KL Magazine July/August 2022 by KL Magazine

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE 129 JULY & AUGUST 2022 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

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welcome

lthough Yorkshire is traditionally known as ‘God’s own county’, there must be a special place in heaven for Norfolk because it never ceases to reward even the most casual of visitors with a treasure trove of wonders. A few days after his visit in 1974 the writer, broadcaster and Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman said that he was “still reeling at the soaring majesty of Norfolk” - and it would be hard to disagree with him. In the next few months over eight million people (the equivalent of the entire population of London) will be visiting the Norfolk Broads, which is one of the country’s most idyllic landscapes and one of its most important containing no less than 28 Sites of

COVER IMAGE

Scientific Interest and being home to 25% of England’s rarest animal and plant species. Even more astonishing is the fact that the biggest protected wetland in the country is entirely artificial and was created by accident little more than 500 years ago - something we only knew less than 60 years ago, as you’re about to discover. But the Norfolk Broads are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything good and great about this very special part of the world. This issue of your magazine covers a vast amount of time (from the Iron Age and ancient Egypt to Shakespeare and the Second World War) and an equally-diverse range of subjects - from stately homes and beautiful villages to inspirational fundraisers and

extraordinary artists. In the course of the following pages you’ll come across Norfolk’s answer to Wimbledon (it’s only 20 years younger than the most famous tennis tournament in the world), its most enchanting locations and its best picnic sites - together with the best local food and drink to pack in your hamper. And where would a summer be without enjoying the best fish and chips in the country on the north Norfolk coast? We hope you enjoy the magazine and have a lovely summer. After all, you couldn’t be in a better place for it.

Eric Secker EDITOR KL magazine

Burnham Overy Staithe by Ian Ward

KLmagazine July 2022

contents

6 12 18 26

KLmagazine July 2022

MADE BY MAN, BLESSED BY NATURE The story of the Norfolk Broads FESTIVAL OF SPORT Holkham inspires the next generation BARSHAM MANOR Exploring one of our hidden gems PROUD PAST, BRIGHT FUTURE Peckover House returns to its roots

JULY/AUGUST 2022

92 100

FISH AND CHIPS Norfolk’s ultimate summer treat THE NORFOLK PICNIC What to enjoy and where to enjoy it

114 126

BACK ON TRACK Melton Constable’s railway adventure A MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECE The church of St Mary at West Walton

30 36

NORFOLK AT WAR Life on the home front in the 1940s

132

RAISING FUNDS, SAVING LIVES The inspirational ladies of Lilac

THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP Journey through the best of the county

GAME, SET AND MATCH Norfolk’s answer to Wimbledon

JULY IN THE GARDEN Expert help from Wendy Warner

66 72 86

EXOTIC AND EXCLUSIVE On the trail of the elusive Swallowtail

146 150 154 158 162

THE KL MAGAZINE QUIZ It’s time to test your local knowledge

FASHION Has summer ever looked this good? A GENUINE TASTE OF NORFOLK The Parlour opens at Abbey Farm

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE The work of artist Lucy Boydell VISIONS OF EGYPT A groundbreaking new exhibition

MICHAEL MIDDLETON Never judge a book by its cover 5

Blessed by nature. Made by man. The Broads National Park is one of Norfolk’s genuine treasures and is enjoyed by millions of holidaymakers and nature lovers from around the world - but its origins are surprisingly mundane...

t’s difficult to avoid superlatives when talking about the Norfolk Broads. Home to little more than 6,000 people they attract almost 8 million visitors a year, who bring some £450 million into the local economy. Comprising 117 square miles, seven rivers, 13 scheduled monuments, 125 miles of navigable waterways and 63 broads (most of which are less than 15ft deep) the area is Britain’s largest protected wetland and is a safe haven for 25% of the country’s rarest species. The Norfolk Broads contains 28 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and is the only place you’ll ever see the iconic Swallowtail butterfly. A young man called Horatio Nelson learned to sail here, David Bowie mentioned it in his classic song Life on Mars, and it helped local boatyard owner and radio engineer Christopher Cockerell to invent the hovercraft. Breathtakingly beautiful throughout the year whether you’re walking, sailing or simply enjoying a good meal, you might think this is one of our most precious natural wonderlands. But you’d be wrong, because despite the picture-postcard environment, abundant wildlife, magnificent birds and rare plants, the Norfolk Broads aren’t natural at all. In the Royal Geographical Society

memoir The Making of the Broads published in 1960 a woman called Joyce Lambert proved what several people had suspected all along - that the Norfolk Broads were man-made. In fact, they were an industrial by product. Almost 1,000 years ago the eastern part of Norfolk was one of the most densely-populated parts of the country, and the population needed two things - somewhere to live and some way of keeping warm. Once all the native woodland had been chopped down, another source of fuel was desperately needed (energy crises are nothing new) and it didn’t involve looking to the sky. It was directly underfoot. Over the next 200 years, an estimated 900 million cubic feet of peat was extracted from the ground (Norwich Cathedral itself burned its way through half a million blocks of the stuff a year), and the excavations were often almost 10ft deep. But as we’re now only too aware, the idea of taking extremely carbon-rich and slowforming material out of the ground and burning it isn’t the greatest idea in the world. And in an area as famously flat as

Norfolk, the inevitable happened. Due to frequent flooding and rising sea levels the massive holes gradually filled with water and joined the surrounding rivers, making peat extraction impossible. This was a cloud with a silver lining however, at a time when Norwich was the biggest city in the country after London.

ABOVE: Ranworth Broad at the end of the 1960s, less than 10 years after ecologist Joyce Lambert (right) proved that the ‘natural’ wilderness of the Norfolk Broads was an almost accidental and entirely man-made feature.

The newly-created waterways were ideal for exporting wool, woven products and agricultural produce, and gave rise to the dominance of the iconic Norfolk Wherry, which could carry around 25 tons and would be in service for the next 200 years. At one time there was some 300 wherries on the Norfolk Broads, but only eight are thought to have survived to this day. Thanks to the work of the Norfolk Wherry Trust, it’s still possible to see some of these wonderful boats, and their lovingly-restored Albion is the only original commercial wherry available to hire - a boat trip that was judged one of the best in the UK by BBC Countryfile. When Norwich was linked to London by the railway in 1845 (followed by King’s Lynn the following year) it opened the area to the entire country and ushered in the growth of a thriving tourism industry. After local boatbuilder John Loynes started a boat hire business in Wroxham towards the end of the 1870s, offering craft with “every convenience for cooking and sleeping” the Broads would never be the same again.

Holidaymakers flocked to the area, lavish regattas were held, and competitive yacht owners raced across the waters until world events put everything on hold. In 1913 the army started preparing Hickling Broad as a base for the anticipated war (it was never used) and in 1918 the Broads was commandeered under the Defence of the Realm Act. It was even more affected by the outbreak of the Second World War, as the government judged the area a prime target for any invasion. Boatyards stopped working on luxury boats and began building military vessels, and boats of all types (including the remaining wherries) were moored in open water to create blockades and prevent seaplanes landing. Restrictions on visiting the Norfolk Broads were lifted in 1943, but the effects of conscription, rationing and war damage meant the area took almost two decades to recover. Helped by advances in engine technology, improvements in design, and the development of new lightweight materials such as plastic and fibreglass the Broads grew to become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. Its transformation from industrial site to spectacular environment was officially recognised in 2015, when the Broads became the country’s 15th National Park, highlighting its unique biodiversity, precious wildlife, and its cultural and historical significance.

The passion for boating holidays in Norfolk continues to grow, alongside an increased interest in wooden boat restorations, the preservation of local history and environmental issues - all of which can be explored at the Museum of the Broads in Stalham, which also displays some of the equipment Joyce Lambert used back in the 1950s. And under the careful management of the Broads Authority, which was formed in 1989 and promotes people’s understanding of the special qualities of the area in addition to protecting it, this very special part of the world has a very promising future. For more features about Norfolk’s greatest attractions, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2022

Reviving Iconic British Vintage Brands in Norfolk You’ll certainly be familiar with some of the iconic automotive and aviation brands we’re working with - including Connaught, Levis Motorcycles, Sopwith Aviation, ABC Motorcycles to name but a few. The older generation will remember these famous British brands with affection and respect,

but we’re now reviving them for a younger audience to appreciate and ensure they’re not forgotten. Our new range of casual clothing includes stylish t-shirts and hoodies and are the first to be added to our collections, with many other exclusive items to follow. Lots of pride and plenty of style welcome to British Vintage Brands.

View the full collection at www.britishvintagebrands.com 07392 704986 | roz@britishvintagebrands.com

KLmagazine July 2022

Diarydates

LOCAL EVENTS IN JULY & AUGUST

SOUTH PICKENHAM VINEYARD TOURS

WELLS CARNIVAL After a two year break, the Wells Carnival is finally back with an exciting 10-day programme of live music and activities for all the family. Having taken place for the last 100 years, it’s one of the most traditional events in Norfolk’s social calendar and includes floats, fancy-dress, pull-and-push vehicles, a sandcastle and town crier competition, gillying on the quayside, and the crowning of the Carnival Royals. Due to the tides, the popular ‘raft race’ and ‘unusual duck race’ will be held on Sunday 24th July. Full details of all the activities can be found on the website at www.wellscarnival. co.uk and will be available on social media nearer the time. Winner of the Family Event of the Year award in 2019 at the Norfolk & Suffolk Tourism Awards, the festival culminates on the Saturday 6th July with the main carnival, which features a parade around the town and a musical spectacular in the evening. WHEN: Friday 29th July to Sunday 7th August WHERE: Wells-Next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Here’s your chance to discover some of Norfolk’s most luxurious wines with a special tour of the vineyards at South Pickenham. After a trailer ride from Home Farm to the vineyard, Assistant Estate Manager Simon Kroon will pass on his extensive knowledge of English winemaking in Norfolk and tell you about the fascinating processes involved in the management and production of wine on the estate. He’ll also pass on some tips on matching wines with food, and give you the opportunity to taste various still vintages and some of the estate’s award-winning sparkling wines. Tours are available on the 19th, 21st, 24th and 27th August and 3rd September. For more details and information on how to book your place, please call 01760 756376 or visit the website at www.southpickenham.co.uk WHEN: Various dates throughout August, and September 3rd WHERE: South Pickenham Estate, Home Farm, South Pickenham, Swaffham PE37 8DZ

SOUNDBATHS WITH KYŪSHI Enjoy an hour immersed in the pure frequencies of crystal sound therapy with Alice Moore from Kyūshi at West Acre Gallery and experience the powerful vibrational frequencies and harmonies of the beautiful crystal tones alchemy bowls, which create an atmosphere of deep embodiment perfect for the rebalancing of your mind, body and spirit. A unique experience that can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, increase immune cell messengers, and reduce your stress levels. For details contact alice@ kyushi.co.uk or call 07968 40476.

WHEN: Wednesday 13th July, Wednesday 26th October, Tuesday 15th November, and Thursday 15th December.

WHERE: West Acre Gallery, Abbey Farm, River Road, West Acre, Norfolk PE32 1UA

KLmagazine July 2022

FREEDOM : A NEW EXHIBITION BY LUCY BOYDELL An extraordinary new collection of work from an extraordinary local artist, Freedom is the result of two years’ worth of unique encounters with a number of exceptional creatures in some of our most precious local environments. From the magnificent star of the deer herd at Gunton Park (whose genetics can be traced back to the 1500s) to the Great Bustard at the Watatunga Wildlife Reserve just outside King’s Lynn, Lucy Boydell has captured these wonderful animals at their very best - in their natural setting. For more details and information, please call 01263 710287 or visit the website at www.thereddotgallery.com

WHEN: Saturday 23rd July to Saturday 6th August (10am-5pm) - please note the gallery is closed on Thursdays and Sundays.

WHERE: The Red Dot Gallery, 7 Fish Hill, Holt NR25 6BD

“

We’ve never really seen this as a competitive event - more like a sporting Glastonbury or Latitude…

OPPOSITE: Professional DP World Tour golfer Graeme Storm beat Rory McIlroy (who was then the word’s second-best player) in the BMW SA Open in 2017. Five years later, he’s passing his skills on to the next generation as the Festival of Sport at Holkham (above) looks to encourage a future that’s as confident as it is competitive.

A weekend of family fun with sporting legends After its debut in 2021 Festival of Sport returns to Holkham next month, bringing a world of international superstars to the beautiful Norfolk estate to inspire the next generation of athletes

he Holkham estate needs little in the way of introduction. The proving ground for agricultural reforms that revolutionised English farming, home to one of the principal Palladian houses of England and the origin of the bowler hat, this spectacular 25,000-acre estate in north Norfolk is one of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. And it’s now the setting for one of the most exciting and competitive events in Norfolk’s calendar - Festival of Sport. Taking place from Friday 12th to Monday 15th August, Festival of Sport was founded by ex-England rugby stars KLmagazine July 2022

Will Greenwood and Austin Healey to offer a wealth of family entertainment, camping, competitions and coaching from world-class sporting legends - and its debut in 2021 proved so successful that an extra day has been added this year. Centred around a programme of core sports, Festival of Sport provides an amazing opportunity for children to try new sports for the first time and receive expert coaching and learn about new skills in the sports they already love. The available sports include rugby, hockey, cricket, football, gymnastics, netball, tennis, rowing and athletics, and there are also taster sessions for more

unusual sports such as trampolining, boxing, archery, mixed martial arts (MMA) and dodgeball. Designed with everyone in mind, the all-inclusive event ensures there’s something for everyone regardless of age, ability or experience. Alongside the packed children’s activity programme, adults can also join a variety of sporting taster sessions, experience a host of wellness workshops, and take part in the family 5k run on Sunday morning. There is also a variety of fun and interactive sessions for the under 5s to keep them entertained over the weekend. Combining this with the live music and the Friday night open air 13

cinema, you won’t be short of ideas to keep you entertained. At the heart of the festival is a starstudded line up of inspirational sporting legends including Olympians, world champions and World Cup winners and each sporting zone is headed by a famous face, leading the coaching and joining in the activities. Returning this year (and no strangers to the north Norfolk coast) will be founders and organisers Will Greenwood and Austin Healey, who’ll be joined by World Cup winners Mike Tindall and Rachael Burford, together with netball stars Tamsin Greenway and Karen Greig, paralympic rowers Vicki and Tom Aggar, the world champion synchronised trampolinist Amanda Parker, international hockey player and Olympic gold medallist Alex Danson, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire cricketer Ryan Sidebottom and professional DP World Tour golfer Graeme Storm. “This isn’t about becoming the next Jessica Ennis-Hill or Mo Farah,” says Will Greenwood, who scored 31 tries for England between 1997 and 2006. “Festival of Sport allows children to try lots of different sports and gives grown-ups the opportunity to get involved too. We want people to have fun, we want massive beaming smiles, and we want every child to be fast 14

asleep by the time they reach the main road off the estate. That’s our definition of a cracking weekend.” Will’s enlisted plenty of support to help ensure the weekend is a resounding success. New to Holkham this year will be Olympic medalwinning rower Alan Campbell, and gold medal hockey star Kate Richardson-Walsh who captained the England Women’s Hockey team for 13 years. Also making an appearance will be professional football freestyler Charlotte LadeRogers, England lacrosse star Ashleigh Gloster, British halfpipe skateboard champion Neil Danns, world champion inline skater Jenna Downing and the extraordinary paralympic archer Martin Saych. “Despite all the amazing athletes who are taking part we’ve never really seen this as a competitive event, and we always saw it as something of a sporting Glastonbury,” says Will Greenwood. “It’s a festival, so if parents want to do absolutely nothing while enjoying some champagne and Cromer crab while their children do all the hard wor, that’s perfectly okay - although I’d

suggest preparing for being called off the bench!” Will and Austin hope that the event will become a regular fixture on the Norfolk calendar, seeing it as a very real partnership between the grassroots of the sporting world and the centuriesold heritage of one of Norfolk’s most beautiful estates. Weekend and day tickets are available now (must be booked in advance). Visit www.festivalofsportuk.com for more info and to book tickets and camping or glamping accommodation. For more details about visiting Holkham and for a history of the estate, visit www.holkham.co.uk

FESTIVAL OF SPORT Friday 12th - Monday 15th August 2022 Holkham Park Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB

KLmagazine July 2022

Create memories to cherish forever. Plan your day at holkham.co.uk Follow us

Holkham Estate Wells-next-the-Sea Norfolk NR23 IAB

A COLLECTION OF NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF

23rd JULY – 7th AUGUST THE

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2022 LB advert for KL.indd 1

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KLmagazine July 2022

TOUR DATES

Friday 19th August Sunday 21st August

Wednesday 24th August Saturday 27th August Saturday 3rd September

Take a tour of Norfolk’s finest wines There’s no better way to celebrate summer than with a delicious trip to the award-winning South Pickenham Vineyard

orfolk is famous for offering an extraordinary variety of local food and drink and with its fertile soil and gentle climate it’s swiftly becoming one of England’s most successful grape growing regions. First planted in the 1980s, the excellent vineyard at the South Pickenham Estate near Swaffham is home to some of the most luxurious wines in East Anglia– and its dedicated team are excited to share some refreshing flavours with you this season. “Once again we’re delighted to announce we’ll be holding our popular Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting Events during August and September,” says Simon Kroon, the Assistant Estate Manager at South Pickenham. “Though the vineyard may be small in terms of national production, it’s an incredibly successful business and an extraordinary place to

explore. Join us on an exclusive tour and you’ll not only get to taste some of our exceptional Norfolk vintages, but you’ll also learn about the fascinating processes involved in the management and production of wine on the estate.” The tours commence at 2pm on selected dates between 19th August and 3rd September and start with a short trailer ride from Home Farm to the vineyard. Simon will be your guide for the afternoon, and he always looks forward to imparting both his enthusiasm and his extensive knowledge of English winemaking in Norfolk. He’ll tell you about the complete process – from which varieties of grape are grown (and why) through to pruning and general care of the vines. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, wander through the vineyard and see the grapes growing – and perhaps even try one or two! On your return to Home Farm, you’ll taste various still vintages and some of the estate’s award-

The Estate Office, Home Farm, South Pickenham, Swaffham PE37 8DZ Tel: 01760 756376 Web: southpickenham.co.uk KLmagazine July 2022

winning sparkling wines. There will be a selection of nibbles on hand and Simon will give you some tips on pairing the wine with food. At the end of the afternoon, once you’ve discovered the wines suited to your palate, you’ll have the chance to purchase some bottles to take home. “English wine is very versatile and pairs well with a lot of different foods so it’s worth experimenting with flavour,” says Simon. “Don’t be tempted to just stick to a familiar bottle because it’s something you know works - have a go at trying something new.” It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a refreshing taste of Norfolk this summer. Tickets are priced at £15 per person, and to reserve a place or find out more please call 01760 756376.

SOUTH

Pickenham ESTATE

The remarkable tales of a Tudor treasure With its extravagant ornamentation and magnificent towers and turrets, the breathtaking manor in East Barsham is one of the finest houses in the county – and it’s also one of the most intriguing

orfolk is home to over 260 recognised historic halls and manor houses, although few are as stylistically astonishing as the spectacular East Barsham Manor just over two miles north of Fakenham. The magnificent masterpiece appears almost magically as you enter the village, with its deep red-brick towers rising commandingly from the treetops. A unique jewel of Tudor architecture, it was described by renowned building historian Nikolaus Pevsner as “a picture book ideal of an early Tudor house, which is too good to be true when one first sets eyes on it.”

It’s impossible not to be struck by the splendour of East Barsham Manor, which was deliberately built as a statement with the intention to dazzle. The house was likely constructed in the 1520s for Sir Henry Fermor as a powerful symbol of his family’s rising status. Known as ‘a person of great worth and dignity’ Fermor was assessed as being the richest man in Norfolk in 1523. His wealth is clearly reflected in the richness and grandeur of the building, which is widely considered to be the finest example of decorative brickwork in the county. The luxurious manor is guarded by an imposing two storey gatehouse,

which opens to show the stunning south façade. Thought to have been built just after the house, this striking structure is an incredible sight to behold, with its grand angle buttresses, panelled battlements, and outstanding ornamentation. Above its huge moulded arch are the Royal Arms of King Henry VIII, who reputedly stayed at the manor on several occasions and used it as a base for visiting the nearby shrine at Walsingham. The house itself is equally impressive, with a long embattled façade punctuated by eight marvellous polygonal buttresses. These are topped

by an assortment of fabulous round finials and, despite many being modern reconstructions, they’re nothing short of spectacular. The beautiful building is enriched with exquisite decorative brickwork, and the cluster of astonishing chimney shafts on the west wall are its crowning glory. Dated around 1525, they’re adorned with different patterns of decoration, with elaborate reticulation and diapers and intricately carved fleurs-de-lys. It’s a rich and rare treasure and one of the only impressive Tudor houses left in Norfolk, as many crumbled and ruined when families fell from favour. It may be standing today, but East Barsham Manor very nearly met a similar fate. Over the centuries the remarkable residence passed through a number of aristocratic families and underwent periods of decline and rebuilding. It was owned by the Fermor family for over 100 years until, in around 1628 it passed by the marriage of an heiress into the influential Calthorpe family. In a similar way it fell into the renowned L’Estrange family of Hunstanton Hall around 1720, and in 1760 to the Astleys of Melton Constable. During these years the

manor experienced little change, although it descended into decline during the end of the 18th century. Within a generation the stunning building had fallen from grace and was largely derelict. The west end was a shell and the east end a ruin, yet the building retained its captivating qualities. Many artists, writers, antiquaries and lovers of Romanic ruins were drawn to the house, and it even caught the eye of the great architect and landscape designer Humphry Repton - most famous locally for designing Sheringham Park. “During a late tour of Norfolk,” he wrote in 1808, “I saw the remains of an old manor house which I believe in richness of moulded brickwork exceeds anything of the kind in England.” Despite its period of dilapidation, East Barsham Manor soon returned to its former glory. A significant restoration project was undertaken from 1919 for Mr Colman of Norwich, and in 1938 the ruined part of the house was made habitable once again for a self-styled count called Count Jeremie Hapsburg-Lothringen. The work of both periods was sympathetic to the original, with builders reusing things found in the house and carefully sourcing old materials. Soon enough the manor’s grandeur was fully restored, allowing it to pass to many more intriguing and influential people. One of the most notable recent buyers was David Shaw, the business partner of Robert Stigwood - who was

the manager of the legendary Cream and the Bee Gees and was once described as the most powerful tycoon in the entertainment industry. Shaw purchased the house in the early 1970s and the Bee gees themselves stayed there for a few months during this time, bringing a great deal of excitement to the otherwise quiet village. Today East Barsham Manor is still privately owned, and it continues to astound passers-by with its extraordinary beauty. A truly mesmerising masterpiece, it’s protected as a Grade I listed building and is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular Tudor survivals in the entire country. For more fascinating features on local history, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

PICTURES: Originally built in the 1520s, East Barsham Manor is an important work of Tudor architecture and a leading and early example of a prodigy house.

KLmagazine July 2022

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KLmagazine July 2022

Your financial future is safe and secure with us... At Allen Tomas & Co we specialise in all types of mortgages, and our highly-qualified team is now bigger and brighter than ever

he mortgage team at Allen Tomas & Co Financial Management is expanding, meaning they’re able to help more clients with all their mortgage and protection needs. Josh Green joined the firm as a trainee mortgage adviser in July last year and has been working tirelessly to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to become a qualified Mortgage Adviser. Over the last 11 months Josh has studied hard to pass both his mortgage exams - R01 Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics, and CF6 Mortgage Advice. He’s now working towards his R05 Financial Protection exam, which will give him even more knowledge to help clients with their protection needs. At the same time Josh has also been on the SkillsEdge Apprenticeship Scheme, shadowing our experienced Senior Mortgage & Protection Adviser Rachael Smith. Rachael has been in the financial services industry for 11 years and a qualified mortgage adviser for the

last five years. Rachael joined Allen Tomas & Co in 2020 and has helped grow and expand the mortgage wing of the business, recently passing her R07 Advanced Mortgage Adviser examination, which gives her a Level 4 Qualification. With their combined range of qualifications and knowledge Rachael and Josh will continue to grow the mortgage side of Allen Tomas & Co and will be based at the new King’s Lynn office, which is set to open to the public in September and will also cover the Dersingham and Fakenham offices, increasing the firm’s presence across the whole of North and West Norfolk. Rachael and Josh are able to offer all our clients help with every aspect of mortgages - including Residential, Buyto-Let, Bridging Loans, Development Finance, Commercial and Self-Build Mortgages, along with assisting with any protection needs including Life Insurance, Critical Illness, and Income Protection. Their appointment service is very straightforward and simple, offering

meetings on a face-to-face basis in any of our offices, or telephone meetings or video calls at a time that suits you and the first meeting at their expense. Their advice is completely and totally independent, providing clients with a broad range of options to suit them. Allen Tomas & Co strives to give the best service, advice and experience to all clients. Currently Rachael and Josh are not charging mortgage advice fees in addition to the procuration fee, so please contact them today to see how they can help with your mortgage and protection requirements now and in the future. Fore more details and to book your own appointment, please call Rachael Smith on 07957 357212 or rachael@ allentomasfinancial.co.uk or contact Josh Green on 07385 214993 or josh@ allentomasfianancial.co.uk

6 St Nicholas Court, Church Lane, Dersingham PE31 6GZ • Tel: 01485 541998 2 Oak Street, Fakenham NR21 9DY • Tel: 01328 854706 1 King Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1ET • 01553 767516 Website: www.allentomasfinancial.co.uk Email: info@allentomasfinancial.co.uk Follow us at: @allentomasfinancial AllenTomasCo AllenTomasCo 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 2022

NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES, JAMES DOBSON & MIKE SELBY

ABOVE: From its imposing location on the North Brink in Wisbech, Peckover House has played an important part in the social and economic life of the town for three centuries - and is now returning to its roots as a centre of activity for the local community.

Celebrating 300 years of community support As it celebrates its 300th birthday, the wonders of Peckover House are being re-imagined and re-purposed for the 21st century, but in many ways they’re returning to the past, as KL magazine discovers...

he most beautiful building in one of the greatest Georgian streetscapes in England, Peckover House has stood on the North Brink in Wisbech for three centuries, and has plenty of reasons to celebrate in its 300th anniversary year. Built in 1722 (the same year as Houghton Hall) it’s played a central role in the life of the local community ever since Jonathan Peckover purchased the house in the 1790s. He’d arrived in Wisbech some 20 years earlier and opened a small grocery business. Respected for his strong moral principles, honesty and decency, he soon began holding his customers’ money for safekeeping, and his KLmagazine July 2022

informal bank became the town’s first official bank in 1782 when he entered into partnership with the established Quaker bankers Gurneys & Co. of Norwich. In its new home (which was then known as Bank House) the business thrived under the family’s management until shortly before it merged with 19 other private banks to form Barclays. Despite the material rewards of their bank, the Peckovers were famous for their philanthropy, supporting many local institutions such as the Wisbech and Fenland Museum and the Working Men’s Institute, helping open up public spaces for people to enjoy, improving the provision of local education, and campaigning for the abolition of

slavery. They were also prolific artists, inveterate travellers and collectors, and built a valuable library of rare books most of which were sold or given away before the house came into the care of the National Trust in 1948. And it’s the lost library that has provided Peckover House with a very special surprise 300th birthday present. “In many ways we’re returning the house to the ethos of the Peckovers,” says Property Operations Manager Ben Rickett, who’s now been at the house for almost 15 years. “That doesn’t mean we’re becoming a relic of the past. We’re bringing Peckover back into our 21st century community and making it a living, breathing part of local life. 25

NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES, JAMES DOBSON

LEFT: The wonders of Peckover House give visitors a unique glimpse into the life of a prosperous 18th century family - and a recent discovery in America (left) has uncovered a fascinating chapter in its illustrious past.

NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES, LOUISE GARDNER

Having said that, you never know when the property’s past life is suddenly going to grab some attention.” Ben recently received an e-mail from a lady in Texas, whose grandfather had been a printer in New York City and was an avid book collector. He’d picked up a set of six old books in a secondhand bookstore in Los Angeles many years ago, and she could remember reading and studying them together as a child - which is why they were later gifted to her. Sealed and carefully kept in storage for 20 years, she had recently looked at them again and noticed the inside covers were signed by Alexander Peckover - and

decided it was fitting to return them to their original home. A 1769 set of educational books covering subjects such as arithmetic, geography and rhetoric (“made familiar and easy to young gentlemen and ladies”) the Circle of Science collection is extremely rare. “This is the only complete set known outside of the British Library and they’re in remarkably good condition,” says Ben. “We’re doing a small amount of conservation work on them at the moment, but they should be going on display over the summer. It’s amazing to think of the journey they’ve been on and to welcome them back home.” The books are a fascinating glimpse into Peckover’s past, but the property is definitely looking to the future. New opening arrangements mean that the house can now only be explored on a pre-booked guided tour basis, but the delightful (and historically-important) gardens are free to enjoy at any time for relaxing lunchtimes and spectacular picnics and for the very first time the gardens will also be holding a series of open evenings over the summer. The Reed Barn has been re-imagined and is the only National Trust property in the UK taking part in the Europeanwide Monument project - working with the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Adventure, and Meeting Centres UK to offer a safe place where people living with dementia, their families and carers can share experiences, gain new skills and take a break from caring responsibilities. “The National Trust is all about people and the benefits of access to nature, beauty and heritage,” says Russell Clement, General Manager for Peckover House, “and we want

everyone to be able to experience our places and get involved in our cause. This project is entirely in keeping with the Peckover spirit and is only one of a number of partnership projects we’ll be working on over the next few years.” One of which is the Common Ground initiative, staged in association with the Norfolk & Norwich Festival and which will be taking place for a week at the end of July. Trialled last year with a combination of drama workshops, 3D scanning, historical dressing-up and virtual reality, it speaks to a new generation. “It’s a fantastic way of encouraging young people to engage with heritage and experience places they might not ordinarily visit,” says Ben. “As far as Peckover House is concerned, we’re simply building on what the family did for the local community. It’s not about the quantity of visitors any more - it’s all about the quality of the visits.” And as Peckover House celebrates its 300th anniversary, this communityfocused property is certainly worth visiting.

PECKOVER HOUSE North Brink, Wisbech PE13 1JR m 01945 583463 K nationaltrust.org.uk/peckoverhouse k peckover@nationaltrust.org.uk KLmagazine July 2022

KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • TILES • BEDROOMS • PLUMBING SUPPLIES

THE HEART OF THE HOME Your new kitchen awaits Everyone deserves to have their perfect kitchen. This is why at the Quay Centre we endeavour to ensure that we supply a spectrum of high quality and stylish ranges to suit every budget and taste.

Visit our showroom today to see our stunning kitchen displays

THE QUAY CENTRE OFFERS THE COMPLETE PACKAGE...

We project manage your new installation from start to finish, co-ordinating all trades needed so that it’s a stress-free process Address 28-31a North End, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 1PE | Tel 01945 476797 Fax 01945 463495 | Web www.quaycentre.co.uk

BARRY L HAWKINS Independent Auctioneer and Land Agent The Estate Office, 15 Lynn Road, Downham Market PE38 9NL 01366 387180 | info@barryhawkins.co.uk

Celebrate Summer at Peckover House Book your tour of the house or explore the glorious gardens at your leisure. nationaltrust.org.uk/peckover-house-and-garden

KLmagazine July 2022

Helping your children onto the property ladder Hayes+Storr explains how to safeguard your future and your children’s

f you have savings you may prefer to help your child/children now rather than pass those assets on through inheritance, but it’s important to ensure you have enough left for your own needs - especially as they may well change over time. But with professional help you can support the next generation AND protect your own future.

MAKING A GIFT OR A LOAN Deciding whether your contribution is a gift or a loan is key. If it’s a gift, most mortgage lenders will require a ‘gifted deposit letter’ which confirms the relationship between you and the recipient and that you have no beneficial interest in the property. Loans will need clear written terms of repayment and any interest payable.

you to force the sale of the property should the borrower fail to repay the loan - which may be because of changing circumstances, relationship breakdowns or premature death. Preand postnuptial agreements can also help protect your interests against future changes.

A DECLARATION OF TRUST If your child is buying with a friend or partner, a ‘declaration of trust’ will take account of your contribution and ensure you can influence the treatment of its value in the future.

PERSONAL GUARANTEES

REGISTERING A CHARGE

Instead of contributing a lump sum, you could become a parental guarantor or joint borrower - although both options could leave you liable for all outstanding debt(s) which could put your own home at risk.

The preparation and registration of a legal charge at the Land Registry can be the most secure way to protect your interests, ultimately allowing

A springboard mortgage allows someone with a small (typically 5%)

deposit to borrow if their parents place an equivalent proportion of the property’s value in cash in a deposit account as security. The mortgage lender can then access those savings to make up any future missed payments.

TAX & OTHER IMPLICATIONS If you have a beneficial interest in the property or intend to share in any increase in its value, you should consider your liability for capital gains tax. Lump sums shouldn’t create any immediate liability for inheritance tax, but if you die within seven years, HMRC could class it as part of your estate and it may affect your eligibility for any long-term care funding. For further information, please contact Diane Raven on 01553 778900 or email diane.raven@hayes-storr.com.

SPRINGBOARD MORTGAGES

DIANE RAVEN Chartered Legal Executive

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

KLmagazine July 2022

ABOVE: The Guildhall in Norwich surrounded by sandbags during the Second World War - because of its cultural importance and wealth of historic buildings, Norfolk was a prime target for German bombers during the conflict.

What was normal for Norfolk in WWII... Culturally, geographically, artistically and politically Europe is still defined by the Second World War, but what impact did the conflict have on the traditionally tranquil and peaceful county of Norfolk?

lthough the Second World War had an enormous impact on the entire country, Norfolk has a unique place in the domestic history of the conflict and can claim a number of remarkable firsts. The Royal Norfolk Regiment’s 2nd Battalion was the first complete infantry unit of the BEF to land in France at the start of the war, and two of its members (Cpt Peter Barclay and Cpl Mick Davis) were the first British soldiers to be decorated for their actions. Rather fittingly, a few years later the first soldiers ashore the Normandy beaches on D-Day were men from the Royal Norfolks - and the first attack on Berlin at the end of the war in Europe was by planes from RAF Marham. The first man on occupied Japanese soil (Lt Colin Chapman) was from Norwich. KLmagazine July 2022

The Royal Norfolk Regiment was awarded more Victoria Crosses (five in total) than any other county-based regiment in Britain during WWII, and a pigeon bred and trained at Sandringham in the royal pigeon loft became the first in the whole of Europe to successfully deliver a message from a force-landed aircrew. Released in Holland on 10th October 1940 at 7.20am, ‘Royal Blue’ delivered his vital message to Sandringham four hours and ten minutes later - and earned the Dickin Medal for his work. Even more remarkably, very few people know that the iconic Battle of Britain actually started in the skies of Norfolk. Early on the morning of 10th July 1940 (4.40am to be precise) three Spitfires from No.66 Squadron took off from RAF Coltishall - and shortly came under attack from a German

Dornier bomber, which swiftly forced one of the Spitfires back to base. The other two pursued the bomber and shot it down over the sea - and the ensuing battle would last until the end of October before helping define our national character for the rest of the 20th century. Although its proximity to Europe meant that Norfolk was well prepared for the arrival of any enemy force (it would take until the 1970s for all the landmines on the beach at Trimingham to be cleared) it did experience an invasion of another kind. Two days before the Second World War was officially declared (Friday 1st September 1939) hundreds of young children started arriving in the county, destined for ‘dispersal centres’ (local schools) and given a quick health check and a bag of rations. The fact the 31

authorities had stockpiled 976 cases of tinned milk, 21,000lbs of biscuits, 73,000 cases of chocolates and 21,000 carrier bags may seem rather excessive, but within three days the number of young children in Norfolk had risen by over 21,000. One evacuated youngster called Maurice Micklewhite from Southwark in south London eventually found himself living with a family on a farm at North Runcton, a few miles from King’s Lynn. The young boy took part in the annual village pantomime playing Baron Fitznoodle (the father of the ugly sisters) in Cinderella and took to it like a natural. Some 80 years, 160 films, three Golden Globes and two Oscars later he’s better known to us as Sir Michael Caine CBE. At home, war affected virtually every walk of life. People listened to BBC radio programmes such as ‘Can You Hear Me, Mother?’ and ‘It’s That Man Again’ (there were no local radio stations at the time) and in the absence of lavishlyproduced films the Majestic Cinema in King’s Lynn was showing governmentissue features such as ‘Fuel Flashes’ and ‘The Kitchen Front’. People wishing to eat out would visit their nearest British Kitchen (it was officially a ‘communal feeding centre’ but the government thought that sounded too much like something the Soviet Union would do) where you could treat yourself to a bowl of soup for 1p. Along with the rest of the country, Norfolk experienced severe food shortages during the Second World War, although we now know that the introduction of rationing and increased reliance on home-grown vegetables led to greater health among the general population. Despite the rather frugal fayre on offer from your (and your neighbours’) garden, the food star of the war was the meat-free and vegetable-packed Lord Woolton Pie. Named after the government’s Minister of Food in the early 1940s, it was actually created at the Savoy Hotel in London by the Maître Chef de Cuisine, François Latry. He suggested substituting the vegetables according to whatever was available at the time (the Norfolk version was heavy on peas since crops reached record levels towards the end of the war) but the essential recipe was as follows if you like a genuine taste of the 1940s: Happily, there was some good news

LORD WOOLTON PIE FOR THE PASTRY: 8oz wholemeal/ wholewheat flour 4oz mashed potato 3oz margarine or lard 2tsp baking powder Large pinch of salt

FOR THE FILLING: 1lb cauliflower 1lb parsnips 1lb carrots 1lb potatoes Bunch of spring onions, chopped

2tsp Marmite 1tbsp rolled oats Salt and pepper to taste Parsley

METHOD 1. Chop the vegetables into chunks, with those that take longer to cook into smaller pieces. 2. Place in a pot and bring to simmer with just enough water to reach 3/4 of the way up the vegetables. 3. Add the Marmite and rolled oats, salt and pepper and cook until tender and most of the water has been absorbed. 4. Place the mixture in a deep pie dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley 5. Make the pastry by mixing the flour with the baking powder and salt and then rubbing in the margarine. Mix in the mashed potato in to form a dough and knead (add a little water if it’s too dry) 6. Roll out to form a pie crust, place on top and brush with milk. 7. Cook in the oven at 200oC for 30 minutes or until the top is firm and browned.

on the food front at home. The ban on visiting the seaside was lifted in the summer of 1944, and trains and buses flooded into Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton and Cromer as people travelled from miles away to enjoy an ice cream on the Norfolk coast. The government’s Minister for Food John Llewellen actually allowed supplies to be made available for its manufacture.

That’s surely the definition of what’s ‘Normal for Norfolk’ - irresistible food in a beautiful location during the most difficult of circumstances. And we can all identify with that. For more fascinating features on local history please visit www.klmagazine. co.uk

ABOVE: The Second World War affected the lives of everyone in Norfolk (this is Somerleyton Street in Norwich after a bombing raid in the summer of 1942) but the spirit of keeping calm and carrying on defined our national character and is still with us today.

KLmagazine July 2022

Images: © Andrew Orr/Holts Auctioneers

Celebrate our past and invest in our future As Holts Auctioneers prepares for its next sale later this month, it continues to promote local traditions and national history

hen Holts Auctioneers holds its next sale in July, it will feature several local items brought to the Wolferton auction rooms by readers of KL magazine during the free valuation day at the start of May. “That’s probably the most exciting aspect of being an auctioneer,” says Nick Holt, whose world-famous auction house has been based on the royal estate at Sandringham for over three decades. “There’s an enormous amount of military history in Norfolk and a proud tradition of field sports, and you never know what’s about to come through the door.” A case in point are the three advertising signs for Gallyon’s gun cartridges (one of them even features the ‘Sandringham’ option) - a local name that’s currently undergoing an exciting renaissance thanks to the efforts of Adam Anthony and Richard Hefford-Hobbs.

“This is a brand that can trace its roots back to the Tower of London at the start of the 18th century,” says Nick. “When the future Edward VII at Sandringham and Lord Leicester at Holkham started developing a new form of shooting, Gallyon’s came to west and north Norfolk - and they eventually held Royal Warrants for no less than four monarchs.” By the time it bought the King’s Lynn business of Lionel Clough just before the outbreak of the Second World War, Gallyon’s was already a byword for individually-crafted English shotguns in a market increasingly dominated by mass-produced European products. Also appearing in July’s auction will be an extremely rare Vickers machine gun that was made in 1912 (interestingly enough the gun’s serial number is 11912) and comes complete with a variety of original accessories including its tripod, optical sight, cased clinometer, and transit bag. “Many people make the mistake of

assuming that all we do is sell guns, but that’s probably the least important part of our business,” says Nick Holt. “We’re dealing with pivotal moments in our history and unique personal stories - and we’re helping preserve that heritage for future generations.” Having just taken delivery of three cased pairs of duelling pistols from South Africa that are almost 250 years old , Nick is passionate about preserving this underestimated and poorly-understood area of British culture. “Even if you only view them as financial investments, these are truly valuable pieces of history,” says Nick. “After all, our heritage will never go out of fashion.”

NEXT AUCTIONS Monday 11th July 2022 Antique & vintage guns, accessories, taxidermy, edged weapons Tuesday 12th July 2022 Modern sporting guns and accessories

Church Farm Barns, Wolferton, Norfolk PE31 6HA T: 01485 542822 E: info@holtsauctioneers.com W: www.holtsauctioneers.com

KLmagazine July 2022

Welcome to a spectacular new look for Sandles For the last four decades Sandles Car Supermarket has offered a better way to buy used cars - but it’s never looked better than this

BELOW: The team at Sandles is looking forward to a new chapter in the story of the family-run business, which has just transformed its Pott Row site with the opening of a stunning new showroom and sales centre.

CGIS © ARCHI-VIS STUDIO

andles has come a very long way since John Sandle sold a Mk III Cortina from his parents’ cottage in Roydon Common in the early 1970s. Today, the family-run business he established back then offers one of the largest selections of used cars in East Anglia, and every one is carefully checked and lovingly prepared to meet Sandles’ famously rigorous quality control standards. But the Pott Row site has now been totally transformed with a speciallydesigned and breathtaking new two-storey showroom that covers some 6,000sq ft and is a fitting showcase for an exceptional range of high quality vehicles. “We’ve been planning this new showroom for about five years and it’s so much better than we ever imagined it could be,” says Laura Sandle. “My father was emotional when we demolished the original building about a year ago, but we’d already outgrown it twice and it was definitely time for a change. He loves it now, because it’s exactly what Sandles has always been

about - a family-friendly environment and welcoming customer experience.” From the exclusively-commissioned steel and oak desks to the colourchanging exterior lighting, this is a glittering showroom for the 21st century - but it’s also been future proofed with a host of advanced features. An array of solar panels will supply all the site’s energy needs, and the completely ‘smart’ showroom is controlled by a building management system that automatically regulates the

temperature and lighting for the benefit of staff and customers. It also manages the eight new electric car charging points. From the more user-friendly road layout around the site to the state-of-the-art coffee machine (the fabulous coffee at Sandles is always a regular feature of customer reviews) no detail has been overlooked. “We wanted to offer our customers the very best experience by giving them more space and better facilities,” says John Sandle. “We also needed to accommodate the technology we’ll be needing in the future. I think everyone involved in the design and build has done an astonishing job, and a special thanks to the parish council and King's Lynn planning department for their support on this project.” Buying a used car from Sandles has always been an pleasurable experience - but it’s never been more enjoyable than this.

Call us: 01553 630052 Visit us: Leziate Drove, Pott Row, King's Lynn PE32 1DD Open 7 days a week Web: www.sandles.co.uk Email us: sales@sandles.co.uk Like & follow us: @SandlesCars KLmagazine July 2022

Norwich

Discover the ultimate Norfolk road trip... In little more than 100 miles you can pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes, towns and villages in the country - enjoying some of its finest food and most historically-important locations on the way

hink of the best road trips in the world and a few spring immediately to mind, from the 2,000-mile Route 66 in America to Australia’s Great Ocean Road, which is 92% shorter. Italy has its Great St Bernard Pass from Turin to Montreux (143 miles) and India can boast the Wayanad Ghat Road from Kozhikode to Wayanad (53 miles) but it’s arguable that in terms of variety, food and natural beauty none of them can compare with the 100-mile trip around the county called Timeless Norfolk. Earlier this year, a panel of 36

international travel experts and professionals assembled a list of the best road trips in the UK, and judged that driving from Norwich to Hunstanton was the sixth best in the country you could hope to experience. “This is a trip that begs the question what more could you want?” they said. “Every few hundred yards you’ve got a wealth of history and heritage. You’ll enjoy long coastal views and even longer sandy beaches, and you’ll see incredible buildings, stately homes, unique churches, picture-perfect cottages and the very essence of what makes an English village. And when

you do want to stop for a bite to eat, you can rest assured it’s one of the best bites you’ve had since the one you had five miles back.” Starting from Norwich with its harmonious combination of historical importance and contemporary culture, you reach the north Norfolk coast via a delightful detour to Salhouse for a brief view of the unique Norfolk Broads (you can read about their story on page 8) - and find yourself in Cromer, a picturesque town with a proud maritime past that managed to retain its character despite its transformation after the Victorians ‘discovered’ the KLmagazine July 2022

appeal of having holidays by the seaside. Home to the tastiest crabs in the entire country (and arguably Norfolk’s finest fish and chips) this is a town defined by its 140m pier - which is the only pier you’ll see on this entire trip. Voted Pier of the Year by The Piers Society in 2015, it’s home to the last full-season variety show in the world which several theatre critics think rivals many West End productions. If you’ve got time, pop into the town’s inspiring Henry Blogg Museum, which celebrates the local lifeboatman who served the RNLI for 53 years and saved almost 900 lives in the process. Leaving Cromer, you’ll see plenty of East and West Runton at 40 mph along the A149, but as you approach Sheringham on your right you’ll see Beeston Bump - a feature that dispels the myth that Norfolk is relentlessly flat. An intimidating 206ft above sea level, it was formed by retreating glaciers in the Ice Age and was used for gathering intelligence during the Second World War - and is said to be one of the haunts of Black Shuck, the undead dog that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (who enjoyed the nearby golf course) to write The Hound of the Baskervilles. The next 10 miles to Blakeney cover the landscape most associated with the north Norfolk coast, a heady mix of particularly fine restaurants and vast salt marshes and nature reserves. In the winter these narrow lanes are serene and captivating, broken only by the occasional windmill (the one at Cley-next-the-Sea was once the family home of singer James Blunt) or roadside seafood shop. Blakeney is the very definition of this part of the coastline - beautiful flint fisherman’s cottages and cute gift shops, boat trips to colonies of seals, views for miles across the wide-open spaces (no prizes for guessing the main subject of the work in the area’s many art galleries) and a wealth of wonderful pubs, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops. The fact it’s an Area of Outstanding Beauty is hardly a surprise. Your next stop will be Wells-Nextthe-Sea, everyone’s idea of the perfect family summer holiday. Fish and chips out of newspaper, dropping crab lines off the harbour wall, and an extraordinary beach (complete with picturesque beach huts) at the end of the equally-amazing Beach Road promenade. It’s also on the doorstep of the nationally-important Holkham Nature Reserve, the astonishing Holkham estate, and a breathtaking KLmagazine July 2022

Cromer

Sheringham PICTURES: From the picture-postcard perfection of Cromer (top) to the wilder coastline of Sheringham (bottom), the coastline of Norfolk is one of endless wonders - and astonishing views. 37

Hunstanton

ABOVE: Hunstanton is the perfect holiday resort, and was created to be exactly that by local landowner Henry Le Strange in 1846. It’s the ideal base from which to explore the many wonders of the royal estate at Sandringham (below right) and King’s Lynn (below).

pine woods. Travelling slightly inland for a while gives you a chance to see how Burnham Market is finally exchanging its Chelsea-on-Sea reputation for a more authentic Norfolk experience, but you’ll soon need to head north again to see the natural wonders of Titchwell and Thornham. By now the awardwinning food, expansive tidal marshes and important nature reserves will start becoming de rigueur for you, but it’s good to see them retaining a distinct character of their own. The road will lead you inexorably towards the west-facing part of the coastline and the holiday resort of Hunstanton, which is the youngest place you’ve visited. Although the landscape and famous layer-cake cliffs are the result of millions of years’ worth of natural processes, the town was created by local landowner Henry Le Strange in 1846 to take advantage of the growing interest in ‘bathing holidays’ and the rise of the railways. By rights the Timeless Norfolk road trip ends here, but there’s an extra treat in store for people with more time on their hands. Follow the coast as it bends southwards and you’ll pass the

delightful villages of Heacham, Snettisham and Dersingham before skirting the edge of the royal estate at Sandringham. And you’ll finally arrive at King’s Lynn - a thriving port town that was once one of the most important in Europe and has retained a huge concentration of beautiful listed buildings, many of them unique. In fact, it’s a town so fascinating it gave its name to the very magazine you’re reading. All you have to do now is enjoy one of the town’s great restaurants, turn around, and get started on the return trip. For more fascinating features on the attractions of Norfolk, visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk.

Sandringham

King’s Lynn KLmagazine July 2022

O P E N U P A N E W W A Y T O H O L I D A Y At Norfolk Campervan Hire we love the great outdoors, in fact we believe there is no better way to enjoy it than in one of our Campervans. Whether you’re looking to get away for a few days in our home county of Norfolk or go further afield into Europe we’ve got you covered. All our Vans come well equipped as standard but we also have some great accessories to make your adventure even more memorable.

Visit our website today to book your adventure

www.norfolkcampervanhire.uk

01553 774333

hello@norfolkcampervanhire.uk

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

8 ways to avoid breaking the law while towing a caravan

he holiday season is coming but the last thing you’ll want is to get in trouble because of the way you are towing your caravan. Here the team at Norfolk’s Adrian Flux provide eight tips on how to keep within the law while towing a caravan. 1. Know what you can drive Your licence shows the vehicle categories you can drive, including the size of the caravan or trailer you’re allowed to tow. Check it and cross reference it to the specifications of your car and caravan combination. 2. Load your caravan safely Badly packed caravans are a contributory factor in many accidents and if the police feel your caravan is overladen or poorly packed and caused an accident, they may prosecute.

3. Check your registration numbers match The registration number on the back of your caravan must match that of the towing vehicle. If they don’t, you’re committing an offence.

7. Double check your lights Coupling your caravan to your car is a simple process, but you should double check everything you do. Make sure the hitch is fully engaged, the breakaway cable is connected and the lights work.

4. Watch your speed Speed limits when towing a caravan are 10mph slower than normal. That means on a motorway you should drive at no more than 60mph, and on a dual carriageway should stay below 50mph.

8. Get extending wing mirrors You must have a clear view around and behind the caravan so you will probably need to fit extending towing mirrors to avoid breaking the law.

5. Choose the correct lane Caravans are prohibited from the righthand lane of motorways and it is an offence to drive in one. 6. Passengers are prohibited from riding in the caravan It is against the law to be in a caravan while it’s in transit. The driver can be prosecuted for allowing anyone to do so.

Why it makes good sense to insure your caravan: You won’t be breaking the law if you don’t get caravan insurance, but the cost of replacing or repairing a caravan is vast compared to the cost of getting it covered in the first place. For a cheap, swift caravan insurance quote (policies start from as little as £70 a year) call Adrian Flux on 01553 400399.

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

KLmagazine July 2022

EDQ 41

Discover the luxurious way to enjoy Norfolk Putting the glam back into glamping, Wild Meadow Raynham offers all the indredients for a perfect break - from luxurious modern conveniences to historic local attractions within a few minutes’ drive

ABOVE: Wild Meadow on the Raynham Estate has introduced four more yurts to the site this year, meaning even more people can enjoy one of the most relaxing breaks in the area - in one of its most idyllic settings.

t’s difficult to explain the sense of peace and wellbeing that comes over you when you arrive at Wild Meadow on the Raynham Estate. It’s a unique sensation, and there doesn’t seem to be a simple way of explaining it. There certainly should be, because this is a rather unique experience you won’t want to miss. Take a deep breath of the fresh Norfolk air and then exhale slowly through your mouth. You’ll feel your shoulders drop, your body relax and the stresses and worries of everyday life start to drift away. Viscount Tom Raynham returned to his family’s estate in 2016, and under his thoughtful and innovative management it’s now thriving as a destination that more people can experience and enjoy. From large scale music festivals to intimate weddings and celebrations, alongside the day-to-day business of farming, and renewable energy, the Raynham Estate is a shining example of how diversification should be done. One of the more recent additions to the estate, Wild Meadow is Raynham’s luxury glamping experience, and it’s truly unique. Eight stunning and handcrafted yurts are surrounded by a five-acre wildflower meadow, and the site offers uninterrupted views of the Wensum valley and the picturesque village church nestling below. The yurts are positioned far enough apart to ensure privacy, but they’re KLmagazine July 2022

close enough to feel sociable should guests wish. Each yurt is designed to enable an escape from urban life, without compromising on home comforts. Handcrafted and super-king-sized beds with sumptuous mattresses and luxury bedding; wood-burning stoves and cosy blankets; mains electricity and charging points; plus a private shower and toilet for each yurt. And for those who prefer it, two of the yurts have their own en-suite shower room. “When fitting out the yurts, we

Church view

The incrediable night sky

En-suite shower room anticipated what guests would expect and aimed to exceed that expectation,” says Tom Raynham. “However, we successfully avoided the temptation to ‘over-design’ the site as we knew our interiors would always be secondary to the stunning views of the park, the farmland, and the incredible night sky,” In addition to the barbecue facilities, the shared ‘Turnip Tent’ dining area and cooking tent - named after the Townshend family’s illustrious farming heritage - provides plenty of space for a group to prepare and enjoy food together. Each yurt has its own designated fridge, storage cupboard, hob and all the cooking equipment needed, however ambitious the chef. Guests can pre-order the outstanding estatereared Raynham Aberdeen Angus beef for the barbecue or enjoy a locally-

ABOVE: The Turnip Tent at Wild Meadow on the Raynham Estate is named after the famous Charles ‘Turnip’ Townshend, who directed British foreign policy in the 18th century with his brother-in-law Robert Walpole, the country’s first prime minister.

produced hamper of craft beer, wine, and food. They can also explore North Norfolk’s plethora of food and shops in nearby villages and towns. “We’ve added four more yurts this year, two of which are en-suite and all four of which have wider doors and easier wheelchair access,” says Abbie Panks, Head of Events and Marketing at the Raynham Estate. “As well as individuals, couples, and families, we can now accommodate groups of up to around 40 people and have partnered with a range of nearby attractions such as Pensthorpe Natural Park, Watatunga wildlife reserve, WhataHoot distillery and Duration Brewery to help our guests make the most of their stay in Norfolk.” When heading out to explore west and north Norfolk, guests can walk (or cycle) waymarked paths from the yurt meadow to a variety of woodland, parkland, and riverside areas. For those

wishing to explore a little more of Norfolk, Raynham is only four miles from Fakenham and just a 20-minute drive to the north Norfolk coast, with a wealth of outstanding and awardwinning beaches. In an area blessed with countless choices for dining out, Sculthorpe Mill and The Brisley Bell are standout destinations, and the numerous family-friendly attractions include the innovative and nationally-important wildlife reserve at Pensthorpe (the location of BBC’s Springwatch from 2008-2010) with its 7,000m2 adventure play area Wildrootz, and the National Trust’s beautiful Blickling Hall - which has a place in English history as the birthplace of Anne Boleyn. Wild Meadow is a completely trafficfree zone, ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for all guests and for wildlife such as deer, rare birds of prey, owls, and butterflies. It’s ideal for any nature lover, and it’s perfect for those looking for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In fact, getting away from it all has never been more luxurious.

WILD MEADOW PICTURE: Just a few hundred yards from the grand country house of Raynham Hall, the secluded glamping site of Wild Meadow is a haven of peace and tranquility.

Open from 1st April until 31st October m 01328 853467 K raynham.co.uk k bookings@raynham.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2022

Things are looking Upp! We’re rolling out our full-fibre network to your area. Be the first to find out more by registering your interest at upp.com TERMS AND CONDITIONS: By registering your interest, you’re agreeing to our privacy policy (www.upp.com/s/privacy-policy) and to receive email updates relating to our broadband availability. Upp is the trading name for Upp Corporation, registered in England No 12442219. VAT No. GB370099590 Registered office: Devonshire House, One Mayfair Place, London, WlJ 8AJ. See full terms and conditions at www.upp.com

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KLmagazine July 2022

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...

Windborough Homes in Ingoldisthorpe

Four Miles, by Avada Country Homes in Docking

New homes for a better future...

or (very) simple bungalows. However, the pace of change means that every time one of these properties comes to market its days are almost certainly numbered and it will soon be replaced by a spectacular new home or homes. I’ve always been fortunate enough to live in period properties, from the Victorian farmhouse of my childhood to the Georgian town house I live in today. As a result my preference has always veered towards older properties rather than newer ones. Before I returned to Norfolk after some years away I was much like many other people, and my stereotypical image of the new build was that of the housing estate - often pushed up Three Lifeboats, by Whisky Developments in Wells against a main road on the edge

CGI © TURNER CREATIVE LTD

rive along the north Norfolk coast or through any of the inland villages and you can’t fail to notice the abundance of new build properties that have emerged over recent years. Back when the area was a little-known backwater, many post-war properties were either unattractive red brick boxes

of town, with swathes of soulless boxes squeezed up against each other with paper-thin walls and a distinct lack of character. However, my recent experience has convinced me that couldn’t be further from the truth - with local builders creating stunning homes all along the coast. The attention to detail and craftsmanship these new homes represent isn’t only evident from their exteriors, but is mirrored to the same exemplary standard on the inside. Traditionalists often dislike change, but it would be impossible to argue that replacing a tired 1970s chalet bungalow with a small terrace of modern brick and flint cottages isn’t a change for the better. The architects, the builders and the local planning authorities all work in unison to ensure these new houses fit seamlessly into the character of their locations. Not only are they attractive to look at, but they’re also incredibly efficient to run - and in the face of climate change and the current energy crisis, such properties can only be a good thing for our future. Sowerbys Land & New Homes looks after the majority of the new build developments along the coast, and we’re naturally very well placed to observe buyer demographics. In a part of the county often criticised for its amount of second home ownership, it’s reassuring that almost half the new build homes we’ve sold in recent years are to people looking to make north Norfolk their permanent home.

KLmagazine July 2022

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...

Aldiss superstore on Hall Road in Norwich today

Aldiss drapery store in Fakenham town centre in the mid 1960s

130 years defining a Norfolk lifestyle

t’s a very special year for Aldiss, because it’s exactly 130 years since William James Aldiss opened a drapery shop in Fakenham. The premises may be a lot bigger today (our superstores in Norwich and Fakenham now comprise around 100,000ft2) but we’re still based on three traditional promises - exceptionally good value, excellent customer service, and an extensive range of quality furniture, homewares and floorings. I’m often asked to explain the concept of a ‘Norfolk lifestyle’ but the county is so varied that it defies definition. Living in a charming country cottage in the middle of the countryside is very different to family life in a grand townhouse in a busy market town. Life in an ancient listed

building is a complete contrast to that in an ultra-contemporary new-build property on the north Norfolk coast. There is a constant they all share, however - it’s that Aldiss has always had something for every room in every property. Since we offer a vast range of home furnishings and giftware from carpets and flooring to lighting and curtains we can also furnish your home from floor to ceiling. Take our sofa range, for example. In our Norwich and Fakenham showrooms and online store Aldiss can offer over 150 different models and many more colour and style combinations. For the traditionalists, Alexander & James’ two-seater Chesterfield is upholstered in vintage leather and is a truly opulent example of British

Fakenham: Oxborough Lane NR21 8AF | 01328 862381 Norwich: Hall Road Retail Park NR4 6DH | 01603 272100 KLmagazine July 2022

craftsmanship - whereas the Ercol Forli uses more contemporary design features with vibrant colours for a touch of modern-day luxury. They’re both supremely comfortable and extremely well constructed - so your choice almost entirely depends on your overall interior design and your own individual tastes. At Aldiss we have a team of experienced advisors and estimators who are always on hand for the best help and advice on choosing the most appropriate products for your living spaces, and they’ll happily introduce you to the latest trends and styles. They’ll even visit your home to measure and help plan and guide you on choosing the best solution for each room. So I’m still not sure what constitutes the ‘Norfolk lifestyle’ - because for the last 130 years at Aldiss we’ve always preferred to talk about ‘style for life’ to suit any Norfolk home.

Ercol Forli sofa

www.aldiss.com 47

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KLmagazine July 2022

Adrian & Michaela

How your plumbing can save you money From leaking taps and emergencies to new bathroom installations, A.T Norfolk Plumbing & Heating are only a phone call away

t a time of rising living costs and soaring energy prices, we’ve all become aware of the need to save money but few people realise how a few simple changes to their plumbing can prevent money literally going down the drain. Docking-based A.T Norfolk Plumbing & Heating has a wealth of experience and knowledge that can help you stop wasting energy and start saving money. “Even something as simple as a dripping tap can be surprisingly costly,” says Michaela Taverna, who established the company with her husband Adrian Adrian did a fantastic job on our shower room and it’s now a really beautiful space. Not living locally meant that we had to leave the job in his hands, but we never worried about that. I would highly recommend his company, his service and his work to anyone and everyone.

The Old Game Wing, Docking Hall High Street, Docking PE31 8NG

KLmagazine July 2022

over 20 years ago. “A typical leak of only 10 drops per minute will waste nearly three litres per day, which can cost you over £10 a month - it’s a quick and easy fix, but it could save you £120 a year.” Similarly, it’s amazing to discover that by correctly insulating your hot water cylinder and hot and cold pipes, you can reduce your home’s heat loss by around 75%. “We can introduce you to plenty of ways to save money, and many of them are very simple,” says Michaela. “For instance, installing a Quooker hot water tap takes very little time but can make a world of difference when you consider it costs about 12.5p to boil a kettle.” Michaela and Adrian can also introduce you to trusted local professionals to help you with any decorating, electrical, landscaping or building work with a new venture called Norfolk Coast & Country Property Maintenance.

Tel: 01485 518648 07733 335845

Everything was dealt with promptly and professionally with a good nature. I felt I could trust Adrian from the very first meeting. I would definitely recommend them for any plumbing work. A definite 5-star job from start to finish.

“We’ve built up really good relationships with efficient tradespeople who produce excellent work and are totally reliable,” says Michaela. “When so many customers asked if we knew of a good tiler or carpenter, we realised it would work as a stand-alone service - and it’s got off to great start.” Like A.T Plumbing & Heating, the various trades comprising Norfolk Coast & Country Property Maintenance never promise anything they won’t deliver. For efficient, reliable and professional results (whatever the job) Michaela and Adrian have all the help you need.

Web: www.atplumbingnorfolk.co.uk Email: adrian@atplumbingnorfolk.co.uk

Celebrating 100 years of a major local landmark Consisting of over 18,730 hectares freehold, Thetford Forest is the UK’s largest manmade lowland forest, and marks a significant milestone in 2022, as Anne Mason of Friends of Thetford Forest explains…

ne hundred years ago this year, the Forestry Commission began to buy up the land for the planting of Thetford Forest to help replenish the nation’s timber resources, which were devastated by the demands of the First World War. The first purchase made was a small area near Swaffham, where 1,275 hectares of the Elveden Estate was gained as leasehold. In 1923, the Downham, Lynford and Beachamwell estates were bought, followed by Methwold in 1924, parts of Cockley Cley (leasehold), Croxton, and Didlington in 1925; Weeting in 1926 and Mildenhall in 1934. Estate owners were often eager to sell due to finances

and the poor quality of their land, and within little more than ten years the Forestry Commission had become the largest landowner in East Anglia. The establishment of the forest brought many employment opportunities, and by 1939 there were nearly 500 forest workers. Many were given a cottage and a piece of land, varying from one to ten acres in size, and were guaranteed a minimum of 150 days’ work each year. Santon Downham became ‘the foresters village’ and by 1931 there were 353 people living there, an increase of almost 300% in a single generation. The Forestry Commission built detached houses for the officers and semi-detached homes for the

workers, reflecting the military-based organisational structure where orders were issued down through the chain of command. When World War Two began, the foresters joined up, so the Women’s Land Army came to Thetford Forest and set up a training camp at Wordwell. They were known as ‘LumberJills,’ and there were 228 full-time and 29 part-time volunteers who took over all the forestry work, from clearing the undergrowth and thinning the plantations to working in the nurseries and planting out seedlings. Being far from the coast and any possible invasion, Thetford Forest was chosen as an army training area. Nissen huts for the troops were

ABOVE: One of the biggest man-made forests in the UK and the largest lowland pine forest in England, Thetford Forest holds a remarkably rich history within its foliage. Welcoming over 1.5 million visitors annually, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.

concealed from enemy aircraft within plantations, officers were billeted in the halls at Cockley Cley and Didlington, and Santon Downham became an ammunition depot. In 1947, Lynford Hall became a training school for foresters, recruiting ex-servicemen to work for the Forestry Commission, and by the early 1950s the plantations of Scots and Corsican pine were being carefully managed to produce the maximum volume of timber. ‘Brashing’ took place when the trees were 16-20 years old, trimming off all the branches to a height of six feet and every four years the plantations were thinned out to give the healthiest trees more space to develop. It was only in the 1970s that the plantations established in the 1920s and 1930s reached maturity and could be felled. It was an arduous task carried out with saws and axes - mechanical equipment wouldn’t arrive in Thetford Thetford Forest for another 50 years. The smaller timber was taken out by hand and lifted onto waiting lorries whilst larger trunks were dragged out by tractor and hoisted using a grapple. The felled trees were transported to Brandon Central Depot where 75 Forestry Commission staff converted most of the timber into pit props which were sent by rail to coal mines. The thinnest poles were sent to a local wallboard factory and the discards went to a paper mill in Kent. Though the forest was planted with the single purpose of growing trees, by the late 1980s it was developing several different roles. 52

Not only was it a crucial habitat for a diverse community of wildlife, it was also becoming a popular leisure destination, with car parks, waymarked trails, and picnic places. The visitor centre at High Lodge was built in 1992 and, following the Countryside and Rights of Way Act in 2000 the Forestry Commission voluntarily designated all its freehold land as open access land. Today Thetford Forest is responsibly managed to promote biological diversity, and harvesting is carefully controlled to ensure economic sustainability. The whole forest is divided into chronologically-numbered compartments, and planting still begins in November, with thinning starting around 25 years later. There are 29 miles of waymarked trails across the forest, and at High Lodge Centre the walking trails total 14 miles, along with 30 miles of cycle trails. In addition, 4,000 years of history are conserved beneath the trees as the planting of the forest meant the area’s archaeological features were never destroyed by ploughing. Overall Thetford Forest contains 25 Scheduled Monuments, including prehistoric burial mounds and two medieval warren lodges, concealed within the foliage. The forest also has Special Area of Conservation status for its rare wildlife and is a nationally designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for its birds, plants, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, and geology. With its enthralling past and shining future, Thetford Forest is undoubtedly one of the area’s most unique and precious natural landmarks.

Established in 1995, Friends of Thetford Forest (who are proudly in partnership with Forestry England) are excited to be playing a part in the centenary celebrations taking place throughout this year. For more fascinating features on local attractions, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk KLmagazine July 2022

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KLmagazine July 2022

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KLmagazine July 2022

More reasons to buy solar from the 4 Way Group From solar panels and battery storage to EV chargers and air source heating, the 4 Way Group leads the way in energy-saving technology

ou’re unlikely to need reminding of the fact, but at the moment living costs are soaring and energy prices seem to be going through the roof - which is an appropriate place to find the answer, since it’s the solar-based technology available from the 4 Way Group. “For many years now we’ve been leading the way with cost-effective and sustainable solutions such as PV panel installations, electric vehicle charging, air source heating and domestic batteries,” says director Stuart Olley of the 4 Way Group. “We’ll design it, we’ll install it, and we’ll even monitor your existing energy usage to help you become as self-sufficient as possible.” But those aren’t the only reasons why people are choosing the 4 Way Group, and the current climate has

only served to bring that sharper into focus. Following a recent government initiative, you won’t pay any VAT on the purchase or installation of energysaving materials for the next five years. It means the average family will save at least £1,000 in tax and see future energy bills reduce by at least £300 a month. Moreover, as fully-accredited members of the national Quality Mark Scheme the 4 Way Group can offer payment protection, deposit protection, and an industry-leading 10-year warranty on workmanship. A warranty that’s even transferable in the event you sell your home. “We’ve seen a massive increase in the demand for solar panels, electric vehicle chargers and storage batteries recently, and that’s only likely to grow,” says Stuart. “Many people are now

using solar panels to power air source heating from the 4 Way Group as well - which offers even more cost and energy savings.” Along with long-term fuel savings and environmental benefits, it’s still possible to earn money from renewables. With a fully-integrated system from the 4 Way Group you can take advantage of the SEG energy tariff and be paid for every kilowatt you export. “Even on a cloudy day we can help you cover your standing charges, reduce your reliance on the National Grid and lower your energy costs,” says Stuart. “Contact us now and discover how cost-effective future proofing your home can be. And start reducing your energy costs right now!”

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

KLmagazine July 2022

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KLmagazine July 2022

How to cool down without warming up the planet As we enter another record-breaking summer, discover why an air conditioning system from the 4 Way Group should be your No.1 choice

e all like being warm over the summer, but it’s now becoming a very real problem with extreme heat now posing a serious health hazard. Towards the end of May much of western Europe was facing temperatures of 40°C - which triggered power outages, created water shortages, and killed dozens of people. Heatwaves are nothing unusual. The problem is that they now take place five times more often than they did 50 years ago, and because of climate change nights are now actually warming at a faster rate than daylight hours. Staying cool with air conditioning has never been more important, but for many years it posed a paradox because it only seemed to contribute to the problem.

“Many older air conditioning units relied on chemicals like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that can be 12,000 times more potent at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide,” says Steve Simpson of the 4 Way Group, who’s been designing and installing air conditoning systems for the last 20 years. “That’s why we insist on using Fujitsu for our domestic and commercial installations and why we’re proud to be one of their official ‘Infinity’ partners.” The air conditioning systems installed by the 4 Way Group don’t just feature specially-designed filters to remover harmful allergens and pollen from the atmosphere. They also contain a newlydeveloped refrigerant with contains almost 25% fewer harmful elements. They’re better for the environment, they outperform the competition, they

deliver lower energy-consumption costs, and they have super-low emissions. “When you look at it in those terms, the fact your air conditioning can be fitted in a day and operated remotely from your mobile phone is almost incidental,” says Steve. “We also offer a complete seven-year parts warranty, but the units are so reliable you’ll almost certainly never need to use it.” These are just a few of the reasons why the 4 Way Group is the area’s leading supplier and installer of 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 air conditioning that’s better for you, better for your family, better for the planet, and 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 2022

The easy way to save and store your seeds When your plants take the time to produce seeds, it’s a pity not to use them for next year’s garden - especially when it’s so easy, as Wendy Warner of Thaxters Garden Centre explains...

ABOVE: Rather than consigning your seedheads to the compost heap or gardening recycling bin, save them, store them, and use them to produce new plants for next year’s garden. There are few things more rewarding to a gardener than raising the next generation.

ho doesn’t like a freebie? And plant freebies can be some of the best. By the time you are reading this, many late spring flowering plants will have already produced seedheads. Most gardeners will just cut down the spent stems to tidy the plants up and put them on the compost heap or bin them. But following a few handy hints, you could harvest the seeds and make more plants for your garden next year. As with most things gardening, there isn’t a one size fits all method for collecting, storing and sowing your seeds, because different plants act in different ways. Generally, seed is set approximately two months after flowering. I have already collected the seeds from some of my hellebores, as they flower in late winter and their seed pods started to dry towards the end of April. You need to watch most seedheads closely as they need to be ripe enough to harvest, but not too late that they have naturally dispersed. Dependent on species, some seedheads ‘pop’ - ejecting the seed in all directions. Pansies and violas are a good example of this along with Aquilegias (granny’s bonnets) which are KLmagazine July 2022

next on my list of seeds to harvest. Some will just drop to the ground below the mother plant, others will have lightweight seeds that will fall when knocked or when birds and insects visit the plant, and the likes of dandelions and some clematis will produce fluffy heads specifically designed to be dispersed by the wind. Collect ripe seeds from a healthy plant on a dry day. Seed heads will usually have changed colour and started to dry out. Take secateurs and paper bags to the plant - this will save spilling seed over the border. If the seeds weren’t quite ready to fall easily from their seed casings, put the stems in the greenhouse for a few days to dry out further. With plants that produce huge quantities of seed such as foxgloves, I put a large paper bag over the stem with the seedheads, then gently cut the stem and tip the whole thing the other way up so the seeds collect in the bottom of the bag. Empty the bag onto a sheet of white paper so that you can remove any dried petals or unsuspecting insects! Use the paper to make a funnel to feed the seeds into paper bags or envelopes (don’t use plastic) and make sure you label them. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place

until you are ready to use them. It is often suggested that you store your seed, once in their packets, in a Tupperware container with a little sachet of silica gel and store that in the fridge until you are ready to sow them. Many seeds will need to be stored until Autumn or Spring before planting, but others, like hellebores, will benefit from immediate sowing. Most hardy annuals - including Calendula (pot

ABOVE: It may seem somewhat tiresome to be planting seeds from the same plant that’s been in your garden for years, but since they’ve been pollinated by a range of bees and insects it’s highly unlikely they’ll grow up to be carbon copies of their parents. You may well be in for a pleasant surprise.

marigolds), Cornflowers, Poppies including Californian Poppies, Lovein-a-Mist, Candytuft and Larkspur - can benefit from being sown in late summer or autumn as they will establish better and often flower earlier than spring sowings. Hardy biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks will need to be sown in the summer as the plants will grow this year and then flower the next. Half-hardy annuals including French Marigolds and cosmos will need to be sown in the spring, as they will not withstand the

cold temperatures in the winter. Because the seeds you have collected are likely to have been pollinated by bees or other insects, it is highly unlikely that you will grow identical seedlings to the mother plant. In fact, with Aquilegias you can get a real mix of colours and even shapes of flowers if you already have different types around the garden. If all this sounds far too much like hard work, you can always let the plants do the work for you (with the exception of half-hardy annuals). Although this

only works if you’re not a neat and tidy gardener! You will often find that many seedling plants are appearing in your borders, and many of these aren’t weeds. Unfortunately, most of our plants are not terribly well trained in garden design, so naturally self-sown seedlings will often appear in the most awkward places. How often have you found a Buddleja plant appearing in a wall or violas or eryngiums popping up in the lawn? In fact, my Verbena bonariensis, the lovely purple flowers on tall stems which the bees adore, have populated a good number of my neighbours’ gardens and even grown in the crevices in the pavement! When they’re large enough, you’ll finally need to transplant these seedlings to a more suitable setting. If you find you have too many, pot them on and give them to your friends and family, I’m sure they will be very grateful!

YOU AND YOUR GARDEN Wendy Warner is the Manager of Thaxters Garden Centre in Dersingham. See the website at www.thaxters.co.uk or telephone 01485 541514. 60

KLmagazine July 2022

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KLmagazine July 2022

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KLmagazine July 2022

Treat your exteriors to the very best in the area As we spend more time in our gardens over summer, MKM Building Supplies in King’s Lynn has all the exciting ideas you’re looking for...

or many years MKM Building Supplies in King’s Lynn has been helping people across the area create fantastic gardens and spectacular exteriors, offering creative designs and the latest ideas - and continually introducing exciting new products and updating their landscaping ranges. Some of the most attractive are the recently-installed number of porcelain layouts in the spacious outdoor display. “Porcelain is hugely popular now and it’s not just because concrete and sandstone have increased in price so much over the last couple of years,” says Matthew Cobb, the branch’s landscaping expert. “We currently offer almost 50 different finishes from ‘old slate’ to ‘marble’ which means it’s perfect for any landscaping project -

KLmagazine July 2022

and its high slip rating makes it ideal for swimming pool surrounds.” But good looks and cost-effective prices are only two of the reasons why porcelain is now one of the leading trends in outdoor design. It’s very easy to maintain, virtually indestructible, and MKM has access to so many suppliers (one of which it owns) that it’s able to offer non-standard and larger format sizes. “Most people offer the normal 600mm x 600mm tiles, but we can supply porcelain in sizes up to 1.2m x 1.2m,” says Matthew. “For a unique personal touch you can even have your porcelain tiles laser-etched in a wide range of patterns, or even with a design and lettering of your own.” But there’s a lot more to MKM than contemporary outdoor tiling. In

addition to sleepers, driveways and 27 different decorative aggregates MKM also offers a choice of high quality decking, fencing, and outdoor lighting - and even a choice of artificial grasses for year-round entertaining. It’s almost certainly the most comprehensive landscaping range in the area, which is just one reason why MKM is now widely regarded as one of the very best builders’ merchants in the whole country - with a commitment to high-quality products, efficient and reliable deliveries, and complete dedication to customer support, help and advice. A long-established business run and staffed by an expert team of local people, at MKM in King’s Lynn the great outdoors has never looked greater.

SUPPLIERS OF FEED, TOOLS, BEDDING & SUPPLEMENTS

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GJL ANIMAL FEEDS LTD, CLIPBUSH BUSINESS PARK, FAKENHAM NR21 8SX www.gjlanimalfeeds.co.uk • office@gjlanimalfeeds.co.uk • FOLLOW US FOR OUR LATEST OFFERS

KLmagazine July 2022

Animalmatters

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

Giving your pets the very warmest welcome...

sked to describe a typical receptionist most people will imagine someone spending most of their time behind a desk answering the phone or welcoming customers through the door. But there’s nothing typical about a veterinary receptionist, and nothing typical about Alexis Smith, Senior Receptionist at London Road Veterinary Centre in King’s Lynn. “We’re usually the first (and last) point of contact between the client and the clinical staff,” says Alexis, who joined the practice five years ago. “There’s a huge amount of customer care involved, and on top of our ‘normal’ receptionist duties, we also manage prescription orders, dispense medication, support the vets themselves - and book operations and consultations.”

Of course, Alexis and her team are there to answer the phone and they never know quite what to expect - from concerned clients needing some behavioural help for their pet, to worried clients whose dog has decided to eat something particularly dangerous, and even surprised clients who’ve suddenly discovered their cat has given birth to a litter of kittens overnight. “Because every day is so different, it’s a very exciting and challenging job but it’s very rewarding and I really don’t want to ever leave here,” says Alexis. “I love working with animals and helping clients through what can be a difficult and stressful time, but if you didn’t feel like that you shouldn’t really be working in a veterinary practice!” Although no two days are ever the same for Alexis and her team, one thing

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

KLmagazine July 2022

remains consistent - and that’s the ability to build rapport and relationships with clients who have pets with longterm issues such as diabetes. “We get to meet them on a regular basis, and making them feel comfortable and confident is very important,” says Alexis. “Many of our clients tell us that their pets actually enjoy coming to the vets - and that’s always lovely to hear.” Alexis and her reception team are continually refreshing their training and updating their knowledge to keep track of new treatments, new developments and new procedures, and they’re totally dedicated to ensuring you and your pets’ visit to London Road Veterinary Centre is a relaxing and successful one.

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

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Exotic, exquisite and exclusive to Norfolk With their vibrant colours and delicate wings, butterflies are some of the most stunning creatures in the world, and our beautifiul county is home to Britain’s most spectacular and distinctive species...

ABOVE: Found only on the Norfolk Broads, the Swallowtail is the largest, rarest, and most spectacular butterfly in the country. Adults fly between May and July and can often be seen gliding over reedbeds or feeding on flowering thistles.

here’s nothing more delightful than spotting a graceful butterfly fluttering from flower to flower, with its bright wings shining in the sunshine. In the UK we are blessed with almost 60 different species, with everything from gorgeous, glimmering Blues to brilliantly coloured Peacocks and Painted Ladies. With its huge open skies, extensive fields, and wonderful wild wetlands, Norfolk is home to around 40 butterfly varieties - including the country’s largest and rarest, the

KLmagazine July 2022

simply stunning Swallowtail. With their creamy-yellow and black wings adorned with shimmering splashes of sapphire blue, Swallowtails are the most exotic and dramatic butterflies in Britain. They’re the country’s only resident of the largely tropical Papiliondae family, which consists of over 550 species and has members inhabiting every continent but Antarctica. With a wingspan of up to 9cm, our native race of Swallowtail (Papilio Machaon Britannicus) is the biggest resident

butterfly found in the British Isles. These breathtaking creatures are named after the spectacular forked extensions on their hindwings, which look similar to the sweeping tails of swallows. Though these distinctive ‘tails’ add to the impressive insect’s striking appearance, they are not there for decoration. In fact, they perform a much more crucial role - because along with the vibrant scarlet ‘false eyes’ on the hindwings, they mimic the head and antennae of the butterfly. This ingenious trick confuses birds attempting to sneak up on their prey, giving the Swallowtail a better chance of escaping. Sadly, despite their survival skills, these brilliant butterflies are extremely rare in Britain and are now considered an endangered species. Their population has plummeted since the 19th century, and today British Swallowtails have only one remaining breeding ground - the spectacular Norfolk Broads. The rarity of the ravishing Swallowtail is mainly due to the distribution of its sole larval foodplant, milk parsley. For thousands of years this moisture-loving white flowered plant thrived in the wetlands of eastern England, but from the 18th century onwards its habitat has gradually been drained and replaced with wheat fields. 67

The plant’s numbers took a further hit when fenland management ceased in the 20th century, allowing sedge and reeds to smother other wetland vegetation. Milk parsley has now died out in many areas and the stunning Swallowtail, relying exclusively on the plant, has gradually disappeared with it. However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon for these beautiful butterflies. Today, conservation management is carried out in the Norfolk Broads, with rotational cutting of reed and sedge enabling other plants like milk parsley to flourish. Due to this careful maintenance, our local wetlands are full of thriving wildlife and are the Swallowtail’s only natural habitat remaining in the country. In June and July, Swallowtails will find an area in the Broads with a vigorous growth of milk parsley and lay their eggs on the upper leaves of the tallest plants. These hatch after just over a week and the larvae start life as minute specks of black and white, their colour celeverly mimicking bird droppings to avoid predators. However, these remarkable creatures change dramatically as they age, soon becoming just as exquisite and exotic as their adult butterflies. When fully grown, the striking Swallowtail caterpillar is an incredible sight to behold with its bright green body embellished with bands of black and vibrant orange spots. These intriguing insects are as unique as they are attractive, as they possess a peculiar organ behind their heads called an osmeterium. This forked, hornlike structure inflates whenever the caterpillar feels threatened and emits a pungent and unpleasant smell, which has been likened to rotting pineapple. 68

As the summer draws to an end, the surviving caterpillars find an area with an abundance of their beloved milk parsley and change into a chrysalis - which is either green or brown depending on the colour of its background. After spending the winter in this state, they emerge the following spring as magnificent and magical Swallowtail butterflies. On a windless summer’s day, if you pay a visit to one of our county’s delightful Broadland nature reserves such as RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Hickling Broad or Ranworth Broad you may be lucky enough to spot one of these rare

British insects. The captivating Swallowtail is certainly a beauty well worth waiting for and, if you get a glimpse of one in flight, it’s an unforgettable sight. With the continued fenland management of the Norfolk Broads, the future for the precious Swallowtail butterfly is beginning to look brighter. Hopefully, as more landowners embrace new working practices and conservation initiatives these enchanting creatures will eventually become as common as the cabbage white - and will still soar through our skies for centuries to come.

KLmagazine July 2022

ADD INSTANT SUMMER COLOUR

Please see our website and Facebook for up-to-date news

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 & books (paperbacks 2 for £8) • Jacks Magic All Purpose Compost 50:50 50L Buy 2 get 3rd free while stocks last 49 Hunstanton Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6NA Tel: 01485 541514 | Web: www.thaxters.co.uk

Garden Centre & Coffee Shop

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No delivery charge within 10 miles

By Appointment To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Manufacturers Of Animal Feeds H. & C. Beart Ltd., Stowbridge

Minimum £50 spend

MANUFACTURERS OF QUALITY ANIMAL & PET FOODS SINCE 1932 Full Range of all top brands of feed, bedding and pet essentials Delivering throughout East Anglia We look forward to seeing you soon

OPENING TIMES Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm, Saturday 8am-4pm TEL: 01366 388151 | WEB: www.bearts.co.uk | Brighton Mill, Stow Bridge, King’s Lynn PE34 3PD

KLmagazine July 2022

PRAMS • CAR SEATS • NURSERY FURNITURE • FEEDING • TOYS & MUCH MORE

Located in King’s Lynn town centre we are a huge toy and nursery store set across two floors offering a massive choice of everything baby related. • Stockists of all well known brands for any budget • Friendly, helpful staff with expert advice and knowledge • Free storage and we can help build your pram on collection • Payment plan schemes • Local delivery

112 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1AQ Open: Tues Sat 9-5.30, Sun 10-4, Monday - closed Tel: 01553 761666 • www.youngstersworld.com EGG • SILVERCROSS • MAXI COSI • ICANDY • VENICCI • COSATTO • CYBEX & MORE

Get outside and...

Seas the day! When the sun is shining, and the beach is calling, we are here to make days out with your little ones super fun and easy with our range of eco-friendly outdoor toys and games, beach towels, sun cream, buckets and spades, swimwear and more! Our family-run shop specialises in wooden toys and sustainable products for babies and children

Ele and Me, 1 Bolts Close, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1JP | OPEN Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm Visit us in store or shop online at www.eleandme.com

KLmagazine July 2022

Tune in to the sounds of serenity and wellbeing Discover how a soundbath can wash away your negative emotions

rom her relaxing Kyūshi studio in Gayton, Alice Moore offers a range of techniques and treatments that take a totally natural and holistic approach to health and wellbeing - including one that’s been around for thousands of years. “I didn’t expect to be doing too many soundbaths in Norfolk but they’re becoming really popular,” she says. “It’s recognised as a valuable form of therapy and is becoming increasingly mainstream.” Sound therapy has been used successfully throughout history. The ancient Greeks used music to treat digestion and mental health, and Tibetans used ‘singing bowls’ for over 2,000 years for meditation purposes. Essentially, soundbaths involve becoming immersed and submerged in sounds and vibrations at frequencies that promote deep levels of relaxation and meditation - and have the power

to cleanse and heal. Celebrities endorse them. Several colleges provide them for students suffering with stress, and many recovery centres use them for people living with addictions. “Lots of evidence has demonstrated the benefits of sound healing,” says Alice. “It’s not a magical cure and shouldn’t replace standard medications or treatments, but soundbaths can have a huge impact on the mind and body.” Studies have found soundbaths can help lower blood pressure and heart rates and can ease symptoms such as chronic pain, insomnia, depression and anxiety. “It’s particularly effective for sufferers of PTSD and war veterans,” says Alice. “Because it bypasses the conscious level of the brain to release trapped emotions, you don’t have to talk through painful experiences, which can be traumatic for many people.” A single visit to the gym or a one-off session of yoga is unlikely to achieve

much in the way of results, and soundbaths are no different. Through the natural process of entrainment, they become more effective the more regular they’re used as your body literally becomes tuned to the healing environment. Alice offers private soundbath sessions at Kyūshi for individuals, couples and groups of friends or family, and holds regular public sessions at West Acre Gallery - which tend to become fully booked very quickly. She’s also recently teamed up with Antonina of Soulstar Stories to offer complete soundscape experiences at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market and Thornham Village Hall. Full details of the next public sessions can be found online (see below) and for more information on booking a soundbath privately or as a small group, and for details of Alice’s many other treatments, e-mail alice@kyushi.co.uk or call 07968 404767.

The Kyushi Clinic & Studio: Acrefield House, Winch Road Gayton, King’s Lynn PE32 1QP | www.kyushi.co.uk KLmagazine July 2022

Summer breeze It comes as no surprise to learn that as far as fashion is concerned, this summer is all about optimism looking forward with confidence and making a statement with a bold print, natural fabrics and a fairytale mix of colours. Whether you’re making the most of the best coastline in the country or visting one of Norfolk’s many delightful locations, this really is the season to be stylish...

Outfit by Paz Torras

ALLEZ CHIC Castle Rising

Palm Tree print top and trousers by Marc Aurel

SHEILA TILLER Long Sutton

KLmagazine July 2022

Trailing wisteria kimono gown with matching hair band by Powder

10 MARKET SQUARE Downham Market

KLmagazine July 2022

allez chic Chic and affordable fashion for all ages

EFFORTLESS SUMMER OUTFITS Whatever you’re up to this summer, Allez Chic has beautiful clothing arriving instore you’ll wear all season long.

t: 01553 631915 The Old School, Castle Rising, King’s Lynn PE31 6AG Open 10-4.30 Monday to Saturday www.allezchic.co.uk

TEN

market square Visit our stylish boutique offering a beautiful selection of contemporary clothes and accessories for the modern woman. Our clothes are sourced from around the globe such as Spain, Italy and France, perfect for creating that individual look. Pop in and browse our stunning collections.

10 Market Place, Downham Market (opposite the clock) Tel: 01366 380113

KLmagazine July 2022

Summer dresses, bags and hats

THORNHAM DELI Thornham

KLmagazine July 2022

Thornham Deli, High Street Thornham, PE36 6LX T: 01485 512 194 www.thornhamdeli.co.uk

Sutha Aesthetics

King’s Lynn • Cambridge • Essex

Enhance your own natural beauty... My philosophy is that beauty can be achieved with a more holistic approach, with natural-looking enhancements. With over 25 years experience and a clean and safe clinic in the centre of King’s Lynn, I can help you achieve confidence - and bring out the very best in you. Visit our website for more details of our latest treatments.

Sutha x

May 2022

“Sutha has helped me to embrace my own natural beauty and finally feel comfortable! Absolute professional, I would recommend anyone considering a treatment to speak to Sutha.” trustpilot.com

Call us for a consultation: 07506 133091 • St Ann’s House, St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1LT admin@suthaaesthetics.co.uk • www.suthaaesthetics.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2022

Sowerby unisex sweatshirt by Whale of a Time

THE HAYLOFT at BEARTS Stowbridge

KLmagazine July 2022

Sheila She ila Tiller iller EXCLUSIVE LADIES FASHION & SHOES EST. 1978

SALE Now on UP TO 75% OFF F A S H IO NS , H A ND BA G S , S H O E S & L ING E RIE

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AIGLE ARIAT BARBOUR BUFF CATERPILLAR

The Hayloft

at bearts of Stow Bridge

Everything for the great outdoors

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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 2022

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?

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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

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• 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

NEW FULL DENTURES

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

By appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Purveyor of Dress Fabrics and Haberdashery P.F.Day & Son King’s Lynn

The Fent Shop

Largest stock selection in West Norfolk with new stock arriving most weeks. Two floors of everything for your next sewing project. We look forward to your visit. Our opening hours are: 9.15am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday. Please follow our Facebook page for the latest updates @TheFentShop

Dress Fabrics

Curtain Fabrics Knitting Wool

Craft Fabrics Haberdashery

Net Curtains

41 Broad Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1DP | T: 01553 768613 | W: www.thefentshopkingslynn.co.uk 80

KLmagazine July 2022

An uplifting experience for your face and spirit In Heacham Coastal Calm Reflexology offers one of the most amazing and effective holistic beauty treatments available...

ith the increasing hustle and bustle of everyday life we often find ourselves tired and stressed and fail to realise the negative effect this is having on our wellbeing. The good news is that Sarah Jane Ward at Coastal Calm Reflexology in Heacham is offering an amazing complementary therapy treatment that’s deeply calming and incredibly beneficial. Welcome to the wonderful Zone Face Lift – which has been developed by renowned industry expert Ziggie Bergman through the combination of traditional reflexology with facelift massage and Native American healing techniques. It’s an innovative natural treatment, considered by many an effective alternative to Botox, and will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated. Reflexology

is wonderful way to unwind, and the deep relaxation and a reduction of stress can improve your sense of wellbeing. Emotions are carried in the facial muscles, and with a combination of facial reflexology and massage, the Zone Face Lift can help to stimulate collagen and elastin, release built up tension, and provide a natural way to smooth and lift the face. “It’s a treatment that lifts your face, mind, and spirit all at the same time,” says Sarah. “I notice my clients relax on a deeper level, and they leave with a glow in their face and a spring in their step.” Zone Face Lift is more than a treatment. It’s an experience. And it’s unlike anything you’ve ever had before. For starters, it doesn’t take place in a clinic. Sarah welcomes you with open arms in a home from home environment. Her professional skills combine with organic specially curated facial oils, quartz crystals, and industry-leading products to treat your body physically, emotionally, and spiritually - and clients report they feel ‘exceptionally relaxed’ and notice an

amazing glow and tone to their skin. “All my products are organic and charged with crystals to complete the holistic nature of the treatment,” says Sarah. “You’ll leave with the precious gift of a calm and rejuvenated face and spirit, and all new clients receive a welcome pack containing a selection of products to try at home.” You’ll also be given advice cards and information on after-treatment care, and if anyone knows about health and wellbeing it’s Sarah. Her 37-year nursing career has involved helping people of all genders and ages, and she’s been a fully qualified reflexologist for over nine years. Other reflexology treatments available include a face, hand and foot reflexology treatment planned specifically for women at peri to post menopause. Sarah attended the first ever internationally-delivered training in this exciting new treatment, which is tailored to your individual symptoms and requirements and can be combined with Zone Face Lift. To book your first appointment or for an initial consultation, please contact Sarah and say hello to the new you.

Contact Sarah: Tel: 07592 455001 Email: sarahjane.reflexologist@gmail.com Web: www.coastalcalmreflexology.co.uk KLmagazine July 2022

Coastal Calm Reflexology 81

ABOVE: Created by a passionate mother and daughter team, the stunning Le Kiera salon is set to celebrate its second year of success at Poppyfields this month.

A spectacular sense of style at Poppyfields…

Le Kiera hair salon is just one of the many dynamic businesses at Poppyfields Retail Park bringing luxurious new looks to west Norfolk

hen the talented mother and daughter team Vicki Lee-Smith (George) and Kiera-lee Fenables opened their fabulous hair salon at Poppyfields Retail Park in July 2020, they had no idea it would soon flourish into one of the most stylish and popular businesses in the local area. An atmospheric setting with a cosy feel, Le Kiera offers a complete range of high-quality hairdressing services for women, men, and children in addition to professional treatments such as restylings and colourings. “At the start of 2020 we worked at a salon in Dersingham, though it sadly closed down just before lockdown,” says George. “We both had a passion for hairdressing and couldn’t bear to lose the fantastic base of clients we’d come to know so well. We’d always loved the idea of running a salon of our 82

own - so when the opportunity arose, we decided to take it.” During lockdown the ambitious pair dutifully set to work, first choosing a perfect location for their salon then carefully planning the design and décor. With its welcoming feel and fast-growing community of innovative businesses, the new Poppyfields Retail

Park seemed like an ideal place to get started, and Le Kiera has thrived there ever since. “We love being based at Poppyfields, it’s a brilliant environment for us,” says George. “Everyone’s so nice and helpful, and we’ve been able to create a stunning and spacious salon in a lovely part of Norfolk.”

KLmagazine July 2022

With its friendly atmosphere, beautiful design, and skilled pair of stylists, Le Kiera is the place to visit if you’re after a fabulous new look for the season. George and Kiera-lee’s excellent skills combine with a selection of professional products from the boutique brand Gorgeous London to achieve truly fantastic results. You’re guaranteed to leave in style, with stronger, healthier hair that both looks and feels incredible. “We’re delighted with how far we’ve come in the last two years and would like to thank all of our wonderful clients, old and new, for supporting us on our exciting journey,” says George. “Our customers are at the centre of everything we do, and we’ll always give you a very warm welcome. We love chatting with clients whilst we work, and many return on a regular basis and end up becoming our friends. I wouldn’t have it any other way, and we’re both incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved so far. I just can’t wait to see what the future holds.” KLmagazine July 2022

The luxurious Le Kiera salon is just one of the innovative companies at Poppyfields Retail Park, which is the perfect example of how to combine business with pleasure. Also bringing style and class to the area is McAllisters Boutique, which offers a range of premium quality ladies and gentleman’s clothing and accessories from prestigious brands such as Marc Darcy, Seasalt, and Oxford Blue. A few doors down you’ll find the award-winning design practice ACS Architectural and its sister company Archi-Vis Studio, who produce sophisticated CGI images to support planning applications and promote new developments. Nearby is Christyana Fabrics and Blinds who provide a bespoke service to customers and display a fantastic range of curtains, fabrics, blinds and accessories in their showroom. The innovative technology specialists GEM Software believe Poppyfields is the ideal location for their forward thinking work, which involves providing bespoke applications and system integrations to customers across the UK and Europe and offering website builds and support desk services for small businesses. Also bringing something unique to the site is the fabulous selection of prestige cars displayed on the edge of the main car park by Norfolk Automotive. Specialising in high-end performance vehicles, the company offer a top-quality service to customers looking for something lavish with guaranteed class. Meanwhile Little Fish Aquatics UK, the most recent business to join the site, has been met with amazing success since opening their new premises in April this year. The excellent family-run aquatic centre provides a range of equipment, set ups and live fish for home and

specialist aquariums, and customers are met with a friendly atmosphere, sound advice and an incredible variety in store. Last but certainly not least is Poppylicious – a fabulous café which has been welcoming a growing number of regular visitors ever since it opened its doors in August 2021. With comfortable seating and a friendly feel, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a hearty breakfast, scrumptious lunch, or a cup of great tasting coffee. It’s a perfect working environment for entrepreneurs, local start-ups and established companies - and a great place to take the weight off your feet after you’ve visited all these local businesses. Planned for the near future is the addition of some pop up units, which will be available to rent soon. Please contact info@ poppyfieldsretailpark.co.uk for more information on unit availability.

Poppyfields Drive, Snettisham, King’s Lynn PE31 7FR www.poppyfieldsretailpark.co.uk 83

Heath FarmShop Shop Heath Farm

Family run business selling quality & bespoke meat and

Family run business selling quality & bespoke meat and produceFrom our own farm produce. From our own farm & local suppliers, specialising in & local suppliers, specialising in our own Dexter and Dexter cross beef. our own Dexter andFor Dexter cross For all your BBQ needs. all your BBQbeef. needs Please call to make an order or pop in and see us at:

Please call to make an order or pop in and see us at: Heath Shop,Lynn Lynn Lane, Massingham, HeathFarm Farm Shop, Lane, GreatGreat Massingham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 2HJ 01485 520828 Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 2HJ 01485 520828 Open 9-5 Tuesday to Friday. 9-1 Saturday Open 9-5 Tuesday to Friday. 9-1 Saturday

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 Great Massingham Stores & Post Office: Church Lane, Great Massingham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE32 2HY

KLmagazine July 2022

Over 53 unique teas and a world of ethical fashion From the idyllic Hoppers Yard in Holt, Follyology is bringing a touch of magic to the way we shop - and every touch is unique

ea is one of the most popular drinks in the world, with over 100 million cups consumed every day in the UK alone. In a captivating corner of Holt, the wonderful Folly Tea Caddy explores over 50 handmade blends inspired by flavours from across the globe – and after an exciting move to a brand-new space, it’s even more enchanting than ever. “I came to Hoppers Yard with a vision to create a unique shopping experience – somewhere special offering something a little bit different,” says owner and founder Judith West. “I love inventing recipes and combining different flavours and was inspired to begin my journey with tea whilst on a baking course in 2012. A fellow student told me about a talented supplier called Alex Probyn who made unique blends by hand in Kent, and I thought it was a lovely idea. Tea is a magical thing that’s

unique style + sustainability in a magical space KLmagazine July 2022

delicious and delightful to share, and it fit perfectly with the vintage world I wanted to create.” After visiting Alex and mastering the art of creating incredible blends Judith’s interest in tea grew into a passion, and she founded a charming tearoom in the heart of Hoppers Yard. Three years later, she went on to open The Folly Tea Caddy, which is now run alongside her sustainable lifestyle and clothing store Follyology. Showcasing 53 unique blends, all carefully made to Judith’s specifications, the Tea Caddy is a true tea lover’s paradise bursting with vintage splendour. Filled with cheer, colour, and the divine aroma of a freshly brewed pot, it’s a perfect place to escape the busy hustle and bustle of life. “We want to welcome people into a calming space and offer a shopping experience like no other,” says Judith. “At the start of June, we took the opportunity to link Follyology and the

tea shop together by moving the Tea Caddy two doors up. It’s an exciting new set-up and it flows really well. If you’re out with a friend or partner who’s not into fashion, we’ll brew them a fantastic cuppa at the counter whilst you take your time browsing upstairs. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and our friendly staff will always go the extra mile to make you feel at home.” As if transforming the Tea Caddy wasn’t enough, Judith and her innovative team have recently worked to develop the cosy cottage next door into a luxurious tea themed holiday home. “Each room is inspired by a different type of tea, from the Indian Darjeeling and Japanese Sencha to the South African Rooibos and Chinese Golden Monkey King - you won’t find anything like it anywhere else,” she says. “At Follyology, we take pride in offering something unique and a little unusual. It’s more than just a shop, it’s a destination – and meeting us is a real experience”

www.follyology.co.uk | 01263 711455 Hoppers Yard, Bull Street, Holt NR25 6LN 85

A perfectly natural taste of Norfolk Joining their delicious raw milk and Little Dairy Shop, the newly-opened cafe and tearoom The Parlour at Binham is the latest attraction at Abbey Farm by farmer William Wales and his wife Alex

PHOTOS BY TORI O’CONNOR ABOVE: In one of Norfolk’s most picturesque settings (below) and within a medieval stone’s throw from Binham Priory, this redundant barn at Abbey Farm has been transformed into one of the area’s most exciting and mouthwatering venues. Welcome to The Parlour.

uite literally within the shadow of the picturesque ruins of Binham Priory is Abbey Farm, which covers some 1,000 acres of arable crops such as sugar beet, wheat, maize and barley and is also home to a herd of over 120 pedigree Holstein Friesian cows and one of Norfolk’s few remaining dairies. The dairy (which produces 900,000 litres of milk a year) may only be a small part of the farm, but it’s at the heart of The Parlour, a spectacular new cafe and tearoom opened by farmer William Wales and his wife Alex last month. “It’s a great way of welcoming people to the farm and helping them experience what a working farm is all about,” says William, whose family have been farming for four generations. “We’ve had a huge amount of support and people really do understand and appreciate what we’re doing.” Back in 2015 when the national dairy industry was faced with several difficulties and many dairies went out of business, William and Alex heard about Bungay farmer Jonny Crickmore,

who had started selling raw milk from a vending machine. “We met with Jonny and talked about raw milk and thought we’d give it a go,” says Alex. “To be honest, it changed everything, and people loved having that direct and very real connection to their milk.” Instead of being transported, stored, heat-treated, standardised, homogenised, pasteurised, packed and distributed, raw milk has never left the farm and is always less than 48 hours old. Reguarly tested and carefully regulated, it’s also absolutely delicious. “I prefer to call it real milk, and it’s one of the healthiest whole foods you can consume” says William. “It’s packed with a lot of important proteins, essential fatty acids and minerals, and is often said to be healthier than pasteurised milk.” The success of the vending machine (one regular customer continues to buy 50 litres every week) led to several people asking William and Alex to also offer local produce such as cheeses and butter, and with a grant from the Rural Development Programme for

England (RDPE) the couple built and opened The Little Dairy Shop. Totally unmanned and based on self-service and an honesty box, the shop has always been relentlessly busy (even during lockdown customers

Thanks to A. J. Cooper Builders who completed the renovation KLmagazine July 2022

ABOVE: Thanks to the work of Head Chef Lewis Peck and his wife Fran, The Parlour offers a more extensive and imaginative food offering than Abbey Farm’s already hugely-popular Little Dairy Shop (above right), with Lewis (below) taking a suitably central role in the proceedings Fran is directly in front of him in the centre of the picture.

were buying 200 litres every day) and eventually inspired William and Alex to open The Parlour. “The priory attracts local families, dog walkers and hundreds of visitors from all over the country,” says Alex, “and they’d pop into The Little Dairy Shop hoping for a cake and cup of tea or a sandwich. The raw milk had been a success, the shop was thriving, so opening a cafe and tearoom seemed the natural next step to take.” Taking 18 months to complete, The

The team

Parlour is located in a converted 17th century and Grade II listed barn that had been largely redundant for several years. It’s a truly spectacular space (and contains a considerable amount of stone from the ruins of the priory) and can happily host around 50 people with more seating outside for a unique al fresco experience. “Because we opened up the windows you can now sit and watch the cows and be fully connected to the farm,” says Alex. “With people increasingly interested in natural produce and understanding exactly where it comes from it’s perfect. We’re really proud of it, and we’ve already received some wonderful comments about it.” Open six days a week (closed Mondays), The Parlour serves hot food from 9am-3pm, offering everything from full English and vegetarian breakfasts to light lunches, sausage rolls, salads and sandwiches, cheese boards, charcuterie platters, and a mouthwatering range of cakes, pastries and scones - most of it made on

site. As you might expect The Parlour does use milk from the farm’s cows, although it’s required to be pasteurised - happily the raw version is still available in The Little Dairy Shop. In charge of the kitchen is Norfolkborn Head Chef Lewis Peck, who brings over 21 years experience in pubs and restaurants to The Parlour - along with his wife Fran, who looks after frontof-house duties and has considerable hospitality experience herself. The couple live less than 300 yards away in a house rented from William and Alex - and have already become very much part of the family. “I’ve never liked having a rigidly set menu because I love using ingredients that are as seasonal and local as possible,” says Lewis. “We’ll be changing our food on a very regular basis, and there’s no better opportunity to do that than in north Norfolk. From a chef’s point of view it’s brilliant. Pretty much everything is being grown, fished or farmed right on our doorstep, and I want to utilise that as best I can.” For William and Alex, The Parlour is just the latest chapter in a story that goes back four generations. “I’ve been working here for 43 years now and it’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do,” says William. “Alex and I count ourselves very privileged to live and work in such a wonderful location - and we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved - with a little help from our cows of course!”

THE PARLOUR Abbey Farm, Warham Road, Binham Norfolk NR21 0DG m 01328 830796 K theparlourbinham.co.uk k info@theparlourbinham.co.uk 88

KLmagazine July 2022

COME V IS IT OUR SHOP IN D

& Delicatessen

OWN H MAR AM KET

Artisan British & International cheeses • Local produce Purveyors of fine foods • Speciality foods from around the world Wine, beer & spirits • Nationwide, online delivery available 11 High Street, Downham Market PE38 9DA Tel: 01366 321750 Web: www.thenorfolkcheesecompany.co.uk

CAFÉ

SALON

BAR

Enjoy a stylish trim and a delicious coffee and cake, or one of our finest cocktails and handpicked wines. The Bilton family are treating Norfolk to a luxurious taste of London.

1 High Street, Downham Market 01366 321357 | bilton.co.uk instagram.com/_bilton/ Bar open Fri & Sat 6pm ‘til late

KLmagazine July 2022

Aperol Spritz INGREDIENTS 50ml Aperol 20ml fresh lemon 10ml sugar syrup Dash of angostura bitters Prosseco to top Slice of orange to garnish

INTRO Bilton is almost certainly the best wine and cocktail bar in the area, combining a hand-picked selection of fine wines with an amazing choice of classic and innovative cocktails. Few people can mix a cocktail as well as co-owner James Bilton, and here’s one of his (and our) personal favourites. Surprisingly light, incredibly fresh and infuriatingly irresistible, this Aperol Spritz is sunshine in a glass...

METHOD 1 Fill a shaker with ice add the Aperol, sugar, lemon and bitters and stir until chilled. 2 Fill a glass tumbler with ice, strain the mixture into a glass before topping up with prosseco and garnishing with a whole slice of orange. 3 Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Recipe by James Bilton, co-owner of Bilton Bilton, 1 High Street, Downham Market

m 01366 321357 K bilton.co.uk Q @_bilton 90

KLmagazine July 2022

Bank House food & service at your private event Enjoy fantastic food and drink individually tailored, prepared, cooked and served to your requirements by Bank House Events

ith lockdowns in the past and summer in full swing, there couldn’t be a better time to organise a social event – though it’s often difficult to know where to begin as there’s so much to consider and arrange. One of the most memorable elements of any function is the food and drink, and the talented team at Bank House Events knows exactly how to create a delicious spread to suit any occasion. “At Bank House we take pride in our excellent food, drink, and customer service and are delighted to offer this same quality product for outside events,” says Michael Baldwin, who runs the historic hotel and co-owns several hospitality businesses in the local area. “Whether you’re entertaining

a few friends or a party of 100 or more, we‘re happy to step in and take care of the catering side of things. As well as producing the food you had in mind we can supply china, glass and cutlery, and if you need assistance hiring a suitable local venue we’ll help with that too.” The business was started around four years ago when Bank House began catering for Christmas celebrations at the town hall in King’s Lynn. “Our quality party food was met with amazing success and people kept asking us to do functions for them,” says Michael. “I noticed there were few businesses in the area that offered event catering, so I decided to fill that gap.” Ever since, Bank House Events has gained a reputation for its friendly and reliable service and fantastic food and drink, which is carefully made to your specific requirements. “What makes us unique is the fact we have no set menus,” says Paul Turner, a director of Bank House Events. “We offer a bespoke service and will provide whatever clients want, whether it’s canapes, snacks, or a three-course meal. We don’t like to say no and will always try to get as close as we can to what customers request, and a lot

of the time we’re spot on and achieve exactly what they’re after.” As well as delicious dishes, expertly crafted using locally-sourced ingredients where possible, Bank House Events can supply a brilliant outside bar serving everything from draught beer to an extensive selection of spirits, mostly from local suppliers. They can also provide a variety of spectacular cocktails, ranging from popular classics to bespoke mixes themed to your event. “We’ve been involved with some marvellous functions over the last few years, and the business just keeps growing,” says Paul. “We recently catered for a party of nearly 300 people, our biggest project to date, and we’ll soon have a brand-new kitchen to work from. If you’re planning any kind of celebration or gathering, please get in touch with our friendly team – whatever the occasion we’d love to play a part in making it as enjoyable and memorable as possible.”

King’s Staithe Square, King’s Lynn PE30 1RD | Tel: 01553 660492 Web: thebankhouse.co.uk | Email: info@thebankhouse.co.uk E Q

KLmagazine July 2022

“

The most important thing to think about is the quality of your ingredients...

“

- Galton Blackiston, co-owner of No.1 Cromer

Perfecting the nation’s favourite summer feast An iconic combination, fish & chips has become a traditional symbol of our country’s culinary culture - and Michelin star chef Galton Blackiston has some excellent tips on creating the perfect portion…

ince the two ideas are almost exactly the same age, it’s only natural that the combination of a trip to the seaside and a meal of fish and chips should have grown to become such an iconic part of British culture. According to the National Federation of Fish Friers, over 80% of us visit a fish and chip shop at least once a year (nearly a quarter of us on a weekly basis) and the staggering annual sales figure of 382 million meals means that every single man, woman and child in the country enjoys six servings a year. At heart, it seems rather odd and deceptively simple - deep-frying sliced potatoes and fish covered in a mixture of white flour, beer, baking soda and salt - but a trip to Cromer on the north Norfolk coast will soon prove that there’s nothing odd or simple about the very best fish and chips. Offering some of most spectacular views in East Anglia from its lofty position overlooking the seafront is No.1 Cromer, which serves fish and chips of a quality that are as memorable as the picture-perfect location. Which should come as no surprise since it’s owned by renowned local chef Galton Blackiston, who’s held a Michelin Star at his multi awardwinning Morston Hall hotel and restaurant for almost 25 years, is a regular guest on some of the country’s most popular cookery programmes, and is one of the four finalists for the AA’s Chefs’ Chef Award in September. As you might imagine, for Galton there’s nothing ordinary about fish and chips. “Fish and chips is a truly delightful treat, especially at the Norfolk coast, and I’ve learnt a great deal since opening No.1 back in 2013,” he says. “The most important thing to think about is the quality of your ingredients. That’s where it starts, and that’s what makes all the difference.” KLmagazine July 2022

ABOVE: Owner of the luxurious Morston Hall and the award-winning fish & chip restaurant No.1 Cromer, Michelin star chef Galton Blackiston is in no doubt as to what makes the perfect plate of the nation’s favourite seaside treat - and it all starts with the ingredients.

ABOVE: Overlooking the stunning seafront and famous pier, the award-winning chip shop and seafood restaurant No.1 Cromer boasts extraordinary views from almost every window (below) – as well as some of the finest fish & chips in Norfolk.

Since the kitchen at No.1 will easily work its way through seven tonnes of potatoes a week in the height of summer, it seems only natural to start with the chips and the secret of achieving that perfectly crisp and golden finish. “You have to choose the right type of potato, and you’ll ideally want a variety with a low sugar content to prevent them going too brown,” says Galton. “The starch content of different varieties changes throughout the year, so we try to get the best for the season in question. Maris Pipers are always excellent potatoes to use for chips as they’re floury and firm, and they tend to fry up really well.” To achieve the perfect chips with a crispy outside and a fluffy centre, Galton says that blanching the potatoes is essential. “Blanch them until they’re almost cooked, drain them and then fry them again,” he says. “It’s a very easy step, but it makes the world of difference. And I can’t stress how important it is to use the freshest and most sustainable ingredients you can - I’m a passionate supporter of local produce, and all the potatoes and rapeseed oil we use comes from fields in East Anglia.” As for the fish, that presents Galton with something of a problem since the sheer scale of No.1 (which can serve up to 2,000 meals a day) means local waters simply can’t cope with the demand - so he does the next best thing. “We have a boat assigned to us in Norway and the quality of the catch there is truly stunning,” he says. “The fish is filleted, skinned, gutted and 94

frozen at sea so it stays wonderful and fresh. It might not be the cheapest option, but it’s certainly the best, and I’ve always put a strong emphasis on quality.” Galton recommends taking a thick cut of skinless and boneless cod, dusting it with flour, coating in batter (he’s understandably reluctant to share his favourite recipe) and frying it at 170°C to achieve a satisfyingly-golden colour and a deliciously-crisp texture. “It’s not rocket science, but there’s certainly a knack to creating the perfect portion of fish and chips,” he says, “and once you’ve mastered it the results will be incredible every time.” But where did this quintessentially British dish come from? The answer is that it didn’t come from Britain at all. Battered and fried fish came to the country via Jewish immigrants from Portugal and Spain in the 17th century, almost certainly because it tasted just as good on the following day - so it could be prepared on Friday and avoid the religious restrictions of cooking on a Saturday. Similarly the humble chip also came to us from Europe in the 19th century, where the French and Belgians still argue about who invented them. Arguably the first fish and chip shop in the world was opened by the Jewish immigrant Joseph Malins in London in 1860, but almost 25 years before that in his novel Oliver Twist Charles Dickens had talked about a “fried fish warehouse” that served the fish with bread or baked potatoes. A staple of working-class diets throughout the 19th century and one of the very few ration-proof foods

during the Second World War, fish and chips became so ingrained in the national consciousness that Winston Churchill described them as “the good companions.” At a time of rising concerns about nutrition and healthy eating, it’s reassuring to learn that a portion of fish and chips provides a third of the recommended daily allowance of vitamins for a man (nearly half for a woman) and contains only 7.3% fat of which a mere 2.8% is saturated fat. Which is all well and good, but how should we really be enjoying them? “Personally, I’ve always felt that fish and chips should be accompanied by homemade tartare sauce, be lightly seasoned with salt and enjoyed whilst sitting watching the sea,” says Galton. “There’s really nothing quite like it.” And with Norfolk having some of the very best fish and chip shops in the entire country, it’s hard to disagree with one of its most ardent supporters. For more delicious features on local food and drink please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2022

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

We stock a wide selection of frozen fish too!

Large raw prawns, tuna, swordfish, wild bass and much more

FRESH CROMER CRABS & LOCAL LOBSTERS Now back in season

The sun is out Get the BBQ on!

FRESH ROLLED SUSHI Now available thurs, fri & sat

Deli counter with local cheeses and olives from afar Why not visit Sarah’s kitchen for some easy suppers and tasty treats Come and say hello to the crazy girls at Donaldsons this summer! SEAFOOD PLATTERS AVAILABLE TO ORDER

Gift vouchers available too

DONALDSONS A fresh taste of the sea

Austin Fields, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 772241

KLmagazine July 2022

Bacon and lovage cream sauce INGREDIENTS 1 onion, diced 1kg of smoked streaky bacon, sliced 2 sticks of celery, chopped roughly 500g of lovage 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 500ml of cream 2 bay leaves

INTRO A central element of one of The Partridge’s delicious summer specials, this fresh and creamy sauce pairs very well with a variety of ingredients. Served with a pan-roasted fillet of pork, Hasselback new potatoes and barbeque baby gem lettuce (pictured above) it’s a vibrant and flavour-packed addition to a fine dish. METHOD 1 Add the bacon to a pan and fry on a medium heat to render down the fat.

2 Once the bacon is a nice and golden, add the celery, onions, garlic and bay leaves. When the onions and celery have softened add the cream and reduce by 1⁄4 - and then remove the bay leaves. 3 Add the lovage and use a stick blender to blitz the sauce. Although it’s now perfectly delicious, you can always pass the sauce through a sieve for an exquisitely smooth finish.

Recipe by Oliver Castleton, Head Chef at The Partridge Main Road, Clenchwarton PE34 4AG

m 01553 775668 K thepartridgenorfolk.co.uk E Q @thenorfolkpartridge 96

KLmagazine July 2022

A vibrant village pub full of fresh ideas With a fantastic menu, passionate team, and wonderful welcoming feel, The Partridge in Clenchwarton is fast becoming a popular destination

t’s been three years since the innovative couple Jed Stockdale and Ashleigh Moore were headhunted by the award-winning Elgood’s brewery to revive Clenchwarton’s last remaining pub and, thanks to their experience and dedication, it’s been a roaring success. Open from Wednesday through to Sunday, The Partridge has built a reputation for scrumptious lunches, delicious dinners, and spectacular roasts as well as an excellent bar and an outstanding standard of service. “Ashleigh and I were surprised and delighted when Elgood’s approached us about running the pub”, says Jed. “We’d always worked in hospitality and were both naturally skilled at it, though we’d never considered the idea of

managing our own business.” It was a project the couple channelled their passion and enthusiasm into, spending six months reimagining and renovating the former Victory Inn. “The building needed some love and attention, and we wanted to create a destination where everyone felt welcome,” says Ashleigh. “We extended the bar area to make it more open plan, modernised the restaurant, and created a lovely beer garden. The interior walls have been painted different shades of “Partridge green” and filled with paintings by talented local artist Sarah Burt, and each table is decorated with a vase of fresh flowers. We’ve put a lot of thought into every detail to create a cosy atmosphere, and the moment you walk in you’ll feel at home.” An equal amount of care and attention has gone into the restaurant’s mouthwatering menu, which showcases the skills of the incredible kitchen team and some of the finest produce in the local area. Combining

classic pub favourites with imaginative dishes and fresh seasonal specials, it offers a brilliant selection of fantastic food, which is always expertly crafted, beautifully presented, and served with a smile. If you’re planning a party or want to make your visit that extra bit special, you can book the private dining room next to the restaurant and enjoy a more intimate experience. If you just fancy stopping by for a drink, the bar offers a great range of local beers, ciders, wines, and spirits as well as popular lagers and arguably some of the best Guinness in the area. “The Partridge isn’t your classic pub, it’s much more special than that,” says Jed. “It plays an integral role in keeping the local community feel with quiz nights, beer festivals, and supper clubs, though it’s also an exciting destination attracting custom from all over the county. We’re extremely proud of our team and what we have achieved so far and can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

Main Road, Clenchwarton PE34 4AG m 01553 775668 K thepartridgenorfolk.co.uk k info@thepartridgenorfolk.co.uk Follow us on social media: @thenorfolkpartridge KLmagazine July 2022

Elsegood Family Butchers A taste of Norfolk’s finest meats for 100 years

BBQ MEATS Choose from any cut and a variety of glazes

Serving customers across west Norfolk

since 1921

QUALITY MEATS Beef, Pork, Lamb & Poultry, all prepared and cut to your own requirements. Sausages and Burgers all made to our own family recipes. DELI Homemade pies, pasties & sausage rolls and a variety of cheeses. Plus “Aunt Aggie’s Pork Cheese”

We deliver five days a week From Tuesday to Saturday across west Norfolk Cliffe-en-Howe Road, Pott Row, King’s Lynn PE32 1BY Website: elsegoodfamilybutchers.co.uk | Tel: 01485 600222

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)

KLmagazine July 2022

COMIN SOONG SUMM E 2022 R

A fresh new deli in the heart of King’s Lynn

Opening later this summer, Baldwin’s of King’s Lynn showcases some of the very finest local produce Norfolk has to offer

t’s not surprising Michael Baldwin was named Businessperson of the Year at the Mayor’s Business Awards back in March, as he’s a key driving force behind the development of King’s Lynn. Not only does he run the award-winning Bank House, he also co-owns The Wenns Chop & Ale House on the town’s Saturday Market Place and the iconic Ferry Inn at Horning - and has helped expand the popular outside catering business Bank House Events. He also plays an important role in shaping the town’s future (acting as President of the local Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chairman of the King’s Lynn Town Deal Board) and, as if this wasn’t enough, he’s about to open a fantastic new delicatessen on the High Street in King’s Lynn. Showcasing an extensive range of fresh ingredients, baked goods, light lunches and much more, Baldwin’s of

King’s Lynn is set to be a unique and exciting addition to the town. The vast majority of the meats and cheeses will be locally sourced, the fish smoked on site and the fruit and vegetables Norfolk grown. “Living in King’s Lynn, I realised there was nothing quite like it in the town centre,” says Michael. “With our county’s wealth of fantastic fresh produce, I felt it was a gap that needed filling. Local food has always been a recurring theme throughout the Bank House brand, and I think it’s very important, so I decided to step in and give the area what it was missing.” Not only will Baldwin’s support local suppliers, it will also benefit the environment by providing a completely plastic-free shopping experience. “We plan to start off using cardboard and wooden cutlery, though I’m currently liaising with a man in King’s Lynn who’s developing another

plastic-free alternative,” says Michael. “It holds up like plastic so it’s stronger than paper and is fully recyclable. It’s important to work towards a greener future, and I’m striving to make Baldwin’s as sustainable as it can be.” As well as a fully stocked shop, the deli is set to have its own ‘dark kitchen’, where all the baked treats, salads and pre-prepared meals will be freshly made each day. This will also benefit Bank House Events, as the demand for its excellent outside catering is fast outstripping the capacity of its own kitchens. “Baldwin’s is very different to anything I’ve ever done before and I’m excited to open for business later this summer,” says Michael. “King’s Lynn is a brilliant town to be based in, and I just can’t wait to showcase more of the amazing food and drink our county has to offer.”

- O F K I N G ’ S LY NN -

114 H igh St, K ing’s Ly nn, N o r fo lk P E 30 1DD KLmagazine July 2022

How to create the perfect Norfolk picnic With brilliant beaches, picturesque parks and stunning country houses, Norfolk is the ideal place to enjoy a delightful picnic. Now summer has arrived, we take a look at how to prepare the perfect spread

here are few things more traditional or more enjoyable than a summer picnic in the delightful Norfolk countryside or in a secluded spot on one of the county’s award-winning and nationally-famous beaches. It’s proven that getting some fresh air and sunlight is good for you, and enjoying some healthy locallyproduced and cooked food is the perfect way to relax without breaking the budget, and if current research is anything to go by you’ll be having three of them this summer. Which isn’t too bad for an occasion that started indoors. The word ‘picnic’ derives from the 17th century French ‘pique-nique’, and event which involved people attending a gathering of friends and family and taking some food with them. Although National Picnic Week officially took place last month, we’re now entering the prime time for combining Norfolk’s astonishing landscapes with the county’s best food and drink for an unforgettable al fresco experience. After all, it’s not that you don’t have enough picturepostcard spots to choose from. Six of Norfolk’s beaches have Blue

Flag status (Cromer, East Runton, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Sheringham and West Runton) and the rest need little in the way of accolades. The extraordinary golden

beach at Holkham was voted one of the 50 best in the UK last year, and the beaches of Hunstanton are everything a summer holiday could wish for - which is only natural since that’s the reason why the town was built in the first place.

Equally peaceful and incredibly picturesque, the famous beach at Wells-next-the-Sea is another great place to relax with a fabulous spread. You could even enhance your trip and add a wonderful note of luxe to your picnic by renting one of the beautiful beach huts in the area. It’s not all about sea and sand, however. Head inland and you can plant your hamper in the atmospheric setting of Castle Acre, the exquisitely-designed grounds of Houghton Hall, or the tranquil beauty of the royal Sandringham estate. Although it’s not against the law at the moment (don’t worry - we’re working on it) it would be criminal not to take advantage of Norfolk’s food and drink offering when planning your picnic. “To be honest I can’t think of a better

ABOVE: Constructed in the 18th century for the 1st Earl of Leicester, the striking Holkham Hall is probably the finest example of Palladian architecture in the whole country and makes an atmospheric backdrop for a summer picnic. KLmagazine July 2022

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and she’s more than willing to share them. “There’s no better way to appreciate our amazing county than with a delicious picnic,” she says. “If you’re after a true taste of Norfolk, I’d definitely recommend including some locally grown fruit and veg in your hamper.” You certainly can’t get much fresher than home-grown and there’s always an outstanding selection of seasonal delights available across the county, including sweet Sharrington strawberries from Melton Constable, juicy apples and pears from Drove Orchards, and ABOVE: At Beach Hut Six in Wells-Next-the-Sea (see opposite) fabulous blueberries you can even have a delicious local breakfast or luncheon hamper from Fairgreen delivered to the door as you sunbathe on the sand. Farms near King’s Lynn. way to enjoy a taste of our wonderful Why not enjoy a combination of county than with a delicious picnic,” quality meat, fish, and veg, with a says Gemma Arnold, Executive Head ready-made sandwich or salad from an Chef at the award-winning Thornham excellent local supplier like Thornham Deli. “We grow, farm and fish some of Deli, The Norfolk Deli in Hunstanton, the most amazing foods in the whole or Walsingham Farms Shop? You could country, and with so much to choose even add a taste of the coast to your from it can be difficult to know where picnic with a freshly dressed Cromer to start if you’re new to the art of the crab, salmon from the smokehouse picnic. Happily, our brilliant community at Brancaster Staithe, or a piping hot of suppliers are always more than portion of battered cod and chips. happy to help you build the perfect “When compiling the perfect spread.” Norfolk hamper, I’d make sure Gemma has some inside tips on to include a lovely local cheese, creating a fantastic feast with some as our county is home to some of the finest produce in the area, gorgeous handmade varieties,” says Gemma. “There are plenty you could try, from the distinctive Norfolk Dapple to Mrs Temples buttery Copys Cloud, flavourful Wells Alpine, and creamy Binham Blue.” You’ll find a vast selection in delicatessens across the county, including Thornham Deli and The Norfolk Cheese Company in Downham Market. Whichever you choose, you’ll find it tastes divine when paired with a luxurious local wine, and 102

our county is home to some truly incredible vineyards including South Pickenham, Burn Valley in North Creake, and Cobble Hill in Burnham Market. “To complete the perfect picnic, I’d select a scrumptious sweet treat to enjoy at the end,” Gemma says. “We have some divine delights available at the deli like banoffee pies, raspberry bakewells, and Viennese whirls.” You’ll find plenty of other brilliant bakes all over the county, including heavenly brownies and cookies produced by the Simply Cake Co in King’s Lynn and splendid scones and traybakes at The Cartshed in Great Massingham. There are hundreds of different delicious combinations possible, although if you aim for a nice mix of sweet and savoury and a balance of fresh and homemade goods, you’ll be all set to enjoy the perfect Norfolk picnic. For more delicious features on local food and drink please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk

ABOVE: One of Norfolk’s most spectacular sights, the remarkable ruins of Castle Acre Priory are a delightful setting to visit with a fantastic local feast KLmagazine July 2022

PHOTOSHOOT BY @MYHOMESTYLELIFE

The trip to the beach reaches a new level Located on the stunning sands of Wells-next-the-Sea Beach Hut Six offers a magical and memorable way to experience the Norfolk coast

here’s nothing quite like spending time at the seaside and with 45 miles of glorious unspoilt coastline, north Norfolk boasts some of the finest beaches in the country. To truly appreciate the raw beauty of our county’s captivating coast, you’ll want to make the most of your time there and, in the picturesque town of Wells-next-the-Sea, Beach Hut Six is the perfect place to experience our amazing area at its best. The chic boutique hideaway is nestled among the row of iconic colourful beach huts on the famous sandy shore and enjoys breathtaking vistas of the North Sea and sweeping Norfolk skies. Available to hire for a day or even longer, it’s an ideal way to

enhance your seaside visit with a little note of luxe. Staying at Beach Hut Six is a unique and exciting experience where design details have been carefully thought through to make your trip as relaxing and memorable as possible. The charming coastal haven has been lovingly renovated to a very high standard, with a well-equipped kitchen unit, stylish soft furnishings, and fashionable beach equipment as part of the package. In addition, there are plenty of complementary extras and a generous supply of water (over 3 litres) so guests don’t need to carry their water to the hut. Beach Hut Six reinforces the maxim that the everyday can be extraordinary and there are so many ways you can choose to enjoy it, whether it’s by feeling the sand between your toes as you sunbathe in a cosy chair, unwinding with a hot drink on the balcony after a brisk walk on the beach, or watching a magical coastal sunset transform the incredible Norfolk sky. If you want to get the most

out of Beach House Six, there are plenty of extras you can include in your stay. Why not indulge in a meal outdoors by having a deluxe picnic hamper brimming with fresh local food and drink delivered to the hut, or celebrate a special occasion with a seafood or charcuterie platter served with a local wine? You could even choose to get active at Beach Hut Six with an invigorating morning swim, a sunrise yoga session on the sand, or a paddleboarding lesson nearby. The idyllic beach is the perfect setting for creative pursuits, so you could also include an en plein air lesson with a talented local artist as part of your stay. For tourists looking for a special way to experience the best of Norfolk and locals wanting to appreciate the astounding scenery on their doorstep, Beach Hut Six is an ideal place to make memories all year round. To book your amazing stay or find out more, please visit www.meetyouatsix.com

@meetyouatsix | bookings@meetyouatsix.com | www.meetyouatsix.com

KLmagazine July 2022

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NEW MENU & S P E C IA L Se

ad wi th ho m em! de ss er ts

Visit the Heron this Summer Take advantage of our spacious beer garden and two lit decked areas, perfect for evening outdoor dining.

Have a special occasion? Our restaurant is available to hire, making it the most idyllic setting for your wedding reception.

Live music in the Beer Garden

Join us Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th August Bank Holiday We look forward to seeing you soon!

Tracey, Stuart x • BEAUTIFUL RENOVATED PUB SET BETWEEN TWO RIVERS • TRADITIONAL HOME-COOKED FOOD • GIN SHELF • AFTERNOON TEAS • B& B • TOURING CARAVAN PARK

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

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

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KLmagazine July 2022

Flavour of the month

Fantastic food in a unique riverside setting of national value

s the last surviving Hanseatic warehouse in England, the Grade I listed Hanse House in King’s Lynn is a precious piece of our country’s history. Situated on the town’s stunning South Quay, it’s a remarkable building that celebrates many unique treasures - including a brilliant bar and one of the finest restaurants in the area. With its wonderful surroundings, outstanding food, and vibrant social scene, The Rathskeller offers an experience like no other. Since it was taken over in November 2019 by the same close-knit group of friends that run the delightful café at Burnham Deepdale, it’s become an increasingly popular place to visit. It’s worth noting the bar and restaurant are quite distinct and separate spaces, each offering an entirely different experience. With its relaxed and welcoming feel, the recently refurbished Cellar Bar is the perfect place to socialise and enjoy a

KLmagazine July 2022

great night out. Its unique and modern interior is incredibly atmospheric, featuring oak panelling with copper accents, fashionable seats and sofas, and colourful LED lights. At the stylish bar you’ll find an extensive range of premium Scotch whiskies as well as classic wines and beers and a wealth of wonderful spirits. Various cocktails are also available, with everything from popular Martinis to inventive new mixes – and if you fancy something that’s not on the menu, the team of skilled and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help you create your favourite drink. There’s also plenty to choose from on the mouthwatering food menu, which features a selection of tempting classics including tasty chicken wings, homemade nachos, and succulent pulled pork sandwiches. As well as offering delicious food and drink, the Cellar Bar hosts monthly comedy evenings, quiz nights, and regular live music events – so it’s no wonder the venue is often a hive of activity and excitement. However, it’s a whole different scene upstairs in the Rathskeller Bistro, which is good news for those looking for a quiet meal. The authentic exposed timbers of the crown post roof combine with amazing views of the river, and carefully selected décor creates the perfect ambience for

fine dining. The restaurant offers an impressive wine list to suit all tastes as well as a freshly-cooked menu of outstanding homemade dishes, created using prime Norfolk produce. Talented head chef Gary Iliffe takes pride in crafting a high-quality selection of flavourful delights, which look incredible and taste even better. “I’ve always had a passion for cooking, and there’s nothing I love more than experimenting with flavours and creating different dishes,” he says. “I like to change the menu every four to six weeks to keep it fresh and exciting, so there’s something new to discover every time you visit.” When designing dishes, Gary likes to add a modern-British taste to bistro classics and often draws on inspiration from other cultures. “I travelled a lot when I was younger and spent some time cooking in India and Morocco,” he says. “While there I encountered a wide range of different styles and techniques, so I really enjoy adding some spices and world flavours to seasonal British food.” There’s certainly something for everyone at the Rathskeller Bar and Bistro, and with summer on its way, the beautiful riverside beer garden is a delightful place to relax with a drink in the sunshine. “We pride ourselves in creating an enjoyable experience for customers and have achieved so much in the last couple of years,” says Preston Sharpe, a proud owner of The Rathskeller. “Our kitchen recently received a five-star rating following a visit from an EHO, and we’ve got plenty of new flavours and events in store for the summer.” It may have centuries of history behind it, but the Rathskeller is certainly looking forward to the future.

THE RATHSKELLER 1 South Quay, King’s Lynn PE30 5GN Tel: 01553 773713 Web: www.therathskeller.co.uk 105

ABOVE: The complex of the Guildhall of St. George in King’s Lynn has an association with the arts that stretches back some 600 years and is about to enter the next act in its remarkably dramatic story.

A remarkable past and an exciting future...

King’s Lynn has a nationally-important legacy of historic buildings and thanks to the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk they’re now finding a new role in the 21st century

ne of King’s Lynn’s historic gems has been put forward for a share of the Government’s £25m Towns Fund offered to the town, and spearheading the initiative are Town Deal Board Deputy Chair Michael Baldwin and Interim Creative Director Tim FitzHigham, who are looking forward to the next chapter in an already illustrious story. The St George’s Guildhall and

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Creative Hub nestles in King Street just off the town’s historic Tuesday Market Place. The site stretches from road to river and comprises numerous spaces including the Guildhall itself, the undercroft, the Shakespeare Barn and the Fermoy Gallery. “This is the first time that a proposal has been produced that covers every element of the site,” says Michael Baldwin, Deputy Chair of the King’s Lynn Town Deal Board and Project

Champion. “Extensive work engaging with users and stakeholders to develop the vision for St George’s Guildhall and Creative Hub has already taken place, and the submission of the final business case to the government is imminent. Our plan is to preserve the arts, embrace the past and build a future that‘s economically sustainable. We’re very confident our proposal will do just that.” It’s a sentiment endorsed by Tim KLmagazine July 2022

FitzHigham, the project’s Interim Creative Director “This will create a nationally important art, cultural and heritage centre at the heart of King’s Lynn, and at its core is the oldest working theatre in the country,” he says. “The first recorded performance dates back to 1445, and we’ll be celebrating this unique past at the same time as creating a new vibrant and flexible space for arts, culture and creative enterprise. It will be an inspiring place that’s inclusive and accessible to all.” Open as a heritage attraction by day and an entertainment venue by night, it will offer a diverse and expanded programme of experiences and opportunities, serving not only the local community, but acting as a beacon for visitors from further afield. AN ILLUSTRIOUS HERITAGE Through a new series of tours, the revitalised venue will tell intriguing stories and go behind the scenes, offering an engaging and interactive insight into its 600-year history. Highlighted themes will include Elizabethan drama, the King’s Lynn born Robert Armin (who was Shakespeare’s comedian) and the site’s many royal links - as well as more local themes such as guilds, pirates, dragons, gunpowder and the development of the town. A CULTURAL PROGRAMME AND SPACE FOR HIRE Once completed, the St George’s Guildhall and Creative Hub will present an exciting and varied cultural programme consisting of performing, digital, musical, and visual arts taking

Mic h a el Ba ld win

Tim FitzHigham

Deputy Chair of the King’s Lynn Town Deal Board, an d Project Cham pion

Interim Creative Director

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Summer activities at the Guildhall Throughout the summer, Stories of Lynn and Norfolk Museums Service are providing a programme of Shakespeare-inspired activities to engage young people and their families with the work of the Bard and the history of the Guildhall of St George. Booking is essential at kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

Play in a Day £3 per session. Sessions run 10:30am to 2pm. Recommended for ages 11-25. Refreshments provided but bring your own lunch. ABOVE: The famous undercroft at the Guildhall of St George will shortly be re-named The Gunpowder Store and become a multi-functional venue and performance space.

“This project will create a nationally important art, cultural and heritage centre in the heart of King’s Lynn...” place across every part of the site. At its heart will be the reinvigorated Guildhall of St George, which will reflect its Elizabethan past while being a multi-purpose performance space for the 21st century, combining the traditional and the contemporary. The Gunpowder Store (currently known as the Undercroft) will be an important part of daytime tours and will transform into a 90-seat performance space at night. Meanwhile, the Fermoy Gallery will host a range of temporary and permanent exhibitions by visiting and local artists - and both spaces will be available for hire for weddings, private events, and location filming. A NEW CREATIVE HUB The creative hub will be situated in the Armin Barn (the former White Barn) and its annexe, with additional opportunities in the current Players Workshop and No.29 King Street, which will be 108

redesigned as flexible spaces offering a series of rental units for artists, designers, makers and other creative businesses. TRAINING, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES The new centre will support the development of skills and training in King’s Lynn by establishing partnerships with local colleges. The vision centres around volunteers of all ages, who’ll form a vital part of the activities, learning new skills and training others. It will also be a place where adults, young people and families can learn dance, drama and arts. An on- and off-site school programme will include heritage-based learning experiences and performances, along with an outof-school programme for all ages providing activities such as dance, music, writing and art. EAT, DRINK, SHOP... While the Shakespeare Barn will be offering a café by day and a stylish bar by night, the Riverside Restaurant will be providing a premier dining experience for lunch or dinner. The new Gunpowder Bar will be a contemporary space for people to enjoy a drink and snack while enjoying the on-site comedy club or listening to music, and locally-made gifts will be available from the various makers, crafters and artists. It’s an ambitious project (supported by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Norfolk Museums Service and the National Trust) but it’s one that will soon transform the cultural life of King’s Lynn, creating a unique heritage attraction and creative hub for the local community and visitors.

Thursday 11 August -

Midsummer Night’s Dream Thursday 18 August - Macbeth Explore the St George’s Theatre, listen to the story then get in character. Make a prop, try on a costume and makeup, and learn three short scenes from the play.

Shake it all out £2 per child (accompanying adult free) Sessions run 10.30am-11.45am, 12.30pm-1.45pm and 2pm-3.15pm. Recommended for ages 5–12. Note that all those attending a session must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Explore a nationally-important theatre, enjoy a short and family-friendly version of the play, get involved with activities inspired by it, and then dress up and deliver your lines on stage. Wednesday 3rd August Fairy fun (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) - make your own wands, wings and animal masks. Wednesday 10th August Montagues vs Capulets (Romeo and Juliet) - make your sword and shield and prepare for battle! Wednesday 17th August Ink-credible! (As You Like It) - make your own ink and write with a genuine quill pen. Wednesday 24th August Bill’s boats (The Tempest) - make a junk model boat and test its strength against the stormy waters. Wednesday 31st August Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble (Macbeth) - make a witch’s brew and create your very own spell.

KLmagazine July 2022

WE ARE HERE

Stunning Restaurant & Bar on the Quay of King’s Lynn Grade 1 listed building in the heart of King’s Lynn’s quayside with outdoor seating and great views of the river. Open: Restaurant: Wed to Sat 12-3pm & 5-9pm, Sun 12-6pm. Bar: Wed-Fri 5pm-late, Sat 12-late, Sun 12-6pm.

1 South Quay, King’s Lynn, PE30 5GN | 01553 773713 | www.therathskeller.co.uk

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2022

1965

West Norfolk: Then & Now

RAISING A GLASS TO THE PAST... Despite its relatively short length (at little over 250 metres) King Street in King’s Lynn has no less than 30 listed buildings which can tell a 900-yearold story - from the earliest surviving evidence of a domestic building in the

town at Nos. 30-32. The archway of the white building to the right was the entrance to the brewery of Norwich-based Steward & Patteson, who’d been founded in 1793 and by the time this picture was taken was one of the largest nonmetropolitan breweries in the country. They bought this site in King’s Lynn (the former Bagge’s Brewery)

in the summer of 1929, but a rather chequered history led to the very last beer being brewed in January 1970. Talking of which, the rather imposing Chequers House at No. 12 clearly dominates this modern-day stretch of the street - and if anyone knows what happened to the original building that stood on this spot we’d love to hear from you.

You can share your old photos of the area with us on social media: @klmagazine 110

KLmagazine July 2022

Make the most of your property allowances If you’re renting out part of a property (even your own) there are ways to reduce your tax burden, as Neil Gayton of Stephenson Smart explains...

f you receive income from letting a room in your property or renting out another property (permanently or as a holiday let) there are various reliefs and allowances that can reduce your tax bill. But many people are either unaware of them or don’t realise how much they can help. And that’s when you need to call on the local expertise and highly-qualified advice of Stephenson Smart.

THE RENT-A-ROOM SCHEME The Rent-a-Room scheme lets you earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in your home - and this is halved if you share the income with your partner or someone else. You can let out as much of your home as you want, and the tax exemption is automatic if you earn less than £7,500. People earning more than that must complete a tax return, and can then opt into the scheme at any time if they are a resident landlord or operate a B&B or guest house, claiming the tax-free allowance on their tax return. Please note that you can’t use the

scheme for properties converted into separate flats.

PROPERTY INCOME ALLOWANCE If you are a landlord earning rental income from your property you can get up to £1,000 rental income tax-free each year from the Property Income Allowance (PIA). If you earn less than £1,000 from rental income you don’t need to do anything, but if you do claim the PIA you won’t be able to claim any other rental expenses. If you own a property jointly with others (spouses, civil partners, etc.), you can each claim this £1,000 allowance – even though you divide the rental income between yourselves. If you’re renting out a buy-to-let or a second property, your expenses will usually be higher than £1,000 a year, so only use this allowance if you can’t find your receipts or if you only have a few expenses in a given year.

rate of Income Tax. That includes mortgage interest, interest on loans to buy furnishings, and fees incurred when taking out or repaying mortgages or loans - but excludes capital repayments of mortgages or loans. When completing a tax return for income from a residential property, it’s even possible to bring forward losses from previous years. It’s a complex field, and there are many things to consider when using residential properties for income purposes. At Stephenson Smart we’re experts in helping people fully understand their liabilities. Please get in touch for more details and information.

NEIL GAYTON Manager King’s Lynn

RESIDENTIAL FINANCE COSTS Relief for finance costs on residential properties is restricted to the basic

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

KING’S LYNN 01553 774104 FAKENHAM 01328 863318 WISBECH 01945 463383 MARCH 01354 653026 DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 384121 GORLESTON 01493 382500

KLmagazine July 2022

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Put your future in our hands

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High Security Self Storage in King’s Lynn • 24 hour monitored CCTV, intruder and fire alarms • Secure access by individual PIN entry system • Access 7 days a week, 7am-8pm • Large variety of rooms sizes available • Classic car storage long and short term packages available • No minimum stay • No notice needed to vacate • Book or reserve for free • Forklift service available

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www.eastcoastselfstorage.co.uk KLmagazine July 2022

Quickfacts For the first time ever, the average rent in the UK has gone up by almost 10% in a year. (Source: Open Rent)

Rent and legal protection matters Helping you keep in control in times of unprecedented economic challenges

It’s something we always hope we’re never going to need but unfortunately tenant defaults are on the increase across the nation and the process for recovering a property through the legal route is becoming ever slower as the Courts struggle to meet the demands now being placed on them. Due to this, Rent and Legal Expense Protection should be appearing very high on a landlord’s list of priorities. After all, how comfortably could you afford to cover the cost of six months lost rent, court fees and a solicitor if your tenant suddenly stops paying? With inflation running at 9% (a 40year record high) and set to increase up to 11% later this year, it’s expected that tenants will be under increased financial pressures and therefore rent arrears will almost inevitably occur. The energy crisis is one of the biggest contributors to

Damien Simone

our outgoings, with gas and electricity prices increasing by 54% in April, and further rises due to follow towards the end of the year. In addition, the cost of fuel has increased to equally record highs, the cost of your weekly food shop is increasing along with clothing and transport, and pretty much every service and product you require. Increased taxes from April 2022 have resulted in significantly-reduced income for many people trying to deal with increasing costs and increasing interest rates. As industry professionals, we’re urging every landlord not to wait and see what happens, but to ensure your rental income is properly protected. The protection policies we offer at Edmonton Estates will cover the following costs: • Monthly rent paid for up to a maximum value equivalent to 15 months of arrears, plus three months’ rent paid at 75% following Vacant Possession

• Legal expenses up to £100,000 to cover eviction costs if the tenant is in breach of their tenancy agreement or following an expired Section 21 notice • Professional court attendance on your behalf These protection policies are linked directly to the property so there is no loss of fees paid in the event of a change of tenants, and monthly payment options will be available from July. At the same time we’ll have a new option available to landlords who are either looking to change letting agents or who’ve previously managed their own properties to be able to take up one of our new Rent & Legal Protection packages without requiring the tenants to be referenced again. If you would like any further details relating to our rent protection policies or other related services please contact our office on 01553 660615.

• No policy excess

Director

Edmonton Estates Ltd, St Ann’s House, 18 St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1LT T 01553 660615 • W www.edmontonestates.co.uk • E info@edmontonestates.co.uk

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The story of Norfolk’s premier railway village Once widely known as ‘the Crewe of East Anglia’ due to its central role in the network, the unassuming village of Melton Constable has an astoundingly rich and important railway history…

ABOVE: The station at Melton Constable was once one of the busiest junctions n the entire county - and saw the local population rise by almost 900% in less than 20 years.

ailways have played a key part in the history and development of Norfolk, and over the centuries many unique lines have arrived and subsequently departed from our towns and villages. Today there are around 30 National Rail stations in the county, though there were once well over 100 – and few were as significant as the thriving engineering hub that was Melton Constable. The site of a bustling junction and a major industrial works, the small village was once Norfolk’s busiest railway interchange. Plans to develop the area began with the Lynn & Fakenham Railway Act 1880 - which authorised the construction of a railway from Fakenham to Norwich via Melton Constable, followed by a second line east from Melton to North Walsham. The scheme had been born of a desire amongst local landowners to break the rigid East Anglian monopoly of the Great Eastern Railway and improve connections between the isolated farming community and the wider world. The first rail presence in Melton Constable came in January 1882 when the Lynn and Fakenham Railway began services from King’s Lynn, with the lines to Norwich and North Walsham opening shortly afterwards. The growth of the new network was extremely rapid, and the first works buildings are KLmagazine July 2022

“This bustling junction and major industrial works was once Norfolk’s busiest railway interchange..” known to have opened in 1883. Owned by the Midland and Great Northern Railway (M&GN), the facilities soon grew to cover 14 acres of farmland. In 1887 a line to Cromer opened, and the result was that Melton Constable - a sleepy settlement that began as a parish with just 19 houses - became the busy junction of four new railway lines connecting Norfolk,

Cambridgeshire, and the Midlands. With the arrival of the network the village’s population boomed, rising from 118 in 1881 to an astounding 1,157 in 1911 - an increase of almost 900% in less than a generation. To attract workers to such an isolated location, the railway company engaged a contractor to construct homes in the nearby parish of Burgh Parva. Melton Street was the first area to be built in 1882, and the red-brick and slate-roofed terraced housing had more in common with an East Midlands industrial town than a village in the Norfolk countryside. Houses were tied to jobs on the railway and supplied with running water and gas from the works. Rent and charges for services were taken direct from employees’ wages, and a school, recreation ground, and bowling green were built by the company to serve the growing community. Due to its central location on the

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network, Melton Constable became one of the main centres from which the M&GN was controlled. The busy rail works specialised in the repair and maintenance of rolling stock, though 19 locomotives and many wagons were also constructed there. Overhauls, reboilering, and modifications were carried out in the erecting shop on site, whilst components were made at the iron works and machine shops. When war was declared in 1914, Melton Constable was required to contribute to the country’s effort. The sites shops were put into shell production, maintenance increased due to extra use of rolling stock, and William Marriott (Chief Engineer and Manager of the M&GN) noted that in some instances over 20 trains went through Melton Constable in one day. During the war production often went well into the night, and vast sums were spent on roof blinds to protect the brightly lit buildings from Zeppelin raids. The works continued with repair and maintenance after the conflict, and when other major railways of Britain were grouped in 1923 to form the LNER (London & North Eastern Railway), the LMS (London Midland & Scottish), GWR (Great Western Railway) and SR (Southern Railway) and the M&GN

ABOVE: Despite its almost total demolition in the 1970s, the station at Melton Constable had already written its place into the railway history of Norfolk - and the entire country.

unusually remained an independent company under the control of the LMS and LNER. However, in 1936 the LNER took full ownership of the M&GN system and transferred engineering operations from Melton Constable to its own locomotive works at Stratford and Doncaster. Many rail employees were forced out of the area and, apart from simple repairs and wagon sheet production, activity at the Melton works ceased. The station

continued to serve as a junction despite a decline in traffic and, when the railways were nationalised in 1948, the former M&GN lines became part of British Railways Eastern Region. Shortly after nationalisation British Rail set out to cut services on unprofitable lines and activity on the railway was reduced. In February 1959, the route became part of one of the largest single closures in rail history when services on most of the former M&GN system were permanently withdrawn. Melton Constable’s thriving station became nothing more than the quiet terminus of a branch from Sheringham, and eventually closed to passengers in 1964. Demolition began in 1971, with the platform swept away, roads realigned over the trackbed, and the works site adapted for light industrial use. Almost as quickly as it had arrived, Melton Constable station was abruptly wiped off the railway map - though its legacy still lives on. The unique village sign proudly features a cheerful M&GN locomotive, whilst two ornamental spandrels that once held up the station roof are incorporated into a nearby bus shelter. Without its busy junction, Melton Constable has reassumed its identity as a peaceful parish with a close community – though it’ll forever be remembered for the remarkable role it played in our rich railway history. You can read more fascinating features about local history on our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

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Marvellous models and a first-class service... With its friendly feel and extensive collection of quality kits and sets, BJ Models & DIY Centre caters for all your modelling needs

n today’s ever-evolving world of retail it’s difficult to find a classic model shop on the high street as many have either closed down or moved their business online. Happily, BJ Models & DIY Centre has been trading from the same spot in King’s Lynn for over 60 years, and its passionate owners have no intention of going anywhere. With its charming old-fashioned appearance and impressive selection of stock, it’s an incredibly popular destination for a wide variety of customers - from artists, modelmakers, and engineers to railway enthusiasts and tourists. The business was taken on by the neighbouring shop Youngsters World in 2002 and is run by friendly and informative brothers-in-law John Harrison and Paul Sanderson. “We stock an extensive range of model

BJ Models & DIY Centre KLmagazine July 2022

locomotives, track, and rolling stock from leading brands including Hornby, Bachmann, Peco, and Graham Farish,” says John, who has a vast knowledge of model layouts. “I’ve always had a keen interest in engineering and how things work, and Paul is an expert on modelmaking and DIY. We’ll always do our best help you find whatever it is you’re looking for, and if we don’t have it we’ll do our best to get it for you.” Railway fans are certainly spoilt for choice, with a collection of fantastic diesel, electric and steam locomotives to browse through along with superb train sets, model buildings and scenics. John also buys, repairs, and sells second-hand locos and layout accessories, offering something for every budget. For keen model makers the shop stocks plenty of excellent plastic kits including cars, ships, aircraft, and military sets from superior brands like Airfix and

Tamiya. There’s also a brilliant range of modelling materials available, from quality paints, coatings and thinners to various adhesives, fillers, and brushes. “Paul grew up a keen model maker and has always loved building and painting kits, so he’s got a great deal of knowledge in that area,” says John. “We’re both very practical and are good problem solvers, so we can more often than not find solutions for customers’ modelling or DIY issues.” Alongside its railway and modelmaking departments the shop stocks a huge range of tools for every occasion. There’s so much to browse you’re very unlikely to leave empty handed, and if you need assistance finding anything John and Paul are always more than happy to help. With its excellent stock and fantastic personal service, it’s no wonder BJ Models & DIY Centre has seen more than six decades of success - and it’s looking to the future with confidence.

116 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1AP | Tel: 01553 773394 Open: Tue-Sat 9-5:30 | www.youngstersworld.com | sales@youngstersworld.com E 117

Sew & Sew Bespoke curtains and blinds for all your soft furnishing needs Handmade curtains • Swags & tails Roller blinds/verticals and venetians • Wooden blinds Roman blinds • Cushions Home measuring & design service Extensive choice of fabrics and wallpapers Give us a call, email us or visit our friendly team in store to discuss your ideas with us!

122 High Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1DD • Tel: 01553 776411 / 07920 747157 Email: sandersontina@yahoo.com | Website: www.sewandsewkingslynn.co.uk

Avoid the nasty surprise of paying inheritance tax on the estate of a loved one. The amount of Inheritance Tax payable on the estate of a loved one can be a nasty surprise. A better solution can often be that, with the right advice, the amount of Inheritance Tax can often be reduced, sometimes significantly. For more information:

01553 691661 hawkinsryan.com

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KLmagazine July 2022

ABOVE: The team at Metric Carpets includes (from left to right) Shop Manager Ben Edwards, fitter Dean Twite-Smith, Master Fitter Greg Allen and Managing Director Alistair Allen

At Metric Carpets, it’s all part of the family With over 40 years’ experience, 30 different brands and 1,000s of different options, Metric Carpets has the floor you’re looking for

s you might expect from a company that’s been covering the area for almost 50 years, Metric Carpets is proud of its local heritage and its family-based roots - and is in very safe hands for the next few generations. “Despite it being another challenging 12 months, we actually enjoyed our bestever year in 2021,” says Alistair Allen, whose father founded the company in 1973 and who’s been the guiding force behind it for the last three decades. “I’ve got no immediate plans to retire, but it’s good to know Metric Carpets will be staying in the family and that we’ll remain true to our exceptionally high standards.” Ensuring everything runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis is Shop Manager Ben Edwards (Alistair’s son-in-law), who combines a wealth of retail

experience with a drive to go the extra mile for customers. “When I started here five years ago I decided to spend six months fitting carpets to fully understand our products and our service,” he says. “That means I’m better placed to help people choose exactly the right flooring for their home, and it also benefits our fitting team because I know exactly how they work and what they need.” And as for the fitting team itself, it’s now led by Master Fitter and Alistair’s son Greg, who’s been with the company for over 10 years. “I originally trained as a plumber and spent some time with the fitting team here because you have to understand how to lift carpets carefully to access underfloor pipework,” he says. “But I soon found the work more enjoyable and rewarding than plumbing.”

36 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1AH | Tel: 01553 775203 Email: info@metriccarpets.co.uk | Web: www.metriccarpets.co.uk KLmagazine July 2022

Although the basics of carpet fitting have changed little in the last few decades, there have been major developments in the world of hard flooring, and Greg has an almost insatiable thirst for keeping his product knowledge up to date. “If there’s a new luxury vinyl tile out there I want to know all about it,” he says. “And if there’s one thing I like more than learning about the latest methods and materials it’s putting that into practice.” Which is why the fitting team actually drives the materials and products Metric Carpets uses - recommending superior underlay, preferring to use top grade glue, and specifying high quality self-smoothing screed. Metric Carpets has always had everything you and your floor are looking for. And that’s a family tradition thats set to continue long into the future.

floors designed for life

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ABOVE: The school and teacher’s house (left) were erected in 1871, the year schooling was made compulsory (but not free.) Children were expected to pay a penny a day towards their education – a considerable percentage of the income for many labourers in the area at the time. The striking church of St Mary (opposite) sits in a grassy corner of Crimplesham – a charming village with a wealth of enthralling stories to tell.

A small village with a truly intriguing history Two and a half miles east of Downham Market and ten miles south of King’s Lynn lies Crimplesham, a peaceful parish with a fascinating past and a shining future

t’s likely that the delightful village of Crimplesham is one of the most uniquely named places in Norfolk, sounding like something straight from a fairy tale. It was originally called ‘Crympel’s Homestead’, derived from the old English word ‘crimp’ (meaning crooked), which perfectly described the village’s winding stream. Thought to be of Saxon origin, the parish is long established and its resources and population are recorded in the Domesday book of 1086. You’d be surprised at the rich history the small village holds. During the 11th century it consisted of around 40 households watched over by a freewoman called Ailed, who held the Lordship of the area. She kept a fishpond, a team of oxen and around 240 sheep and employed eight villeins, KLmagazine July 2022

four borderers and seven serfs. There were also 20 other freemen under her authority who worked on 60 acres of their own land, so despite its small size Crimplesham was home to a thriving agricultural community. However, the tranquillity of the village was abruptly shattered at the time of the Norman Conquest. Ailed’s property was seized by William the Conqueror and given to the ruthless Norman baron Rainald, who ruled over the poor village with tyranny. The story of its heritage isn’t the only thing that makes Crimplesham fascinating, for the village is home to many incredible old buildings with remarkable tales to tell. The most notable of these is Crimplesham Hall, an elegant Grade II listed manor house constructed in 1881, although records

indicate a manor existed near the site as far back as 1040. Magnificent and imposing, it was built as a 15-bedroom mansion by the wealthy industrialist John Grant Morris and gifted to his daughter as a wedding present. Designed by the Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse (famous for his design of London’s Natural History Museum) it was extremely modern for its time, with an electricity generator in the stable block and warm air ducted central heating to all the rooms. In the garden is a wonderful Victorian folly, which is described in Susan Gilham’s 1998 book ‘Follies’ as ‘without a doubt the finest folly in Norfolk and quite possibly one of the finest in the country.’ The beautiful structure is a Victorian Gothic Revival masterpiece, with three rooms (one of which has a 121

mosaic floor containing horses’ teeth) and a winding spiral staircase leading up to a bell turret and openwork canopy. The folly is thought to have been built around the same time as the manor as the visible brickwork is 19th century, though its chapel room contains older features including 13th century window arches and figures of the 14th century. It’s suggested that Waterhouse may have salvaged these pieces from an old monastery (perhaps Castle Acre) to create his ornamental folly. Crimplesham Hall and its grounds are certainly nothing short of stunning but, like many of our county’s historic hidden gems, they happen to have an eerie past. The site of the manor is believed to be where the Tudor courtier Frances Dereham (a previous owner of the land) uttered some of his final prayers before he was hanged for having premarital relations with Catherine Howard before she became the fifth wife of Henry VIII. Another historic (and less haunting) building in the village is the old school and teacher’s house, which was constructed in 1871 by Sir William Bagge. Usually the school had 30-40 pupils, but the sudden arrival of evacuees during World War Two caused a peak of 60-70. When the conflict was over numbers rapidly declined and, despite protests from the community, the Crimplesham school closed in 1984 after 113 years of use. This was a huge blow to residents, but fortunately not all was lost. The school’s playing field across the road, which was intended for sale after the closure, was saved after a powerful village campaign. It’s now maintained by the Playing Field

Trust for the children of Crimplesham to enjoy. Though the village has a rich and wonderful history, the most valuable thing about Crimplesham (shown by the passionate rescue of the playing

field) is its community. Before any lockdowns began the village was bursting with fun with its coffee mornings, book club, and quiz nights. Even when driven apart by restrictions the Crimplesham community stuck together, with socially distanced picnics and a masked Christmas carol service. ‘‘I’ve always loved the village spirit,’’ says Kathleen Maclean, who’s lived in Crimplesham since 2016, ‘‘It’s a welcoming place with a wonderful community and fantastic neighbours that always help each other out.’’ Now, with restrictions in the past and a brighter future ahead, the vibrant village’s clubs and events are returning stronger than ever. There’s certainly more to rural Crimplesham than meets the eye. It’s a place full of history, pride, and unity – a small village with a big heart. You can read more fascinating features about life in west Norfolk on our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

ABOVE: A Victorian Gothic Revival masterpiece, the present Crimplesham Hall was constructed in 1881 by Alfred Waterhouse – the architect behind a number of notable buildings including Manchester Town Hall, Strangeways Prison, and South Kensington’s famous Natural History Museum. 122

KLmagazine July 2022

“Our floors have never looked as good as this!” Time to treat your stone and tiled floors to their best-ever clean with the professional services of Xtraclean and bring them back to life...

s we start enjoying the summer, it’s time to say goodbye to all the grime and dirt that’s built up over the last few months and give your natural stone and ceramic tiled floors a fresh new look for the rest of the year. Which means it’s also time to call on the professional cleaning services of Martin King and his Swaffham-based team at Xtraclean. Although it’s tempting to give our floors a cursory brush or mop with offthe-shelf cleaning products once in a while, there comes a time when that’s simply not good enough. Hard floors, ceramic tiles and natural stone look fantastic when they’re first laid, but they have a tendency to attract dust and debris over time, and everyday foot traffic from friends, family and pets only serves to work that dirt into the floor’s contours and grout lines.

“If your stone or tiled floors were fitted professionally they deserve an equally expert approach to cleaning,” says Martin. “For over 25 years we’ve been restoring floors all over Norfolk using the most advanced and powerful cleaning 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 they’ll get to work breaking down all the ingrained dirt and loosening the surface soiling. “Our state-of-the-art 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.” Xtraclean never uses harmful chemicals or procedures such as grinding and resurfacing (which can

actually damage the floor) and the results are truly spectacular. “Stone and tiled floors aren’t the easiest surfaces in the world to clean,” says Martin, “but our powerful system and professional-grade products can bring even the heaviest-soiled floors back to their very best - and we can usually do that in less than a day.” Xtraclean can also help you preserve those sparkling looks for longer with a range of specialist sealing products exclusively 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 for extra-professional cleaning, extrapersonal customer service, and results that 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 2022

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KLmagazine July 2022

We raise our standards, not our charges to you With the rise in living costs showing no sign of slowing down, Foreman & Son can help you stay safe and save money this summer

ore and more people are visiting Heacham-based Foreman & Son at the moment, and it’s not simply because of the company’s eye-catching new window display. “We always answer the phone and our emergency service is available 24 hours a day, but customers often find a face-to-face appointment really beneficial,” says Annaleigh Foreman. “The technical aspects of boilers and heating systems can be quite complicated and daunting, but we can make them easier to understand - and even explain the current changes in legislation.” And few people have more experience. Over the last year Foreman & Son has attended almost 2,000 boiler breakdowns in the local area (an average of over five a day), helping thousands of families stay safe and warm.

“Many people don’t realise that their boiler should be serviced every year to keep it working as efficiently as possible,” says Annaleigh, “and that’s invariably the main cause of a breakdown. The boiler is either outdated, worn out or faulty - and sometimes it’s all three.” That’s why Foreman & Son introduced its comprehensive BoilerCare service, which is available in a three-tiered range of packages to suit customers’ specific needs and budget. It includes everything from unlimited call-outs and all replacement parts when necessary, to an annual boiler service, no excess charges, and £500 off the cost of a new boiler if your current one is beyond repair. The BoilerCare service is also available to landlords, who are legally required to undertake annual gas safety checks. The company’s engineers are fully-qualified, highly-experienced, 01485 570578 32 High Street, Heacham, PE31 7EP

KLmagazine July 2022

and the company is G3 regulated, Gas Safe and OFTEC-registered. The team also offers general plumbing and heating maintenance, advice on bathroom choices, underfloor heating and professional site work for multiproperty developments. The most important thing is not to leave your boiler servicing until it’s too late - regular professional maintenance really can save you money. Pop into Foreman & Son today or visit the company’s new website for more details and information.

foremanandsonltd.co.uk info@foremanandsonltd.co.uk

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West Walton’s medieval masterpiece Tucked away in Norfolk’s most westerly parish is the breathtaking church of St Mary, one of the most elegant and accomplished early Gothic structures in England

he pretty village of West Walton sits alongside the river Nene on the very western edge of the fens, roughly 12 miles southwest of King’s Lynn and just a stone’s throw from Cambridgeshire. It’s recorded in the Domesday book under the name ‘Waltuna’ (meaning settlement by the wall)

where it’s described as a thriving agricultural community with valuable parish lands. The area’s past wealth is reflected in the grandeur and quality of its stunning church, which stands proudly in the centre of the village. Constructed in the 13th century, West Walton’s Grade I listed church of St Mary is not only one of the most architecturally important churches in Norfolk, but one of the most significant in the country. The most extraordinary feature of St Mary’s is its spectacular bell tower, which can be seen for miles across the flat fenland landscape. The soaring structure measures an impressive 90ft in height and stands around 60ft south of the main building - which is extremely unusual for an English parish church. With its medieval Gothic style and incredible ornamentation, St Mary’s bell tower is an artistic wonder and an

architectural masterpiece. Built in its entirety in around 1250, it’s constructed of Barnack stone and supported at the base by four stunning undercut open arches. Elegant gabled buttresses mark the ground floor corners and elaborate polygonal buttresses continue to the top. The tower has four stages of arches overall, which grow richer in ornamentation as they rise, and it’s crowned with delicately carved parapet walls and stunning Gothic crocketed pinnacles. The upper stage of the tower still contains the original 13th century wooden bell frame and five bells, although these are no longer rung due to the fragile state of the medieval timber that supports them. The church itself was mainly constructed between 1225 and 1240 under the patronage of William de Warrenne, Hugh of Northworld (the Bishop of Ely) and the Cluniac monk Prior Albert. Also built of Barnack stone, it’s a rare example of an early English church with few later alterations. The stunning nave is arcaded with six bays on each side separated by grand cylindrical columns and its upper walls are adorned with a range of magnificent medieval paintings. These

ABOVE: With its spectacular bell tower, elegant buttresses, and spacious arcaded nave, the Church of St Mary the Virgin in West Walton is one of the most unique and visually astounding churches in the county.

beautiful original heraldic designs, painted with a rich red earth pigment ochre, are contemporary with the construction of the church. The triangular spandrels between the nave’s arches also hold artistic treasures, featuring roundels emblematic of the Twelve Tribes of Israel which were painted over older geometrical patterns. Above the clerestory is an incredible 15th century hammerbeam roof, supported by 24 outstandingly carved angels holding shields bearing emblems of the Passion. It’s likely this was brought from another church to replace an earlier roof, as the design doesn’t fit with the nave’s arcading and two of the angels bear the arms of the Suffolk Jermyn family. The most incredible element of the nave is undoubtedly the easternmost window in the south aisle, which is the only surviving original window in the church. The elaborate two-light early English structure features decorative bar tracery, with exquisite dogtooth

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and rose designs carved into its capitals and mouldings. It’s one of the earliest examples of bar tracery in the country and suggests links with masons working at Binham Priory or even Westminster Abbey. As well as amazing architecture, St Mary’s contains some truly marvellous monuments. In the north aisle you’ll find a 13th century Purbeck marble effigy of the main founder Prior Albert. This remarkable artefact was reassembled in 1847 after it was found in a fragmented state - with the torso being used as a doorstep and various pieces scattered around the village. On the south aisle wall is The Flood Board, erected in 1677 by John Oxburch (who’s buried in the chancel), and which records the three devastating floods that inundated all the surrounding marshland in 1613, 1614, and 1671. The nave also celebrates contemporary English craftsmanship with a 1989 wooden figure of St Mary the Virgin, which was carved by local sculptor Anton Wagner and dedicated to three local children who were killed in a coach crash on a school outing. With its impressive design and rich history, St Mary’s is the wonder of West Walton. “Visitors from far

and wide come to admire our church’s beautiful architecture,” says churchwarden Liz Knights. “It’s a very special place for the whole community and although having responsibility for such an important building can be rather daunting at times, the strong support from the village makes the job of looking after it very rewarding.” Though there are more medieval churches in Norfolk than anywhere else in western Europe, few are as captivating and architecturally astounding as St Mary’s in West Walton. It’s an amazing sight to behold and visitors are always welcome – just make sure you have enough time to take in everything it has to offer. For more fascinating features on local history, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk KLmagazine July 2022

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The home you want and the planet you need... With more choice, better performance and strong green credentials Rudd Joinery is your first choice for home improvements

hen you start thinking about replacing your windows, doors and conservatories today you need to focus on a lot more than the aesthetics. Which is why Jamie Rudd and his team at Rudd Joinery are committed to producing a superior and environmentally-friendly range of high quality handcrafted timber products, all expertly designed and produced at the company’s very own manufacturing facility just outside Fakenham. Whereas UPVC products are generally mass-produced and leave a large carbon footprint, Rudd Joinery’s high performance windows, doors and conservatories are all completely bespoke from responsibly-sourced timber. And with a wide range of styles, colours and ironmongery, they can be custom-designed to suit your property. “We put a lot of time and effort into ensuring our products

KLmagazine July 2022

strike exactly the right balance,” says Jamie Rudd. “Of course they need to look good, but they also need to perform exceptionally well and have impeccable ‘green’ credentials.” A case in point is Rudd Joinery’s use of Red Grandis, a tree which is grown in Uruguay almost 7,000 miles away from Fakenham. Its highly durable nature makes it perfect for external joinery, but that’s only half the story. Managed by well-trained foresters, the trees are felled without disturbing neighbouring trees - and in addition to providing security for local workers (and their families) and reducing the need for illegal logging, its production results in considerably less waste. “It’s probably the best hardwood available on the market today,” says Jamie. “It’s very strong, it’s 100% FSC Certified, it’s very versatile, and it’s naturally very pale, which makes it ideal for our collection of paints and coloured stains. And since it arrives in large engineered lengths it’s far less

likely to warp or distort over time, which reduces the need for us to overlap and finger joint the frames.” Having been treated to a threecoat spray finish (in the colour of your choice) it requires little or no maintenance, and comes with a full 10year guarantee. If you’re considering using timber for your upcoming renovations/new build, then please contact Jamie and his team. They’re always happy to welcome you to the factory and help you discover why natural timber is the future of home improvements.

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ABOVE: For almost 20 years, Theresa Cossey MBE (left) and Gaye Youngman (right) have raised almost £500,000 for the Norfolk-based Big-C charity through their Lilac (Ladies in League Against Cancer) fundraising efforts. They’re pictured here with King’s Lynn Mayor Harry Humphrey at the opening of the town’s new support and information centre earlier this year.

The charity and the ladies making a difference... The Norfolk-based Big-C cancer charity has been transforming people’s lives for over 40 years - almost as long as the extraordinary fundraising ladies of Lilac have been supporting its vital work

hey say charity starts at home, and that’s never been more true of the Big-C charity and the Lilac fundraising group - which are both proudly Norfolk-based and have achieved quite astonishing things over the last 40 years, almost entirely thanks to the selfless and extraordinary work of non-paid volunteers. It’s tempting to focus on the recent opening of the Big-C support centre in King’s Lynn (and we’ll get to that later)

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but it seems more appropriate to go back to the 1970s and start with David Moar and Clive Bamford, who struck up a friendship after both being diagnosed with cancer and finding the journey from Norwich and Cambridge or London to be worse than the treatment itself. They wondered why there was no suitable treatment or support available in Norfolk, and in the absence of any credible answers decided to take matters into their own hands. Four decades after Big-C was

founded, their charity has raised almost £40 million and has transformed the experience of thousands of families. Beginning with the ground-breaking introduction of chemotherapy equipment at the former Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, the Big-C has since funded specialist life-saving equipment, invested in internationally-significant research projects at the Norwich Research Park, and had a global impact on our understanding and treatment of all types of cancer.

KLmagazine July 2022

“I wouldn’t really believe it was possible, but it has (and continues) to change lives,” says co-founder David Moar, who received an MBE in 2009 for his work. “Sometimes I think we all have a purpose in this world, and I often wonder whether the only reason I was ill was so that I could create Big-C.” And then along came Theresa Cossey and Gaye Youngman. They’d met in Norwich during the 1960s, when the 20-year-old Theresa ran a modelling agency and the teenage Gaye (she was 18 at the time) was one of her models - and her hairdresser. They rapidly became close friends, appearing as extras in various dramas produced by Anglia Television, and (rather ironically) doing promotional work for tobacco companies, handing out free cigarettes to all and sundry. On a more serious level, Theresa and Gaye shared a love for fundraising for local charities and one of the latest was right on their doorstep. The Big-C couldn’t have wished for a more dynamic duo to help them raise much-needed funds. Their ideas were as successful as they were unusual.

“They’re not just a lovely group of ladies, they’re a truly formidable fundraising force...”

ABOVE: Opening at the start of the year, the new Big-C Support and Information Centre in King’s Lynn is already transforming the lives of people living with cancer - and their families.

KLmagazine July 2022

They organised cross-Channel rafting and hospital trolley races, and received permission from the Queen to use the ballroom at Sandringham House for a fundraising event. Theresa even once arranged for a pair of elephants to make a guest appearance for a guess-the-weight competition to raise funds for the Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich, and created the Society for the Preservation of the Garden Gnome - which became a national success. Theresa and Gaye launched the first Big-C charity shop in 1995, and there are now 14 across Norfolk including a bridal boutique in Norwich and a furniture emporium in Wymondham. But even that wasn’t enough. “We were always going out for lunch and attending garden parties, fashion shows and ladies-only events with our friends and we realised it was a brilliant fundraising opportunity and could be a charity in its own right,” says Gaye. “We had loads of ideas and a huge amount of enthusiasm, and we wanted to use the colour lilac, but that didn’t really

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mean anything to anyone.” Theresa’s husband Ray stepped in and pointed out that ‘lilac’ could be an entirely appropriate acrostic - and stand for Ladies in League against Cancer. That was 19 years ago. Since then, and with a membership in excess of 400), Lilac has raised over £400,000 for Big-C through a packed calendar of fashion shows, trips out, garden tours, talks and afternoon teas. They’re currently supporting the Boudicca Appeal for a new breast care centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University, sponsor a student studying cancer at the Norwich Research Park , have recently opened a new Big-C charity shop in King’s Lynn, and funded the therapy room (with its appropriatelycoloured lilac walls) at the town’s new Big-C Support Centre. Whether you’re a current or previous cancer patient, are supporting someone through their cancer journey or have lost someone to cancer, the Big-C Support Centre in King’s Lynn offers a wide range of entirely free physical, mental and emotional support services delivered by a dedicated and passionate team of staff, service providers and volunteers under the guidance of Charitable Operations Area Manager Tonia King. “This is a huge contrast to our previous centre in Norfolk Street,” says Tonia, who’s been working with Big-C for almost 10 years now. “We had low ceilings and small windows, and our treatment room wasn’t easily

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accessible. This new centre is so light and airy, and it’s already proving really beneficial to our patients because it’s such a warm and welcoming environment.” In addition to counselling, family therapy and bereavement support, the Centre also holds a relaxation mindfulness group and the ‘Get Moving with Big-C’ 12-week programme of gentle exercise - in addition to a welfare rights service in partnership with Citizens Advice Bureau for people needing help with benefits eligibility checks, obtaining grants, and applying for ABOVE: Theresa Cossey and Gaye Youngman outside the therapy room their Lilac fundraising group helped Blue Badges. add another vital service to the new Big-C support and “We also hold a virtual information centre in King’s Lynn, which is led by Charitable coffee morning every week that’s been invaluable over the Operations Area Manager Tonia King (below left). last couple of years, “ says Tonia, “and we’ll soon MBE in 2000 for her services) and Gaye be offering sessions with the Youngman aren’t about to hang up non-profit organization their fundraising hats just yet. Among Pets as Therapy, which many more events, Lilac is holding a we’re really looking Murder Mystery lunch at Stower Grange forward to - and so are on 12th August, and its popular Lilac our patients.” Ladies’ Golf Day will be taking place on As for Lilac and 15th September at Bungay Golf Club. their long-standing The ladies are already planning their relationship with Big-C, Christmas Lunch & Shopping Bazaar at Tonia has nothing but the Wensum Valley Hotel. praise. “They’re not just a lovely For more information on the Big-C group of ladies, they’re a charity call free on 0800 092 7640, formidable fundraising force,” she visit www.big-c.co.uk or e-mail says. “I went to one of their recent support@big-c.co.uk. events and it was amazing to see them in action. They really go out of their To join Lilac or help their fundraising way and work tirelessly to raise money work (and enjoying their company), for us.” please e-mail lilac.norfolk@yahoo. But after more than 50 years, co.uk, or visit their Facebook page Theresa Cossey (who was made an @LilacinNorfolk

KLmagazine July 2022

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PRODUCTS: Turquoise Teddy Bear, Watchful Robin, Floral Tribute Ruby Vase and Emerald Loving Heart

A beautiful way to keep your loved ones close... With the utmost care and respect, the experts at Langham Glass can create stunning and bespoke memorials for you to treasure forever…

fter more than 40 years of crafting unique and exquisite pieces of decorative glassware, Langham Glass has built a strong reputation for excellent quality and dedicated customer service. It’s a much-loved family run business devoted to creating meaningful works of art, so perhaps it was only natural that about seven years ago the company launched Forever Into Glass – a striking and sensitive way of commemorating lost loved ones. “Losing a loved one is a very emotional experience, and there’s something incredibly comforting about having a part of them to keep with you,” says Jonathan Miller, whose parents founded Langham Glass towards the end of the 1970s. “We created Forever Into Glass as a beautiful way to remember a special person or pet for years to come. Every single piece is crafted with care and respect, and we’re here every step of

the way to make sure your timeless keepsake is exactly as you imagined.” Encapsulating less than a teaspoon of cremated ash into molten glass, the spectacular memorial range includes everything from rings, earrings, lockets and bracelets to paperweights, pebbles, beads and bowls - many of which can also be engraved. “Our team understands how personal and precious a customer’s piece will be, so we try to give everyone as much support as we can,” says Jonathan’s wife Helen, who’s played a role in the business for over 15 years. “People are welcome to have a private viewing to see their memorial being made, and our dedicated craftsmen will talk them through the whole process. We’re always happy to create something different and are putting a great deal of thought into expanding the collection further.” One addition to the range is the ‘Watchful Robin’, a beautiful glass bird with ashes visible through its clear base.

“It’s widely believed seeing a robin is a sign that a lost loved one is visiting you, and this inspired us to create something really special,” says Helen. “The Watchful Robin is a striking symbolic piece that provides a wonderful and discreet way to keep your loved one with you at all times.” It’s these thoughtful ideas and amazing creations that make Langham Glass stand out, and their caring team communicates closely with customers to make their experience as comfortable as possible. “We believe in the importance of a personal touch, and if clients choose to post ashes, we’ll always phone them to let them know they’ve arrived safely,” says Jonathan. “We’ll also ring them just before we send the finished piece, and we’re only ever a call away if they have any questions or worries.” A special service run by a devoted team, Forever Into Glass offers you the opportunity of creating a sensitive, stunning, and personal tribute to your loved one. Contact Langham Glass today for more details.

Langham Glass, Greenway Lane, Fakenham NR21 8ET | T: 01328 863500 W: www.foreverintoglass.co.uk | E: enquiries@langhamglass.co.uk KLmagazine July 2022

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Celebrating 400 years of festive King’s Lynn Enjoying everything from civic drama to live music, local people have always found plenty of entertainment in King’s Lynn. Dr Paul Richards explores what they enjoyed - and where they watched it...

ABOVE: The town hall in King’s Lynn has been the focus of the town’s celebrations for hunreds of years, and the nearby Guildhall of St. George (opposite) is a venue that’s likely to be the last remaining place in the world where Shakespeare performed.

rom the 15th to 18th centuries Lynn boasted a colourful and rich tradition of civic drama, festivities and concerts. The town was itself a stage upon which many dramatic and musical events took place, and its exceptional public buildings and impressive public spaces were the locations. The Saturday Market Place is one of England’s historic urban areas having served as the market place for the medieval boom town of Lynn. Here St Margaret’s priory church was founded shortly before 1100 by Bishop Losinga

KLmagazine July 2022

of Norwich. Dancing permeated all aspects of community life and was regarded as one of the fundamental social graces. People danced everywhere - including in cemeteries. Until the 1530s the cemetery was on the north side of the priory church. From the 1360s the mayor’s band called ‘waits’ played in the Trinity Guildhall and in the town. Their music accompanied nativity plays here such as that of January 1445 and the annual mayor making. In 1662 the new and previous mayors entered the hall dressed in carmine red coats “to the playing of instruments”. Travelling players were performing for the mayor in the Trinity Guildhall by the 1580s. These companies from London were regular visitors to Lynn, and The Queen’s Men came seven times between 1585 and 1595. Only the outbreak of the plague in Tudor and Stuart England caused the Corporation to deny the players entry to the town. Their audiences in the Trinity Guildhall were composed of Lynn’s merchant rulers and local gentry. Charles Burney was organist at St Margaret’s priory church by 1751 and persuaded the Corporation to invest in the superb Snetzler organ. He was an ardent admirer of Handel, and Lynn

was apparently the very first provincial town to host a performance of Zadock the Priest in 1754. Dr Burney also staged balls and concerts at the Town Hall. He left Lynn in 1760 but his successors arranged similar events. Richard Sly was a violinist who played in concerts at the Town Hall in 1766 and 1767 supported by Norwich musicians. These orchestras must have been quite large as French horns and kettle drums are listed. In 1767 the medieval Town Hall was greatly extended by the building of the brick Assembly Rooms. On the other side of town, the wide open space of the Tuesday Market Place saw the regular punishment and 139

ABOVE: Medieval ‘waits’ were musicians who’d first served as town watchmen, tasked with playing instruments as a way of informing the local community of impending danger. They composed their own music, and performed during important town ceremonies and events in locations around King’s Lynn such as the town hall and the Guidhall of St. George (below)

execution of criminals. Petty thieves and those transgressing market day regulations were subject to the stocks or pillory (the passage between the Duke’s Head Hotel and Maid’s Head was once named Pillory Lane). In 1531 a maid servant is reported to have been boiled alive, but this barbaric punishment was banned in England in 1548. In 1616 Mary Smith was hanged on the market place, having confessed to becoming a witch. A house on the north side has a heart engraved above a window which is claimed to show where Mary’s heart planted itself having burst from her body. In 1731 Mary Tayler was burnt at the stake for being an accomplice to her partner George Smith, who’d murdered the landlady of the Queen’s Head in the town’s High Street during a robbery. He 140

was also hanged a few yards away from Mary as a big crowd watched in horror. Before the Duke’s Head Hotel was built, the grandest town inn was the King’s Head (or ‘Great Inn’) with a substantial courtyard and stables in 1605. It was situated between the Maid’s Head and St Nicholas Street. Inns had galleries around their courtyards which offered excellent platforms to watch plays performed below. Payment was easily secured by a travelling company when the public had to enter through a gate into such areas. Between the two market places, St. George’s Guildhall was built by 1428 and was funded by the wealth generated by the overseas trade of Lynn’s merchant rulers. Its earliest recorded theatrical production is a nativity play at a feast hosted by the mayor in 1445. Travelling companies of actors from London played in the Hall following the dissolution of Lynn’s religious guilds in 1548. The mayor and his party sat behind the low stage with the rest of the audience facing the actors. The evidence is compelling that Shakespeare himself performed in the Hall with the Earl of Pembroke’s Men in 1592. Most townspeople watched plays in the courtyards of the local inns. After the Restoration in 1660 Norwich theatre companies leased the Hall during the Mart season in February and played to large audiences - and their success led to the Elizabethan-style theatre being built inside the medieval Hall in 1766.

The town now possessed a ‘Comedia House’ which was one of the most popular provincial theatres in England. King Street was crammed with horsedrawn carriages bringing gentry to Lynn from a broad hinterland during the theatre season - and the new turnpike roads greatly increased the social radius of the town. The last performance in the Hall was in 1814 before it was sold for £557 by the Corporation to become a wool warehouse. Some historians are tempted to view these four centuries as the golden age of festive Lynn, but as last month’s Platinum Jubilee and Hanse Festival show, the town still knows how to celebrate in style. For more fascinating features on local history, please visit www.klmagazine. co.uk

KLmagazine July 2022

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The Place to be gets off to an exciting start

With the recent opening of a new multi-use and versatile space, Discover King’s Lynn continues to raise the profile of the town and increase its appeal to shoppers, visitors and businesses

n case you haven’t noticed over the last few years, our retail landscape is being totally transformed and our town centres radically repurposed thanks in large part to the growth in e-commerce, digital shopping patterns and mobile technology. In the centre of King’s Lynn, The Place is an exciting new initiative from Discover King’s Lynn as the not-for-profit organisation continues to invigorate and support the local business community. “The town centre will always be the

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home of local traders and family-run businesses, many of whom have been part of our lives for generations,“ says BID Manager Vicky Etheridge. “Our most important task is to continue that tradition while at the same time encouraging a younger population and providing start-up businesses with the opportunity to succeed. And that’s exactly what The Place has been designed to do.” The 130m2 unit directly opposite Wilko in the heart of the Vancouver Quarter has been completely refurbished, and the minimalist approach to the interior is quite deliberate, providing a versatile blank canvas that can be adapted for any number of purposes - meaning The Place is anything (and everything) you want it to be. It’s the perfect site for exhibitions, product launches, live crafting classes, tastings and demonstrations, and it also provides new businesses with the ideal opportunity to ‘test the water’ and take their first steps into a retail

environment. “It’s already been a great way of attracting new businesses and traders to the town,” says Vicky, “and it’s been very successful in bringing people into the centre of King’s Lynn. That’s what we’ll be building on over the next few months.” One of the most exciting aspects of the The Place is its capability to host ‘hot desking’ - a growing trend that’s grown out of the rise of remote working, shared co-working spaces and more flexible working hours. Essentially you simply find a desk, plug in, connect to the WiFi and get to work - a concept that recent research sugests could save UK businesses an extraordinary £34 billion a year. “Just recently we were visited by some people who run a business in Leeds but couldn’t find a suitable meeting room in their hotel,” says Vicky. “We also have local people who work remotely and are using The Place for a change of scene and to network with other users.” KLmagazine July 2022

The Place is open from 9am5pm during the week, and also in the evening and at the weekend for special events, and can be rented on an evening, weekend, week or even repeat basis. Fees are remarkably low and include utilities and furniture use. A limited number of tables and chairs are available inside The Place, but extra equipment and furniture is welcome. “We want people to visit King’s Lynn and we want them to do business here - and that’s something we’ve been very successful at over the last five years,” says Vicky. “We’ve already got some really exciting plans in store for The Place, and we’re confident it will play a part in the town centre’s bright future.” The Place has already hosted a number of pop-up retail businesses, with many more already booked for the next few weeks - including a make-up masterclass, yoga sessions, Learning Lunches (teaching digital media and marketing skills), cocktail-making demonstrations, and live bicycle health checks. Alive West Norfolk are considering using The Place for afterwork exercise sessions, and a series of business effectiveness sessions are held on Tuesdays. Recently, the MANIFESTO* project (the third in the climate-themed GAME ON series led by Collusion for the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk) worked with local young people to create a climate change manifesto for King’s Lynn, and their work was displayed in a special exhibition at The Place. “It’s all about enhancing the vibrancy of the town centre by creating something else of interest,” says Vicky. “It’s about supporting new businesses and/or entrepreneurs, and helping local levy payers and the local business community by providing them with a space to use and collaborate.” With always something new to discover, this will certainly be The Place to be over the summer. To learn more about The Place or to request rental fees and conditions, email theplace@discoverkingslynn. com. If you and your business are interested in building the future of King’s Lynn, please visit www. discoverkingslynn.com or contact Vicky on vicky@discoverkingslynn.com for more details and information.

ABOVE: In the centre of King’s Lynn, The Place is already attracting new businesses, new ideas and new excitement to the high street experience - a vision of how we’ll be using and engaging with our town centres in the future. KLmagazine July 2022

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100 years of game, set and match in Hunstanton With over 1,000 players competing every year, the Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament is the largest event of its kind in the country – and is about to return to the town even brighter and better than ever…

escended from the 12th century French handball sport jeu de paume (game of the palm), tennis is one of the most famous sports in the world. The game we know today was codified in England in the early 1870s and popularised by the prestigious championships at Wimbledon, which began in 1877. But for over 100 years Norfolk has played an important part in the history of the sport, with the annual tennis tournament in Hunstanton outstripping Wimbledon in terms of its number of

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competitors and matches played. Running for seven days in August, the Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament takes place on 38 grass courts located on the town’s recreation ground. It originated around 1920 when a group of local dignitaries decided to organise an annual competition as a social event following the end of the First World War. In the early days the tournament consisted of just a handful of players who engaged in more chatting and drinking than actual tennis – although following its sanction as an ‘open’ event by the Lawn Tennis

Association Council in 1923 it soon became a popular competition that attracted entrants from all over the country. After the outbreak of the Second World War the tournament ceased for several years, and was revived in 1950 by an enthusiastic committee of players and fans. A unique and prominent feature in Britain’s summer sporting calendar, the competition continued to grow and evolve throughout the rest of the 20th century. As player numbers rapidly increased, more junior and veteran age groups KLmagazine July 2022

ABOVE: Theorfolk.

were added along with extra courts and matches. There are now 43 events catering for competitors of all ages from the under 12s to the over 65s with a Round Robin event for younger players. Today, up to 1,300 people take part in the tournament every year - some travelling from overseas to compete in what is now recognised as one of the nation’s greatest sporting events. To mark Hunstanton’s centenary tournament in 2020 (which was postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic) passionate committee member Ashley Martin researched and wrote a book outlining the event’s remarkable history and its best moments. “The tournament is a wonderful social occasion that’s brought me so much joy over the years,” says Ashley, who began competing at Hunstanton in the 1970s and joined the committee in 1993. “It’s a fantastic event for everyone, from the most experienced players down to enthusiastic beginners, and researching and writing about its history was a thoroughly enjoyable labour of love.” The inspiration for the book came when Ashley was chatting to KLmagazine July 2022

tournament Secretary Chris Holt (who’s been involved with the event’s committee since 1975) as the 100-year anniversary approached. “We were reflecting on memories of the competition’s past and discussing how it all began,” says Ashley. “Chris showed me some old newspaper cuttings he’d found from the event’s

early days, and I thought it would be interesting to put the history of the tournament down on paper.” Using skills he’d acquired during his lifelong career as a journalist, Ashley set to work researching the background of the tournament and interviewing a few of its longstanding players and committee members. Starting with the

Ashley Martin 145

ABOVE: Tournament trophies - secretary Chris Holt (left) and president John Barrell (right) at Finals Day in 2019. Below is a rarely-seen advertisement for the Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament in 1923f rom the Lawn Tennis and Badminton magazine.

competition’s foundation and ending with a vision for its future, the book lists all the past winners of its five open events, identifies its most successful players and royal connections, and details its expansion over the years into what is now the largest open tennis tournament in the UK – and quite possibly the world. “It’s a publication intended to revive fond memories for many people, whether they’re competitors or spectators.” Ashley says. “I also hope

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readers will have a thought or two for all the enthusiastic people who’ve worked tirelessly over the last 100 years to ensure the much-loved tournament has taken place. It’s thanks to their perseverance and devotion that it’s now reached - and passed - its centenary.” The book is a wonderful tribute to the tournament’s past and everyone who buys a copy will be supporting its future, as all proceeds are going towards the cost of staging the event. This year’s competition runs from Sunday 14th to Saturday 20th August and, with plenty to celebrate, it’s set to be a spectacular occasion. Despite its cancellation in 2020, the Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament was voted ‘Competition of the Year’ at the prestigious Lawn Tennis Association

(LTA) Awards. One of 18 national winners, it was dubbed the ‘Glastonbury of Tennis’ and current President of the LTA David Rawlinson will be paying a visit to the 2022 event. “Winning the title of the best tournament in the country was a tremendous accolade, not only for the committee but also for all the dedicated players who turn up year after year,” says Ashley. “Competitors’ love for the tournament is what keeps it going, and among the long list of entrants there’s evidence of third and even fourth generations of the same family taking part. It will be due to these people continuing the support, enthusiasm, and passion for the tournament that will, hopefully, guarantee its next 100 years.”

KLmagazine July 2022

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KLmagazine July 2022

George Chasen King’s Lyn

“A 95% improvement after my first session...” At Free Your Body Therapy Jane Cole and Terry Connolly are using revolutionary treatments to free people from years of chronic pain

here’s never been a more effective way of freeing yourself from those aches and pains that have been holding you back for far too long. Just ask George Chase from King’s Lynn, who enjoyed ballroom dancing with his partner until developing lower back pain that eventually spread all the way down his left leg. “It got to the point where I had to lean on the wall for support even if I was only walking from my front door to the car,” says the retired health and safety advisor. “I was told that one of my legs was shorter than the other, and I just assumed it was an age-related problem.” George’s partner had been to Free Your Body Therapy previously, and he had no hesitation in making an appointment based on her successful treatment. “Even though I knew what to expect I was amazed at the virtually instant relief,” says George. “I noticed a 95%

improvement after my first session, and had a very real sensation of something being channelled through my body.” At Free Your Body Therapy, Terry Connolly and Jane Cole offer a range of groundbreaking approaches to pain relief ranging from acupuncture and sports massage to medical grade shockwave therapy, P-DTR and ‘Anatomy in Motion’ gait therapy. It’s a different way of looking at pain management and the body’s natural healing process, and it’s transformed the lives of countless local people suffering from both short- and longterm complaints. “I did everything that Terry suggested and I saw Jane for some acupuncture treatment at a later date,” says George. “I don’t really have any problems now and I’m enjoying my dancing again. Coming here has made a big difference to my life.” George continues to follow the carefully-planned exercise programme designed by Free Your Body Therapy to keep his body

working the way it should, and for Terry Connolly that’s the whole point. “Many of our clients think we work some kind of magic, but it’s simply about looking at the body from a different perspective,” he says. “In George’s case, the problem wasn’t really with his back at all. He’d twisted his left ankle, and his body’s compensation pattern had then put extra pressure on his back - and that was causing all the pain and discomfort.” To transform your life and finally say goodbye to your aches and pains, contact Terry and/or Jane today to book your first appointment.

Old Dairy Units, Austin Fields, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 277520 www.freeyourbodytherapy.co.uk

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ABOVE: Norfolk-based artist Lucy Boydell doesn’t just draw animals. She understands them, observing them in their natural environments, working with breeders, land managers and conservationists, and creating extraordinary portraits with real authenticity. Her latest collection ‘Freedom’ took two years to produce, features some of the area’s most iconic and important animals, and goes on display at the Red Dot Gallery in Holt later this month. IMAGE: JASON BYE 2022 / WWW.JASONBYE.COM

A lifetime’s spectacular walk on the wild side... As her first solo exhibition for ten years opens at the Red Dot Gallery in Holt, local artist Lucy Boydell talks about her passion for capturing the very essence of our most important wild animals

ou’ll often hear people say there’s no such thing as ‘natural born artist’ but the Norfolk-based Lucy Boydell may well be the exception that proves the rule. When she started drawing at the age of two, Lucy’s mother fed her obvious passion with an endless supply of sugar paper, crayons and pens - and encouraged her throughout her education. Lucy held her first solo exhibition in 1997 at Mayfair’s Bruton Street Gallery only two years after graduating with a degree in fine art from the world-renowned Central St Martin’s University of the Arts, and has been exhibiting ever since - building a loyal following of independent UK-based and international collectors. Specialising in extraordinary chalk and charcoal drawings of animals, Lucy frequently works with breeders and managers at the cutting edge of wildlife conservation and management throughout the UK. And as she prepares for an exciting new exhibition featuring six new works at the Red Dot Gallery in Holt that opens

later this month, Lucy reflects on her work and her equally-irrepressible love of wild animals. “Drawing for me is a passion and I adore it,” she says. “I’m at my happiest with a stick of compressed charcoal and a roll of Fabriano paper. Halfway into a piece of work I completely lose myself and begin to feel the animal coming alive. I’m aiming to capture a moment of spirit and energy, the essence of the animal, its character, its weight, its texture, its attitude and its presence.” The new exhibition is called ‘Freedom’ and is the conclusion of a series of unique encounters with a number of exceptional creatures who’ve been observed in their natural surroundings at the peak of their vitality and virility. It’s the end result of a remarkable two-year journey that’s seen Lucy take photographs, explore estates and parkland in areas of outstanding natural beauty, and spending months of observing the animals and absorbing their environment - before returning to the studio to commit the 151

experience to paper. Lucy seems to have an innate understanding of the wild spirit and the vigour of what it means to be alive. A case in point is the new work ‘Noble Gunton Stag’ which depicts the magnificent star of the herd at Gunton Park and whose genetics can be traced back to the 1500s. “To me, the red stag represents the embodiment of balanced masculine energies,” says Lucy, “and I wanted to celebrate the animal’s glorious spirit and texture, capturing the light falling on his hardened antlers, wiry coat and prolific mane. It’s a work that moves me profoundly.” These are animals that all have their own story to tell. The subject of ‘The White Hart’ was observed by Lucy in the parkland at Houghton Hall by kind permission of Lord Cholmondeley. Owned by the Australian Michelinstar chef Brett Graham, it’s the result of a 10-year breeding programme at Aynhoe Park in Northamptonshire which has produced a deer that may well be one of the most attractive in the world. “Being observed by this ghost-like yet shining animal almost dropped me to the grass,” says Lucy. “His magic really affected me, and it was hard to escape the conclusion that his eyes were looking into my soul. It was unforgettable, and I hope I’ve captured some of that in my drawing.” One of the most fascinating new works is ‘The Great

PICTURES: The magnificent ‘Noble Gunton Stag’ by Lucy Boydell is just one of the works in her ‘Freedom’ collection, which goes on display in Holt later this month and includes the exquisitely-detailed and remarkably lifelike drawing ‘The Trickster’ (above)

Bustard Spectacular’ which celebrates an extraordinary bird that was hunted to extinction in the 1800s and has only recently been re-introduced to the English landscape. The subject of Lucy’s work was observed at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve just outside King’s Lynn, and was presented to the reserve by David Waters, Chairman (and founder) of the Great Bustard Group in Salisbury, who’ve created a breeding and release project to bring this heaviest of flying birds back home. Somewhat inevitably named Dave in honour of his donor, the bird has been drawn by Lucy at the height of his virility. “It was an extraordinary sight to watch ‘Dave’ in action,” she says. “His neck disappeared and was replaced by a spectacular display of feathers while he slowly and very proudly turned in circles right in front of me.” To support the work of the Great Bustard Group, the Red Dot Gallery will be donating 10% of all sales of the limited edition prints of “The Great Bustard Spectacular” throughout the exhibition to the programme. Also observed at Watatunga was the subject of ‘The Laird’ - a capercaillie, which is the biggest of black grouse and a species that was hunted to extinction in Scotland in the 1800s and has only recently been re-introduced

from Sweden. Lucy’s research was supported by Peter Cairns, Director of the rewilding initiative SCOTLAND: The Big Picture and by friend and wildlife filmmaker Martin Haywood Smith and ‘The Laird’ is a perfect example of her work. “It encompasses all the ingredients of composition, construction, presence, attitude and energy that

I love to describe in my work,” she says. “From the piercing glare of

the ferocious eye to the sturdy leg and foot, every element of the animal is part of an all-consuming journey for me in charcoal.” And ‘Freedom’ offers a rare opportunity to share that journey at close quarters. “We’re really delighted to be staging Lucy’s first solo exhibition for more than a decade because I know of no other artist who captures animals and birds in the way she does,” says owner of the Red Dot Gallery Colin Rawlings. “Her research and direct observation enables her to add a significant understanding that clearly resonates from every drawing, and though I’m frequently asked ‘how on earth does she do that?’ I really don’t know the answer. It’s magical.”

FREEDOM BY LUCY BOYDELL Saturday 23rd July - Sunday 7th August The Red Dot Gallery, 7 Fish Hill, Holt NR25 6BD m 01263 710287 K thereddotgallery.com k sales@thereddotgallery.com

KLmagazine July 2022

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An exhibition over 5,000 years in the making Europe has been fascinated with ancient Egypt since the 18th century, and the culture has had a huge influence on our art and design. A new exhibition in Norfolk explores the meeting of new and old worlds...

ABOVE: This 1842 painitng of the ruins of the temple at Kom Ombo by David Roberts is a stark contrast to Awol Erizku’s 2018 neon depiction of Nefertiti (Black Power) (opposite) but both works reflect a seemingly insatiable love for the motifs and designs of an ancient culture that has influenced the western world’s art and culture for over 2,000 years.

ncient Egypt has captivated the western world for centuries, and the culture has exerted a huge influence on virtually every walk of life and shaped our cultural imagination. When the Greeks made a list of the world’s seven greatest wonders they included the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Shakespeare put Cleopatra centre stage in one of his most famous plays. Verdi’s popular 1871 opera Aida is set in ancient Egypt, 80 years after the architect Joseph Bonomi built a pyramid at Blickling Hall in the middle of Norfolk. The Victorians caught a serious case of Egyptomania. One of the most spectacular buildings in the southwest of the country is the Egyptian House in Penzance, built between 1834 and 1837 to house the geological collection of dealer John Lavin, and the general public enthusiastically attended mummy unwrapping parties at private homes and public theatres. Local museums and grand houses such as Didlington Hall outside Swaffham filled with treasures brought back by wealthy tourists. The Pre-Raphaelites were fond of using ‘mummy brown’, a distinctive colour made with the dust of ground-up mummies. Now a major exhibition at the KLmagazine July 2022

Sainsbury Centre just outside Norwich is about to explore the enduring appeal of ancient Egypt to artists and designers from the past to the present, and charts its many forms across centuries. The ground-breaking Visions of Ancient Egypt features over 150 works of art that have been drawn from collections from within the UK and around the world, examining how the iconic motifs and visual styles of Egypt have been re-imagined and re-invented over time, revealing a history closely entwined with conquest and colonial politics. Appropriately, the exhibition coincides with the significant anniversaries of two key events - one which gave us the ancient culture’s words, and one which gave us some of its most important treasures. On September 14th, it will be 200 years to the day since Jean-François Champollion ran out of his house shouting “Je tiens mon affaire!” (I’ve got it!) and fainted with excitement he’d just discovered how to decipher and read the ancient Egyptian system of writing known as hieroglyphs. Then on 4th November it will be exactly 100 years since Howard Carter uncovered the tomb of the 18th Dynasty pharaoh Tutankhamen, which is still the most spectacular 155

discovery in the history of archaeology. Interestingly, Carter had first become interested in ancient Egypt while growing up as a young boy in Swaffham - becoming fascinated by the large collection at nearby Didlington Hall. Visions of Ancient Egypt includes paintings, sculptures, writings, fashion and architecture, alongside photography, film and installation art - and features work from artists as varied as Joshua Reynolds, Hector Horeau, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, David Hockney and Chris Ofili. The exhibition also contains many works by modern and contemporary Egyptian artists, many of whom are rarely exhibited in Britain. The exhibition has been designed to have a timeline of its own, beginning with the early source material that inspired artists at a time when Egypt was little-known in Europe - and then shows how Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1798 expedition to the country prompted a fashion (and passion) for everything Egyptian. Detailing the Victorian obsession

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with ancient Egypt, when collecting became shorthand for demonstrating imperial strength, Visions of Ancient Egypt shows how 19th century artists used newly-discovered archaeological sources to create an orientalist fantasy, and uses rarely-seen memorabilia and advertising to chart the rise of tourist ABOVE: Lawrence Alma-Tadema had a romanticised vision of travel to Egypt in ancient Egypt in this 1864 work Pastime in Ancient Egypt , the same year that William Holman Hunt created his Egyptian chair (left). the the 19th and 20th allure of the culture even attracted the attention of artists such as centuries. Alberto Giacometti (Standing Woman, 1958 below left) and David Exploring the Hockney, with his 1961 work Egyptian Head Disappearing into significance of Descending Clouds. Howard Carter’s discovery and the ‘Tutmania’ craze that was seen in everything from fashion to film, the exhibition then examines the meeting of ancient Egypt with post-Modernist imaginations, and concludes with striking examples of how it continues to influence contemporary art, fashion and architecture. In conjunction with Visions of Ancient Egypt, the Sainsbury Centre is planning to stage a range of learning and engagement events including online resources and activities and school visits - and hoping the exhibition can be taken to other venues in the UK. The most significant exhibition could be written in any direction on the influence of ancient according to what ‘looked’ best) they Egypt ever staged in the had no sense of ‘art’ - everything they country, Visions of Ancient created was defined by its function. Egypt is being supported by The concept of “art for art’s sake” was Viking River Cruises, which was unknown and would have probably formed in 1997 and is the first been incomprehensible to an ancient and only Western company to build, Egyptian who understood art as own and operate ships on the Nile. Its functional above all else. spectacular As Visions of Ancient Egypt shows new ship through its stunning exhibits, their loss Osiris (below) has definitely been our gain. was built specifically For more fascinating features on art for cruising and artists in Norfolk, please visit www. the Nile and klmagazine.co.uk was launched earlier this year. VISIONS OF ANCIENT EGYPT Although 3rd September 2022 - 1 January 2023 the ancient The Sainsbury Centre, University of East Egyptians had Anglia, Norfolk Road, Norwich NR4 7TJ a good sense Tickets: £14 (£12 concessions) of aesthetic K sainsburycentre.ac.uk beauty (hieroglyphs KLmagazine July 2022

EGYPTIAN IN SPIRIT

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Test your knowledge of Norfolk’s literary fame Once upon a time there was a county called Norfolk, and it played a part in some of the most important books ever written. Write your own happy-ever-after ending with the KL magazine quiz 1 In Emma (1815) Jane Austen recommends which north Norfolk location as the best in the country for ‘sea-bathing’? a. Wells-next-the-Sea b. Hunstanton c. Cromer d. Heacham 2 His holiday in north Norfolk and love of local legends inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write which classic tale?

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a. The Creature From the Black Lagoon b. The Cat of Holkham c. The Chicken of Fakenham d. The Hound of the Bakervilles 3 Regarded as the first English novel, Robinson Crusoe was published in 1719 and saw its shipwrecked hero start his (mis)

adventures from which Norfolk town? a. Hunstanton b. Great Yarmouth c. Cromer d. Morston Quay 4 Anna Sewell was born in Great Yarmouth in 1820, and her only book was written shortly before her death at the age

KLmagazine July 2022

English - what was her remarkable collection of mystical devotions called? a. Seven Pillars of Wisdom b. Revelations of Divine Love c. Discoveries of Holy Inspiration d. Memories of Heavenly Gardens 7 William Godwin’s most famous book was probably ‘An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice and Things as They Are’ but his teenage daughter Mary would write a story that had a more concise title, defined a genre, and spawned an entire industry. What was the title?

of 57 - and it’s now one of the most popular books in the world. What’s the title? a. Red Admiral b. White Satin c. Blue Monday d. Black Beauty 5 Which of these is NOT a character from one of P.G. Wodehouse’s comic adventures? a. Lord Brancaster b. Jack Snettisham c. Lady Daphne Dersingham d. J. Sheringham Adair 6 Julian of Norwich is the first woman known to have published a book in

a. Nicholas Nickleby b. Oliver Twist c. David Copperfield d. Martin Chuzzlewit

a. Frankenstein b. Dracula c. Gothika d. Legion 8 C.J. Sansom’s Tudor murder mystery Tombland (2018) is set in Norwich and features what genuine historical event? a. Reeve’s Revolution b. Kett’s Rebellion c. Rawlinson’s Riot d. Paine’s Protest 9 Henry Rider Haggard was born at Bradenham in 1856 and wrote a series of classic adventure novels set in Africa - but which of the following novels did he NOT write? a. King Solomon’s Mines b. She c. Queen Sheba’s Ring d. Finnegan’s Wake 10 The final pages of a 1782 novel by the woefully-neglected Fanny Burney of King’s Lynn provided the title for which classic work of English literature? a. War and Peace b. Pride and Prejudice c. Crime and Punishment d. Love and Hate 11 Norwich-born Philip Pullman shot to fame in 1995 with his controversial trilogy of books for children His Dark Materials. Which of these novels isn’t one of the series? a. The Golden Compass b. The Subtle Knife c. The Amber Spyglass d. The Mysterious Telescope

KLmagazine July 2022

12 In which novel by Charles Dickens does the eponymous character say that “Yarmouth was, upon the whole, the finest place in the universe...”?

13 In which year was Norwich officially named as England’s very first UNESCO City of Literature? a. 1853 b. 1945 c. 2012 d. 1776 14 A grave in the chapel of St Nicholas in King’s Lynn is often claimed to have provided the name for which of Daniel Defoe’s characters? a. Robinson Crusoe b. Moll Flanders c. Colonel Jack d. Captain Singleton 15 10 Norfolk Street in London was the home of which famous author for two years when they were three years old - and for another three years 15 years later? a. Emily Bronte b. D.H. Lawrence

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c. Charles Dickens d. Jane Austen 16 The Victorian poet and theatre critic Clement Scott popularised north Norfolk as a holiday destination in the late 19th century by calling it what? a. Tulipland b. Poppyland c. Roseland d. Daisyland 17 Which local landmark features in the very first of Elly Griffith’s 14-book series of murder mysteries largely set in and around north Norfolk? a. Seahenge b. Creake Abbey c. Castle Rising d. Greyfriars Tower 18 What was the last novel in the ‘Domesday’ series of historical mystery stories by Welsh author Edward Marston called? a. The Hyenas of Hunstanton b. The Dingos of Docking c. The Elephants of Norwich d. The Meercats of Middleton 19 Which flamboyant and controversial playwright wrote A Woman of No Importance (which opens with a scene on the fictional ‘Lady Hunstanton’s’ estate) while staying at the Hotel de Paris in Cromer in 1892? a. Oscar Wilde b. Noel Coward c. Arthur Miller d. David Mamet

20 Thomas Hood’s famous 1831 poem The Dream of Eugene Aram concerns the true (mis)adventures of a homicidal teacher at a school in which town? a. Fakenham b. Swaffham c. Hunstanton d. King’s Lynn 21 Which famous science fiction author was born above a draper’s shop in Dereham in 1925? a. Isaac Asimov b. Ray Bradbury c. Brian Aldiss d. Robert Heinlein 22 Which award-winning author described as one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945 was also the very first student on the Creative Writing masters degree course at the UEA in Norwich? a. Ian McEwan b. E. M. Forster c. Irvine Welsh d. Donna Tartt

ANSWERS 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.

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KLmagazine July 2022

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wo weeks ago I was enjoying an afternoon in the garden with George Orwell when Mrs Middleton asked me to move the solar panel on her ornamental fountain, which is best described as lacklustre on the sunniest of days. Trying to maintain my place in the book whilst carrying out the pondrelated directive I stumbled and lost my footing. And the classic Down and Out in Paris and London suddenly became the never-to-be-read Muddy and Waterlogged between Lynn and Hunstanton. I wasn’t that surprised, since some books seem to have an extraordinary ability to do what they want - despite who ostensibly ‘owns’ them. A bit like cats then. For over 40 years I’ve been a great fan of The Tin Drum by Günter Grass, but it’s a book that’s never really enjoyed my company or repaid my faith in it. My first copy was ‘borrowed’ by a fellow student at NORCAT in King’s Lynn at the end of the 1970s , my second was ‘accidentally’ taken to a jumble sale in Heacham, the third was mislaid (along with an Elvis-themed snowglobe) in a restaurant in Las Vegas, and the fourth was last seen on a market stall in Swaffham - largely because I had to free up two hands to carry Mrs Middleton’s latest garden ornament to the car. Today, my fifth copy is hidden on a bookshelf that even Mrs Middleton’s demonically-possessed duster can’t reach. And in an effort to avoid the curse the thing seems to be under I haven’t started reading it, which somewhat defeats the purpose of

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having it in the first place. But it seems I’m not alone in having a book that has a malevolent shadow looming over it. In 1911, bookbinder Francis Sangorski finished work on a book he’d been slaving over for the best part of two years. He’d taken the classic Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám (a poem that’s only 101 lines long) and created a version that could proudly claim to be one of the most fabulous books ever produced. Big enough to bring any coffee table to its knees, it was encrusted with 1,050 jewels, and included 100ft²of gold leaf and 5,000 separate pieces of leather. This was a book you really could judge by the cover. And when it went on sale at Sotheran’s (a London bookshop still open today) it had an equally extraordinary price tag - the equivalent of £250,000. Not everyone was impressed. King Edward VII’s librarian at Windsor Castle described the book as “absolutely inappropriate, absolutely ineffective and absolutely insignificant” - and when New York bookseller Gabriel Wells failed to get a discount it was carefully packed up and sent to America, where there obviously seemed to be a market for it. But it fell foul of a customs official on arrival and was sent home, only to be entered into an auction at Sotheby’s - where Gabriel Wells suddenly popped up again and picked it up for a pittance. This was a book had little regard for happy endings, however. Somehow managing to avoid its scheduled transatlantic crossing of April 6th 1912 it was booked on the next available ship to America. Which just happened to be the recently-launched RMS Titanic. Yes, one of the most beautiful books the world has ever seen has spent the

last 100 years at the bottom of the Atlantic ocean - and now presumably only exists as a scattering of jewels. But the story didn’t end there. Ten years after Sangorski came to an equally watery end (deciding to brave a notorious stretch of the Sussex coastline despite the fact he couldn’t swim) the nephew of his business partner came across the book’s original drawings and patterns - and decided to reproduce the masterpiece. After almost 10 years Stanley Bray finally finished his work - only to find the country was now embroiled in the Second World War. The precious item was carefully secured in a safe inside a vault in London’s Fore Street - which somewhat inevitably became the very first road in the city hit by German bombers. Once the dust had settled, the safe was uncovered, but all it contained was a ruined black mass of melted leather, charred jewels and incinerated paper. With a remarkable degree of British determination, Stanley picked up his smoke-blackened jewels and started again. He spent 4,000 hours on it, and finally presented the third version of the book to the British Library in the mid1990s shortly before his death. And there it presumably remains, although access to it is very rarely granted. Since it seems to have a nasty habit of attracting historic calamities, personal tragedies and global catastrophes, I’m really not that surprised. “Why have you still got all these books cluttering up the space?” Mrs Middleton is prone to ask whilst weilding the household cleaning arsenal. If only she knew. KLmagazine July 2022

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