KL Magazine October 2015 by KL Magazine

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE 61 OCTOBER 2015 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

COVER IMAGE

meet the team... Ely by Ian Ward

MANAGING DIRECTOR Laura Murray MANAGING EDITOR Eric Secker DESIGN TEAM Amy Phillips Lisa Tonroe

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Ward

SALES AND PROMOTION Daniel Thomas CONTRIBUTORS Emma Barnard Alex Dallas Michael Middleton

contact

18 Tuesday Market Place King’s Lynn PE30 1JW 01553 601201 info@klmagazine.co.uk www.klmagazine.co.uk KL magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and KL magazine takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

his atmospheric street scene (taken in King’s Lynn recently by KL magazine photographer Ian Ward) is a timely reminder that the night’s are drawing in and that Halloween is almost upon us. But rather than focus on the darker side of things, this month’s magazine celebrates the brighter side of life in Norfolk. In fact, the only frightening thing you’ll find in the following pages is just how much talent there is in the county at the moment – and how you’re going to find enough time to enjoy it all! Take, for example, the incredible artistry of people such as headwear designer Ashley Pearce, artist Jacky Huston and the amazing furniture creations of Sandra Johnson and her daughter Bianca Lee. Of course, October isn’t just about Halloween – it’s also been designated ‘Stoptober’ by the NHS, and local hypnotherapist Che Ballard has some useful advice of his own (see page 69) for those wishing to kick the habit once and for all. Thoughts this month inevitably start turning towards Christmas celebrations, although for people such as Thursford’s John Cushing and Jordan Productions’ Chris Jordan the festive spirit is never far away. Both of them kindly found time in their increasingly-busy schedules to speak with us this month. Finally, don’t miss the incredible story of Charles Stokes on page 38 – who saw a zeppelin drop bombs on his home town during the First World War, bought his first laptop aged 99, and is now sharing his memories for future generations in a fascinating book. Enjoy the magazine – and we’ll see you again next month. KL MAGAZINE

KLmagazine October 2015

Contents

OCTOBER 2015

30 84 KLmagazine October 2015

100

6-13 WHAT’S ON This month’s diary of forthcoming events

64-66 MYSTIC MAGIC The head-turning designs of Ashley Pearce

8-10 MAGNIFICENT OBSESSIONS A unique look at famous artists’ collections

69-71 HEALTH AND FITNESS From stopping smoking to curing back pain

16-18 THE MAGIC OF THURSFORD We meet the show’s John Cushing

72-79 FOOD AND DRINK Reviews, recipes and recommendations

22-23 CASTLE ACRE PRIORY The history of the spectacular ruins

80-82 ELGOODS BREWERY Enjoying a drop of Wisbech’s finest brews

30-32 HUNSTANTON’S HISTORIC HOTEL A look at the Le Strange Arms Hotel

84-99 WEDDINGS The complete local guide to tying the knot

38-40 CHARLES STOKES Celebrating a remarkable century of life

100-102 THE SECRET OF THE STRINGS... The worldwide fame of Bow Brand

42 THEN & NOW The changing face of West Norfolk

104 THE BIG INTERVIEW With Jordan Productions’ Chris Jordan

46-48 A PIECE OF LIVING HISTORY Visiting Gressenhall Farm and Museum

106-108 EXPLORER Visiting Snettisham and Dersingham

51 YOU AND YOUR PETS With local vet Alex Dallas

112-114 THE THREADS OF A LIFE... The story of a remarkable Norfolk artist

54-56 HAUTE COUTURE FURNITURE A mother and daughter’s flair for style

118-120 JACKY HUTSON Discovering a captivating world of colour

58-63 FASHION The latest looks from the local boutiques

122 MICHAEL MIDDLETON You never know what you may pick up...

OCTOBER Sun 11 Oct BROADLAND SCHOOL OF DANCE Young local talent £7 - £13 Tues 13 - Sat 17 Oct DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Michael Praed, Noel Sullivan, Carley Stenson, Gary Wilmot star in hit musical £8 - £44

Sun 4 Oct ALICE IN WONDERLAND Michala Jane School of Dance £7 - £17.50 Thur 8 - Fri 9 Oct RAMBERT World class contemporary dance £7 - £24

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Tues 29 Sept - Sat 3 Oct HETTY FEATHER Jacqueline Wilson’s plucky heroine in Victorian family adventure £7 - £20.50

Mon 19 -Sat 24 Oct JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Legendary musical £8 - £36.50

Sat 10 Oct ROBERT CRAY Best of the blues guitar £8 - £29.50

Mon 26 - Sat 31 Oct THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Ian Kelsey, Patrick Robinson star in adaptation of classic movie £8 - £27

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk T H E AT R E ST R E E T, N O RW I C H N R 2 1 R L

12 September 2015 – 24 January 2016

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ 01603 593199 www.scva.ac.uk Exhibition curated and organised by Barbican Centre, London

KLmagazine October 2015

October

Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th KLODS PRESENT: THE VICAR OF DIBLEY Guildhall Theatre, King’s Lynn Arts Centre, 29 King Street, King's Lynn PE30 1HA (7:30pm) The Vicar of Dibley is about to take West Norfolk by a rejoiceful storm of hilarity, drama, friendship, love and human nature at its best, and in some cases, at its comedic worst! This stage adaption of The Vicar of Dibley takes its source primarily from the ﬁrst two series of the very well known and loved television shows aired between 1994 and 1998. It starts with the arrival of the new vicar to the parish after the death of the old one, and a lady vicar is not what they were all expecting… a new chapter for the parish is about to begin. For information and to book tickets visit www.kingslynnarts.co.uk or call the box oﬃce on 01553 764864.

100 YEARS AGO: On October 12th 1915 Norfolk’s greatest heroine, nurse Edith Cavell, was executed by a German firing squad in Belguim

Wednesday 14th KING’S LYNN BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - PINK DAY Masonic Centre, 79 Hamburg Way, King’s Lynn PE30 2ND (10am-12noon) Not only is this month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month but the King’s Lynn Breast Cancer Support Group is celebrating their 20th birthday this year. The group meets every Wednesday and has over 60 members who are all at different stages of treatment. The group meetings are exercise focused, with half an hour standing and half an hour seated, however the class also provides support and helps to build friendships between fellow members. And of course there’s plenty of chatter, coffee and cake to follow! The group is holding their annual fundraising Pink Day this October at the Masonic Centre in King’s Lynn with a variety of craft stalls, tea, coffee, cake and lots of pink items! If you’re interested in popping along or would like to find out more about the group’s meetings please contact Debbie on 01553 672602 or 07557 396717.

Saturday 17th

LIVE MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL FOR UNDER 11S, IN AID OF BBC CHILDREN IN NEED Green Britain Centre, Swaﬀham, PE37 7HT (10am-4pm) Our local children really know how to love and enjoy our region’s best bands and live music. Last year’s music and movement event, Concerts for Kids, was a sell-out! Brimming with the region’s brightest toe-tapping talent, this year’s festival will inspire young children to enjoy music, dance and move in some of the most colourful and creative ways you can imagine. Acts include live music from Addison’s Uncle, Splinter, The Volko Trio and music producer Ben Zaven Crane aka Mojo Filter will be adapting his internationally renowned sets for ‘Cheeky Halves - the young person’s rave’. There will also be a plethora of exciting dance, musical instrument and storytelling workshops, face painting, stalls and an all day cafe! For more info and to book tickets visit the website www.professionalmusicians.org/concertsforkids/. All ticket sales go to BBC Children in Need.

KLmagazine October 2015

Friday 30th and Saturday 31st PUMPKIN FUN Oxburgh Hall, Oxborough, PE33 9PS (10:30am-5pm) Looking for something fun to do for the whole family this Halloween? Then look no further than the Halloween trail in the beautiful grounds at Oxburgh Hall. Find your way around the gardens following the pumpkin trail, then try the Halloween themed crafts in the old servants hall tea-room and sample one of the delicious pumpkin recipes from the menu. For more information visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall or contact Amanda on 01366 328258 for more information. The trail is free, however normal admission charges apply. 7

King Edward VII Academy would like to thank everyone who attended our recent open evening. If you were not able to make it and would still like to find out what KES Academy has to offer your child, please call us on 01553 773 606 or visit kesacademy.co.uk

Gaywood Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2QB Telephone: 01553 773 606 Email: office@kesacademy.co.uk www.kesacademy.co.uk

Learning together Achieving together

King’s Lynn Academy would like to thank everyone who attended our recent open evening. If you couldn’t make it and would still like to learn more about our fantastic facilities before you choose a high school for your child, a limited number of tours are still available. If your child starts secondary school in September 2016, book your tour now on 01553 774671.

Learning without Limits King’s Lynn Academy Queen Mary Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4QG Telephone: 01553 774671

@klacademy kingslynnacademy.co.uk

KLmagazine October 2015

October Every Monday and Friday Starting Saturday 5th FAMILY HISTORY AT TRUE’S YARD True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum, North Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1QW (10.30am - 12.30pm) The Pat Midgley Research Centre at True’s Yard is launching family history sessions this autumn. The Saturday morning sessions on improving your research skills will help you to undertake your own family history. True’s Yard has been recently awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to upgrade and improve access to the research centre. It includes a reference library, archive rooms, a reading room and Sound Archive. The family history mornings will take place every Saturday and tickets are £3 per session. Booking is recommended as places are limited. For more information please contact True’s Yard on 01553 770479 or email outreach@truesyard.co.uk.

KING’S LYNN & DISTRICT BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS SOCIETY’S EXERCISE CLASSES London Road Methodist Church, County Court Road, King’s Lynn Research has shown that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer a fracture due to Osteoporosis (porous bones) in their lifetime. Along with providing support to sufferers, raising awareness and fundraising, the King’s Lynn and district branch of the National Osteoporosis Society have been running extremely successful, twice weekly exercise classes every Monday and Friday (with almost 70 members) for 5 years this October. The group is welcoming new members to join them in not only increasing bone density at the classes but improving general health and fitness and having fun! And don’t assume you’re too old as several of their members are in their 80s and 90s! For more information on the society visit www.nos.org.uk. The group also meet on the fourth Thursday of every month (except August and December) at 7.30pm for a variety of talks, time to chat to other members and refreshments. For more details on the fitness classes and evening meetings please contact Barbara on 01553 672527 or Edith on 01553 773309.

Coming soon...

Saturday 7th November

NOVEMBER FARMER’S MARKET Creake Abbey, North Creake, Fakenham (9:30am-1pm) 54 of the region’s best food and drink producers will be at Creake Abbey to supply outstanding fresh seasonal produce including meat, vegetables and fruit, cakes, tray bakes, dairy produce, artisan beer, apple juice, artisan breads, morning goods, puddings, pies, tarts (sweet and savoury), olives and prepared meals all made with the ﬁnest local ingredients. The Café and Food Hall will be open with bookings for lunch taken from 1.30pm. Outside the Food Hall the Café team will be serving hot food to keep you warm. For further details, see www.creakeabbey.co.uk.

KLmagazine October 2015

Sunday 15th November

CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT – DORIC STRING QUARTET AND PRE-CONCERT TALK The Marble Hall, Holkham Hall NR23 1AB (3pm) Enjoy chamber music and opera at its ﬁnest in the perfect setting of the Marble Hall at Holkham. At 3pm Simon Rowland-Jones (together with the Doric String Quartet) will introduce his most recent string quartet with a pre-concert talk. At 4:30pm the programme is as follows: Bartók: String Quartet No.4, Rowland-Jones: String Quartet No.5 ‘The Beheading of St. John the Baptist’, Beethoven: String Quartet in A minor Op.132. Tickets are £25 and include the 45 minute pre-concert talk followed by tea/coﬀee served in the Saloon. The afternoon continues with the Doric String Quartet and includes a glass of wine served in the Saloon during the concert interval. For more details and to book your tickets visit the website www.holkham.co.uk or call 01328 713111.

KLmagazine October 2015

PICTURE: COURTESY MURDERME COLLECTION

PICTURE: PETE HUGGINS

What’s On

ABOVE: One of the first public buildings designed by Norman Foster, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich is currently showing a fascinating selection of items from the personal collections of famous artists, including (opposite) a mid-19th century taxidermy display of 24 tropical birds from the private collection of Damien Hirst

A new look at artists and their obsessions... A major new exhibition at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich is revealing the fascinating private worlds of some of the 20th century’s most important artists, as KL magazine discovers

any of us form collections throughout our lives, but a major new exhibition at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich is now shedding a unique light on the universal compulsion to collect. Running until 24th January 2016, Magnificent Obsessions: The Artist as Collector is curated and organised by the Barbican Centre in London, and celebrates the many and varied motivations for collecting, presenting the fascinating personal collections of post-war and contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol, Arman, Peter

KLmagazine October 2015

Blake, Edmund de Waal, Damien Hirst, Howard Hodgkin, Sol LeWitt, Martin Parr, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Pae White. While many of the participating artists are recognised internationally, their collections are often less well known, and the majority have never been seen in the region before this major exhibition. Throughout history artists have collected objects for many reasons – as studio props, as sources of inspiration, as references for their work, as personal mementos or as investments. But unlike museums, artists don’t always take a scholarly approach to collecting, nor do they seek to

assemble comprehensive and representative collections. Reflecting personal interests and obsessions, their acquisitions are usually made in tandem with their own work and often for aesthetic reasons. Magnificent Obsessions presents a selection of objects from the collections of the artists alongside a key example of their own work to provide a fascinating insight into their inspirations, influences, motives and obsessions. Their collections range from massproduced memorabilia to rare art and artefacts, and from natural history specimens to curios and objects

reflecting popular culture. These extraordinary collections help reveal the creative processes of some of the most important artists of the last 50 years, including Damien Hirst, who became the celebrated centre of Brit Art in the 1990s, and was notorious for his sharks and sheep suspended forever in formaldehyde. Perhaps it comes as no surprise to learn that he’s an avid collector of taxidermy. Then there’s Howard Hodgkin, whose glorious paintings in brilliant colour are collected and shown internationally – but is possibly less well known for his important collection of jewel-like Indian miniature paintings. Andy Warhol, of course, needs no introduction. The American artist redefined what we consider ‘art’ in the 1960s with his ‘pop’ prints of everyday items such as Brillo Pads and Campbell’s soup cans and popular icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis. An obsessive collector, Warhol hoarded and had a particular passion for mass-produced cookie jars. Similarly, Peter Blake’s distinctive Pop Art works from the 1960s are reknowned for their quirky combination of painting, print, collage and objects (he co-created the sleeve design for the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album) – but as a teenager in Kent, he bought objects, paintings and books from a station junkyard, triggering a lifetime of collecting. His home and studio are now filled with an eclectic mix of objects that ranges from elephants to shop signs and Punch and Judy puppets. The influential Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto first met Robert and Lisa Sainsbury when they bought works from his gallery in New York, works that are currently on show in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. Now an internationally acclaimed artist, Sugimoto’s early career as a dealer of antiquities led to a number of personal acquisitions, and his intriguing (often bizarre) collection includes valuable early medical illustrations and glass eyes. Other individual collections in the exhibition include African art and samurai armour owned by the American artist Arman; Japanese netsuke belonging to Edmund de Waal (now widely known for his best-selling book The Hare with Amber Eyes); Sol LeWitt’s Japanese prints, modernist photographs and music scores; 20th century British postcards and Soviet space dog memorabilia from Martin Parr; and more than 1,000 vintage scarves and other textiles by the American designer Vera Neumann from

PICTURES: PETE HUGGINS / JODY DOYLE / ARMAN STUDIO ARCHIVES / JUSTIN PIPERGER / HUGO GLENDINNING

History

ABOVE: Just a few highlights of Magnificent Obsessions, including scarves designed by Vera Neumann from the collection of Pae White (top), an untitled 1860s work by Hirosada from the collection of Sol LeWitt, the 1960 work Home Sweet Home II by Arman, and a charming display of elephant figurines from the collection of Peter Blake.

the collection of Los Angeles-based visual artist Pae White. But Magnificent Obsessions isn’t just about famous artists – visitors are being invited to share their collections to create a display that will form part of the exhibition. As a unique look into the minds of some of the most important artists of modern times, Magnificent Obsessions is an unmissable exhibition – and a wonderful opportunity to discover one of the best collections of art in the region.

MAGNIFICENT OBSESSIONS: THE ARTIST AS COLLECTOR From 12th September 2015 to 24th January 2016 Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ Telephone: 01603 593199 Website: www.scva.ac.uk E-mail: scva@uea.ac.uk Admission: £12 (£10.50 concessions)

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

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Outstanding October shows October is a busy month at the Corn Exchange with everything from live music to comedy, a talk, an opera and a musical...

t all starts with Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise (1 Oct), a celebration of the magic of rock ‘n’ roll with music from icons Elvis, Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly to name a few. The music continues with Killer Queen (4 Oct) who recreate the high energy, powerful phenomenon that was Queen live. Covering all genres of music is the popular Charlie Landsborough (7 Oct). Let’s Hang On (8 Oct) is an evening of the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and Think Floyd (9 Oct) is a stunning celebration of one of the world's greatest musical phenomena. The winner of the first series of Britain’s Got Talent Paul Potts (20 Oct) makes his first visit to the Corn Exchange and The Sensational 60s Experience (24 Oct) brings together Chris Farlowe, Herman’s Hermits, Steve Ellis, New Amen Corner, Union Gapuk and Alan Mosca to relive the very best of the 60s. Back for a Halloween scare is Steve Steinman with his new show Vampires Rock - Ghost Train (27 Oct). Other highlights include a week long run of the smash hit musical Dreamboats And Miniskirts

(Mon 12 – Sat 17 Oct). Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett (2 Oct) will entertain the whole family as he performs with his hilarious puppet friends. Also new to the Corn Exchange is Dublin’s No1 award winning music and dance show, The Irish House Party (18 Oct). Ben Fogle recounts his many daring adventures in ‘Call Of The Wild’ (19 Oct) and Beyond The Barricade (22 Oct) features songs from the world’s greatest musicals performed by past principle performers from Les Miserables. Ellen Kent returns and brings Seville to King’s Lynn with her production of Bizet Carmen (23 Oct) featuring a highly praised chorus and orchestra, then Moscow Ballet La Classique return with a timeless tale of childhood dreams, Nutcracker (25 Oct). Over the October Half Term, Britain’s most loveable fox is here with The Basil Brush Show (28 Oct). Join in the mayhem with the ‘Full On Fox Tour’ packed full of fun, song, laughs and storytelling. Finally, Andy Parsons (30 Oct) provides the laughs in his new show ‘Live and Unleashed But Naturally Cautious’.

ALIVE LEISURE OPEN DAY Sun 4 October | 10am-2pm Alive Leisure’s four sports centres Lynnsport, St James Pool, Downham Leisure and the Oasis, Hunstanton are having an Open Day! All activities will be free so why not come along and try something new. Just some of the highlights include new class launches, taster sessions, Swimming, Climbing, Junior Gymnastics, Archery, Face Painting and much more.

OCTOBER HALF TERM FUN AT THE ALIVE LEISURE VENUES Thurs 22 - Sat 31 October We have some great activities to keep children entertained this October holiday. Limited spaces available – call to book and guarantee your place. For a full programme of what’s on during the open day and October half term visit aliveleisure.co.uk Lynnsport 01553 818001 Downham Leisure 01366 386868 Oasis 01485 534227 St James Pool 01553 764888

Our new September – December brochure is out now! Tickets for shows are available from Box Office on 01553 764864 or book online: www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

KLmagazine October 2015

@klcornexchange

Alive Corn Exchange

PICTURES: SUPPLIED

What’s On

ABOVE: Under the guiding hand of Producer and Director John Cushing (opposite) The Thursford Christmas Spectacular has grown from a small local carol concert into the biggest Christmas show in the country – if not in the whole of Europe.

The magic of Christmas. The wonder of Thursford. Next month sees the opening of the 2015 Thursford Christmas Spectacular, an event that draws thousands of people to Norfolk. KL magazine talks to the show’s inspirational creator John Cushing

n Christmas Eve 1977, a small group of choral singers from King’s College in Cambridge visited the tiny village of Thursford to perform a collection of carols in an old farm shed for an audience of some 500. It was the idea of John Cushing, son of the Thursford Collection’s founder George Cushing, and though the museum’s Managing Director had produced a school pantomime while at Gresham’s when he was 12, he possessed no formal musical or theatrical training. Despite such humble beginnings, the Thursford Christmas Spectacular has

grown into the country’s largest Christmas show (it may actually be the biggest in Europe), performing to some 200,000 people over six weeks and representing for many – who travel across the country to watch it – the very essence of Christmas. As John prepares to stage his 38th Christmas show, which promises to be bigger and better than ever, thoughts inevitably turn to where it all started. KL magazine: Where did the idea for that first small carol concert in 1977 come from? John Cushing: I’d become Managing Director of the Thursford Collection the previous year, and I’d been thinking of

ways to increase visitor numbers during the winter – it’s not the best time of year to visit the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs! I thought holding a carol concert would be a good idea, and I was really pleased to be able to bring singers from the King’s College Choir to Thursford. It was a real coup for Norfolk at the time. KL: How did that develop into such a nationally-famous spectacle? JC: I actually felt very disappointed when that ﬁrst concert was over. I honestly felt as though I’d wasted a day and was absolutely convinced I could do a lot better. The following year I

KLmagazine October 2015

KL: Producing and directing the show today must be a pretty daunting task for you? JC: Although I’m assisted by a brilliant and very talented production team, it’s a massive undertaking. You have to remember we only had about 10 people on stage for our first carol concert. Now we have 56 in the choir, 32 in the orchestra and 22 dancers. In addition to the performers themselves, we have to recruit all the support staff – from cleaners and usherettes to car park attendants and catering personnel. And don’t forget the costumes – last year’s show featured around 8,000 of them, and most of them were made by hand! That’s why the process starts in March – it has to be finished by the start of June to be in time for the Casting Director to start the auditions. KL: What’s the single hardest part of producing the show? JC: Undoubtedly it’s the very first week when I sit down and see a blank sheet of paper in front of me. That can be a very challenging moment – especially as I’m already thinking of the first night’s performance! KL: By contrast, what’s the most rewarding part for you? JC: The first performance is always very special. The audience that night will include people from the various production teams who’ve spent most of the year preparing for it. For them it’s the end of their part in the show, which is a slightly bittersweet moment. But to see all that hard work and effort ending with a standing ovation is a very special moment – for them as well as myself.

produced a carol concert featuring two schools and we did two performances, which turned into six the following year, then ten, and after about ﬁve years the show had grown so large we had to produce it on a professional basis. I think that determination to improve on what we’ve done before has always been the driving force behind the show’s continued success. KL: Do you ever stop to think about just how big an event the Thursford Christmas Spectacular has become? JC: Not often, as it seems so incredible! We now seat almost three times as many people as we did when we

KLmagazine October 2015

started, and apart from a few remote areas, our audience comes from every county in England, Scotland and Wales – and we’ll often have around 50 coaches arriving here a day. This year, for example, seven coaches will be coming to the show from Swansea – even though we’ve never advertised in Wales! And it’s not just Thursford which beneﬁts from this – our audience will stay, eat and shop in Norfolk, which is great for local businesses. I recently read that the show brings something like £10 million into the local economy, which is a quite amazing achievement and one that we’re very proud of.

KL: With people travelling so far to see the show, often bypassing ones in their own home towns, what do you think makes the Thursford Christmas Spectacular so special? JC: It’s tempting to say it’s because I’m a genius, but that’s not the case at all. I think it’s because we’re not just a bland theatre. Although it’s still really only a farm building, the auditorium is surrounded by fairground rides and steam engines and it’s very much like being on a Hollywood ﬁlm set. It’s almost like sitting in a grotto. It’s a truly magical experience. You have to realise that a show of this size, with the amount of people we have on stage, is actually very uncommon – there'’s nothing quite like it in the whole country. And of course, people always love coming to Norfolk!

PICTURES: SUPPLIED

What’s On

KL: Without giving away any secrets, what can audiences expect from this year’s show? JC: The magic of the show has always been in its ability to surprise people but still deliver the entertainment they expect, so you’ll forgive me if I don’t give too much away! We’ve got some really wonderfully well-written material for this year, however, and the music is all new. We’ve also got a brilliant new comedian and a fabulous new contortionist act that I know our audiences will love. KL: You’ll soon be thinking of your 40th Christmas show – where does your inspiration come from for each year’s performance? JC: Inspiration can come from anywhere, and don’t forget that I’m thinking about the show every day of the year – ideas can come from something I’ve seen on TV or read in the newspaper. I’ve also got hundreds of CDs of Christmas music, and a huge collection of books, poetry and readings about Christmas. I go to as many of the performances as I can, as it’s a great way to pick up on any improvements we can make in areas such as lighting and sound, and every year I always ask the cast for their ideas – and they’ll often come up with

interesting ideas that simply hadn’t occurred to me. KL: Is there a production from any one year that stands out for you as being particularly special or memorable? JC: Every year people will tell me that they thought this year’s show was the best one ever, so who am I to judge? Personally, I have to say that over the last 10 years the shows have been really outstanding. I think we’ve achieved some fantastic things, and the fact that so many people continue to enjoy it – and travel so far to see the show – is all that really matters to me. KL: How do you feel when the last performance comes to and end? JC: It’s a contradiction of emotions really – a genuine mix of elation and sadness. After the ﬁnale, the building empties in about 25 minutes – which seems so sudden after a year’s work. I usually go to the pub and have a little drink and then join my family for a late supper before we celebrate Christmas in the traditional way – which is something I always look forward to. KL: Having thought about Christmas every day of the year for several decades, do you still enjoy it? JC: Yes, I love it. I always have. That’s

why I started the show in the ﬁrst place. Even though we don’t have as many carols as we did originally, the show still has a religious thread running through it. It’s very important for me to have God on my side, and I always have the show blessed before the ﬁrst performance – to appreciate and be thankful for our God-given gifts for singing, dancing and playing music.

THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 2015 Thursford Collection, Thursford Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0AS 11th November to 23rd December Performances at 2.00pm & 7.00pm Tickets available now from either the Booking Oﬃce on 01328 878477 (Monday to Friday 9am-4pm) or can be booked online by visiting www.thursford.com

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

Why you should trust your will to a solicitor... At a time when virtually anyone can write a will, KL magazine talks to Harleen Hanson of the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn and West Norfolk Local Law Society about how cutting a few corners now may be a false economy for the future

ast year, in his first annual report, the Legal Ombudsman expressed his concerns about the impact of unregulated will-writing organisations, noting that almost 5,000 people had contacted the service within the space of a few months complaining about their experiences. The main areas of concern involved wills being invalid due to basic errors, will writers making untrue claims and charging unreasonable fees, will writing companies going out of business, and even 'missing' wills. "It's very easy for people to get a will drawn up today," says solicitor Harleen Hanson (pictured right), "but people need to realise that off-the-shelf and 'high street' solutions can only go so far. Despite a lengthy campaign

recently by The Law Society, will writing is still unregulated in the UK and we're becoming increasingly concerned about it." As the current President of the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn and West Norfolk Local Law Society (Members of which are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority) Harleen (along with other local solicitors) wanted to highlight the confusion surrounding wills in order to help people make the right decisions. The drafting of a will and the administration of an estate can involve complex legal and financial issues, often including the highly technical fields of tax, trusts and property rights. It's not surprising that poorlyprepared wills can have profound repercussions for the bereaved, who may be left with significant costs to

KLmagazine October 2015

resolve problems (if they are resolvable at all), and be prevented from benefitting from the wishes of the deceased, and be faced with an uncertain and difficult process to seek any kind of redress at a time of great emotional difficulty. Given these consequences, why would anyone be tempted to cut corners and have their will drawn up by someone who's only a 'will writer' thanks to a small fee and a couple of days training? "It has a lot to do with people's perceptions and expectations of how local law firms operate," says Harleen. "They imagine paying large amounts of money to sit in a room full of dusty old law books with a solicitor who'll confuse them with unfamiliar terms and Latin phrases. The trouble with that picture, however, is that it is just no longer the case." "Being a solicitor isn't just a job - it's a vocation. It's something we've trained long and hard for over many years and we do it because we care about our clients. We build real relationships with them and their families - it's why many of our new clients come to us on the recommendation of older ones." And the idea that solicitors never leave the comfort of their offices is another myth Harleen is keen to dispel. "Our solicitors are out and about visiting clients every day," she says. "I recently visited one of my own clients in hospital; I'd previously visited him at home with his family, and I'll be going to see him again soon at his nursing home. But that's not a costly optional extra - it's part of our service." There's more to writing a will than being approachable and friendly, however. At any local firm, the process involves the input and advice from any number of their experienced teams - whether they specialise in property, commercial, or family law - to ensure your will does everything you intend it to and is protected from future challenges. The rise in contentious probate matters (where people argue over the division of an estate) means that it is extremely important to get it right. "It's important for people to realise they're not simply paying for a couple of hours of a single solicitor's time," says Harleen, "and that's a real danger in using an unregulated will writer. They simply won't have those resources to call on or that depth of expert knowledge to consult." Of course, one of the greatest reasons people are willing to cut corners with their will concerns the perceived costs of using a reputable (and regulated) firm of solicitors. It's

KLmagazine October 2015

particularly frustrating for solicitors to complaints, insurance matters or such as Harleen, who's met many contentious issues, you can call on an people who've paid large amounts of entire network of support and help money for wills that aren't suited to that's on your side. their needs. "Unregulated will writers may be able "In this area, an individual will should to produce a perfectly workable will for cost around £150," you," says Harleen, she says. "That "but it stops there. includes the It may seem like a “Many people are unaware cheap and easy meetings, the taking of option at first, but that anyone can operate instructions, basic if anything goes as a will writer and draft tax planning and wrong it may well advice on possible be neither." wills, and that will writers challenges, the To talk about are not required to adhere drafting of the will your needs and itself and its explore the to guidelines or provide storage. Even the requirements of consumer protections most complex will your will, and for shouldn't cost a realistic cost such as insurance...” anyone more than estimate, contact around £1,000." your local firm of TH E L AW S O CIET Y Small wonder solicitors to The Law Society arrange an is so concerned appointment - it about the growth of unregulated will won't cost you anything and it could writing, as they have instances of make the world of difference to the people being cold called and then future of your estate. charged over £2,500 for their wills "We don't want to alarm people," without any tax planning advice or even says Harleen, "but there are a lot of copies of the signed wills themselves. misconceptions out there. People are And therein lies another advantage of free to get their will from anywhere using a local firm of solicitors for your they like, but they should be well will. All law firms are required to follow informed and be confident they're rigorous codes of practice and making a decision that genuinely professional standards. When it comes protects them and their family."

ON BEHALF OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBER FIRMS:

KLmagazine October 2015

History

ABOVE: Despite being founded by William de Warenne almost 1,000 years ago, the Priory at Castle Acre is remarkably well preserved

The spectacular story of Castle Acre Priory Today, the atmospheric ruins of Castle Acre Priory are among Norfolk’s most impressive sights, but their story stretches back all the way to the Norman Conquest, as KL magazine discovers...

he spectacular ruins of Castle Acre Priory are some of the best preserved monastic ruins in the whole country, and tell us – in a quite literal sense – much about the early foundations of modern Britain. Indeed, the roots of this charming and picturesque Norfolk village go back even further than that. Although little is known of Castle Acre before 1066 (apart from the fact it was owned by the Bishop of Ely), it lay on the ancient Peddars Way which the Romans remodelled into an important route to the north coast of Norfolk. But it’s with the Norman Conquest and the arrival of a certain William de

KLmagazine October 2015

Warenne that the story of Castle Acre really takes oﬀ. A close associate of William the Conqueror, de Warenne actually fought at the Battle of Hastings and (like many French knights) was richly rewarded for his eﬀorts. By the time of the Domesday Survey, de Warenne held extensive lands in 13 counties, and set about consolidating William I’s hold over the country by building a series of imposing castles at Lewes in Sussex, Regiate in Surrey, and (in a move that gave the village its name) Castle Acre in Norfolk. By 1075, he was acting as the equivalent of the country’s Prime Minister. Visiting Burgundy with his wife in 1077, de Warenne travelled to the

Abbey of Cluny, and the couple were impressed by both its beauty and the life of the religious orders there. So impressed, in fact, that on their return they decided to establish the ﬁrst Cluniac religious house in England – it was founded in the shadow of the castle at Lewes, and the couple soon began building a sister priory at Castle Acre. A deeply pious man, de Warenne poured enormous amounts of money into his priories, and the vast building programme he started at Castle Acre was continued by his son, who added to the Priory’s holdings with two orchards and all the cultivated land between it and the castle itself.

History

ABOVE: For Julie Enefer, English Heritage’s Site Manager for Castle Acre Priory, these carved animal heads are one of the monument’s most endearing features – while the Prior’s lodgings (left) are one of its most beautiful

By the time of his death in 1138, the building of Castle Acre Priory was almost finished and the neighbouring castle was by now complete – although the latter was essentially a fortified stone-built manor with a surrounding wall. By the time of the third William de Warenne, Castle Acre was one of the finest examples of Norman town planning in the country. Continuing to gain land and buildings from various benefactors and the de Warenne family over the years, the Priory prospered and became extremely wealthy, but its fortunes started to decline under the last Warenne earl, whose military exploits left him no time for his Norfolk estates. Castle Acre gradually fell into ruin until it was obtained in 1615 by Sir Edward Coke, the chief Justice who famously replied to King James’ concerns about the growing size of his estates by saying “but my Lord, ‘tis only an Acre I have acquired!” Coke actually spent £60 repairing the ruins of the castle, one of the earliest records of conservation work by a private individual. As for the Priory, it fared slightly better for a while longer. Although 35 monks were recorded there in 1279, the Priory suffered from both a disastrous sheep epidemic and the Black Death shortly thereafter. Like many other monastic houses, it never fully recovered and the following year King Edward III instructed his Sergent-at

Arms to arrest the monks who had “spurned the habit of their order and were vagabonds in England in secular habit.” By the time Castle Acre Priory was suppressed on 22nd November 1537, only ten Monks and the Prior remained to ﬁnally close its doors. The passing centuries have inevitably taken their toll, by the Priory remains one of the largest and best preserved monastic sites in England – the Prior’s lodgings (which featured his own quarters and private chapel) are still roofed, and the Priory proudly boasts one of the bestpreserved medieval toilets in the country! Julie Enefer is English Heritage’s Site Manager for Castle Acre Priory, and the location has always held a great deal of appeal for her. “Although all of the site is beautifully atmospheric, my favourite part of the Priory has to be the west front of the church,” she says. “I just love the intricate arcading on the arches, and all the animal carvings are simply wonderful.” Today, helping preserve the site for future generations is one of Julie’s main concerns. The most recent conservation project at Castle Acre Priory involved the restoration and preservation of the precinct wall, which was exposed in 2013 – it took a team of experts and craftsmen a year to clear centuries of vegetation and repair this once impressive structure.

“The future of Castle Acre Priory is highly valued to English Heritage Trust, which is why it’s so important to encourage people to see it for themselves,” she says. “Thanks to them, the funds we raise will help keep historic sites like this open by preserving and conserving what’s left.” As one of Norfolk’s most impressive ancient monuments – and one of the country’s most important – the remains of Castle Acre Priory oﬀer a fascinating gimpse into a vanished world.

CASTLE ACRE PRIORY Castle Acre, King’s Lynn PE32 2XD Tel: 01760 755394 Opening: Until November 1st, the Priory is open every day from 10am5pm, after which it is only open on Saturdays and Sundays (10am-4pm) until March 2016. For more details and prices, please see the website at www.english-heritage.org.uk

KLmagazine October 2015

Keep unwanted visitors out of your home.

All about Caravans with Neil Greentree Greentrees CaravanStore is the only multi-award winning caravan dealer in Norfolk, with a huge 3-acre site featuring 100s of new and used caravans and motorhomes in addition to the largest accessory shop in East Anglia. Neil Greentree answers your caravan-and motorhome-related questions...

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Do caravans retain their value? Absolutely. The residual values of caravans and motorhomes are very strong, and even a 15-year-old caravan can fetch around £4,000-£5,000. It's a great way of offsetting the costs of your holidays - and your enjoyment! Many of our customers change their caravans every three years or so and are very pleased with the part-exchange values they receive. If you have any further questions about caravan or motorhome ownership, please don’t hesitate to contact us – or even better, pop in to see us!

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KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

Helping make Norfolk a safer place to live and work lthough it’s been around for more than a century, not everyone understands the reasons for (or the importance) of professional electrical testing. All buildings with an electrical system require periodic testing and for everyone, whether they’re in a domestic, commercial, or industrial environment, the risks of ignoring regular electrical inspections are obvious, and range from serious burns to lethal shocks and devastating fires. Indeed around 17% of all domestic fires are caused by electrical faults, and they’re responsible for over 1000 electrical accidents at work every year. In addition to the human costs are the implications for insurance and the potential of legal action, but happily there is - quite literally - a local solution at hand. Swaffham based Zeltech Solutions. With over 25 years experience in the electrical industry and 15 years specialising in all areas of electrical inspection and testing, the heavily accredited company and fully qualified

team of test engineers, offer a service of the very highest professional standards. Their reputation for reliability and integrity is second to none and see’s them regularly working not only locally but in central London and as far up as Edinburgh. They test absolutely everything, including homes, hotels and holiday parks, schools, farms and factories, retail chains and office blocks and have exceptional experience with them all. Following an initial free survey and quotation of your requirements Zeltech Solutions will carry out an extensive visual and electronic inspection of your premises (including thermal imaging as standard) building a complete picture of your whole electrical system, and because most clients prefer to have the work done out of hours, Zeltech Solutions offer that at no extra cost. Once complete, that picture will be detailed in a thorough and comprehensive report. The company’s reports aren’t just some of the most extensive in the market place, they’re

also some of the easiest to follow, identifying problem areas, highlighting defects and prioritising recommended work. And therein lies the real strength of the Zeltech Solutions service. Although the team will carefully go through every part of the report with you, they won’t carry out any of the remedial work unless immediately necessary for health and safety reasons. It means you can be assured of a completely impartial assessment and a totally honest approach - with no selfserving ‘recommendations’ that can be both needless and costly. Zeltech Solutions can create bespoke testing programmes large or small to suit all your needs and also offer portable appliance, emergency light, and fire alarm testing, thermal imaging, CAD and design & consultancy. For an informal chat about professional testing for your premises contact Zeltech Solutions today and discover how they’re helping to make Norfolk a safer place to live and work. Responsibly, impartially and cost effectively.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 14 Station Street, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7LH Telephone: 01760 724244 Website: www.zeltechsolutions.com E-mail: enquiries@zeltechsolutions.com

KLmagazine October 2015 K

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KLmagazine October 2015

Tax Tips

Auto-enrolment: are you up-to-date? mall businesses employing fewer than 30 staff are now bound by the requirements of the new pensions auto-enrolment regime, obliging them to automatically enrol all eligible employees into a qualifying pension scheme and to make a minimum contribution into that scheme. The Pensions Regulator recently warned that even those who employ a single care worker, such as a carer or nanny, must comply with the autoenrolment regulations, with very few exceptions. Under auto-enrolment, eligible employees over the age of 22 and earning more than £10,000 per annum have the right to belong to a workplace pension scheme, unless they choose to opt out. The thresholds and limits for autoenrolment were increased on 6th April while the eligible earnings 'trigger' remains at £10,000 for 2015/16, the lower limit of qualifying earnings has risen to £5,824 - and the upper limit of the qualifying earnings band is now £42,385. Over 5 million workers in larger companies are already in the scheme, and an estimated 3.8 million are expected to be enrolled by smaller employers in the next three years. However, according to recent research 25% of small businesses remain unprepared. Business owners are

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being urged to ensure they prepare for the new regulations, since employers who fail to comply could be liable to enforcement action and/or a penalty. As an employer, make sure you’re prepared by following this checklist: DEVELOP A PLAN - Once you know your staging date you can be prepared ASSESS YOUR WORKFORCE - Identify eligible jobholders working for you REVIEW YOUR PENSION ARRANGEMENTS - Do you have an existing scheme or do you need to set one up? COMMUNICATE THE CHANGES Employers must write to all workers explaining what auto-enrolment in a work place pension means for them ENROL YOUR WORKFORCE - You have a three month postponement window from your staging date in which to enrol your staff in a qualifying pension scheme REGISTER WITH THE PENSIONS REGULATOR - Within five months of your staging date - and be sure to keep records MAKE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS From October 2018 these will be a minimum of 3%

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KLmagazine October 2015

If you're planning for retirement, one of the key questions to ask is how much state pension you'll be entitled to receive. The basic state pension in 2015/16 is £115.95 a week. For a full state pension, it's necessary to have made 30 years of national insurance contributions (NICs). You may also have an entitlement to some additional state pension. Individuals due to reach state pension age after 6 April 2016 will receive a flat-rate pension, worth no less than £148.40 per week. Those who reach state pension age before 6 April 2016 will continue to claim their basic state pension (plus any additional state pension that they may be entitled to). However, as this may be worth less than the new flatrate pension, there will be an opportunity to make additional NICs – please ask us for details. At Stephenson Smart we have everything you need to meet your payroll and autoenrolment obligations with ease. We often find we can manage your payroll at a lower cost per employee than your own in-house payroll department, saving you both time and money - you can outsource your payroll and autoenrolment to us from only £2.50 per payslip (minimum charges apply). Please contact us for further details and a free quote.

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KLmagazine October 2015

Local Life

ABOVE: For over 100 years, the Le Strange Arms Hotel has welcomed a world of guests – from British royalty to American servicemen

Hunstanton’s history and the Le Strange Arms Hotel Just a two-minute walk from the beach at Hunstanton, the Le Strange Arms Hotel remains true to the vision of the man who put the coastal resort on the map, as KL magazine discovers...

rom its origins as a traditional Norfolk farmhouse in the 1600s to its transformation into a busy and popular hotel, the Le Strange Arms in Hunstanton has witnessed virtually all the momentous changes that have taken place in the town over the years – changes largely due to the vision of one man. Henry L’Estrange Styleman Le Strange (after whom the hotel is named) was an architect, amateur artist and decorative painter whose grand ideas and designs transformed a small coastal town into the booming seaside holiday destination it is today. Despite all the changes, however, the Le Strange Arms Hotel has remained a permanent – and welcoming – feature

KLmagazine October 2015

on this beautiful stretch of the Norfolk coastline. Born in January 1815, Henry Le Strange was the only son of Henry Styleman of Snettisham and Hunstanton and was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford. On leaving Oxford in 1837, he travelled to places such as Portugal, Spain and Egypt and in 1839 he married his wife Jamesina Joyce Ellen. It was following his inheritance of 10,000 acres stretching from Wolferton to Thornham in 1840 that Henry’s ideas for what would become ‘new’ Hunstanton began to take shape. From his home at Hunstanton Hall, he realised the growing trend (aided by the expansion of the railways) of people leaving their cities to experience everything the coast had to oﬀer –

especially the sea air, which was a welcome and healthy contrast to the atmosphere of their homes. Inspired, he conceived the idea of making a new town to cater for this growing demand. It was in 1846 that Le Strange’s vision started to take shape as the ﬁrst building was built on the triangular green stretching down to the shore. Being a capable architect (his design for the decoration of Ely Cathedral was completed in 1855) Le Strange was determined the new town should be planned and built to exacting standards. He speciﬁed the Gothic-style terraced housing that still exists today be built partially in the local carrstone, and gave the land for the public gardens together with the land for the railway – which

Local Life

ABOVE: The location of the Le Strange Arms Hotel – overlooking the sea oﬀ Hunstanton – has drawn visitors for well over 100 years

opened in 1862. The opening of the train lines and Le Strange’s determination ensured that Hunstanton was firmly on the map as the first purpose-built seaside resort of the railway age. Whole families would come from the cities for the summer, and businessmen could work in London whilst their families stayed by the sea. Even the servants would join them, and when they stayed at the Le Strange Arms, they’d often dine with the hotel staff! The Le Strange Arms had changed dramatically since Mr C E Gray took it over the humble inn around the turn of the century, adding the imposing wing which overlooks the sea and establishing the magnificent lawns which run down to the beach. Indeed, it was such a desirable location that the hotel held a 12-course dinner for King Edward VII in March 1906 – a dinner which opened with oysters and turtle soup! Eventually, cheaper rail travel made trips to Hunstanton available to the general population, and around 1911 up to 16 trains a day were arriving at the town. Sadly, in the very same year the railway opened, Henry Le Strange died at the age of 47 – without witnessing the fulfilment of his vision of transforming Hunstanton. Despite the loss of its guiding spirit, the town experienced its heyday in late Victorian England. With the investment boom between 1850-70 and the purchase of Sandringham by Queen Victoria for her son, Hunstanton soon grew far beyond

the coastal village it was originally planned to be, helped in no small way by Le Strange’s son, Hamon Le Strange. It even boasted a 830-foot pier, which opened on Easter Sunday, 1870. Although it continued to be a desirable location for locals, visitors and tourists, the Le Strange Hotel had an interesting role to play during the Second World War, when it housed much of the locally-stationed air forces, offering a location for rest and recuperation after battle. The military connection continued for some time following the end of the war, when the numbers of American service personnel staying there became so great the hotel actually dealt mainly in dollars! Although Hunstanton inevitably felt the effects of the railway’s closure in 1969 and the rise of cheap foreign holidays in the 1970s, the town experienced a genuine resurgence from the 1980s which has continued to this day. The Le Strange Arms Hotel was purchased in 1983 by Tom Frank, Mike Halls and Bob Wyllie who were original partners in the business. A major programme of building work started in May of 1984, and three months later the entire ground floor of the hotel had been transformed. Today, Henry Le Strange’s creative visions and achievements live on in both New and Old Hunstanton. The Le Strange Arms Hotel is now part of Best Western (the largest independentlyowned and managed hotel chain in the country) and is perfectly in line with its

namesake’s intentions. Its welcoming lounge-bar for afternoon tea, its charming rustic pub with its exposed stone walls, its glassfronted restaurant with sea views and its gardens with a view of the beautiful beach huts help make it the perfect destination for the visitor, no matter how far they’ve travelled to enjoy it. In fact, it’s rather ﬁtting that a hotel that lives up so well to the founding principles of Hunstanton carries the name of the man who started it all.

LE STRANGE ARMS HOTEL Golf Course Road, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6JJ Tel: 01485 534411 Web: www.abacushotels.co.uk

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

Keep your carpets and upholstery extra clean! Treat your home furnishings to the cleaning service they deserve!

eeping your carpets and upholstery clean and in great condition is something we’re all more than familiar with, but inevitably there comes a time when our very best efforts simply aren’t good enough. “That’s when people are tempted to hire cleaning equipment for themselves,” says Xtraclean's Martin King, “but without an understanding of how different fabrics and materials react to cleaning and without any technical experience, it can be a risky venture – and the results can be both very upsetting and extremely costly.” Martin founded Xtraclean 22 years ago, and the Swaffham-based company are true experts in domestic and commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning. Their professional and friendly service covers East Anglia with a team of highly skilled, highly trained and highly knowledgeable KLmagazine October 2015

technicians dedicated to keeping your home looking its very best. Indeed, Xtraclean’s truck-mounted cleaning system (which uses its own water supply) enables it to offer one of the most up-to-date and effective services in the whole country. “One of the most important steps in the whole process takes place before we even start cleaning,” explains Martin. “We thoroughly check and examine the condition of all carpets and upholstery to ensure they’re treated with the correct products, the right temperatures and the right approach – and even if they need any pre-cleaning treatment.” By using professional products specially developed for carpets and upholstery, Xtraclean leaves you with a home that’s perfectly safe for children and animals – and the optional addition of special protection can keep mould, mildew and harmful bacterias to a minimum for even longer. “Applying a protector increases the life expectancy of

furnishings,” says Martin, “but even if people decide against having their carpets and upholstery protected, we always give them sound advice on post-cleaning care.” And Xtraclean’s expertise even runs to fine fabrics and delicate materials which require specialist cleaning products and attention. “It’s a very specialised field, and it takes a lot of experience and knowledge,” says Martin. “By using professional equipment and speciallydeveloped products, we have extensive experience of giving fine fabrics a new lease of life.” For an extra reliable, an extra professional and an extra friendly service that’s also fully-insured, Xtraclean is the obvious answer – contact Martin and his local-based team today and give your home the look it deserves!

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KLmagazine October 2015

“It’s amazing how Bespoke Pine n Oak can take your ideas and turn them into something very special...” Neil and Liz Riseborough, Hillington

Handmade quality for every room in your home How Bespoke Pine n Oak can create a totally individual look for you...

espoke Pine n Oak like to say that if you can draw it, they can make it – and that approach to individually-designed furniture of the highest quality is evident throughout the home of Liz and Neil Riseborough. When the couple first started living on Neil’s family farm at Hillington, they turned to Bespoke Pine n Oak when they couldn’t find any suitable furniture for their bedroom. “It was a big space, and at first it felt like sleeping in a barn!” Liz remembers. “We had an idea of what we wanted, but we were having trouble finding anyone who could supply it.” At the Bespoke Pine n Oak workshops, which are adjoined to their town centre furniture shop, the Riseboroughs found exactly what they were looking for in the combination of Kevin Berry’s long experience in the timber trade and the remarkable craftsmanship of his fellow director Carl Ingram. “Carl had some brilliant ideas,” says Liz, “and his idea of using large pieces to suit the room was a masterstroke.

We were so pleased with it and even though Bespoke Pine n Oak have done so much work for us since, I think it’s still my favourite room in the house.” In fact, the Riseboroughs were so impressed by Carl’s work they couldn’t help asking if he did kitchens. Working from a little sketch and the couple’s own ideas, Carl created a stunning family kitchen that features some remarkable details such as the creation of a wine rack in an existing alcove, the resizing of the couple’s dining table, and the clever installation of decorative wood panelling behind the units themselves. “They worked really hard on the kitchen,” says Liz, “and it was actually finished on Christmas Eve. The first meal I cooked in it was our Christmas dinner, which made it even more memorable!” And when the couple opened a bed & breakfast at their home a year ago, they entrusted much of the work of creating a charming country atmosphere to Bespoke Pine n Oak. “We love the natural look they’ve

achieved,” says Liz. “From the beds to the bookcases and the speciallydesigned cabinets that hold the fridges, Carl created some wonderful furniture that really suits the guestrooms – the whole team clearly took a great deal of care and pride in their work.” For unique handmade furniture that’s carefully and individually crafted to meet the needs of you and your home, contact Kevin and Carl at Bespoke Pine n Oak today. “Carl is very, very talented and he’s always very honest and genuine,” says Neil. “And those are such valuable traits in a craftsman. It’s amazing how Bespoke Pine n Oak can take your ideas and turn them into something very special.” Indeed, to coin a phrase, if you can draw it – they can make it!

information

Bespoke Pine n Oak Ltd 28 Tower Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1EJ Tel: 01553 766532 E-mail: info@bespokepinenoakltd.com

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Bespoke Pine n Oak: if you can draw it – we can make it! KLmagazine October 2015

KLmagazine October 2015

Local Life

ABOVE: Charles Stokes outside his tent in France following D Day in 1944 – and pictured opposite on his 102nd birthday earlier this year

Reflecting on 102 years of life in King’s Lynn... In 102 years, Charles Stokes has seen no less than four monarchs, two global wars, 19 prime ministers, and a world transformed – and his amazing story is now being told in a fascinating book...

n 2009, Charles Stokes travelled from his home in King’s Lynn to see a performance of the play War Horse, and it was during the on-stage dramatics that something suddenly occurred to him. “I sat there watching cavalry charging at machine guns and people dying in the First World War,” he says, “and I thought – I was alive when all this was going on!” For Charles was no ordinary member of the audience. Born in his parents’ home in Diamond Street, King’s Lynn in 1913 (his father was a steam engine driver), Charles saw a Zeppelin drop bombs on his home town in 1915, serviced ﬁghter planes

KLmagazine October 2015

during the Battle of Britain, and had tea with a German family as the Second World War came to an end. He helped households revolutionise their cooking and lighting with the introduction of bottled gas, and he bought his first laptop aged 99. Today, from his home (he still lives in King’s Lynn), he can look back on a quite remarkable life – and though the world in which his 14 greatgrandchildren live is vastly different to the one he grew up in – he’s quick to point out that his values haven’t changed that much. He still believes in advance planning and saving before spending, and still extols the benefits of a beautiful garden

and the virtues of clean shoes. And if there is any secret to living a long and rewarding life, few people are in a better position to answer the question. “I sometimes joke and say it’s the Nivea cream I rub around my face after shaving!” says Charles, “But what’s really helped me to live this long is hard work. I’ve always had something to do, even after I retired. If your mind is active because you’ve got a lot on, then that’s half the battle.” Charles may not be unique in reaching such an advanced age, but he is remarkable in his ability to remember (in quite vivid detail) events, people and even conversations stretching back

Local Life

PICTURES: Charles Stokes in his days in the RAF (left) and visiting his Duxford workshop in October 2014 on one of the journeys that resulted in the production of his book ‘A Century of Life’ (right).

over a century. “and I wanted to ensure his incredible sent personalised copies of the book to That ability has now led to Charles – memories and experiences were all his great-grandchildren, so his story at the tender age of 102 – publishing preserved.” will always be in the family.” his first book. Painstakingly transcribing the And though the book’s creation was a Fittingly titled ‘A Century of Life’ the audiotapes and enlisting the help of his family effort, no one’s in any doubt that book tells Charles’ story in his own family to source illustrations for the it’s ultimately the work of one man. The words, from the itchy shirts his mother book, David called on his experiences work of a lifetime, you could say. used to make (he still possesses one of of writing Business Studies textbooks to “I always emphasise it’s my father's her dressmaking tools) to his taxi ride in put his father’s stories into work and my father’s book,” says David. a Lancaster bomber last year. chronological order. “We’re really proud of him, and it’s a Charles is the first to admit he hasn’t The result is a compelling read that’s wonderful thing to be able to show and produced the book himself, however – full of Charles’ uplifting and long-lived share.” and that it was the result of a series of spirit. As for Charles himself, he has his own car journeys he made with his son “It’s wonderful to have something like stock of books he proudly sells – and David as the couple literally travelled this to pass on to new and future he gives all the proceeds to the East down memory lane. generations,” says David. “My father’s Anglian Air Ambulance. Following the death of his But despite such a long beloved wife Florrie – the past to look back on, it couple were married on the comes as no surprise to day the Second World War learn he’s still looking to the started and were together future. for 70 years – Charles was “I’ve promised my greatasked by his son if he’d like grandchildren a ride on my to go on holiday. scooter when they come “My father thought it was back from Bermuda in three a good idea,” remembers years,” he says, “and then David, “but he wanted to go there’s the centenary of the on journeys he’d been on RAF in 2018. There’s plenty with my mother. Naturally, of life to look forward to.” he remembered a lot of the In that, Charles Stokes is routes from memory!” truly an inspiration to us all. The journeys gave Charles plenty of time to reflect on A Century of Life by his life, and for David to Charles Stokes is published record them. by FastPrint Publishing and ABOVE: One of Charles Stokes’ favourite pictures – taken on his 100th “He’s always told stories birthday, it shows him between pictures of the two ladies he admires the is available now from all most – the Queen and his wife Florence. about his life,” says David, good bookshops.

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

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History

2015

West Norfolk: Then and Now

1915

A CENTURY OF THE HIGH STREET... You won’t see many carts being pulled along the High Street of King’s Lynn these days, but it’s still the hive of activity it always was. The postcard at the bottom was sent to us by Mr Joe Edwards of Downham Market, and he says it has a handwritten note on the reverse that dates it to 1915 – exactly

100 years ago. If you can date the original image more accurately – or know what happened to those lovely lights outside what is Debenhams today, please let us know! You can enjoy thousands of images of Norfolk’s unique history on the website at www.picture.norfolk.gov.uk or by visiting the Norfolk Heritage Centre at

the Millennium Library, The Forum, Norwich (or your local studies library). We’ll be taking another look back in time at the local area next month. IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Enjoy thousands of images of Norfolk’s unique history at www.picture.norfolk.gov.uk 42

KLmagazine October 2015

BEFORE

AF T E R

“They impressed us right from the start. They were both friendly and professional, and it was clear they put a real emphasis on customer satisfaction in everything they do” – Mr Docherty, Gorefield

For a new look that suits your home and your budget! hen Mr and Mrs Docherty wanted to replace all the windows and doors in their home at Goreﬁeld they knew exactly what they were looking for, but were unsure if they’d be able to ﬁnd it close to home. “We really liked the idea of using a local company,” says Mr Docherty, “We didn’t want to cut any corners on quality, but we also had a strict budget to work to. We needed someone who was reliable and wouldn’t suddenly surprise us with any unexpected costs.” After visiting the Wisbech showroom of ECOnomy Windows, the Dochertys knew their search for a high quality solution was over.

“They impressed us right from the start,” says Mr Docherty. “They were both friendly and professional, and it was clear they put a real emphasis on customer satisfaction in everything they do.” Working closely with the Dochertys, ECOnomy Windows helped the couple maximise their budget, designing a range of windows and doors that not only matched the property’s aesthetics (thanks to a striking cream finish) but also offered maximum functionality, together with exceptionally high standards of performance and energyefficiency. The result is a beautifullooking home that hasn’t just meet the customers’ high expectations in every respect – it’s actually managed to exceed them. “Everyone at ECOnomy Windows

worked really hard to ensure we were completely satisfied,” says Mr Docherty, “but the fitting team deserves a special mention. They were true perfectionists and took so much care while they were working, taking great pains to keep our home as clean and tidy as possible.” The Dochertys join thousands of customers across the region, who’ve discovered how ECOnomy Windows has built such a formidable reputation for over 25 years – creating beautiful window and conservatory solutions and offering a reliable, professional service that’s seen them grow into one of the most respected names in the business. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the finished look,” says Mr Docherty. “We never imagined that having new windows and doors would make such a huge difference, but ECOnomy Windows really did surprise us – in a completely positive and very professional way.”

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KLmagazine October 2015

How our expert team can help your self-build project T

aking a hands-on approach to our homes has never been so popular. According to recent research by the Building Societies Association, more than half of us would currently like to build our own home. Thanks to the relatively low costs and the ability to control the overall design and layout, no one doubts how attractive self-build and renovation projects are – but they can also be extremely complex, especially for the beginner. Happily, the resources you need – expert help and advice, local knowledge and experience, reliable and high quality products, and a completely professional approach – are all available from 4 Way Refrigeration Ltd. “If you’ve never built a house before, it can be quite bewildering,” says the company’s Steve Simpson, “but we can make your life so much easier. All we need are the plans and elevations, and we can design and install everything

from the hot and cold water system to underfloor heating and PV solutions, and even the electrics and sanitaryware. What’s more, we can help you make the most of the current advances in technology.” That includes the use of innovative new ideas such as air source heating. Needing no gas supply, flues, ventilation or extensive ground works, it’s perfect for self-build projects – and it offers fullycontrollable heat and hot water all year round, low running and maintenance costs, low noise levels, reduced energy consumption, and a 30%–50% reduction in CO2 emissions. “The environmental implications of building today can be a real minefield,” says Steve, “but we can ensure that all certification is complete, that the project is signed off by Building Control, and that it meets the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes. We have a huge amount of local experience in this

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field, helping people avoid making mistakes which can be very costly.” Indeed, the expert knowledge of 4 Way Refrigeration Ltd can not only help your project stay within budget during the build, it can also help you enjoy a lowcost future when it comes to energy efficiencies and fuel consumption. Whether your self-build project is a new family home or the restoration of an older property, contact Steve and his team at 4 Way Refrigeration Ltd to ensure all those grand designs, big dreams and impressive plans become a successful reality you can be proud of.

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KLmagazine October 2015

PICTURES: SUPPLIED

Local Life

ABOVE: The working farm at Gressenhall and its fascinating museum (opposite) oﬀer a unique look into Norfolk’s past – and its people

A living reminder of Norfolk’s social history Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse is one of the county’s most fascinating museums, concentrating on the lives and experiences of ordinary working folk, as KL magazine discovers...

ne site in mid-Norfolk has gone through many incarnations over the years – from chapel to farm, from farm to workhouse, and from workhouse to its current function as one of the county’s most popular museums and tourist attractions. Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse attracts over 80,000 visitors a year. It’s enormously popular with local schools, and even gardening groups and cycling clubs meet at the site – and they’re all surrounded by a rich sense of the county’s history. The ﬁrst reference to the site appears around 1250, when the Chapel of St Nicholas was founded by the Lord of the Manor of Gressenhall. By 1550 the building was no longer in use and by the early 18th century its remains were

KLmagazine October 2015

being used as the manor’s farmhouse. It remained that way until 1774, when meetings were held to discuss applying for an Act of Parliament to set up a ‘House of Industry’ for the poor in the area. Despite much opposition, the bill was granted in 1775 and the work began. Set in 61 acres of land, the ‘House of Industry’ was designed to house 600 inmates (the maximum it ever held was 670 people in 1801) and it opened in July 1777. Men were employed in cultivating the farm, combing wool, dressing ﬂax and hemp and weaving cloth for use in the house, while the women were employed in spinning worsted and hemp – the building contained a factory for making hemp sacks. In 1836 the building was transformed under the Poor Law Amendment Act to a Union workhouse. The aim was to

keep costs low by making life for the paupers so unpleasant that people would do all they could not to live there! With the Act came a new classification system separating men, women and children. Work for the men included breaking stones, pumping water, carting gravel and oakum picking, while the women were left with domestic chores in the kitchens, laundry and female wards – with the only benefits the healthcare and education on offer. Gressenhall actually has a very good reputation for the quality of education given to the workhouse children with the first example of the pupil-teacher system. A charming story from the school’s history concerns 13-year-old William Rush, who took it upon himself to

PICTURES: SUPPLIED

Local Life

ABOVE: Visitors to Gressenhall today are treated to an enjoyable experience – one very diﬀerent from the lives of the site’s original residents

teach the younger members of the school in the Schoolmaster’s absence. It was an event that saw William sent to the Battersea Training School and becoming a fully-trained teacher, eventually becoming Schoolmaster at the West Beckham workhouse in North Norfolk. Most of the inmates at Gressenhall were housed in separate dormitories, but after opinions softened slightly in the 1850’s, respectable elderly couples were allowed to live together – in fact, separate lodgings were built to allow this, accommodation which later became Cherry Tree Cottage. In 1871, the east wing of Gressenhall was converted to an Inﬁrmary, while a bungalow was built as an isolation ward for inmates with infectious diseases. Interestingly, the east wing was taken over by the military authorities in 1917 to house German prisoners of war from the First World War. Although it was used to house a number of patients evacuated from other workhouses in Norwich and Essex during the Second World War, Gressenhall’s fate was sealed with the abolition of the workhouse system and the introduction of the National Health Service in 1948. For a short time, Gressenhall became

Beech House, a County Home for the Elderly, and many of the former workhouse residents continued to live there. After 30 years the building was finally taken over by the county’s Museums Service to become the Norfolk Rural Life Museum and the buildings were refurbished and fitted with displays and artefacts from its past. Today, the 50-acre site is a living reminder of Norfolk’s social history. The museum of life on the land traces the county’s agricultural heritage from the very first farmers to innovations in modern farming, while the collections feature everything from an 1899 Panhard et Levassor (Norfolk’s oldest working car!) to a fascinating range of kitchen gadgets from the 1960s. Its recreation of traditional cottages and shops are truly evocative, and the traditional working farm with its rare breed animals offers a unique hands-on experience of Norfolk’s rural roots. Miriam Burroughs is the Sustainability Officer at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, and she explains what you can expect from a visit these days – though she’s quick to point out it’s nowhere near what it would have been all those years ago! “We’re still very true to Gressenhall’s reputation for education,” she says. “Visitors can discover the story of rural

Norfolk in the museum and on our traditional working farm, and it’s a marvellous way of learning about the county’s traditional tools and trades. You can even go on a cart ride around the farm or walk along the river – leisurely pursuits that were probably denied to most of Gressenhall’s previous residents!” Although Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse is brimming with a wealth of social history, the future is also looking extremely bright. “We’re currently undertaking a threeyear Heritage Lottery funded project called Voices from the Workhouse,” says Miriam. “Although the museum displays do an excellent job of recreating the past, the project will transform them – telling the stories and of the people who lived and worked in the workhouse in their own words.” As an insight into the daily lives of the county’s people, Gressenhall is undoubtedly one Norfolk’s most important museums – one that celebrates its life as well as its past.

GRESSENHALL FARM & WORKHOUSE Gressenhall, Dereham NR20 4DR For further information, details and opening times, please call either the 24-hour pre-recorded information line on 01362 869263 or 01362 860563 (during oﬃce hours) or visit Gressenhall section of the website www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

KLmagazine October 2015

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A fresh crop of quality and choice from Doubleday!

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the family, and from complete farm playsets to around 50 different baseball caps, hats and beanies. You'll even find a toaster that burns a tractor design onto your bread! At Doubleday, it's all about the lifestyle and while keeping your agricultural machinery in top condition is always one of our main concerns, it's no wonder our younger visitors get just as much from visiting us as their parents. We've been part of the landscape for generations and those generations have always been happy ones!

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KLmagazine October 2015

Pets

AnimalMatters Our monthly look at the issues concerning you and your pets with Alex Dallas of the London Road Veterinary Centre...

SMALL BITES E

veryone loves a cute pet picture and at London Road and the Hollies we are no different. To see some of our wonderful pet pictures follow us on facebook, twitter or Instagram. Visit our website for more details.

Alfie’s food for thought E

arlier this year I had an appointment with Alfie, an exuberant Westie terrier, who isn’t overly keen on his visits to the vet. Fortunately, his owners are great with him and with a gentle and patient approach we always get on fine. This particular morning Alfie came in because he had been having trouble weeing for a couple of days, which was not like him. Sometimes finding out what is wrong with a pet is gleaned from the owner’s description of the problem, sometimes from an examination, sometimes from diagnostic tests. However, sometimes there is just an instinctive element, perhaps this comes with experience and on this occasion I just felt there was something more to Alfie’s problem. We made a plan to admit Alfie to hospital straight away and to x-ray his bladder, with the benefit of an anaesthetic, both for him and for us!

We took several x-rays to highlight his abdomen and his bladder and its contents, and sure enough there we found a large number of small stones that had formed inside his bladder. These were intermittently rolling out the bladder and causing a blockage making it very uncomfortable for Alfie. Action was needed, we performed an operation called a urethostomy, surgery to make an opening that would allow the stones to be passed easily. It’s delicate intricate surgery which thankfully went very well. Following his operation Alfie was a model patient and made a great recovery. Some months later and he is back to weeing “like a good un”. Cases like these are very rewarding. Helping a client who is worried about their pet, not just because the animal is ill, but because they are anxious away from their owners, is something we take particular pride in. Our nurses

make a point of gentle handling, and as we often say treat them as if they were our own pets. The PDSA charity are looking for amazing animals who have faced the worst and lived to ‘tell the tail’. To nominate your pet for ‘PDSA Pet Survivor of the Year’ visit our website and follow the link.

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Caring for your environment KLmagazine October 2015

Professional tree care in a changing world...

f anyone had any doubts about the local impact of climate change, they’d do well to speak with Dan Ashton of Heritage Tree Specialists in King’s Lynn. He’s been working on forestry and tree care across East Anglia for some 25 years now, and has genuinely noticed a steady increase in storm damage. “It’s not just a case of having more rain,” he says. “We’re having heavier storms with stronger winds and more lightning strikes. We treated three storm-damaged trees in a single week recently, which is really unusual.” It’s an experience borne out by research by the Forestry Commission, which estimates that over 1 million square metres of timber in Britain has been damaged by major storms at least five times in the last 50 years. There may be little Dan can do about climate change, but together with fellow director James Hoddy and a fully-trained and highly-experienced team, Heritage Tree Specialists can help KLmagazine October 2015

minimise the dangers posed by these fiercer storms – and the tree damage caused by them. “Thinning the crown of a tree can be really effective as it helps the wind pass through the branches,” he explains. “It doesn’t change the overall size of the tree, but it does stop it acting like a sail in a strong wind. It’s a very good way of reducing the risk, especially to more mature trees, which are the most vulnerable to storm damage.” Of course, if the worst does happen, Heritage Tree Specialists offers a comprehensive tree care service that ranges from precision dismantling and stump grinding to professional Tree Reports and Protection Plans. “The work we do will largely depend on how intensive the damage is,” he says. “Weakened trees can be made safe by a relatively simple crown reduction, and those that have been fatally damaged or fallen over can be totally removed.” It can be a particularly hazardous process – to both Dan and his team

and to neighbouring people or property – but Heritage Tree Specialists have an enviable safety record and is committed to exceptionally high training standards, which are continually updated. And while we’re on the subject of protecting our changing environment, it’s good to know that Heritage Tree Specialists aims to recycle 100% of the arisings from their work – whether that’s in the form of split firewood, milled timber or woodchips for biomass boilers. If you have any storm-damaged or weakened trees or would like advice on how to protect your trees in the future, contact Heritage Tree Specialists today for more details and information, free written quotations and a professional service you can trust.

information

Heritage Tree Specialists Willow Farm Industrial Units, Lynn Road, Saddlebow, King’s Lynn PE34 3AR Tel: 01553 617008 Web: www.heritagetreespecialists.co.uk E-mail: info@heritagetreespecialists.co.uk

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KLmagazine October 2015

Local Life

ABOVE: Some of the stunning furniture being produced at The Apothecary in Tottenhill by the former Hollywood-based fashion designer Sandra Johnson and her daughter Bianca Lee (opposite)

Giving furniture the haute couture touch... In Tottenhill, a mother and daughter team is creating stunning pieces of furniture inspired by their experiences at the top of the fashion world. KL magazine visits The Apothecary to discover more

oing from couture houses in Beverley Hills and Kensington and dressing Hollywood’s elite to creating vintage, antique and bespoke furniture in Norfolk is a remarkable journey, but it’s not one Sandra Johnson has made alone. Today, she lives in Tottenhill with her daughter Bianca Lee – creating what the couple like to describe as “masterpieces within the home.” Sandra’s story is a truly fascinating one. She began knitting at the tender age of four and was designing for her dolls at the age of ﬁve – by the time she was 12 she was already making her

KLmagazine October 2015

own patterns and clothes for herself by hand. “After growing up as an orphan of Doctor Banardos Homes and using the pain I suﬀered to create things of beauty made me realise my past would never rule my future,” she says. “I was a very complex child, and after growing up being told I would never be anything good in this world made me determined to prove everyone wrong.” From a young age, Sandra worked her way up to the heights of the fashion industry, working for designers such as Ozzie Clarke, Zandra Rhodes, the Chelsea Design Company (the main designer who dressed Diana, Princess

of Wales), and Jean Muir – who Sandra still admires as an “amazing” couture designer. “I was actually their ‘sample’ machinist,” she explains, “so I made the ﬁrst gown that was used on the runways and catwalks in major fashion shows such as Paris.” It was a responsible role, as all the other gowns were produced from Sandra’s ﬁrst sample. After gathering this experience, Sandra started her own couture house in Kensington’s Church Street (where most of her elite customer based lived) and in Robertson Boulevard in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles –

Local Life where she remained for 25 years. “While living in Beverly Hills I designed and made gowns for celebrities such as Whoopee Goldberg and Nikki Schieler,” says Sandra, “and I also dressed Jaqueline Smith and the Olsen Twins – to name but a few.” For years, Sandra fabricated haute couture clothing for Royal Ascot, Royal weddings, black-tie events and worldfamous awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and Emmy’s. “Creating gowns for the world’s elite has been wonderful,” she says, “but at the same time it was also a humbling experience.” It was the perfect environment for the creative spirit of Sandra’s daughter, Bianca to flourish. When she was younger, Bianca Lee grew up in the couture house in Beverly Hills, surrounded by all the glamour Hollywood has to offer, and when she was old enough she began working for Sandra. After moving to Norfolk with Bianca, Sandra’s new venture was inspired by her love for haute couture sewing, French and English heirloom sewing, Irish crochet, pattern making and knitting. “A year ago, I woke up and said to Bianca that I wanted to design some furniture that was as amazing and beautiful as the gowns I’d created,” she says. “My first piece was beautiful, and I encouraged Bianca to design some pieces of her own. Of course, being my little princess and being as talented as her mother she hit the ground running!” With a combined 45 years of experience designing and creating clothing masterpieces behind them, Sandra and Bianca are now creating masterpieces for the home, pieces that have received comments such as ‘amazing’ and ‘unbelievably stunning’ from all quarters. The couple’s business is called The Apothecary and is based just outside King’s Lynn in Tottenhill. “We’re endeavouring to transform modern, vintage and antique furniture into bespoke masterpieces,” says Bianca. “While we’re primarily inspired by old English tapestries and art and décor, we’re just as inspired by fresh, modern, whimsical designs.” Sandra and Bianca say their unification of old world and new is what sets them apart. Their furniture – whether modern, vintage or antique – is predominantly made in England, the products constructed by British carpenters and then painted and embellished by hand. “Each and every piece of furniture has been hand painted with water, oil or

china paints and The Apothecary is inspired by a multitude of artwork,” says Bianca. “Some of this includes Renoir, Rembrandt and Degas as well as several modern artists.” After leading such a glamorous life in such fast-paced cities, living in West Norfolk must be a dramatic change of pace, but it’s also a welcome one. “After living in Beverly Hills, I really wanted to live in the countryside and I’ve always loved Norfolk,” says Sandra. “It ticks every box for me, the beautiful green meadows, the wildlife – I feel blessed to be around such beauty.” As we know, from the wealth of artists living and working in Norfolk, it’s also a great place to be to get the creative juices ﬂowing. “We have so much to see and do here in Norfolk, and period architecture at its best can be found here,” explains Sandra. “What peace and tranquillity we have in Norfolk – where one can be so artistic and creative!” If you’re interested in the amazing ‘furniture couture’ work of Sandra and Bianca at THE APOTHECARY, you can ﬁnd out more information on their website www.theapothecarybyelouise.com or contact them by calling 07715 297063, or by sending them an e-mail to theapothecarybyelouise@gmail.com.

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

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fashion Fashion

Be bold, be brave, and make a fittingly stunning impression this autumn with the latest graphic print designs. The days may be getting darker, but you’ll be amazed just how far a little touch of colour can go – and there’s plenty of inspiration available from the best of our local boutiques...

Zebra print Coat by Frank Lyman CINDYS | Sutton Bridge 01406 350961 KLmagazine October 2015

Black embellished jacket (£125) Oriental fringe kimono dress (£99) by Biba at House of Fraser INTU CHAPELFIELD SHOPPING CENTRE | Norwich 01603 753344 KLmagazine October 2015

Fashion

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KLmagazine October 2015

Just arrived! selection o f joules wellies fro m £31

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Wide range of top brand country clothing • BARBOUR • DUBARRY • MUSTO • SCHÖFFEL • LE CHAMEAU • CHRYSALIS TOGGI • HUCKLECOTE • DEERHUNTER • SEELAND • HARKILA • ZOO Also stocking guns, ammunition & shooting accessories

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KLmagazine October 2015

Country & Shooting Clothing, Accessories and Gifts for all.

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Fashion

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KLmagazine October 2015

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t: 01553 631915 open: Monday to Saturday 10am - 4.30pm w: www.allezchic.co.uk e: cheryldaubney@allezchic.co.uk KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

IMAGE BY: CARMEN GOETZ

Fashion

ABOVE: The incredible work of King’s Lynn’s Ashley Pearce has been seen everywhere from Strictly Come Dancing to Clothes Show Live

Gaywood’s rising star in the world of fashion... Art meets the catwalk in a quite stunning collection of wonderfully-creative, intriguing and beautifully-crafted headwear. KL magazine talks to a truly unique local designer

t’s fair to say that Gaywood’s Ashley Pearce has a real head for style. Just two years ago after setting up his own business for his stunningly original masks and headwear, the 21-year-old designer has already reached heights many aspiring fashionistas can only dream of. His work – described as “exquisite couture from the realms of magical madness” – has been featured in some of the world’s most prestigious magazines (including Vogue and Tatler), and has been seen on primetime television shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Clothes Show Live. Earlier this year Ashley’s creations graced Royal Ascot, and he’ll be

KLmagazine October 2015

showcasing a full collection at next year’s London Fashion Show. It’s an amazing success story, but then Ashley admits he’s always been creative. “For as long as I can remember I’ve had a vivid imagination and the urge to create beautiful things,” he says. “I really have to thank my family for nurturing that as it plays such a huge part in all my endeavours.” Ashley’s natural talents may have led him into any ﬁeld, but they were taken in an unusual direction by his seeing a production of Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End. “I left the show feeling disappointed with the masks,” he remembers. “I truly

felt I could have made them so much better.” Fate stepped in shortly after, as Ashley came across a basket in a local store that contained only one item; a blank Venetian-style mask that was waiting to be given a personality. Mystic Magic was born, although it took seven years before Ashley named the business. “I was working really hard and putting down the foundations to build on,” he says, “but by 2013 I knew it was time to take it on as a full-time business and not just a hobby.” Success hasn’t come without its challenges, though – Ashley actually had to drop out of his ﬁnal school year

Fashion

just completed and was an Octobubble sea goddess headpiece with tentacles and even bubble baubles that actually light up,” he explains. “It wasn’t one of the most secure things for a person to wear on their head but it sure looks amazing when it’s on!” Despite the pull of London’s fashion houses and the widespread and growing critical acclaim, Ashley finds his native county the perfect place to live and fuel his creative mind. “I love Norfolk for the beautiful and scenic countryside,” he says. “You’d never get that in an industrial city landscape – at least not naturally.” Indeed, Ashley finds himself in the best of both worlds. “Being located in King’s Lynn means I’m at the end of the train line from London, not far from Sandringham, and close to the seaside,” he says. “I find there’s an influential and flowing connection between all these places that allows me to gain perks from many angles.” The future seems extremely bright for Mystic Magic, but Ashley is keen not to get ahead of himself. “I’m learning to take each day as it comes as you can never tell what magical surprises may pop up around the corner,” he says. “I’ve got plenty of secret projects in the pipeline along with my anticipated Redemption collection – and a few seasonal specials too, including plenty of crazy photo shoots!”

IMAGES BY: CARMEN GOETZ / VIC CHOWHAM / LEE WOODWARD / CHRIS BIELE

due to serious levels of bullying. “It may have helped me focus everything on my career, but I’d never condone bullying as a way of helping someone with a character-building legup in life,” he says. “Even today the experience remains with me. I believe everyone – no matter what age they are – should respect one another.” Since its launch and despite its youthful founder, Mystic Magic has already dressed some internationallyfamous people for a number of large-scale events, not least Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kristina Rihanoff for the show’s Halloween Special. “One of my favourite pieces has to be the evil Queen Ravenna crown I made for Kristina,” says Ashley. “It was also one of my most challenging as the crown’s first incarnation crumbled to dust in my hands and left me just one day to make it from scratch again!” Ashley’s remarkable creations have also graced an American rock star, a celebrity interior designer, stylists in Milan – and he’s also produced designs for the singer and actress Paloma Faith’s stylist Karl Willet, designs that appeared on last year’s Clothes Show Live. It’s tempting to ask if there’s any single work Ashley’s most proud of, but it’s a question he finds difficult to answer. “I value all of my designs the same and with each new creation I end up outdoing myself almost every time!” he laughs. Fittingly, one of his latest designs takes a distinct Halloween theme. “It was for a themed photo shoot I’ve

For a further look at Ashley’s work and to keep up to date with his latest creations, you can visit his website at www.mysticmagiconline.co.uk.

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

Health

Quitting for good... As the NHS designates this month ‘Stoptober’ local hypnotherapist Ché Ballard explains how hypnosis can help you start leading a healthier, wealthier life...

s this month marks the country’s annual mass attempt at quitting smoking in the shape of the NHS “Stoptober” campaign, I thought it might be an appropriate time for a few words on how hypnosis may be able to help those of you who are struggling to quit this poisonous habit! We all know smoking is harmful, and can lead to a variety of diseases and disorders such as cancer, lung disease, heart and circulation diseases, and complications in pregnancy and labour – but that’s only half the story. As well as containing the highly addictive drug nicotine, cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals, around 70 of which are known carcinogens. They also fill your lungs with carbon monoxide and coat them in tar. For something so harmful it’s somewhat surprising that so many of us continue with a habit that most people only started to “fit in”! As if the fact that they can kill you wasn’t bad enough, cigarettes also age

you prematurely, dull your senses of smell and taste, make you smell like an old ashtray and cost an absolute fortune. And before anyone’s tempted to say “ah yes, but they relax me” – sorry but they don’t. Nicotine is actually a stimulant! So why not make the commitment to stop today? Now that you’ve (hopefully) decided to quit, there are many methods available, including acupuncture, nicotine gum, medication and counselling. There are even apps available to help you quit. E-cigarettes seem to be the popular new kids on the block, but there is at present no longterm evidence as to their safety, and in general they still contain the drug nicotine. Naturally, my recommended method for stopping smoking is hypnosis; it’s completely safe and natural, with no need to become a slave to patches or gum, nor will you have to keep buying refills for your e-cigarettes. Typically, one hypnotherapy session

for smoking cessation is all you need to be well on your way to breaking the nicotine habit and becoming a healthier and wealthier non-smoker. If you’re participating in “Stoptober" then whatever method you use (or methods, as there’s evidence that suggests a combo-approach can work best for some people), I wish you success in your endeavour. You certainly won’t regret the improvements in your health, and the financial rewards will be an added bonus! Before I leave I’d quickly like to mention that in addition to my practice in Watton I can now offer hypnotherapy sessions at the Natural Therapy Centre in King’s Lynn, which can be found on Nelson Street. Good luck with your “Stoptober” efforts, and I’ll see you again next month.

C hé

Ché Ballard 07990 795574 www.trance-fix.co.uk

If you can’t wait for next month, you can contact Ché at change@trance-fix.co.uk KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

“

After only one session I’ve got a range of motion in my back that I haven’t had for years. It’s made a huge difference to me and I would thoroughly recommend it...

”

DANIEL THOMAS King’s Lynn ABOVE: KL magazine joins Daniel Thomas in a follow-up session with The Fitness Studios’ Terry Connolly to learn more about Terry’s incredibly effective techniques at first hand

How Terry freed me from years of back pain in minutes! aving suffered from lower back problems for several years, Daniel Thomas of King’s Lynn was looking for an alternative to chiropractors – he’d visited them on many occasions and was becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of any long-term relief when he discovered The Fitness Studios’ Terry Connolly. “I actually read about Terry in an issue of KL magazine,” he says. “I really didn’t know what to expect, but I’d heard reliable reports that his technique really did work and thought it was well worth a try.” Highly qualified and highly respected in the movement therapy community, Terry Connolly has recently qualified in the practice of Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR), a revolutionary discipline developed by international orthopaedic surgeon Jose Palomar. He’s actually one of only a handful of people in the entire world offering this form of treatment, which offers a fast and lasting solution to everything from neck and shoulder pain to the legacy of past injuries and the discomfort caused by genetic conditions.

KLmagazine October 2015 K

And if you needed any proof of the discipline’s effectiveness, Daniel’s story makes amazing reading. Indeed, Terry identified the cause of Daniel’s problem virtually as soon as they met. “That’s the real beauty of P-DTR,” says Terry. “My first session with Daniel involved a full assessment of his condition and his history, and though it only lasted about an hour, by the end of it he was able to touch his toes for the first time in months.” Naturally, Daniel was left with a sense of amazement. “When I arrived at The Fitness Studios I couldn’t really get my shoulders further forward than my hips and now I was able to touch the floor with my whole hand!” he says. “What I found most incredible is that Terry seemed to focus on parts of my body I didn’t think were related or connected to my lower back.” Although the science behind it is quite technical, P-DTR essentially works by reactivating nerves and muscles and reopening neural pathways that have broken down – for any number of reasons.

“Although many people come to me with exactly the same problem with their back they’ll actually have completely different causes,” says Terry. “That’s why the ‘cookie cutter’ approach of offering a single solution to back pain simply doesn’t work. The only thing these people have in common is that by using P-DTR I’ve helped them all.” It’s something Daniel would fully endorse. “After only one session I’ve got a range of motion in my back that I haven’t had for years,” he says. “It’s made a huge difference to me and I’d thoroughly recommend it. In fact, I already have!” If you’ve been suffering for longer than you can remember and think you’ve tried everything, contact Terry at The Fitness Studios today and discover how easy it is to finally – and permanently – free your body.

information

The Fitness Studios Old Dairy Units, Austin Fields, King’s Lynn Tel: 01553 277520 / 07976 387201 Web: www.fitnesskingslynn.co.uk

Saturday Evening À la carte Sample Dishes Starters Home Cured & Smoked Gressingham Duck Breast with Beetroot, Lambs Leaf, Hazelnut and Green Apple. ‘Taste of Ocean’ Smoked Salmon Parfait, Spiced Baby Octopus, Crayfish Tails, Pickled Cucumber, Caper Berries and Lemon Mayonnaise.

Mains ‘The Gamekeepers Tasting Plate’ Venison Pie, Pheasant Croquette & Pan Seared Pigeon Breast, Mustard Mash, Carrot Puree, Kale, Baby Vegetables and Chocolate Jus. Grilled Supreme of Salmon with Sweet Potato Puree, Brancaster Marsh Samphire and Brown Shrimp Butter. Visit or contact us to see our full menu.

THE

BERNEY ARMS www.theberneyarms.co.uk Church Road, Barton Bendish PE33 9GF | Tel: 01366 347995

The pub with no bar – great ales straight from the cask! Quality food at superb value! Sunday lunches are available: Sirloin roast beef, leg of lamb or pork with crackling, homemade Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy.

Have you tried our famous Nelson's Blood? Opening times: 11.45am to 3pm & 6pm to 10pm. Lunch meals 12pm to 2.30pm, evening meals 6pm to 9pm, Bank Holidays open all day.

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KLmagazine October 2015

Food & Drink

Chefs Ham, Egg, Chips & Peas Serves: 6 INGREDIENTS 2 smoked or unsmoked ham hocks 12 quail eggs 100ml honey 1 bunch of curly parsley 1 carrot fine diced 3 sticks of celery fine diced 30 pea shoots 12 cherry tomatoes 1 maris piper potato (medium) maldon salt cracked black pepper FOR THE STOCK 2 carrots chopped 2 sticks of celery chopped 1 white onion chopped 4 cloves of garlic 2 star anise 6 sprigs of thyme

METHOD 1 Put the ham hocks into a large pan with the stock ingredients and cover with cold water. Set the pan over a high heat and bring to the boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 2½ to 3 hours or until the meat falls from the bone, leave to cool in the pan. 2 Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set in a tray, season with olive oil, salt and pepper then put into a pre-heated oven at 100°c for 3½ hours. 3 Line a 1 litre-capacity terrine mould with cling film or a loaf tin, remove the ham hocks and strain the stock through a fine sieve. 4 Shred the ham removing as much fat and sinew as possible into a large bowl. Mix the ham, parsley, honey, fine diced

vegetables and 300ml of the stock, season with cracked black pepper then press into the prepared terrine and chill. 5 Peel the potato then julienne and rinse into a bowl of water then drain on a cloth and deep fry at 180°c until golden brown, then season with the maldon salt. 6 Bring a pan of water to the boil with a splash of white vinegar and boil the quail eggs for 2 minutes 26 seconds. Immediately remove and place in ice cold water. Once cooled, carefully remove the shells and cut into halves. 7 Remove ham hock from the fridge slice into finger width pieces, glaze with honey and a sprinkle of maldon salt and plate with the rest of the ingredients, garnish with pea shoots to finish.

Recipe by Liam Sandish, Head Chef at The Berney Arms Church Road, Barton Bendish PE33 9GF Tel: 01366 347995 Web: www.theberneyarms.co.uk KLmagazine October 2015

A TRADITIONAL PUB WITH TRADITIONAL FOOD

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STEAK NIGHT Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays PIE NIGHT Monday nights only £7.50 & includes a drink LUNCHTIME SPECIAL On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Soup, sandwich or a wrap only £6 and includes a drink

Guar antee your self a brilli ant, stres s-free Chri stma s in our cosy villag e pub! We offer Christmas party menus, with a great choice of traditional festive favourites. We also serve Christmas Day lunch and a Boxing Day buffet - a great way to entertain the family without doing the washing up! Book early to avoid disappointment! Find us on Facebook!

01553 811326 | www.theangelpub.webs.com | 41 School Road, Watlington, King’s Lynn, PE33 0HA

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KLmagazine October 2015

ABOVE: Terry Harle, Joy Smith, Richard Bowers and James Middleton

The best local flavours and the finest local quality ince the rise of the supermarket, visiting a butcher has become something of a choice rather than a necessity, but at Bowers Butchers in Gaywood it's a choice that more and more people are making. For several good reasons. It's not just the warm welcome and friendly service that's been offered by the same family for over 80 years. It's not just the fact you can buy the precise cut and the exact amount you need. It's not even because of those justly-famous and award-winning sausages. It's because Bowers Butchers have always ensured their products have been ethically produced as locally as possible to provide the very highest quality and the most amazing taste. "This isn't a new thing by any means," says James Middleton, whose grandfather founded the business back in 1932. "Although the nature of the relationship has inevitably changed over years, we've always worked closely with local producers and farmers. Our customers do like to know exactly where their food has come from, and it's equally important we support the local economy and other family-run businesses such as ourselves." It means that whatever you're serving, Bowers' commitment to local quality is clear. The pork comes from Blythburgh Free Range Pork, and is so exceptional

KLmagazine October 2015

it's received glowing praise from people such as Jamie Oliver and Delia Smith and can be found on the menu of The Ivy in London. Bowers' beef and lamb comes courtesy of Ted Neal at Priory Farm in Wormegay, where the sheep are reared on the banks of the river Nar and the cattle are mainly Limousin crossed with traditional British breeds for a truly distinctive flavour. Bowers' free range eggs come from Havensfield Happy Hens, the chickens from Diaper Poultry, and with Christmas on the horizon, Bower's turkeys will be coming from Walpole St Andrew and the free-range geese from L & AE Munns and Son's traditional Fenland farm at Chatteris. And it's not just the meat that gets all this attention. At Bowers, the honey comes from hives only a few miles away and several ingredients of their homemade chutneys are grown in the family gardens. Even when Bowers introduced an ale-flavoured sausage, they chose

one of Norfolk's finest for the mix Wherry, Woodforde's champion beer of Britain. "We don't just pay lip service to the idea of sourcing local products," says James. "We actually make a point of visiting these farms and talking to the farmers about animal welfare. I think it's very important for Bowers to be the final step in the journey from field to fork." It also means that Bowers can help you make the most of it - from advice and help on preparation and cooking to free recipe cards that benefit from James' experiences as a chef. "We could always buy cheaper products if we wanted to, but people have become a lot more discerning now," he says. "They're more concerned about the origins and production of their food, and that outweighs any small increase in cost. Best of all, of course, there's absolutely no doubt that you can taste the difference." Treat yourself to a taste of Bowers today - it's a taste well worth discovering.

information

Bowers Butchers 71 Lynn Road, Gaywood, Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn Norfolk PE30 4PR Telephone: 01553 773845 Website: www.bowersbutchers.com E-mail: info@bowersbutchers.com

FESTIVE

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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!

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KLmagazine October 2015

Food & Drink

RestaurantReview

KL magazine discovers a taste of tradition at the Coach and Horses in Dersingham...

aute cuisine and cordon bleu are well and good, and Norfolk has an enviable reputation for fine dining, but there comes a time when you need a taste of tradition – great homemade food and great beer in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Welcome, then, to the Coach and Horses in Dersingham. Happily, it’s a location that hasn’t lost its credentials as a local pub. The winner of several awards over the past few years, the Coach and Horses was voted CAMRA’s West Norfolk Pub of the Year 2015 – and always has four real ales on offer in addition to a guest cider. Woodforde’s Wherry is a welcome local constant, but on our visit we were kindly treated to a sampling of Tom Wood’s delightful Crafty Farmer, the popular Spitfire (from Britain’s oldest brewery), and FuggleDee-Dum, which is brewed on the Isle of Wight by Goddard’s – certainly the discovery of the day, it was well worth a pint or two. Having been shown to our table (fortunately we’d reserved one, as it was very busy when we arrived) we began to look at the menus, only to hear the man beside us tell his wife he’d just enjoyed his best-ever meal.

KLmagazine October 2015

It wasn’t an isolated piece of praise, however, as just a few minutes later the lady behind us thanked her waitress for “one of the nicest steaks I think I've ever had.” Having been duly reassured that we were in for a bit of a treat, we both had the crispy seafood platter to start – a generous and very tasty collection of Thai-style prawns, devilled whitebait and homemade salmon fishcakes, complete with tartare sauce and a sweet chilli dip. The available starters were actually very imaginative, and featured some lovely-sounding vegetarian options (several of which could be served as main courses) but we were satisfied we’d made the right choice. The whitebait especially deserves a special mention, and the tartare sauce was outstanding, with a genuine bite that offset the fish brilliantly. The main courses offered a mouthwatering choice of traditional pub food such as Hunter’s Chicken, a beef Madras curry and those highlypraised steaks, while the specials board featured a very tempting hake dish and a delightful-sounding bacon and artichoke linguine. From the specials board we ordered the roasted vegetable risotto (topped with a rocket and feta cheese salad) and the slow-cooked belly pork, which

was served with garlic and sage new potatoes, a selection of vegetables, crispy pancetta and a cider sauce. Both meals were served in good time, and tasted every bit as good as they looked on the plate. The risotto offered a very nice contrast of flavours, and the feta cheese did such a good job of bringing out the various tastes that the dish could possibly have benefitted from a bit more of it. Meanwhile, the pork was a triumph, with the crispy panetta working very well with the soft meat – and the garlic and sage potatoes were delicious. The Coach and Horses also has a novel approach to desserts, offering ‘mini’ versions of the options (for only £3.75, including a coffee!) for people in need of something sweet – but something not too filling. We had a mini portion of the homemade passion fruit cheesecake and a cheeseboard, for which (rather unusually) you can choose the cheeses yourself. If you did need any further reason to visit the Coach and Horses, the pub will be holding its ever-popular Beer and Cider Festival later this month. From 16th-18th October you can sample around 20 ales and ciders and enjoy live music every day – and if the weather’s kind enough, you can even make the most of the Coach and Horse’s beautiful beer garden. Just don't forget to treat yourself to a meal at the same time – traditional pub food has probably never tasted quite this good!

FOOD

SERVICE

VALUE

THE COACH & HORSES 77 Manor Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6LN Telephone: 01485 540391 Web: www.thecoachpub.com

L OFFER! AL CIA ECI PE SP SPE 6 ackk for only £60 Pa P eeatt Pac Mea M .93 RRP: £106.93

Family run restaurant in the heart of King’s Lynn, serving exceptional locally sourced food in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

As featured in the prestigious ‘Michelin guide’ and ‘Waitrose Good Food guide’ ¿OOHWWVV HQ ¿OOH NHQ KLFN FKLF HVV F QHOOHVV RQH R ER NLOOR E NL V ¿OOHWWV HQ ¿OOH NHQ N F L K FKLF F V V H QHOOHVV RQH H ER LQHVVH E KLQH R FK NLOOR F NL V V N D H WHDN W V Q L LQ V R O N N OR U R S SRU V V H O OHVV QH RQH R ER NLOOR E NL HDNVV N VWWHDN UN V SRU OHVVV SR HOHV RQH ERQ 4 E %4 R %% NLOOR % NL DN HDN W V G VWH QFHG PLLQFH Q P OHDQ [WUD OHD OR H[WUD NLOR H NL V HV H J D V XVDJ X D V N VD N SRU HVW SRU OR EHVW NL NLOR E Q RQ EDFR DFN EDF EDFN UH E XUH \ FX U\ F OR GU NL NLOR G

To place your order please call us on:

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NOW TAKI NG BO O KI NG S F OR CH RI S T M AS Serving lunch and supper Tuesday to Saturday. For more info on opening times and menus visit our website.

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CHRISTMAS! IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO BOOK FOR

FROZEN GAME AT REDUCED PRICES

Gourmet Burger & Charity Race Night 29th October

Frighteningly fresh seafood for a real Halloween treat! Local oysters & fresh cockles Lobsters & crabs Tuna & swordfish Jumbo raw prawns Fresh & smoked fish Free range eggs & local honey

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Extensive delicatesse counter with top n quality local cheeses .

DONALDSONS A fresh taste of the sea

Austin Fields, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 772241 OPEN: Tues/Wed/Thurs 7am-4pm, Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-3pm

A beautiful 16th Century coaching inn set in the heart of Norfolk’s rural Castle Acre, a village rich in historical beauty

• 4 Star rated inn by AA and 5 star rated food

• Fabulous accommodation including delicious breakfasts • Family friendly pub with a wonderful beer garden • Folk music nights - last Sunday of every month, quiz nights every other Monday & much more! Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with events

To book a table or a room please calL 01760 755398 • www.ostrichcastleacre.com Stocks Green, Castle Acre, King’s Lynn PE32 2AE

KLmagazine October 2015

Food & Drink

Boeuf Bourguignon Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking: 1 ½ - 2 hours Serves: 2 INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon of oil 50g bacon lardons 1 white onion 2 carrots 1 garlic clove 500g diced beef topside 2 tablespoons flour 200ml full bodied red wine 250ml beef stock 1 tablespoon tomato paste 100g pearl onions 100g sautéed button mushrooms

KLmagazine October 2015

METHOD

1 Sauté the bacon lardons with the oil in a large casserole pan. 2 Remove the bacon & set to one side. 3 Soften the chopped white onion, carrots and a crushed garlic clove in the bacon fat. 4 Add the seasoned diced beef topside on a high heat and brown the meat. Return the bacon to the pan and add the flour, then stir.

5 Add the full bodied red wine, beef stock, one tablespoon of tomato paste and season. 6 In a frying pan lightly brown the pearl onions in a little butter and then add to the pan. 7 Cover and cook in the oven at 180°c for 1 ½ - 2 hours. Stir in the sautéed button mushrooms. 8 Serve with parsnip chips.

Recipe by The Ship Hotel Main Road, Brancaster, King’s Lynn PE31 8AP Tel: 01485 210333 Web: www.shiphotelnorfolk.co.uk 79

KLmagazine October 2015

PICTURES: IAN WARD

Food & Drink

Celebrating the award winning taste of Elgood’s It was one of the first classic Georgian breweries built outside London, and for over two centuries it’s been run by the same family. KL magazine enjoys a taste of Wisbech’s finest...

t’s a rare thing today to come across a large-scale national business that’s been family-run for a substantial period of time, especially for as long as 200 years. It’s a thing worth raising your glasses to, which is particularly fitting as it’s the perfect description of Elgood’s Brewery, which has sat on the North Brink in Wisbech since its foundation back in 1795. Seeing four different owners in its first three quarters of a century, the brewery was purchased by John Elgood and George Harrison in 1877 and it’s been with the Elgood family ever since. The first Elgood’s brew was produced a year later (the same year John Elgood became the brewery’s KLmagazine October 2015

sole owner) and after 17 years the company became Elgood & Sons when John’s son Horace became Chairman. After Horace passed away in 1933, his nephew Stewart was appointed both Chairman and Managing Director and in 1968 his only son Nigel became the fourth generation of the family to oversee the business. Today, the business is run by the ﬁfth generation of the family with Nigel and Anne Elgood’s three daughters taking charge, with Belinda Sutton (the eldest daughter) becoming the ﬁrst woman to become Managing Director of the business in 2002. Claire Simpson is in charge of product development and youngest sister Jenny Everall is the Company Secretary and Finance

Director. “We have a tradition of family involvement in our staff as well as the Elgood family,” says Belinda. “Many generations have worked here and we’ve always kept our roots firmly based in Wisbech.” The brewery is the biggest and the oldest in the region, and it’s a status Elgood’s takes justifiable pride in, especially with the fashionable emergence of smaller breweries cropping up throughout the county. “We’re very proud of our history and hope that, as the fifth generation, we can maintain the business for future generations,” says Belinda. “It is a challenge to be the biggest brewery as the smaller, more modern breweries 81

PICTURES: IAN WARD

Food & Drink

are purpose-built units with smaller overheads. They’ll always give the larger brewery greater competition!” Not many breweries would be able to match Elgoods on their products, though. The brewery produces a range of fine ales throughout the year including bottled and special seasonal beers, including this month’s appropriately-named ‘Which Witch is Which?’ – described as being a spellbinding ruby-red ale. “Our products range from the traditional bitter which has been brewed here for 200 years, to probably the widest range of beers currently being brewed anywhere in the country,” says Belinda. “Our beers range from milds, porters and stouts to fruitflavoured wheat beers and everything in between!” There’s always been something rather special about a pint of Elgood’s. In addition to many new fruit-flavoured products, it’s the only brewery in the UK producing a lambic-style beer in traditional coolship trays. “The sour beer in the open cooling trays and the use of very traditional methods using wild yeast definitely

makes us unique,” says Belinda. The aforementioned range of products has been brewed using several diﬀerent methods, and while the main brewery produces traditional mild, bitter and golden beers, Elgood’s also has an on-site mini-brewery which creates the more varied seasonal, fruit and niche craft beers. A central tenet of Elgood’s philosophy is keeping hold of its local roots, which is good news as North Norfolk is the best place in the country to grow barley for the brewing trade. “We purchase ﬁnest quality malted barley from the North Norfolk area,” says Alan Pateman, Head Brewer. “The varieties we use are winter-sown barleys, Maris Otter and Flagon and they’re actually malted at Great Ryburgh. Local sourcing has always been very important to us.” Elgood’s is also fortunate that the mains water which is supplied to Wisbech is sourced from the catchment area of chalk lands around Marham. “While we are a Cambridgeshire brewer, we do place a lot of importance on our neighbours in

Norfolk!” says Alan. Something that always interests the budding brewer (and the connoisseur of fine ales) is a brewery tour, and on the weekend of 5th-6th December Elgood’s is hosting a special Christmas tour from 11am-4pm, offering visitors an inside look at the process that makes these local brews so special. “The equipment used for all three of our brewing methods can be seen on the tour,” Alan says, “and people will also be able to sample a selection of our different beers.” But a visit isn’t just about the beer. Something that you might expect more from visiting a stately home or a park are the beautiful gardens hidden away behind the brewery. “We have a four-acre garden with specimen trees over 200 years old, a maze, a herb garden and even a sensory garden,” says Directors’ PA Kate Pateman. “They’re always a great thing for our visitors to discover – even if the weather’s not being too kind!” For a family-run business of this scale, Elgood’s really keeps it local whist maintaining a finger on the pulse of the drinkers of the 21st century. “Things have changed a great deal during the last 200 years,” says Belinda Sutton, “but although we’ve had to adapt and embrace changing markets and tastes I think Elgood’s has remained a true local brewery that’s continued to produce high quality and great-tasting beers.” Cheers to that!

KLmagazine October 2015

Kit c he ns | Ba t hro o m s | B e d ro o m s | T i le s | Plu m b i n g S u p pli es

Trading for over

years

OPEN WEEKEND!

Saturday 17th 9am - 5pm & Sunday 18th October 10am- 4pm

Come along, we’ve got so much happening...

• Grand Prize Draw - with the chance to win £2000 towards a Symphony kitchen and £1000 towards Eco Bathroom furniture

One of the area’s larges independentt showrooms

• Extra prizes including shower cubicles, vanity units, toilet sets and much more

• Cookery demonstrations by a professional chef demonstrating the ovens on Sunday • Industry experts oﬀering expertise on their products

• Goodie bags and refreshments

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Find us on Facebook /Quay Centre LTD

Address 28-31a North End, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 1PE Tel 01945 476797 | Fax 01945 463495 Web www.quaycentre.co.uk E-mail Sales@Quaycentre.co.uk

SANDERSON

Always full of beautiful new ideas for your home!

Famous names, local expertise Professional fitting teams Blinds, wallpapers and accessories Expert in-store curtain service

Unit 1, 40 Alexandra Road Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 1HQ Tel: 01945 585488

PRESTIGIOUS TEXTILES

WISBECH FURNISHINGS

www.wisbechfurnishings.co.uk KLmagazine October 2015

Weddings

The complete guide to your Norfolk wedding From the dress to the rings, from the venue to the honeymoon, and from the cake to the flowers, KL magazine looks at everything your big day needs – from the very best of our local suppliers...

ouples planning to hold and celebrate their big day in Norfolk are truly blessed – the county’s absolutely packed with enough options to ensure you can enjoy the perfect wedding in an equally perfect setting. But when it comes to organising everything – the dresses and suits, the venues and rings, the ﬂoristry, the cakes, the favours – it can often be somewhat overwhelming. Don’t worry – we’re here to help make the whole process much more enjoyable. These days it seems like there are so many more choices, and more and more people are angling away from the traditional with quirky ideas to make

their day stand out. Norfolk is famed for being able to do it diﬀerently, embracing fresh ideas but also respecting and mixing in age-old tradition. Whether it be the new, increasingly popular ‘marryoke’ trend (where guests mime and perform a particular song which is ﬁlmed by a videographer at the wedding) or whether it’s cake pops and cupcakes rather than the traditional tiered celebration cake, many bride and groom combinations are coming up with fun ideas to make their day memorable. Wedding favours can often end up being a bit of a headache for the happy couple, but some wedding breakfast

set-ups are marrying the place settings with favours. A recent local wedding saw cute wooden love hearts with name tags on them covering the tables, and people are now asking their cake makers to bake cookies with names iced on the top – it’s little ideas like this that can really add a personal touch to your wedding. Of course, no two couples are the same – and that’s the beauty of having such a fantastic array of options available to you. A couple preferring a low-key wedding with a small amount of guests and another couple who want something far more glamorous with a large wedding party can both tailor a ceremony that suits them and their

KLmagazine October 2015

PICTURE: UNIQUE BRIDE, CASTLE RISING

tastes and make it unique to them and their families. There are so many trends for themes today, and venues have all the insider knowledge on what people are choosing to do with their big day. “Many people are going along the less traditional route with modern ideas and themes,” says Hannah Valentine from the Duke’s Head Hotel in King's Lynn. “They like to have items which are fun for the guests – making the day more of a celebration and something guests will remember.” Hannah explains that these days couples have attention-grabbers such as candy carts, crepe and ice cream stations, indoor sparklers, sparkly backdrops and lots of bunting – making their wedding days reminiscent of funfairs and carnivals. Being organised is a key skill to have, and even though it sounds like you might be over-planning, a spreadsheet is a great way to keep on top of all the things you need to get done. Make yourself a wedding planner checklist of all the things you need to do along the way and things will all seem so much easier. Along with worrying about tripping up walking down the aisle, crying when you’re reading your vows, the weather, worrying that people won’t have fun and also dreading the notorious best man’s speech, you don’t need to be worrying about a venue as well. Norfolk is an utterly perfect setting for your big day because options really do range from one extreme to the other – if you’re after a grand aﬀair in a county hall or a more rustic aﬀair in a woodland or a gorgeous barn, all the options are on your doorstep for you to choose from. After all, what better backdrop for your wedding album than the beautiful Norfolk landscape? Over the next 14 pages some of the best local wedding suppliers and services give you all the help and advice you need to plan – and celebrate – the perfect big day!

KLmagazine October 2015

PICTURE: UNIQUE BRIDE, CASTLE RISING

Weddings

From beautiful brides to glamorous grooms... The bride’s dress is one of the most important elements of any wedding – it’s certainly the one that gets the most attention! But how do you choose a style and a look that’s right for you?

ooking for a wedding dress can be a stressful experience, and often brides to be will go into their first fitting with specific ideas of what they’re looking for but the advice is – go in with an open mind! The key is to start a year before your wedding date and don’t be afraid to consider every type of dress. Whether it’s an A-line or a fishtail or a 1930s replica, it’s worth trying them all to discover what does (and doesn’t) suit your shape. “A lot of it is personality,” says Sam Belson from Unique Bridal in Castle Rising which stocks bridal, bridesmaid

dresses and outﬁts for mother of the bride. “It’s amazing how many people come in wanting something very plain and go out with an elaborate dress with lots of detail and vice versa!” As Sam explains, a bride-to-be has usually been to see the venue ﬁrst and has a good idea of what they want in terms of that – which can lead on nicely when choosing a gown. “It sets a scene to a certain degree when they’ve already seen a venue – for a country wedding you’d add lace and for a more classic wedding you’d add elegant touches,” says Sam. Something brides are extremely clued up on these days is the latest ideas, a

trend aided by photo-sharing websites such as Pinterest. Angela from Treasures in King’s Lynn (which stocks bridesmaid dresses as well as showpiece bridal gowns) explains that there are certain trends in fabrics at the moment that she’s been noticing. “Lace is still really popular, especially with lace and tulle in princess styles,” says Angela. “The backs of dresses have been the main feature for many designers – and vintage styles leaning towards colours in champagne and light gold seem to be increasing.” Trying on a wedding dress for the ﬁrst time is often a shock to the system, simply because we’re not used to

KLmagazine October 2015

THE BRIDAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE YOU’VE A LWAY S D R E A M E D O F Beautiful converted barn setting with a private floor and a glass of sparkling wine for you and your party

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We have a stunning range of bridesmaid dresses in a variety of styles, colours and lengths

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A bea utiful range of bri dal g ow n s and any cu rr design ent be ob can tained

01553 631500 KLmagazine October 2015

A wide range of amazing Mother of the Bride outfits are available. All hats and fascinators can be customised, and our shoes can be dyed to colour match your outfit perfectly

Castle Farm Barn, Castle Rising, King's Lynn, PE31 6AG 91

Weddings

PICTURE: TREASURES, KING’S LYNN

wearing floor-length dresses, so the bride-to-be generally chooses what she falls in love with – and what falls in line with the wedding. Of course, when you’re looking for wedding attire you don’t just have the bridal gown to think of – there are bridesmaid dresses, flower girls dresses, mother-of-the-bride outfits and last (but by no means least) the suits for the groom and ushers. A growing trend for bridesmaid dresses these days is that they go with a particular colour theme and all have different styles to suit their shape. “There are lots of different styles in the same make for colour match – meaning that some girls go for their own style to fit their shape,” says Angela. “A few have gone for muted vintage shades in the same dresses and others the same shade in different dresses.” Surprisingly, the lace theme has even crept its way into outfits for the mother of the bride – and even the male members of the wedding party. “Designers have used lace to great effect in a number of different ways,” says Cindy of Cindy’s Fashions in Sutton Bridge who specialise in mother of the bride outfits. “This includes coloured corded types layered over contrasting shades and scalloped edges on jackets.” The new season for these types of outfits brings with it prints and splashes of colour – “whether your wedding is home or abroad, outfits for the new season portray sophistication,” says Cindy. While the majority of the focus is put on the female attire at a wedding, the suits for the groom and ushers are just as significant to the day, and over the last few years formal hire has changed dramatically for men. “The selection is now incredible,” says Gary Tillott of Goddards in King’s Lynn. “But even with all this choice, favourites still emerge. Blue suits – especially the brighter blues – have been a huge success, along with the silver grey light weight tail and lounge suits coming through to give a more contemporary look.” Whatever you’re looking for, it’s obvious that our area has exactly what you need – and that the process of choosing your wedding attire can be easy and stress-free.

KLmagazine October 2015

For the largest collection of

Bridal, Bridesmaid, Flower Girl & Evening Wear in West Nor folk

81c High Street, King ’s Lynn PE30 1BB 01553 760 258 • www.treasuresthebridalshop.co.uk

HIREWEAR COLLECTION

FREE WEDDING SUIT HIRE*

Free Groom suit hire when your party hires four or more adult suits from our Hirewear Collection. *Offer excludes fancy waistcoats, shirts, shoes and accessories. Buckingham Collection and Highland Wear are also excluded.

For a brochure and price list please call 01553 772382, or download at www.goddardsonline.co.uk

Outfits, Hats & Fascinators for M other of the Bride

Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge

S i ze s 1 0 - 2 6 | O pe n in g ti m es 9a m - 5p m C l os ed We d n e sd a ys & S un d a y s T el : 01 40 6 35 09 6 1

Wellesley Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1QD T 01553 772382 goddardsonline.co.uk

KLmagazine October 2015

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1 0 8 B r i d g e R oa d , S ut t o n B r i d g e P E 1 2 9 SA 89

PICTURE: FRANCIS WAIN

Weddings

Sparkling new trends in wedding jewellery As an enduring symbol of your marriage, your wedding rings have a serious function, but they can also make a serious style statement...

ne of the most exciting moments of planning your big day has to be the time you and your intended choose the rings you’ll wear for the rest of your lives. It’s a big decision, and as you’ll both be seeing your wedding rings every day it’s important you like what you see – and that it reminds you of that very special bond you share. Luckily, we have a wealth of talented jewellers and diamond experts on hand in Norfolk with many years worth of valuable wedding experience. “Many brides find it difficult to find a wedding band to fit an unusual or very low-set engagement ring, but we have a large selection of shaped wedding bands for brides to try,” says Donne Kidson, Managing Director of Francis Wain Jewellers. “There’s also the option of having a wedding ring

custom made to ﬁt the shape of the engagement ring exactly, which is a popular choice for those with an elaborate or asymmetrical setting.” Wedding rings are no strangers to trends and fashions and Donne’s noticed a marked change this year. “It seems to be all-or-nothing this season,” she says, ”with couples opting either for completely plain, traditional wedding rings, or fabulous diamondset bands to really set oﬀ their engagement rings.” If you’ve searched high and low for the ring you feel that perfectly suits your (and your partner’s) style and just haven’t been able to find it – you can always commission a totally unique design to match your engagement ring. “It’s something that’s becoming very popular,” says Debbie Bloodworth of David Auker Jewellery, “and there are a range of precious metals, yellow, white

and rose golds and a selection of stones for people to choose from. There’s really no limit to what we can create.” Donne Kidson has also noticed a slight increase in the number of brides taking a step away from tradition and opting for more elaborate, vintage-style settings to be worn as both their engagement and wedding ring – really moving in step with the all-in-one tendencies seen in venues, dresses and floristry.

KLmagazine October 2015

A new dimension for wedding rings Totally individual designs by David Auker

our wedding ring is a beautiful symbol of an enduring contract, and that’s why more and more couples are coming to David Auker for something very special and totally individual. Commissioning your own wedding ring to perfectly match and fit around your engagement ring can be extremely satisfying and a great experience – and we have over 20 years’ experience in crafting beautiful jewellery. Whether your engagement ring is an original or a treasured family heirloom, at David Auker we offer the chance to have a matching wedding band designed and crafted to

KLmagazine October 2015

make an inseparable pair. In addition to yellow, white and rose golds, you can choose from a range of precious metals (including palladium and platinum) and select stones (if required) to match those on your engagement ring. Whatever route you take, and whatever finish you want (highly polished, solid or textured) David will work closely with you to achieve the perfect result for your big day based on your aspirations and budget. And don’t forget we’re always here for stunning wedding gift ideas, including designer pieces such as the Vera Wang Infinity collection, which includes cake knives and photo frames. We’ve got something special for any couple.

Vera Wang at Wedgewood ‘Love Knots’ collection - tealight holders and toasting flutes

125 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1AP t: 01553 770536 w: www.davidaukerjewellery.co.uk

Weddings

Perfect venues for the perfect wedding... From hotels to barns, and from parks to marquees, Norfolk has hundreds of lovely wedding venues to choose from – and all of them will help you stage the day you’ve been dreaming of

here are hundreds of fantastic wedding venues in Norfolk to choose from, and your final decision is likely to be based on a number of factors – from the theme of your wedding to the number of guests you’re planning to invite. Indeed, if your family and friends are travelling to the county from far afield (or even from abroad), giving a thought to their needs is essential. In that respect, hotels offer something many other venues can’t in terms of accommodation – even if the wedding party hasn’t just stepped off a plane. “It can help you make the big day last a little longer,” says Hannah Valentine, Weddings Co-ordinator at the The

Dukes Head Hotel in King’s Lynn. “Couples really enjoy having guests spend the night at the hotel so the celebrations can continue over breakfast the following morning.” Abacus Hotels owns both the Knight’s Hill Hotel and Spa in King’s Lynn and the Le Strange Arms Hotel in Hunstanton, and they’re more than familiar with what couples need – and expect from their chosen wedding venue. “Whether they choose an inclusive wedding package or a bespoke wedding, we always ensure couples are able to ﬁnd something that suits both their style and their budget,” says Abacus Hotels’ Julie Gibson. Knight’s Hill oﬀers a traditional barn

wedding where you can go for both history and style, while the Le Strange Arms Hotel oﬀers more of a romantic coastal wedding where you really are a stone’s throw away from having stunning photography taken on the beach. The same can be said for Caley Hall Hotel in Old Hunstanton, right on the North Norfolk coast with all its relaxing and tranquil surroundings. Danielle from the hotel emphasises the importance location can have on your wedding choice – “We’re just a ten-minute walk away from the splendid sandy beaches,” she says, ”and the perfect photo opportunities await there – from experience, people really love capturing those moments of their special day in a fantastic location.”

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

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Weddings

Rather than opting for a pre-planned wedding package, many couples prefer to have a totally blank canvas from which to work with, as Chris Allen of Back to the Garden explains. “Bespoke weddings are really popular,” he says. ”People we’ve worked with really enjoy the fact that it’s about their day, and it’s tailored just to them.” Just outside Holt at Letheringsett, Back to the Garden provides a stunning backdrop for the bride and groom to splash the colour of their wedding onto – and they possess a magniﬁcent 18th century threshing barn and gardens for those all-important photographs. Something that’s becoming increasingly popular is hiring a marquee for your wedding, and with this option you can really take it anywhere! When you think’ marquee’ you think it may be quite simple in choosing one, but you do have several options. “Whether you long for an elegant traditional marquee with poles and guy ropes or the more modern lines of a frame marquee,” says Sarah from Abacus Marquees in King’s Lynn, ”you can be provided with the full package – complete with linings, carpets, lighting, heating, electrical

supply, toilets and furniture,” If you’re looking for something even more intimate, then look no further than the Stuart House Hotel in King’s Lynn. “We do as much or as little as you’d like, and we let you do a lot of the arranging and organising yourself,” says the hotel’s Dave Armes, who believes smaller venues are perfect for people who like to be hands-on with their wedding. ”We’re happy to be as flexible as you need us to be – but we’re always around to help.” Intimate venues really can mean more devotion to you and your big day, and that’s exactly what Bill Irwin from The Masonic Centre feels is key to a more personal venue. “The close attention made by the staff to every detail ensures a smooth and enjoyable time,” he says. “Guests admire the intimate surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere we have here, as well as the fact we have every item you’ll require close to hand.” Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s small and elegant, rustic or glamorous, Norfolk’s wedding venues offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the happiest day of you life – in style and on budget! KLmagazine October 2015

PICTURES: ADAM SHAWYER / MABEL GRAY

Norfolk’s most stunning wedding backdrop... Just outside Holt, Back to the Garden offers a fabulous setting, a bespoke service – and an award-winning approach to food!

he importance of choosing the right wedding venue can’t be underestimated, but few locations can tick as many boxes as Back to the Garden at Letheringsett, just outside Holt. A delightful local setting, an awardwinning reputation for great food, a friendly and welcoming service, and an approach that puts you and your celebrations first – in an ideal world, it’s where all our private parties would be held! At Back to the Garden, you’ll find a beautifully restored 18th century threshing barn, with magnificent vaulted ceilings offering both a dramatic and personal space that’s perfectly suited to make the most of your big day. And if the interior isn’t enough to take your breath away, the extensive gardens – with their delightful secluded areas, stone-baked pizza oven and enough room for a marquee – will ensure you and your guests have a truly special day to remember. “What really appeals to couples is that we provide them with a wonderful blank canvas,” says Chris Allen of Back to the Garden. “We don’t do ‘wedding packages’ as we'd rather create a totally individual celebration based on people’s ideas. It has to be about the married KLmagazine October 2015 K

couple and their guests, and Emma our in-house wedding planner is there to make sure they’re the real focus of the day. We just provide a fitting backdrop.” Back to the Garden is much more than a fitting backdrop, however. Thanks to the highly-experienced and talented team of chefs, dedicated restaurant team and the multi awardwinning on-site farm shop, you and your guests can enjoy a true taste of local quality – from a simple finger buffet to a formal 4-course meal. “We’ve ensured as much of our food is locally-sourced and homemade as possible,” says Chris. “Much of it has been raised or grown organically on our own farm or in our own fields, and we're committed to achieving the very highest standards – both in terms of quality and provenance.” It’s a commitment reflected in Back to the Garden’s fully-licensed bar, which is complemented by an extensive wine list created by the London-based Berry Bros. & Rudd, one of the country’s oldest wine merchants and the only one to have eight Masters of Wine in its ranks. With plenty of parking, space for around 100 guests (over 200 in the gardens!) and no hire fee for the barn itself, Back to the Garden has everything a successful wedding day should have

apart from the ceremony itself, but even that's about to change soon. “We’re currently working on obtaining a license for civil ceremonies,” says Chris, “and that should be in place for 2016 weddings. It’s very exciting for us, and it will really establish Back to the Garden as one of the most attractive wedding venues in Norfolk.” To discover everything this unique setting has to offer, book one of Back to the Garden’s Christmas parties (they’re currently offering attractive discounts to local businesses), join them for New Year’s Eve, or simply call in for an informal chat about your wedding plans. For a fresh look at local celebrations, Back to the Garden has everything you need to tie the knot in real style!

information Fakenham Road, Letheringsett, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7JJ | Tel: 01263 715996 Web: www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk

PICTURE: FLOWERS ON THE GREEN

Weddings

The growing trends in wedding flowers From bridal bouquets to buttonholes, the wedding collections of our talented local ﬂorists will add a touch of sophistication – and a beautiful touch of colour to your big day

ou simply couldn’t imagine a wedding without flowers, but to work at their very best they’re something that needs lots of thought. Long gone are the days when all you had to decide was what colour you wanted the roses to be. Our local florists have noticed several trend changes recently, and (as with wedding themes and dresses) the vintage-inspired look has been the season’s go-to style for several years. “While the vintage theme is definitely still going strong, coral is very much on trend at the moment,” says Kate from Elizabeth the Florist in Downham Market. “Cluster buttonholes are becoming more popular than your standard single-flower buttonhole, with the use of corn and lavenders and stems covered with twine or raffia.” Although many trends come and go, Kate knows one look that isn’t likely to disappear any time soon.

“The use of different and unusual foliages are adding different textures and looks to designs,” she says, “and while this may change for next year’s weddings, the classic white and green combination will never go out of fashion!” The most requested flower for weddings at Elizabeth the Florist is the peony, which has a very short and variable season. “The good news is there are more blousey varieties of roses coming onto the scene to make up for their absence,” says Kate. Flowers on the Green in North Wootton have also noticed some stand-out fashions for weddings this year. “It’s definitely been jam jars, hessian, string and lace, with flowers being of a more natural and varied theme,” says Sue from Flowers on the Green. “It’s been more countryside than formal. However gypsophilia has been the

outright winner this year!” Traditional church weddings will always be a must for some brides and this year has been no exception. “The country ﬂower theme was running through, be it for altar arrangements, window sills or pretty trailing arrangements through the candelabra or pew ends,” says Sue. Of course, there’s always a taste of the unusual, with Flowers on the Green catering for a wedding party in a field this year – they used anything rustic as flower containers, like old watering cans, buckets and enamelware. For people wanting a wedding abroad, they’ve even made artificial bouquets when brides have been apprehensive about trusting a local overseas florist. Flowers on the Green’s floral designer Iwona travels to Poland twice a year sourcing unusual items and to buy artificial flowers – which have also become very popular.

KLmagazine October 2015

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Weddings

PICTURES: CELEBRATION BY MOTHER KRUSTY

Wedding cakes with a slice of creativity... With Kirsty Milnes of Celebration by Mother Krusty in King’s Lynn

he moment the couple cuts the wedding cake is a very special one, but finding a cake that perfectly matches the vision you have for your big day is a daunting task. Happily, Kirsty Milnes from Celebration by Mother Krusty in King’s Lynn is here to help with some useful – and mouthwatering advice. FINDING A CAKE MAKER! In terms of finding cake makers it’s always imperative you ensure the cake maker is both fully registered with the council and fully insured. Any cake maker worth their salt (or sugar!) will give you free tasters and also offer a delivery and set up service for the big day. TRADITIONAL CAKES Fruit cakes will always be more expensive than sponge cakes – but more and more people are moving away from these traditional favourites. Today, couples are choosing carrot cake, red velvet, Battenberg cakes and

rainbow cakes. These can sometimes work out more expensive than sponges (but less than fruit cakes) – but the results can be amazing!

TRENDS The main trends at the moment are for afternoon tea and vintage-themed weddings. Naked cakes (above) are very popular – these have no icing and are generally decorated with fruits. They also ﬁt with the current ‘afternoon tea’ trend and lend themselves nicely to novelty cakes. Additionally, people seem to be moving away from ﬂat iced cakes and opting for buttercream.

Cupcakes are still very popular as an alternative to traditional cakes, although people generally still have a ‘cutting’ cake on top. The beauty of these is that you can have as many flavours as you like, and lots of people are going for a mix of designs and flavours. CAKES TO SUIT THE WEDDING It’s always important to match the cake with the location and theme. For example, I wouldn’t recommend a chocolate-covered cake in a barn with no air conditioning in the height of summer as it will melt pretty quickly. Cupcakes with buttercream on the top can also be precarious in this setting. You also need to be aware of placement – try not to put tiered cakes near a dance floor as they tend to be sprung (the floors) and can topple the cakes. Try not to put them near bright sunny windows in summer. Naked cakes should be baked no more than the day before the wedding and set up as late as possible to ensure the cakes don’t dry out!

And ﬁnally... the honeymoon!

fter all the excitement of the big day, the honeymoon is the real icing on the cake, and Bill Irwin from West Norfolk Travel in King’s Lynn shares what’s popular this year… “Europe and the Mediterranean are still the most popular destination for honeymoons,” he says, “perhaps because of the shorter ﬂight time and the comfort of being closer to home

and working within a budget which oﬀers more. However, more exotic resorts, particularly the Caribbean with its soft sandy beaches or the charm of the Far East, attract many.” Bill does say that honeymoons in the UK are also gaining in popularity – from the beaches of Cornwall to the scenic areas of the Derbyshire and the Scottish Highlands.

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

PICTURES: SALVI HARPS / KL MAGAZINE / BOW BRAND

Local Life

ABOVE: Bow Brand in King’s Lynn produces the ﬁnest natural gut strings in the world – strings enjoyed by famous musicians around the world such as American harpist Patricia Masri Fletcher (opposite)

Bow Brand and the secrets of the strings It’s the most elegant of musical instruments, but the secret of the harp’s magical sound lies largely in the strings – strings which musicians around the world choose to come from King’s Lynn...

atricia Masri Fletcher has spent her life in music. Playing the piano when she was only four years old and picking up her ﬁrst harp at high school, the award-winning American musician is now Principal Harp of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Professor of Harp at Michigan State University and Madonna University. Her harp is made by the famous Italian ﬁrm of Salvi, and she wouldn’t use anything else. “I can truly say that it delivers the musical dynamicism I need for solo and orchestral repertoire,” she says. “It’s my instrument of choice above all harps made in the world today.” But there’s a secret to the magical

KLmagazine October 2015

sound the instrument produces that Patricia herself is probably unaware of – that it comes courtesy of natural strings made almost 4,000 miles away by Bow Brand in King’s Lynn. Although the company’s history stretches back over 100 years, the art of making strings from natural materials is one of the oldest crafts known to man – bowstrings made from three strands of sheep gut were found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. Indeed, that may explain Bow Brand’s name (for many years its logo was an archer with a bow) although another school of thought claims it comes from a London-based business that once owned the company and was located in Bow Street.

Bow Brand’s origins appear to lie with King’s Lynn businessman and boxer John Hemeter, who was born in Germany and came to England around 1874. Recorded as a wholesale carcass butcher, skin manufacturer and the proprietor of Hemeter’s Physical Training Gymnasium, he owned an abattoir and several houses behind the old cattle market in King’s Lynn – a location and a business ideally suited to the production of natural gut strings. Because despite it being widely referred to as ‘catgut’, the raw material has everything to do with cattle and nothing to do with our feline friends – the term is actually derived from ‘kit’, the name of a small 17th violin.

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PICTURES: KL MAGAZINE / BOW BRAND

Local Life

ABOVE: Despite enormous changes in technology, the manufacturing process of natural gut string at Bow Brand has changed little since the days of the company’s founder John Hemeter (circled, top left)

Hemeter took over Bow Brand (affectionately known as the ‘gut factory’) at the start of the 20th century, and although its premises expanded upwards in the 1930s and outwards during the 1960s, the essential process of production hasn’t seen any dramatic changes since those early days. It’s a process more than familiar to Production Manager Rosina Russell, who first came to Bow Brand in 1976. “My mother actually brought me here because she wasn’t too impressed I’d given up my job in a local store because working Saturday evenings impinged on my social life!” she remembers. “I started as ‘splitter’ and though it wasn’t the most glamorous job in the world it did mean I doubled my wages – and everyone was so friendly I didn't want to leave.” There’s always been a family-friendly feel about Bow Brand – one enjoyed by Rosina’s mother, uncle, sister and two of her daughters, for example – and it’s a feeling that continues, despite the company’s national and international standing. Today, Bow Brand is the only manufacturer of natural gut string in the whole country, and its strings are generally regarded by musicians from the United States to China as being the finest in the world. It takes around eight weeks to transform the raw material into concert-quality strings, and it’s a multistage process that includes three days of washing, nine different baths and 102

rinses, at least a week in the humiditycontrolled drying rooms, and a precision-guided polishing and varnishing stage. “Although technology has changed enormously over the years, we’re really still making strings in the way they’ve always been made,” says Rosina. “That’s because it’s a totally natural product – but that’s the beauty of the strings. They produce a truly magical sound that can’t be reproduced artiﬁcially. They say that once you’ve played with natural strings you won’t play with anything else." It’s a fascinating process to watch, but it’s also one fraught with challenges. The drying process leaves the strings rough to the touch, so they have to be passed individually through a 10-metre long grinding machine which makes them smooth along their entire length to within an incredible 15/100ths of a millimetre. It’s also a process done to painstaking levels of detail – since the new strings are highly susceptible to humidity (which can make them swell) they’re layered with four coats of the best water-resistant coating available – marine varnish. Even this is applied by hand with natural sponges sourced from the Aegean coast of Greece. It’s not a concession to vanity, however – it’s because the varnish destroys synthetic sponges. The result of this labour of love is a string of true quality that costs between £3-£25, which – given their

importance – is but a tiny fraction of the price of a ﬁnely-crafted harp, which can reach around £30,000. As Rosina prepares to welcome the latest arrival of cattle intestines to the start of the production process, asking if she can play the harp herself is somewhat irresistible. “I can tell you all the red strings are C’s and all the black ones are F’s and I can tell you everythings you always wanted to know about octaves,” she laughs. “I can tell you about every string on a harp and the notes it produces, but I have to admit I couldn’t play any of them myself. I’d rather leave that to the experts!”

You can learn more about Bow Brand by visiting the company’s website at www.bowbrand.co.uk and can actually see the whole manufacturing process in detail by visiting You Tube and searching for Bow Brand 2015.

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

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The Big Interview

stablished in 1993, Jordan Productions has firmly established itself as one of the leading producers of pantomimes in the UK, building a reputation for great quality shows with strong casts, original scripts and memorable live music. As the company prepares to bring the star-studded Robin Hood to King's Lynn, KL magazine talks to founder Chris Jordan about his work and his love of everything theatrical...

KL MAGAZINE: Could you tell us a bit about your background? CHRIS JORDAN: I originally started out as an actor, which seems like 100 years ago now! An opportunity then came up at a local venue when I asked if they’d ever thought about putting on a pantomime – and I offered to do one for them. It’s all gone from there – I married an actress and moved into producing and managing venues. KL MAGAZINE: What can people expect from this year’s pantomime at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange? CHRIS JORDAN: Robin Hood will feature a host of traditional elements, including a Dame in the form of Dame Doubletop, and a baddie in the form of the Sheriff who’ll be played by the versatile Shaun Williamson. He’s great to work with – a lovely man and he plays a fantastic baddie. There’ll be lots of swashbuckling, sword fighting and plenty of bows and arrows. Basically, all the traditional elements of a panto will be wrapped up in an exciting and everpopular story.

Chris Jordan Managing Director, Jordan Productions 104

KL MAGAZINE: What does your role as Managing Director at Jordan Productions entail? CHRIS JORDAN: I actually started the company 21 years ago to give my wife and I a job over Christmas! I now have overall responsibility for casting, directors and musical directors for all seven of the pantomimes we produce. I also adapt and write all the scripts – and all the ﬁnal decisions for the artistic content are mine.

KLmagazine October 2015

KL MAGAZINE: What’s the best part of specialising in pantomime and Christmas productions? CHRIS JORDAN: There are plenty of pluses – and there are a few minuses too! The pantomime is a unique British art form where anything goes. There are traditions but no real ‘rules’ – which means I can let my imagination run wild! Another great thing is that people go as a family. It’s probably the only time of the year they’ll go to the theatre, which is a massive shame – but it does give us the responsibility to make sure they want to come back. KL MAGAZINE: What does the future hold for Jordan Productions? CHRIS JORDAN: We’re always looking for opportunities to produce pantomimes in other venues – two or three more would be good, as we still want to be hands-on. We don’t want to expand or get too massive because we want to be able to maintain the quality we have at the moment. KL MAGAZINE: Why do you think the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange is such a popular venue? CHRIS JORDAN: All sorts of reasons! The support staﬀ are amazing, and the marketing and management teams are fantastic – they really take ownership of the show. They all make us feel very welcome and it’s a real collaborative production. Another plus is that physically it’s long and thin, but the stage isn’t too big. Even though it’s a big venue, it still feels quite intimate and with a nice loud audience the show really goes oﬀ with a bang!

countryside – I always found it very peaceful.

theatre, and hearing the audience singing and shouting along and having a fabulous time at Christmas is really rewarding.

KL MAGAZINE: In your free time, how do you like to relax?

KL MAGAZINE: What do you consider to have been your greatest achievement?

CHRIS JORDAN: I don’t really get a lot! I do play a bit of golf, and I also like to play poker.

CHRIS JORDAN: Apart from my two beautiful daughters? Professionally, I’m proud of every single panto we put on, but an original show we put on two years ago called ‘Got to Sing, Got to Dance’ was a particular favourite of mine. Personally, parenting is a very tricky job – it doesn’t come with a manual, and to see what my two children achieve makes me very proud.

KL MAGAZINE: Who’s your biggest inspiration? CHRIS JORDAN: I think it’s a really diﬃcult one. I’m inspired by many things – mostly by performers, by lots of directors, and by choreographers. KL MAGAZINE: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

KL MAGAZINE: What have you learned from your work? CHRIS JORDAN: With a job as a producer I’ve learned that if you’ve got to take responsibility for your decisions, you have to go with your gut. I always take advice and listen to others but I really go with my gut. KL MAGAZINE: What do you like best about Norfolk? CHRIS JORDAN: The people are really friendly and supportive – the audiences have really built over the years and they’re always so welcoming. I also love the Norfolk landscape. My mother-inlaw used to have a cottage in Denver and I loved exploring the

CHRIS JORDAN: It’s actually a quote from Hamlet, which was in a scrapbook my grandmother gave me when I was acting: “This above all: to thine own self be true, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” It’s a great piece of advice. KL MAGAZINE: What was the last book you read? CHRIS JORDAN: I don’t do loads of reading, but the last book I read was The Little White Bird by J.M. Barrie – it’s the ﬁrst book in which Peter Pan makes an appearance. I actually read it for an adaptation of Peter Pan I’m creating for another panto. KL MAGAZINE: Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people... CHRIS JORDAN: I can walk a tightrope while juggling ﬁre!

CHRIS JORDAN: It sounds like a bit of a cliché but an awful lot of work goes into these productions and I gain a huge amount of satisfaction when I go back for the second performance. I tend to sit in the back of the

KLmagazine October 2015

PICTURE: MATTHEW USHER

KL MAGAZINE: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Robin Hood at the Alive Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn runs from 10th December to 3rd January 2016. Tickets are now on sale, and ticket options include adults (£19), concessions (£18), families of three (£54) or four (£72), and groups 10+ (£16 per person). Please contact the Box Oﬃce on 01553 764864 for performances for schools and see www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk for more details and information.

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Explorer

ABOVE: The RSPB nature reserve and the parish church of St Mary (opposite left) are two of Snettisham’s most picturesque views

The beauty of Snettisham and Dersingham... From the thriving community spirit of Dersingham to the wonderful “walker’s haven” of Snettisham, KL magazine explores two of our best-loved and most popular villages

ne of them is among the largest villages in the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, and the other – less than three miles away – is nicknamed the “walker’s haven” for its picturesque and idyllic setting. While Dersingham is a hub of activity for local groups and societies ranging from local guides and scouts groups to the Women’s Institute, Snettisham is a popular holiday village just ﬁve miles from Hunstanton and is the location of some of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles in the country. Dersingham now covers 1,500 hectares and has a population of some 5,000 people – a far cry from the early settlers who chose the site as it was close to the coast but enough above

KLmagazine October 2015

sea level (at 50 metres) to avoid the risk of ﬂooding. Today, if anything’s typical of Dersingham it’s the level of community activity – from Phobbies (a hobby club for people with physical disabilities) to a

wide range of sports and youth groups. Take the village’s branch of the Women’s Institute for example. With no less than 84 members it’s the largest in Norfolk – and they’re far from content to settle for a scheduled monthly meeting. The group holds evening dining clubs, Sunday lunch groups, walking and craft groups, keep fit classes (led by a qualified dance instructor) and their MAD group (it stands for ‘Make a Difference’) knits, sews and crochets various items for charity. “We also organise trips to the cinema and play bowls,” says Gilly Spencer, the President of Dersingham WI. “We are a very active group. We’ve even had a trip to the Sedgeford dig – and we always make sure we use the local buses!” All Dersingham’s clubs and groups

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make a determined effort to support charitable causes, an effort exemplified by the village’s annual Christmas Tree Festival, which sees them contributing trees of their own – Gilly’s WI tree, for example, is decorated with items than can be donated to charity. It’s an event held in the village’s church of St Nicholas, which itself hosts a regular series of charity lunches in its hall for the restoration and refurbishment of the building. With such a thriving community spirit, it’s no surprise that Dersingham has its very own ‘Task Force’ – which was established in 2004. It carries out regular jobs around the village such as tending to the rose beds and also deals with tasks such as litter picking. This year their laudable efforts were recognised and rewarded by the

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Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk with the Special Group Mayor’s Community Award. Thanks to the 1845 Enclosures Act (which provided the village with 75 acres of common land, the allotments and a recreation ground) Dersingham has always been a large village. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, possessing no less than three churches, and with such a community spirit, the future of this delightful Norfolk village looks very bright indeed. Snettisham, meanwhile, may have only half the population of its neighbour, but it's easy to see why the village has earned its nickname of the "walker's haven" - there's even a dedicated website detailing no less than 90 walking routes around Snettisham! If you need any help picking one, the Norfolk Coast Partnership advises the Snettisham Woodland Walk. Around 2.6 miles long and estimated to take an hour and a half to complete – and takes you through the beautiful Lodge Hill Plantation for some lovely peace and quiet. You can literally see two sides to Snettisham, as the village is divided by the A149 bypass, with the village proper on one side and the common land, coast and beach on the other. The village has its own distinctive character and many of the properties in Snettisham are described as ‘gingerbread houses’ thanks to their carrstone construction - a building material of which there is (unusually for Norfolk) plenty of local supply. Many historic buildings in the village are made of red carrstone, which is quarried at Snettisham by Frimstone

KLmagazine October 2015

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and is still used in construction today. Overlooking Snettisham’s central village square is the beautiful 17th century Elizabethan Old Hall, originally built by the Strickland family – and visitors shouldn’t miss the distinctive 18th century tea house called The Round House. Also used for music and dancing, it was built for Catherine Styleman. Probably the most famous building in the village is St Mary’s Church as it’s one of the ﬁnest of the 650 medieval churches in Norfolk. St Mary’s has been standing in its location for over 650 years and stretches to 175 feet high – the church spire is visible for miles and should you visit the church itself you’ll be treated to an inspiring and beautiful interior. Not only is Snettisham beach one of the most popular along our coastline for its gorgeous landscape but it also has an interesting history. It was once a favourite location for smugglers to

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avoid landing cargoes at King’s Lynn under the watchful eyes of the port's oﬃcials. Not always successfully, though. One evening in February 1822, a cargo of around 80 barrels of gin was seized by the Excise men after being landed at Snettisham - although the smugglers managed to recapture both their boat and their cargo thanks to the help of Snettisham locals! Dersingham is brimming with friendly and active community groups welcoming newcomers with open arms and Snettisham is one of the most beautiful and popular coastal villages in the area, steeped in history and great for a serene walk with stunning views. In a part of the county famed for its friendly villages and close-knit communities, Dersingham and Snettisham truly are twin jewels in Norfolk’s crown.

KLmagazine October 2015

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

Independent Lettings & Property Management Specialists

QUIC K FACT S Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in all properties with gas appliances which are rented from 1st October 2015

Not so ‘Gas Safe’ After All! e all like to save money and landlords are no exception. A recent incident involving a property which was about to be let for the first time by Edmonton Estates highlights the dangers of a landlord looking for a better deal by using a former work colleague to carry out safety checks and maintenance on their property. Whilst this kind of arrangement can work well, on this occasion it would have been a tragedy waiting to happen. The fast pace of lettings and the fierce demand for family sized properties meant that there was significant pressure for the refurbishment of the property to be completed along with a comprehensive inventory, and gas and electrical safety certificates prior to Move In Day. Sadly the landlord who was trying to provide much of this himself was lagging behind. With only hours to go before Check In and after many frantic phone calls to the landlord and also his gas engineer, the last outstanding item on

the list (the Gas Safety Certificate) finally arrived. Unfortunately as soon as it did alarm bells began ringing loudly. We read the certificate with a good deal of scepticism as on the day that the safety test had allegedly been carried out there was no gas supply to the property due to the previous tenant having left owing substantial arrears on the pre-pay meter. We immediately logged on to the Gas Safe (formerly Corgi) website to check the engineer’s ID number and were met with verification that the engineer in question was no longer registered! In the interests of safety we immediately contacted our regular gas contractor to discuss our concerns about the safety of the property and with less than an hour remaining before the new tenants were scheduled to move in an engineer arrived to re-test the property. Our gas engineer’s inspection of the property reported very different readings to those recorded by the first engineer and also revealed a previously undisclosed

moderate level gas leak on a fractured cooker pipe! At Edmonton Estates we specialise solely in letting and property management and we understand the need for cost effective maintenance solutions whilst ensuring that properties within our care are fully compliant with current legislation. Unlike several other letting agents Edmonton Estates does not add an additional charge to contractors invoices and instead passes on discounts we have been able to negotiate based on the volume of work that we provide to our selected contractors. However, for Landlords who prefer to look after their own properties we are offering free copies of ARLA’s latest information booklets and fact sheets relating to gas safety responsibilities for landlords. If you would like to receive copies of these or to discuss other legislation relating to lettings then please contact our office on 01553 660615 for more information and advice.

Edmonton Estates Ltd, St Ann’s House, 18 St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1LT 01553 660615 | www.edmontonestates.co.uk | info@edmontonestates.co.uk KLmagazine October 2015

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PICTURES: SUPPLIED / JULIA BLACKBURN

Local Arts

ABOVE: A detail from The Evacuation of Dunkirk, the unﬁnished masterpiece of Norfolk artist John Craske – pictured opposite in a rare portrait taken before illness ended his career as a ﬁsherman and saw him turning to art.

A delicate life and a forgotten Norfolk artist A fascinating new book is shedding light on one of Norfolk’s most underrated and remarkable artists. KL magazine talks to writer Julia Blackburn about the life of John Craske

he remarkable story of one unique Norfolk artist went largely untold until a Suffolk-based writer decided to take up the task herself. In her book Threads: The Delicate Life of John Craske, which was published earlier this year, acclaimed writer Julia Blackburn takes you on a captivating journey through her research into Craske’s life and intertwines her findings with the fascinating encounters she made along the way, including many experiences in her own life. Indeed, ‘Threads’ is an extremely fitting title for the book. “I find it interesting how someone

KLmagazine October 2015

can just disappear,” says Julia. “The older I get, the more I like to meander and go off on a tangent – and I really liked writing about someone who was virtually unknown.” What we do know about John Craske is that he came from a family of fisherfolk from Sheringham. When Sheringham ceased being the bustling fishing village it once was, the Craske family relocated to Hull around 1900 for a brief period before returning to Norfolk to set up a smoked and wet fish shop in East Dereham between 1903-1905. Craske was once a fisherman himself, becoming a fishmonger before in 1917,

at the age of 36, he became too ill to do anything – an invalid often described as being in a ‘stuporous state.’ It was a condition in which he would remain for the rest of his life. Sometime around 1923, Craske began to create paintings of what he knew best – the sea. They were wonderful seascapes of boats and the coastline as seen from the sea, and a poignant reminder of the life he’d lost. “Craske and his wife Laura were so poor that initially he painted on the lids of his bait boxes,” says Julia. “One day Laura bought him some brown paper to paint on and he would also paint on cardboard – all with a humble

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PICTURES: SUPPLIED / JULIA BLACKBURN

Local Arts

ABOVE: The work of John Craske has been largely forgotten for some 70 years, but a new book by Julia Blackburn (left) is now helping bring his remarkable artwork and life to a wider audience.

collection of poster paints.” Julia’s discovery of these insights came courtesy of the English novelist and poet Sylvia Townsend Warner and her partner Valentine Ackland – who were great fans of Craske’s work and felt they’d ‘discovered’ him as an artist. On visiting Craske at home, for example, Valentine Ackland described seeing painted ﬁxtures throughout the house – the mantelpieces, chairs and bowls turning the very interior of the Craske’s home into a work of art, though it was also an indication of just how poor John and Laura Craske were. As Craske became older, his illness became more severe to the point where he was unable to get out of bed for three years. Unable to even stand to paint, he began creating embroideries as they could be produced while he was laying in bed. As resources continued to be in short supply, the Craskes became remarkably creative at ﬁnding suitable tools for John to use. “The embroideries were actually made using cloth that Craske’s motherin-law used for making boiled puddings,” explains Julia, “and the frame was that of a deckchair, which is why his embroideries are as large as they are.” Take, for example, the spectacular piece of Craske’s work titled ‘Panorama of the North Norfolk Coast’ which is currently held at the Glandford Shell Museum in Blakeney. It’s 12 feet long and shows the entire stretch of coastline from Cromer as far as Overy

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Staithe. Shortly following the publication of Julia’s book in April, local audiences were treated to the rare opportunity of viewing a collection of Craske’s work in The Gallery at Norwich University of the Arts, and one of those long embroideries was on display. His unﬁnished masterpiece ‘The Evacuation of Dunkirk’ is a quite wonderful piece of work. “I think it’s my favourite Craske piece,” says Julia. “It’s just beautiful and people at the exhibition were completely amazed by it. When you look at it, it’s very much like the Bayeux Tapestry and the colours are simply incredible.” What makes this embroidery even more impressive is that Craske created it completely from what he heard about the war on the radio and from what he read in newspapers. “It was something he could relate to,” says Julia. “It was a story of people ﬁghting to survive and hoping for survival, a story which obviously touched him very deeply.” This is art with a genuinely human touch. The portion of missing sky on the piece, for example, is the result of Craske being admitted to hospital and slipping into a coma from

which he never recovered. He died, the work unﬁnished, on 26th August 1943, aged 63. In discovering the story of John Craske and the inextricable links between his work, life and illness, it becomes increasingly hard to fathom why his place in our local art history has been forgotten. “He was an odd man, who made odd pictures, and at the time they seemed childish but they’re wonderful,” explains Julia. “I think the reason his story has been largely neglected is because in those times he was poor, he didn’t talk due to his stupor and there was a prejudice against male embroiderers.” Happily, Craske did enjoy brief fame in the 1930s. Valentine Ackland took his work to be exhibited in the Warren Gallery in London, where the work of Henry Moore was also on display. “At that point in time, Craske was actually considered in the same bracket as people like Moore,” says Julia. “He had reviews in the Times and several exhibitions in America. He was brieﬂy in that celebrated circle of artists, and then he sadly and swiftly sank without a trace – until now.” Thanks to Julia’s fascinating book, the remarkable work of John Craske is now being re-evaluated and is being given the attention it so richly deserves.

THREADS: THE DELICATE LIFE OF JOHN CRASKE by Julia Blackburn was published by Jonathan Cape in April and is available from all good bookshops. More information on Julia and her work can be found on her website at www.juliablackburn.com

KLmagazine October 2015

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KLmagazine October 2015

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PICTURES: SAMARITANS / ROSE ATKINSON

What does it mean to volunteer as a Samaritan? KL magazine talks to Kaye, a married mum with a 10-year-old daughter, about her experiences of being a volunteer at the charity’s King’s Lynn branch and her role as a Samaritan...

ho are Samaritans volunteers? It’s a very good question. Personally, for as long as I can remember, I pictured Samaritans as a group of people who were very similar to each other, who had the same views, the same opinions and the same life stories. I even imagined them dressing the same, in plain clothes to match their equally plain faces. What could they know about life? What could they know about how other people are feeling? Surely they were just a group of people who had nothing better to do than pretend that they cared. After all, their lives were probably perfect.

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In view of this, the fact that I’m now a Samaritan listening volunteer myself is actually very surprising, especially to me. Honestly. I thought that I was pretty switched on about things. I’m nowhere near angelic. I have vices (quite a few actually!) and I’ve a past with areas I’m not particularly proud of – and experiences I’d like to both remember and forget. When I went for my selection day, I remember thinking what a waste of time it was me being there, as the ‘do gooders’ wouldn’t want me. Deep down, I was a little nervous and even a little scared. Scared I would say the wrong thing to someone and scared that I’d make the situation worse. Sitting in a room

full of strangers learning a script? I didn’t think it was for me at all. The reality is, there is no script, because Samaritans’ training gives you an invaluable insight to how different we all are. There’s not one specific answer, and there isn’t one problem that’s the same as any another. Different people experience the same problem in different ways. Feelings are like fingerprints – we all have them and they’re all unique to us. With the support of fellow Samaritans (including a wonderful mentor) I began to use the best gift I’ve ever been given – the ability to listen. I don’t give advice, and I don’t offer opinion. I just listen. I’ve also learned about the wider

KLmagazine October 2015

“There are in this world, in every country, people who seem to be ‘ordinary’ but who turn out to be extraordinary. They give their total attention. They completely forget themselves. They listen and listen and listen, without interrupting. They have no message. They do not preach. They have nothing to sell. We call them Samaritans...” Dr Chad Varah, CH CBE Founder, Samaritans

communities. It’s not just about the people that listen, but also the incredible people who support the work of the Samaritans, those who raise funds and raise awareness and handle all the administrative duties. The Samaritans offer support on a face-to-face basis, by e-mail, by letter and by text messages. I didn’t know that. The lesson is that ‘listening’ is not just restricted to the spoken word. I must be honest – sometimes it’s hard (that’s somewhat inevitable) but I have the support of a great team and a great network, who are always there for me – not just during my shifts. Ongoing training is also part of the deal, so learning about yourself and how you can offer support to those that need you is always at the root of what we do. Experiences and emotions don’t stop – so in light of that, we can’t stop learning either. If you do take anything from this, I hope it’s that those plain, perfect people I spoke about earlier simply don’t exist. All Samaritans volunteers have very different backgrounds, they all have their different ways and their own problems and foibles.

A MOVE FOR... THE BETTER

King’s Lynn Samaritans have been at their present home on the town’s Queen Street for almost 50 years. At first, part of the building had been used by dog handlers and their dogs, and at times people had to be interviewed on the stairs. It took a lot of time and effort to make the premises suitable for the comfort of volunteers and the confidentiality of personal callers, and it has served the branch very well over the years, but it’s now time to move. King’s Lynn Samaritans is currently looking for new premises in King’s Lynn for easier access for the disabled, additional duty space, secure parking and modern training facilities. If any reader has or knows of suitable premises (at least 3,000 sq ft) in the town available for purchase, King’s Lynn Samaritans would love to hear from you.

information 26 Queen Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1HT Tel: 01553 761616 (local call charges apply) Web: www.samaritans.org National Line: 116 123 (this is free to call)

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King’s Lynn Samaritans/Charity Number 268748

work of Samaritans, and it’s not just about listening to calls – although without a doubt that’s one of the most important things that we do. But Samaritans volunteers work with prisons, schools, colleges and lots of other organisations in local

That’s more than 21,000 of us, dealing with more than 5 million contacts via our 201 branches throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, round the clock every single day of the year – even Christmas Day. That’s a lot of listening! You may well be wondering what we get back for all that listening, but truthfully, I can’t give you a definite answer. I don’t have superpowers, and I certainly don’t have a lycra outfit with Samaritans emblazoned on the front! I’ve still got my vices, I still make mistakes and I’ll undoubtedly continue to do so. I’m only human. What I do have is an invaluable insight into the world and what’s around me. It has always been there – I just didn’t listen to it. All I know is that when a caller says “you’ve really helped me – thank you for being there” I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. If volunteering with Samaritans is something you think you’d like to do, please get in touch to find out more about the different roles available on 07939 198260 or send an e-mail to kingslynn@samaritans.org. You don’t have to be perfect – all you have to be is yourself.

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Local Arts

ABOVE: A detail from Tiger and the Girl by Thornham-based Jacky Hustson, an artist described as “bringing together the energetic inﬂuences of graphic art, nature and surrealism to give the viewer a bit of a sun tan.”

Inside the captivating world of Jacky Hutson She’s been drawing ever since she was old enough to hold a pencil, and her vibrant work is now attracting international attention. KL magazine talks to local artist Jacky Hutson...

n addition to having a particularly rich and important heritage of great artists, Norfolk continues to provide the home for suprising and exciting talents working in almost every medium you can imagine. And Newham-born Jacky Hutson is about as versatile as they come. Following her completion of an MA in Creative Entrepreneurship in 2008, Jacky formed her own business Spreadbeauty and Sass and now works from her studio in Thornham as well as teaching adults and children, working on mural commissions, short ﬁlm production and design. Playing with lights, lines, layers and forms, her glamourous, intriguing and imaginative work delivers an ethereal

KLmagazine October 2015

and transparent feel that’s becoming critically acclaimed across the country. EMMA BARNARD: Can you tell us about your background? JACKY HUTSON: I found myself in Norfolk after I left school when my mum decided to move up to Norfolk from Essex. I hated the law course I’d enrolled on and rather cheekily took myself to the art department one day declaring I wanted to join the BTEC Art & Design course. I had no portfolio –but I think my brazen teenage conﬁdence gained me a place. Two years later I moved to Norwich to complete my Foundation in Art & Design at Norwich Art School and then went to Nottingham Polytechnic to

complete my BA in Fine Art. I actually stayed in Nottingham for a decade – it was a mighty fun city to live in in the 1990s! I then upped sticks to Brighton for nearly two years before returning to Thornham in 2002. EB: How would you describe your work? JH: That’s always a tricky one as it changes so much, but fundamentally I like to create other worlds within my work, worlds both fantastical and ﬂamboyant. I love working with colour and putting energy into a painting. I guess it could be described as illustrative but also abstract, a collage of diﬀerent ideas. Any initial idea I have for a

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Local Arts painting will change dramatically throughout working on a piece! EB: Have you always been creative? JH: Well, I’ve always had a vivid imagination. I loved art at school as it was the only subject where you were left to your own devices. Of course, you can be taught diﬀerent techniques but the rest is entirely down to you and I love that freedom. When I was about three I loved copying Disney characters from my much-loved annuals and drawing very strangely-coloured horses, which were another childhood obsession! EB: Your work is incredibly diverse – is that flexibility something you’ve consciously tried to maintain? JH: Yes, deﬁnitely. I can’t remember receiving any advice on actually making a living from your craft, so it’s important to a have a few strings to your bow and be proactive in making connections. At the centre of everything I do is my studio practice – but a natural progression was moving into mural design as I love to paint on a large scale.

EB: You have also hosted creative workshops for children – do you find that particularly rewarding? JH: Absolutely, especially when you see previously shy and unconﬁdent children come out of their shell and just try. Teaching art is all about making things fun and losing the pressure and ridiculous snobbery that surrounds the art world. It’s okay to make mistakes. So what? You paint over it, rub it out, give it a go, be bold. I truly believe everybody has the potential to be creative in some form and it’s so beneﬁcial and good for the soul when we make anything. EB: Where do you draw your main inspiration from? JH: I think inspiration comes from everywhere really, and some of it is subconscious. I tend to collect scraps of paper that contain anything that’s caught my eye, which is all part of a great old mess in my studio. The natural world is a constant inspiration for me – as is mythology, customs and traditions, travel, superheroes, fables... I could go on and on.

EB: You’ve also worked in producing short films – how did that come about? JH: As part of my MA in Creative Entrepreneurship at the UEA, my dissertation was the formation and production of a short film. The course was geared towards making your art work for you – and not relying solely on the traditional gallery environment. The multi-layered style of my work lent itself really well to being reconfigured using animation software and a cross-platform medium was produced. I received funding and help from the Norfolk Arts Fund and the film was showcased at Lifestyles Extreme Sports and Culture Festival in 2010. I later projected the 8-minute film onto the exterior of Old Hunstanton Lighthouse at night, which was amazing – and it later went on to be part of the BBC’s Animation Celebration in Norwich. EB: You live and work in Thornham – what do you love most about Norfolk? JH: Norfolk’s always been a part of my life as my mum bought a piece of land in Thornham back in 1970. We used to come here on school holidays while my mum found the money to have the house built, and my grandparents followed suit a few years later. The sheer amount of space in Norfolk gives me room to breathe and definitely helps with having the space in my head to paint. EB: What’s next for Jacky Hutson and Spreadbeauty and Sass? JH: I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities & collaborations. In the autumn of next year I have a monthlong residency in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand which will be awesome. I’m also toying with the idea of setting up ‘Paintparties’ in the region. It’s an idea that started up in Singapore and the United States but it’s taken the world by storm. What’s not to love about a night out, some tunes, having a cocktail or two, a right good laugh with your mates and going home with your very own masterpiece?

To ﬁnd out more about Jacky’s work visit her website at spreadbeauty.co.uk

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The Last Word

WildWestNorfolk Michael Middleton’s

f you’ve read this month’s magazine in the traditional way (from the beginning), you’ll be aware that The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich is currently looking at the private collections of some of the world’s most famous artists. If you’re reading the magazine like a man (from the back), you’ll be wondering – once again, no doubt – what I’m talking about. The exhibition is called Magnificent Obsessions, and it’s a bit like a Through the Keyhole, but with people such as Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst instead of Keith Lemon and some random celebrities. Of course, artists can be a funny old breed at the best of times, so it’s no surprise that they’re in the habit of collecting decidedly odd things; from cookie jars and elephants to glass eyes and anything relating to the dogs the Russians used to send into space. I can fully sympathise with these artists’ urge to collect, however. There’s something immensely satisfying about finding another item to add to a collection you’ve built up and treasured over the years. I remember collecting all sorts of things when I was younger. The first (prompted no doubt by a kindly-meant Christmas present) was stamps, although it was a pretty shortlived affair as my album was soon full to overflowing with a seemingly neverending supply of stamps from Hungary. Even when I spent my pocket money on massive bags containing 500 stamps from around the world, you could bet that at least 470 of them featured the words Magyar Posta. I then went through a phase of collecting matchbox covers. For the life 122

of me, I can’t remember how I found them, but they came from all over the world and probably taught me more about Geography than I ever learned at school – and enabled me to say the words ‘safety matches’ in about 42 different languages. From there I progressed to collecting comics, records (they were round black things that had music on them) and books – until the day came when Mrs Middleton consigned all my magnificent obsessions to the attic, from whence they eventually disappeared to that great collection in the sky. Today, my collections are generally limited to odd pieces of wood that I’m convinced will come in handy one day and various reward cards – although there is one hoard that I’m particularly proud of and has (so far) escaped the attentions of you-know-who. Many years ago, someone told me that if you see a penny you should pick it up, as it’s supposed to bring you good luck – something I’ve always been in short supply of. Consequently, over the years, I’ve been unable to resist picking up any coins I spot in the street. Most of the time, these pennies, 2p and 5p pieces are in a truly lamentable condition, and I conscientiously circulate them back into the general economy. Sometimes, however, you’ll find a real gem, and these are the ones that have found a home in my humble collection. There’s the dime I found in Swaffham’s marketplace, for example. It’s dated 1995 and features (as you’d expect) Franklin D. Roosevelt, and I’ve never stopped wondering what adventures this little coin – only worth about 6p – has seen on its 4,000-mile

journey from the USA to Norfolk. Much the same could be said of the 3d coin I found in Narborough a few years ago. A tiny thing, it features a picture of George V and was minted in 1918, right at the end of the First World War. I must admit I felt a bit sorry for it, having seen its value rise and fall through a number of depressions and surviving another global conflict only to end up on a grass verge beside the A47. I’ve found a 1929 sixpence in Downham Market and a miniscule 2grozse coin from Poland in a side street in Holt, but my most unusual find to date is undoubtedly a Euro lookalike I came across in Docking. It looks like a Euro and it feels like a Euro, but it’s actually a 1,000-lire coin that came from the smallest country in the world and features the image of Pope John Paul II. I doubt any of these coins are worth anything (though please feel very free to prove me wrong), but what appeals to me is the mystery of their untold stories – the people who’ve held them and the journeys they’ve made from foreign lands to the streets of Norfolk. My collection may not be particularly magnificent, but I must admit it’s certainly something of an obsession.

KLmagazine October 2015

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