KL Magazine April 2016

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE 67 APRIL 2016 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

COVER IMAGE

Creake Abbey by Ian Ward

meet the team...

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Ward

SALES AND PROMOTION Daniel Thomas

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.

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he ruins of St Mary at Appleton (above) are hardly unusual for a county that has more derelict churches than any other in the whole country (see page 22 for more details), but they do beg the question as to what we do with our inheritance of ruined churches. There’s no doubt that such ruins are evocative, “often seen as a class of folly and a whimsical reminder of a romanticised past” as described by the Church Buildings Council, but they also have a multi-layered significance – as the last reminders of villages lost to the Black Death, and as the legacies of the religious intolerances of the Reformation.

The ownership and legal issues surrounding our ruined churches can be extremely complex, but in addition to their sheer aesthetic value, they also have a great deal of archaeological, historical and architectural importance – and have a very real part to play in environmental and ecological matters.

For some, a ruined church is a problem. For others, it’s an opportunity. Take Bob Davey’s incredible 10-year restoration of the church of St Mary at Houghton-on-the-Hill, for example. But that’s another story for another day...

If you needed any reminder that brighter days and warmer weather are now (finally!) upon us, look no further than this month’s magazine – which is full of inspiration for wonderful things to do and see over the coming weeks, from the return of the East Anglian Game and Country Fair to the 40th anniversary show of the Stradsett Rally.

KL MAGAZINE

KLmagazine April 2016

Contents

APRIL 2016

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40

48 KLmagazine April 2016

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104

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

56-58 THE JOYS OF TECHNICAL DIVING...

Opening windows on an underwater world

8-10 STRADSETT RALLY A preview of the 40th anniversary event

60-69 FASHION The latest looks from our local boutiques

14 CORN EXCHANGE Forthcoming shows you won’t want to miss

76-78 THINKING BIG, GROWING SMALL A look at the work of Nurtured in Norfolk

16-18 A TRUE CELEBRATION OF NORFOLK The East Anglian Game and Country Fair 2016

80-89 FOOD AND DRINK Reviews, recipes and recommendations

20 WISBECH GRAMMAR SCHOOL An all-round education that inspires

82 RESTAURANT REVIEW The Dabbling Duck in Great Massingham

22-23 THE RUINS THAT TELL A STORY...

Exploring Norfolk’s ruined churches

92-94 THE GREEN MAN IN KING’S LYNN Alison Gifford examines an enigmatic motif

28-30 A TALE OF TRADE AND TRADITION Paul Richards on the port of King’s Lynn

98-100 SUE FOSTER Weaving history into the 21st century

34 BUDGET 2016 How the key issues will be affecting you

104-106 GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN...

A retrospective of King’s Lynn Arts Centre

40-42 KEEPING AN EYE ON OUR BIRDS Walks with the One Stop Nature Shop

108 SAMARITANS A new chapter in a 50-year-old story

47 YOUR AND YOUR PETS With local vet Alex Dallas

110-112 THE SPIRIT OF THE LANDSCAPE The work of local photographer Justin Minns

48-50 SHERINGHAM PARK Humphry Repton’s local masterpiece

114 MICHAEL MIDDLETON Try not to believe everything you read...

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APRIL BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Tues 29 Mar – Sat 2 Apr HAIRSPRAY Claire Sweeney stars in smash hit musical comedy £8 - £45

Hobson’s Choice

Sun 3 April RUSSELL KANE Right Man Wrong Age tour.

15+ £7 - £17.50 Tues 5 April UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN All-singing, all-plucking superstars £8 – £28.50 Fri 8 – Sat 9 April MY FIRST BALLET Sleeping Beauty Especially for those aged 3 and up £7 - £23

Tues 12 – Sat 16 April HOBSON’S CHOICE Martin Shaw, Christopher Timothy star in classic comedy £8 - £28.50

Tues 19 – Sat 23 April SWAN LAKE Northern Ballet with new adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece £8 - £37.50

Tues 26 – Sat 30 April A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Beguiling comedy in new RSC production £8 - £25

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

80s

n o i t a r b Cele SAT

27TH AUG

WE CLOSE OUR EYES,

GO WEST

CALL ME, KING OF WISHFUL THINKING

FEATURING MARK KING…

FIELDS OF FIRE,

LESSONS IN LOVE, LEAVING ME NOW, SOMETHING ABOUT YOU, RUNNING IN THE FAMILY

IN A BIG COUNTRY

Plus

NATHAN MOORE FROM BROTHER BEYOND

JAKI GRAHAM

HEAT WAVE

NO. 1 U.S. HIT AIN’T NOBODY

BOOGIE NIGHTS

HOLKHAM BOX OFFICE TEL: 01328 713111 KING’S LYNN CORN EXCHANGE TEL: 01553 764864 COURTESY OF THE EARL AND COUNTESS OF LEICESTER

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BOOK ONLINE NOW AT WWW.LIVEPROMOTIONSCONCERTS.CO.UK

KLmagazine April 2016

April Saturday 16th

PUPS DOWN THE PUB™ TREASURE HUNT House on the Green, Ling Common Road North Wootton PE30 3RE (2pm) House on the Green are excited to be holding their latest Pups down the Pub™ event, and this time it's a treasure hunt! So pooches, are you up for a scamper around North Wootton? Pups, this is how it works... you and as many humans as you’d like to bring will need to collect your treasure map from the House on the Green. Then, you will seek out the various treasure spots and get your companion to take a photo of you at each one (so tell them to bring a camera phone with them). When you’ve completed the hunt, bring them back to the pub and you can both enjoy a beverage and snack, whilst waiting for the winners to be announced. Teams of one dog and at least one human. Entry £1 per dog and £2 per human.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place – don’t worry if you’re small or a bit slow – it isn’t a time trial! For more information, or if your two legged friends want to book a table for lunch before the event, call 01553 631323.

30 YEARS AGO: On 26th April 1986, the world’s worst nuclear power plant accident happended at Chernobyl in Ukraine.

The explosion and fire killed 31 people, and radiation spread across much of the western Soviet Union and Europe.

13th, 20th, 27th April & 4th May LIVING WITH OSTEOPOROSIS London Road Methodist Church Hall, King’s Lynn PE30 5EJ (10.30am–11.30am) To celebrate their 20th anniversary, the King’s Lynn & District Osteoporosis Group is arranging a selection of extra courses and events in addition to their regular monthly meetings and classes. The FREE sessions focus on the basics of osteoporosis, diet, pain management and exercise. There’s limited parking and tea/coffee will be served to allow time for discussion. Local group members and National Osteoporosis Society staff will be on hand to answer questions. For more information on the courses, contact Edith Finbow on 01553 773309 or e-mail edith.finbow@btinternet.com.

Sat 30th April & Sun 1st May

HOLIDAY HOME OWNERSHIP WEEKEND Searles Leisure Resort, Hunstanton, PE36 5BB (10am-4pm) Come and visit the award-winning 5-star Leisure Resort & Country Park to explore the easy options for holiday home ownership. If a holiday home is something you’ve been considering, this open weekend is a fantastic opportunity to take a stroll around the selection of stunning show lodges. If a new lodge in the Country Park isn’t what you’re looking for, Searles has something to suit everyone at its leisure resort – with pre-owned caravans from only £9,995 and pre-owned lodges from only £69,995. There really is something to suit everyone! Searles is a family resort with something for everyone: indoor & outdoor pools, gymnasium, hair and beauty, golf, bowls, fishing, tennis, and fantastic daytime activities and evening shows. For more information and details, please e-mail holidayhome@searles.co.uk, call 01485 536026 or visit the websites at www.searlesnorfolklodges.co.uk and www.searles.co.uk.

KLmagazine April 2016

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mainstream, arthouse & classic films

The Luxe independent cinema

APRIL SCREENING S BATMAN VS SUPERMAN: DAW N O F J U S T I C E

S N E T T I S H A M PA R K Deer D eer Safari Safari Park Park & Farming Farming Attraction Attraction AMAZING DEER SAFARI SEE A LAMB BEING BORN BOTTLE FEED ORPHAN LAMBS FRIENDLY FARM ANIMALS PONY RIDES

ANOMALISA ROOM

ZOOTROPOLIS

KUN G FU PANDA 3

SECRET IN THEIR EYES FREE HELD

T H E S U RV I VA L I S T HAIL, CAESAR!

THE IRON GIANT TRUTH

THE ONES BELOW EDDIE THE EAGLE

ODDBALL AND THE PENGUINS

O OPEN PEN D DAILY AILY 1 10am-5pm 0am-5pm TEL: TEL: O O1485 1485 542425 542425

10 C LOV E R F I E L D L A N E HIGH-RISE

Films subject to change. View our website for up to date screening information.

To book tickets call: 01945 588808 or go online:

CELEBRAT CELEBRATING ATING OUR OUR H 3 30 0TTH ANNIVERSARY AN A NNIV IVERSARY

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www.t h e luxe cin em a .co m

Alexandra Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 1HQ KLmagazine April 2016

Coming soon...

Sat 30th April – Mon 2nd May ADNAMS’ PEDAL NORFOLK CYCLING FESTIVAL Holkham Hall, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AB This popular cycling event caters for all the family with rides, activities and competitions for people of all ages and all abilities.

The key cycling events are 20-, 50- and 100-mile loops each day – sending people off around the beautiful north Norfolk countryside on safe, quiet roads and with all rides starting and finishing against the magnificent backdrop of Holkham Hall. Daytime entertainment includes bike training (for all ages), a challenging CX course, an MTB track, a climbing wall, a vast adventure playground and a huge trade village. In the evenings the entertainment continues with competitions, talks and live music. Holkham will open its doors for the whole weekend allowing visitors to camp or bring mobile homes and provides top-notch facilities. For more information visit the website www.pedalnorfolk.co.uk.

Monday 2nd May

HEIRLOOMS CHARITY CAR BOOT SALE & PICNIC Middleton Tower, Middleton, King’s Lynn PE32 1EE (9:30am-3:30pm) Spend the day at beautiful Middleton Tower and help raise funds for The Soldiers’ Charity. With lots of bargains on offer in the car boot sale and beautiful grounds in which to enjoy a picnic, it promises to be a great day out. All profits from the day will go to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for their work with soldiers, veterans and their families. Pitches are by invitation only. Admission is £5 per person, with children under 16 go free. Free parking is also available. E-mail eastanglia@soldierscharity.org for more information.

Sunday 1st May GRAND EAST ANGLIA RUN (GEAR) Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn (Mini Gear Fun run at 10am, 10k race at 10:45am) The Bespak Grand East Anglia Run (GEAR) returns for another year, with the course record standing at 30 minutes 18 seconds. Can anyone break that 30-minute barrier? The race is a fast, flat race suitable for all ages and abilities, and takes runners on a loop through the town centre, the Walks and along the waterfront, showcasing some of the town’s key heritage and retail areas. Generous cash prizes and award categories for the event include overall race winners for men and women, wheelchair competitors, juniors under 21, seniors 21–39 and veterans over 40 years plus team events. The course is ideal for spectators with safety barriers in place throughout the town centre, so come along and cheer on the runners as they pass by! For more information and full details, visit the website at www.grandeastangliarun.co.uk.

KLmagazine April 2016

Sunday 8th May DAWN CHORUS Oxburgh Hall, Oxborough PE33 9PS (5:30am - 7:30am) Up with the lark! Join the outdoors manager for an early morning walk and experience the dawn chorus at Oxburgh Hall. You may hear robins, song thrushes, blackbirds, great spotted woodpeckers, chiffchaffs and willow warblers. Afterwards warm up in the tearoom with a bacon sandwich (or vegetarian option) and a hot drink.

Remember to wear warm clothes and bring your binoculars! Tickets are £13 per person. To find out more information or to book your place(s) please contact Helen Gregory on 01366 328926 or by e-mail at helen.gregory@nationaltrust.org.uk.

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PICTURES: NVTEC-EA / ANDREW BENNETT

What’s On

ABOVE: The 39th Stradsett Park Vintage Rally was the biggest ever – and this year’s 40th anniversary show is set to be even bigger

Celebrating 40 years of the Stradsett Rally...

As the ever-popular Stradsett Park Vintage Rally prepares for its 40th anniversary show, KL magazine talks to organiser Gordon Carson about the region’s favourite celebration of rural life

V

isitors to last year’s Stradsett Park Vintage Rally were treated to the biggest and best show ever in the event’s long history. In the lovely setting of the Stradsett Park Estate just east of Downham Market, spectators were treated to a fantastic two-day celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage that included no less than 320 tractors, 127 stationary engines, 114 classic cars, 51 motorcycles, 35 horticultural machines, 31 commercial vehicles and 30 Bygone exhibits. Oh, and five steam engines.

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For Gordon Carson of the East Anglia branch of the National Vintage and Engine Club, however, there was little time to enjoy the show.

When he wasn’t directing traffic during a particularly busy Bank Holiday Monday, Gordon – who’s organised the Stradsett Park Vintage Rally for the last five years – was already thinking of how he could make this year’s 40th anniversary show even bigger and even better.

It looks as though he’s succeeded.

“It’s going to be really exciting,” he says. “We’ve got a completely new

layout, a much bigger rally field, a new and bigger car park, more exhibits than ever, and more trade and catering stands than ever. It’s a milestone show in the event’s history, and it will be a really fitting way to celebrate.”

In addition to the collections of steam engines and classic cars, commercials and caravans, stationary engines and motorcycles, horticultural machines and ex-military vehicles, the rally will feature another amazing collection of tractors from the classic (1964-85) to the vintage (1953-62) and the veteran (1910-52).

KLmagazine April 2016

Even older vehicles will find a place at this year’s event, as the special theme for the 40th Stradsett Park Vintage Rally is 100-year-old tractors and the skill of grass cutting and haymaking.

“Nobody uses this technology or these machines today,” says Gordon, “so it should be very interesting – and a unique chance to see part of our agricultural past in action.”

Indeed, that’s one of the greatest appeals of the Stradsett Park Vintage Rally. It’s not just a showcase of the past – it brings that past alive, through all-day ring parades (on both days), heavy horse displays, and a fascinating working demonstration area where spectators can see old equipment doing everything from threshing to crushing concrete.

KLmagazine April 2016

This year’s show also features a bigger and expanded section of club stands, bringing together fellow-minded groups from around the region such as the famous Starting Handle Club (who themselves celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2014), the Ford and Fordson Association and the Carrington Rally – Lincolnshire’s oldest steam and heritage show.

It’s a huge event, but the introduction of helicopter rides for this year will enable spectators to enjoy an exciting bird’s-eye view of the show – while younger visitors will enjoy a more down-to-earth tour of the grounds in a fully-working wooden Thomas the Tank Engine

replica.

The Stradsett Park Vintage Rally is a genuine family-friendly affair – from the fairground rides to the spacious big marquee with its licensed bar and live entertainment. It’s also a big supporter of local charities – the 2015 event raised some £15,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance – and this year’s 40th anniversary show will be supporting the charity BREAK, which has been providing a diverse range of specialist residential and community-based services for vulnerable children, young people and families across East Anglia for over four decades.

It’s hardly surprising then, to learn that Gordon’s thoughts are never too far from the show.

“Organising the rally is a truly mammoth event in itself,” he says.

“Before it starts I’ll already be working on the following year’s show. I don’t think a single day goes by when I’m not answering letters, e-mails and phone calls, designing entry forms, booking the lights and generators or dealing with enquiries from exhibitors. It doesn’t just turn up on the day!”

Gordon admits that he’s even been known to have his laptop with him by

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What’s On

the pool while on holiday.

“I do like things to go right and you can never plan enough,” he says, “although I am a bit of a perfectionist.”

He’s keen to point out that the Stradsett Park Vintage Rally isn’t the work of one man, however.

“None of it would be possible without the support and the dedication of the committee members and the Friends of Stradsett,” he says. “They all give up huge amounts of their time for free and they work incredibly hard before, during and after the event to make it such a success. Of course, we also have to thank Sir Jeremy, Alfred and Lady Bagge for the use of their fantastic park.”

He also praises the efforts of the young members of the 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps, who volunteer to man the public car parks, and (not least) the support of the exhibit owners themselves.

“Without the exhibitors there’s simply no show,” says Gordon. “They’ve invested a huge amount of time, effort and money in restoring and maintaining these amazing machines and vehicles, and they take an incredible amount of pride and joy in bringing them to the rally and showing them off.”

As he puts the finishing touches to his plans and ensuring nothing’s overlooked to make this year’s event the best ever, it’s tempting to ask Gordon what he’s most looking forward to in 2016.

“I think the vintage haymaking will be amazing to see,” he says, “but I have to admit I’m really looking forward to seeing the new car park in operation! Even though we had an extra five acres last year, it was completely full at times and we simply couldn’t let any more people in. This year we’ve got enough space to ensure that everyone who wants to visit can enjoy another fantastic show.”

STRADSETT PARK VINTAGE RALLY 2016

PICTURES: NVTEC-EA / ANDREW BENNETT

Sunday 1st -Monday 2nd May 10am to 5pm daily Stradsett Park, Stradsett, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE33 9HA TICKETS: £5 adults, FREE for children (if accompanied by an adult) For more information and details of this year’s event, please see www.nvtec-ea.org.uk/rally or send e-mail stradsett@nvtec-ea.org.uk.

You can also find the event on Facebook/StradsettRally and follow it on Twitter @Stradsett_Rally

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KLmagazine April 2016

The Legend continues with a test drive at King’s Lynn Audi. Book yours now.

King’s Lynn Audi Hamburg Way, King’s Lynn PE30 2ND 0844 776 0541 kingslynn-audi.co.uk

KLmagazine April 2016

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KLmagazine April 2016

What’s On

Amazing shows this April!

April at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange features everything from Comedy to Opera and Live Music to a Lecture!

THE MAGIC OF THE BEE GEES Saturday 2 April | 7.30pm It’s The Bee Gees entire glittering songbook wrapped up in one spectacular live concert show. Enjoy all the Bee Gees' million-selling hits drawn from three chart-topping decades. Plus relive platinum-selling hits written by Barry, Maurice and Robin for other million-selling artists.

ISLANDS IN THE STREAM The Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers Story Thursday 14 April | 7.30pm Celebrating the Queen and King of country, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Stacked with country music’s greatest hits including Jolene, Ruby, 9 to 5, I Will Always Love You, Coward of the County, Love is Like a Butterfly and Lady, enjoy the awesome vocals and gentle humour of Dolly and Kenny’s legendary live shows.

Bookends present:

SIMON & GARFUNKEL THROUGH THE YEARS Saturday 16 April | 7.30pm This moving and powerful spectacular

features incredible live performances, delightful audio visual footage of the original artistes and a superb string quartet. Telling the story of the duo who created the soundtrack to the Sixties: Mrs Robinson, The Sound of Silence, The Boxer, Bridge Over Troubled Water and more.

struggle hilariously to conquer pole dancing for an event to raise awareness and money for a breast cancer charity.

A poignant and uplifting comedy, a call to all women, and celebrating strength through adversity.

MORE APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING Thursday 28 April | 7.30pm No film has captured the hearts of a generation like Dirty Dancing. Relive the passion, indulge in the romance and celebrate the greatest movie soundtrack of all time. Revel in the moments you loved, the memories you made and music that’s resonated throughout the years including the Oscar-winning (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.

THE NAKED TRUTH Starring Faye Tozer & Vicki Michelle Fri 29 & Sat 30 April | 8pm Tailor-made for Women, The Naked Truth is the hit comedy play set in a pole dancing class, a brilliantly funny comedy about sisterhood. It's a women thing, as five very different women

PUCCINI TOSCA Wednesday 13 April | 7.30pm

DAVID STARKEY Friday 15 April | 7.30pm

COMEDY CLUB Thursday 21 April | 7.45pm NEW BROCHURE OUT NOW! Pick up a copy from the Corn Exchange or browse a copy on our website.

Tickets for all shows are available from our Box Office on 01553 764864 or book online at: kingslynncornexchange.co.uk @klcornexchange

KLmagazine April 2016

@klcornexchange

Alive Corn Exchange

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KLmagazine April 2016

What’s On

ABOVE: The East Anglian Game and Country Fair returns to the Norfolk Showground for two days at the end of this month

Enjoy a two-day family feast of country pursuits Later this month, the East Anglian Game & Country Fair will offer visitors two days packed with all the things that make life in Norfolk so special. KL magazine gets a preview of this year’s event

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t the end of this month, one of the county’s best-loved family events returns to the Norfolk Showground just outside Norwich as the annual East Anglian Game & Country Fair hosts a wide range of world class events and attractions over the weekend of Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April.

The many new displays for 2016 include the Royal Signals White Helmets, a team of 25 serving soldiers from the Royal Corps of Signals who mix unique feats of balance, skill and coordination with high-impact speed crossover rides. The team’s 21-rider pyramid stack is a world famous manoeuvre and a real crowd pleaser.

KLmagazine April 2016

Similarly breathtaking is Action Sports Tour – a group of eight men who combine trail riding, BMX, MTB dirt jumping, free running, scooter riding and rollerblading in a thrill-a-minute performance.

Of course, some of the most popular attractions at the East Anglian Game & Country Fair every year are the excellent equestrian displays and workshops.

Arena Boarding’s incredible ‘horseboarding’ demonstrations (think of a cross between scurry racing and wake boarding) make a welcome return to the show, while Norfolk-based New Zealander Richard Savory will be entertaining crowds with his lighthearted and educational look at sheep

breeds and shearing.

Stars of the display are undoubtedly Richard’s ‘dancing sheep’ which were mentioned on Chris Evans’ Radio 2 show and prompted one of the programme’s biggest responses ever.

Meanwhile, Jim Greenwood’s lurcher display is a fascinating look at a breed that’s much more than just a fast dog – retrieving like a gun dog, scenting like a spaniel, marking like a pointer, and being fast enough to catch a rabbit.

The East Anglian Game & Country Fair’s amazing horse behaviourist Richard Maxwell was in the Household Cavalry with Marvin ‘Monty’ Roberts, and he’ll be demonstrating twice daily, using a range of traditional and natural techniques on horses brought to the

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What’s On

ABOVE: Pictured here with award-winning butcher Arthur Howell, celebrity chef Chris Coubrough will be showing visitors to the show how to make the most of local produce

show by their owners.

A fantastic line-up of free events to watch in the Main and Countryside arenas includes six times FITASC Sporting World Champion, European Champion and English Open Champion John Bidwell performing his worldfamous off-the-hip trick shooting, a hounds parade by the Dunston Harriers, falcons, ferret racing and fly fishing, and sheepdog and duck displays.

And don’t forget the Mid-Norfolk Gundog Club, whose Team Gundog Working Test (introduced to the East Anglian Game and Country Fair three years ago) is an ‘Open’ standard competition for teams of three experienced dogs and handlers representing clubs and societies from across East Anglia.

Meanwhile, the show’s popular Forestry Village will be a buzz of activity with chainsaw carvings, felling demonstrations, tree climbing and pole climbing competitions featuring tree workers from across the UK. It’s not all about displays and demonstrations, however.

If Bear Grylls is your thing, Woodland Ways Bushcraft and Survival will be demonstrating their vast knowledge of bushcraft and survival techniques, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn some skills for yourself – including ‘Pigeon Plucking’ competitions!

The game fair country kitchen has a great new line-up for 2016, with a

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variety of cookery workshops and demonstrations over the weekend from a selection of local chefs including Chris Coubrough, Rachel Green, Andy Snowling and Na Hansell. The cookery theatre is housed in the centre of a busy food hall where you’ll find a wide variety of exhibitors bringing unusual and mouthwatering food and drink for visitors to sample, enjoy and purchase.

The East Anglian Game and Country Fair also features over 300 shopping stands with a wide variety of products from fashion and footwear to gun makers, eco products, fishing products and home improvements – in addition to a number of craft halls and gift marquees.

Children of all ages can take part in various countryside activities, meet animals such as alpacas and enjoy donkey rides, while even the family dog can have some fun in the Pet Dog Show or dog agility and jumping competitions.

Whether you fancy trying your hand at some clay shooting or fly fishing, want to hold a bird of prey or take a ride in a Landrover on a specially designed off-road 4x4 course, this year’s East Anglian Game and Country offers the whole family the chance to enjoy a huge range of exciting and rewarding country pursuits.

In fact, with so much to see, so much to enjoy and so many activities to take part in, the only problem is how you’re going to fit it all into two days!

THE EAST ANGLIAN GAME & COUNTRY FAIR 2016 Saturday 23rd to Sunday 24th April Open 8am to 6pm (both days) Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Easton, Norwich NR5 0TT TICKETS: On the gate prices are £17 for adults, £6 for children aged 5-16, and £46 for families (two adults and three children). Children under 5 are free.

Advance discounted tickets are available at www.ukgamefair.co.uk or by calling 01263 735828.

Car Parking is FREE for all.

For more details and information on membership and camping weekend tickets, gift packages and experience days, see www.ukgamefair.co.uk or call 01263 735828.

KLmagazine April 2016

Morton ATV

all terrain and utility terrain vehicles

JOBS FOR THE GARDEN in April

New and used vehicles and equipment • Fertiliser spreaders • Mowers • Sprayers & much more. Servicing is available on all vehicles and mowers with Honda, Briggs & Stratton and Polaris engines.

Lings Country Goods

for all your country pursuits

Heath Farm, Great Massingham PE32 2HJ www.lingscountrygoods.co.uk www.mortonatv.com | Tel: 01485 520828

VAN PELTS PORK BUTCHERS - EST 1935 -

Having a Party?

We can offer outside catering for 50-500 people!

• Weddings • Corporate events • Parties

Service is available within 50 miles of King’s Lynn

Hot pork rolls

Bangers & Mash!

Call us to discuss your plans on 01553 773536 Find us: 108 Norfolk St, King's Lynn PE30 1AQ Email: anthony.barton@ymail.com KLmagazine April 2016

When planting summer containers & baskets add water retaining gel crystals to ensure compost stays moist & slow release fertiliser to encourage strong growth You can sow a good range of vegetable seeds outside now including beetroot, cabbages, lettuce, radishes & spinach as long as the soil is warm Use feed, weed & moss killer on your lawn now as a 4 in 1 application or lawn sand if you have particular moss problems Plant summer flowering bulbs including begonias, dahlias and lilies. For a longer flowering season, plant gladioli corms in succession throughout April & May Place plant supports above tall-growing or floppy plants so the plants grow through them before getting too tall Harden off bedding plants by putting them outside during the day and bringing in at night. Don’t be tempted to put tender plants out whilst we’re still getting frosts!

Visit Thaxters for everything you’ll need for your garden...

and don’t forget to visit our coffee shop for a relaxing slice of cake or scone!

Miracle-Gro All-Purpose Compost 50 Litre 2 for £12 & get third bag FREE!

Garden Centre & Coffee Shop 49 Hunstanton Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6NA www.thaxters.co.uk | Tel: 01485 541514

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Providing an all-round education that inspires...

When children enter Wisbech Grammar School’s preparatory school Magdalene House they embark on a rewarding journey that challenges and inspires them to be the very best they can be

T

he term ‘preparatory school’ tends to suggest it’s a rehearsal for something else, something more important perhaps – but these early years in education are a vital part of a child’s learning, and in building a sound foundation for the future they may be the most important years of all.

At Wisbech Grammar School’s preparatory school Magdalene House, efforts to enable children to make the most of the many opportunities open to them begin even before they arrive for their first day.

“I always do home and nursery visits to start forging a relationship with the new children,” says Reception Class teacher Emma Oram. “It enables parents to understand the school’s ethos and 20

approach, and it’s invaluable for reassuring children and getting them excited about becoming part of the school.”

That familiarisation process is supported by a series of open mornings, taster days and informal events (see panel opposite) that help children make a positive and confident start to a truly rewarding learning experience.

“In a way, we take the children and allow them to fly,” says Emma.

“Whatever their aptitude, whatever their desire, whatever their potential.”

Magdalene House follows Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and its children receive a considerable amount of individual attention and a more tailored approach to their education thanks to a

high teacher-to-pupil ratio and class sizes that very rarely exceed 20.

One of the school’s greatest strengths is that as part of Wisbech Grammar School it’s able to enhance pupils’ formal learning with the help of the resources, facilities and specialist teachers of the senior school – in everything from music and dance to PE, modern foreign languages and science.

“We want our children to become competent, resilient, capable learners,” says Emma. “We try to develop an independence of mind that allows children to think for themselves – and that’s why we provide them with access to opportunities you don’t always find at other schools.”

Indeed, life at Magdalene House reaches far outside the classroom.

KLmagazine April 2016

ABOVE: Pupils at Wisbech Grammar School’s preparatory school Magdalene House with the school’s inspirational Reception class teacher Emma Oram

The curriculum is enriched through a programme of topic-based trips and activities that range from the local police and fire services to the famous gardens at nearby Elgood’s brewery and the crops of local farmers.

“We like to bring the outside world into the school and really bring the children’s learning to life,” says Emma.

“It’s also very important to link that to the local area and make it relevant to their lives.”

Having taken up her post in January, Deputy Head Keryn Neaves is a relative newcomer to Wisbech Grammar School’s preparatory school, but she’s ideally placed to talk about the school’s unique and welcoming character as her son also recently joined Magdalene House in Prep 1.

“He’s absolutely blossomed here and has come on leaps and bounds academically,” she says. “In my short time here I’ve already seen that throughout the school teachers really care about making sure each child is treated as an individual and is challenged to reach their true potential – whatever that might be.”

The school’s commitment to its children’s wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom has now resulted in an important change to the preparatory school’s day. Following discussions with the current parent body and with families looking to join KLmagazine April 2016

Magdalene House, the school day (which has traditionally run from 8am4.10pm) will be extended significantly from September.

Offering more flexibility to working parents, the new day will start with a Breakfast Club at 7.45am before an enriched programme of post-lesson activities ends with a Homework and Tea Time Club at 5.30pm.

“In addition to meeting the demands of modern parents, the new school day will enable us to hold a much broader range of after-school activities on site,” says Keryn. “We’ve also harmonised lessons and timetables between ourselves and the senior school to help the many parents who have children in both schools.”

Far from being a rehearsal for senior school, Magdalene House is true to the vision of Wisbech Grammar School’s Headmaster Chris Staley to provide an all round education that inspires – and gives children a confident grounding on which they can build successful and rewarding academic careers.

Emma Oram would undoubtedly agree.

“It’s a fabulous school with an enriched curriculum and a caring atmosphere that will bring out the best in your children in a very supportive environment,” she says. “That’s been my experience – not just as a teacher, but as a parent as well.”

OPEN EVENTS SATURDAY 23RD APRIL l Preparatory School Open Morning An opportunity for parents and children to tour the school and meet staff and pupils in preparation for admissions to the preparatory school in 2016 or 2017 l Year 5 Open Day A chance for all Year 5 pupils (whether currently at Wisbech Grammar School or not) to enjoy a preview of life in senior school through a fun-packed day of activities taking place in the science labs, food and nutrition kitchens, and design and technology workshop.

SATURDAY 21ST MAY l Teddy Bear’s Picnic A familiarisation event for families joining the school in 2016 and for those wishing for an informal introduction to the school.

You bring the teddy bears and the rugs and we’ll provide the picnic!

To register or for more information, contact the Admissions Team on 01945 586750 or send an e-mail to admissions@WisbechGrammar.com

WISBECH GRAMMAR SCHOOL 47 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 1JX t: 01945 586750 w: www.wisbechgrammar.com

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KLmagazine April 2016

PICTURES: IAN WARD

Local Life

ABOVE: The atmospheric ruins of St Mary’s in Appleton and (opposite) the almost totally overgrown church of St Andrews at Bircham Tofts

Evocative signposts to the story of Norfolk...

A history of plagues, wars, religious upheavals and natural forces have resulted in Norfolk having more ruined churches than anywhere else in England, as Sylvia Steele discovers...

I

t could well have been Norfolk that the great English poet Sir John Betjeman was thinking of when he wrote “there is no better activity than church crawling as a way of passing the time. You never know what you might find.”

For Norfolk certainly has its share of redundant churches – more than any other county in Britain in fact – and to learn more about our heritage there can be no better way than that of John Betjeman.

The A47 approach to King’s Lynn affords only a fleeting glimpse of the ruined church halfhidden from the carriageway by a belt of trees but it is, nevertheless, an intriguing sight that begs further exploration. A narrow track leads past a row of cottages to the ruined church of St. Mary’s at Tilney-

KLmagazine April 2016

cum-Islington, a redundant Anglican church recorded as a designated Grade II listed building and under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. As a result of work carried out in 1972, the 13th century walls still survive and the west tower stands intact. But the nave is roofless. Some call it a romantic ruin and it’s certainly a distinctive landmark.

Within a few miles, on an elevated mound in the centre of farmland, is the stark silhouette of what remains of the church of St. James. Once again, here is a church without a village – for the parishioners of Bawsey have long dispersed.

A rough track takes a circuitous potholed route up to the area around the ruins, which were featured in a Time Team programme in 1998. Legend has it that when a skeleton with a head

wound was located close by it was proof of a Viking attack – but this was later disproved.

The medieval church is of Romanesque style, built from local carrstone with a flint and limestone dressing. Its tower and nave date back to the 11th and 12th centuries, with the chancel added around 200 years later.

Archaeological deposits recovered suggest the Bawsey church occupied a continuous settlement area from the Iron Age to the 16th century. Remote now, but in Saxon and mediaeval times St. James would have been at the centre of a thriving community. Sadly, it had fallen into a ruinous state by the second half of the 18th century.

From this elevated position, only the swathe of Sandringham Scots pines hides the round tower of little St. Mary’s

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PICTURES: IAN WARD

Local Life

ABOVE: The atmospheric ruins of St. James at Bawsey and (below) the Gade II listed church of St. Mary’s at Tilney-cum-Islington

at Appleton. Located just off the B1440 in the heart of the Sandringham Estate, the village that once surrounded the church has now disappeared, with only a huddle of farm cottages situated nearby and the Appleton water tower its nearest neighbour.

St. Mary’s is thought to date back to the 11th century and appears on Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ register. It was in danger of becoming just another crumbling ruin until, fortuitously, a grant of £12,500 was awarded by WREN, a not-for-profit organisation that awards grants for heritage projects.

Its aim is to create a lasting legacy for future generations, and when reconstruction work is finished the church will be removed from the ‘At Risk’ list.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have such a beautiful ruin in our parish and are very grateful to WREN for helping us look after it,” says Canon Jonathon Riviere, the Rector of Sandringham, West Newton and Appleton.

Until quite recently, tangled undergrowth made the church inaccessible – but when its tarpaulin wrapping is removed it will be possible once again to walk inside to view the interior. The big round tower is constructed of carrstone and flint, and adjoins the ruins of the tiny church that appears to be more recent building, possibly replacing a Norman church.

“Impossible to approach without being impressed by its grandeur” is how the Protection of Ancient Buildings regards St. Mary’s Priory at Binham.

Founded in the late 11th century, it is today among the most complete (and spectacular) ruins in the county.

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At the start of the 20th century, a successful appeal for £2,300 was launched with an article in The Times “to prevent the church becoming an utter ruin” – resulting in the installation of a new roof, and between 1929-35 works aided by the Pilgrim Trust saw the rubble from the north aisle removed and the floor restored to its original level.

In 1987-90 further restoration work was undertaken with help towards the cost provided by English Heritage, the Historic Churches Preservation Trust

and the Norfolk Churches Trust Some 10 miles away another treasured feature of the Norfolk countryside, probably dating back to 1206, is Creake Abbey. The Abbey enjoyed a very fulsome history until the 16th century, when it was devastated by the plague. In 1207 the Hospital of St. Bartholomew was founded and the chapel became a priory with extensions to both the church and priory buildings.

When the last abbot died alone on 12th December 1506 the abbey reverted to the Crown and the site is now in the care of English Heritage.

In stark contrast, the humble parish church of St. Andrews in the quiet hamlet of Bircham Tofts summons again Betjeman‘s words “you never know what you will find.”

But where is St. Andrew’s? The structure is entirely camouflaged by ivy and vines and is unrecognisable as a place of worship – access to the interior is possible only by way of a gap in the hedge.

William White’s History, Gazetteer and Directory of Norfolk for 1883 describes the parish as containing only 135 inhabitants, and when the roof collpased in 1952 the church fell into disuse and disrepair, despite being a Grade II listed building.

Sad as it may appear, it seems that the countryside’s wildlife has made St. Andrew’s their own – conserved now for God’s smallest creatures, and who can argue with that?

Redundant for their original purpose, these churches still provide landmarks to motorists, signposts for ramblers and, like navigational aids of the past, still point us in the right direction.

KLmagazine April 2016

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nwanted tree stumps in your garden can be more than unsightly.

They can be a genuine hazard for people and lawnmowers, and can put the best gardening projects on hold – whether you’re thinking of a new patio or a spot of re-landscaping. Tree stumps can take many years to decay and very often re-growth will persist annually. Moreover, remaining roots make the soil unworkable and re-planting can be difficult.

One of the greatest and most common problems in stump removal is the garden’s accessibility – as many modern homes simply don’t have enough room to accommodate large equipment.

It’s not a problem for Dan Ashton and his experienced team at Heritage Tree Specialists in King’s Lynn, however.

“The machinery we use is very powerful and effective, but it’s also extremely manoeuvrable,” he says. “It can actually pass through a gap of only 25 inches, so it’s perfect for getting into most domestic gardens.”

KLmagazine April 2016

The non-invasive process (which grinds the old stump to a fine mulch) doesn’t harm adjacent plants or roots, and is also the perfect answer to troublesome surface roots than can run across and disrupt the surface of the lawn.

“It’s not at all unusual for stumps to lay over or very close to utilities,” says Dan, “so we always scan the ground with a cable avoidance tool first to ensure the only thing that gets damaged is the stump itself.”

Dan and his team also uses speciallydesigned screens and guards to protect the rest of garden and neighbouring structures from the resulting wood chippings, which they’ll remove for you on completion, leaving you with a clean, level and hazard-free garden.

For a safe, effective and trouble-free approach to stump removal – or any other of the team’s extensive tree care services – contact Heritage Tree Specialists now for free professional advice and a fixed quotation.

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Local Life

ABOVE: The port of King’s Lynn today and how it looked (opposite, below) in 1962 – it’s been a commercial centre for hundreds of years

Trade and tradition at the port of King’s Lynn...

The fortunes of King’s Lynn have been defined by its relationship to the Great Ouse and its trade links with Europe. Paul Richards examines how the town’s port has changed over the years...

F

or centuries, King’s Lynn was in the premier league of English ports, a status largely due to its geographical advantages and broad hinterland via the Great Ouse. The river was the lifeblood of the town, and the arrival and departure of merchant ships kept the wheels of its commerce turning until the coming of the railways in the 1840s robbed the North Sea haven of much of its coastal and river traffic.

Happily, it was rescued from decline by river improvements and the

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construction of two new docks in 1869 and 1883 – and today the Port of Lynn retains its position as one of England’s leading smaller ports and trades extensively with Europe, supporting and helping develop both local and regional businesses.

In 2015, almost 500,000 tons of cargo carried by 236 ships passed through King’s Lynn and trade with northern Europe remains buoyant.

Timber from Finland, Sweden, Russia and Latvia is the biggest import, which increases whenever the British economy grows. Also from the Baltic

came fertiliser from Klaipeda in Lithuania and Police in Poland. From Randers on Denmark’s east coast six vessels arrived with a building material called LECA, while sailing back to the Baltic were 15 ships carrying woodchip to Oxelosund and Stora Vika in Sweden to feed its power stations. An interesting single cargo was the vessel that left Lynn for Gdansk in Poland with speedway sand!

Barley, wheat and rapeseed are King’s Lynn’s principal exports, with Rotterdam receiving most of the ships leaving the Wash (46 of them in 2015);

KLmagazine April 2016

KLmagazine April 2016

PICTURES: IAN WARD / SUPPLIED

but Amsterdam, Antwerp, Dordrecht and Ghent are destinations too.

Back in the 18th century the merchants of King’s Lynn sent their wheat and barley in ships of about 500 tons to Spain and Portugal for wine, a tradition that continues to this day, with a few vessels taking wheat and barley from the Wash to Seville and Vila Garcia as well as to Lisbon last year. There were also solo cargoes of scrap metal to Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain.

The Port of Lynn has long traded with the harbours of northern France.

Around 1600, its merchants sent cargoes of coal and cloth to Dieppe and Rouen in exchange for hops and millstones. Last year (415 years later!) eight vessels arrived in King’s Lynn from Bonnieres with wheat, and six ships from La Pallice in Brittany brought maize.

Timber from Archangel was part unloaded at St Malo and Honfleur before the Russian ships brought the remainder to Lynn. Not many vessels departed the Wash for France with cargoes in 2015, but one did go to Dunkirk with barley, and another to Bayonne with scrap metal.

Coastal shipping around the British Isles has been a feature of Lynn’s

maritime economy for centuries and it remains significant. Of some importance in 2015 were the number of vessels unloading Scandinavian timber at King’s Lynn which had already unloaded part of their cargo at Seaham in the North-East, Hull and Rochester.

Ireland and Scotland also figure in Lynn’s seaborne commerce. In 2015 vessels transported wheat and barley to Cork and SBPP (sugar beet pulp pellets

for animal feed) to New Ross in Eire and Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland.

Before the Act of Union in 1707, Scotland was probably Lynn’s most important foreign trading partner – the Scots exchanged salt, fish and coal for cloth, skins and beans, and coal from Kirkcaldy was frequently carried by coasters to the Wash ports in the 18th century.

Noteworthy today are the ships with

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PICTURES: IAN WARD / SUPPLIED

Local Life

cargoes of malt and barley departing King’s Lynn for Scotland and in particular the 11 vessels to Buckie on the Moray Firth in 2015 – East Anglian barley is intimately interwoven with the famous Scottish whisky industry!

In 2015 some ships arrived and departed the Wash in ballast, which today is simply sea water taken on board – in the past it consisted of stones and cobbles, many of which can be detected in Lynn’s historic buildings and town wall.

A number of ships also leave the Wash each year with the designation SFO (Sea for Orders) – the captains anchor at sea to await orders from the owners of the vessels.

Ships approaching King’s Lynn were once guided by seamarks such as the spires of St Nicholas and St Margaret’s and the Greyfriars tower. Before the Estuary Cut (1853) the Great Ouse occupied a wide and shallow estuary with hazardous sandbanks, but the Estuary Cut and the two enclosed docks of 1869 and 1883 transformed access to the Port of Lynn for bigger ships.

It wasn’t always plain sailing though.

Disaster struck in 1889 when a steamer bringing maize from Baltimore ran aground in the channel. Despite efforts to refloat the Wick Bay, it broke its back and the Corporation was forced to borrow £20,000 to remove the wreck and save the Wash port from closure.

The Wick Bay disaster led to the King’s Lynn Conservancy Act of 1897, whereby a board representing local

30

interests was appointed to safeguard the river and approaches to King’s Lynn.

The King’s Lynn Conservancy Board (KLCB) would deal with navigational aids and remove wrecks, and it later became the pilotage authority too.

King’s Lynn is a Trust Port. The KLCB is a self-financing, non-profit making organisation, deriving its income from users of the port and the navigational buoys in the Wash.

It doesn’t receive local or central government grants and employs 14 skilled members of staff. Two fast pilot cutters called ‘St Ann’ and ‘United’ transfer pilots to ships in the Wash, and the tug ‘Conservator’ assists the larger vessels. Depths in the river and approach channel are regularly surveyed as sand banks can quickly shift. The Port of King’s Lynn has an area of jurisdiction extending from Staplewear near Stowbridge seaward to the Wash, where colonies of birds, seals and wildfowl abound, and have to be protected. Here are also the important shellfish beds essential to the operation of Lynn’s Fisher Fleet.

Meanwhile, Associated British Ports (ABP) controls the two enclosed docks and riverside quay (as well as the Fisher Fleet) and is increasing its investment in the Port. It built the several grain silos on the Alexandra Dock (27,000 tons capacity) whilst the tall concrete silo on Bentinck Dock was erected in 1976.

ABP constructed the riverside quay to allow bigger ships to use the Port of Lynn in 1991.

Though Lynn’s trade with northern

Europe today is strongly tied to Sweden and the Low Countries, its historic links with Hanseatic harbours in Germany and the Baltic continues, especially with Hamburg, Lübeck, Kiel, Rostock, Gdansk and Riga. These towns are prominent members of the New Hanseatic League of 185 members, along with King’s Lynn, Hull and Boston as the only English representatives.

Sea traffic between these Hanseatic ports could grow as a result of intercity partnerships promoted through this European alliance, while both the KLCB and ABP are working together for mutual benefit and to expand the Port’s trade and engage with the wider community in West Norfolk.

ABOVE: Local King’s Lynn banker and businessman Sir Lewis Jarvis (1816-1888), who led the campaign to build Alexandra Dock and save the Port of Lynn.

KLmagazine April 2016

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KLmagazine April 2016

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KLmagazine April 2016

“

We all hope pre-nuptial agreements never have to be relied upon, but for most couples the peace of mind and security they bring makes the existence of such agreements well worth it...

”

MELINDA SMITH Partner, Fraser Dawbarns March Office

Pre-nuptial agreements: a sensible way to tie the knot T

he growing and continued popularity of pre-nuptial agreements has led to the Law Commission recently recommending they become a formally-recognised part of matrimonial law.

It reflects the widespread practice of Courts upholding such agreements unless doing so is seen as unfair to either or both parties; usually due to unforeseen events (such as long-term illness or children) which have changed their circumstances and/or assets since the agreement was drawn up.

For many years seen as the preserve of ‘celebrity’ couples, pre-nuptial agreements are a sensible and reassuring approach for any couple intending to tie the knot – whether they’re bringing property and children to a second marriage or younger couples with parents providing significant financial support to their union.

And as financial circumstances can become increasingly complex over time, couples who’ve been married for several years can even make a postnuptial agreement to ‘ringfence’ and safeguard their respective assets – and that’s why we always recommend reviewing pre- and post-nuptial

KLmagazine April 2016

agreements on a regular basis.

If you are considering a pre-nuptial agreement, it’s important that you seek legal advice well in advance of the wedding to ensure there’s plenty of time for you to discuss what you want the agreement to cover. It allows you to reach an agreement that’s fair to everyone, enables us to put various safeguards in place and close any legal loopholes, and ensures the agreement is given equally serious consideration by the Court in any subsequent divorce proceedings.

For obvious reasons, it can be a difficult discussion to have with your intended – but pre-nuptial agreements can save both of you a considerable amount of stress, upset and money if the marriage does break down at some

point. Actually, our experience has shown that couples who are happy to discuss these matters and explore the possible eventualities are likely to have a solid and trustworthy foundation on which to build a successful marriage.

We all hope pre-nuptial agreements never have to be relied upon, but for most couples the peace of mind and security they bring makes the existence of such an agreement well worth it.

If you are considering a pre-nuptial agreement or are interested in learning more about having a post-nuptial agreement drawn up, the Family Law team at Fraser Dawbarns has decades of experience in helping people in all sorts of circumstances, and can offer you a highly professional and friendly service that’s fair and equitable to all parties.

FRASER DAWBARNS LLP 21 Tuesday Market Place King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW Tel: 01553 666600 Fax: 01553 767221 DX: 57800 KINGS LYNN Web: www.fraserdawbarns.com E-mail: info@fraserdawbarns.com

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ABOVE: Last month, George Osborne delivered his eighth Budget as Chancellor, describing it as a vison that “puts the next generation first”

A ‘next-generation’ Budget as the storm clouds gather How will last month’s Budget affect you, your family and your business? Chris Goad BSc ACA of Stephenson Smart takes a look at the main issues facing your finances over the coming years... hen Chancellor George Osborne delivered his eighth Budget to the House of Commons on March 16th, he dubbed it a “Budget for the long term” – but warned that “the storm clouds are gathering again.”

Having proclaimed that the British economy is “fit for the future” and that the Government remains on course to achieve a budget surplus of £10.4bn in 2019/20, the Chancellor warned that growing global economic gloom threatens the UK. With low productivity growth and a weak global outlook continuing to present a “dangerous cocktail of risks” the Chancellor revealed that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has significantly revised down its economic forecasts for the next five years, with

W

34

UK economic growth now forecast to be just 2% in 2016.

Official figures also revealed that the Chancellor has missed his target to reduce debt as a share of GDP. Borrowing forecasts have been revised upwards to £55.5bn for 2016/17, and the Chancellor announced the need for deeper spending cuts, with £3.5bn of additional savings to be made by 2019/20.

With an EU referendum fast approaching, the Chancellor was keen to point out that the OBR’s forecasts were predicated on there being no change to the country’s position in Europe, and claimed that leaving the EU could usher in a “period of uncertainty” for the UK. The Chancellor revealed a package of business tax measures, announcing that

in England the Small Business Rate Relief threshold will rise from £6,000 to £12,000 from April 2017 and promising further radical changes – with the uprating of business rates set to change from RPI (retail prices index) to CPI (consumer price index). Greater London will see the complete devolution of business rates from next April.

Meanwhile, for individuals, and building on the recent announcement of a new Help to Save scheme, the Chancellor unveiled a new Lifetime ISA, intended to give adults aged under 40 the opportunity to save up to £4,000 a year towards buying their first home (up to a limit of £450,000) or to save towards their retirement, and which the Government will top up by 25%.

Other key announcements on

KLmagazine April 2016

l Lower income savers will benefit from a new Help to Save scheme, which will be worth up to £1,200 per person and open to anyone in work and receiving universal credit or working tax credits. Savers will be able to deposit up to £50 per month, and after two years claim a 50% bonus worth up to £600. After another two years they could get another £600 bonus.

personal taxation included the next step in the Government’s drive to increase the income tax personal allowance, which will rise to £11,500 from April 2017, at which time the threshold for higher rate tax will also rise to £45,000.

Capital gains tax rates will also be cut, with the headline rate falling from 28% to 20% and the basic rate from 18% to 10% with effect from 6th April 2016.

Fuel duty will remain frozen for the sixth consecutive year, while tobacco duties will rise above inflation, and from 2018 a new sugar levy on the soft drinks industry will aim to combat the problem of childhood obesity.

Other significant measures include additional investment in the nation’s infrastructure, further measures towards the ‘devolution revolution’ and plans to turn every school in England into an academy.

l Tax-free personal allowances will be raised to £11,500 from April 2017, as a step towards the target of £12,500 by 2020. It means basic rate taxpayers will be better off by £180. l The threshold for 40p tax will be raised to £43,000 from April 2017, as a step towards the target of £50,000 by 2020. It means that higher rate taxpayers will be better off by £703. l Capital gains tax has been slashed from 28% to 20% for top rate taxpayers, and from 18% to 10% for basic rate taxpayers, with effect from 6th April 2016. However, the old rates will still apply to gains on the sale of residential property that is not your main home, such as second homes or buy-to-lets. l From 2018, the self-employed will no longer have to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions. Currently, about 3.4 million people pay these at a rate of £2.80 a week, which contributes to their state pension entitlement and other benefits.

BUDGET 2016: THE KEY MEASURES l New Lifetime ISAs will be launched in April 2017 to help those aged between 18-40 save for a first home or for their retirement. Savers will receive a 25% bonus from the government on contributions of up to £4,000 a year.

Those who open a Lifetime ISA will be able to withdraw some (or all) of the money tax-free to buy their first home, or keep it until their 60th birthday. In conjunction with this, the current ISA limit of £15,240 will be raised to £20,000 from April 2017.

OUR BRANCHES

l The threshold for small business rates relief will be permanently increased from £6,000 to £15,000, and higher rate relief will also be increased from £18,000 to £51,000. The government estimates 600,000 small businesses will be relieved of paying business rates from April 2017 and would see an annual saving of nearly £6,000. l Those involved in the sharing economy such as people who rent out their home to holidaymakers on Airbnb or who buy and sell on eBay, will get a new tax break. There will be two new £1,000 tax-free allowances for ‘property’ and ‘trading’, aimed at people who the Chancellor called ‘microentrepreneurs.’ l A sugar levy will be imposed on the soft drinks industry, assessed by volume and introduced in April 2018. Some of the proceeds will fund school sports.

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KLmagazine April 2016

l Corporation tax will be cut to 19% in 2017 and then 17% from 2020. It was previously announced the rate would drop to 18% from 2020. The rate is down from 28% when Mr Osborne took over as Chancellor in 2010 and at 20% was already the joint lowest rate of any country in the G20 group of the world’s major economies.

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KLmagazine April 2016

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

QUI CK FAC TS Follow up checks need to be carried out if any immigration documents expire within the tenancy term.

Who’s got the Right to Rent?

W

e have been getting a lot of calls recently from landlords concerned about the new Right to Rent legislation that became law on 1st February this year and how it will affect them. Right to Rent is a government initiative designed to discourage landlords from letting properties to people who do not have a right to permanently reside in the UK. Right to Rent was first trialled in parts of the West Midlands in December 2014 before being considered suitable for application throughout the UK from 1st February this year. The basis of the new legislation is that landlords, and anyone who sublets or takes in lodgers, could face a financial penalty of up to £3,000 per tenant if they are found to be letting property to someone who has no right to stay in the UK. Other than in the trialled area landlords cannot be penalised under this legislation for tenancies that were created prior to 1st February 2016.

To comply with the legislation landlords are required to check the identity and citizenship of all tenants over the age of 18 years and retain copies of the documents which were used to verify their status. Such documents would include passports, ID cards, and work visas. A full list of acceptable documents can be found in the Home Office Right to Rent Document Checks: a User Guide, which can be downloaded from www.gov.uk. It is not permissible to accept scanned copies of these documents. Tenants must present themselves in person with their original documents for the landlord or agent to verify before taking copies to be retained on file for at least 12 months.

At this point the landlord or agent is assuming responsibility for assessing whether the documents provided are genuine or forgeries. If a landlord fails to identify a fraudulent document providing it appeared genuine at the

time (this reinforces the need to take a clear copy) then they will be indemnified against penalties. If forgery is suspected the landlord must not proceed to rent the accommodation.

The landlord is under no legal obligation to report the person to The Home Office although it is hoped that they would do so on a voluntary basis.

This legislation is specifically aimed at tenants from outside the UK, EEA (European Economic Area) and Swiss countries. It is always best practice to take copies of a prospective tenant’s ID regardless of where they are from and in doing so you cannot be accused of discrimination.

At Edmonton Estates all of our staff have had extensive independent training in the Right to Rent legislation.

If you would like further information or advice without obligation please contact us on 01553 660615.

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 April 2016

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Norfolk Leisure: bigger and better than ever...

One of the country’s biggest suppliers of quality outdoor furniture celebrates new premises, new products and a host of awards – and the future for Norfolk Leisure looks very bright indeed

N

orfolk Leisure has now firmly established itself as a key supplier to the nation’s garden furniture industry.

The family business has extensive experience in sourcing and supplying garden furniture and leisure products from all over the world, priding itself on strong social and ethical values, working alongside organisations to achieve high quality and responsible sourcing accreditations.

The last four years have probably seen the biggest changes to the businesses since Nick Anderson founded the company back in 1997.

“We’ve introduced some amazing new products, we’ve got some major

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new customers, and we’ve seen massive year-on-year growth,” says Debbie Waudby, who’s worked with Nick for 19 years, and been a director of the company since 2011.

“It speaks volumes for the approach we take to sourcing the best quality we can find – and for the fantastic team who’ve helped make it all possible.”

Now one of the industry’s top companies in the UK, Norfolk Leisure received local recognition recently with a top-three placing in the Mayor’s Business Awards 2015 – and enjoyed national acclaim with the company being voted The Greatest Outdoor Leisure Supplier of the Year.

Possibly the biggest change of all has

KLmagazine April 2016

ABOVE: Norfolk Leisure’s new location at Setchey, just outside King’s Lynn

been the company’s recent move from its home in Setchey just outside King’s Lynn – although Norfolk Leisure hasn’t moved too far. In fact, not much more than 500 yards.

“We started looking for new premises about a year ago,” says Nick. “We really needed bigger warehousing space to help us process orders more efficiently, and we wanted to create a showroom for the customers who travel from around the country to see our collections. Amazingly enough, the ideal site was only a couple of minutes away!”

Work on the sevenacre site (the former home of the Keir Group) started last November in the face of fearsome storms that left parts of the site under a foot of water.

Using local contractors and suppliers wherever possible, Nick and Debbie have refurbished the office suites, created a dedicated photographic studio, and built a stunning new showroom showcasing their latest products and highlighting up-and-coming collections.

It took two lorries constantly travelling between the two sites an

entire month to move the stock (which runs to some 1,300 different lines) into the new warehouses, and the move has also see Norfolk Leisure double its staff, with additional customer service and warehouse personnel and a new senior manager.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved and we’re all very excited about the future,” says Debbie.

“Everyone has worked extremely hard to make sure the move has been as seamless as possible while keeping up our high standards of customer service, and this new site will help ensure Norfolk Leisure continues to go from strength to strength.”

Norfolk Leisure’s commitment to high quality and unique design runs throughout the company’s main collections, which include the Life range (outdoor living at its most sophisticated), the exclusive Sensa range of resin-weave lounge and dining furniture, and EcoBox – an innovative one-box storage solution made from 100% FSC timber sources that are great for the planet, and even better for the garden.

While the company’s Idle Rose products elegantly epitomise English

country living, the Florenity collection is a combination of modern design and vintage luxury, and Norfolk Leisure also supplies a vast choice of garden must haves – from gazebos and parasols to BBQ tables and even outdoor lighting.

No wonder the company has attracted major new customers and continues to be a favourite choice for independent garden centres across the UK. It’s all testament to the lengths Nick and Debbie go to in responsibly sourcing new products, working with designers all over the world to offer exciting new ideas, supremely high quality and fabulously good-looking and stylish designs.

“We’re hoping our move demonstrates to our customers that Norfolk Leisure is a company that strives to innovate and grow,” says Nick.

“We like to be ahead of the game, and we’re always searching for something new. We also pride ourselves on offering the best customer service so that it’s always a pleasure to do business with us.”

information

Norfolk Leisure Garage Lane, Setchey, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE33 0AX Telephone: 01553 811717 Website: www.norfolkleisure.com E-mail: sales@norfolkleisure.co.uk

KLmagazine April 2016

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KLmagazine April 2016

PICTURES: RICHARD CAMPEY / ONE STOP NATURE SHOP

Nature

ABOVE: Deepdale Marsh is a natural haven for many important bird species, such as the delightful black redstart (opposite)

Keeping an eye on the birds of North Norfolk Combine a relaxing coastal walk, a stunning landscape, and a wide range of bird species, and you’ve got the perfect day out, as the One Stop Nature Shop’s Richard Campey explains...

E

veryone has their favourite part of the North Norfolk Coast, be it the sandy beaches of Holkham, the RSPB reserve at Titchwell, the harbours of Thornham, Wells and Blakeney or simply just their own special piece of the coast path.

It’s on part of the coast footpath, on a raised seawall, that I love to walk and observe the ever-changing wildlife.

Starting at Dalegate Market in Burnham Deepdale, a small track by a 30mph sign leads down to the coast path and from there a raised seawall – bordered on one side by saltmarsh and the other by arable fields and restored wet grasslands – gently winds its way eastwards to Burnham Norton.

This often-overlooked part of the

KLmagazine April 2016

coast is home to a wide variety of wildlife and indeed human activity, with boat owners tending their craft side by side with flocks of wading birds and geese. The birdlife of these saltmarshes is of national importance, and through the seasons walks along the raised seawall allow visitors an elevated position to look across the marshes to observe the seasonal changes in visiting birds.

As Spring arrives in Deepdale there isn’t only a change in the temperature – but also a change in the vegetation and the birds species using the area. One of the most obvious wading birds to be seen on the seaward side of the bank is the redshank, the males displaying to females with their quivering wings and their noisy calls. A

nest will be carefully hidden among the saltmarsh grasses. Alongside (and easily identifiable) is the curlew with its long probing bill often seen wandering through the creeks at mid tide.

Strikingly obvious and seemingly a little out of place is the little egret. With its brilliant white plumage, this small heron is increasing steadily in numbers after first breeding at Holkham in 2002.

Once persecuted for the millinery trade the little egret is perfectly at home on the marsh, and a scan across to the west, seaward side of the raised banks will usually result in the sight of a dozen or so birds feeding in the saltmarsh.

Black-tailed godwit were once a common breeding bird in Norfolk, but 19th century persecution lead to its loss

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Nature

ABOVE: Deepdale Marshes are home to a variety of birds such as the little ringed plover, the little egret (right) and black-tailed godwit (below)

black redstart, a smoky grey bird with a startling red tail. These birds aren’t common visitors, but they’re always a treat to see and search out.

The first part of the walk has arable fields to the east (landward) side, but after a while the walker will see an area of wet meadows, channels and grassland. This is part of a private reserve which has been created from arable farming. Covering some 200 acres, this area has been managed to restore wet grassland habitat for declining wader species. An ambitious project that started back in 2009, it has seen dramatic success with breeding birds. Last year alone there were 36 pairs of lapwing, 73 pairs of avocets, 34 pairs of redshanks, and 11 pairs of the scarce little-ringed plover.

Although it is a private reserve, the landowner holds an annual open day to explain to people the aims of his project and show them as much of the

reserve as possible without causing disturbance to the breeding birds.

This year’s Deepdale Marsh Open Day will take place from 10am-4pm at the Marsh Barn on 8th May. It’s completely free, there’s plenty of parking and refreshments, and everyone’s welcome to enjoy the demonstrations of bird ringing, moth trapping, artist and optics sales.

It’s the perfect opportunity to discover this very special place – and to see some of our best-loved and most important birds. Don’t miss it!

RICHARD CAMPEY (left) is owner of The One Stop Nature Shop at Burnham Deepdale, which holds local bird walks for beginners every Wednesday from May to September. A gentle stroll for about one hour, they start shop in Dalegate Market at 5pm. Booking is advised.

You can contact The One Stop Nature Shop at 9 Dalegate Market, Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk PE31 8FB. Telephone 01485 211223 or visit the website at www.onestopnature.co.uk

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KLmagazine April 2016

PICTURES: RICHARD CAMPEY / ONE STOP NATURE SHOP

as a breeding bird in Norfolk. Many non-breeding birds pass along the coast and flocks can often be seen flying from the saltmarsh to the wet meadows – allowing for great views of this most attractive bird.

Walking along the footpath, it’s sometimes easy to neglect the central path itself and instead concentrate on the marshes and arable fields. But this footpath can often reveal real signs of the arrival of spring as migrants pitch into the coast and start to feed. Two such migrants are the wheatear and the much less common black redstart. The wheatear is perhaps the first real harbinger of summer to be seen along this stretch. Arriving from late March to April they can sometimes be seen running along the path in front of you as you walk, with their characteristic white rump flashing as they fly ahead.

If you’re really lucky you may be treated to a rarer migrant such as the

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KLmagazine April 2016

Feathers, fins and a lot more besides!

Discover why a visit to Feathers and Fins in King’s Lynn is so enjoyable for you and your family – and why it’s even better for your animals! hen Brian and Debbie Mott first purchased the former home of Norfolk Aquatics just outside King’s Lynn, they initially saw it only as a suitable home for their ever-growing collection of turtles.

But the enterprising couple – who built Natures Grub into one of the country’s biggest suppliers of natural animal foods – soon realised the location had a lot more potential, and opened Feathers & Fins on the site last August.

As you might imagine, it offers an amazing choice of high quality, highly nutritious food for everything from chickens and lizards to badgers and hedgehogs – including no less than 14 different bird food mixes and the largest range of fish food in the area.

And while most of it comes from Brian and Debbie’s Natures Grub range, you'll also find foods by other ethical suppliers – and if you can’t find what

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KLmagazine April 2016

you’re looking for (or your animals have particularly special dietary requirements) they can even produce a food specially mixed and prepared for you.

But there’s a lot more to Feathers and Fins than food, however. You’ll also find a vast range of bird feeders, nest boxes and feeding stations, and a comprehensive selection of pond accessories, pumps, filters and aquarium equipment.

And as it’s Spring, there’s no better time to discover the biggest choice of pond plants in the area – with 100s of different varieties including some 20 different water lilies.

Thanks to a fascinating collection of resident animals, Feathers and Fins is also becoming a real family destination.

The family of snapping turtles is always popular, and while adults may be drawn to the rescued Japanese squirrel and ‘Fluffy’ (a 4½ foot long Bosc monitor lizard), children delight in feeding the

ducks and chickens.

Indeed, at Feathers and Fins you can even buy a selection of pond fish, chickens and ducks (which are born on site) and the knowledgeable and friendly staff are always full of expert help and advice on caring for them.

Offering free local delivery on orders over £15 and open from 9.30-4.30 seven days a week from April 1st (the store is currently open five days a week) Feathers and Fins has everything you and your animals need. You’ll be glad you discovered it – and so will your feathered and finned friends!

information

Feathers and Fins 121a Main Road, Clenchwarton, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE34 4BG Tel: 01553 780263 Web: www.feathersandfins.net E-mail: feathersandfinsuk@gmail.com

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

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KLmagazine April 2016

Pets

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

SMALL BITES H

ave you got a new puppy or kitten? If you sign up to our Pet Health Plan you will receive the puppy or kitten initial vaccination course included within the plan! Our Pet Health Plan lets you spread the cost of your pets preventative health care over the year and gives you great savings too. Call us or pop in to the practice for more information.

A very big thank you e’re very lucky in this country to have such a fantastic health service. Whenever I’ve had to visit the doctors or hospital I have found the staff always compassionate, caring and willing to help. From the doctors and nurses to porters and paramedics, these are people who have found their calling, who wouldn’t be doing anything else. Visiting a hospital leads me to reflect upon the similarities between human medicine and veterinary care. I see the same level of compassion and care that NHS staff show every day in my colleagues; they’re always willing to go the extra mile to help a client or a poorly pet. I’m sure that my colleagues would agree that they too have found their vocation and can’t imagine not working in the veterinary profession. Like our NHS counterparts the job we do has not been chosen for its monetary rewards, I think the job chose us!

We have long had a connection with

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our local NHS and have further enhanced this in recent years by becoming part of the Healthcare Staff Benefits (HSB) scheme. We all feel that NHS staff do such a good job looking after us that the least we could do is to help them look after their pets. By becoming part of the HSB scheme we now offer 10% discount across all products and treatments to all NHS staff and their pets. We’d like our NHS clients to know that we appreciate and empathise with the long hours and late nights they put in.

If you work for the NHS and would like to be part of this great scheme all you’ll need to do is pop in to either London Road Vets, Kings Lynn or Hollies Vets, Downham Market with your NHS staff card and show our reception team. You’ll then be able to get 10% off literally everything at the practice. It’s our way of helping you look after your pets and saying thanks.

London Road Vets

@LondonRoadVets

www.makeyourpetsmile.co.uk

LONDON ROAD 25 London Road, King’s Lynn telephone: 01553 773168 e-mail: info@lrvc.co.uk HOLLIES Paradise Road, Downham Market telephone: 01366 386655 e-mail: info@holliesvetclinic.co.uk

KLmagazine April 2016

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KLmagazine April 2016

PICTURES: NATIONAL TRUST / IAN WARD (OPPOSITE)

Local Life

ABOVE: Four waymarked routes of one to five miles enable you to explore the natural beauty of Sheringham Park and enjoy some of the stunning coastal views created by famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton.

The natural wonders of Repton’s finest creation Although Sheringham Park might appear to be a totally natural wonderland, it is in fact the masterwork of the man who coined the phrase ‘landscape gardening’ as Richard Parr explains...

R

omantic Sheringham Park, situated a mile from the north Norfolk coast, was designed and built by Humphry Repton and his son, John Adey Repton for the Upcher family of Norfolk between 1812-17.

Born in Bury St. Edmunds, Repton has been described as the last great English landscape designer, and Sheringham Park was widely considered Repton’s “most favourite work” and was one of his last to be laid out.

This finest of Repton’s creations, with its elegantly understated Regency house (listed Grade II) in a spectacular landscaped setting, showcases both his acclaimed genius as a landscape

KLmagazine April 2016

designer and his less-familiar talents as a country-house architect.

When Thomas Upcher (who inherited the Estate in 1954) died in the mid1980s, Sheringham Hall and its surrounding parkland were left to the National Trust.

Since that time, the 10-bedroom house with its immediate eight acres of gardens and grounds have been privately let on a long lease and it is not open to public viewing.

For Nigel Steels of Jackson and Stops, who handled the sale of the original lease back in 1988, Repton’s ‘Little Masterpiece’ is now quite simply Norfolk’s prettiest and finest small mansion house – in one of the county’s

most dramatic settings.

Owned by the National Trust, Sheringham Park is a beautiful and extensive area of mainly woodland with occasional and dramatic sea views from viewing platforms. As well as the beautiful displays of rhododendrons, there are a variety of walking trails for visitors to enjoy.

The countryside surrounding the park is stunning and it’s well worth making the effort to climb to the top of the viewing platform.

If you’re really lucky and you time it well, you’ll even get to see the steam train trundle past in the near distance puffing its steam high into the sky. Take a picnic and plan for a full day – for

49

PICTURES: NATIONAL TRUST / ROB COLEMAN

Local Life

ABOVE: One of Humphry Repton’s original designs for Sheringham Park (top) and how it looks today – the 1,000 acres of varying habitat includes woodland, parkland and clifftop. The park is also home to three species of deer and a wide variety of birds and butterflies.

there’s lots to explore and much fun to be had. A visit to Sheringham Park is to be highly recommended as its environment rejuvenates and refreshes the soul, as well as offering great exercise through walking.

Sheringham Park’s Visitor Services Manager Malcolm Fisher is well aware of how lucky he is to work in such a wonderful location.

“I’m very fortunate to work at Sheringham Park,” he says. “Most mornings, before I sit down at my desk, I take a walk to check out what’s in flower and look for wildlife.”

For Malcolm, no two days are ever the same.

“Nature always has a way of delighting and surprising me,” he says.

“It might be a plant that’s just come into flower, a deer feeding in the woodlands, or a butterfly sunning itself on a bramble. There have been so many highlights it would take a book to list them all!”

Once Spring has come and gone, there’s the summer to enjoy – when you can admire butterflies on the wing, admire White Admirals among the woodland rides and the purple hairstreak from the top of the gazebo.

Swallows often nest in the courtyard above visitors eating their bacon rolls and cream teas, dragonflies are hunting

50

on the pond, and in August the two large eucryphia trees are covered in white rose-like flowers.

Bee orchids can pop up anywhere, although interestingly enough the best location to see them recently has been the car park!

Looking further ahead to Autumn, the park’s specimen trees often start the show with smooth Japanese maple and golden larch showing their colours.

Depending on temperatures, it’s sometimes late October/early November before the oak and beech trees are at their best. In the bleakness of winter visitors can admire snowdrops (including the Upcher variety) camellias and early flowering rhododendrons add colour. Resident birds start singing to lay claim to their breeding territories and you can also see robin, song thrush and nuthatch.

Whenever you visit, there’s plenty to see and admire in one of the most beautiful parts of Norfolk.

Sheringham Park is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk and the visitors centre, café and shop are open daily until 30th October (10am-5pm).

For further information about Sheringham Park, send an e-mail to sheringhampark@nationaltrust.org.uk or telephone 01263 820550.

HUMPHRY REPTON (1752-1818) In 1788, with a failed business career behind him and a large family to support, the 35-year-old Humphry Repton turned in desperation to ‘landscape gardening’ – a term he coined himself.

Despite having no real experience of practical horticulture, Repton became an overnight success – a tribute to his undeniable talent and his unique ‘Red Books’ which used before and after overlays to help clients visualise his remarkable designs.

KLmagazine April 2016

Welcome Spring with the John Deere collection

Demonstration’s in your garden available

Call into our showroom to see the full range t: 01553 617666 | Lynn Road, St Germans, King’s Lynn PE34 3EU | www.doubledaygroup.co.uk Holbeach: 01406 540261 | Swineshead: 01205 822440 KLmagazine April 2016

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Celebrating over 30 YEARS service to the local community.

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KLmagazine April 2016

HOMEhints

in association with FRIMSTONE LTD

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We’re thinking of putting down slate chips in our borders for a stylish finish and to keep weeds down. Is there anything we need to bear in mind?

A

If you do want to use gravel, bear in mind that it can be quite sharp – which may be an issue if young children are likely to come into contact with it. You may also want to dig out your borders slightly deeper and lay the chippings on a bed of sand to lessen the likelihood of the slate piercing the underlying membrane.

All FRIMSTONE centres offer a wide range of gravels and stones that can be used for decorative purposes, so it’s worth taking a look at all the alternatives (which include carrstone and Lincolnshire limestone) before you make a final decision.

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As you can see (above) my brick weave has developed an alarming dip in it. Does the whole drive need to be re-laid or can this be easily repaired?

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This usually isn’t too much of a problem – it’s simply a case of lifting the offending blocks and adding some more sand before returning them.

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I’ve just built some raised beds in my garden but I need some high quality soil for them. Is that reasonably easy to source?

A

All FRIMSTONE centres supply locally-sourced general-purpose screened soil that’s perfect for raised beds – or anywhere else in the garden for that matter! It can be collected or delivered to your home (please ask for details) and forms an ideal base from which you can create the perfect soil mix by adding compost and/or sand depending on your requirements.

g to create a Whether you’re lookin ilding a base bu or r rde decorative bo stone is Frim for a new garden shed, help and ert exp e som always here for estions to qu r you advice. Please e-mail we’ll and .uk .co ne sto enquiries@frim . ion direct point you in the right

HEAD OFFICE Ashcraft Farm, Main Road, Crimplesham Norfolk PE33 9EB Tel: 01366 388900 Web: www.frimstone.co.uk

The easy way to remove unwanted water gardens!

Q

We’ve had a ‘wet’ patch in our garden for years that never seems to go away. Short of turning it into a pond, is there anything we can do about it?

A

This is a relatively easy problem to resolve and can happily be done over a weekend. All you need do is dig a trench (or number of trenches) leading away from the wet area, fill them with gravel, and ensure you allow for adequate drainage – to avoid giving your neighbours the same problem in the future!

FRIMSTONE can give you all the help and advice you need on selecting the right type (and amount) of gravel for your garden, and can also help you dispose of the waste soil. In fact, you’ll probably find the hardest part of the job is lifting the turf!

FRIMSTONE LTD

LOCAL CENTRES AT: SNETTISHAM | WATLINGTON | CRIMPLESHAM | WISBECH | BRISTON | CARBROOKE

KLmagazine April 2016

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Industry leading energy efficiency and security: together with exceptionally great value!

THE MOST ADVANCED WINDOW ON THE MARKET TODAY!

Introducing the new generation of highperformance windows – another outstandingly innovative product from ECOnomy Windows!

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Who doesn’t want warmer, quieter and more secure windows? or almost 30 years, ECOnomy Windows has been leading the field in high quality window and conservatory solutions for your home.

To date, more than 20,000 local installations have experienced a genuine commitment to customer service, a reputation for very high standards of workmanship, and a continuous policy of introducing innovative and exciting new products.

That tradition of quality is now taking an exciting leap forward with the introduction of a triple-glazed window that matches the top-end products on the market today and probably outperforms the national brand leaders – at an incredibly competitive price.

With a 40mm glazed unit, ECOnomy Windows’ triple-glazing can achieve U-values as low as 0.91 (W/m2-K), also achieving a centre pane value of 0.7 (W/m2-K). A second unit cavity makes soundwave transfer more difficult, providing superior noise reduction, whilst a third pane of glass provides an extra layer of defence against attempted break-ins.

F

CHEAPER HEATING BILLS The new windows don’t just look fantastic. Featuring no less than six chambers,

ECOnomy Windows’ triple-glazed windows incorporate a special thermal dam and glazing flipper, and achieve an industry-leading A++24 energy rating (the double-glazed variant reaches an equally impressive A+13 energy rating).

This means your new windows could retain an additional 12-22kWh per m2 every year over standard A+ 0 rated windows. With ECOnomy Windows you can save enough money per year (compared to C rated windows) to run a full-size A++ energy rated fridge freezer constantly and do a 2kg load of washing every other day for a year!

FREE SOLAR HEAT The good news doesn’t stop there, however. The new windows also have the additional advantage of a special transparent metallic coating on the glass that allows the heat from the sun in whilst reflecting heat back inside – retaining warmth and reducing the amount of energy needed to heat your home.

For a look at the new generation of windows and to discover more about how they can benefit both your home and your energy costs, contact ECOnomy Windows for more details and information.

BETTER BY DESIGN...

1 3

2 4

1 A unique glazing flipper gasket reduces cold transfer, water ingress and noise pollution.

2 Six size-optimised chambers break up mini-convection currents, locking in pockets of warm air.

3 High performance patented doubleaction ‘bubble’ gaskets maintain tight weather seals.

4 Designed to industry-leading Passivhaus specifications, the thermal dam reduces heat transfer.

CONSERVATORY SHOW PARK OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! Elm High Road, Wisbech, Cambs PE14 0DG Tel: 01945 588988 / 01553 777088 Web: www.economy-windows.co.uk E-mail: mail@economy-windows.co.uk

NO DEPOSIT! YOU ONLY PAY ON INSTALLATION!

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KLmagazine April 2016

PICTURES: JIM McCLURE / SUPPLIED

Local Life

ABOVE: Jim McClure (centre) at the entrance to the cave system at the bottom of a cenote in Puerto Morales, Mexico. The caves and tunnels themselves are in perpetual and total darkness (opposite), the only light coming from the diver’s torchlight.

Opening windows on an underwater world...

From wartime wrecks in Egypt to water-filled cave systems in Mexico, it’s a world few of us will ever see. KL magazine talks to Jim McClure about the challenge (and rewards) of technical diving

I

magine. You’re on the other side of the world, you’re 60 feet underwater in a network of pitchblack caves that run under the Mexican jungle and can stretch for over 60 miles, and your only link with the outside world is a thin nylon cord. Moreover, disturbing the surfaces around you will result in the water filling with a cloud of fine white sediment that even your torch can’t penetrate.

It may not sound like much fun, but for Jim McClure of Economy Windows there’s nothing quite like it. And while the cenotes of the Yucatán peninsula (vast natural pits in the jungle floor caused by a collapse of the underlying limestone bedrock) are a far cry from

KLmagazine April 2016

his desk in Wisbech, exploring them has always been on Jim’s ‘must-dive’ list.

There’s no doubt that diving in these locations is dangerous, though – just a few weeks before Jim dived the cenotes at Puerto Morelos, a newlywed couple from Brazil and their Spanish guide died after becoming lost in the cave system.

“It’s all in the preparation and the planning, and it’s very true that your attitude keeps you alive,” he says. “If anything does go wrong, you have to remain very calm and overcome your natural reactions – such as holding your breath and trying to get back to the surface as quickly as possible.”

Jim’s dived around the world – from the Indian Ocean to the Caribbean,

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PICTURES: JIM McCLURE / SUPPLIED

Local Life

ABOVE: Jim McClure diving at the wreck of the MS Zenobia in Cyprus (top left). He agrees with the atmospheric location’s standing as one of the world’s top ten dive sites (below right) along with the cenotes in Mexico (above left) and the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm in the Red Sea, which was sunk by the Luftwaffe in 1941 and still features vehicles such as the BSA motorcycles shown here (above right)

from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea – and after some 15 years is now about as qualified a diver as you can find.

Requiring extensive experience, advanced training, and specialized equipment, his status as a ‘technical diver’ exposes him to significantly higher risks than conventional diving, but the rewards are worth it. Often halfjokingly referred to as the ‘dark side’ of diving, this isn’t a case of simply putting on a pair of fins, strapping on a tank and jumping into the water.

“It will take me about five minutes to dive down to 90m, but after another ten minutes exploring it will probably take well over an hour to get back up,” he says. “As a technical diver you have to have an understanding of physics and how to use different mixes of gases i.e. nitrogen, oygen and helium (‘trimix’) at various stages of your dive. Anyone can dive down to 100m – the skill is in getting back up to the surface alive.”

One of Jim’s favourite dive sites is the wreck of the MS Zenobia, a Swedish ferry that sank off the coast of Lanarca in Cyprus on its maiden voyage in 1980 – taking an estimated £200

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million worth of cargo to the bottom of the sea.

While most divers only ever visit the starboard side of the ship (which is only 52ft from the surface), Jim’s expertise enables him to explore the much deeper lower cargo deck and engine room. It’s often rated one of the world’s best dives, and Jim wouldn't disagree.

“I’ve dived the wreck around 40 times now but every dive is different,” he says.

“I’ll always come across new things – whether that’s a fork lift truck or the captain’s car – it’s a Lada, by the way!”

Another of Jim’s favourite locations is the eerie wartime wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, a British armed Merchant Navy ship which was sunk by the Luftwaffe off Egypt’s Red Sea coast in the summer of 1941, carrying ammunition, weapons, military vehicles, aircraft parts and two steam engines.

Discovered by Jaques Cousteau in the early 1950s, the first known dive to the wreck took place as recently as 1974.

“It’s a fantastic sight, but its popularity with divers means that it’s been rapidly disintegrating for a number of years,” says Jim. “The location was closed for two weeks in January for the fitting of

artificial mooring blocks – so dive boats don’t have to attach themselves to the wreck itself. Hopefully that will help preserve it for future generations to enjoy.”

It’s tempting to ask what’s next for someone who’s already visited most of the world’s best dive sites.

“I’ve always wanted to dive the Blue Hole in Dahab, a natural sinkhole off the coast of Egypt,” says Jim. “It’s almost 100m deep and it’s a real challenge – even for highly qualified and experienced divers.”

It’s also been called the most dangerous dive site in the world, but expert divers agree that the most dangerous substance at the location is probably testosterone.

“Places like these aren’t inherently treacherous,” says Jim. “It’s lack of preparation or having the wrong attitude or equipment that makes them dangerous. Technical diving is challenging and demanding but it’s always rewarding, giving you the opportunity to see and experience things that very few people will ever be able to. And I was never any good at golf anyway!”

KLmagazine April 2016

NOT JUST A SHOWROOM BUT A DESIGN CENTRE!

N a tu ra l st o n e im p o rt e rs , wh o le sa le rs & re ta il e rs

Looking for inspiration?

Not only do we offer a full design service to all of our customers but we can help you select everything from kitchens, bathrooms, homeware, soft furnishing, landscaping & furniture

Possibly the largest stone & tile showroom in the UK!

Not only does our showroom display over 17,000 floor and wall tiles but we also have over 50,000m² of natural stone in stock and access to over 250,000m² of stone through our trading partners. We’ve grown to become one of the largest natural stone importers in the whole of the UK, sourcing our stone directly from quarries all over the world. Buying direct means we can offer you great prices without compromising on quality.

e l S i h T e h T Fitton Oake op

• Tile ranges include - Porcelain, Wood effect, Limestone, Travertine, Split Face, Sandstone, Marble, Slate • Bespoke products available • Internal & External Stone • On site measure & design service available

Fitton Road, Wiggenhall St Germans. King’s Lynn PE34 3AX Tel: 01553 617540 | Web: www.fittonoaketiles.co.uk | Email: edd@fittonoake.co.uk

KLmagazine April 2016

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fashion

Fashion

It’s a new season, which means it’s time to literally spring into step with a wonderful collection of new colours and new styles for the fashionconscious among us.

Town or country, day or night – our local boutiques are packed with great new looks...

Dress by Frank Lyman CINDYS | Sutton Bridge 01406 350961 60

KLmagazine April 2016

Heather Jacket in Shale by Dubarry (£379) LINGS COUNTRY GOODS | Great Massingham 01485 520828 KLmagazine April 2016

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Fashion

Dress by Michaela Louisa (£179) OLIVIAS OF SHERINGHAM LTD | Sheringham 01263 823149 62

KLmagazine April 2016

läáîá~Ûë of sheringham ltd

As individual as you...

New Spring/Summer Collection Outfits for Mother of the Bride/Groom & Special Occasions

Cabotine, Zeila, Condici & Ispirato to name a few

Hats, Shoes & Accessories to Complement Sizes 8-20

Alteration Services Available

24 Church Street, Sheringham NR26 8QS

qÉäW 01263 823149 | léÉå: Mon-Sat, 9:30am-5pm tÉÄ: oliviasofsheringham.co.uk

DO YOU WANT TO LOOK YOUNGER? Derma Vida may have the answer for you!

Our resident Doctor uses Juvéderm fillers & wrinkle relaxing injections to treat the following:

Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge

In association wit h Lebek Join us Thursday 14th April for a special open day to celebrate the new season collections from Lebek, which will be modelled throughout the day.

• Wrinkles around eyes & forehead • Lines and unwanted facial folds

DV

• Thinning lip line

Dr Leena Deol

MMBS, DRCOG, DCH,MRCGP, DipDERM

Derma Vida

Why not call us today for a consultation (DOCTOR RUN CLINIC)

Gayton Road Health & Surgical Centre, King’s Lynn

01553 696886 | info@dermavida.co.uk www.dermavida.co.uk

KLmagazine April 2016

On spen ding £50 you wil receive l a stylish h o l d all (while stocks la s per pers t/one on)

1 0 8 B rid ge Roa d, S ut t o n B rid g e P E1 2 9 S A

01406 350961 I www.cindysfashions.co.uk 63

Fashion

Top by Oui (£89) GODDARDS | King’s Lynn 01553 772382 64

KLmagazine April 2016

KLmagazine April 2016

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Fashion

Hers: Martello Jumper in Coral (£89) His: Heritage Polo Shirt in Sky (£69) both by Dubarry THE HAYLOFT at BEARTS | Stowbridge 01366 388151 66

KLmagazine April 2016

TEL: 01366 388151 | Brighton Mill, Stow Bridge, King’s Lynn PE34 3PD | web: www.bearts.co.uk

125 Norfolk Street, King's Lynn PE30 1AP • Tel. 01553 770536 • davidaukerjewellery.co.uk KLmagazine April 2016

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Enjoy a taste of something different...

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KLmagazine April 2016

...and a sense of genuine style! pring is always an exciting time in the fashion world, but there’s a lot more to discover at Goddards at the moment than the arrival of the new season collections.

The store has now opened a fabulous new espresso bar in association with Paddy & Scott’s, a company founded by two local coffee enthusiasts that’s rapidly grown to become the biggest-growing espresso bar business in the country – thanks to its stylish hand-built coffee machines, ethical policies and passion for responsibly-sourced, great tasting coffee of true quality.

The fashion-themed wallpaper and relaxed seating makes a great setting in which to enjoy amazing coffee (and tea!) in addition to a tempting selection of

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locally-sourced cakes and pastries.

But that’s not all.

A major refurbishment has seen Goddards’ ladieswear collections move to the ground floor with a contemporary boutique feel and a brand new suite of dressing rooms, while the reconfigured men’s department flows effortlessly from casual to more traditional styles – with the first floor now dedicated to quality tailoring and the ‘big style’ department.

For a taste of something different, something with real style and panache, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to Goddards – with air Menswear | Ladies Fashions | Formal Hire conditioning throughout, with a large Wellesley Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1QD free car park and with everything your Telephone: 01553 772382 wardrobe needs – from new pick-me-up Website: www.goddardsonline.co.uk separates to classic formal hirewear.

GODDARDS INDEPENDENT OUTFITTERS

SJP

SOLICITORS

Staveley Johnson & Procter Formerly Hawkins of Hunstanton and Beloe & Staveley

We are a local firm of solicitors and our professional lawyers can offer you specialist legal advice and make sure your needs are met. We are experienced in;

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

Conveyancing, family, residential and commercial lease, debt recovery, litigation, wills and probate, and personal injury, contract and professional negligence and dispute matters.

We can often offer fixed fees so you know where you stand on costs and an introductory 1/2 hour free of charge.

Largest selection of fabrics in West & North Norfolk, with all stock on display

Contact us Staveley, Johnson & Procter Solicitors Waverley House, 37 Greevegate, Hunstanton, PE36 6AB Telephone: 01485 532662 Fax: 01485 534802 DX: 95250 Hunstanton info@sjpsolicitors.co.uk Solicitors acting in the North Norfolk area, including King’s Lynn and Norwich

www.sjpsolicitors.co.uk

Dress Fabrics Curtain Fabrics Craft Fabrics Net Curtains Knitting Wool Haberdashery

41 Broad Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1DP

T: 01553 768613 | W: www.thefentshopkingslynn.co.uk

Your home – Supreme Carpets style QUALITY &

SERVICE AT ITS BEST

Burnham Market Pine Natural, painted and reclaimed pine furniture

Personal choice professional service and a world of quality for your floors!

We can make to any size or specification and paint any colour to suit your style and budget...

• Waxed • Hand/ spray painted • Distressed

• Domestic, Laminate, Vinyl and Wood Flooring • Quality 80/20 wool carpets • Stainfree carpets • Natural Flooring (Seagrass, Sisal, Coir and Jute) • Home Selection Specialists

Supreme Carpets Ltd SHOWROOM OPEN: Monday to Friday 11am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 2pm

Foresters Hall, 49 Manor Road, Dersingham, King's Lynn PE31 6LH

tel: 01485 542384 web: www.supreme-carpets.com

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Tel: 01328 738009 / 07917 202529

Station Garage, Creake Road, Burnham Market PE31 8EA

Open Tues-Sun | www.burnham-market-pine.co.uk

KLmagazine April 2016

Health&Beauty

with Amanda Moore Norfolk Laser & Beauty Clinic

BEFORE

AFTER

See the difference for yourself!

For benign pigmented lesions, laser treatment is a really effective solution for all skin types. Here you can see the hands of a customer who was absolutely thrilled (for obvious reasons) after a course of only three treatments with our AFT5430 VP handheld laser

Get yourself in perfect shape for the summer...

How our complete range of cosmetic treatments can help you look your best s the weather gets brighter and warmer, we’re soon going to be showing a lot more of ourselves – and we’ll become increasingly conscious of those things we’re not terribly happy about.

Whether it’s unsightly hair, vascular and sun damage, ‘liver spots’ and the effects of acne, we can help you improve your quality of life and appearance with pain free ‘in motion’ laser treatment. Described as being as soothing as a massage, our AFT laser

A

technology is non-invasive, requires no topical or systemic creams or drugs, and has no side effects. It’s fair to say it’s actually pretty enjoyable – and the results are truly amazing!

And if you’re not ready for a facelift yet but you’re not satisfied with the results of your normal creams and lotions, the Norfolk Laser and Beauty Clinic can offer you an effective skin rejuvenation laser treatment to reveal a healthier, brighter and younger-looking skin from the inside out – treating fine lines and wrinkles and discolouration

from deep within the skin to give you a new and long-lasting revitalised look.

Having a regular facial using our natural skin products (they’re not animal-tested and don’t contain any animal byproducts) and combining that with laser treatments, you’ll see the difference in less than three months – without going under the knife!

Contact us using the details below, and we’ll soon have you looking your very best for the summer!

Other treatments available:

Reflexology | Massage Facials | Manicures Pedicures | Eyelash tinting Eyebrow shaping ...and many more!

KLmagazine April 2016

Burrell House, High Road, Islington King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE34 3BL Tel: 01553 886428 Web: www.norfolklaserandbeautyclinic.co.uk E-mail: amanda.moore1@btconnect.com

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“

Instead of offering the same ‘cookie-cutter’ solution for everyone, my approach goes behind the pain and treats the root causes of an individual’s problem.

TERRY CONNOLLY Free Your Body Therapy

”

“It’s extraordinary and I do feel 20 years younger...”

Discover how a revolutionary new form of therapy can help you aggressive surgery,” she says. “I’m familiar with a number of alternative treatments, but I hadn’t come across Terry’s approach before. I thought if I was going to try something radical, it might be worth seeing him.”

Currently one of only a handful of people in the entire world offering P-DTR (Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex) as a form of treatment, Terry combines that with AiM (Anatomy in Motion) gait therapy – a cutting-edge method of correcting postural problems, helping with the repair and rehabilitation of injuries and the relief of pain.

For Brenda, who visited Terry for As far as I'm concerned, I’m the first time last October, it was a back to normal and it feels revelation. like nothing short of a “After my very first session I knew miracle. What’s more, the Terry had done something improvements are sustained – and they’re profound,” she says. “It was obvious continuing to improve... that something significant had been achieved and it was clear my whole BRENDA BINGHAM-HALL King’s Lynn body had responded to the

t Free Your Body Therapy in King’s Lynn, Terry Connolly is using a range of new treatment techniques to finally free people from a life of chronic aches and pains – techniques that continue to take more and more people by surprise.

People like Brenda Bingham-Hall of King’s Lynn, for example, who was recently told by an osteopath that lasting relief from years of pain would best be achieved through the replacement of both her knees. It was a drastic solution Brenda was reluctant to take.

“I was in so much pain I could hardly walk more than a few hundred yards, and I wondered whether there was a way of dealing with the situation without

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“

KLmagazine April 2016

”

treatment I’d received.”

By the time Brenda saw Terry for two follow-up sessions, she was enjoying country walks, dancing, and was able to get up and down stairs easily – and finally free from pain.

“It’s extraordinary and I do feel 20 years younger,” she says. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m back to normal and it feels like nothing short of a miracle. What’s more, the improvements are sustained – and they’re continuing to improve.”

If you’re interested in freeing yourself from chronic aches and pain, contact Terry at Free Your Body Therapy in King’s Lynn today and book an appointment for an initial assessment and consultation.

information

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

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Pain-Free, Hair-Free Pain-Free Laser Hair Removal Doctor Lead Clinic King’s Lynn 27 King Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1ET T: 01553 692531 E: cliniccosmetic@aol.co.uk

Peterborough 226 Dogsthorpe Road, DHC Business Centre Peterborough PE1 3PB T: 01733 310090 E: peterboroughcosmeticclinic@aol.co.uk

Free yourself from daily shaving, painful plucking and expensive waxing to give you silky smooth and beautifully bare skin.

Pain-Free, Hair-Free is the next generation of laser hair removal. Using the Soprano permanent laser hair removal system, it is an effective and permanent hair reduction solution that is simple and easy.

www.ukcosmeticclinic.co.uk www.PainFreeHairFree.com

Your local independent Insurance Broker “I like to think we’re the friendly face of insurance in West Norfolk. We provide all of our clients with a personal service and offer free no-obligation quotes and cost-effective policies.”

Sarah Dean Office Manager

Offering services such as: • Personal Insurance • Professional Indemnity • Commercial Vehicle & Fleet Insurance • Charity Insurance • Business Insurance • Commercial & Residential Property • Farm Insurance & much more

Tel: 01553 770112 E: enquiries@ibainsurance.co.uk W: www.ibainsurance.co.uk Find us: 111 High Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1DA Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority no. 311163

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Dedicated to caring for those you care about We offer a complete range of domiciliary home care services available for full-time or respite care • Local carers with quick response • Minimum of 1 hour visits to 24/7 ‘live in’ care • Carers given person centred training for every client

www.bluebellsupportservices.co.uk To T o arrange an initial meeting to discuss the car caree and needs of you and your family family,, please call us on:

01553 631694 or 07479 977177 info@bluebellservices.uk 1st Floor Suite, Old School House, Castle Rising PE31 6AG KLmagazine April 2016

The denture service that’s better by smiles...

KL magazine talks to local dental technician James Asman of Hunstanton Dental Laboratory about his range of dental services elping people smile with confidence is something that’s always come naturally to Derby-born James Asman.

“When I was 14, I did two weeks’ work experience in a local dental laboratory,” he says. “I absolutely loved it, and I must have had a real talent for the work as they ended up offering me an apprenticeship.”

After ten years building up his skills and experience, James moved to Hunstanton for family reasons and founded Hunstanton Dental Laboratory – initially working from a back room in his own home and making a comprehensive range of dental appliances from crowns and bridges to complete dentures and mouthguards.

The business has grown and expanded steadily over the years, and James has now moved to purpose-built premises in the centre of Hunstanton to offer a more complete, more personal service.

“We may only have moved a few

H

KLmagazine April 2016

hundred yards,” says James, “but it’s a really big move for the business.”

The new laboratory features a reception and consulting room, office and two workrooms, giving James more room for extra staff in the future and providing a relaxing and friendly environment for dealing with customers.

“Naturally, when people come in with cracked bridges or broken dentures, they can be quite anxious and nervous,” he says.

“It’s my job to make them feel at ease, and it helps that we can do the necessary repair work while they wait – and usually within the hour.”

In contrast to larger laboratories that often take a ‘production line’ approach to the work, James likes to give every customer and every job a high level of personal attention.

“I’ve always liked to take each and every job separately,” he says, “and when you’re moulding wax and setting teeth it does help if you have a creative side –

it’s a bit like a fine art!”

Once Hunstanton Dental Laboratory has settled in its new home, James will be looking to undergo specialist training to become a clinical technician, enabling him to design and create dental appliances directly with patients.

If something’s getting in the way of your smile, contact James at Hunstanton Dental Laboratory today for a friendly, professional, and confidence-boosting local service.

information

Hunstanton Dental Laboratory 9a High Street, Hunstanton PE36 5AB Telephone: 01485 533388 E-mail: j.asman@yahoo.co.uk

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Food & Drink

ABOVE: Nurtured in Norfolk’s calendula and orchids used to stunning effect by London-based Cake Me Baby, and their pea shoots (below) gracing the cured salmon of Charlie Hodson, Executive Head Chef at the Great Hospital in Norwich

The success of thinking big and growing small...

Starting from a small greenhouse in a back garden, Nurtured in Norfolk is now helping talented chefs around the country turn plates of food into true works of art, as Clare Bee discovers

E

ating out is a pleasure we all enjoy for many reasons; the occasion, the company, the venue. But the food is of most importance; mostly how it tastes, but also how it looks. The way food is presented adds a special dimension to a meal, and Nurtured in Norfolk are true masters of how to make food look as good as it tastes.

Nurtured in Norfolk is a small but expanding business based near Dereham which specialises in growing and producing micro vegetables and edible flowers. Before starting their business, Allan and Sue Miller both worked as chefs, with 25 years experience in the industry.

However, they had no experience of

KLmagazine April 2016

growing their own produce, so would buy in what they needed from Holland.

The couple soon realised that the consistency and quality wasn’t up to the standard they wanted – so decided to try it themselves.

Beginning with a humble 6’ x 10’ greenhouse in their back garden, Sue and Allan quickly replaced that with a 40’ greenhouse, and then added more and more, literally outgrowing their garden in a matter of months. It was time to look around for something more suitable.

A nearby empty nursery provided the answer, and Nurtured in Norfolk was born. Five years on, they now supply a huge proportion of high-end restaurants and several airlines, as well

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Food & Drink as all wholesalers and most of the restaurants in Norfolk. The business is going from strength to strength, growing and spreading far and wide.

“This type of product is so niche at the moment and it’s a very fashionable food,” says Allan. “Many chefs around the world are now looking to the UK for new ideas in cuisine”.

Nurtured in Norfolk is very much a family business. Alongside Allan and Sue, their son Alex manages the business on a daily basis and their daughter Sharna is the sales and social media expert, leaving Allan and Sue free to search out new products.

They’re always looking for new ideas, products and innovation, and travel widely to see what else is available.

Today’s multicultural society demands products to be available at all times of the year – no longer do we only have strawberries in June, for example – and they try to provide their niche products 365 days a year.

Nurtured in Norfolk grow 190 different types of micro vegetables, herbs and edible flowers, and although they do source some from abroad, they grow 75% of their products themselves.

Indeed, they actually grow a small amount of every item they sell, so there is always availability if there are ever any problems with transport.

Having been chefs themselves, Allan and Sue are very aware of what others in their profession are looking for.

Chefs by their nature are very creative, passionate and protective of their ideas;

ABOVE: A beautiful crab dish by Roger Hickman (Head Chef and owner of Roger Hickman’s Restaurant in Norwich) using Nurtured in Norfolk’s nasturtium leaves, salicornia, bronze fennel, micro-fennel and cucumber flowers

their creations are so personal to them, and they’re constantly striving to innovate and excite.

Many of them like to visit Nurtured in Norfolk on a regular basis, looking for original ideas and products, giving their own specifications and trying out new combinations. The company encourages these visits, as professional chefs are their driving force, often asking if they can source a certain product, herb or flower.

“They’re just like kids in a sweetshop!” says Allan, For the future, Nurtured in Norfolk sees a lot more scope as they begin to command interest from supermarkets.

Anything niche in catering soon becomes what supermarkets want to provide.

Using social media is a fantastic way of showing customers and wholesalers what is currently being produced. With products ranging from micro-coriander to 20 different varieties of mint, micro and baby veg and many types of shoots and peas, the ability to get their message across instantly is a necessity in this ‘I want it now’ world.

The company has been fortunate that

they have been in the right place at the right time, and are confident and determined to pursue what they’re good at. They have continued to grow, even through the worst recent economic downturn, and this growth continues to flourish.

Allan and Sue have developed strong contacts abroad, especially in Israel and the southern hemisphere, which they hope could lead to a tripling or even quadrupling of their business in the next couple of years.

From the original range of only ten products, Nurtured in Norfolk has blossomed into a thriving, successful business. They have continued, and will continue, to expand their range, secure in the knowledge that their customers will continue to come back time and time again.

For Allan and Sue it makes a huge difference that they have made the move from being chefs to growers; they instinctively know what chefs want and can therefore successfully meet their demands within the industry. They also know that when their professional colleagues start to use their products, they’re definitely onto a winner.

“Nurtured in Norfolk are a truly talented group of individuals, they have taken something and turned it into an absolute craft, with endless passion, enthusiasm and excitement...”

– Tom Aikens, who in 1996 became the youngest British chef ever awarded two Michelin stars

78

KLmagazine April 2016

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KLmagazine April 2016

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79

Food & Drink

INGREDIENTS 10–12 oz Rump steak

Yam Neau (Thai Beef Salad)

at least 21 days mature 2 tbsp of fish sauce 1 tbsp of fresh lime juice 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice ¼ of cucumber cut in cubes 1 tbsp of chopped shallot 2 tbsp of sliced onions 2 tbsp of coriander 2 tbsp of finely chopped spring onions 1 tbsp of finely chopped chilli

METHOD 1 Grill the rump steak to your liking, the recommended is medium rare. Then rest for 3 to 5 mins.

2 Mix the garlic and finely chopped chilli with 1 tsp of olive oil, then rest for 5 mins.

CHE

Enjo F’S TIP y Jasm with Th on it ine rice ai ’s o or glass wn with a of W hit Zinfa ndel e .

3 Cut the steak up into thin slices and put into a big mixing bowl. Add chilli and garlic then fish sauce, lemon and lime juice.

Mix it all together well.

1 tsp of garlic 1 long red chilli, sliced3-4 Cherry

4 Then add the rest of ingredients, and fold them together gently until the juices cover all of the salad.

tomatoes, cut in half 1 cup of salad leaf

Recipe by The Crawfish Inn Holt Road, Thursford NR21 0BJ Tel: 01328 878313 Web:www.crawfishinn.com 80

KLmagazine April 2016

A TRADITIONAL PUB WITH TRADITIONAL FOOD

The Angel

• Outside catering for weddings, business functions, etc • Function room • Childrens play area • Food served daily (excluding Monday lunch)

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KLmagazine April 2016

81

Food & Drink

CH

EF’S T Don’t IP be spa rin salt wh en you g with the The sa r ub th es lt season not only act kin. s as a ing to the po also d rk ra the sk ws moisture but in givin g you from impor that a tant cr ackling ll!

Slow Cooked Belly of Pork with a Cider, Mustard and Prune Sauce Serves: 4-6 INGREDIENTS 2kg piece of belly of pork with the bones removed 200ml dry cider 200ml good pork or chicken stock 30ml double cream 25g cold butter 1 heaped tsp whole grain mustard 10 prunes, cut in half 1 sprig of thyme 50g of shallots, finely chopped Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

METHOD 1 Pre-heat your oven to its maximum setting.

Take the belly of pork and using a sharp knife score the skin all the way across in 1cm lines (you can get the butcher to do this for you).

Pat the skin dry and rub sea salt and pepper all over, allowing the seasoning to get into all the nooks and crannies.

2 Place the pork on a wire rack inside a roasting tray, skin side up. Place on the top shelf of your pre-heated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes; the skin should start to blister and bubble. Then turn the temperature down to 160°c/Gas mark 3 and cook for a further 2.5 hours.

4 For the sauce, place a saucepan on a medium heat. Add the cider, shallots and thyme and reduce by half. Then add the stock and again reduce by half. Drain through a fine sieve into a clean saucepan, discarding the shallots and thyme (they have done their job).

5 Place the sauce back onto the heat and when it starts to bubble whisk in the cream and butter. You should end up with a glossy, rich sauce. Finish off by adding the mustard and prunes; season with salt and pepper to taste.

6 To serve, take a portion of the belly of pork and spoon over the sauce.

3 Once cooked, remove from the oven, cover with foil and rest for 15 minutes.

Recipe by Bowers Butchers 71 Lynn Road, Gaywood, King's Lynn PE30 4PR Tel: 01553 773845 Web: www.bowersbutchers.com 82

KLmagazine April 2016

“

”

We had a really memorable experience and learnt some very interesting things rtise, about your skills and trade. Your expe were ions anat expl full and es cutting techniqu been has ily fam le who the and ng, fascinati y pleasantly surprised with just how man be l we’l ts join different cuts and able to enjoy over the weeks to come!

– the Allen family KING’S LYNN

Treat yourself to a taster day with a difference!

Learn more about local food and how to make the most of it – with a fun and informal meat demonstration by Bowers Butchers he popularity of ‘experiences’ as unusual and rewarding gift ideas has never been more popular, and now even Gaywood-based Bowers Butchers are offering ‘taster’ days with a difference in the form of meat demonstrations – a fun and informal way of learning more about the responsible sourcing of high quality local produce together with expert advice and tips on how to make the most of it.

It all started when James Middleton (whose grandfather founded Bowers Butchers back in 1932) found himself thinking of ideas for a number of friends who found themselves celebrating their birthdays at the same time.

Armed with half a pig and many years experience as a chef, James treated his friends to a demonstration of how to prepare and cut the meat, how to tie up the

T

KLmagazine April 2016

various joints, and how to use them – from simple roasts to slow-cooked belly and pulled pork.

“To finish, I packed up the joints, gave them some of our recipe cards, and everyone went home looking forward to getting in the kitchen!” says James. “They thought it was brilliant – and one of the best presents they’d ever received!”

James has since repeated the demonstrations for charity and for friends and is now launching them on a wider scale.

The demonstrations aren’t restricted to pork either – James can do lamb (or a combination of both) and even offers sausage-making experiences, covering everything from the mix and the seasoning to the hand-tying – although don’t expect him to share Bowers Butchers’

award-winning secret recipe!

“It’s ideal for children, who always love making things,” says James, “and if they’re made in advance the children can enjoy the sausages they’ve made at their own birthday party!”

It’s a fascinating way to learn more about food, about the importance of supporting local producers, and it’s a great way of helping you choose different cuts and high quality joints for different purposes and recipes.

For more details and to arrange a demonstration for yourself or as a very special treat for someone else, contact James at Bowers Butchers today or visit the website for more information.

information

Bowers Butchers 71 Lynn Road, Gaywood, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 4PR Telephone: 01553 773845 Website: www.bowersbutchers.com E-mail: info@bowersbutchers.com

83

Food & Drink

Makes: 60 Squares FOR THE BASE 175g dark chocolate FOR THE FILLING 550g milk chocolate buttons 10 egg yolks, beaten 110g butter 5 tsp double cream 25ml (5 tsp) rum-optional 20g (4 tsp) cocoa powder Any flavour you fancy, e.g raisin soaked in rum, roasted salted pecans, dry roasted pistachio’s etc

Chocolate Truffles METHOD

1 Line a swiss roll tin with non-stick baking parchment.

2 Melt the base chocolate in a glass bowl in a microwave very carefully or over a pan of boiling water until melted. Spoon the chocolate into the tin and spread to create a thin base of chocolate for the truffle mix to sit on.

3 Now you can add to the prepared base roasted salted nuts, dried fruits, cherries in kirsch or stem ginger-whatever you fancy!

Place in the fridge to set the chocolate.

Microwave in 30 second bursts until completely melted. Do not overcook, it’s easy to burn chocolate!

5 Stir in the egg yolks, cream and rum and allow to cool.

6 Spoon the soft truffle mixture over the set base.

7 Finish with melted white or dark chocolate drizzled over the top. Add chopped pistachios for colour and crunch.

8 Store in the fridge and enjoy!

4 For the truffle mix, melt the chocolate and butter in a glass bowl in the microwave.

Recipe by Maggie Cooper, CoCoes cafe deli at Strattons Ash Close, Swaffham PE37 7NH Tel: 01760 725605 Web: www.strattonshotel.co.uk 84

KLmagazine April 2016

strattons hotel with self catering, restaurant and café deli

boutique luxurious classic contemporary heart of norfolk award winning restaurant afternoon tea cocoes café deli self catering Luxury without sacrifice to the environment ash close swaffham norfolk pe37 7nh 01760 723845 enquiries@strattonshotel.com www.strattonshotel.com

CELEBRATING C ELE B RA TIN G 40 Y YEARS EAR S Please join us in celebrating ng our 40th anniversary with a charity day supporting the RNLI.

Thursday Thur sday 21st April 10am-2pm: Coffee morning and open day Take a look at our refurbished restaurant, rooms and bar.

Enjoy a hot drink and cake and try your luck on the raffle.

All contributions go directly to Hunstanton RNLI. 7.30pm: Quiz evening £12 per person (includes meal). Booking essential.

Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6HH 01485 533486 s mail@caleyhallhotel.co.uk mail@caleyhallhotel.co.uk

www.caleyhallhotel.co.uk www .caleyhallhotel.co.uk

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Live Sessions, Live Music Ses sions, held on the off e every 1st Sunday o very month. This PRQWK ZH KDYH 0\NH &OLljRUG RQ P RQWK ZH KDYH 0\NH &OLljRUG RQ Vocals, Nigel Portass V ocals, Nig el P ortass on piano and John Wilmott on sax.

Heat six ooff the TTwisted wisted Melon Battle Battle Of The Bands Bands in in as association sociation with KLFM 96.7, to play play at atFFestival estival TToo. Too oo.

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www.palmer www.palmerslongsutton.co.uk slongsutton.c o.uk | 01406 365554 365554 A R K ET PLA CE, LONG SU TTON PE 12 99JF JF 46 M MARK PLACE, SUTTON PE12

KLmagazine April 2016

85

Food & Drink

RestaurantReview

KL magazine reader Sarah Hilton reviews The Dabbling Duck at Great Massingham

H

aving been told by several friends just how good The Dabbling Duck is, my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to a leisurely lunch and discover why it’s so popular – even (if all the stories are true) with the rich and famous.

The pub certainly has a lovely atmosphere, and is genuinely welcoming and friendly. There are three separate seating areas for dining, including a large room situated towards the rear (with an entire wall of bookcases) that can also be hired for functions.

As we made our way through the menu and specials board (to be honest, everything sounded wonderful) I enjoyed a very refreshing Sauvignon blanc, while my husband ordered a real ale from what he said was an impressively wide choice of beers.

Finally, I decided to start with the hot smoked salmon, which was beautifully presented with roasted heritage beets, horseradish crème fraîche, dill seeds and watercress. I’m not the biggest fan of beetroot, but I must admit the dish was so tasty I thoroughly enjoyed them – even though the ‘hot’ salmon was actually served cold.

My husband, meanwhile, started with the Dabbling Duck antipasti board, which was a very attractive selection of cured meats, stuffed peppers, halloumi and olives. He loved it, although he did 86

say he would have liked a little more bread to accompany it.

For mains, I kept with the seafood theme and ordered the fillet of bream, which was served with saffron potatoes, cumin cauliflower, confit plum tomato and a roasted cauliflower purée. My husband is a long-time lover of steak, and chose the Norfolk rib-eye, which came with beef dripping fries, pickled fennel, red onion, mushroom, tomatoes and aioli.

Both meals looked wonderful, and they tasted every bit as good as they looked. My fish was outstanding, but I did feel the accompaniments were a little bland and the dish could have benefitted from some stronger flavours.

My husband was full of praise for his steak, which was cooked exactly as he’d asked – and he said the fennel and garlic really worked very well.

If we did have to criticise anything, it would be that we weren’t asked if we needed any more drinks – even though we sat with our empty glasses in front of us for a while.

We also couldn’t help noticing that in a few respects our meals didn’t quite match up to their descriptions – such as my cold ‘hot’ salmon. For instance, the crayfish that accompanied my bream may have been delicious, but it wasn’t mentioned in the description of the dish on the menu. These are, of course, only very minor points, and they certainly

didn’t distract from a truly enjoyable meal. If you’re looking for very wellcooked food that’s equally well presented in a relaxed atmosphere, we can thoroughly recommend The Dabbling Duck – and it may well be that our little criticisms were due to it being lunchtime. We’ll definitely be making a return visit, but I think we’ll make it an evening next time.

FOOD

7

SERVICE

7

VALUE

8

THE DABBLING DUCK 11 Abbey Road, Great Massingham Norfolk PE32 2HN T: 01485 520827 W: www.thedabblingduck.co.uk KLmagazine April 2016

The

Coach & Horses Dersingham

QUEEN’S 90th BIRTHDAY WEEKEND & ST GEORGE’S DAY CELEBRATIONS Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th April • Live music • Special offers on the best of British food & drink • See our website for full details

Guess who’s back in town!

We’re now open!

We’re happy to announce that we’re back up and running as normal! Please give us a call on 01553 772241 to find out more about what’s in season this month.

DONALDSONS www.thecoachpub.com | 01485 540391 77 Manor Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6LN

KLmagazine April 2016

A fresh taste of the sea

Austin Fields, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1PH OPEN: Tues/Wed/Thurs 7am-4pm, Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-3pm

87

Food & Drink

Lamb shoulder stuffed with garlic and mint INGREDIENTS Preparation: 10 min Cooking: 2 hours Serves: 2 Wine Match: a nice spicy Rioja For the couscous: ½ cup couscous ½ cup boiling water or stock a small nob of butter salt and harissa to taste For the lamb: 1lb boneless shoulder of lamb 2 garlic cloves, crushed parsley, about a dozen leaves mint, a small handful a sachet of powdered Saffron twine for retying the lamb

88

METHOD 1 Lay the lamb out flat, and carefully spread the garlic evenly over the meat. Season well with salt and scatter the parsley and mint leaves in the same way. Roll the lamb back up and re-tie it tightly together.

3 Line a steamer with parchment folded up at the edges (you could also place the lamb in a shallow dish in the steamer if it fits as the goal is to collect the herb-infused juices). Place the steamer over a large pan of gently boiling water, cover and steam for 2 hours. Try not to lift the lid, but check the water doesn’t run dry once or twice.

4 When ready, gently extract the lamb with tongs – if it needs re-tying, do this before searing the meat. Save the juices that have run off the meat and use them for a gravy or as a stock to make the couscous.

5 Put a slug of groundnut oil in a pan and add the powdered saffron, give it a high heat and just before it’s smoking add the lamb. It will sputter a bit, but don't fret – just let it settle down and turn it a few times as it browns and yellows slightly from the saffron.

6 Allow the meat to relax for a few minutes before carving and serving.

7 To make the couscous, simply pour the boiling liquid over the couscous in a bowl or pan and cover for 5 minutes. Add the butter, fluff the grains with a fork, season with salt and finally add a little harissa for some spice.

CHEF’S TIP Instead of stuffing with herbs, you can also try the following combinations: dried apricots, cinnamon, coriander seeds, anchovies and garlic.

KLmagazine April 2016

The

Gate Inn

at Fair Green

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JUST £6.95 OR 2 for £12.99!

Join us for a delicious carvery lunch during the week. Choose from either Beef or Turkey, accompanied by all of the trimmings!

Hill Road, Fair Green, Middleton, PE32 1RW | Tel: 01553 840518

www.thegatemiddleton.co.uk

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Chalk Farm, Druids Lane, Litcham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 2YA

KLmagazine April 2016

Contact us for more details

Clenchwarton Road, West Lynn King’s Lynn PE34 3LW Web: brewersfayre.co.uk

Tel: 01553 772221 89

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We offer a FREE measuring service across west and north Norfolk.

Tower Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1EJ Tel: 01553 762878 Web: www.economyflooringkl.co.uk 90

KLmagazine April 2016

BEFORE...

...AFTER!

A fresh look for your floors – all thanks to Xtraclean!

The extra-professional way to keep your stone floors looking great

A

ll that spring cleaning may have given your homes a brighter, fresher look ready for the summer, but it’s important not to overlook your floors. They take more than their fair share of punishment all year round – and that can leave your beautiful slate, limestone and natural stone floors looking less than their best. You may well find it takes more than a mop to bring your floors back to life, and that’s when you’ll need the professional services of Swaffham-based Xtraclean.

“Traditional cleaning methods and chemicals become increasingly ineffective as deposits gradually and inevitably build up on your floors,” says Xtraclean’s Martin King. “Thanks to our revolutionary floor cleaning system, we can restore heavily-soiled stone floors, tiles and grout to ‘as-new’ brilliance – and we

KLmagazine April 2016

can do it in a single visit too!”

For over 20 years, Xtraclean has been offering a professional, friendly and fully-insured service that covers the whole county with a team of highly skilled, highly trained and highly knowledgeable technicians dedicated to keeping your floors looking their very best.

Following an initial survey and testing of your floors, Martin and his team will get to work (they’ll even move the furniture for you!) by breaking down ingrained dirt and loosening surface soiling. Xtraclean’s amazing turbo-cleaning capture system then thoroughly pressure cleans the floor – capturing all waste in the process. The results are spectacular, and are achieved without invasive procedures such as grinding and resurfacing.

“Once the floor has been cleaned we professionally seal it for added

protection and to help retain its good looks for longer,” says Martin. ”We can even re-polish and buff highly-honed stone floors if required!”

Martin and his team also have a wealth of experience in cleaning everything from outdoor terraces to paths and patios, meaning all your floors – indoors and out – can have a bright and fresh new look for the summer months.

“We use the most advanced technology and the most professional products on the market today,” says Martin, “and the results really do speak for themselves.”

For an extra professional and extra reliable service, contact Martin and his locally-based team today!

Xtraclean

information

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

91

00

KLmagazine April 2016

History

ABOVE: The Minster of King’s Lynn may seem an unlikely place to find a pre-Christian motif (below) but it’s not at all uncommon to find representations of the Green Man in our churches– such as this famous example on a roof boss in Norwich Cathedral (opposite)

The Green Man and his friends in King’s Lynn...

Despite thousands of words, years of research and countless theories, the Green Man remains an enigma. Alison Gifford looks at the local examples of this fascinating and mysterious symbol

Y

ou’ll need to look very carefully, but in many of our Norfolk churches you’ll come across a curious and half-hidden figure – a face surrounded by leaves, a face made out of leaves, or a face sprouting foliage from his mouth and nearby orifices.

The faces vary in their expression from the menacing to the humourous, from the frightened to the tranquil; they’re all different (in fact they’re all unique) and come from a long-lost past, depicting beliefs now forgotten yet with us still in stone and wood.

Oddly, they very rarely appear in paintings, manuscripts or stained glass.

These church foliate faces were carved by medieval craftsmen, but the theme has had several revivals and later

KLmagazine April 2016

carvings can be found on high status buildings such as Victorian banks and town halls. The image has been reinvigorated through growing anxiety over the accelerating global abuse of the natural environment, and is now popular again in garden ornaments and statues.

Despite existing for hundreds of years it was only in 1932 that an article by C.J.P. Cave about the roof bosses in Ely Cathedral discussed and compared the foliate head carvings with Jack in the Green, the King of the May, the garland carried in May Day ceremonies and the popular ‘Green Man’ pub name.

The theme was taken up a few years later by Lady Raglan, a leading member of the Folklore Society, who published an article in the Society’s journal on the

93

History

ABOVE: Images of the Green Man can be found in many buildings around King’s Lynn – including a roof boss in St. Nicholas Chapel (left, circled), the Trinity Guild Hall (top right) and the Custom House (bottom right)

subject of the ‘Green Man in Church Architecture’ and this was the first time the ubiquitous and mysterious wood and stone carvings of leaf faces had been acknowledged and named.

They were also given establishment credentials by the highly-regarded and influential architectural expert, Nicholaus Pevsner, in his series of books on the buildings of England.

Searching for the Green Man in King’s Lynn we come across several different styles. Most common is the ‘leaf disgorger’ where leaves, vines, tree branches, berries and occasionally disturbing flowers grow from the Green Man’s mouth, nose or ears. The origins of this image in stone and wood seem so completely pagan that the hundreds of Green Men images found in Christian churches is extremely puzzling, but one answer might lie in the widely-held medieval belief that the wood of the cross on which Jesus was crucified grew from seeds placed under the tongue of dying Adam.

A rather worn example can be seen outside the Chapel of St Nicholas near the splendid green and red east door; this evidently held up a religious statue long gone. Walking round the vast light space of the chapel itself, close examination of the wooden screens reveals charming little figures, daemons, dragons and (of course) the Green Man himself. On the choir stalls

94

is a Green Man armrest, and in the porch are some impressive gold-leafed ceiling bosses with a definite leaf disgorger near the south door.

Less common is the face made of leaves, a foliate face where the mason has manipulated the greenery to represent a face. A fine example is on the porch of the 19th century Queen Street extension to the old town hall, the Trinity Guild Hall on the Saturday Market Place, built in 1895 to accommodate a new Council Chamber.

The Victorians loved all things medieval, a love that had its roots in antiquarian concerns with the survival of curiosities and craftsmanship. As industrialisation progressed, a reaction against mechanical production also grew and several influential architects took a critical view of industrial society, portraying pre-industrial medieval society as a golden age.

This new Gothic revival architecture was infused with the Christian values that had been supplanted by classicism and were being destroyed by industrialisation. This Green Man face is archetypal, a symbol reminiscent of a medieval church but not actually religious.

A third style is the ‘leaf peeper’ – and while some roof bosses in Norwich Cathedral are superb internationallyknown representations of this type, one

can be found closer to home in one of the grotesque masks on the King’s Lynn Custom House, where a distorted face emerges from a ring of leaves.

Nearby on this famous building, a benign Ceres (goddess of corn) and a youthful Bacchus (god of wine) peep from sheaves of corn and grape vines.

Visit Lynn Minster, and you’ll find a most magnificent wooden Green Man underneath a 14th century misericord – a small wooden folding seat that provided a degree of comfort for a person standing during long periods of prayer (giving rise to its alternative name of “mercy seat”).

In contrast to this abundant figure is a more stylised earlier example carved high up on a stone corbel.

The abundance of these Green Men in English churches, probably close to 1,000 so far counted, has led to many theories about their origins – but what motivated the hundreds of stone masons and wood carvers to let loose their imaginations on this particular motif is lost in the mist of time.

If you’re interested in seeing just how prevalent the Green Man is in our churches and secular buildings, visit www.greenmanenigma.com – it contains a history of the motif, theories on its meaning and origins, and even allows you to post your own images if you come across any Green Man carvings on your travels.

KLmagazine April 2016

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KLmagazine April 2016

“

”

Our electricity bills have gone down by over half, and they’re now only around £30 a month. Air source heating is saving us around £1,000 a year...

GEORGE DEVERICK Snettisham

Air source heating and George’s grand design...

T

Why air source heating is the way forward for energy-efficient homes

he range of quality air source heating solutions available from 4 Way Refrigeration Ltd represents a major step forward in energy-efficient climate control, but the real test of the system’s benefits are best demonstrated in the real world – from real people in real homes. People like George Deverick, for example, who’s been living with air source heating since the completion of his spectacular new build property in Snettisham almost two years ago.

When George and his partner Georgina began the project towards the end of 2013, they had clear ideas of how they wanted the property to perform.

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George looked at a number of suppliers, but had no doubts about choosing Steve Simpson and his team at 4 Way Refrigeration in King’s Lynn to design and install the system.

“I liked the fact they were local so they were always available for help and advice,” he says, “but what really impressed me was that Steve didn’t approach the project as a salesman. He was open and honest, he could answer all my questions, and he clearly wanted to be proud of the finished result.”

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“There’s no noise, there’s no smell, it’s not intrusive, and the controls are virtually idiot-proof,” says George. “We haven’t found one downside to it yet, and we’ve never looked back. It’s brilliant!”

He’s also keen to point out that the figures are equally attractive.

“Our electricity bills have gone down by over half and they’re now only around £30 a month,” he says. “Air source heating is saving us around £1,000 a year – in fact, the electricity board once paid us a visit to find out why we were using so little electricity!”

To discover what a difference air source heating can make to you, your new home and your fuel bills, contact Steve and his team at 4 Way Refrigeration today – for a totally local, totally professional and totally reliable service from design to installation.

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KLmagazine April 2016

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KLmagazine April 2016

PICTURES: SUE FOSTER

Local Arts

ABOVE: A detail of the modern reproduction of a 19th century sampler by Norwich-based weaver and textile designer Sue Foster (opposite).

The original was created by workhouse inmate Lorina Bulwer in Great Yarmouth almost 120 years ago.

Weaving history into the twenty-first century Norfolk has always had an important place in the history of textiles. Sylvia Steele talks to one woman who is currently combining a traditional craft with a contemporary feel for design

W

eaving has been in our heritage from the time of the Norman Conquest and the trade had a huge historical impact on the growth of Norfolk. Now, Norwich-based weaver Sue Foster is combining a love of history and art to give the timehonoured craft a contemporary feel.

Following her MA postgraduate course in Textiles Culture at Norwich University College of Arts in 2010, Sue entered the NUCA Brainchild Award in 2011, a ‘Dragon’s Den’ initiative that invited applicants to submit their business ideas for judgment by a panel

KLmagazine April 2016

of local businesses. Sue was awarded first prize worth £6,000, including professional mentoring together with £1,000 cash.

“The inspiration for my submission to the award was gained from the Pattern Books of Norwich, a collection of cloth sample books dating from the late 1700s,” she says.

Sue also produced designs inspired by wall hangings worked by the 16th century Dutch and Flemish immigrants who settled close to Strangers’ Hall in Norwich.

“They were just asking to be developed into a fabric range,” she says.

Utilising her NUCA award, she set up

Sue Foster Textiles, producing textiles through the digital printing of her own designs. Her latest collections are both original and quirky – while ‘Beside the Seaside’ is based on images perceived in the Southwold area, another takes a slightly humorous look at turning familiar objects into something unexpected.

Sue’s interpretation of the art is very much 21st century, but what sparked her interest in weaving? Sue laughs as she relates the story of her visit to an open day at the Worstead Weavers Guild.

“It was my grandmother’s idea for a day out,” she says. “I was about seven

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Local Arts

PICTURES: SUE FOSTER

ABOVE: Sue Foster’s reproductions of Lorina Bulwer’s 19th century samplers will be on display at the Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse museum – but you can enjoy Sue’s more contemporary work (left) in your own home.

years old and became fascinated by the looms and the work of the craftswomen. I left the museum insisting that I was going to be a weaver when I grew up.”

It was a resolve she upheld, starting with obtaining a BA degree in Printed and Woven Textiles at Farnham UCA. So what was her route after leaving University?

“What do all students want to do? To travel, of course,” she laughs. “I chose to visit Australia and I ended up staying for 17 years!”

Sue finally returned to Norwich to marry and live with her two children from a previous relationship.

“It wasn’t long before I felt the desire to return to weaving though,” she says, “and I registered for a postgraduate textile course at NUCA.” Completion of her Master’s degree in Textile Culture enabled Sue to rediscover the physical process of weaving, and her love of the art.

She still owns her own loom and displays at various local craft fairs such as the Royal Norfolk Show. One event she particularly remembers was held at the Bridewell Museum in Norwich.

“Unfortunately we could only carry on working there for short periods,” she says, “because the vibration from the loom was affecting the museum’s internal structure!”

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Sue sees her work as a way of capturing a fleeting image.

“To see a combination of nature and human to make something beautiful,” she says. “To make a textile that tells a story. A piece of weaving becomes a conversation.”

Which led to one such conversation she had with an elderly farmer at the Royal Norfolk Show where she was displaying her creations.

“I had several cushions on display,” she remembers. “One in particular was a quite realistic interpretation of a bale of straw. This gentleman kept touching it as if to make sure it really wasn’t made of straw!”

Sue Foster’s love of her work is apparent in everything she works on, and she appreciates the understanding of the Norfolk Museum Services in allowing her to work with its priceless collection of cloth samples; pages of beautiful fabrics, hand-dyed and handwoven cloth that was once sold to importers all over the world.

But hand weaving them is no longer viable, and this is where digital technology comes into play – enabling the designs to be recreated in a way both practical and modern.

Sue does her best to explain the technique she uses to capture the images she sees, but to the uninitiated it does

sound rather complicated.

“My own weaving pieces are structures of layers, visible and invisible,” she says. “I then take the image and frame it so it will sit on the finished piece in perfect proportion. Its exact placement takes a lot of care.”

When satisfied, Sue places the images in the hands of a very talented printer in the north of England, and the finished roll is returned to be cut into individual cushions, bags and furnishings that would add vibrancy and colour to any 21st century home.

Currently employed as Trainee Project Officer at the Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum just outside Dereham, Sue is currently working on reproducing a sampler of work crafted by a woman called Lorina Bulwer in 1901.

“The sampler is a very intricate piece of work,” says Sue. “Each letter is meticulously embroidered and placed to form very readable sentences describing her life. It’s thought that Lorina made the sampler whilst she was an inmate at the Great Yarmouth workhouse where she ‘d been placed when she was 55 years old. I’m reproducing it as 3-metre ‘handling’ sample, possibly with smaller pieces for sale.”

Sue talks enthusiastically about her craft of weaving and hopes her success might inspire others in this field.

“I count myself so fortunate to be paid for doing the work I love,” she says. “The new ‘Voices from the Workhouse’ project’ we’re working on this year is really going to be something special, and I hope it will encourage people to learn more about the people who lived and worked in our local workhouses.”

For more information and Sue and for more examples of her work, please see www.suefostertextiles.com

KLmagazine April 2016

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PICTURE: ALESSIO GRALDI

Local Arts

ABOVE: Just one example of how the King’s Lynn Arts Centre engaged with the local community – a photograph by Alessio Graldi inspired by survivors of domestic abuse brought together during one of the centre’s numerous outreach projects

King’s Lynn Arts Centre: a remarkable legacy...

It was a venue that always managed to punch well above its weight.

KL magazine talks to Liz Falconbridge about the incredible achievements of the King’s Lynn Arts Centre – and its lasting impact.

A

t 11am on January 30th, the doors of the King’s Lynn Arts Centre opened to a very special exhibition charting and celebrating the vast and extraordinarily diverse collection of work that’s been displayed at the venue for over 65 years.

For the visitors, artists, friends and supporters who attended the one-day event, it was a memorable occasion, but also a somewhat bittersweet one.

For this wasn’t just another of the King’s Lynn Arts Centre’s fascinating, thoughtprovoking and engaging events.

It was, in fact, the Centre’s last-ever exhibition – produced by the small KLmagazine April 2016

team of seven people (most of them volunteers) who’d worked professionally and tirelessly against the strain of looming closure to pay testament to an incredible volume of work.

It’s still difficult to believe this is the end of a story which began when local landowner Alexander Penrose stepped in to save the Guildhall of St George in King’s Lynn from being demolished in 1945. Penrose appreciated the building’s historic significance and realised its potential as an arts centre – and the restored building became the focal point of the first King’s Lynn Festival in 1951.

Saved from closure once again by a group of local arts enthusiasts in 2011, King’s Lynn Arts Centre was – until the end of last year – arguably the longest surviving arts centre in the country, and although the exhibitions themselves tended to attract most of the public attention, the centre’s pioneering project work was some of its most important, resulting in some incredibly special and memorable experiences.

They range from the Evacuation Special to the Maritime Trail, from the Vancouver Festival to the Hanse Festival and the Medieval Market in the Walks – unique and interactive historical dramas devised and delivered by the venue 105

PICTURE: ROLAND PENROSE ESTATE, ENGLAND 2013

Local Arts

ABOVE: A self-portrait by Roland Penrose (with his wife, photographer Lee Miller). The work of the hugely influential artist was featured in an exhibition at King’s Lynn Arts Centre in 2013 – in the very venue saved by his brother Alexander almost 70 years previously.

team and attended and enjoyed by thousands of children and families.

More recently, the centre’s Director and Development Manager wrote the successful funding bid on behalf of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk that secured €600,000 for the Amiens Project – which led to the much-loved projections recently screened on the town’s historic buildings.

It was an effort that resulted in King’s Lynn Arts Centre enjoying successful EU bids in its own right – including EVS accreditation by the British Council to host and train young European volunteers – and send young people from Norfolk for similar life-changing experiences to partner organisations in Europe.

As for exhibitions, the centre always maintained a balance between supporting the work of local artists and showcasing the work of international talents such as Liu Jianhua (one of China’s best known sculptural and installation artists) and Julian Opie (probably best known for his Blur album

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cover) and held six major shows in partnership with the extraordinary collector Dr Graham Cooley – including last year’s Forma Hungarica, which attracted interest around the world. The Centre’s mentoring project ‘Aspire’ reached out to communities such as Hillington Square, and the Eastern Open kickstarted many an artistic career over 46 years.

Liz Falconbridge became Director of the King’s Lynn Arts Centre Trust four years ago, but had already spent 21 years in the venue with both the St George’s Guildhall Trust and while the Centre was under Borough Council management. But her links with the venue go back even further than that.

“As a teenager in Fakenham, the King’s Lynn Arts Centre was my nearest arts venue and it’s where I saw my first serious art exhibitions and concerts,” she says. “It made a tremendous impression on me and inspired me to follow a career in galleries – I even brought my own children here for art and theatre when they were young.”

Therein lies the true value of the

King’s Lynn Arts Centre. It was always considerably more than an art gallery.

The valuable and intensive work towards social engagement and wellbeing ensured it made a priceless contribution to the local economy and the cultural tourism offer of King’s Lynn.

It gave opportunities to those who have had none, second chances to those who barely got a first, and listened to those who have had no voice.

The last few months have been extremely challenging for Liz, but she remains admirably positive.

“During my time here I’ve been able to track many young people who’ve come here for inspiration in their early years and have gone on to great things,” she says. “We’ve helped the long-term unemployed into jobs, we’ve helped develop successful artists, and we’ve worked with people whose lives have been changed for the better. I think King’s Lynn Arts Centre is leaving a remarkable legacy and there’s a lot of reason to be grateful.”

The venue fully realised its vision of being ‘A Place to Come and Find Yourself’ and was used by everyone from young offenders to young carers, from stroke survivors to women suffering from domestic abuse. It also provided an invaluable education strand for children and young people through its Arts Award across 5 levels – which was taken up by local primary and secondary schools, home educators and individual children who were all welcomed and supported to achieve qualifications.

There’s no doubt that the King’s Lynn Arts Centre made a tremendous and long-lasting impact on the cultural life of the town and the lives of the people in it – and its closure will be felt for many years to come.

“I’m sorry for everyone – and not least for the town itself,” says Liz. “So many people have got so much benefit and enjoyment from the Centre over the years. From local artists to disadvantaged members of the community, it’s transformed people’s lives. I know they’ll miss it. I certainly will.”

KLmagazine April 2016

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KLmagazine April 2016

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PICTURES: SAMARITANS / ROSE ATKINSON

A new era in the story of King’s Lynn Samaritans...

Literally moving with the times, King’s Lynn Samaritans is now preparing to make its most important move in almost 50 years

I

t’s often underestimated just how fortunate King’s Lynn is in having a Samaritans branch, as an overwhelming number of the 201 branches around the UK serve much larger populations – but it reflects a close-knit community that cares about itself and is prepared to go the extra mile to support it.

For almost 50 years, King’s Lynn Samaritans has worked from their current home at 26 Queen Street, and the many hundreds of local volunteers who’ve operated from the building during that time have served the local community extremely well.

However, the world of 1968 was a very different one to the one of 2016, and the needs of people in the 21st century have changed enormously in

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almost every respect since King’s Lynn Samaritans opened its doors only 15 years after Dr. Chad Varah founded the organisation in London.

Undoubtedly one of the most fundamental changes for Samaritans over the last 50 years has been in the way people access the service.

Although the majority of contacts to Samaritans (over 5 million a year) are still made by phone, people can also access the service on a face-to-face basis, via e-mail and text messages, and the charity also has a strong online presence – Samaritans has been working successfully with online companies such as Facebook and Google since 2011.

In addition to embracing new technology, Samaritans has also

become much more proactive – working with partners such as Network Rail and police services and going out into the community in locations such as schools and doctor’s surgeries.

“To continue providing support to people in need, to reach people who may be unaware we’re here for them, the service has always had to move with the times,” says King’s Lynn Samaritans Branch Director Keith King.

“That even applies to the branch itself.

The building has served us – and the community – admirably for half a century, but in many ways the service itself has outgrown it.”

Readers will already be aware that King’s Lynn Samaritans has been searching for new premises for some time, and there’s a real sense of

KLmagazine April 2016

“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

KLmagazine April 2016

Inevitably, there’s a cost attached to the project, and it’s important to remember that in providing the service they do, in covering running costs and the training of volunteers, in keeping pace with technology, Samaritans receives no government grants or funding. It is, in fact, entirely dependent on the support of the community it serves – and there are several ways in which people can help.

Regular donations can make a huge difference, and if you contact the branch directly 01553 761616 for more details, Samaritans can ensure every penny goes towards their work.

Legacies have also been invaluable to the continued work of King’s Lynn Samaritans – indeed, the current relocation and modernisation of the branch has only been made possible through a legacy – received as a direct result of the support the branch gave an individual in the community.

The business world can help in a number of ways as well – sponsoring the training of a volunteer listener or part of the new premises such as the garden or specific room. In addition to receiving official recognition of their support, it offers local companies and organisations the opportunity to communicate to customers, shareholders and the rest of the business world that they’re putting something back into the community.

If you’d like to explore the possibility of volunteering with King’s Lynn Samaritans in any capacity, please get in touch by sending an e-mail to volunteering@ kingslynnsamaritans.org.uk

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

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King’s Lynn Samaritans/Charity Number 268748

excitement and anticipation among volunteers and Friends of the branch as a new chapter in the story of King’s Lynn Samaritans is about to be written.

Premises in the centre of King’s Lynn have now been found, and the necessary legalities are now in their final stages – before the start of a major refurbishment project.

“The objective is to provide a roundthe-clock service with an envisaged volunteer base of some 100-120, working from a centre that will be ‘future proof’ by design,” says Keith.

The new branch will feature a fullycomputerised duty room, a face-to-face support area, branch administration area, training and meeting room and kitchen facilities.

It will also include duty support rooms for volunteers to prepare for and recuperate from their shifts – an especially important facility for volunteers working at unsociable hours.

Not least, the new building will be able to receive disabled visitors for face-to-face contacts – and accommodate disabled members of the community wishing to volunteer, something the branch’s current Georgian home was always unable to do.

The new branch will help ensure King’s Lynn Samaritans maintains a vital service and continues supporting the community well into the future.

It’s an exciting new chapter in the story of King’s Lynn Samaritans, and we’ll be keeping you updated on the project’s progress over the coming months.

In the meantime, don’t forget that Samaritans is still available every hour of every day for people in need of individual support and for those who simply need someone to talk to. It’s perfectly okay to say that you’re not having a good time, that you are stressed out, or that you’re scared, alone, or tired. Samaritans is free to call on 116 123 – and in accordance with a policy of strict and total confidentiality, the number won’t ever appear on your phone bill.

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KLmagazine April 2016

PICTURES: JUSTIN MINNS

Local Arts

ABOVE: This image of a freezing Thetford Forest is full of Justin Minns’ love of Norfolk – and his understanding of its unique character

Capturing the spirit of the local landscape...

For hundreds of years, the wide expanses and huge skies of East Anglia have inspired generations of artists and writers. Local photographer Justin Minns talks about his vision of the region.

I

’ve always loved the outdoors. It’s probably the result of growing up near the River Stour around the picturesque area known as ‘Constable Country’. My dad taught me a lot about nature, and at every opportunity I’d be out in the countryside bird watching or fishing.

I never planned to be a photographer, but having always enjoyed drawing and painting, I assumed I’d somehow earn a living doing something creative – but for 25 years that turned out to be graphic design. Photography was just a hobby that got a bit out of hand!

I have no photographic background to speak of and no family members

KLmagazine April 2016

ever gave me old film cameras to play around with – and I wouldn’t have a clue what to do in a darkroom.

In fact, it was a desire for more interesting holiday photos that sparked my interest in learning more about photography. Discovering the beauty of the dawn light here on the east coast attracted me to landscape photography and further inspiration came from the Landscape Photographer of the Year books – which opened my eyes to what could be achieved with a camera.

I find landscape photography extremely therapeutic. Immersing yourself in something you enjoy doing in such peaceful surroundings puts life’s

daily worries into perspective. I haven’t actually thought about it until now, but it combines the things I’ve always had a passion for – I get to exercise my creative side and it rekindles my love for the outdoors. I spend a lot of time out at dawn and it never ceases to amaze me how different the world can look at that hour and how much it changes from one day to the next. It’s still enough to keep me setting the alarm.

Landscape photography is all about being in the right place at the right time, so I do a lot of preparation to try to improve my chances of that happening. The internet makes

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PICTURES: JUSTIN MINNS

Local Arts

ABOVE: The beauty of Burnham-Overy-Staithe, captured in Justin Minn’s ‘Last Light’ and the multi-coloured autumnal woods at Felbrigg (below) – both demonstrating the photographer’s life-long love of the outdoors

researching a shoot relatively easy – there are websites for weather forecasts, tide times, sunrise positions and maps – but you still can’t beat going out for a walk with an oldfashioned map to research a location.

When I’m out shooting, the one thing I always try to keep in mind is to slow down. When conditions are good, you mustn’t get carried away and start snapping all over the place – you need to concentrate on the composition and aim to get just one or two good images rather than several average ones.

On the other hand, when conditions are poor try not to pack up too hastily.

Go with the flow and see what happens – there’s usually an image to be made whatever the weather.

For the last five or six years I’ve concentrated on building a collection of landscapes that capture the spirit of East Anglia. I’ve resisted the temptation to look further afield, choosing instead to work locally, trying to get under the skin of the area I know and love.

The coast and countryside in this part of the world is surprisingly diverse – it can be a challenging place to photograph as it’s rather flat on the whole, but it’s all the more rewarding for it. I now run photography workshops here, sharing my passion for the area and helping others capture its beauty.

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It’s very difficult for me to choose a favourite area to photograph, although I do love the atmosphere of the Norfolk Broads. At first light, it’s a wilderness of mist-shrouded lakes and crumbling windmills beside sleepy rivers. Old boats float in the margins and barn owls glide over the silent reedbeds. It’s a truly magical place. Constable Country is another place that’s very close to my heart – but it’s the coast that I enjoy the most.

The Norfolk coastline offers so much.

The north coast’s pristine sandy beaches, fringed with windswept dunes, give way to endless saltmarsh, split by twisting creeks leading to quaint harbours where boats lie scattered in the mud at low tide.

Then there’s the cliffs. The unique striped ones and the unusual rock formations at Hunstanton, the undulating clifftop walks at Sheringham with their wonderful views, and the historic crumbling cliffs at Happisburgh – all under those huge Norfolk skies.

Over the years I’ve got to know the East Anglian coast well, so I was delighted in 2014 to be offered the opportunity to photograph it over the course of a year for the National Trust.

Since then I’ve been working on several commissions a year for them – it’s something of a dream job and I still

can’t quite believe my luck.

Equally exciting is my very first solo exhibition, which will be taking place at the Boat House Gallery in Flatford, Suffolk from Saturday 30th April until Sunday 26th June 2016.

JUSTIN MINNS is a professional photographer who specialises in capturing the atmosphere of the East Anglian landscape. As well as the photography itself, he also runs landscape workshops and regularly writes for photography magazines.

His work has been commended in the prestigious Landscape Photographer of the Year and International Garden Photographer of the Year competitions. For more details of his amazing work and for information on his workshops, please see www.justinminns.co.uk

KLmagazine April 2016

KLmagazine April 2016

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The Last Word

WildWestNorfolk Michael Middleton’s

A

round this time last year, I was particularly intrigued and somewhat excited to read about the discovery of a submerged 19th century mansion off the coast of North Norfolk.

For a few months previously, a number of strange objects had been washed ashore on the beach at Blakeney Point – a chaise longue, a Chippendale table, some china figurines and an ornate chamber pot – leading volunteers from the National Trust to the ruins of the long-lost stately home.

KL magazine photographer Ian Ward even managed to take an aerial picture of the underwater wonder (see below), which the National Trust planned to open in 2018 for special diving tours with volunteer scuba guides.

It was a fascinating story, and I was surprised that it hadn’t made national headlines – until I started writing to the National Trust’s regional visitor experience consultant Avril Fuller for more information.

It was as I was thinking about her oddly-familiar name that the penny finally dropped.

I’m not the first person well and truly taken in by some early-April tomfoolery (it’s been going on since Roman times) and no doubt I won’t be the last – but at least I’ve never been into Burger King and asked for a Left-Handed Whopper.

Thousands of people did exactly that when the company announced the new product in 1998. It was specially designed for left-handed people, with all the ingredients cleverly rotated through 180 degrees to make it easier for people like Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Robert de Niro and myself

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to enjoy the famous burger.

In addition to disappointing hordes of gullible lefties, Burger King also incurred the wrath of hundreds of right-handed customers who duly requested their own version.

And if you think that sort of thing would be unlikely to happen on this side of the Atlantic, you’d be very sorely mistaken.

Back in 1976, the famous astronomer Patrick Moore announced (during a radio interview) that a once-in-alifetime event would be taking place on April 1st at 9.47am. The planet Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, resulting in a gravitational alignment that would (for a short space of time) reduce the effects of the Earth’s gravity.

It meant that if you were to jump in the air at that precise moment you’d experience a strange floating sensation.

Needless to say, the BBC received hundreds of phone calls from listeners claiming to have felt the effects – and one woman even reported that her and her 11 friends had risen from their chairs and floated around the room.

I’ll bet that was a coffee morning to remember.

Even those level-headed Swedes aren’t immune to having the wool (or nylon) pulled over their eyes.

In 1962, when television was only available in black and white (and there was only one channel) researcher Kjell Stensson claimed that viewers could view programmes in colour by simply cutting up a pair of stockings and stretching them over the screen – the

fine material mesh would then bend the monochrome light into full colour.

Not only did the prank result in hordes of furious bare-legged ladies (causing a considerable amount of Scandinavian domestics) but the Swedes had to wait another eight years before they could finally watch genuine colour TV – and as the first broadcasts were made on April 1st 1970 I’d imagine many people didn’t actually believe it until they saw it.

Traditionally, of course, all the silliness is supposed to end at noon on April 1st, so by the time you’re reading this you can safely assume that all those odd news stories you’re reading, watching or listening to are for real. Well, more or less.

Either that or you’re already looking forward to your holiday on the island of San Serriffe or you’ve ordered tickets to The Rolling Stones’ last-ever concert in Narborough’s village hall next month.

Just remember though – if you’re asked to do an unfeasible amount of DIY before the in-laws arrive for dinner, don’t repeat my mistake and say “I’m not falling for that one again...”

KLmagazine April 2016