would eventually become the USA, lavender was used to make it more appealing, whether you were smoking it or inhaling it.

Lavender was considered so exclusive that it became something of a royal tradition. Charles VI of France insisted on having lavender herbal pillows wherever he went, Queen Elizabeth I demanded fresh lavender flowers every day of the year, Louis XIV bathed in scented lavender water, and Queen Victoria used a lavender-based deodorant.

During the 17th century lavender oil was used to disguise the horrible smell of soap, and when the Great Plague devastated the country thieves would often rob victims of the pandemic while wearing bags of a lavender-based vinegar - assuming it protected them from infection.

Even as late as the early 20th century lavender was being used to treat injured soldiers in the First World War as the demand for disinfectants and antiseptics totally outstripped supply but there was a cloud on the horizon.

Increasing urban development and food production saw most of the country’s lavender fields ploughed up, but in a corner of west Norfolk a passionate gardener called Linn Chilvers decided to turn the tide.

Teaming up with Francis Dusgate of Fring Hall in 1932, he planted around 13,000 on six acres of land at Heacham in less than three weeks - and Norfolk Lavender was born. The business now covers almost 100 acres and is ABOVE: The huge fields of lavender at Heacham are one of west Norfolk’s most beautiful sights, but they also play an important role in the environment as an attractive pollinator for bees (left)

the finest lavender farm in England, attracting visitors from around the world and using its essential oil in a vast range of beauty and lifestyle products.

It relieves tension, tiredness and depression. It helps with aches and pains, skin problems, bites, stings and burns. It smells fantastic and it tastes delicious. It’s been part of our lives for hundreds of years and it’s one of the most beautiful sights on the local landscape. Let’s face it - what’s not to love about lavender?

The stunning image on the previous pages (along with over 50 other images of Norfolk) is available to purchase as a ready-to-frame print in a range of sizes from our online gallery at www.klmagazine.co.uk 70

KLmagazine July 2021

TILES, FLOORING & FLAGSTONES

BE INSPIRED. DISCOVER FORAS

GARDENS & SHOWROOMS STOWBRIDGE

•

NORFOLK

WATER FEATURES

GARDEN ACCESSORIES & LIGHTING

foras.co.uk foraswallsandfloors.co.uk

West Head Farm, Stowbridge, K i n g’s Ly n n , PE 3 4 3 N J

013 6 6 3 810 6 9 info@foras.co.uk

Lots of style and plenty of heart & soul In a magical corner of Holt, Follyology is changing the way we think about fashion, with a range of clothing and lifestyle products that are ethically produced, responsibly sourced and fully sustainable

H

olt may be one of the loveliest locations in Norfolk (it’s certainly one of the most popular) and Hopper’s Yard is one of its most enchanting spots, which goes a long way to explaining why Judith West

fell in love with it the first time she saw it some 11 years ago.

Having established a delightful tearoom that was so popular that people made the point of visiting Norfolk just to visit it, Judith has now moved on from The Folly (but not too far) to open an

experience that’s as ethical as it is inviting.

Opening in November 2019, Follyology is an eclectic collection of lifestyle goods from clothing and jewellery to interior accessories and outdoor sculptures and furniture - all of which have their own

special story to tell.

“I’ve learned so much since I came to Hopper’s Yard, from blending teas to international trade laws,” says Judith, “but I’ve always loved this hidden corner of Holt and I’m totally committed to it. This is just another chapter in that story.”

Follyology is housed in an old barn and hayloft (it’s actually the largest building in Hopper’s Yard) that’s lived through several different incarnations in its time, but it’s now found its place.

“Since we opened we’ve had lots of people say how well it fits and how it seems Follyology was always meant to be here,” says Judith. “And we must be doing something right, because we’re now getting suppliers contacting us and asking if we’d like to sell their products in our shop.”

Everything at Follyology has an ethical history.

Pick up something as ordinary as an oven glove and at first you might simply be taken with the striking design - but the story behind it is extraordinary.

It was produced by the inspirational Emelia Hunt, who graduated with a degree in Fine Art and then had to take (very) early retirement at the age of 25 because she suffers from cystic fibrosis.

“That’s the driving force behind Follyology - we’re always looking for the story behind the product and supporting people who are trying to

KLmagazine July 2021

make a difference to the world,” says Judith. “Quick-fix and fast fashions are the easy option, but we really need to start thinking differently about where our clothes come from - and consider the people who make them.”

A perfect example is the beautiful floral prints and distinctive styling of Gabrielle Parker’s collections.

Yes they’re vintage, quirky and quintessentially British, but that’s not the point.

Inspired by a backpacking trip around Asia 25 years ago, her collections have grown from a market stall in Brighton into a worldwide brand - but they’re still produced by small familyrun businesses in India that Gabrielle personally visits twice a year to ensure the workers’ environment is lively, happy and safe.

That’s an approach that characterises all the labels at Follyology - from Zen Ethic (whose exclusive prints are created in Paris and manufactured in India by local artisans) to the Cornwallbased Pink Lemons, which is run by a husband and wife team determined to make their beautiful styles as sustainable as possible.

And then there’s Privatsachen, which has been designed and made in Hamburg for the last three decades. This sophisticated and distinctively-dyed silk and cotton clothing is produced to amazing standards - and its green

PICTURES: With Follyology, owner Judith West (above left) is bringing a range of clothing with heart and soul to Hoppers Yard (below), set in a truly magical corner of Holt.

credentials are impeccable.

“We believe in clothes that are made with heart and soul, which is why we spend so much time sourcing our brands to ensure they share that ethos,” says Judith. “Everything we sell values the producers of the fabrics and the families who make the garments these are very small companies, but they’re making a big difference.”

It’s time we started looking at fashion in a different way - and Follyology is opening our eyes to a brighter and better world for everyone.

Follyology Hoppers Yard, Bull Street Holt NR25 6LN 01263 711455 www.follyology.co.uk sales@follyology.co.uk

73

Long Sutton

Keep yourself cool this summer with refreshing tones that mirror the blue skies, and designs that are guaranteed to brighten your day. Our favourite local boutiques are brimming with new styles and vibrant outfits for you to make a sunny impression.

Just be prepared for all the jealous stares while you’re enjoying the sunshine...

Dress by FOIL

ALLEZ CHIC Castle Rising

Harbour print cream butterfly stripe top

by Joules £29.95

THE HAYLOFT at BEARTS Stowbridge

KLmagazine July 2021

75

Shimmery white shirt by Caractère

SHEILA TILLER

76

KLmagazine July 2021

Chic and affordable fashion for all ages

DISCOVER NEW CLASSICS Refresh your wardrobe and enjoy some retail therapy at Allez Chic t: 01553 631915 The Old School, Castle Rising, King’s Lynn PE31 6AG

www.allezchic.co.uk

Sheila Tiller

N OS A W LE ON

EXCLUSIVE LADIES FASHION & SHOES EST. 1978

Unique fashions not usually found on the high street from a range of exclusive brands F A S H I O N S • H A N D B A G S S H O E S • L I N G E R I E

OPENING HOURS

9am-4pm M on to Sat 9am-3p Fri, m, Closed all day Wednesday

13 Market Place, Long Sutton | Tel: 01406 363 433 | www.sheilatiller.co.uk KLmagazine July 2021

77

Jean jacket

by Dolcezza

CINDY’S

Sutton Bridge

78

KLmagazine July 2021

Cindy’s

Sizes 10-26

of Sutton Bridge

for your special occasions visit Cindy’s Wedding outfits from £99

Telephone 01406 350961 to make your appointment Follow us on Facebook to watch our twice weekly videos, keeping you up-to-date with our new season collections in the comfort of your home Facebook: cindysfashionssuttonbridge www.cindysfashions.co.uk 108 Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge PE12 9SA | Tel: 01406 350961

AIGLE ARIAT BARBOUR BUFF CATERPILLAR

The Hayloft

at bearts of Stow Bridge

Everything for the great outdoors

JOULES LE CHAMEAU MOUNTAIN HORSE MUCK BOOTS

CHATHAM

RIDGELINE

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WOOFWEAR TILLEY

visit our superstore with ample free parking TEL: 01366 388151 | WEB: www.bearts.co.uk | Brighton Mill, Stow Bridge, King’s Lynn PE34 3PD

KLmagazine July 2021

79

Face & Neck

Our multi pair offer is back!

Ask a member of staff for more info

s og se ! tif len re Op ee he fr le g- ab fo vail a

Our Optomap retinal exams are Covid-19 safe Optomap technology allows us to have an excellent view of the Retina without having to be in close contact.

• The safest way to check the health of your eyes at a safe distance • Images up to 82% of your Retina Cleaned and disinfected after • every use We’re seeing all patients SAFELY and have resumed routine sight examinations. Call us to book:

Tel: 01760 722661 www.daseaman.org.uk ‘D.A Seaman Optometrists’ 44 Market Place, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7QH

D.A. Seaman Optometrists

WE ARE NOW OPEN & WELCOMING BACK OUR PATIENTS In line with Covid-19 guidelines we are now open safely, please call us on 01553 762405 for more details.

Need Dentures?

“

Then visit the ONLY expert denture clinic in your area.

You don’t have to change your dentist - just visit the expert to look after your dentures

”

• Highly qualified & registered denture professionals with over 30 years experience • We make all dentures in-house in our laboratory in King’s Lynn • Visit us directly to receive the best personal service & the best fitting dentures • Free initial consultations

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Find us at: 31 London Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5PY | Website: www.schoolhousedentureclinic.co.uk 80

KLmagazine July 2021

After

Before

2 treatments

Before

1 treatment

After

Sutha

Enjoy the results of a non-surgical facelift Sutha Aesthetics introduces Tribella from Venus Versa - an amazing new three-in-one skincare treatment that’s exclusive to the area

I

f you’re looking for a confident practitioner and perfectly naturallooking results, look no further than Sutha Aesthetics in King’s Lynn, which offers a wide range of non-surgical treatments and handselected range of world-leading cosmetic products.

And it’s now one of only two clinics in the whole country outside of London currently offering the innovative Tribella treatment from Venus Versa.

Essentially it’s a complete three-inone treatment that combines advanced photofacial, skin resurfacing and anti-aging technology. This amazing high-intensity and non-invasive solution gives you visible results faster and in fewer sessions than other treatments. In fact, most people only need three treatments (they last less than 90 minutes) over the course of 12-15 weeks before enjoying smoother, younger and

healthier-looking skin.

It’s the latest way Sutha Bausbacher is helping people on their own personal aesthetic journey as they discover their most beautiful self.

“I have a very real passion for fulfilling my clients’ desires and ensuring they’re as comfortable with themselves and confident as they can be,” she says.

“Feeling happy and content within your own skin is a great luxury and it takes determination and courage, but I love taking that journey with my clients, only using treatments tailored specifically and uniquely to them.”

Sutha has over 25 years’ nursing experience as a theatre nurse (many of them at a Harley Street clinic in London) and also works at Nuffield Health in Cambridge every week, which has enabled her

Sutha Aesthetics KLmagazine July 2021

to build strong working relationships with skincare specialists and surgeons.

Which is perfect for clients who do wish to take the surgical route, as Sutha’s background makes her perfectly placed to ask for help and advice.

But for people wanting to achieve dramatic and natural results without resorting to surgery, Sutha will prepare a treatment plan for you to achieve your aesthetic goals, boost your selfconfidence and enhance your body positivity.

If you’d like to discover just how beautiful you are (and how rewarding the journey can be) please contact Sutha using the details below for an initial consultation - and you’ll soon be facing a brighter, better-looking future.

And you’ll find that at Sutha Aesthetics beauty really is more than skin deep.

St Ann’s House, St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1LT Telephone: 07506 133091 • E-mail: admin@suthaaesthetics.co.uk Website: www.suthaaesthetics.co.uk

81

It’s time to play and it’s time to save the planet In Wells-Next-the-Sea the enchanting Ele and Me has children at its heart and is fully committed to sourcing sustainable, ethical and responsibly-sourced products

W

hen Andrea Golding was studying business and retail management at the College of West Anglia in King’s Lynn, she knew she wanted to have her own business one day - but didn’t know exactly what kind of business that would be.

“It had to be something I was really interested in and something I was passionate about,” says Andrea - or Annie as she’s been known since a child. “I wanted to be my own person 82

and show my personality in my business in some way. Whatever that turned out to be.”

In the event it was her young family that provided the inspiration. Born in the beautiful coastal town of WellsNext-the-Sea, Annie had spent her childhood living above one of her father’s shops surrounded by sweets, toys and beach gear.

Whenever she wasn’t at school she’d help out serving tourists, holidaymakers and local customers - and that retail experience proved invaluable with the

birth of her daughter six years ago.

“Like all new mothers I started looking for clothing and toys and products for babies and children, but I didn’t want to have loads of things I’d never use or things that would impact the environment,” Annie says. “I was surprised there was nowhere locally where you could find all that under one roof, so I decided to create it myself.”

By the time Annie found suitable premises in the centre of Wells and started renovating it together with her partner using upcycled furniture and KLmagazine July 2021

reclaimed scaffolding boards (she was six months pregnant at the time with her second child) her daughter was two years old - and helped give the business its distinctive name.

“My daughter had an elephant comforter she absolutely adored and they were her favourite animals,” says Annie, “and that was the feeling I wanted to achieve. I wanted children to come to Ele and Me and find a toy they’d cherish for the next 30 years - or even longer.”

Opening at the start of January 2018, Ele and Me is packed with innovative (and educational) wooden toys, organic cotton clothing, eco-friendly homeware and products for the entire family - but it has babies and children at its heart.

The shop is a delight for parents and youngsters alike, being fully interactive with play tables and hands-on experiences for youngsters to explore - and discover that special toy that will stay with them for years.

Ele and Me has even recently launched a special subscription service for customers, delivering the magic of the store to your door (wherever you live) every month with specially-chosen and age-specific treats every month from wooden animals to plastic-free homewares.

And this isn’t just about the future of your children - it’s about the future of the planet.

All products at Ele and Me are sustainably sourced and environmentally-friendly, and are making a real difference to people’s lives around the world from Sri Lanka to Honduaras - whether that involves tree planting programmes, the building of local schools, working towards carbon neutrality or supporting local communities.

“Being aware of where your products come from and what social impact they have is very important to me, and that was one of the main driving forces behind Ele and Me,” says Annie.

“I think having my own children has helped bring that into focus. Buying a throwaway single-use product is very easy, but we all need to start looking at the wider picture.”

And at Ele and Me the future is refreshingly optimistic.

“With so many amazing toys and clothes out there that don’t rely on plastic or impact the environment we’re rapidly outgrowing our store, so I think we’ll be needing another shop or two soon,” Annie laughs. “It’s a bit like having children - you think it’s big enough, but before you know it you need something bigger.”

KLmagazine July 2021

Annie Golding’s business in Wells-Next-the-Sea was largely inspired by her children, but Ele and Me also has sustainability at its heart

Ele and Me 1 Bolts Close, Wells-Next-the-Sea Norfolk NR23 1JP 01328 712201 customerservice@eleandme.com www.eleandme.com

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- Ashley Mullenger

“

“

I jumped into the great unknown, but I knew I was going to be happier for it...

ABOVE: Fisherman Ashely Mullenger beside the 11m wooden whelking boat Fair Lass at her home port of Wells-Next-the-Sea

Catching up with the female fisherman At the moment women make up only about 2% of the UK’s fishing industry, but there are signs that the tides are changing - and from Wells-Next-the-Sea fisherman Ashley Mullenger is leading the way

O

n 16th November last year, respected journalist Katya Adler caused something of a storm during a news report about Brexit talks on BBC’s Radio 4 Today progamme when she referred to ‘fisherpeople’ despite the fact that around 98% of the people working in commercial fishing (including processing) are men.

The backlash

KLmagazine July 2021

was considerable, making national headlines and even seeing GMB presenter Piers Morgan interviewing one of the very few women in the UK working in the industry from a boat off the north Norfolk coast.

Perhaps more surprising is the fact that Ashley Mullenger (who fishes from Wells-Next-the-Sea) agreed with him.

“Men have worked really hard for centuries to earn the title of ‘fisherman’ and I’m not going to take that away from them,” she says. “If you’re doing a job you love it doesn’t really matter what you call it. It’s totally irrelevant and I couldn’t care less. In fact, I actively promote the fact that I’m proud to be a fisherman.”

And a natural-born one at that.

Born in Oxford and raised in

Cambridgeshire, Ashley moved to Norfolk with her parents before she became a teenager - and her only fishing experience was accompanying her father on his angling trips.

“I wanted to be an archaeologist, I wanted to be an astronaut, and I wanted to be a vet,” she says. “In fact I wanted to be something different every other week - and I finally ended up in an office.”

The ocean was calling, however.

When her desk-bound colleagues wondered what they should do at the weekend, Ashley suggested chartering a fishing boat from Wells-Next-theSea for a couple of hours - an idea that would change her life.

“It was a genuine lightbulb moment,” she says. “It was an environment I

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PICTURES: One of the only 2% of women working in the fishing industry, Ashlely’s working day can be greulling and unpredictable, as her hours are decided by the tides and by the weather (thanks to Ashley’s Instagram @thefemalefisherman for the two photographs below)

wanted to be in and I felt like I fitted there.”

She asked skipper Nigel Storey if she could go on a full-day fishing trip, and there was no going back. It got to the point where Ashley didn’t even have to book her place, and when Nigel’s son left to work on a commercial fishing boat she faced something of a dilemma.

“By then Nigel and I had become good friends, so when he was short of a crew member he asked if I’d like to join,” says Ashley. “Thanks to my employer I was able to spend most of the summer at sea, but when that was over it was like the end of the world. I really missed it.”

By 2018 Nigel Storey had been operating his own commercial fishing boat out of Wells-Next-the-Sea for

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a couple of years, and Ashley often accompanied him when she could get away from her desk. When a crew member couldn’t make it one night, Nigel asked Ashley if she’d be prepared to step in, she jumped at the chance.

And the rest is history.

“It was a massive move because I didn’t know if I was physically strong enough or if the job had the stability I needed,” she says. “But there are more important things in life than a regular salary and a mundane routine. I jumped into the great unknown, but I knew I was going to be happier for it.”

There’s no point in asking Ashley what her typical day is like, because there’s no such thing. Sometimes she’ll start work at 6am and sometimes she’ll start at 10pm. Her ‘office’ hours are now entirely dependent on the tides and the weather - and her livelihood is equally precarious.

“As a fisherman your wages are never going to be guaranteed because they largely depend on what you catch on any given day,” she says. “Take out the costs of bait, fuel, maintenance and repairs and there’s not a huge amount left.”

Ashley also sympathises with the plight of fishermen across the UK. “I don’t want to get into a political debate but it’s somewhat bizarre that around 80% of the fish and 95% of the whelks we catch are sent abroad,” she says. “Supermarkets generally drive the demand, and that’s been putting undue pressure on certain fish stocks.

I think that’s changing, though - people are becoming more aware of what’s local, what’s seasonal, and where their food is coming from.”

But the appeal of being a fisherman isn’t about quotas, trade agreements, dangers, ferocious weather, 16-hour days or unpredictable earnings. At the end of the day it’s about freedom.

“That’s what I really enjoy,” says Ashley. “I love the complete and raw honesty of the job. You’re doing your own thing and you’re going where no one else is. Yes, it’s very hard work - but I wouldn’t swap it for the world.”

You can keep up with Ashley and her latest news on her Instagram account @thefemalefisherman

KLmagazine July 2021

CURRENT OPENING TIMES: Tuesday-Friday 7am-4pm & Saturday 7am-2pm

The ‘Plaice’ to visit for all your fish, shellfish & much more...

BBQ favourites including fish kebabs, swordfish & raw prawns

Fresh cockles

NOW IN SEASON! Cockles, local samphire freshly picked from our marshland, crabs, lobsters & brown shrimps DELI COUNTER with local cheeses, ham & olives SOMETHING EASY FOR TEA quiches, curries, fish pies, fishcakes and much more made on site LUNCHES FRESHLY MADE SEAFOOD PLATTERS for that special occasion or weekend treat!

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ORIENTAL PALACE

CHINESE RESTAURANT Peking Szechuan & Cantonese Cuisine

Choose as many dishes as you want from the à la carte menu and they’ll be freshly cooked to order - all for one set price!

TAKE AWAY & DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE 204 Main Road, West Winch, King’s Lynn, PE33 0NP Tel: 01553 842255 | www.orientalpalacewestwinch.co.uk or Facebook page for up-to-date news

KLmagazine July 2021

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fruit & veg

Farms Shop

5 for £20 on all our BBQ meat packs Our mix and match offer on BBQ packs are full of locally sourced meat such as includes burgers, sausages, ribs & marinated meats, prepared by our very own butcher.

butchery

The best of Norfolk summer fruits from Sharrington now available in our shop.

Walsingham

Guild Street NR22 6BU t: 01328 821877

Norwich Market

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

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The perfect venue for your

Charity Ball Package • Room hire of the ballroom • 3 course set dinner • Arrival drink of prosecco • Chair covers and sash • Red carpet arrival • Use of the private bar • Voucher for dinner for 2 as a raffle prize

• Free promotion through social media • DJ and disco set up • Printed tailored tickets • A3 bespoke table plan

F rom £ 35 per person

Let us take the stress away from hosting your Charity Ball. The Dukes Head Hotel has played host to some memorable evenings in it’s time. Grand style, fine food and a beautiful setting make it the venue of choice for charity events.

Speak to our dedicated events team today to further disuss your requirements.

C all us: 01553 774 9 9 6 ev ents@ d ukesh ead h otel.com

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5-6 T uesd ay M arket Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1J S www.d ukesh ead h otel.com

KLmagazine July 2021

Crispy Lamb Belly with spiced potato and peas, tangy tomato sauce, feta, sultana puree CRISPY LAMB BELLY Method 1. Get one lamb belly (breast), boned and rolled from your local butcher.

2. Braise lamb belly in cider and chicken stock for about 4 hours, until tender.

3. Leave to cool in fridge.

4. Cut into slices approx. 2 inches thick.

TANGY TOMATO SAUCE Method 1. Fry an onion and a garlic clove until soft.

2. Add a little vinegar and sugar, then cook to reduce a little.

3. Add a tin of chopped tomatoes and a little bit of ketchup.

4. Cook for about 30 minutes then push through a sieve.

SULTANA PUREE Method 1. Put sultanas in a pan with a little water then simmer until sultanas are plump.

2. Liquidise.

3. Push through a sieve.

TO FINISH Method 1. Pan fry lamb belly slices then place in oven until crisp on outside.

2. Sauté finely-sliced potato slices in butter with salt and pepper along with a pinch of cayenne pepper. Once ready add some cooked peas.

PLATING THE DISH 1. Place potatoes and peas on a plate 2. Spoon 3-4 spoons of the tomato sauce around the potatoes.

3. Place lamb on top.

4. Crumble some feta over the top of the lamb.

5. Decorate the plate with the sultana puree and some pea shoots.

Recipe by Stuart Deuchars Head Chef at Dukes Head Hotel 5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JS 01553 774996 | www.dukesheadhotel.com

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Restaurant & Bar

e r t n e c s e u Antiq

Book shop

Beer shop ABOVE: Beers of Europe already has a reputation for showcasing the biggest selection of beers, ales and spirits in the UK, but that’s just the start of the story - with the recent addition of a spectacular new bar and restaurant it’s rapidly becoming one of Norfolk’s premier tourist destinations.

One destination.

Six unique experiences.

The largest range of international beers and craft ales in the country, an enormous antiques centre and a fabulous collection of Steiff collectables - and now Beers of Europe is offering even more...

I

f Beers of Europe couldn’t get more exciting or contain more things to discover, it’s now embarking on a new adventure.

“We’ll soon be doubling in size,” says Marketing Manager Amanda Waterfield. “Once we’ve finished the current work the extended beer shop will cover around 11,000 ft² and confirm our status as the largest in Britain.”

Beers of Europe currently offers over 1,700 varieties of beer, including gluten free, non-alcoholic, locallybrewed Norfolk drinks and thousands of international brands. In addition

KLmagazine July 2021

to stocking over 1,000 malt whiskies, spirits and liqueurs.

“You’re guaranteed to find something you’ll enjoy,” says Amanda, “and if you don’t know what to pick, we’re always happy to recommend something to suit your tastes. I highly recommend our draught Duvel or Vedett, which will be fixed lines on our tapwall.”

The family-run business (which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year) is owned by Derek Clark alongside his wife Carol and the couple’s two sons Daniel and Jason, and is completely independent allowing the team to develop relationships with any brewer

they choose - and maintaining those links has certainly paid off - with over 14,000 reviews on Trustpilot, they’re rated 4.9 out of 5, and there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon.

“We’re already one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norfolk,” says Amanda. “And with the addition of a secondhand bookshop to the antiques centre, we’ve never been busier.”

The Warehouse opened in 2017, and here you’ll find the largest array of antiques in East Anglia. Over 100 dealers sell a vast selection of collectables, and it’s become so 91

respected that six episodes of the BBC’s popular Bargain Hunt have been filmed here.

And once you’ve finished with the vinyl records, militaria, silver and jewellery, taxidermy, art, and antique furniture you’ll find the Steiff shop offers an incredible selection of Steiff bears and animals, Brio’s luxurious wooden toys, and Ravensburger’s famous jigsaw puzzles.

The huge secondhand bookshop opened last year, and it’s a reflection of Derek Clark’s passion for anything with a bit of history behind it.

“I love old things such as antiques, books, unusual pieces, and anything with an interesting past,” he says. “They all have their own stories to tell and I love discovering them.”

With 20,000 books currently in stock, covering everything from timeless classics to contemporary fiction, you’re guaranteed to walk away with a handful of unique stories for yourself.

But the next chapter is already being written, with the launch of the Warehouse Taproom Bar & Restaurant, a vibrant and modern space that opened in May 2021, and Amanda is justifiably proud of the new space.

“The opening was inevitably delayed because of Covid-19,” she says, but we were able to use those quiet periods to ensure everything was exactly what we wanted it to be.”

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Toy shop ABOVE: The Steiff Shop is a wonderland of collectables and top quality toys and jigsaw puzzles, but you can enjoy a completely different tatse of Beers of Europe thanks to the work of Bruce Ingle (below) and his team at the brand new Warehouse Taproom Bar & Restaurant

In the capable hands of chef Bruce Ingle the menu offers everything from breakfasts and artisan sandwiches to freshly-cooked meals and a wide selection of incredible baked cakes and treats made by Morgan, a hugelytalented 21-year-old pâtissière.

The restaurant now accepts Blue Light cards, offering 15% off all food to the emergency services, NHS workers, the social care sector and the armed forces.

Children are also in for a treat.

“Our lovely beer garden opened at the start of June,” says Amanda, “and we’re currently adding a special play area for children. It’s going to be a really amazing outdoor space and I can’t wait to be able to hold special events here.”

And while you’re exploring the menus, don’t miss the limited edition pizzas made to and supporting the business’ chosen charities - the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

“We’ve worked with the EAAA in the past,” says Amanda. “With the help of Norfolk Brewhouse we created our own beer - the TapRoom Twenty - to celebrate our 20th anniversary and 20p from every bottle sold went to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.”

While the Frontline Feast (for the EAAA) is divided into quadrants reflecting the service’s helicopter blades, the Saving Lives with Cheese pizza (for the RNLI) is seafood-based and includes ingredients such as sea rosemary.

People disappointed with being unable to visit Munich for the worldfamous Oktoberfest for the last two years will be pleased to learn that the Warehouse Taproom is plannning to hold its very own - and recreate the event’s unique atmosphere.

“We’re hoping to have no less than 16 different beers on tap, and that’s probably the highest in the whole of the UK,” says Amanda. “We’ve already had some amazing feedback from our customers and we’re really looking forward to the future.”

And with six unique experiences in one destination, there’s an awful lot to look forward to.

Beer garden & play area

Beers of Europe Garage Lane, Setchey King’s Lynn PE33 0BE 01553 812000 www.beersofeurope.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2021

We’ve made our restaurant a safe place to sit in by following government guidelines

Crawfish Inn Authentic Thai Restaurant Keep up to date with us by liking us on Facebook

• Finest ingredients from Thailand

• Local cask ales to a popular range of draughts beers & extensive wine list • Takeaway service available

Tel: 01328 878313 Holt Road, Thursford, Norfolk NR21 0BJ www.crawfishinn.com Open: Tue to Sun from 6pm (open on all Bank Holidays)

The perfect backdrop for your special day

The Old Gatehouse is a grade II listed 15th Century gatehouse that originally formed part of Bexwell Hall.

• Situated close to Downham Market • Road & Rail links • Licensed for civil ceremonies • Ample off road parking • Private Hire • Licensed Venue

KLmagazine July 2021

For all enquiries please contact

Sandra 07801 243927 or Nick 07585 904446 ? www.oldgatehousebexwell.co.uk > info@oldgatehousebexwell.co.uk Bexwell Lane, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 9GA

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C O S Y T E A RO OM S E T I N T H E H E A RT O F G R E AT M A S S I N G H A M

a place to enjoy breakfast, coffee & cake, lunch and afternoon teas Locally sourced ingredients | Hot food freshly cooked to order All cakes handmade on the premises | Takeaway available Open: 9am-4pm 7 days a week Book a table: 01485 520 272 / info@thecartshedtearoom.co.uk Web: www.thecartshedtearoom.co.uk Located behind GreatKL Massingham Stores &v5.qxp_Layout Post Office: Church Lane, Great Massingham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE32 2HY S3232E Garden Brasserie Mag Ad 182wx130h 1 07/12/2018 13:53 Page 1

Garden Brasserie and Bar

Sunday lunch | Afternoon teas | Dining for non-residents | Private gatherings

T: 01553 675566 | E: reception@knightshill.co.uk www.knightshill.co.uk South Wootton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 3HQ

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KLmagazine July 2021

Chocolate orange cake INGREDIENTS

METHOD

For the chocolate cake 100g eggs 100g Stork margarine 100g caster sugar 75g sponge flour 25g of flour for cocoa powder

1 Lightly grease and line a 9” square cake tin.

4 Bake in oven for about 35-40 minutes.

2 Preheat fan oven to 165°C.

5 Once cake has cooled, top with orange flavoured buttercream and slice and enjoy!

For the orange cake 100g eggs 100g Stork margarine 100g caster sugar 100g sponge flour Grated rind of one orange, 2 tbsp of juice from the orange For the buttercream 200g stork block margarine 400g icing sugar Orange extract to taste

KLmagazine July 2021

3 Make the two cakes separately then add to cake tin, alternate the two cake mixes in middle of tin on top of each other, once all the mixture is in either shake tin gently or use a palette knife to spread the mix evenly in the tin.

Recipe by The Cartshed Tearoom Church Lane, Great Massingham, King’s Lynn PE32 2HY | 01485 520272 www.thecartshedtearoom.co.uk 95

An exciting new chef for a fabulous new venue...

As The Pavilion at Heacham Manor brings a new standard of hospitality to west Norfolk, Head Chef Dale Hürlimann is introducing local diners to an outstanding level of creative dishes

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he newly-opened Pavilion at Heacham Manor has become one of the most luxurious and stylish venues for business meetings, weddings, corporate events and private functions anywhere in Norfolk. The totally new kitchen is led by Head Chef Dale Hürlimann, who trained at Les Roches in Switzerland (judged one of the world’s top three schools for hospitality) and happily managed to find some time to talk to KL magazine about his career and his love of food.

KL magazine: Did you always want to be a chef?

Dale Hürlimann: Absolutely. It felt

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so natural to me. I’ve wanted to be cooking as a career since I was 14.

Probably even younger.

KL magazine: How did you come to study at Les Roches?

Dale Hürlimann: After completing my Chef apprenticeship in Zurich, I applied to study at Les Roches to further my training and become the very best I could. And thankfully they accepted me.

KL magazine: Is it true you once prepared a lunch banquet for Richard Branson and his guests on board Virgin Australia in South Africa? What was on the menu?

Dale Hürlimann: Yes, it’s true. It was a high-end banquet with a selection of hot and cold food as well as a selection of desserts. I was catering for 80 executives on board a Boeing 737, working for Wings In-Flight Services as Executive Chef and we’d just won the catering tender for the long-haul route between South Africa and Australia.

KL magazine: What brought you to Norfolk and to Heacham Manor?

Dale Hürlimann: I was looking for opportunities in a new country and through my network of family, friends and former colleagues a good friend from school in South Africa introduced me to a vacancy at Heacham Manor. I KLmagazine July 2021

flew over from Switzerland for the interview and stayed over with my friend, who showed me around the local area. I loved the area, so when I was offered the job I didn’t think twice about accepting it.

KL magazine: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement to date?

Dale Hürlimann: Probably cooking for the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks rugby teams at the 2011 Tri-Nations Final in Port Elizabeth South Africa. That was a real honour.

KL magazine: How would you describe your approach to food?

Dale Hürlimann: I cook with absolute love and passion to ensure all my guests enjoy a memorable food experience.

ABOVE: The Pavilion at Heacham Manor overlooks the hotel’s famous golf course, and the food at this new multi-function venue comes courtesy of the extremely talented Head Chef Dale Hürlimann (opposite)

KL magazine: There’s a definite move towards vegetarian/vegan food at the moment. From a chef’s point of view is that a restriction or an opportunity?

Dale Hürlimann: It’s definitely an opportunity and it’s one I’m looking forward to embracing more and more creatively.

KL magazine: Where do you get your inspiration from?

Dale Hürlimann: I get a lot of inspiration from old and new cookery books, eating out and cooking shows on television. I actually really enjoy talking to my customers when I get the chance as well as to my suppliers and my friends and family - so I get a lot of inspiration from them too.

KL magazine: Who’s your favourite ‘celebrity’ chef - and why?

Dale Hürlimann: I think I’d choose Rick Stein, because he always cooks using fresh local produce and he always keeps things simple.

KL magazine: What do you enjoy cooking the most?

Dale Hürlimann: Mostly I enjoy cooking seafood, whether that’s fish or shellfish - and that’s one of the things that attracted me to Norfolk. The fresh food we have on our doorstep is really amazing.

KL magazine: There must be something you really don’t enjoy cooking?

Dale Hürlimann: I don’t think there is.

Actually, there might be - I’m really not that keen on blood sausage.

KL magazine: What’s your idea of food KLmagazine July 2021

hell - and food heaven?

Dale Hürlimann: Without a doubt, my idea of food heaven would be desserts.

As for food hell, that would be any food that’s over-cooked. And blood sausage, of course.

KL magazine: If you could only have one utensil or appliance in your kitchen, what would it be?

Dale Hürlimann: A Thermomix. It’s an amazing piece of kit and I wouldn’t be without it.

KL magazine: What do you do when you’re not cooking or creating new dishes?

Dale Hürlimann: I spend so much time in the kitchen I simply enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family - whatever we’re doing.

KL magazine: When you do go out for a meal, where do you prefer to go and what do you order?

Dale Hürlimann: I’m relatively new to Norfolk so I haven’t had much time to explore many places yet. I’m always in my own kitchen, so I don’t have a favourite yet. Gradually, I’ll visit as many places as possible to try new food and gain a better insight into the local area.

And then I’ll let you know.

KL magazine: For anyone interested in taking up a career as a chef, what single piece of advice would you give them?

Dale Hürlimann: I would always advise attending a recognised culinary school or college or university to learn the different methods of cooking and other kitchen skills and techniques. I believe

this is the essential ground zero, and it forms a solid base from which to grow your career. Then all you need to do is follow your heart.

If you’d like to try Dale’s food for yourself, please book your table at The Pavilion by calling 01485 536030.

Or for more information visit www.heacham-manor.co.uk or e-mail info@heacham-manor.co.uk

The World’s Smallest, Smartest Kitchen

Book a Demo

For a NO OBLIGATION FREE DEMO please contact Vicky Bray Tel: 07941 225 777 Email: vickybraythermomix@gmail.com

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Salmon tartare with pickled cucumber, baby beetroot and cream cheese stack, drizzled with a lemon caper vinaigrette INGREDIENTS & METHOD SALMON TARTARE Smoked salmon (diced) - 200g Capers (diced) - 30g Chopped dill - 10g Lemon juice - 40g Chopped parsley - 10g 1. Gently combine ingredients together then allow to stand for 1 hour in the fridge.

PICKLED CANDY BEETROOT Sliced candy beetroot - 2 large beetroot White wine vinegar - 100ml Bay leaves - 2 Peppercorns - 1 tbsp Sea salt - 20g Water - 100ml Sugar - 30g 1. Bring water to the boil with vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaf, salt and sugar until sugar and salt are dissolved.

2. Remove pickling liquid from the heat and pour over sliced beetroot.

3. Allow to stand for 24 hours in the fridge.

PICKLED CUCUMBER Diced cucumber - 150g Chopped dill - 15g White wine vinegar - 100g Water - 100g Sea salt - 30g 1. Bring water to the boil with vinegar and salt until the salt is dissolved.

2. Remove the pickling liquid from the heat and pour over the cucumber and dill.

3. Allow to stand for 24 hours in the fridge.

PLATING THE DISH 1. For each serving use a round form - place a layer of pickled cucumber followed by a layer of pickled candy beetroot slices.

2. On top of the beetroot, place a layer of salmon tartare and press down.

3. Gently remove the form and top with a dollop of cream cheese.

4. Finally drizzle some of the vinaigrette over the stack, garnish with dill and serve.

VINAIGRETTE Lemon juice - 20g Capers - 20g Dill - 20g White wine vinegar - 400g Olive oil - 80g Salt and pepper – to taste 1. Blend together lemon juice, caper, dill and white wine vinegar.

2. Still blending slowly, incorporate olive oil.

3. Season to taste with salt & pepper.

Recipe by Dale Hürlimann Head Chef at The Pavilion Heacham Manor, Hunstanton Road, Heacham PE31 7JX 01485 536030 www.heacham-manor.co.uk

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KLmagazine July 2021

HM PA

HEACHAM MANOR 52 BEDROOMS

SPORTS BAR & PATIO

AA ROSETTE RESTAURANT

PRIVATE FUNCTION GARDEN

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UPSTAIRS BAR & TERRACE 6 VERSATILE MEETING & EVENTS SPACES FOR UP TO 150 DELEGATES

For further information please email: info@heacham-manor.co.uk

OR CALL 01485 536030

HEACHAM MANOR HOTEL, HUNSTANTON ROAD, HEACHAM, NORFOLK PE31 7JX 11

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HM PAVILION EVENTS FPAGE KL MAGAZINE JUN21.indd 1

18/06/2021 10:05

1970s 1980s

ABOVE: Kathleen and Roger Elsegood pictured in the 1980s.

Today the business is run by the couple’s daughter Margaret (right) and her husband Phil, with their son Roger becoming the fifth generation of the family working for the local butcher - which has occupied the same spot in Pott Row (top) for over 100 years

Today

Enjoying a taste of Norfolk for 100 years Elsegood Family Butchers in Pott Row just outside King’s Lynn is celebrating a century in business this year - and offers everything (and more) you can expect from a traditional village butcher

T

here are so many reasons to use your local butcher.

With consumers becoming more aware of where their food is coming from, they’re increasingly wanting to shop locally, boosting the local economy and suppporting responsibly-sourced meat.

The customer service is hard to beat as well. A local butcher will cut the meat for you to your exact requirements, and even suggest alternative cuts that can save you money without sacrificing flavour. And if you’re interested in trying a specialty

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meat but you’re not sure how to cook it or present it, there’s no better person to ask.

None of which comes as any surprise to Phil and Margaret Garrod of Elsegood Family Butchers, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year - although the business has been in the family for longer than that.

“We’ve managed to trace the business back to 1888, but it must be much older,” says Margaret. “It all started with Robert Coe, who was my great-grandfather.”

In 1892, Robert was officially called a

butcher, farmer and fish hawker - and he used to deliver his freshly-produced products to surrounding villages and towns on a horse and cart. In fact, the old stable block and the former slaughterhouse are still standing - and just inside the entrance to the shop is a stone block that was used to make it easier to get on the horses.

“We’re actually still delivering to families who used to get their meat from the horse and cart,” says Phil, “so we must be doing something right.”

On 15th August 1921, Robert Coe’s daughter Maud married Richard KLmagazine July 2021

Elsegood, and when they took over the business they changed its name - and Elsegood Family Butchers was born.

Of the couple’s two sons, Roger Elsegood ran a nearby farm while his brother Colin took over the butchers - but that all changed in February 1971 with decimalisation.

“My uncle Colin said he couldn’t be bothered fiddling about with all that ‘new money’ so he swapped roles with my father,” says Margaret. “He went to the farm and we came here to run the butchers.”

When Roger Elsegood retired in 2005 (he was in his 80s by then) the business was taken over by his daughter and her husband, an experienced and ABOVE: The wedding of Maud Coe and Richard Elsegood in highly-trained electrician who August 1921 saw her family butchers change its name. At right first came to the butchers for is the title page of a Bible presented to the happy couple of romantic rather than food-related the occasion, and below is the solicitor’s letter confirming the reasons. couple taking over the business the following year “When I started courting Margaret in the mid 1970s the only running a local butchers.” way we could see each other on a And while Margaret and Phil ran the Saturday night was for me to come to butchers, her brother Richard took over the shop and help clean and wash up,” the family farm and ran it successfully says Phil. “It might sound like a strange until his untimely death in 2009. leap from electricity, but both of them The couple’s son Roger (named after involve meeting people, talking to them his grandfather) is now working for the and building relationships with them business, the fifth generation of the and that’s one of the best things about family to do so.

Today, Elsegood Family Butchers is everything you could wish for from a local cheeses, hog roasts and outside traditional village store. catering and it’s easy to see why their Virtually all the meat comes from customers are as far away as London. local farms (many of whom have been In fact, demand from other local supplying the store for over 30 years) businesses, village stores and shops and it’s no surprise that this longbecame so great that Phil and Margaret standing family business continues to had to employ a driver now to cope offer customers a homemade taste of with the deliveries. tradition. The delicious pork cheese “When we took over the business the is made to an original recipe going future of local butchers looked rather all the way back to Maud Coe’s sister bleak,” says Phil. “But people’s attitudes (affectionately known as Aunt Aggie) to responsibly-produced food and who used to work in the shop, and the where it comes from have changed, recipe for the sausages has also been in and I don’t think we’ve ever been the family for generations. busier.

“Our sausages are so popular it’s As Elsegood Family Butchers sometimes hard to make enough of celebrates 100 years of high quality and them,” says Phil. “We recently had a outstanding customer service there’s gentleman buy 40 of them in little doubt it will still be doing so a one go - and he was back a century from now. week later to buy another 40. He said they were the best sausages Elsegood Family he’d ever tasted.”

Butchers Elsegood Family Butchers also makes its own gammon, Cliffe-en-Howe Road, Pott Row bacon and haslet - and offers King’s Lynn PE32 1BY a fantastic homemade Pie of 01485 600222 the Week which never fails to elsegoodfamilybutcher@gmail.com sell out. Combine that with a elsegoodfamilybutchers.co.uk selection of essential groceries,

1921

late 1980s

KLmagazine July 2021

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ABOVE: The main bar at the Ostrich Inn in South Creake is just one example of how the much-loved village pub has been re-imagined and transformed as it enters a new chapter in its long story.

The only Ostrich in the world taking flight...

Within 12 months one of Norfolk’s best-loved pubs has been completely re-imagined and brought back to life. The Ostrich Inn in South Creake is a fabulous dining out venue and a truly luxurious place to stay

S

itting prominently on the road between Fakenham and Burnham Market for the last 200 years, the Ostrich Inn in South Creake is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its history as a prestigious destination for local hospitality and outstanding food and drink.

The beautiful Grade II listed building has now been completely transformed by award-winning specialist builders Grocott & Murfit as part of their Building Norfolk initiative, which is aimed at creating strong local

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communities for a brighter future, while the beautiful furnishing and finishing touches were designed and installed by the company’s sister business Arcadia Home & Living.

When you hear a customer arriving say “it’s fantastic and it looks like it’s been here forever” you know it’s a project everyone involved can be proud of.

The Ostrich may not have been part of life in South Creake forever, but it’s certainly almost 200 years old. One of no less than seven pubs in the village at one point, it must have been founded

in the early 19th century, because the earliest surviving records tell us that in 1841 the 40-year-old Mrs Mary Softly owned the licence. The pub’s name may be rather unusual, but it does have an interesting local connection.

Ostriches are well known for swallowing the oddest materials including sand, stones and pieces of iron, which gives them the advantage of being able to eat things that other animals can’t digest.

Which takes us to nearby Holkham Hall and Sir Edward Coke, who served as Attorney General under Elizabeth I KLmagazine July 2021

between 1594-1606. Considered one of the most talented legal experts of his time, Sir Edward was reported to be the only lawyer in the country who could understand and digest the most complicated laws of England. So rather appropriately he chose the ostrich as the heraldic emblem on the Coke family crest.

Back in South Creake, The Ostrich must have been one of the village’s most popular and successful pubs.

However, the local population declined rapidly in the first half of the 20th century and by 1966 it was the only one still open.

Known as The Plume of Feathers for a short while (the change of name didn’t stray too far from the world’s tallest bird), it closed in 2017 and was listed as an Asset of Community Value to protect it from redevelopment or demolition.

Work started on bringing The Ostrich back to life in September last year, and the revitalised and re-imagined pub officially opened at the start of June in the capable hands of Managing Director Teresa Haughey and Executive Chef Jes Paskins.

Teresa’s no stranger to hospitality, having spent a number of years working at sea (she became the first female Hotel Director for Seaborn Cruise Lines) and managing a small country inn in the Lake District. She’s passionate about delivering exceptional service, and she’s already been overwhelmed by the local response to the new-look Ostrich.

“The support we’ve received from the local community has been amazing,” she says. “Actually, it’s been like a breath of fresh air. This is a fabulous venue, and I’m so happy that everyone is fully behind us. The feedback we’ve KLmagazine July 2021

ABOVE: The Ostrich Inn in South Creake has been given a major new facelift but it’s still the same community hub it’s been since at least 1841 (right) - serving the very best in hospitality

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ABOVE: The delicious menu at the Ostrich Inn is packed with inventive dishes using locallysourced ingredients under the watchful eye of Head Chef Jes Paskins (right)

received so far has been brilliant.”

In the kitchen Jes Paskins is equally enthusiastic. Originally from Hertfordshire, he’s a country boy at heart so it’s hardly surprising he’s fallen in love with north Norfolk. A passionate cook since his younger days, Jes admits to being somewhat obsessed with food - and his dishes include many inspirations from his worldwide travels - from Italy to India and Thailand.

“In addition to working with Lord March at his private estate at Goodwood, I gained some invaluable experience at Mosimann’s in London, which is one of the most prestigious private dining clubs in the world,” he says. “I’m determined to bring those high standards to diners at The Ostrich and make the most of the fantastic local produce we have on our doorstep.”

His menu is full of delightful dishes - from a brilliant homemade Scotch egg (using local farmer Tim Allen’s award-winning pork) to The Ostrich Burger.

And yes, the delicious meat really is ostrich.

This is a local pub you’ll find it difficult 104

to leave - which is good news because the refurbishment includes a wonderful range of luxurious accommodation.

The four upstairs bedrooms are named after herbs such as mint and lemon thyme, and the furnishings cleverly reflect those names - even the soaps in the bathrooms are infused with the scent of the herb in question. However, the star of the show must be The Ostrich Suite, which was once simply part of the converted barn restaurant but is now a genuinely family-friendly space spread over two floors.

This is a truly wonderful venue, a much-loved part of the local community, and although the real bird can’t fly it’s great to see this ostrich spreading its wings and taking flight.

The Ostrich Inn 1 Fakenham Road, South Creake, Norfolk NR21 9PB www.theostrichinnnorfolk.co.uk info@theostrichinnnorfolk.co.uk 01328 807124

KLmagazine July 2021

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KLmagazine July 2021

Air conditioning: all the benefits all year long Why the latest air conditioning systems from Fujitsu and the in-depth expertise of the 4 Way Group make the ideal combination

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here was a time when air conditioning had a bad reputation, but today’s technology doesn’t just keep you cool during the summer months.

It can also be used to heat your home over winter, and also offers a host of other advantages including reduced indoor humidity, lower amounts of pollen and other allergens, cleaner air and even less insects - because air conditioning filters are more effective at keeping bugs out than open windows.

“Air conditioning is also becoming an increasingly green solution,” says director Steve Simpson of the 4 Way Group, who’ve been designing and installing domestic and commercial systems around the area for over 15 years. “The latest technology uses a new refrigerant which contains around

20% less refrigerant than older systems, which means you can enjoy better performance, super-low emissions and much lower energy costs.”

It also reduces a property’s carbon footprint, which makes air conditioning the ideal solution for domestic and commercial buildings - especially new-build and self-build projects.

Moreover, the 4 Way Group offers some of the very best air conditioning systems on the market today from one of the world’s most respected and innovative manufacturers.

“We’ve been a fully approved and highly qualified Fujitsu installer for several years now,” says Steve. “We’ve always preferred to use their air conditioning systems, partly because of their high quality but also because their

performance and energy-efficiency is outstanding. We also offer a complete seven-year parts warranty, but Fujitsu units are so reliable that you’ll almost certainly never need it.”

These are just a few of the reasons why the 4 Way Group is the area’s leading supplier and installer of professional air conditioning - which can usually be fitted in a single day. And don’t forget that the 4 Way Group is always available for help, advice, maintenance support and emergency servicing.

Contact Steve and his team at the 4 Way Group today for high quality air conditioning that isn’t just better for you and your family, it’s better for your home, it’s better for the planet - and it’s better for your bank balance.

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

KLmagazine July 2021

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South Quay True’s Yard

Tuesday Market Place

The Minster 108

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© Gary Mar

Making the most of amazing King’s Lynn Why not spend a day or a short stay in historic King’s Lynn?

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how much there is to see and do, and Discover King’s Lynn suggests some ideas for your itinerary

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ing’s Lynn’s visitorfriendly town centre offers fascinating heritage attractions, vibrant arts and culture, and delectable food and drink - and there’s something for everyone to discover.

A major advantage of King’s Lynn is that everything is within walking distance. If you arrive by bus or train, the shops, museums and other places of interest are just minutes away.

There are plenty of parking options including the Tuesday Market Place and Vancouver and St James’ multi-storey carparks. And once you’re here you’ll immediately want to start exploring.

A must-see for history lovers, King’s Lynn was a major centre for trade with towns around the Baltic and the North

KLmagazine July 2021

Sea through the Hanseatic League, so the first itinerary focuses on the town’s rich heritage.

You could start the day with a visit to King’s Lynn’s museums which tell fascinating tales of the people and artefacts that make up its past. In Lynn Museum you’ll encounter Victorian fairground gallopers and Seahenge – a unique Bronze Age timber circle discovered on the Norfolk coast.

Stories of Lynn, located in the Medieval Quarter, displays the magnificent 14thcentury King John Cup and you can see The Old Gaol House. At True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum you can learn about the Northenders who once lived and worked in the town’s old fishing community.

Later take a stroll through history

by exploring the historic streets in and around King’s Lynn Minster off Queen Street and Saturday Market Place - where you’ll see fine Merchants’ Houses and Thoresby College dating from medieval times. Don’t miss the iconic Custom House built in 1683, one of the town’s best-known landmarks.

Join a guided walk with the King’s Lynn Town Guides and discover different aspects of the town’s history, there’s a fascinating story around every corner. After all that walking you might need a pit stop, and there are plenty of places to sit outside and enjoy refreshments in and around Saturday Market Place and The Quayside.

Much bigger towns would be proud to have arts and cultural experiences to match King’s Lynn’s impressive offering 109

King Street

Custom House – the inspiration for the second itinerary.

Often described as a ‘Festival Town’, King’s Lynn has an annual programme of diverse festivals including the King’s Lynn Festival, which brings internationally-acclaimed performers to venues across the town centre, and Festival Too, which is one of Europe’s largest free festivals.

Although events aren’t running as normal there might be some live music this summer so please check the Discover King’s Lynn website for the latest information.

Visiting an art gallery is an ideal way to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon. GroundWork Gallery on Purfleet Street exhibits work by contemporary artists who care about how we see the world. The gallery is dedicated to art and environment.

For the latest films, head to the independent Majestic Cinema in Tower Street, which has four screens and opened in 1928. You can also see

films at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Cinema on Tuesday Market Place, which has recently installed two digital screens.

Whether you visit a museum or explore the town on foot, you’re sure to work up an appetite. King’s Lynn boasts a variety of tempting places to savour food and drink, with some wonderfully unique places to discover, which leads nicely onto the mouth-watering subject of the third itinerary.

For a light lunch you can choose from a variety of coffee shops and cafes, including big high street names and independents. Lots of cafes and restaurants have outside eating areas so you can enjoy food and drink in the sunshine, and there’s picnic-style seating on King’s Staithe Square and Tuesday Market Place.

If you’re eating by day or night, there’s a wide selection of restaurants offering everything from traditional British dishes, Caribbean, Indian, Italian, Turkish, food inspired by the US and more, with some establishments having

Stories of Lynn

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eat in and takeaway options.

Discover King’s Lynn organises a monthly Farmers’ Market, which takes place on Saturday Market Place (weather permitting), where you’ll find a selection of quality, local produce from a variety of local traders. King’s Lynn is a fabulous destination for foodies with some great dining options including restaurants on the historic South Quay.

Whether you like to plan ahead or go with the flow, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in the town centre. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome when you visit King’s Lynn. For more information visit www.discoverkingslynn.com

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KLmagazine July 2021

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KLmagazine July 2021

Ella Benning & Rob Hamilton, King’s Lynn

“The results really are hard to believe...”

At Free Your Body Therapy Jane Cole and Terry Connolly are using revolutionary treatments to free people from years of chronic pain

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here’s never been a better time or a more effective way of freeing yourself from those aches and pains that have been holding you back for far too long - even if you’re as active as couple Ella Benning and Rob Hamilton who live on the outskirts of King’s Lynn.

At Free Your Body Therapy in the centre of King’s Lynn, Terry Connolly and Jane Cole are using amazing new (and equally effective) techniques from acupuncture and sports massage to medical grade shockwave therapy, P-DTR and ‘Anatomy in Motion’ gait therapy to help people with pain management and encourage the healing process. Together they revolutionise the way you’ll think about pain - and certainly change the way you experience it.

You’d be hard pressed to find a more active couple than Ella and Rob. They’re both keen on martial arts, they visit the Peak District for cycling, they do longdistance walks in north Norfolk, and while Ella takes part in Jane Cole’s pole and aerial fitness sessions next door

to the clinic, Rob prefers football and running. It’s an extremely healthy pair of lifestyles, but it also takes its toll.

“Our bodies are incredibly good at coping with injuries and hiding pain,” says Terry, “but there’s only so long you can maintain that level of activity before you need some kind of intervention.”

And for Ella and Rob that intervention was a revelation. Ella first visited Free Your Body Therapy because of longstanding problems with her neck (that left her unable to turn or complete dance sessions), while Rob’s issue was lower back pain from cycling and neck pain caused by a combination of his desk-bound job and an injury he suffered after an awkward landing during a bout of jujitsu.

They were both stunned by the results and felt an immediate difference.

“I’ve seen various chiropractors and osteopaths in the past but I’ve never had treatment like this,” says Rob. “I noticed a real difference within half an hour of my first session. Neither of us is quite sure how it works, but there’s absolutely no doubt it does.”

While Ella was treated with acupuncture and sports massage, Rob benefitted from Terry’s revolutionary and well-proven treatments that approach how the body works in a completely different way.

“I think the biggest praise we can give Jane and Terry is that Free Your Body Therapy takes a long-term approach and gives you exercises to help minimise your pain levels if and when they do reoccur,” says Ella. “No one else ever seems to go to those lengths to help you live the way you want to.

They’re both brilliant and very talented at what they do. And the results really are hard to believe.”

There’s no need to suffer from chronic aches and pains any more contact Free Your Body Therapy and book your appointment with Jane or Terry today.

Old Dairy Units, Austin Fields, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 277520 www.freeyourbodytherapy.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2021

Jane & Terry 113

ABOVE: Just one of the bedrooms at 33 London Road, all of which have been tranformed and given a fresh contemporary look - although it retains its character and several original features

Is this the best ‘home from home’ in King’s Lynn?

It’s almost 200 years old and was part of a community hub until the end of the 20th century, but 33 London Road is now entering an exciting new chapter in its life as a luxurious guesthouse...

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hen Dr Helen Ling started commuting from London to King’s Lynn to work at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital she stayed in local hotels, but found that something was missing.

“Staying in hotels every week was inconvenient,” she says. “I couldn’t prepare my meals. Eating out regularly was unhealthy and expensive. Internet was unreliable. I just couldn’t relax properly.” That was all the motivation Helen needed. She bought a property close to the town’s train station and converted it into a modern four-room self-catering ‘home-from-home’ providing lodgings for commuting 114

healthcare professionals like herself.

It’s a business model that’s about to take another major step forward with the transformation of 33 London Road in King’s Lynn, a few yards from the town’s iconic South Gate. “There’s a local demand for high standard short-term accommodation from visiting professionals and families on staycations.” says Helen. “That’s the main reason I started looking for another project - although I must admit that I enjoy restoring historical properties and adding modern elements to the interior design. An oldmeets-new style gives an old and tired house the character it deserves.”

Towards the end of last year Helen

bought 33 London Road, which is part of a grand terrace built around 1830, and which incorporated a popular corner shop and community hub run by the family of DH Woods - whose name still features above the entrance of the adjacent building. Despite being Grade II listed, the five-bedroom family home was in a precarious state and presented a considerable challenge, but Helen had a lot of help to hand.

After careful consideration, Helen was pleased to appoint Hopkins Property Services Limited as the principal building contractor to not only undertake an extensive amount of building works but also to manage the project throughout.

KLmagazine July 2021

ABOVE: The beautiful new external space to the rear of 33 London Road is maintenance-free and is the perfect place for residents to relax.

The original staircase (bottom left) connects all the bedrooms and bathrooms which are finished to exceptionally high standards by Hopkins Property Services Limited

“As a client Helen has been a joy to work with,” says Will Hopkins, “especially considering the scale of the project and the fact we were transforming a listed building. She had complete trust in us, and that’s one of the most important parts of any building partnership” One of the first jobs Will and his team did was renew all the 200-yearold floors as the existing timbers had rotted. At one point it was possible to stand on the ground floor and see all the way to the loft four stories above.

The increased weight load of the build saw the Hopkins Property Services team carrying a 200kg structural beam up four flights of stairs. The team also had to stabilize the external walls and carry out full repairs to the roof, installing thermal insulation and sound proofing materials.

After totally reconfiguring the internal spaces to create a stunning collection of bedrooms (all of them en-suite), all

KLmagazine July 2021

the internal doors had to be replaced while carefully preserving the historical features of the original door frames and the grand staircase.

Every room has its own character and design, and all are filled with interesting architectural details and original touches - the only thing linking them being Helen’s choice of the Norfolk coast-inspired Stiffkey Blue paint on the feature walls. “Helen was keen to retain as much of the building as possible,” says Will. “She upcycled the antique furniture which we then had painted for her, and we also restored all the 19th century fireplaces and the kitchen area.”

Once finished with the house itself Will and his team went on to create a stunning, maintenance-free, outdoor recreation area complete with a landscaped garden and storage space.

It forms a true oasis of calm a mere stone’s throw from the centre of King’s Lynn. “Despite the fact we had to pull it back to the original brickwork and framework before turning it into a seven-bedroom guesthouse, this is still a grand townhouse that’s packed with heritage,” says Will. “I’d certainly love to stay here!”

To undertake the extensive electrical work Helen wanted to use someone who’d helped her with a previous project. Trevor Bramham established Bramham Electrical in the centre of King’s Lynn over 20 years ago and his office is virtually opposite Helen’s first property in King’s Lynn.

“Trevor has been in the trade for a long time and is truly knowledgeable.

He is more like my project consultant as I often turn to him for advice,” she says.

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ABOVE: The spectacular restored kitchen at 33 London Road and (right) images of the work in progress.

The complex and state-of-the-art electrical installation was designed and carried out by Bramham Electrical

From Bramham Electrical’s point of view it was a complex job - but not a particularly unusual one. Having part of the road blocked for the installation of a new mains supply, running thousands of metres of cable through the building, incorporating legal requirements such as arc fault detection devices and using the latest technology - it was (to coin

a phrase) all in a day’s work for Trevor and his team. “We’ve worked on many hotels, pubs and clubs in the area over the years, so we’re used to complicated jobs,” says Trevor. “This was slightly unusual in that it involved a change of use from a family residence to a serviced accommodation, but it’s been a great project to be involved with even though you’ll probably never see most of our work!”

Over the course of the last five months Bramham Electrical have installed full 360° CCTV and intruder alarm systems, wireless access points with secure internet networks, Bluetooth booster hubs for all the smart locks installed for each guest room, an industrial-grade fire alarm system and created a dedicated plant and communications room.

Everything is secured and safe, and even the cabling used was specially chosen to avoid toxic fumes in the event of a fire.

As Helen prepares to welcome her first guests to

BrickSage Rooms at 33 London Road this summer (albeit not personally because checking in and checking out is all done digitally) she’s already looking to the future. “This has been my most challenging project to date, but it’s also been the most enjoyable,” she says. “Working with Will and Trevor has been really successful, and the property now looks better than I ever imagined. Hopefully, we’ll all be working together on my next project.”

BRAMHAM ELECTRICAL Ltd

Bookings: www BrickSageRooms.com Web: www.LingEstates.co.uk 0800 046 6043 Email: Helen@BrickSageRooms.co.uk 116

The Stables, Austin Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1QH 01553 763 685 Web: www.Bramham-Electrical.co.uk Email: enquiries@Bramham-Electrical.co.uk

Unit 3 Enterprise Way, Hardwick Narrows, King’s Lynn, PE30 4LJ 01553 277 636 Web: www.HopkinsPropertyServices.com Email: enquiries@HopkinsPropertyServices.com KLmagazine July 2021

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KLmagazine July 2021

Why the best quality is always worth waiting for With more choice, better performance and strong green credentials, Rudd Joinery is leading the way in superior home improvements

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his year an estimated three million households in the UK will be investing in ‘green’ home improvements, and the majority of those will involve new or replacement windows, doors and conservatories.

But it’s important to resist the temptation to take the ‘order today, delivery tomorrow ‘ route.

“We recently worked with a project manager on a local development who’d ordered products online becaue he needed them quickly, but when they arrived he was very disapppointed with the quality,” says Jamie Rudd of Rudd Joinery. “That’s just one the reasons that makes us different. We’ll never put anything into production until we’re completely happy with it.”

Just outside Fakenham, Jamie and his team are producing a superior range of high quality handcrafted timber products expertly designed and produced at the

KLmagazine July 2021

company’s very own manufacturing facility.

“We’d always rather produce our products to a standard rather than a price,” says Jamie. “It may mean you have slightly longer to wait, but they’re worth waiting for - and can even save you time and money in the long run.”

Even better, whereas UPVC products are generally mass-produced, Rudd Joinery’s performance windows, doors and conservatories are all completely bespoke from responsibly-sourced timber. And a wide range of styles, colours, and ironmongery can be custom-designed to suit your particular property.

“Our farmed timber is endorsed by Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund as the greenest choice for windows, doors and conservatories,” says Jamie. “It’s a fully recyclable material and it’s better for the atmosphere too - because UPVC creates around 200,000 tonnes of waste a year and contains almost 50%

of the 15 most hazardous chemicals listed by European standards.”

Part of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), Rudd Joinery works to the very highest standards - combining the beauty of the past with technology of the present and exceptional craftsmanship skills to create outstanding high-performance products.

For a totally new view of windows, doors and conservatories, visit Rudd Joinery’s showroom near Fakenham today and chat to a member of Jamie’s team about your next project.

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ABOVE: An official portrait of Queen Maud and her husband Prince Carl of Denmark after the couple were married in 1896. Opposite is a painting of the ceremony itself (Maud is paying her respects to Queen Victoria) above images of their home on the Sandringham Estate

The story of Queen Maud at Sandringham Demolished almost 40 years ago, Appleton House on the Sandringham estate was given as a wedding present to an English princess who was destined to become the first Queen of Norway in over 500 years

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s wedding presents go, a small holiday home on the Sandringham estate must rank pretty highly on any newlyweds’ wishlist.

“I’ve given Maud and Carl a small house, their own country retreat about one mile from here,” wrote the Prince of Wales (the later Edward VII) from Sandringham in a letter to his Danish brother-in-law Crown Prince Frederik.

KLmagazine July 2021

“They will always have a pied-à-terre when they come over to England. I know they will appreciate this very much.”

The term ‘small house’ is relative of course. Beautifully covered in Virginia creeper and ivy, Appleton House had 20 rooms, four sitting rooms, an early form of central heating, a lavish conservatory, servants’ quarters and an expanse of landscaped gardens.

It was the perfect rural idyll and the ideal royal retreat.

The Maud and Carl in question were the youngest daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales and her first cousin Prince Carl of Denmark, and the couple were married in July 1896.

Maud’s parents regarded Sandringham House as their best loved private home and wanted their daughter to remain close to them when she visited

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England.

A few months before the wedding the couple went to see their present.

“I saw my new house and it is quite lovely,” Prince Carl wrote in a letter, and his bride to be was equally enthusiastic.

“Our little house is a perfect paradise, it all seems like a dream that we are here at last, that it is so beautiful and light,” she wrote in 1899. “Every single room is so clean and fresh and such wonderful care has been taken of my things, as we have two very able maids who are here year-round.”

The property stood alone surrounded by forested parkland, and the open rolling character of the landscape was excellent for riding and bicycling, and it offered plenty of inspiration for Maud, who was a keen amateur photographer.

Around the house the Prince of Wales had established a garden designed in accordance with the fashion of the time with geometric beds of roses and rhododendrons. There were extensive lawns and tall hedges of yew and box with paths winding their ways between them.

The newlyweds’ son King Olav V of Norway would be born at Appleton House on 2nd July 1903 and would later recall his mother “wandering alone along these paths clad in a full-length white dress, her parasol lifted high.”

As the second son Prince Carl couldn’t expect to inherit the Danish throne, but after the 1905 dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway he was offered the Norwegian crown. Taking the name Haakon VII

he became the first independent Norwegian monarch for over 500 years.

Maud had visited Denmark many times during annual visits to the Princess of Wales’ family gatherings and later her mother took Maud and her sisters on cruises to Norway to familiarise herself with the country.

The new King and Queen were highly regarded and very popular in Norway.

King Haakon and Queen Maud lived the first year in Norway at their country estate Bygdøy while the Royal Palace in Oslo was refurbished. From 1911 onwards the Queen’s gardener from Appleton (a certain Mr Hubbard) came to Norway once a year, bringing his plants and skills to make an English garden at Bygdøy - which were restored to their former glory in 2007.

As for Queen Maud, she travelled to Appleton House every winter to celebrate her birthday (26th November), lead the life of a private citizen and join the Christmas celebrations of her English family at Sandringham.

Several Sandringham servants and their families regularly travelled to Norway where they spent the summers living in a village on the Bygdøy Estate (a wonderful location on the shores of a fjord) which was a working farm similar to Sandringham.

It was a dreadful and unexpected shock when Queen Maud died on a visit to England in November 1938 aged 69.

Two days after her interment in Norway King Haakon wrote to George VI saying the time had come to return Appleton House to the British Royal Family.

For many years the house had stood unused. Its last known inhabitants were George VI and the Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) who stayed at the house during a visit to Norfolk during the Second World War. A 1968 newspaper article headlined ‘The Queen’s Empty House’ reported that a large anti-air raid structure had been built around the house during the war and that it was both unattractive and expensive to remove. Reopening Appleton House was not considered a feasible option and it was demolished in July 1984 - taking with it a record of royal life at the start of the 20th century.

PICTURES: Queen Maud loved spending time in the glorious gardens of Appleton House and when she wasn’t taking a stroll through them she found them an idyllic place in which to relax, as shown in this charming image (below) of Maud in 1889.

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YOUR SAFETY MATTERS!

At Xtraclean we always use professional anti-bacterial cleaning and finishing agents to keep you, your family and your home as safe as possible!

Give your floors some summer brightness With a totally safe and first-class service Xtraclean can treat your stone and tiled floors to a genuinely ‘good as new’ look

W

e’re now a few weeks into summer, and it’s that time of year when we start leaving our doors open and bringing the outside in - and for your floors that means we’ll bringing it in literally. Whether you (and your pets) are returning from the beach, coming back from a woodland hike or taking a rest from the gardening your floors are in line for a few months of coping with unwelcome dirt, mud, sand, allergens and other contaminants.

Which means it’s time to call on the professional cleaning services of Martin King and his Swaffham-based team at Xtraclean. Using the latest technology and high-quality anti-bacterial cleaning agents, Xtraclean can bring your floors back to their best and give them an ‘as good as new’ look. Usually in less than a day.

“If your stone or tiled floors were expertly fitted they deserve an equally professional approach to cleaning,” says Martin. “For over 25 years we’ve been restoring floors all over Norfolk using the most advanced and powerful system currently available in the UK.” Xtraclean’s highly experienced technicians offer a fully-insured and friendly service (they’ll even move your furniture for you) and following an initial test and survey will get to work breaking down all the ingrained dirt and loosening surface soiling.

“Our powerful turbo ‘clean and capture’ system pressure cleans the floor using its own water supply,” says Martin, “and it even captures all the waste in the process – so you have no mess, no fuss, and no worries. And fantastic looking floors.”

Xtraclean never uses harmful chemicals or damaging procedures

such as grinding and resurfacing and the results are truly spectacular.

“Stone and tiled floors aren’t the easiest surfaces to clean,” says Martin, “but our powerful system and highgrade products can bring even the dirtiest floors back to their very best.”

Xtraclean can also help you preserve those good looks for longer with a range of specialist sealing products specially developed for stone floors.

“To be honest you really have to see the results to believe them,” says Martin.

“Just ask our customers – they’re always amazed at the finish, and they can hardly believe it’s the same floor.”

To give your floors a bright new look and bring them back to life, contact Martin and his team at Xtraclean using the details below for extra-professional cleaning, extra-personal customer service, and sparkling results that really are second to none.

Unit 3, Jack Boddy Way, Swaffham PE37 7HJ Tel: 01760 337762 Web: www.xtraclean.co.uk E-mail: sales@xtraclean.co.uk KLmagazine July 2021

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Discover award-winning levels of care at home Taking service to a new level, Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk is helping people remain independent and happy in their own home

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eceiving three awards in the Best Companies to Work For 2021, Home Instead UK was actually judged third in the entire country in the Health & Social Care category. It’s a huge testament to the hard-working and dedicated staff, but it also reflects the company’s oustanding levels of companionship and home care services.

For the last 12 years Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk has been leading the way helping people remain independent and stay connected

to their family, friends and local community with an inspirational and award-winning team of CAREGivers.

With the majority of people naturally preferring to stay in their own homes rather than move to a carehome, it’s an invaluable and enriching experience.

Especially as their extended family (who may live many miles away or even abroad) can ensure they’re safe and well on a daily basis thanks to a comprehensive and totally secure online service.

And the demand for home care is increasing at a considerable rate.

Over the last year Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk has signifcantly increased staffing levels to maintain its exceptional levels of service and its truly individual and personal attention.

“Building relationships has always been at the very heart of our business and we’re building on that this year,” says director Tom McEwan of Home

Instead Senior Care in Norfolk. “Our staff have been fantastic throughout the challenges of the last 18 months, and we’ve continued to develop very strong relationships with our clients and their relatives.”

Family has always been at the very heart of Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk and Tom has ensured the company’s ethos of individual, personal and customer-focused attention is shared by everyone.

“We’re very proud that 100% of our clients say they’d recommend Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk to a friend,” he says. “And every single member of the team has worked incredibly hard to achieve that.”

If you’d like more information and details on the many homecare services Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk can offer, please contact your nearest office using the details below.

HOLT DERSINGHAM HINGHAM 01263 650983 01553 387967 01362 357974 www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-norfolk KLmagazine July 2021

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ABOVE: The revitalising of the St. George’s complex in the centre of King’s Lynn is just one part of an exciting programme of development following the award of a major government grant.

The shining light at the end of the tunnel...

Thanks to £25 million in government funding the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk is looking forward to a bold new vision for the town to maximise its assets and realise its potential

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bright future is on the horizon for King’s Lynn, with the announcement of £25million in government Town Deal funding to support a broad range of initiatives, fully detailed within the Town Investment Plan.

The news was warmly welcomed by members of the Town Deal Board, including Chair Graham Purkins, MP James Wild, Leader of the borough council Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, and Principal of CWA David Pomfrett.

“Collaborative working between the Town Deal Board and the borough council in conjunction with valuable and constructive engagement with the local community enabled us to submit a strong proposal through which we’ve secured the maximum possible amount of funding,” says Graham Purkins, Chair of the Town Deal Board 126

and Chief Technical Officer at local pharmaceutical company Merxin. “This is a significant achievement and I’d like to thank everyone involved for the hard work and commitment that has made this possible.”

Projects included in the funding are split into the priority areas set out in the Town Investment Plan:

networks and collaborative support that businesses need.

• A repurposed town centre with new experiences and businesses to increase footfall, enhance cultural opportunities, and bring the two together.

• New opportunities for skills and jobs for local young people and everyone affected by Covid-19 who now need to re-skill, linked to demand from local employers and opportunities in local sectors.

• Growing innovative businesses attracted by our connectivity and high quality of life and supported by the KLmagazine July 2021

• A high-quality residential and leisure offering in the historic town centre and riverfront, attracting new people to live and work in the town while protecting its unique heritage.

• A sustainably-connected town through reduced congestion and better connections between the town, its catchment area and residential growth areas, creating safer walking and cycling routes and supporting remote working.

“All the projects within this plan have been developed through consultation with the public and engagement with the stakeholders and local businesses,” says Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn &

KLmagazine July 2021

West Norfolk. “Without their responses and involvement, we wouldn’t have achieved this significant investment for the town.”

But now the really hard work begins.

The Heads of Terms (already agreed by the Town Deal Board) need to be signed by 29th July.

The board then needs to prioritise which projects it wants to take forward since the current list totals more than £33m and the town received the maximum amount of £25m. The board will have just two months to prioritise the projects and submit a Town Deal Project Confirmations Document.

Then a full business case must be developed for each project which will need to be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local

Government for approval within the next year.

The council is also recruiting a Town’s Fund Programme Manager as a dedicated resource for this programme.

As each project is taken forward, officers will need to check it meets the criteria of the scheme, as well as being within budget and deliverable within the timescales. Areas that could benefit from the funding include: • Developments within the town centre that could provide both residential and commercial space, along with an increase in pop-up opportunities, increased leisure opportunities and improved perception of the area.

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RIGHT: Chair of the Town Deal Board Graham Purkins with Cllr Stuart Dark are excited about building the future of King’s Lynn from the College of West Anglia (above) to the Nar Ouse Enterprise Zone (below)

• A youth and retraining pledge which will provide youth skills, youth employment and young adult workforce development, delivered through working closely with employers to develop the skills that are needed locally.

• Public realm improvements including upgrading cycling and walking paths, getting businesses to use commercial space and helping visitors and residents fall back in love with the area.

• Possibly the project attracting the most interest involves the St George’s Guildhall complex. Steeped in history and with possible links to Shakespeare, this investment will help create a new visitor centre and a creative hub to support production and growth of the creative sector locally.

• Riverfront regeneration – the first phase of a scheme to deal with derelict buildings and look at flood defences

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• A multi-user community hub creating a new town centre one-stop shop for a range of services and skills opportunities for residents with close access to public transport.

• Innovation and Collaboration Incubator – a facility designed to high-growth firms in manufacturing, advanced engineering and technology to assist with superfast broadband.

“I’m delighted to have helped secure this major investment to boost skills, improve the town centre, promote our strong Shakespeare links and heritage, and support new and growing businesses,” says James Wild MP. “With funding already secured for a new School of Nursing Studies, west

Norfolk is really benefitting from the government’s commitment to spread opportunity and level up. I’m looking forward to helping deliver these ambitious plans as part of the Towns Fund Board and making Lynn an even better place to live, work, and visit.”

It’s clearly going to be an exciting time for the area. Over the coming weeks and months, details of each project will be developed along with timelines for delivery.

You can follow the progress of these projects by visiting the website visionkingslynn.co.uk or sign up as a subscriber for regular updates and to get involved in future consultation and engagement.

The last 14 months have been somewhat challenging to say the least, but at least we can see light at the end of the tunnel. And as far as King’s Lynn is concerned that light is likely to be very bright indeed.

KLmagazine July 2021

PICTURE: Claire Melton, Dan Jastrzebski and Mike Andrews – partners at Stephenson Smart’s King’s Lynn office

A new era for established King’s Lynn accountants As Mike Andrews BSc FCA becomes the new Managing Partner at Stephenson Smart, the business continues to move onwards and upwards

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he recent retirement of long-standing team member Clive Dodds left a vacancy at Stephenson Smart accountants for someone to lead the firm as Managing Partner - but that’s now been filled by the next longest-standing partner Mike Andrews.

Mike was born in King’s Lynn and schooled locally, attending King Edward VII Academy for his secondary education before going on to the University of Leicester, where he gained a BSc in Economics.

A keen sportsman, Mike was captain of King’s Lynn Badminton Club and also played for the county’s badminton team and the local tennis league.

Mike joined Stephenson Smart as a trainee in 1991 and made partner in 2000. He is responsible for the firm’s audit compliance and practice assurance matters and specialises in audit, corporate structuring and taxation.

His responsibilities also extend outside of the company as a director of

King’s Lynn Festival Too and a co-opted governor of the College of West Anglia.

Outside of the office, Mike still enjoys playing tennis and golf and is a member of Hunstanton Golf Club.

“Stephenson Smart is in the best place I could hope for, and all credit to Clive for leaving us in such a strong position,” he says. “He often used the analogy that he’d taken the business to base camp and it was up to us to take the firm to the top – and I’ve always liked that sentiment.”

Over the last few years Stephenson Smart has expanded more than three times in size, and the plan is to continue that growth through attracting new clients and further acquisitions as long as they fit culturally and geographically.

“It’s essential we remain independent and continue to have a personal relationship with our clients,” says Mike, “but that doesn’t mean we’re standing still. I’m really keen to add new specialist services and areas of accounting expertise to our knowledge base.”

One of those involves the increasing digitalisation of tax, and Stephenson Smart is developing their internal systems and increasing their expertise accordingly to best support their clients.

“I’m privileged to have a remarkable team of young partners alongside me who have great ideas, energy and passion,” says Mike.

“Together we’ll be evolving the firm and writing a new chapter in its 100-year journey.”

Mike Andrews BSc FCA Managing Partner

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

KING’S LYNN 01553 774104 FAKENHAM 01328 863318 WISBECH 01945 463383 MARCH 01354 653026 DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 384121 GREAT YARMOUTH 01493 382500 www.stephenson-smart.com

KLmagazine July 2021

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KLmagazine July 2021

The modern face of financial planning...

Building confidence and trust and adhering to professional standards, Allen Tomas & Co is setting new standards in financial planning

T

he financial services industry has often received some awful press (some of it justified) which has left the public sceptical and reticent to trust our profession - prompting client comments such as “I simply don’t have any faith in pensions”. The truth is that pensions can invest in nearly all collective funds in the market -

including commercial property and shares. They provide incredible tax relief from the government, grow largely free of taxes, can be classed as a business expense, and allow a tax-free lump sum in retirement with the ability to either purchase a guaranteed income or draw income and/or lump sums through leaving the pension invested. They are inheritance tax friendly and can be

inherited by future generations. “This is just one example of how we have to dispel myths on a daily basis and rebuild public trust,” says Ben Allen.

“Financial planning is still a relatively young discipline and it requires very detailed support staff who need to be highly qualified to understand the complexity of the financial products, tax legislation and planning processes involved”. Allen Tomas don’t believe in isolated advice but rather a holistic approach that involves technical ability, cash flow and tax planning together with a close working relationship with solicitors and accountants. “We’ve been greatly helped with the work of our professional body The Personal Finance Society,” says Ben, “and our regulator the Financial Conduct Authority.”

The Personal Finance Society (part of the Chartered Insurance Institute group and aligned with its Royal Charter) is a professional body for the financial planning profession in the UK. Their remit is to lead the financial planning community towards higher levels of professionalism exhibited through technical knowledge, client service and ethical practice. Members of the society are expected to meet certain professional standards as outlined in a detailed Code of Ethics.

The Retail Distribution Review (RDR) was launched by the Financial Conduct Authority’s predecessor the FSA, and came into effect towards the end of 2012. Its aim was to establish a resilient, effective and attractive retail investment market that consumers had confidence in - and could trust. It made significant changes to the way investment products are distributed to retail consumers in the UK and raised the minimum level of adviser qualifications - in addition to banning the use of commissions to pay for investment and pension advice.

“We’re a very proud firm deeply aligned with both the Personal Finance Society’s principles and the FCA’s regulation,” says director Michael Crisp.

“Our whole service is designed to provide better client outcomes”.

6 St Nicholas Court, Church Lane, Dersingham PE31 6GZ • Tel: 01485 541998 2 Oak Street, Fakenham NR21 9DY • Tel: 01328 854706 Website: www.allentomasfinancial.co.uk Email: info@allentomasfinancial.co.uk Allen Tomas & Co Financial Management Ltd is registered in England and Wales with number 8864562 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with Financial Services Register number 630427 KLmagazine July 2021

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“It was a Norfolk man who opened the first department store in 1872...”

A forest of masts in Lynn harbour in 1841 as viewed from the bridge over the Eau Brink Cut (which was opened in 1821) - the river is crowded with sailing ships and hordes of thirsty mariners.

The ancien t Fisher Flee Gaywood riv t from the es er - the cott tuary of the ages on the were displa north bank ced by the (left) new Alexand ra Dock in 1869.

ABOVE: The end of the High Street in King’s Lynn around 1900 just after Jermyns (on the left) had been rebuilt following a devastating fire which also destroyed the shops opposite - the reconstruction included the widening of the street clearly visible in the centre of the picture

Looking back at lost King’s Lynn...

In his forthcoming book, local historian Dr Paul Richards looks at how Lynn has changed over the centuries - from the coming of the railways to the arrival of a retail revolution

L

ynn has a history going all the way back to the 11th century, but change and continuity always go together and the last 150 years of the town’s story have been of particular significance.

Lynn’s maritime economy and society, dependent for centuries on its great river, was being eclipsed by the 1870s and 1880s. Factories associated with the new enclosed docks linked to the national railway network heralded Lynn’s first industrial revolution. It had profound consequences for what was a traditional English port and market town.

Fisher’s End (today’s North End) lost its ancient harbour to the first dock,

KLmagazine July 2021

which attracted modern steamships engaged in overseas trade; and the fisherfolk with their wooden sailing boats co-existed with this new world.

Railways robbed Lynn of most of its coastal shipping from the 1840s and iron steamships were rapidly replacing wooden sailing vessels by the 1880s.

Visitors had once been impressed with Lynn’s river or harbour which was a forest of masts as multitudes of mariners frequented the local taverns.

Their customer base shrank as the sailing ships disappeared.

Such licensed premises had been the hubs of Lynn’s maritime community acting as job centres, lodging houses and entertainment venues. Many closed in the riverside streets in the

years before 1914 - King Street, Queen Street and Nelson Street had been the location of numerous pubs.

At the same time the principal shopping streets in England’s major towns were undergoing a retail revolution (1870-1914) as department stores were built to serve a growing consumer society. Lynn was no exception with the onset of modest but significant industrialisation.

The High Street began to change its character as big stores replaced smaller shops, and it was a Norfolk man who opened the first department store in 1872. This was Alfred Jermyn, whose business was acquired by Debenhams in 1943 and sadly closed in 2020.

Before 1914 big city firms investing 133

in nationwide chain stores were also establishing outlets in Lynn where they were to erect much larger premises later in the 20th century.

Perhaps the best example is Marks & Spencer, whose fledgling firm opened a small bazaar in the town in 1910 - it was rebuilt as a much grander store in 1932 State intervention in the health and housing of English townspeople was accelerated by the growth of democracy in Queen Victoria’s reign and there was a mass electorate by 1918. Social reform rose to the top of the political agenda for local and central governments.

A high percentage of Lynn’s labouring population was concentrated in insanitary courts or yards off the main streets - and Norfolk Street had more than any other. Neglected and overcrowded yards faced increasing public scrutiny from the 1880s when

the housing of the working classes became the subject of parliamentary legislation, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that they were being demolished. New council housing estates were developed on Lynn’s outskirts to rehouse the displaced population.

For centuries Lynn’s industries were clustered around four small fleets or rivers which traversed the town and emptied into the Great Ouse and the new Fisherfleet excavated in 1868 retains its original function to this day. In South Lynn the Friars Fleet was the location of shipbuilding yards and the whaling fleet, although both had disappeared by 1870.

The banks of the Millfleet and Purfleet were hugged by breweries and granaries as well as the tenements of the working classes. These two fleets were PICTURES: New Conduit Street in 1969 (above), a 1852 drawing of tenements overlooking the Purfleet (left), and California Passage in Norfolk Street (below) which once led to California Yard

regarded by the local authority as the town’s greatest health hazards by 1870, but improvement schemes were delayed by public affection for these ancient waterways. Typhus epidemics finally jogged the Council into action in the 1890s.

However, all this Victorian and Edwardian economic growth wasn’t sustained and in 1945 the council searched for a much-needed pathway to regenerate Lynn. Its population ‘grew’ from 20,000 in 1900 to a mere 25,000 in 1950. The solution was an ‘overspill’ agreement with the Greater London Council (GLC) in 1962 whereby manufacturing firms and newcomers would settle in the Norfolk town. This was tantamount to a second industrial revolution which was to be even more transforming than the first.

Though new housing and industrial estates were built on Lynn’s outskirts, parts of the historic town were redeveloped in the 1960s and 1970s for big shops and car parks. Some ancient buildings were lost, and the removal of the cattle market to the town’s edge in 1971 to make way for a new bus station and a supermarket emphasised the break with the past.

Lynn was no longer the old world country town ideal for a quiet weekend as advertised by magazines in the 1950s.

Happily, Lynn retains an impressive historic built environment to connect us with what was for centuries a premier English seaport and market town, with the exceptional riverside streets and the two market places, but its identity has been remade over the last 150 years.

Lost King’s Lynn by Dr Paul Richards will be published by Amberley in September 2021.

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KLmagazine July 2021

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KLmagazine July 2021

rth Wootton

Roythorne & Son, No

RIGHT: The family firm of Roythorne & Son is about to enter a new chapter in its story as David and Sarah Roythorne (foreground, left) take a step back and son Mark and his wife Laura (far right) prepare to take over the driving seat

Handing over the reins to the next generation...

As David Roythorne takes a step back from his local garage after 30 years, Roythorne & Son is about to enter a new chapter in its story

D

avid Roythorne has spent most of his life in the motor trade, having started working on BMWs when he was only 17 - and taking over an independent and family-run garage just outside King’s Lynn back in 1994.

Roythorne & Son is about to live up to its name as David and his wife Sarah prepare to take a step back, leaving the business in the capable hands of son Mark - who started working at the garage shortly after leaving school and is now a fully-qualified mechanical engineer.

“When we first opened Roythorne & Son the most important thing to us was to look after the customers in the same way we looked after their cars,” says David. “It obviously worked because we’ve still got customers who’ve been with us since day one - and even their children! It sounds obvious, but we’ve always thought that if a job’s worth

doing it’s worth doing right - and Mark is committed to doing exactly that.”

He’s also very used to it, having worked in the motor trade since he was a teenager.

“I followed in my father’s footsteps and did pretty much everything I could,” says Mark. “I took a break and spent some time in retail car sales for marques such as BMW and MercedesBenz, but I’m really glad to be back and I’m really looking forward to taking over the reins from my dad.”

Mark won’t be changing the business, however. Together with long-serving members of the team Nigel, Wayne and Steve, he’ll still be offering a personal fuel filling service - and delivering the community-based personal touch that Roythorn & Son is famous for.

“We’re a local, friendly, reliable and trustworthy garage,” he says. “That might sound a little old-fashioned, but I think that’s what we need right now. Nothing needs changing and

nothing needs fixing - apart from our customers’ cars of course.”

It’s the start of a new chapter for Roythorne & Son, but it seems this family-run and much-loved business is in very safe hands with the next generation As for David, when he’s not popping into the garage to help the mechanics and work on MOTs he’ll be enjoying more golfing holidays in Portugal with his wife - and hoping to win.

“Sarah’s always been a lot better at golf than me,” he says. “She’s great with our customers, but she’s even more impressive with an 8-iron. I may be able to diagnose a fault in an engine easily enough, but I really need to work on my short game and now I’ll have more time to do that.”

Whatever you drive and whatever the problem, Roythorne & Son is at your service.

They always have been - and in Mark Roythorne’s hands they always will be.

Nursery Lane, North Wootton, King’s Lynn PE30 3QB | 01553 673000 www.roythorneandson.co.uk | sales@roythorneandson.co.uk

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ALL IMAGES © TIM SMITH ABOVE: The main stand of King’s Lynn Town FC’s home ground at The Walks and Manager Ian Culverhouse with the National League North Manager of the Season Award 2019-20. Opposite are highlights from the club’s last game of the season, with (bottom left) Tai Fleming heading in Lynn’s fourth goal in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Aldershot.

Flying high at The Walks with the Linnets...

As King’s Lynn Town FC prepares to host Premier League opposition with a pre-season friendly with Norwich City, Commerical Manager Mark Hearle shares the club’s future vision

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lifelong supporter of King’s Lynn who was actually born within shouting distance of the pitch, Mark Hearle first became actively involved with the club affectionately nicknamed the Linnets following a complaint he made to the Chairman.

Back in the mid-1980s as an 18-yearold Mark suddenly came across a newspaper report about a home match that had seen King’s Lynn lose 0-1 to Dudley Town the previous night.

“I was really surprised and couldn’t understand it because I didn’t even know the game was taking place,” says the club’s Commercial Manager.

“And it seemed I wasn’t the only one who hadn’t heard about it, because there were only about 60 people in the crowd. I wrote a letter of complaint KLmagazine July 2021

to then-Chairman Colin Nichols, explaining how important it was to promote and advertise forthcoming matches if you wanted to draw a crowd.”

If he was surprised to suddenly learn of the match he’d missed, Mark was even more surprised when Colin Nichols actually contacted him and asked how Mark would feel about helping promote the football club and its games on a voluntary basis. It was a role Mark accepted immediately and one he’s played ever since.

Starting by delivering results over the Clubcall telephone, Mark soon began writing press reports, dealing with local newspaper journalists, and even co-commentating on matches live for Radio Norfolk.

By the time the club was promoted

to the Vanarama National League it had become clear to current Chairman Stephen Cleeve that King’s Lynn’s commercial activity required a full-time role. And no one was better placed for the position than Mark Hearle, who became Commercial Manager at the start of last year, halfway through what can only be described as a rather challenging first season in a highlycompetitive league.

But with last season having only just ended with a thrilling 4-4 home draw against Aldershot, Mark hardly has time to take a breath before the 202122 season kicks off on August 21st, and there’s one thing he’s particularly looking forward to.

“Despite having to limit our numbers, we had a crowd of 881 at our last match and it was fantastic to have our 139

ABOVE: Celebrations as Kings Lynn Town FC are crowned National League North Champions 2019-20 and Chairman Stephen Cleeve (below) with the trophy - he has even greater ambitions for the club.

supporters back,” he says. “They really are the lifeblood of the game, and as restrictions slowly ease for sporting venues we’ll be welcoming back more and more of them.”

All the squads at King’s Lynn Town FC are also eagerly waiting for the referee’s whistle of course, but before that the first team will be playing two prestigious pre-season friendlies.

League One MK Dons will be visiting The Walks on Tuesday July 13th, while newly-promoted Norwich City will be the visitors on Friday July 16th before embarking on their Premier League campaign. Both matches kick off at 7pm and any remaining tickets can be purchased online by visiting kingslynntownfc.ktckts.com.

Following a steep learning curve for the first team having to play exFootball League names such as Notts County, Chesterfield and Torquay United, all the squads at King’s Lynn Town FC are looking to build on last year’s performances.

Under the management of former Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City player Ian Culverhouse (widely considered to be the best right-back ever to play for the club) the first team players will be turning full-time for

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the coming season, and already have three new players joining the club. The change in status will give the team much more time to train and practice, enabling them to further develop their skills before taking them onto the pitch.

Meanwhile, King’s Lynn Town Ladies will be playing at their highest-ever level against teams such as Millwall Lionesses and Luton Town in 2021-22, and the under-21 team will continue their excellent performances in the Thurlow Nunn League - the Eastern Counties Football League. Interestingly enough, King’s Lynn was one of the league’s founding members back in 1935.

The long-term future for King’s Lynn Town FC looks particularly bright thanks to its thriving youth teams. Both the under-16s and under-14s were formed last year and will be playing in the JPL (Junior Premier League) while the club has also started a highlysuccessful partnership with the town’s King Edward VII Academy.

Students benefit from the club’s experienced football coaches and enjoy a fully-structured educational programme, and when the new academic year starts in September Mark expects to have up to 70 students on the course.

“That will be enough for us to generate two full teams, which is really exciting,” he says. “In addition to playing at The Walks they’ll be travelling to places like Mansfield Town to play their academy sides, and they’ll also be representing King’s Lynn Town FC in the FA Youth Cup.” Chairman Stephen Cleeve is equally enthusiastic about where King’s Lynn Town FC is going.

“There’s a tendency for some of the larger clubs in the league to look down at King’s Lynn, but I really think we can surprise a few of them if we keep our momentum going,” he said at the start of the year.

“I’m certainly not done with trying to progress the club through the leagues yet, and my aim still remains to take it as far as I possibly can.”

Stephen’s ultimate dream is to see King’s Lynn Town FC playing full Football League matches at The Walks, and it’s a vision shared by everyone at the club.

“That would be an incredible achievement and a huge boost for the town itself,” says Mark Hearle. “We’re all doing everything we can to make that happen and we think it’s a perfectly realistic goal. Just wait and see. As they say, it’s a funny old game.”

To keep up with the latest news and match updates or learn more about matchday hospitality, sponsorship and venue hire, please visit the official website at www.kltown.co.uk.

The Blue & Gold Supporters Trust runs a fascinating website at www.thelinnets.co.uk which offers a Fans Forum, details the club’s records and greatest achievements, and is a goldmine of information about the club’s history.

KLmagazine July 2021

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On your marks, get set, and test your knowledge With the 2020 Olympic Games finally leaving the starting blocks from July 23rd, here’s 26 questions to test how well you know one of the biggest events in the world and Norfolk’s sporting heritage...

1 Great Britain dominated this traditional Olympic sport until it was discontinued in 1920. What was it? a. Fishing b. Snooker c. Tug-of-War d. Chess

the Olympic Games once (Paris 1900) and it caused around 300 deaths what was the ‘sport’? a. Tiger wrestling b. Fly fishing c. Live pigeon shooting d. Mouse catching

2 On September 5th 1908 the Canaries (Norwich City FC) suffered their heaviest-ever defeat, losing 2-10 at home to the Robins - but who are the Robins better known as? a. Arsenal b. Manchester City c. Liverpool d. Swindon Town

4 Born at Beeston in 1831 and known as “The Swaffham Gypsy”, Jem Mace is considered to be the father of which sport? a. Fencing b. Boxing c. Synchronised swimming d. The 400m relay

3 Not surprisingly it only appeared at

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5 What was the first Olympic sport that women were allowed to take part in? a. Swimming

b. Pole vault c. Archery d. Croquet 6 The type of willow tree technically known as ‘Salix alba Caerulea’ was discovered in Norfolk around 1700 and is considered to provide the best wood for what? a. Cricket bats b. Tennis raquets c. Javelins d. Diving boards 7 When was the last time an Olympic gold medal was actually made of gold? a. 1936 b. 1912 c. 2000 d. They never have been KLmagazine July 2021

winning the marathon for what reason? a. He failed a drug test b. He didn’t have a passport c. He ran the race barefoot d. He rode in a car for most of the race 10 Motor racing legend Sir Henry Ralph Stanley ‘Tim’ Birkin is buried in Blakeney, but with what famous marque is he associated? a. Ferrari b. Volkswagen c. Bentley d. Vauxhall

8 In 1938 The Firs in Norwich was considered the fastest track in the whole country - but for which sport? a. Greyhound racing b. Speedway c. Running d. Cycling 9 During the 1904 Olympic Games, Fred Lorz was disqualified after

11 Johnny Weismuller won five Olympic gold medals for swimming and set 67 world records, but he’s more famous for playing which fictional character? a. Tarzan b. Spiderman c. Sherlock Holmes d. Dracula 12 The football team of King’s Lynn is affectionately known as the ‘Linnets’ but what exactly is a linnet? a. A fishing boat b. A type of finch c. A yellow flower d. A freshwater crab

13 Which country has the shortest (and possibly the oldest) national anthem in the world? a. Cyprus b. France c. Japan d. Germany 14 At the 1904 Olympic Games, George Eyser managed to win three gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal in a single day despite having which disadvantage? a. He only had one leg b. He was blind c. He couldn’t swim d. He was in prison 15 What was the name of Norwich City FC’s original home ground before the club moved to Carrow Road in 1935? a. The Cave b. The Hole c. the Cauldron d. The Nest 16 In which year did China win their very first Olympic medal of any colour? a. 1900 b. 1984 c. 2010 d. 1936

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17 When was King’s Lynn Town FC established? a. 1852 b. 2010 c. 1918 d. 1733 18 Winners at the 1900 Paris Olympic Games didn’t get medals. What were they awarded instead? a. Cheese boards b. Glass sculptures c. Paintings d. Vintage wines 19 Born in Holt in 1970, Matthew Pinsent won 10 world championship gold medals and four consecutive Olympic gold medals in which sport? a. Rowing b. Archery c. Fencing d. Pentathlon

20 Who is alleged to have thrown his Olympic gold medal into the Ohio River after being refused service at a restaurant? a. Daley Thompson b. Mark Spitz c. Usain Bolt d. Cassius Clay 21 Before their demise in 1962, which sport did the Yarmouth Bloaters participate in? a. Speedway b. Fishing c. Rugby d. Hockey 22 When Nadia Comăneci became the first gymnast to score an unheard-of perfect 10 at the Olympic Games in 1976, what was the best the scoreboards could display? a. 0.10 b. 1.0 c. 20 d. 100 23 Who was the only female competitor at the 1976 Olympics who didn’t have to undergo a sex test? a. Ildikó Schwarczenberger b. Olga Korbut c. Nellie Kim d. Princess Anne

Sir Henry Ralph Stanley 24 Kath Johnson from Grimston near King’s Lynn took part in three Olympic Games and became known as the “Lion of Barcelona” due to her performances in what sport? a. Fencing b. Volleyball c. Hockey d. Cycling 25 It only featured in one Olympic Games, attracted a single spectactor, and only one country could be bothered to participate - but what was the less-than-captivating ‘sport’? a. Monopoly b. Croquet c. Marbles d. Jenga 26 At least eight members of the Edrich family from Norfolk played (and excelled) at either county or international level at which sport? a. Showjumping b. Cricket c. Football d. Shooting

ANSWERS

“The Swaffham Gypsy” 144

The only way to receive the answers to this quiz is by joining Friends of KL magazine. If you haven’t already registered (it’s completely free) please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk - all you need is an e-mail address and we’ll send you the answers in the next few weeks.

S

KLmagazine July 2021

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Michael Middleton’s

WildWestNorfolk

I

t’s amazing how the most casual remark can take you back in time and halfway around the world.

Actually, let’s start that again - it’s amazing how the most casual remark can take ME back in time and halfway around the world.

Take last Monday for example. We’d gone to Fakenham to celebrate our new-found freedom, and after walking around the town for a few hours (one of us excited about being able to go into shops for the first time in a year and the other fascinated by odd architectural details) Mrs Middleton and myself popped into Aldiss for a cup of tea and a sandwich.

Halfway through her baguette (and with one eye on some curtains) my better half suddenly looked up.

“It’s really nice to be out and about at last,” she said, “especially after the year that never was.”

I undoubtedly mumbled something in agreement, but at the same time started wondering if there had ever been such a strange year as 2020. And it’s no surprise that there probably was.

In 1816 Humphry Davy tested his underground safety lamp, divorce was abolished in France, Indiana became the 19th state of America, and Maria and Patrick Brontë celebrated the birth of a daughter they named Charlotte.

However the year would become rather (in)famous for an entirely different reason. These were the days before the internet, before smartphones and before 24-hour access to news - so very few people would have been aware that the previous April had seen the most powerful volcanic eruption recorded in human history.

It took place on a little island called Sumbawa in the Dutch East Indies

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(today we tend to call it Indonesia) and it would change the world in some very unexpected ways. Temperatures around the world fell, the sun was hardly visible, and crops totally failed.

If you think the summer’s got off to a distinctly overcast start, you should have been here in 1816. In England, the cold weather and heavy rains resulted in food shortages as the wheat, oat, and potato harvests failed. We had food riots, we had famine, and we had a pandemic when at least 65,000 people died as an outbreak of typhus made its way from Ireland to the rest of Britain.

We weren’t alone. Over in America, New Jersey had severe frost for almost a week in late June, and Pennsylvania had river ice until the end of August.

It all seems a bit doom and gloom and it certainly wasn’t the best of times (Charles Dickens was only four years old at the time, by the way) but the events of 1816 left an indelible mark on our culture. Look at any painting created in the following few years and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

Landscapes suddenly featured hazy skies, oppressive clouds and unusually red sunsets. Caspar Friedrich was one of the most important artists of the time, but his bright and cheerful countryside scenes became dark and oppressive. Even JMW Turner’s skies started looking a bit fearsome.

The lack of oats to feed horses led German inventor Karl Drais to create what would one day become the bicycle, and in America the lack of food caused Joseph Smith to move his family out of Norwich (the one in Vermont, not the one in Norfolk) starting a chain of events that would eventually lead to him founding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints. And in that ‘summer’ of 1816 a group of rich English friends on holiday in Switzerland were unable (or reluctant) to leave their villa because of the constant rain and the cold temperatures. In the days before Monopoly and Playstations, what else could England’s finest poets do?

Obviously, they passed the time reading German ghost stories.

With nothing better to do (it would be 120 years before the BBC started broadcasting) they then decided to have a competition to see who could write the scariest story.

With Percy Shelley and Lord Byron you’d have thought no one else stood a chance - but the first prize would go to Shelley’s 18-year-old wife Mary, who wrote a gothic tale she called Frankenstein.

Lord Byron’s poem Darkness may have captured the essence of 1816 (“the bright sun was extinguish’d, morn came and went and came and brought no day”) but it was Mary Shelley’s story that would become immortal - and it’s worth noting that her father had been born just down the road in Wisbech.

“Do you want another cup of tea?”

Mrs Middleton asked, bringing me back to the 21st century. “We need to be getting back soon because it looks like we might have some rain soon.”

Actually I did want another cup of tea, but many years of training have taught me better, so we duly left Fakenham before the solitary cloud in the sky suddenly started to burst.

Yes, 2020 was a very strange year but there have been stranger ones. And I bet no one in 1816 had to endure a beetroot and turnip pie for dinner.

I’d swap that for a gloomy summer any day of the week.

KLmagazine July 2021

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