ISSN 2044–7965
ISSUE 85 OCTOBER 2017 PRICELESS
magazine
WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL
COVER IMAGE Brancaster by Ian Ward
meet the team MANAGING DIRECTOR Laura Dunn MANAGING EDITOR Eric Secker DESIGN TEAM Amy Phillips Lisa Tonroe PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Ward PROMOTION Nicola Back ADVERTISING Jessica Smith CONTRIBUTORS Clare Bee Alison Childerhouse Alison Gifford Richard Parr Edith Reeves Paul Richards Sylvia Steele Wendy Warner
contact 18 Tuesday Market Place King’s Lynn PE30 1JW 01553 601201 info@klmagazine.co.uk KL magazine is published monthly by KL Publications Ltd. The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and KL magazine takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.
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orfolk has a strong reputation for producing fine food and drink, and it’s a reputation that (literally!) grows by the year. Many of the county’s producers, growers, brewers, chefs and restaurants are no strangers to awards, both on a local and national level – but only a select few reach the heights of worldwide fame. Earlier this year Lee Dyer of the Surlingham-based Winbirri Vineyards entered his Bacchus white wine into the Decanter World Wine Awards, the largest and most influential wine competition on the planet. Despite competition from over 17,000 entries and some of the most famous wine-producing regions on earth, Lee saw his wine judged the best white world in the world – and his feet haven’t touched the ground since. You can read more about his story and his superb wines on page 72 of this month’s magazine. And while we’re on the subject of food and drink, don’t forget Norfolk Restaurant Week this month (see page 8) – which offers everyone the chance to enjoy some the county’s finest restaurants at affordable prices. Of course, we can’t pass October by without mentioning Halloween, and you’ll find plenty of ghostly goings-on in this month’s magazine. Alison Gifford takes a look at the haunting of the Tudor Rose Hotel in King’s Lynn (page 44), while Edith Reeves examines the darker side of the town’s fascinating Ezekiel Walker (page 86) and even Michael Middleton is on the search for the most haunted location in the area (page 106) – and you may be surprised at the results. But there’s a lot more to this month’s magazine than food and phantoms. We’ve got the story of a wartime hero, one of the most talented saxophonists in music today, the incredible work of The Norfolk Hospice and the huge success of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. And a lot more besides that! Enjoy the magazine and we’ll see you again next month. KL MAGAZINE
KLmagazine October 2017
Contents
OCTOBER 2017
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86
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52 KLmagazine October 2017
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6-12 WHAT’S ON This month’s diary of forthcoming events
58-71 WEDDINGS Inspirational ideas and fabulous venues
8-10 NORFOLK RESTAURANT WEEK A literal feast of the county’s best cuisine
72-74 THE BEST WINE IN THE WORLD The amazing success of Winbirri Vineyards
14 ALIVE CORN EXCHANGE Fabulous shows and fun-filled activities
76-80 FOOD AND DRINK Reviews, recipes and recommendations
16-18 A HISTORY WRITTEN IN STONE All Saints church in North Runcton
82 RESTAURANT REVIEW A taste of 20 North Street, Burnham Market
22-24 35 YEARS OF TORNADO... The iconic aircraft at RAF Marham
86-88 THE DARKER SIDE OF KING’S LYNN Edith Reeves on a mysterious local character
28-31 A TRUE WARTIME HERO The recently-discovered story of Nipper Joyce
92-94 A GREAT YEAR FOR TRUE’S YARD Reflecting on the museum’s silver jubilee
36-38 WEST NORFOLK ACADEMIES TRUST It’s growing and going from strength to strength
96-98 THE BEST CARE AT THE WORST TIMES A look at the work of The Norfolk Hospice
44-46 THE HAUNTING OF THE TUDOR ROSE Alison Gifford on a local ghost story
100-102 FAMILY TREES ON SCREEN Enjoy a new vision of your family history
48 THEN & NOW The changing face of West Norfolk
106-108 MAKING STARS SOUND BETTER The career of local saxophonist Nik Carter
51 YOU AND YOUR PETS With local vet Alex Dallas
110-112 ART AND THE ENVIRONMENT The thought-provoking work of Richard Gant
52-54 OCTOBER IN THE GARDEN Expert help and advice with Wendy Warner
106 MICHAEL MIDDLETON On Norfolk’s most haunted...
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BARRY L HAWKINS Independent Auctioneer and Land Agent Dominique Alonzo Art Deco Bronze Sculpture “La Surprise” Est: £750£2,000
Carriage Clocks Est: £40-£60
Robert McGregor R.S.A. (SCOTTISH 1847-1922) Fishing Family on Breton Coast Est: £2,000-£3,500
18th October 2017 Selected Antiques & Interiors Live online bidding held at Downham Market Auction Rooms This sale will include good and unusual examples of quality 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th century furniture, pottery, porcelain and glass, copper, brass, silver and plate, textiles, clocks and boxes, jewellery, carpets and rugs, decorative interior artworks and much more!
www.barryhawkins.co.uk | 01366 387180 The Estate Office, 15 Lynn Road, Downham Market PE38 9NL
Plenty of colour to take us into the new season
EVENT King’s Lynn and District Osteoporosis Society ‘An Evening of Fashion with Allez Chic & Flowers with Dulcie Lofting’ Wednesday 4th October, 7pm £5 London Road Methodist Church Teas/Coffee/Cakes/Savouries/Raffle. All procceeds go to research Contact Jill: 01553 772325
New la & fab bels ulous hand ba to lov gs e www.allezchic.co.uk t: 01553 631915 Open: Mon to Sat 10am-4.30pm The Old School, Castle Rising, King's Lynn PE31 6AG
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KLmagazine October 2017
October
Festival Too fundraisers
Friday 27th & Saturday 28th OXBURGH BY CANDLELIGHT Oxburgh Hall, Oxborough, King’s Lynn PE33 9PS (various times) Join the team for a candlelit tour of Oxburgh Hall after dark. See the Hall in a different light and discover more of its secrets. Find out what made a Victorian All Hallows Eve and listen to traditional tales in the King’s Room. Booking is essential as places are limited. Tours are timed and will last one hour. Latecomers may not be permitted to join the tour. The tearoom will be open to purchase warm drinks, soup, and light snacks. Tickets are £15 and for more information on times and to book tickets visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th THE STYLE SHOW Bank House, King’s Staithe Square, King's Lynn PE30 1RD A fashion show with a difference! Due to popularity of the Spring/Summer show The Style Show is hosting two evenings of fashion. Enjoy a dinner during the show and help raise funds for Festival Too. Discover the secrets of ‘colour’ and why shape (not size) is important. Learn how to build looks and accessorize effectively and how to make every shopping trip a success! Be the first to shop the Autumn/Winter collections with expert advice from the Style Show styling team. Tickets are £25 and include a personal style consultation worth £90 – so remember to bring your diary with you!
Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th
HALLOWEEN AT HOLKHAM Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AB (10am-5pm) Halloween at Holkham is a ‘spooktacular’ occasion! Join in the fun and get hands-on with the amazing Kiddy Cook team in the old kitchen to decorate your own terrifyingly tasty creation. Follow the fun trail around the hall to discover frightening factoids and creative crafts and have a spooky time solving the macabre murder mystery. Find out what lurks in The Field to Fork Experience for Halloween adventurers. There’s bewitching poetry, spooky skulls and a creepy quiz to keep you on your toes – beware scares galore! Jump on board the Halloween Express over to the wicked walled garden. It will be a hoot with Wild Encounters and their real-life owls. Holkham Hall’s storyteller will be there too, enthralling you with spellbinding and mystical tales. Come dressed for the occasion and join in the fancy dress parade, get gory grazes or weeping wounds with face painting and test your powers of pumpkin carving. Mindboggling games, trails and Halloween crafts will make your visit truly terrifying! To book tickets and for more information visit the website www.holkham.co.uk/events/halloween-at-holkham. KLmagazine October 2017
Friday 3rd November 70s & 80s DISCO Duke’s Head Hotel, 5-6 Tuesday Market Place King’s Lynn PE30 1JS (8pm - 12:30am) Get your dancing shoes at the ready as the 70s & 80s Festival Too fundraiser disco is set to return for the thrid year running. Enjoy a night of disco classics and Friday night fever with the Mark Stanford Phase One Roadshow – tickets are just £7.50. Tickets for both events are available from Bridget Nurse on 07795 236616. For more details and information, please visit the website www.festivaltoo.co.uk or find ‘festivaltoo’ on Facebook.
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JOBS FOR THE GARDEN in October Plant spring flowering bulbs – why not choose different varieties of daffodils so you have a succession of flowers from February through to May?
CARLTON’S SoLID FUELS LTD
Your local stockists of quality solid fuels INCLUDING CPL products Use your local merchant rather than shops & garages for a wider variety of excellent quality fuels designed for your specific appliance at very competitive prices
FAMILY RUN FOR 75 YEARS
Plant out pansies & violas for autumn/ winter colour, wallflowers & Sweet Williams for spring flowering Refill hanging baskets with pansies, cyclamen & small winter shrubs don’t forget to under-plant with spring bulbs Plant evergreen shrubs to give colour throughout the autumn and winter Plant autumn onion sets & garlic Sow sweet peas for early flowering next summer, plant in deep grow tubes & keep in an unheated greenhouse
Visit Thaxters for everything you’ll need for your garden... & don’t forget to visit our coffee shop!
For more information on what we can supply, prices and discounts on offer or to arrange delivery/collection please call us on: 07780 776576 / 01485 520637 or email nigel.carlton@btinternet.com
Maintain your garden this Autumn!
• Tool and plant hire for DIY, construction & landscaping projects
Christmas Winter Wonderland!
• Full range of garden machinery for sale
Now open!
- Delightful Decorations & Ornaments - Indoor, Outdoor & LED Christmas Lights - Artificial & Fibre Optic Christmas Trees - Real Christmas Trees (available early December) & much more!
SANTA GROTTO O’S P DECEMBE ENS R!
Garden Centre & Coffee Shop 49 Hunstanton Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6NA www.thaxters.co.uk | Tel: 01485 541514
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ALL THE S OOL RIGHT T E FOR TH S! B RIGHT JO
• Comprehensive workshop facility for repairs & servicing
Celebrating over 30 years of Service
5 Station Road, Heacham, King’s Lynn PE31 7HG 01485 571789 | arcoworkshop@posmail.co.uk www.arcotoolhire.co.uk KLmagazine October 2017
October & future events...
Sunday 22nd October CHARITY LAND ROVER RUN Sandringham Visitors Centre, Sandringham PE35 6AB (10am) Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service are organising a charity Land Rover run in aid of the firefighters. All types of Land Rover are welcome to participate. A donation of £10 will go to the charity, and maps and directions of the route will be available. Stops include the private WWII airfield at Massingham with the final destination at the magnificent Holkham Hall. There will also be a special prize for the vehicle with the best mascot. Register your place by e-mailing charityLRrun@fire.norfolk.gov.uk. The event is sponsored by Hunters Land Rover, Adrian Flux 4x4 Insurance and Optima Stainless Steel. For more information contact Lynn on 0300 123 1268.
Friday 10th November
COFFEE CONCERT: ANNA ROSA MARI & KAMILA BYDLOWSKA King’s Lynn Town Hall, Saturday Market Place PE30 5DQ (11am) Following the popular Festival Coffee Concerts, Anna Rosa Mari and Kamila Bydlowska will be gracing the Town Hall this autumn. The concert takes place in the Assembly Room where seating is unreserved. The programme includes Bach’s Trio Sonata in G, Shostakovich’s Five Pieces, and Doppler’s Andante et Rondo. Anna Rosa makes her third appearance at King’s Lynn Festival, following a recital in February with the Eblana String Trio and as part of a duo in the 2016 Summer Festival. This time she performs with prizewinning Polish violinist Kamila, a graduate of Lodz Music Academy and Indiana University – and she’s also a member of the London Electronic Orchestra. Piano accompaniment is by Maria Marchant, who performed an excellent solo recital at the Festival in 2016. Tickets are £13, under 18s £7 and include tea/coffee and cake served at 10.30am in the Stone Hall. To book tickets call 01553 764864.
KLmagazine October 2017
Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November
SANDRINGHAM CHRISTMAS CRAFTS, FOOD AND GIFTS Sandringham Park, King’s Lynn PE35 6EN (10am-5pm) This popular Christmas Craft Show is back at Sandringham, offering the opportunity to shop in comfort for all your Christmas food and gifts. Scores of specialists will be offering a range of unique handmade gifts that’s bound to include something just right for someone you know. Be met at the gate with a warming glass of seasonal punch, and stroll in comfort around the show. Live music, excellent craft demonstrations, food halls and Christmas presents. Santa’s owl show, live reindeer and so much more. Adults £7, Seniors £6.50, Children £2. For more information visit the website www.livingheritagecraftshows.com.
Sunday 19th November NORFOLK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: A FESTIVAL OF FILM CLASSICS PLUS LEMONY SNICKET’S THE COMPOSER IS DEAD King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place (3:30pm) West End actor Charlie Hotson returns to his King’s Lynn roots to unmask the mystery of who killed the composer in The Composer is Dead. Written by Lemony Snicket, creator of A Series of Unfortunate Events and composed by Nathaniel Stookey, this light-hearted murder mystery will lead Charlie to investigate the internal workings of the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra with hilarious results. The first half of the show will celebrate some of the best film music ever written, bringing back vivid images of Star Wars, Bridge over the River Kwai, Out of Africa, Schindler’s List and others; this is music that inspired outstanding performances from famous names like Errol Flynn, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Chewbacca, Liam Neeson, Alec Guinness, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep to name but a few. To book tickets call the box office on 01553 764864.
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TITCHWELL MANOR
What’s On
ABOVE: Norfolk Restaurant Week is a festival of fabulous local food served up by the area’s finest restaurants
A fantastic celebration of Norfolk’s finest tastes At the end of this month, Norfolk Restaurant Week returns for the fifth time. But despite its name it no longer lasts a week – and it’s bigger, better and tastier than ever, as KL magazine discovers...
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ow in its fifth year, Norfolk Restaurant Week (which starts on October 30th) has become a favourite fixture on food lovers’ calendars, and it’s easy to see why – as it provides the ideal opportunity to dine out at some fantastic restaurants at affordable prices, whilst still experiencing the high standard of food we’ve come to expect from our region’s pubs, cafes and restaurants. Designed to celebrate Norfolk's quality produce – and more importantly the people who bring it to
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the table – Norfolk Restaurant Week is a showcase of the fabulous culinary scene we’re privileged enough to have on our doorsteps. Having said that, with many of us sticking to the same favourite places, this is an ideal time to try somewhere new and a great excuse to share the experience with family and friends. The concept has proven so popular that Norfolk Restaurant Week now attracts visitors from all over the country who plan their visits to coincide with the event so they can take a culinary tour of the area. It also
makes sponsors Norfolk Hideaways the perfect partnership. “Norfolk Restaurant Week is without doubt the biggest celebration of Norfolk’s restaurant scene,” says Norfolk Hideaways CEO Helen Millin. “With Norfolk Hideaways offering over 350 self-catering cottages right along the coast and inland too, we have a wide range for guests to stay in, to make the most of this event and enjoy a wonderful gastro break in Norfolk.” Established in 2012, the event was originally known as ‘North Norfolk Restaurant Week’ and lasted exactly
KLmagazine October 2017
KLmagazine October 2017
STRATTONS
BANK HOUSE
THE RATHSKELLER
THE DABBLING DUCK
that. There were just 11 participating restaurants in the beginning, but each year the numbers of both restaurants and diners has grown, resulting in an expansion of the event to two weeks in 2013 and this year a spread to include the whole of Norfolk. The team do tend to get a bit of flack for sticking with the name ‘Restaurant Week’ despite it spanning two, but changing branding so soon and disliking the sound of ‘Restaurant Fortnight’ the organisers decided to stay with the original name. “If it’s good enough for New York, whose own “restaurant week” lasts a month,” says organiser Abbie Conway, “then it’s good enough for us!” Having originated along the coast, it will be no surprise for diners to see a greater concentration of restaurants in these areas. The team rely strongly on word of mouth and personal recommendations to find new establishments, so there’s a clear organic growth pattern. That said, there are some new additions in and around Norwich, where the team have targeted their efforts, all of which they’re justifiably excited about. “Taking the event countywide wasn’t an easy decision as many participating restaurants came on board because they witnessed it in action and joined us the following year, so we were a little nervous about selling the idea to the ‘big city’,” says founder Martin Billing. “Thankfully we found Norwich restaurants to be very receptive. They understood the concept and embraced it in the same way those coastal restaurants did during the event’s infancy.” For Martin, it’s a sign that Norfolk Restaurant Week has a very appetising future. “From experience we know that interest will increase even further after the event’s first year in the city,” he says. “We’re very happy with the high standard of venues who’ve signed up this year, and 2017 diners are in for a real treat.”
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CALEY HALL HOTEL
What’s On
This year’s Norfolk Restaurant Week runs from October 30th until November 10th and has no less than 62 restaurants taking part (see opposite) and with no vouchers, tickets or codes required, it’s easy to take part – you simply visit your chosen participating restaurant during the event. Booking, however, is strongly recommended. Those taking part this year range from top-end hotels such as Strattons in Swaffham, Congham Hall in Grimston and Titchwell Manor, to country pubs such as the newly taken over Hunworth Bell near Holt and The Rose and Crown in Snettisham. For something a little different, there’s Shuck’s at the Yurt in Thornham or perhaps you fancy trying some Mexican street food at Jive
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Kitchen & Bar in Norwich. Whatever your tastes there’ll be something to satisfy every diner’s appetite. Once again, this year every participating restaurant will offer either two courses for £10 and three courses for £15, or two courses for £15 and three courses for £20. A full list of participating restaurants and price details can be seen on the Norfolk Restaurant Week website. You’ll also find contact numbers for booking, overviews of each restaurant and menus to help you choose which places you’d like to try. Happy dining! For more details and information, please see the official website at www.norfolkrestaurantweek.co.uk
Bank House, King’s Lynn Market Bistro, King’s Lynn Marriott’s Warehouse, King’s Lynn The Rathskeller, King’s Lynn Riverside Restaurant, King’s Lynn Congham Hall, Grimston The Three Horseshoes, Roydon The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham The Crown Inn, East Rudham The Rose & Crown, Snettisham The King William IV, Sedgeford The Mulberry Restaurant, Heacham Manor The Lodge Inn, Old Hunstanton Caley Hall, Old Hunstanton The Gin Trap Inn, Ringstead Shuck’s, Thornham The Chequers Inn, Thornham The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham Thornham Deli, Thornham Briarfields Hotel, Titchwell Titchwell Manor, Titchwell The Ship Hotel, Brancaster The King’s Head Hotel, Great Bircham The Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe The Duck Inn, Stanhoe The Nelson Country Inn, Burnham Market Creake Abbey Cafe, North Creake The Hero, Burnham Overy Staithe The Crown Hotel, Wells-next-the-Sea The Globe Inn, Wells-next-the-Sea The Golden Fleece, Wells-next-the-Sea Wells Crab House, Wells-next-the-Sea The Three Horseshoes, Warham The Carpenters Arms, Wighton The Black Lion Hotel, Walsingham The Norfolk Riddle, Walsingham The Barsham Arms, East Barsham Stiffkey Red Lion, Stiffkey The Anchor Inn, Morston The Langham Blue Bell, Langham The George Hotel, Cley-next-the-Sea Back to the Garden, Letheringsett The King’s Head, Letheringsett Byfords Cafe, Holt King’s Head, Holt The Lawns, Holt The Hunworth Bell, Hunworth The Pigs, Edgefield Saracen’s Head, Wolterton The Links Country Park Hotel, West Runton The Grove, Cromer The Sea Marge Hotel, Overstrand Strattons Hotel, Swaffham The Black Horse, Norwich Farmyard Restaurant, Norwich Jive Kitchen & Bar, Norwich Orford Flat Iron, Norwich Warwick St Social, Norwich Yellows Bar & Grill, Norwich The Boars, Spooner Row The Crown, Pulham Market
KLmagazine October 2017
OCTOBER What’s On Show times all at 7:30pm unless stated
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
Sun 1st
Stars Of Irish Country
Join 4 of Ireland’s favourite Country Stars all in one super show
Thurs Hamlet - Encore Broadcast from the National Theatre 5th 7pm• Benedict Cumberbatch stars in Shakespeare’s great tragedy Sun 7th
Wed 11th
Fri 13th
Dominic Kirwan & Lisa Stanley
Firmly established as one of Ireland’s greatest ever entertainers
RSC Coriolanus - Live from Stratford Upon Avon 7pm• A full-throttle war play taking us back to Ancient Rome
The Stones
Bringing to stage all the excitement of a live Rolling Stones concert
Sat Alexander O’ Neal 14th Join this music legend for an evening you will never forget! Sun 15th Wed 18th
A Tribute To Cliff & The Shadows – The Golden Years Jimmy Jemain IS the world's best known Cliff Richard Tribute Artiste
The Grumbleweeds Laughter Noon Show•2:30pm
Original Kings Of Comedy promise an afternoon of music & laughter
Fri Elvis - One More Time 20th Join Charles Stone, Elvis’ Tour Producer & Elvis Tribute Gary Jay Sat 21st
The Dame Shirley Bassey Story Paula Randell delivers an incredibly accurate portrayal
Sun Voodoo Room – A Night of Hendrix & Cream 22nd A stunning new "Power Trio" paying tribute to Jimi Hendrix & Cream Fri 27th Sat 28th Sun 29th Tues 31st
80’s Mania
Europe’s official 80’s reunion tribute concert performing over 35 hits
Rick Wakeman – SOLD OUT
Please contact the Box Office to be added to the waiting list for tickets
A Beautiful Noise – The Neil Diamond Story Performed by Fisher Stevens and his sensational band
Wishbone Ash - Supported by Steve Hill
One of the most enduring and popular bands in British Rock
For ticket prices, more info & to book visit the website:
www.princesshunstanton.co.uk
or call the Box Office: 01485
532252
The Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton PE36 5AH KLmagazine October 2017
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What’s On
Jack and the Beanstalk West Norfolk’s biggest and best traditional family pantomime ing’s Lynn Corn Exchange’s GIANT of a pantomime this year is Jack and the Beanstalk. It’s the Corn Exchange’s eighth pantomime and every year it gets bigger and better! Join us this Christmas for Fe Fi Fo Fun!
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MEET THE CAST! IAN REDDINGTON – FLESHCREEP Ian will lead the cast of this year’s pantomime, in the role of FleshCreep. Ian trained at RADA and is now one of our best known actors. His work includes Dr Who, Shameless, Benidorm, Inspector Morse, Robin Hood, Outlander among many others as well as being one of the few actors to create a major role in our two most popular soaps - Tricky Dicky in EastEnders and Vernon in Coronation Street, this has ensured he has stayed in the public eye for many years. IAN MARR – DAME TROTT Ian has co-written, directed and appeared in numerous Pantomimes around the UK, but is especially pleased to be returning to King’s Lynn, where he will be directing the cast and playing Dame Trott, with his hilarious costume changes and trying to keep his son Simple Simon in order!
Ian is currently performing in Pitlochry, in plays including HighSociety, The Ruling Class, Mary Rose and People. REBECCA LISEWSKI – JACK This will be the first time Rebecca has played Jack in panto and is very excited about the new role. She loves panto and looks forward to recieving the warm welcome from the people of West Norfolk. Rebecca has been in numerous shows including Mamma Mia, Starlight Express, Fame and Carousel to name a few and has also performed in other Jordan productions.
Home-time show on KLFM 96.7 for the past 2 years. Charles is pleased to return to the panto this year after his debut appearance in Cinderella last year. Jack and the Beanstalk is sponsored by J & K Glass and Glazing and in association with KLFM 96.7.
SCOTT CRIPPS – SIMPLE SIMON King’s Lynn Corn Exchange are very pleased to welcome back Scott Cripps this year playing Simple Simon. He has worked with Ian Marr many times and the two of them make a hilarious double act. Scott is no stranger to Panto but has also appeared in many West End Musicals, plays and tours around the country and the World! KLFM’s POSH CHARLES – THE BROKERS MAN Charles was born and bred in West Norfolk and is the voice of the
Join us for this GIANT journey running from Friday 8 December - Sunday 31 December. See our website for full details. Tickets priced from just £15.50 are available from the Box Office on 01553 764864 or on-line www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk. Discounts are available for family tickets, groups and concessions. Alive Corn Exchange @klcornexchange @klcornexchange
KLmagazine October 2017
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Local Life
ABOVE: The five paintings of Christ and the four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that dominate the east wall of All Saints church in North Runcton were painted by the Florentine-based artist Lamponi and were imported by Sir Somerville Gurney.
The history of a Norfolk village written in stone Famous bankers, architects and explorers – and over 700 years of worship. Sylvia Steele visits the charming All Saints Parish Church in North Runcton and discovers an illustrious heritage...
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t’s often said that if you want to know a village’s history you need look no further than it’s church and that’s certainly true of All Saints’ Parish Church in North Runcton. It’s situated only three miles from King’s Lynn, yet when you enter the village you leave the noise of the busy A47 well behind and it’s like moving into the traditional country village setting it once enjoyed. White gates and an abundance of foliage hide All Saints from the village green, where once the village school and post office were situated. Beyond the white gates, a gravel footpath encircles the churchyard and
KLmagazine October 2017
connects one half of the village to the other with the church at its centre. North Runcton’s church is actually mentioned in the Domesday Book – with its first incumbent, appropriately enough named Adam, recorded in 1294. Many rectors filled the role until the 19th century, when in the patronage of Trinity College Cambridge appointments included the British Astronomer Royal Nevil Markelyne and chemistry professor Joseph Cummings. However, prior to this, in 1701, after years of post-Reformation neglect, it was recorded that ‘the old church tower was laid flat to the ground by the fall of the steeple.’ This destroyed much
of the building and a rebuild of the brick and carrstone base of the original church followed some 12 years later. It has thus evolved into a rare example of a classical Georgian edifice in rendered brick, using materials from the old church with the vestries in reclaimed stone. At first observation, however, All Saints is a bland mishmash of architectural fabric and design, needing much renovation to bring it back to the Georgian façade that architect Henry Bell designed in the early 18th century. But stand back from the entrance and the hand that designed the Custom House in King’s Lynn is clearly in
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Local Life evidence – a hand that was nearby, as Henry Bell was then in residence at Runcton Hall a few metres away. His design is typically Classic, consisting of chancel, nave and three-bell tower with pinnacles and a small spire. If the exterior appears somewhat uninspiring at first glance, the transformation beyond the front door is nothing short of spiritual – almost breathtaking in its simplicity with clean mostly unadorned walls. Resting on four plain classical columns with high plinths creating aisles either side, the centre vault is decorated in a calming pale Wedgwood blue from which hangs a handsome chandelier. The 18th century polished marble font, which was brought to All Saints in 1907 from St Margaret’s in King’s Lynn, is said to be that in which Captain George Vancouver was baptised in 1757. A single stained window created by artist Morris Meredith Williams radiates colour and transforms the south side of the chancel. Depicting St. George holding a shield and standing on a dragon’s head, a tablet beneath commemorates it ‘in memory of those from this village who laid down there lives for this country in the Great War 1914-18’. Two local families who contributed massively to the refurbished interior design and layout of the church were the influential banking families of the Gurneys (of North Runcton!) and the Cresswells in King’s Lynn. Sir Somerville Gurney imported the five paintings by Lamponi of Florence depicting Matthew, Mark, Luke and John with Christ in a central position adorning the entire east wall. The reredos with gold painted pilasters was designed by Henry Bell in 1684 for St Margaret’s in King’ s Lynn before being transferred to North Runcton. The Gurney family vault is on the northeast side of the chancel, with a wall plaque to the patron of the church Daniel Gurney and his family. There are Gurney connections to prison reformer Elizabeth Fry (nee Gurney) whose daughter Rachel married Francis Cresswell of King’s Lynn – their son Samuel Gurney Cresswell was born in Bank House in King’s Lynn, and spearheaded the 1850 search for missing explorer Sir John Franklin, who disappeared without trace whilst seeking to discover the North West Passage. Samuel Gurney Cresswell earned the distinction of being the first Royal Naval officer to traverse the North West Passage and a plaque on the south wall of the chancel records the event.
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Four angels playing ancient instruments decorate the ornate front panel of the organ that sits snugly in a chamber on the south side of the chancel; originally made for the Gurneys’ home at Runcton Hall in 1890 the organ was moved to the church in 1897. Unfortunately, the huge reredos that fills the entire east wall masks much of the natural light into the church interior – as does the organ blocking the window on the south side. The interior is nevertheless very simply adorned and symbolic of the Quaker influence of the families who worshipped here. To many, it will be reassuring to see that the pews, twobible lectern and pulpit remain intact. Henry Bell died in 1711, two years before the completion of the church he not only designed but contributed generously towards. Visitors have often passed comment on the similarities between its design and those employed by Sir Christopher Wren, a contemporary of Bell, most noticeably to St Mary-at-Hill in London. All Saints at North Runcton is ostensibly a simple village church that has seen few changes since the rebuilding work overseen by Henry Bell. It is, however, in urgent need of structural repair – and has received no help in the form of grant funding to date. Ongoing maintenance is conducted by local fund-raising events, in particular the Annual Flower Show.
ABOVE: The impressive stained glass portrait of St George at All Saints in North Runcton, created by Morris Meredith Williams in memory of villagers who died in the First World War. Below are some of the memorials to the influential Cresswell family; the one at top left commemorates the daughter of famous Norwich-born prison reformer Elizabeth Fry, while the one below it is dedicated to the memory of King’s Lynnborn explorer Samuel Gurney Cresswell.
KLmagazine October 2017
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Stay close and go far... With some of the best facilities in the area, the College of West Anglia offers a fantastic opportunity for higher education students
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niversity Centre West Anglia at the College of West Anglia offers higher education courses through its partnership with Anglia Ruskin University. The compact nature of the college means that students receive unprecedented support from tutors, and each campus has dedicated higher education facilities, providing the opportunity to study and socialise in a comfortable, relaxed environment. The university centre at the King’s Lynn campus boasts 14 digitallyenabled classrooms and a 120 seat multi-media lecture theatre. The
Cambridge site provides access to a specialist animal veterinary centre, Red Tractor assured Woodside Farm and equestrian centre. Students who complete a degree at University Centre West Anglia are impressed with the overall quality of the teaching and learning experience, with 87% declaring that they were ‘highly satisfied’. (National Student Survey 2015/16) In addition, studying a degree through college, as opposed to university, means our students graduate with £17,500 less debt on average. (Student Finance England, 2014/15).
COURSES AVAILABLE ARE: [KL] Bioscience [KL] Business Management [KL] Early Childhood Studies [KL] Civil Engineering [KL] Computer Science [KL] Construction & the Environment [KL] Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Mechanical Engineering [KL] History and English Literature [KL] Psychosocial Studies [KL] Tourism Management [C] Veterinary Nursing with Applied Animal Behaviour [KL] King’s Lynn [C] Cambridge
“UcWA offers the best learning environment and a wide range of subjects. I studied a diploma at the college before choosing to continue my studies with a degree. Anyone who is thinking about applying should do it without hesitation. UcWA is the place to go!” ALEASHA FOX BSc (Hons) Computer Science
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For more details about any of the courses on offer or any other information you’d like to know visit the website www.ucwa.ac.uk or contact the student services department on 01553 761144.
Local Life
ABOVE: This Tornado in Desert Pink colour scheme was painted last year to commemorate 25 years since Operation GRANBY in Iraq. The photograph opposite shows four Tornado aircraft in 2015 with painted tailfins celebrating their Squadron centenaries alongside a special tailfin (at bottom) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Tornado. Three of the four squadrons pictured here were then based at RAF Marham and all are still at the station today.
Celebrating 35 years of Tornado at RAF Marham Despite its age, the Tornado is still one of the few aircraft in the world able to operate at low level, day or night, in all weathers. Alison Childerhouse talks about the aircraft’s life at RAF Marham
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rom its design in 1969, the Multi Role Combat Aircraft, or Tornado as it would be named, has been an integral part of UK and European Defence planning. The Tornado programme is managed by the multinational Panavia Aircraft Company – which brought together industrial partners from Germany, Italy and the UK to design and produce a swing wing capable aircraft which would meet the requirements for use as a fighter and a bomber. On 8th of April 1974, the first prototype was rolled off the production line in Germany, and four months later
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the prototype made its first flight. However, it wasn’t until September 5th that the aircraft was given its name of Tornado. In preparation for the arrival of the Tornado GR1 at RAF Marham, work started with the construction of two Hardened Aircraft Shelter sites. In September 1983 the shelters were completed and handed over to the Station by Wimpey Construction Ltd. Between January and May 1983 27(B) Sqn and 617 Sqn started working up to NATO SACEUR combat readiness. Once readiness had been declared the resident Tornado squadrons,
accompanied by their Victor tankers, took part in many overseas exercises, to such locations as Oman, Canada and the United States. In August 1990 Iraqi forces, commanded by Saddam Hussein invaded the country of Kuwait – and after a brief but fierce fight, Kuwait fell. The West and the UN both condemned the invasion and called immediate withdrawal. Britain and the USA moved air assets to the region in preparation for possible conflict (Op DESERT SHIELD). RAF Marham squadrons trained hard, concentrating on low flying and coordinated airfield attacks. KLmagazine October 2017
In preparation for the inevitable deployment, all Tornado aircraft were painted in a Desert Pink camouflage scheme. With tensions mounting in the Gulf States the RAF contribution under Op GRANBY saw the first RAF Marham crews deployed initially to Bahrain. By early October that year a second Tornado GR1 detachment was formed by moving crews from 27(B) Sqn and 617 Sqn to Saudi Arabia. The Operation DESERT STORM missions commenced on 17th January 1991 against airfield targets utilising the JP233 airfield denial weapon, together with 1,000lb bombs and anti—radar ALARM missiles, and due to the dangerous nature of these missions they were mainly flown at night. However, after the first week five Tornado GR1 aircraft had been lost to enemy fire, including a 17(B) Sqn Tornado crewed by the Wg Cdr Nigel Elsdon and his navigator Flt Lt Robert Collier. Another 27(B) Sqn crewed Tornado GR1 was lost, resulting in Flt Lt David Waddington and Flt Lt Robert Stewart being taken as prisioners of war and held until the cease in hostilities. A change in attack profile saw the Tornado combat missions revert to medium height (above 12,000 feet) thus reducing vulnerability from ground fire. The Blackburn Buccaneer deployed to theatre to laser-designate targets for the Tornado, using the Pave Spike pod, ensuring accuracy during precision attacks. There was also the first use of the thermal imaging and laser designation pod by the Tornado GR1, thus increasing laser-guided bombing capability. Combat operations ceased on February 28th 1991. In total six Tornado aircraft were lost to enemy fire and one to non-combat causes. In 1992 attacks by Saddam Hussein against the ethnic groups and tribes who challenged his leadership prompted the UN to impose no-fly zones north of the 36th Parallel and south of the 32nd Parallel. 617 Sqn was one of the first squadrons to deploy to the Middle East, directly contributing to the coalition OP SOUTHERN WATCH mission. Rotations amongst the Tornado squadrons would continue for the next eleven years. In 1993 it was decided RAF Marham would become the RAF’s main reconnaissance base, with Tornado GR1a’s of XIII Sqn moving to RAF Marham from RAF Honington, whilst 27 Sqn disbanded and reformed at RAF Lossiemouth as 12(B) Sqn. By the mid-1990s, 617 Sqn was moved to RAF Lossiemouth to join 12(B) Sqn. RAF Marham would soon boast a joint reconnaissance and strike
KLmagazine October 2017
ABOVE: The first Tornado arrives at RAF Marham on 27th April 1982 at the height of the Falklands War. The very next day, British troops re-took South Georgia during Operation Paraquet.
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Local Life
capability. This capability took the shape of II(AC) Sqn and XIII Sqn with Tornado and 39 Sqn with the Canberra PR9. Added to this was the upgrade to the Tornado to GR4/4a standard by partner company BAE Systems – and the move from RAF Bruggen in Germany of IX(B) Sqn and 31 Sqn. RAF Marham began to shape the joint capability for future operations of reconnaissance, strike and suppression of enemy air defences. In 2003 RAF Marham Tornado aircraft contributed to the build-up of coalition forces in preparation of any future engagement in Iraq on Operation TELIC. The Tornado was seen as a formidable asset to the joint operation due to the multi-role capability, which could switch from ground attack to reconnaissance. The Tornado GR4 operated in the Middle East, providing close air support to ground forces, intelligence and surveillance duties and reconnaissance support from 2003 until 2009 on a rolling Sqn rotation. In May 2009 the Tornado Force was called upon to deploy in support of coalition forces to Kandahar airbase in Afghanistan on Op HERRICK. During Op HERRICK some significant upgrades were made to the Tornado GR4, both in terms of hardware and software. Two new types of weapons were introduced during this period. The Paveway IV laser-guided bomb and the MBDA dual mode Seeker Brimstone missile. These capability upgrades alongside the Litening III Pod contributed significantly to the aircraft being very highly respected by the coalition commanders. All aircraft returned from Op HERRICK in November 2014 at the cease of flying operations. In March 2011 IX(B) Sqn and XIII Sqn
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launched Tornado GR4 aircraft on Stormshadow cruise missile missions from RAF Marham against regime targets in Libya, the beginning of Op ELLAMY. The missions from RAF Marham would be the longest bombing raids ever mounted from UK soil by RAF aircraft. Days later RAF Marham aircraft of IX(B) Sqn and II(AC) Sqn deployed to Gioia Del Colle in Italy to contribute to the coalition effort of bombing targets deep in Libya. After returning from Op ELLAMY, XIII Sqn was disbanded, leaving just three squadrons of Tornado aircraft at RAF Marham – II(AC) Sqn, IX(B) Sqn and 31 Sqn. In 2015 II(AC) Sqn disbanded as a Tornado squadron and reformed as a Typhoon squadron. At the same time 12(B) Sqn was re-formed at RAF Marham under the command of the first female Squadron Commander of an RAF Bomber Squadron, Wg Cdr Nicola Thomas. That brought the complement of flying squadrons at RAF Marham to IX(B) Sqn, 12(B) Sqn and 31 Sqn.
Tornado aircraft from RAF Marham were deployed in 2015 to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in preparation of supporting coalition forces in bombing Daesh targets in Iraq such as munitions depots, training camps and command and communications. In December of 2015 targets in Syria were authorised by a vote in the Houses of Parliament. Tornado squadrons from RAF Marham remain on rotational operations at RAF Akrotiri, engaged in Op SHADER. With the Tornado due to go out of service in less than 18 months, the aircraft has certainly proven it’s a very capable and battle-winning aircraft. It has changed considerably from those early days of the GR1 to the exceptional GR4 we operate today – and RAF Marham is immensely proud of the part it has played in the history of this iconic aeroplane. For more information on RAF Marham and the latest new from the station, please see www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham
KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
The team of Allen Tomas & Co at the company’s offices in Dersingham and (above) recently appointed Director Michael Crisp
The friendly face of your financial futures... Independent financial advice for you and your family from Allen Tomas & Co o say that things have been busy at Allen Tomas & Co recently would be something of an understatement. The team of Independent Financial Advisers have trebled in size over the last couple of years, and the appointment of Michael Crisp as a Director has brought a wealth of expertise to the company’s already comprehensive range of financial services and professionalism. Those services include retirement and specialist pension planning, investment management, complex tax & estate planning, individual financial protection and long-term care planning, while its corporate services include company investments, profit extraction, employee benefits, shareholder protection
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and key man insurance. Allen Tomas & Co build close relationships with clients through their ongoing management service, which offers a secure online portal to enable you as the client to keep track of all your investments at any time. They are also proud to have formed close working relationships with local Accountants and Solicitors to ensure their clients receive truly holistic and comprehensive independent advice. “We have worked hard in building a diversified team of youth and experience but with the common attributes of passion and enthusiasm, professionalism, ability and application,” says Managing Director Ben Allen. “It’s a fantastic team, that work well
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together and have shaped and continue to shape the business. Everyone understands their roles, each other’s roles and the high level of service our clients expect to receive.” From their stunning offices (with ample parking) opposite the church in Dersingham, Allen Tomas & Co is now working towards Chartered status – a professional accolade it hopes to achieve before the end of the year. Totally local, truly independent and fully committed to the highest standards of advice, Allen Tomas & Co will look after you and your family for many years to come. Contact us today to discover how we can help make the most of your finances now and in the future.
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Allen Tomas & Co Financial Management Ltd is registered in England and Wales with number 8864562 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, with Financial Services Register number 630427
KLmagazine October 2017
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Local Life
ABOVE: Ernest ‘Nipper’ Joyce in his Hurricane MkII in the Western Desert in October 1942. The markings below the cockpit show the enemy aircraft destroyed by Nipper at the time; two Italian Fiat CR42s and two German Messerschmitt 109s during the day. The four black swastikas signify four German Junkers 88 bombers shot down at night. Opposite is a sketch of Nipper by Olive Snell and a photograph of Connie Lyons in her King’s Lynn home in 1941.
Uncovering the lost story of a wartime hero A chance find in a house clearance sale on the other side of the world has revealed an amazing story of wartime heroism and love with a connection to King’s Lynn, as Richard Parr discovers...
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collection of letters, photographs, a young wartime fighter ace’s flying log book and other ephemera discovered in a house clearance sale on the other side of the world proved an irresistible opportunity to writer John Stackhouse. John, who lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, set out to use the treasure trove of material to tell the story of Squadron Leader Ernest Leslie ‘Nipper’ Joyce DFM, RNZA – and his book titled simply Nipper is almost finished. The story also reveals a strong romantic link with West Norfolk through Nipper’s friendship with a woman from King’s Lynn after they met
KLmagazine October 2017
at a dance in the town. He also told, in letters home, of his love for the West Norfolk countryside. Sadly, the story of Nipper was to have a tragic end in June 1944 when, during his 267th flying operation, Nipper’s Mustang aircraft was shot down over France near the village of Marville-lesBois where he was buried. “What I had in that collection was an incredible archive of material which gives a vivid picture of the man and not just his flying achievements,” says John. “It’s a fascinating story of his early childhood, his youth, his ambitions to fly before the war, and his transformation, in time of war, from youth to manhood.”
That story is told vividly through the remarkable survival of Nipper’s letters. “They really bring his character to life,” says John. “At 19 he was thrust into a world at war and wrote of shedding a tear as the last New Zealand lighthouse beam at Cape Farewell disappeared into the night as he sailed out across the Pacific in late 1940, not knowing when or if he would ever return.” While stationed at Sutton Bridge learning to fly the Hawker Hurricane fighter, Nipper met King’s Lynn girl Connie Lyons at a dance in the town. “They danced most of the night away and Nipper walked her home to Sidney Street afterwards,” says John. “Clearly they’d clicked romantically and enjoyed
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Local Life
ABOVE: Nipper Joyce at the time he took command of 73 Squadron and (right) with his dog on final embarkation leave before departing from New Zealand in October 1940. Far left is the New Zealand Memorial Cross awarded to the next of kin of servicemen and women who have died on active service (obverse detail and reverse naming). Nipper’s family received this medal around 1950.
each other’s company. He met with Connie and her family a number of times before being posted to 3 Squadron.” On his last weekend at Sutton Bridge, Nipper dined with Connie at the Duke’s Head Hotel in the centre of King’s Lynn. After a lovely evening, he walked her home and duly stayed the night in the hotel. He had to get back to Sutton Bridge the next morning but heavy snow had fallen overnight and road transport was impossible. “Amazingly, he walked all the way back to Sutton Bridge,” says John. “He was cold and wet but he waxed lyrical about the beauty of the snow, the frozen canals and the little villages and hamlets along the way.” After a visit later in the year he wrote to his mother; The small green fields and everpresent hedgerows make it so pleasant to the eye that my feeling for the peace and serenity of England has increased double-fold... and of King’s Lynn; it is marvellous to just walk around and feel the age of the place making itself felt. It was under the harsh conditions of the North African desert (which Nipper loathed) that he actually excelled. He shot down nine aircraft whilst flying with 73 Squadron RAF – five of them being difficult night victories over German bombers and four against fighters during the day. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in August 1942. On 17th June 1944 (it was his 267th operation) Nipper led six Mustangs on
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an operational sweep over northern France, looking for transport targets to reduce supplies getting to frontline German troops. They spotted a train south of Evreux, attacking it with bombs and then strafing it with their canon from low level. The Mustangs were then attacked by three Messerschmitt 109s. Nipper was hit and his Mustang, followed by two German fighters, flew low across the French countryside on fire. Skimming trees, it finally crashed near the village of Marville-les-Bois. The German aircraft circled briefly as locals rushed for help, but Nipper had been killed. Mr Stackhouse’s book is prolifically
illustrated with a wealth of previously unpublished photographs of squadron life taken by Nipper, who was a keen amateur photographer. Combined with his many vivid letters describing his life, aspirations, disappointments, opinions, feelings and events at the time it gives a strong picture of Nipper the person and life as an RAF pilot in such tumultuous times. John Stackhouse is still keen to add any further information people may have on Nipper’s story – particularly on his time in Sutton Bridge and King’s Lynn. He can be contacted by e-mail at belinda.john@clear.net.nz.
ABOVE: Writer John Stackhouse and his wife Belinda place a knitted poppy and New Zealand flag on Nipper’s grave at Marville-les-Bois during a research trip in June this year.
KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
Protecting the rights of vulnerable people... A look at the increasingly important role of the Court of Protection with Harleen Hanson of Fraser Dawbarns LLP he Court of Protection is a relatively new addition to the English legal system, having been created following the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. For many years the workings of the Court have been a mystery – but this is changing due to growing awareness of its role and increased reporting of cases. Usually as a last resort, the Court of Protection is applied to when loved ones have lost the capacity to manage their financial affairs and make decisions regarding their health and welfare. In cases where the individual is no longer able to execute a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) someone needs to be appointed to manage their affairs. Currently, the only way to do this is for that individual’s friends, family or professional advisers to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as the individual’s deputies. The process is a costly and lengthy one with a number of documents having to be drafted, information collated and Orders served. The average cost for a Deputy application can be in the region of £1,600. This includes the Court fee, the Doctor’s fee for issuing a document confirming the individual’s lack of capacity and also the legal costs for actually making the
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KLmagazine October 2017
application. There’s also a form of insurance that needs to be paid for by the deputy, referred to by the Court as ‘the Bond.’ The Court continues to be involved even after appointment of the deputy and may require annual reports or ad hoc applications for matters such as the sale of the individual’s home. All these will involve additional costs. For many people, making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) may seem the more preferable option. This isn’t the case for all, however, as there’ll be individuals who don’t have anyone they would feel comfortable appointing as the attorneys or otherwise burdening with the role. In these cases, individuals may appoint a professional attorney under an LPA or simply do nothing at all. If the decision is to do nothing and that individual loses capacity, it will be for the Court to determine who’s appointed – and in instances when no one wishes to do so, Social Services may step in. The Court of Protection is also involved in protecting the Donor (as they’re referred to in an LPA) where there have been Lasting Powers of Attorney executed but there’s a suggestion the attorneys haven’t been acting in the Donor’s best interests.
The concept of acting in the best interests of the individual is central to the role of the Court of Protection. The Court’s role isn’t only to protect the Donor against the negligence or mismanagement of their affairs by their attorneys – but also to support attorneys where they are being falsely accused and providing them with general guidance as to their role. Finally, the Court is also becoming involved in decisions relating to an individual’s health and welfare. Certainly at Fraser Dawbarns LLP we’ve seen an increase in the Court’s involvement in decisions relating to matters such as the contact that persons who lack capacity have with family members and friends, and also in relation to matters such as Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. What is clear is that the role and scope of the Court of Protection is increasing over time. For more information on this or any other legal matter affecting you and your family, contact us on 01553 666600, visit our website or e-mail info @fraserdawbarns.com
HARLEEN HANSON Head of Private Client Department
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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KLmagazine October 2017
allowance doesn’t change the amount of income brought to the income tax computation, but it charges £5,000 of dividend income at 0% tax – the dividend nil rate. Note that proposals have been announced to reduce the DTA to £2,000 from April 2018. INVESTING IN A PENSION? Investing in a company or personal pension scheme may afford tax breaks on your personal pension contributions, while helping to ensure you plan for a comfortable retirement. If you’re a higher rate taxpayer, your investment will (subject to limits) qualify for tax relief at 40%. Pension contributions can be made at up to 100% of relevant earnings, subject to the annual allowance, which is currently £40,000 for most people. However, those with adjusted income over £150,000 may have their annual allowance tapered down to a minimum of £10,000.
Tax planning for a prosperous future... Dealing with tax doesn’t have to be a case of give, give, give – as Chris Goad BSc ACA of Stephenson Smart explains, all you need is to understand your allowances and make the most of them... ffective business and personal tax planning can help ensure a secure financial future for you and your business, and this month we’re highlighting some strategies to consider when reviewing your financial plans.
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Allowance (AIA) on the first £200,000 of expenditure on most types of plant and machinery (except cars). Self-employed people may be able to claim for allowable expenses such as office costs, travel costs, clothing expenditure and more.
IS YOUR BUSINESS MOTORING AS TAX-EFFICIENT AS IT COULD BE? With the taxable benefits on cars increasing year on year, it may be time to review your business motoring policy. It could be more tax-efficient to pay employees for business mileage in their own vehicles at the statutory mileage rates – especially if their business mileage is high. A company van may also be worth considering in certain circumstances.
CONSIDER THE TAX BENEFITS OF DIVIDENDS OVER A BONUS... If you’re an owner-director you may wish to take dividends instead of a salary or bonus. Despite changes to the dividends regime in 2016, receiving dividends rather than a salary or bonus may still result in a lower national insurance contributions (NIC) liability. The Dividend Tax Allowance (DTA) is currently £5,000 for 2017/18. The
CLAIM THE RELEVANT ALLOWANCES, DEDUCTIONS AND EXPENSES... Have you checked to ensure your business is claiming all the allowances it’s entitled to? Businesses looking to purchase capital equipment are able to claim tax relief in the form of capital allowances. The majority of businesses are able to claim a 100% Annual Investment KLmagazine October 2017
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ABOVE: Head Teacher Simon Wilson with some of his students from Smithdon High School in Hunstanton; the latest addition to the eleven local schools now comprising the West Norfolk Academies Trust
Trust keeps going from strength to strength... The West Norfolk Academies Trust is less than five years old, but in a short space of time it has made huge inroads and significant differences into the educational fortunes of eleven local schools
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lmost exactly two years ago Andy Johnson was asked about the future of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, a supportive partnership of local primary and secondary schools which was then less than three years old. “We’re in a position where we can start attracting more schools to the Trust,” said its Executive Head Teacher. “But we want to grow at a sensible pace so every individual school gets the support it needs.” His vision of attracting more schools – together with the shared commitment 36
of the respective head teachers to raise standards and opportunities for young people – has resulted in no less than five more schools joining the fold since November 2015. The West Norfolk Academies Trust now represents no less than eleven schools (see panel opposite) representing almost 5,000 students; 1,150 in primary education, 3,251 secondary pupils and 399 6th Form students. Its achievement has been recognised at both a local and national level, and has even attracted the attentions of MP for North West Norfolk Sir Henry Bellingham MP.
“One the great local education success stories over the past few years has been the establishment and growth of the West Norfolk Academies Trust under the inspirational leadership of Andy Johnson,” he said recently. “It has now been extended to various primaries and secondaries who are benefitting hugely from having access to more resources and expertise. I have had the chance to see for myself the way the Trust is transforming the lives of so many pupils.” In fact, as the most recent addition to the West Norfolk Academies Trust (joining in February this year), Smithdon KLmagazine October 2017
High School in Hunstanton is a shining example of how shared resources between local schools can benefit both teachers and students. This year, the school secured its best ever GCSE results, with 66% of pupils achieving a Grade 4 or better – an increase of 11% over 2016. No less than 79% of Year 11 students achieved a Grade 4 in English and 73% achieved a Grade 4 in Maths. “These results reflect the hard work of students and staff alike,” says Rob Lodge, Chair of the Smithdon High School Governing Body. “I’m thrilled with the improvements we’ve seen at the school over recent months and wish all the children well in their future studies.” Part of that success is undoubtedly down to the inspirational leadership of Head Teacher Simon Wilson. “Our vision is simple,” he says. “Every single child is supported to make progress in every single lesson, every single day. All children deserves a personalised educational experience, with challenge and support leading to exceptional progress. Although we’ve been a member of the Trust for less than a year, it’s been a very rewarding experience for us all and we’re looking to the future with a lot of confidence.” The academic success of Smithdon High School isn’t an isolated cause for celebration either. Snettisham Primary School was the first primary to join the Trust, and has since seen its Ofsted rating climb from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ this year and has recently benefitted from a new £300,000+ project that’s added a reception class and nursery facility to the school. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and investment we’ve received form the West Norfolk Academies Trust,” says Andy Gee, Chair of the school’s governors, “and the school is now moving forward with renewed
Springwood High School Marshland High School St Clement’s High School Snettisham Primary School West Lynn Primary School Clenchwarton Primary School Heacham Junior School Heacham Infant School Gaywood Primary School Walpole Crosskeys Primary School Smithdon High School
KLmagazine October 2017
enthusiasm and a great deal of optimism.” It’s a similar story at the newlyinvigorated St. Clement’s High School at Terrington St Clement. It was the first secondary school to join the Trust, and joined at a time when the school was rated ‘inadequate’ and was characterised by poor student outcomes – both of which have now been turned around. “We’re obviously very proud with our recent ‘good’ report from Ofsted,” says
Head Teacher Nigel Willingham, “but it’s important to remember this underlines not only the benefits of being a member of the Trust, but also the exceptional work of all the school staff and the full support of the local community. The school is actually now oversubscribed!” These success stories are reflected in academic results. Across the West Norfolk Academies Trust this year, an impressive 74% of 6th Form students attained A*-C grades – and the future for younger pupils looks equally
A few highlights of our most recent Ofsted reports... SPRINGWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Status on joining the Trust: Good | Status now: Good Pupils learn within a calm orderly environment and enjoy positive relationships with their teachers and with each other. They speak articulately and with confidence, wear their uniform with pride, and treat the school site with respect. SNETTISHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL Status on joining the Trust: Inadequate | Status now: Good Teachers establish good relationships with pupils so that in each class pupils are keen to learn and respond readily to teachers’ directions. Teachers plan lessons which pupils find interesting and which engage them in learning. ST CLEMENT’S HIGH SCHOOL Status on joining the Trust: Inadequate | Status now: Good The diligent headteacher embodies the ethos of the school; calm, caring and aspirational. He and his team have transformed the culture of the school. Conseqently, teaching, learning, achievement and behaviour are all now securely good. WEST LYNN PRIMARY SCHOOL Status on joining the Trust: Inadequate | Status now: Requires improvement Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strength of the school. A broad range of learning opportunities is provided and pupils are helped to develop into caring and sensible individuals.
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promising. Take West Lynn Primary, for example. Placed in special measures after an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted inspection in 2013, the school joined the West Norfolk Academies Trust the following year and hasn’t looked back since. The school’s most recent inspection resulted in a ‘requires improvement’ grading, but inspectors took pains to praise the significant improvements the school has made in the last three years. “This is a huge leap forward for West Lynn Primary,” says Roger Livesey, Chairman of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. “Four years ago the school was in special measures and it’s now unrecognisable from the one Ofsted judged in 2013. It’s fantastic to see the dedication and sheer hard work of the staff coupled with the high level support and challenge provided by the West Norfolk Academies Trust. It’s proved a winning combination, and it’s something we can see repeated in all schools currently members of the Trust.” Indeed, Roger’s sights are now set on Marshland High School and Clenchwarton Primary School, both of which have made significant improvements over recent years and are the next of the Trust’s schools expected
to receive ‘good’ Ofsted reports in the near future. All of which is music to the ears of the Trust’s Executive Head Teacher Andy Johnson, as it delivers on its founding aspirations. “The West Norfolk Academies Trust was essentially based on the ethos that every young person in the area deserves a good school – wherever they live,” he says. “We do have a clear focus on academic excellence and we do put a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities and pastoral care – but at the same time we’re determined that each school within the Trust retains its own identity and unique local character.” There’s no secret here, and there’s no magic ingredient – the success of the West Norfolk Academies Trust can be put down to a group of talented educationalists working together in a true partnership towards clearly-defined goals. That means every student in every school is proud of their school and willing to play an active role within it, achieving the best possible academic qualifications and enjoying rich extracurricular experiences. It means ensuring every school within the Trust continually improves and that teachers and all staff – from Pastoral Support Officers to cleaners – are developed, challenged and supported to
succeed in their role. And finally it means that all schools within the Trust work together with other schools locally and nationally for their mutual benefit. There’s little doubt that the future of the West Norfolk Academies Trust is going to be a promising one – not just for the growing numbers of schools themselves but for the students passing through them. “I look at the schools in the Trust and I see smiling faces, happy students and people who want to come and work for us,” says Andy Johnson. “One of our trust values is that every student achieves the best possible academic qualifications which will lead to greater life chances in the future. It’s so rewarding to see the Trust living up to that promise so successfully.” For more information and details on the work of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, please visit the website at www.westnorfolkacademiestrust.co.uk
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KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
Make the most of your plans with air source heating... Why the right way is 4 Way for sustainable and energy-efficient homes s soon as your self-build project starts getting off the ground, it’s the ideal time to contact 4 Way Refrigeration Ltd about air source heating – because the best way of getting the maximum benefits from the technology is to get it right. And right from the start. Beginning with the architect’s drawings and plans, 4 Way Refrigeration Ltd can design, install and commission a system that makes the most of your layout; maximising performance, meeting all current building regulations, and offering considerable savings on future fuel costs. “It’s easy to understand why air source heating is ticking more and more boxes
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KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
seeing the plans come to life – from liaising with architects to employing structural engineers and all the relevant professionals, overseeing everything from soil investigations to floors and roof trusses. Over the last four years T.M. Browne has (quite literally) built on its new-build expertise, and in the last year alone has worked on over 20 properties in the local area; completing six in King’s Lynn, seven in North Wootton, and the company is now putting the finishing touches to a further nine properties adjacent to those. This experience had even led to the founding of a specialist division of the
business called T.M. Browne Developments, which purchases land, develops new-build projects and then sells the properties, generally on an offplan basis – giving homeowners the opportunity to choose their own kitchens and carpets, and even have built-in white goods if required. If you have a plot of land you’re looking to develop, if you’re considering re-building or developing your existing home, or if you’re interested in buying some land for development, please contact T.M. Browne using the details below and we’ll help you get your grand designs off the ground; successfully and onbudget. Discover a new approach to new-build properties with T.M. Browne.
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Local Life
ABOVE: The dining room of the Tudor Rose Hotel in King’s Lynn is said to be haunted, and has been both exorcised and filmed in many ghost hunter exploits over the years.
Ghostly goings-on at the Tudor Rose Hotel... With Halloween approaching, Alison Gifford takes a look at the Tudor Rose Hotel in King’s Lynn – a building long reputed to be haunted but one that also has a lot to say about the town’s history
O
ne of the most ghostfilled houses in King’s Lynn is what’s now the Tudor Rose Hotel in St Nicholas Street. It’s an amalgamation of two houses; the earlier timber-framed one to the west built in about 1450, with No.11 (formerly St Nicholas House) added in 1645. Although many ghost stories are associated with this building, there’s physical evidence of the common belief in witches and devils in the past. Seared into the wooden mantel of the fireplace in the upstairs ‘solar’ (or living KLmagazine October 2017
room) is a burned witches’ mark. The marks are most common near places where witches were thought to be able to enter, whether doors, windows or chimneys. In poorer houses, rag rug mats in front of the fireplace often had an eye pattern to confuse the witch or devil into thinking a devil already lived there when they popped down the chimney. True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum has a good example in one of the cottages. These symbols are called ‘apotropaic’ marks, from the Greek apotrepein; ‘away’ (apo) and ‘to turn’ (trepein) and
other such symbols are scratched on wood. The patterns include flower-like designs made with a pair of compasses, pentangles, intertwined V’s and M’s (for the Virgin Mary) and tangles of lines – which it was believed confused spirits who attempted to follow them. Tadpole-shaped scorch marks in hidden places made with a candle flame have also been found. The families living at the Tudor Rose may have had more reason than most to fear the dark, for ghost stories abound – and recent owners describe very odd phenomenon not easily 45
Local Life
ABOVE: The ‘corner bar’ in the Tudor Rose Hotel in King’s Lynn – where the ghost of an old man has been seen over the years.
explained. I was told by a Lynn resident that when he was a choirboy at St Nicholas Chapel in the 1950s, part of the building was derelict and during the vicar’s long sermon the boys would sneak out of the Chapel and into the empty house for a secret cigarette with several boys sharing the ubiquitous Woodbine. One Sunday, however, they fled back to the Chapel in fear when what was described as a large white ball of fog or smoke rolled out the fireplace towards them. “It was always called the haunted house,” he said, “and after that we believed it.” Folklore describes a tragic incident at a wedding, but when this was no one knows. A beautiful Romani gypsy girl jilted a young man from her own people and married a ‘Gordja’ (non Romani) which was utterly against tradition and unacceptable. The forsaken fiancé burst into the wedding breakfast held in the upstairs room at
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the Tudor Rose and stabbed the newly married couple to death. The murdered bride haunts the pub to this day – and was seen by a former landlady who described what happened. “It was near Christmas and we were very busy with Christmas parties in the upstairs dining room,” she said. “One guest asked the waitress to bring him a brandy from the downstairs bar. She was gone for ages and I went to chivvy her up. As I started down the stairs a woman’s shape appeared, made out of fog or smoke, which came towards me and through me. I was petrified with fear. Then the waitress appeared round the bend of the stairs with the brandy. She flapped her hand commenting ‘it’s smoky on these stairs!’ You could smoke in pubs and restaurants then.” That started a whole series of spooky happenings – from poltergeists moving knives in the kitchen to thunderous banging in the stairway. The landlady also described an incident which scared and also reassured her.
“My daughter was about three and very independent,” she said. “I was clearing the tables after the lunch service, taking the glasses upstairs to the kitchen and she was ‘helping’ and wanted to go upstairs ahead of me. I told her I’d follow in a minute, and when I got to the top of the stairs every single light was on. I asked my daughter why and she told me ‘the nice lady put them on for me’ even though there was no one else in the pub.” Within the last few years I’ve been told of an incident where a customer who was halfway up the stairs was called back by the bar staff as he’d forgotten to collect his change for a drink. He’d paused to go back when the fire door on the half landing slammed shut so hard he’d have been injured had he been one step closer. Or perhaps that scary prank was very finely timed. At this time of year we like to be spooked by ghosts and ghouls as amusement – but it’s worth remembering the origins of Halloween, the eve of All Saints (Hallows) Day, which are Celtic. The seasons and nature were of life and death importance; Celts believed Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could only escape by assuming disguises and looking like evil spirits themselves. The waning of the sun and the approach of dark winter made the evil spirits rejoice and play nasty tricks. Most of our Halloween practices can be traced back to these old pagan rites and superstitions. The early Christians very pragmatically adapted pagan festivals to Christian ones, but the age-old beliefs and superstitions haven’t been eradicated, merely adapted to each successive age.
ABOVE: The black mark on this wooden fireplace mantel has been variously described as a ‘blessing mark’ left by an exorcist – or the mark left by a visiting witch
KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
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West Norfolk: Then and Now
1935
2017
A HAPPIER HAMPTON COURT This picture of the lovely Grade I listed Hampton Court on Nelson Street in King’s Lynn was sent to us by KL magazine reader Elizabeth Shaw and was taken in the days when it was home to C.A. Baker Undertakers. Thanks to the work of Mrs EA Lane and
the King’s Lynn Preservation Trust, the building (which actually dates back to the 14th century) looks at lot better than when preservation started in the 1950s. You can enjoy thousands of more images showing Norfolk’s history and the changing face of the county on the website at
www.picture.norfolk.gov.uk or by visiting the Norfolk Heritage Centre at the Millennium Library, The Forum, Norwich or your local studies library. IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Enjoy thousands of images of Norfolk’s unique history at www.picture.norfolk.gov.uk 48
KLmagazine October 2017
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 The office of National Statistics has recorded a 500% increase in property related fraud in 2016 in comparison to 2003.
Safe as Houses? I
ncidences of property fraud are on the rise and this month we are discussing the most vulnerable property types and highlighting the precautions that can be taken to avoid falling prey to criminals who specialise in this area. Property fraud is where a fraudster tries to steal your property or obtain finance against it by pretending to be the lawful owner. The typical scenario is where you have a tenant occupying your land or property and the fraudster clones the landlord’s identity in order to steal ownership of the property or value from it. Property is more likely to be at risk in cases where it is left empty or rented out, when it is mortgage free, or where there is a partnership dispute and one of the parties deals with the property without consulting all of the other co-owners. It is very important where you have a
registered title for another property that you notify the Land Registry of any change of your home (or main correspondence) address. This should make it more difficult to steal your identity as the property owner. This also means that the Land Registry office will have the means to contact you should any suspicious activity be recorded concerning your property’s title documents. It is particularly vital for the Land Registry to be able to contact you in the event that an application for adverse possession has been made against a title in your name. Adverse possession claims usually relate to land but are not limited to this and several dwellings have also been successfully claimed in recent years where the owners have failed to respond to the Land Registry office within the 13 week time allowance. In an effort to reduce the instances of
property fraud and also adverse possession claims the Land Registry has created a monitoring service called “Property Alert” which is available free of charge to anyone with a registered title. Using this service the property owner can register for e-mail notifications to be sent to them each time a significant activity connected to their monitored property’s title is recorded at Land Registry. This service can be used to monitor up to 10 individual properties and the e-mail alerts can be sent to a nominated family member or trustee. This is particularly useful when an elderly relative has had to go into residential care leaving their previous home either vacant or to be rented. For further information regarding the Land Registry’s title monitoring service and general property fraud prevention advice we would recommend visiting http://propertyalert.landregistry.gov.uk.
Edmonton Estates Ltd, St Ann’s House, 18 St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1LT 01553 660615 | www.edmontonestates.co.uk | info@edmontonestates.co.uk
KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
Pets
AnimalMatters Our monthly look at the issues concerning you and your pets with Alex Dallas of the London Road Veterinary Centre...
SMALL BITES W
Puppy party nights! W
e love Monday evenings, because it's puppy party night! We take great delight in seeing these beautiful bundles meeting their classmates for the first time, playing and wrestling; even the quietest ones can't resist joining in. Then we get to watch them grow over the next four weeks of the course, becoming more confident and more at ease with their new owners. There is a lot to learn for these new arrivals and they are in good hands, with over 40 years experience between them, Sue and Simonne are there to guide them and their owners through many of the most common pitfalls. From tips on puppy toileting and basic obedience commands, to advice on nutrition, socialisation and behaviour. Owners, no matter how experienced, tell us how much they benefit from the knowledge and support given at our classes. We understand the benefits of 'getting it right' in these early days. With behaviour problems being the most common reason for dogs being
rehomed, we want to give owners the information and skills they need to be able to live happy and fulfilling lives with their dogs. Dogs with problem behaviours are costing the average UK dog owner £353 a year, equating to £4,000 over the dog’s lifetime, according to new research. The most damaged items are shoes, with almost 45 per cent of dog owners replacing at least one pair a month! Clothing, children’s toys and documents for work follow closely behind. Socialisation is key at our pupppy classes, we know that the experiences met in the first 10 to 14 weeks of the puppy’s life shape the dog’s future and are incredibly beneficial. Sue and Simonne understand that socially appropriate 'meeting and greeting’ skills with humans and other dogs may not come naturally, and they will work with both puppy and owner to develop the skills they need and avoid potential problems in the future. Finally, after 4 weeks the puppies graduate, and we look forward to seeing them again for their 6 month
hy not take out one of our pet health plans for a healthier, happier life for your pet and get your puppy or kitten's first vaccine free? Monthly Direct Debit allows you to budget for your pets essential healthcare, including vaccinations, flea, worm and parasite treatments. Having a plan will encourage you to bring your pet in to see us for regular health checks, preventive treatments and advice, regular visits will increase the chance to diagnose and manage any health issues your pet may develop earlier. Our pet health plans are designed to adapt to your pet's needs, from puppy and kitten to adulthood and throughout their senior years. We give you exclusive discounted prices on many other services and treatments, just give us a call on 01553 773168 0r 01366 386655 for further information.
adolescent health check. We are always thrilled to see how much they have grown and they always seem very pleased to see us again too! So if you have a puppy between 9 and 12 weeks old and would like to join in the fun, just give us a call and get your puppy signed up, we look forward to seeing you.
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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 October 2017
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Gardening
ABOVE: Camellias in full bloom are truly beautiful, but they'll only look their best in acidic soil. To grow them successfully in neutral or slightly alkaline soil you’ll need to increase the acidity by adding ericaceous compost when planting and using ericaceous feed.
Understand your soil for happier, healthier plants You can design your garden with care and choose your plants with precision, but if you don’t understand your soil, all your welllaid plans may come to nothing as Wendy Warner explains...
O
ften ignored and taken for granted, it’s probably the least exciting part of your garden, but it’s also the most important. It is, of course, your soil! Although some improvements can be made, once you understand your soil, you can adapt your gardening to give much greater success with the plants you choose to grow. It’s unlikely that anyone will be completely happy with the soil in their garden, as different plants require certain and differing soil types. The same plant could be planted in a number of varying soil types, but its success – and the way it grows – would be contrasting.
KLmagazine October 2017
The ideal garden soil would have a crumbly structure, with a medium loam texture and few stones, be freedraining with sufficient organic matter and plant nutrients to ensure healthy growth and high yields of flowers or fruit. Unfortunately, as you might expect, most soils aren’t like this. Some will be lighter sandy soils, while others will be heavier clay soils. An easy test to determine your soil type is to squeeze a handful of moist soil. If it forms a strong ball that doesn’t fall apart when pressed and is smooth, slightly sticky and stains the skin then it’s a heavy, clay soil. On the other hand, if when released it sifts through your fingers and feels gritty, without staining the skin it‘s light, sandy soil.
Both these soil types have their own pros and cons. Heavy soil has good water retention and tends to be well supplied with plant foods (nutrients) which are not leached away in the rain. However, it can be difficult to cultivate as it cakes and cracks when dry and can become waterlogged when wet. It also remains colder longer in the spring, with crops appearing later than average. Lighter soil is easier to work with (even when wet), is free draining in winter and warms up earlier. On the negative side, it will usually be short of nutrients, needing frequent watering in the summer for plants to survive – and it also cools down rapidly at night. Sandy soils are often acidic too.
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Gardening
ABOVE: You’d have thought drought-tolerant plants such as Eryngium (sea holly) would be ideal for the sandy soils of coastal gardens, except some of the soil around the coast is actually of the heavy clay variety – so don’t get caught out!
Once you’ve established your soil type you can start working with it and improve it. Clay soils are already rich in nutrients and fertile if you can break down the clods by adding organic matter. This can be in the form of homemade compost from a mature compost heap, well-rotted manure, or blended farmyard manure or soil improver that can be bought from the garden centre. If possible, thoroughly dig over any empty parts of the garden in the autumn and leave it exposed to frosts during winter to break down the clods before adding organic matter. Try to avoid walking on the ground when dug as it will soon compact again – this also applies to lawns in the wet weather. Once broken into smaller ‘crumbs’, the water and nutrients held within the clay will be more accessible to plant roots, as well as making it warmer, more workable and less prone to compaction. You’ll need to add more organic matter to the top 6” of soil each autumn for up to five years to create an ideal crumbly structure. For many plants you may also need to
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create better drainage when planting in clay soil; this can be achieved with the addition of potting grit or sand into the planting hole. The addition of organic matter can also improve sandy soils, in this case by binding the loose sand into more fertile crumbs – therefore increasing the water and nutrient hold of the soil. This should be done in late winter or early spring with sandy soil and dug as little as possible, which will benefit most plants as they’re growing in the spring. Mulching plants regularly on sandy soil will also help retain moisture and additional fertilisers will also be needed. Even with improvement, there are some plants which should be avoided on certain soil types. Most alpine or rockery plants won’t survive in clay soil without the addition of a good quantity of potting grit to boost drainage. Mistakenly, gardeners often think plants have suffered from frost on clay soil, but more often the plant has actually rotted due to winter wet. Roses by contrast, prefer a much heavier, clay soil and would need constant feeding and watering to thrive on sandy soil.
As well as the structure, you should be aware of the pH of your soil. This is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of the soil; pH 7 is neutral – anything under that indicates acid soil and anything over it is alkaline. A simple pH tester can be used to check your soil at home, or you can use a pH meter if you have a larger garden or want to check or adjust your soil’s pH on a regular basis. Generally, plants such a Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, Hydrangeas, Pieris and many conifers and heathers prefer an acidic soil. If your soil doesn’t appear to be acidic and you want to try growing one of these plants, you can add ericaceous compost when planting and use an ericaceous feed to increase the acidity. Chalky or limestone soils tend to be alkaline and therefore garden lime can be added to soil to increase the alkalinity. We can all get caught out by our soil. Before moving to this area, I imagined my new garden (being near to the coast) would have sandy soil. I was dreaming of creating gravel beds with drought-tolerant plants such as Cistus (sun rose), Eryngium (sea holly) and Mediterranean style planting. So you can imagine my surprise when arriving in late summer to find solid, caked clods of clay! Two years on I’m steadily working by way round the garden adding copious amounts of soil conditioner, sand and grit. Those plants which are established thrive brilliantly in this fertile rich soil but on hot, dry, windy summer days I usually arrive home to limp annuals and bedding plants begging for water! Spend a little time this autumn getting to know your soil so you don’t waste your money and end up disappointed when trying to grow plants in unsuitable conditions. Wendy Warner is Manager of Thaxters Garden Centre at 49 Hunstanton Road, Dersingham PE31 6NA. Visit the website at www.thaxters.co.uk or telephone 01485 541514
KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
“
at the body Just by looking n make what differently, you ca possible at first seems im ... actually happen
” “It was amazing - and I feel so much better ”
e TERRY CONNOLLY Fre
Your Body Therapy
Discover how Terry Connolly and a revolutionary new form of therapy can help free you from a life of chronic aches and pains “I’d never heard of the treatments Terry offers so I didn’t know what to expect or what would happen – but I thought it was worth a try.” Terry Connolly is one of the very few people in the entire world currently offering P-DTR (Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex) as a form of treatment, and he combines that with Anatomy in Motion gait therapy – a cutting-edge method of correcting postural problems, helping with the repair and rehabilitation of past injuries and the relief of pain. For Louise, the effects were as impressive as they were instant. “It was incredible what only two treatments could do,” she says, “and I was honestly amazed. I felt so much better and I haven’t had a problem with my shoulder since – and it was such a relief to be able to undo my bra without any help!” Although his clients may disagree, It was incredible what only for Terry there’s no great secret and no two treatments could do and hidden magic to this treatment – it’s I was honestly amazed. I’d simply a case of looking at the body totally recommend Free and the causes of chronic pain in a Your Body to everyone... completely different way. LOUISE FROST “Basically all I’m doing is reminding King’s Lynn the body how it’s supposed to work!”
rom Free Your Body Therapy in the centre of King’s Lynn, Terry Connolly continues to use a range of new treatment techniques to free people from a life of aches and pains; people like Louise Frost of King’s Lynn, who developed severe pain in her shoulder shortly after joining a gym. “It was really painful,” she says, “and it got to the point where I couldn’t raise my arm above my head or reach behind my back.” Having tried yoga, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment to alleviate the issue without success, she made an appointment to see Terry Connolly on the first-hand recommendation of a beautician friend. “I’ve never been one for popping pills and was open to any suggestion,” she says.
F
“
KLmagazine October 2017
”
he says. “It’s important to avoid focusing only on the site of an injury or a problem area. The body is a complete system – and sometimes problems in one area will manifest themselves with pain in totally different areas.” If you’re interested in freeing yourself from a life of chronic aches and pain, contact Terry today and book an appointment with Free Your Body Therapy for an initial assessment and consultation. Like Louise, you’ll find the results hard to believe. “Terry’s whole approach is very gentle and very understanding,” she says, “and all I had to do was take off my shoes! Being able to book online is really convenient, and there’s absolutely no pressure to keep coming back for more treatment – I’d totally recommend Free Your Body to everyone.”
information
The Fitness Studios Old Dairy Units, Austin Street, King’s Lynn Tel: 01553 277520 Web: www.fitnesskingslynn.co.uk www.freeyourbodytherapy.co.uk
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Weddings If there’s one day when you need to look your very best and everything has to go according to plan it’s your wedding day. Happily, as you’ll see on the following pages the best of our local suppliers are packed with fabulous styles and great ideas for your special day...
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Lace Wedding Gown by Madeline Gardner for Morilee UNIQUE BRIDE | Castle Rising 01553 631500 KLmagazine October 2017
A-Line Wedding Gown by Madeline Gardner for Morilee UNIQUE BRIDE | Castle Rising 01553 631500 KLmagazine October 2017
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Fashion
Satin Wedding Gown by Madeline Gardner for Morilee UNIQUE BRIDE | Castle Rising 01553 631500 60
KLmagazine October 2017
T H E CO M P L E TE PAC K AG E F O R A U N I QU E O CCA SI O N Set in a beautiful 15th century converted barn with a private dressing room and a glass of sparkling wine for the Bride and her party
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Our stunning collection of wedding gowns come in a range of styles, sizes and prices, and our unique jewellery, tiaras and veils are the perfect complement
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We have a lovely range of bridesmaid dresses in a variety of styles, colours and lengths
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A wide range of gorgeous outfits are available together with hats and fascinators which can be customised and our bags and shoes can be dyed to match perfectly
01553 631500 | www.uniquebrideandhats.co.uk Castle Farm Barn, Castle Rising, King's Lynn, PE31 6AG
Fashion
Three piece suit - hire from £69.95 GODDARDS | King’s Lynn 01553 772382 62
KLmagazine October 2017
Fashion
Outfit by John Charles CINDYS | Sutton Bridge 01406 350961 64
KLmagazine October 2017
ABACUS MARQUEES your special event is our special event...
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KLmagazine October 2017
T el : 01 40 6 35 09 6 1
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Fashion
Fitted Damson Dress by Personal Choice (£299) ISOBEL’S Drayton - 01603 866060 | Holt - 01263 714040 66
KLmagazine October 2017
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Free Suit Hire For the Groom when four or more suits are hired Goddards, Wellesley Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1QD T 01553 772382
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Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm Free Customer Car Park at rear of shop
KLmagazine October 2017
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LIGHTENING PHOTOGRAPHY
The perfect location for the biggest of days... The Red Barn has been a place to gather and celebrate for many years, and now this extraordinary medieval barn in South Runcton offers an extra special venue for weddings and parties
A
s the wedding carriages wend their way down the narrow lane, the huge medieval barn comes into view and the excitement mounts – for this day has been a long time in creation. Surrounded by lush Norfolk farmland at South Runcton, Red Barn is swathed in a wealth of 16th century history, and as you step through the huge oak doors and experience the ambience of this unique venue, you find that it has – despite all its 21st century facilities – lost none of its rustic charm. The barn has stood here on College Farm since the farm and land were
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purchased around 1557 by Dr. John Caius – known to be the Queen’s doctor in the reign of Queen Mary I and Philip of Spain. Recorded repairs to the barn suggest work was carried out here in 1457 and it’s possible that monks from Bury St.Edmunds built it for the original purpose of grain threshing and storage. Dr. Caius is known to have used the farm as an endowment for the Cambridge college he founded, now called Gonville and Caius College of Cambridge University. The college sold the farm in 1920, and although not used for agricultural purposes for many years, it is still part of a working farm.
Within its ancient red brick walls, oak posts and beams (some more than a foot square and 20ft in length) the Aisled Barn’s main advantage is its great roof span and volume of covered space. These structures are similar in design to medieval churches, with an aisle on each side and a ‘nave’ down the centre. They’re also very adaptable, and many are licensed for Civil Ceremonies. The Red Barn itself received its licence 10 years ago, but the first wedding reception held there was 43 years ago, when owners Richard and Lilian Rockliffe held their own in what was then little more than a tractor shed.
KLmagazine October 2017
SUMMERLOVE PHOTOGRAPHY
What a beautiful location and barn. Thanks for helping to make our wedding day so special... JANE & DAVID Medieval structures of this kind with their cavernous roofs and massive oak timbers are often used as theatres and, able to accommodate over 100 guests, Red Barn with its flag-stoned proscenium and large raised staging area provides just such a backdrop requiring only a little ingenuity to bring the ceremony alive. Despite the fashionable trend to employ planners to take the guesswork out of the process of planning a wedding, most couples these days choose to plan all the details from A-Z on their own, participating together in the fun and excitement of the occasion and the chance to create an atmosphere that is unique. One aspect everyone loves about Red Barn is that within these ancient red brick walls the medieval timbers frame a blank canvas just waiting for that spark of creativity to add the brush strokes – and to assist in this the Rockcliffe family, who own the venue, are opening the barn for a Wedding Fayre on Sunday 19th November between 10.30am-3pm. This is a well-established event, which for the past three years has become very much a family activity. It offers a chance to view the stunning interior of the Barn, the extent of the surrounding land and the opportunity for additional space in a marquee closeby. The day of the Fayre offers free parking, free food, live music and to answer your queries there will be more than 50 experienced professionals on hand, not directly linked to the venue
KLmagazine October 2017
ABOVE: The Rockcliffe family, directors of The Red Barn (from left to right): Andrew, Diane, Richard, Louisa, Joanna, William, Lilian and Robert. The very first wedding reception at the beautiful venue was Richard and Lilian's some 43 years ago.
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LIGHTENING PHOTOGRAPHY KATHY ASHDOWN PHOTOGRAPHY
west Norfolk between Downham Market and King’s Lynn; the perfect surroundings for an unforgettable event whatever the season. With its underfloor heating for the colder months, Red Barn offers an idyllic setting for a stunning winter wedding; for warmer days, with its wide doors open to the countryside, it provides space and seating for guests to socialise and is a fabulous backdrop for those all important photographs.
KATHY ASHDOWN PHOTOGRAPHY
but all trusted, high quality suppliers; photographers, florists, caterers, bar licensees, entertainers, cake makers, formal dress hire, wedding dresses, mother of the bride outfits and many more. Outside will be a chance to view wedding day transport – limousines will line up with carriages and there’ll be ideas for something more individual. All aspects of a wedding day are covered and whether your ideas are traditional, quirky or modern this is where you’ll get answers to those questions. These are popular events, and the Rockcliffe family asks only that you remember to register your intention to visit at www.theredbarnnorfolk.co.uk/ wedding-fayre to save time on the day and ensure you have a special show bag prepared and reserved for you. This is a dream location, set in rural
The Red Barn is located at College Lane, South Runcton, King’s Lynn PE33 0EX. As it’s on the edge of a working commercial farm, visits must be prearranged. You can contact the Red Barn by calling 01553 810331, e-mailing office@theredbarnnorfolk.co.uk or by visiting the website at www.theredbarnnorfolk.co.uk
We loved every minute! All of our guests said how wonderful the barn looked. Thank you for such a wonderful day... FLORENCE & JACK
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KLmagazine October 2017
Your perfect
Wedding
At one of the town’s most iconic buildings.
Whether you choose an intimate celebration with family or friends in our historic Nelson Room or something more lavish in our spacious Walpole Ballroom.
We offer a flexible range of wedding packages and are licensed to hold Civil Wedding Ceremonies. We are happy to tailor your package to suit your requirements. For any queries or viewings please email us at events@dukesheadhotel.com
DUKES HEAD HOTEL
5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JS Tel: 01553 774 996 www.dukesheadhotel.com
AA Rosette Restaurant
The perfect venue for your North Norfolk wedding
OLD HUNSTANTON | NORTH NORFOLK Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6HH Tel: 01485 533486 Email: mail@caleyhallhotel.co.uk Call to arrange a viewing or visit www.caleyhallhotel.co.uk/weddings/ for more information
KLmagazine October 2017
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Food & Drink
ABOVE: The grape variety Bacchus is relatively unused in wine production, but that may now be set to change after Lee Dyer of Surlinghambased Winbirri Vineyards (opposite) picked up the wine world’s highest accolade in May
Raising a glass to the best wine in the world... When Lee Dyer returned to Norfolk from Thailand ten years ago to find his father had planted 200 vines, he was less than enthusiastic. A decade on he couldn’t be more passionate, as KL magazine discovers
W
e’ve all heard of the Oscars and the Turner Prize, the Pulitzer and the Nobel Prizes – the very highest accolades in their respective fields – but few of us will have heard of the Decanter World Wine Awards. Now in its 15th year, it’s the world’s largest and most influential wine competition, trusted internationally for its rigorous judging process and the experienced views of the 200 wine experts from around the world who comprise the judging panel. Earlier this year, they had the enviable task of choosing the world’s best white wine from a staggering 17,200 entries – and were so impressed with the winner they
KLmagazine October 2017
scored it 95 of 100. The most amazing thing of all is that this wine didn’t hail from Bordeaux, Tuscany or the Napa Valley; it came, in fact, from the very edge of the Norfolk Broads from a vineyard that hardly existed a decade ago and is run by a team of six people. But if you thought having their Bacchus 2015 win Decanter’s Platinum Best in Show at the World Wine Awards 2017 only meant Surlingham-based Winbirri Vineyards had to find some extra shelf space for a trophy, you’d need to think again. For Lee Dyer, who admits to being less than enthusiastic when he returned home from Thailand to find his father had suddenly decided to plant 200 vines
just a short walk from the banks of the River Yare, it turned his world around. “Winning the award had an instant and incredible impact,” he says. “We were suddenly faced with a 1,000% uplift in demand. Shops sold out in ten minutes, and in six hours we received enough orders for 10 years’ supply. Within 48 hours we’d received over 10,000 e-mails and we got to the point where we simply couldn’t book any more tours or tasting sessions.” If he’d been producing beer Lee could have simply brewed some more to satisfy the overwhelming demand, but since grapes are an extremely limited commodity (vines generally take five years before they start producing and they’ll only do that once a year) Bacchus 73
Food & Drink
2015 suddenly became one of the most sought-after wines on the planet. But all this success didn’t go to Lee’s head. “We could have tripled the price of a bottle overnight and still sold out completely,” he says. “The reason we didn’t is that I didn’t want to take advantage of all the people and local stockists who’d supported us over the years.” There’s something engagingly modest about Lee Dyer, and if you are lucky enough to be able to join one of his vineyard tours you can’t help noticing that he’s more interested in this year’s crop than all the media attention. “I didn’t win the award because I’m the best or most knowledgeable winemaker in the world,” he says. “I won it because I care passionately about what I do and my attention to detail is second to none.” Indeed, Lee admits to being a little OCD when it comes to his vines. Each row is planted exactly 1.8m apart using laser-guided GPS technology to keep the ripening process consistent (it’s virtually the only mechanisation in the entire vineyard) and every single
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vine is visited 8-9 times a year – an amazing feat when you consider there are currently around 52,000 of them. Pruning by hand takes three and a half months, and Lee will only harvest the grapes by hand. For the Bacchus crop alone that means enlisting a team of 100 volunteers to ensure the grapes are harvested within 48 hours. “That two-day window has nothing to do with economies or production schedules,” says Lee. “It’s all about quality and getting the perfect flavour profile. Throughout my life I’ve always thought if something’s worth doing then it’s worth doing right.” And while Lee’s certainly got it right with Bacchus 2015, it would be unforgivable to ignore the rest of the wines coming out of Winbirri Vineyards – especially as the former was the only wine he entered into the Decanter awards and he estimates around 50% of people actually prefer its sister wine, the crispy and finely-nuanced Solaris. Bacchus may be getting all the attention, but it’s just
one of 11 different varieties Lee grows, a selection of early- to late-season grapes (helping spread the demands of harvesting) that go to produce a quite exceptional range of wines. Joining Bacchus and Solaris are (among others) the full-bodied red Reserve, the bold and spicy Signature, the lighter Pinot Noir, the dry rose Norfolk Pink and the seductive English Sparkling wines – all of them award winners in their own right. But for Lee Dyer it’s not about awards, accolades and full pages in national newspapers. “At some points during the year I can work for 90 hours a week, but to be honest it’s more like I’m playing for 90 hours a week,” he says. “If you truly love doing something then it’s not really work at all. Winning awards is all very nice, but what I’m most interested in is making the best possible wine we can from the land and the vines that we have.” And we can all raise a glass to that. For more information on Winbirri Vineyards and its current range of wines, please see the website at www.winbirri.com.
KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
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Address 28-31a North End, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 1PE | Tel 01945 476797 | Fax 01945 463495 | Web www.quaycentre.co.uk
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KLmagazine October 2017
Food & Drink
Custard Tart “ This classic custard tart features on my autumn menu at Turner’s Restaurant,
where we serve it with an almond mousse and a coffee macaroon. It’s also part of our new two course lunch menu.
“
INGREDIENTS For the sweet pastry 260g plain flour 100g icing sugar 30g ground almonds 125g butter 2 eggs 1 egg yolk For the tart filling 250ml full fat milk 250ml double cream 100g caster sugar ½ stick cinnamon 2 tsp ground nutmeg 1 vanilla pod, cut in half 8 egg yolks
METHOD 1 Start by making the sweet pastry. Place the flour, icing sugar and ground almonds into a bowl. 2 Using a grater, grate the cold butter into the dry ingredients, then rub in with your finger tips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the two eggs and gently bring the pastry together with your finger tips, being careful not to over work it. Wrap up the pastry in cling film or baking parchment and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. 3 Roll out the pastry on a floured surface so that it’s 1/8 of an inch thick, or the thickness of the back of a knife blade, then line an 8 inch round tart case, and blind bake for 20 minutes at 160°c. Remove the baking beans and continue to bake for 7 minutes or until golden. Brush with an egg
yolk to create a seal and bake for a further 2 minutes. 4 Meanwhile for the tart filling, place the milk, cream and vanilla pod into a saucepan and scald. Remove from the heat, add the spices and allow to infuse for about ten minutes. 5 Whisk the yolks and sugar together until pale, then pass the milk mixture through a fine sieve onto the egg mixture and gently whisk until combined. 6 Pour the custard mix into the pastry case and bake at 160°c with no fan for about 40 minutes. There should still be a slight wobble in the centre. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Recipe by Trevor Clark Head Chef at Duke’s Head Hotel 5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn PE30 1JS Tel: 01553 774996 Web: www.dukesheadhotel.com KLmagazine October 2017
77
l i French Martini a t k c Coof the Great for parties or just relaxing at home h t n o M The French Martini was invented in the 1980s Cocktail Renaissance at one of Keith McNally's New York City bars. It later appeared on the drinks menu at McNally's Balthazar in Soho in 1996.
YOU WILL NEED Martini glass Chambord (Black raspberry liqueur) Vodka Pineapple juice Ice Cocktail Shaker
INGREDIENTS 15ml Chambord 50ml Vodka 60ml Pineapple juice
METHOD 1 Take a shaker filled with ice. 2 Add Chambord, vodka and pineapple juice, then shake vigorously. 3 Strain into a Martini glass and serve. Sip and enjoy!
Recipe by The Kings Arms Coaching Inn 21 Market Street, Swaffham PE37 7LA Tel: 01760 723244 Web: www.kingsarmscoachinginn.co.uk
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KLmagazine October 2017
Food & Drink
Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS I pheasant, boned and diced 1 rabbit, boned and diced 300g of diced venison 150g smoked streaky bacon, finely diced 100g of button mushrooms, finely sliced 100g of carrot, peeled and diced 1 large onion, peeled and diced 125g blackberries 2 bay leaves 1 large sprig of thyme 50g plain flour 2 tbsp of beef dripping 250ml chicken stock 250ml red wine 50ml ruby port Salt and pepper Shortcrust pastry 400g plain flour Pinch of salt 100g butter 100g lard 4 tbsp water
Game Pie METHOD 1 To make the pastry, mix the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut the fat into cubes and add to the mixture. Using your fingertips rub the fat into the flour until you get a consistency of fine breadcrumbs. Add the water and mix in, using a knife. When the mixture starts to stick together, knead lightly to form a ball, wrap in cling film and allow to rest for 20 minutes. 2 In a large casserole pan, heat 1 tbsp of beef dripping, then in batches brown off the pheasant, rabbit and venison. Place the meat to one side; add the other tbsp of dripping to the hot pan. Fry off the onions and bacon for about 4 minutes, and the bacon starts to crisp up. Then add the mushroom and carrots, stir and cook for a further couple of minutes.
3 Add the flour giving it a good stir, add the blackberries, red wine, port, stock, lemon zest and herbs and bring to the boil. Return the meat to the pan, season with salt and pepper; turn down the heat and simmer for 1 hour or the meat is tender. (Top up with water if necessary). Remove the sprig of thyme, check seasoning and allow to cool. 4 When cooled transfer the mixture to a pie dish. (You can use one large pie dish or use individual pie dishes) Roll out the pastry to make a lid or lids and attach to the dish. Glaze with a beaten egg. 5 Bake in a preheated oven at 190°c for 4045 minutes and the pastry is a deep golden colour.
Recipe by Bowers Butchers 71 Lynn Road, Gaywood, King's Lynn PE30 4PR Tel: 01553 773845 Web: www.bowersbutchers.com KLmagazine October 2017
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Food & Drink
Salted Butter King Prawns in White Wine Sauce Serves: 2 INGREDIENTS For the Fish 12 king prawns (deshelled) mange tout babycorn carrots 2 cloves freshly crushed garlic ½ tsp butter 1 tsp oil 1 whisked egg pinch of salt 1 tsp sugar 4 tsp water 25ml white wine plain flour 1 tsp potato starch KLmagazine October 2017
METHOD 1 To prep the king prawns, coat the prawns in plain flour and brush with a whisked egg, then leave for 10 minutes. 2 To cook, in a freshly boiled pan of water, blanch all the vegetables together for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
5 Cook thoroughly seasoning with a pinch of salt and sugar, add the other 2 tablespoons of water and the white wine. 6 Add potato starch mixture into pan to thicken sauce.
3 In a separate bowl mix the potato starch with 2 tablespoons of water. Set aside. 4 Heat a frying pan with oil and put in the crushed garlic and butter. Once melted add all the ingredients together into the pan.
Recipe by Pearl River John Kennedy Road, King's Lynn PE30 2AA Tel: 01553 773288 Web: www.pearlriverkingslynn.co.uk 81
CHRISTMAS! IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO BOOK FOR
CHRISTMAS
PARTY! A healthy diet should include at least 2 portions of fish a week
Your Christmas starts here!
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DONALDSONS A fresh taste of the sea
Austin Fields, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 772241 OPEN: Tues/Wed/Thurs 7am-4pm, Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-3pm
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Clenchwarton Road, West Lynn King’s Lynn PE34 3LW Web: brewersfayre.co.uk
Tel: 01553 772221 KLmagazine October 2017
Food & Drink
RestaurantReview
20 North Street, Burnham Market
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t’s always nice to spend an afternoon in Burnham Market, and it’s even better when you discover something you can’t help telling everyone about. With lunchtime approaching rather swiftly, we were making our way to our usual haunt and came across a little restaurant/bistro tucked away just off the main green. My friend thought the building looked rather familiar, and by the time we got to the entrance she’d remembered it was the former NatWest branch. It’s a beautiful building too, with picturesque cobbled walls, iron railings and a pair of delightfully decorative windows flanking the door. On entering the deceptively spacious interior we were warmly greeted by a lovely young woman called Holly who turned out to be the owner. By the time
KLmagazine October 2017
she’d shown us to her table we’d learned she was a native of Norfolk and had returned to her home after a spell with London catering company Rhubarb, working as an Events Assistant at their incredible Sky Garden restaurant. Her partner Dan is the talent in the kitchen, and he has equally impressive credentials. A classically trained chef with over 15 years’ experience, he’s worked with Gary Rhodes and the Galvin brothers, was Head Chef at the three AA rosette Odettes in Primrose Hill and also had a spell in Spain at the three-star Michelin restaurant Martin Berasategui. The couple have worked wonders on this former bank. The décor is very bright and the shabby chic furnishings are great. We loved the clever use of scaffolding boards for the bar area (which runs half the length of the restaurant) and the background music of Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole made for a really relaxing atmosphere. Although 20 North Street has an extensive wine list and a suitably comprehensive range of teas and coffees, it was a nice day so we opted for a couple of local cordials – a delightful rhubarb, orange and ginger for myself and a red gooseberry and
elderflower for my friend. Holly and Dan may have catered for the best in the business, but it was good to see the menu was inventive without being pretentious. My friend, for example, ordered the Caesar Buttermilk Chicken, which was served with radicchio lettuce, a softboiled egg, anchovies and parmesan. It sounds simple, but it was marvellously well done. It looked lovely, and I couldn’t help trying some for myself to discover just how successful combining chicken and anchovies is. For myself I enjoyed the Simon Letzer salmon, accompanied by a beautiful new potato salad, with grapes and pickled cucumber – together with a simply wonderful mustard sauce. We shared some French fries as well, but these were more than your usual accompaniments; sprinkled in rosemary and sea salt, they’re probably the best fries on the Norfolk coast. The desserts shouldn’t be overlooked either – especially the fantastic almond tart with vanilla ice cream and blackberry and apple sauce. It’s difficult to know whether to call 20 North Street a cafe, bistro, coffee shop or restaurant. Maybe it’s a mix of all four. Either way, there’s no doubt it’s a fabulous place for lunch – and we’re determined to return one evening to see if the dinner menus are just as appetising. We’re sure they will be.
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Food & Drink
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Pan-Roasted Ribeye with Caramelized Onions and White Truffle Butter Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 30 minutes Serves: 2 INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3 large white onions, sliced 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature) 1 small shallot, minced 1 teaspoon white truffle oil 2 (12 oz) Ribeye steaks sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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sides. Cook them until browned, approximately 2 minutes per side. Then cover with aluminum foil.
2 Heat half of the vegtable oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally until onions are dark and soft for approximatly 25 minutes. 3 Mix the butter, shallot, and truffle oil in a bowl until blended then refrigerate until set, for 10 minutes. 4 Preheat an oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat, and pour in the remaining vegatable oil. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both
5 Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until steaks are reddishpink and juicy in the centre, for around 4 to 6 minutes (a thermometer inserted into the center should read 54°c. Then let them rest in the frying pan, covered for about 5 minutes. 6 Slice the steaks and transfer to serving plates. Cover with the onions and top with a slice of truffle butter.
Recipe by Goddards of Norfolk 4 Wales Court, Downham Market PE38 9JZ Tel: 01366 388377 Web: www.goddardsofnorfolk.co.uk KLmagazine October 2017
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History
ABOVE: The lighthouse at Hunstanton, home to the world’s first parabolic reflector in 1778 thanks to the pioneering work of Ezekiel Walker of King’s Lynn, one of town’s most unrecognised historical figures, and whose story even links to the Exorcist’s House (opposite)
KLmagazine October 2017
have little chance or hope of receiving any inheritance. Walker duly became a philosopher and engineer and lived in London before settling in King’s Lynn. He studied the application of parabolic lenses, developing the work of Isaac Newton and others, before building the first prototype of a parabolic lens to be used in lighthouses. His first installation was at Hunstanton, of the world’s first parabolic reflector, in the new lighthouse built in 1778. It was composed of 18 concave reflectors each 18 inches in diameter, creating a
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hen I was a child, there was a dark Georgian house on the corner of Chapel Street and Austin Street, on the site now occupied by Freebridge Community Housing. From the late 1700s to early 1800s, the house was home to a certain Ezekiel Walker, who moved there from London. Little is known of Walker’s early life, except that he was born in 1741, the third son of a churchwarden, in the parish of Haile in Cumberland – and as the youngest of three sons, he would
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Her walk through the darker side of Lynn is hugely popular, and Edith Reeves of the King’s Lynn Town Guides takes a look at one of its most fascinating characters – Ezekiel Walker
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Shining a light on the darker side of King’s Lynn light beam with 18 times the intensity of the single reflectors typically in use at the time. Walker’s Hunstanton lighthouse was also the first to run on oil for fuel. Prior to that, coal had been used and (not surprisingly, perhaps) the previous Hunstanton lighthouse had burned down. In 1786, Walker was consulted by the Commissioners of the Northern Lights Board in Edinburgh, newly formed by an Act of Parliament, to advise and instruct persons on the erection of lighthouses on the coast of Scotland. Walker offered his services for the sum
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in the basement. As a philosopher and scientist, these were probably simply part of his investigation into philosophical ideas or alchemy. Most likely the symbols were connected with occult and astrological ideas that many scientists dabbled with – even Newton. There is a wonderful irony to these dark rumours, as just a few yards away, right next to St Nicholas’ Chapel, is the Exorcist’s House. This small cottage was built in 1635 and, according to the plaque on the wall, took its name from an earlier house on the site occupied by “that member of the St Nicholas clergy.” It’s strange to imagine that in one house there was someone encouraging the devil in, and in another one nearby, someone doing just the opposite! In his will, Walker made many cash bequests for friends, nieces and nephews and his servants. He also left items such as a pianoforte, other musical instruments, clocks, books and real estate. He had an international reputation and certainly deserves to be much more well-known and celebrated in King’s Lynn. Edith Reeves will be leading her popular walk The Darker Side of Lynn on Tuesday 3rd October and Sunday 29th October. Both walks will commence at 2pm at St Nicholas’ Chapel. Tickets should be purchased in advance (£5 for adults or £4 for concessions) from the Tourist Information Centre in The Custom House (please call 01553 763044). Because these walks are always very well attended, it’s unlikely that any tickets will be available to purchase on the day.
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of 50 guineas, and in the following year, four lighthouses were built. His work must have been valued, because permission was granted by a further Act of Parliament to build yet another lighthouse in 1788. Whilst living in King’s Lynn, Ezekiel was thought of as an eccentric recluse and held in awe by his neighbours, who had little knowledge or understanding of his work. He was interested in many subjects including astronomy, electricity, chemistry, magnetism and horology. As well as having many articles published in scientific journals, his work was reproduced in 22 different languages. He also had articles published in philosophical magazines. From essays published in King’s Lynn in 1823, we know Walker studied clock pendulums early in the 18th century and later (in 1813) was measuring the latitude and longitude in Lynn from his house near St Nicholas’ Chapel. After this, nothing is known of Ezekiel Walker until his death in 1834 at the grand old age of 93. He was buried in the churchyard of St Nicholas’, but gravestones there were removed and placed in the area by the side of St James Medical Centre in The Walks. His can still be found, second on the left as you face the building. The inscription reads “in memory of Ezekiel Walker Esq., an eminent philosopher who died the 25th of February 1834 in his 94th year.” After his death, many stories developed about him, and people believed Walker’s house was haunted by his ghost. When the dark Georgian house in which he’d lived was demolished in the 1960s, drawings and symbols of ‘devil worship’ were found
A step-by-step way to explore the heritage of King’s Lynn...
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ABOVE: St Nicholas’ Chapel in King’s Lynn was the original burial place of Ezekiel Walker. At right is a very rare picture that reportedly shows Walker in the uniform of a coast guard.
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History
DISCOVER KING’S LYNN ON FOOT... In addition to the regular Historic Walks and Edith Reeves’ Darker Side of Lynn, there are two special walks this month: Friday 13th October (2:00pm) The Custom House to St Nicholas’ Chapel Explore Bishop Turbus’ ‘new’ town, the second medieval town, started in 1180 but much altered and the buildings refaced over the years. The walk takes in King Street, St George’s Guildhall, the Tuesday Market Place, True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum and St Nicholas’ Chapel. Meet at The Custom House. Friday 20th October (2:00pm) Maritime Trail King’s Lynn has a rich maritime heritage, some of which is exhibited in True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum, The Custom House, Lynn Museum and Marriott’s Warehouse – but this walk provides an opportunity to follow a route through the town and see many of the buildings and locations associated with this heritage. Meet outside True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum. PRIVATE BOOKINGS... The King’s Lynn Town Guides are also more than happy to take privately-arranged group walks. These can be tailored to suit any theme or length and are available all year round. For further information on all our walks and to book tickets or arrange a private tour, please contact The Tourist Information Centre at The Custom House on 01553 763044. The King’s Lynn Town Guides give their services entirely voluntarily. All the money raised from the walks goes directly to conservation projects in the town.
KLmagazine October 2017
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invasive procedures such as grinding and resurfacing. “Once the floor’s been cleaned we’ll professionally seal it for added protection which will help retain its looks for longer,” says Martin. ”We can even re-polish and buff highly-honed stone floors if required!” XtraClean also has a wealth of experience in cleaning everything from outdoor terraces to paths and patios – meaning all your floors can have a fresh look for the summer. “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.” Discover the difference – and contact Martin and his locally-based team today!
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KLmagazine October 2017
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Local Life
ABOVE: At the heart of True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum are the last two surviving fisherfolk cottages in the North End of King’s Lynn. Built around 1800, the cottages were listed Grade II by English Heritage in 2009. The name of the museum originates with the purchase of the premises for £295 by William True in 1818.
A milestone year in the story of True’s Yard As its Silver Jubilee year draws to a close, True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum in King’s Lynn is looking forward to the future with confidence. Paul Richards brings the story up to date...
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egular readers of this magazine will be familiar with True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum – which has been celebrating its Silver Jubilee over 2016-17. Since its opening in 1991, following the campaign by Pat Midgley and the Northenders to save the last fisherfolk yard with its cottages, the Museum has come a very long way indeed. Heritage Lottery grants have helped it triple in size and become an outstanding Community Museum and Heritage Site. True’s Yard has welcomed about
KLmagazine October 2017
280,000 visitors so far; trustees, staff and brilliant volunteers can be proud of what’s been achieved – but the Silver Jubilee encouraged the trustees to think about the next 25 years! It was clear that work on buildings and project development was needed to secure the future. A Silver Jubilee Appeal was launched. Donations both great and small plus fundraising events have created a fund to invest in the future. Concerts, suppers, garden parties, walks, lectures, raffles and receptions have not only been enjoyable and embedded us in
the community, but raised money too! A celebration of the Chinese New Year in 2016 at the Town Hall got the ball rolling, thanks to the West Norfolk Chinese Association and the Mayor. Another highlight was a dramatized talk on the Battle of the Somme (19162016) in St. Nicholas Chapel, organised by the Museum’s Vice Presidents. Vice Presidents and an Appeal Committee of local business people have given the trustees amazing support; The Friends of True’s Yard have again been true and dedicated fundraisers, as have the VIPS of North
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End ladies who meet every month at North Street. The North End Trust has also been fortunate in receiving the continuous backing of the Borough Council. Staff, volunteers and trustees have all shown commitment and drive in managing and staging events as we moved towards our fundraising target. Sufficient funds have now been accumulated to fortify and enhance True’s Yard. Around £30,000 has been spent on urgent repairs and redecoration of the Museum’s several historic buildings. Restoration of the 1904 fishing smack Activity in the Yard is nearing completion. Though this project has cost rather more than the trustees envisaged, the smack is a unique maritime asset and contributes hugely to True’s Yard as an attractive heritage site. A ramp to the smokehouse, new outdoor signage, refurbishment of the display galleries and entrance lobby are amongst the other tasks underway. A new exhibit funded by the VIP ladies group was a replica of Polly Goodson’s shop in our Devonshire Yard area. Her shop was in North Street – as was Devonshire Yard. Of particular importance to the
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Museum has been its partnership with primary schools in King’s Lynn and beyond. Children explore True’s Yard and develop their research and writing skills whilst learning how the community values of the past are relevant today. Due to a generous contribution to the Appeal Fund, the staff have written a History of Lynn for primary school children which will shortly be published. Another school project was working with St Edmunds School to build ties with Associated British Ports (ABP) and raise awareness of the industrial history of King’s Lynn. This partnership with ABP led to the creation of a new North End Tour Guide, taking visitors on a self-guided tour of the North End embracing the Port and the Fisher Fleet. The Museum is also home to the Pat Midgley Research Centre – which has recently been upgraded through a Heritage Lottery grant and includes 700 photographs of Old Lynn. A band of new volunteers has also been recruited in research, conservation and cataloguing. Such work experience will no doubt be useful to some in acquiring employment.
Without the Silver Jubilee Appeal True’s Yard would have faced serious challenges in the next few years as a charitable trust in need of considerable regeneration funds. Its success has allowed the trustees to preserve and safeguard the Museum for future generations. They look forward to serving the public of their town and county as an exceptional education centre, heritage attraction and community venue over the coming years. We are most grateful for the generous support the Museum has received from so many people in the past 18 months in building an Appeal Fund – now being invested for the community benefit. True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm. For more information and details on events at the Museum please see our website at www.truesyard.co.uk. Alternatively you can contact the Museum on 01553 770479 or email info@truesyard.co.uk.
KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
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Local Life
Offering the best of care at the worst of times... While there’s inevitably an element of sadness involved with the provision of palliative care, there’s a lot more to the work of The Norfolk Hospice than that – including happiness and optimism
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alk into the light, spacious and welcoming reception area at The Norfolk Hospice in Hillington and laughter is the sound that’s most likely to be heard – followed by happy conversations and optimistic voices. You’ll be greeted by a friendly receptionist and you can enjoy the beautiful landscaped gardens and impressive purpose-built building. The Norfolk Hospice is committed to providing outstanding care for people
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in the local community living with lifeshortening illnesses. The Hospice supports carers, families and friends and also provides bereavement support. The experienced staff and committed volunteers take the time to get to know each person and understand what their individual care needs and aspirations are. The care provided is flexible, giving people the freedom to live the life they choose, whether that’s for a number of years or days. The support provided is tailored to the individual, encompassing their
physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs in an understanding, caring and compassionate way – ensuring dignity is maintained throughout. A Rehabilitative Day Therapy team provides an opportunity for people living with a life-shortening illness to talk openly and honestly about their hopes and fears for the future, and to share their thoughts and feelings with other people living with an illness, and also highly trained and supportive staff. A large range of therapies and KLmagazine October 2017
The Hospice teams work together to create a friendly, welcoming and warm environment in which people and their families are supported and are able to relax in... services are offered – including physiotherapy, circuit exercises, gardening therapy, complementary therapies, hair and beauty, creative therapies, breathlessness management, fatigue management, Home Sits and weekly social coffee mornings. A Specialist Palliative Care Social Worker helps with a wide range of issues, including financial advice, emotional support and advanced care planning. Alongside the Social Worker, a chaplain, counsellors and trained volunteers provide support to patients and families during times of illness and following bereavement. In June this year the services expanded to include the Dr Hugh Ford Inpatient Unit – which has nine ensuite bedrooms designed to provide patients’ privacy and dignity. The unit provides 24/7 support and high-quality nursing and medical care to patients with a wide range of symptoms associated with a life-shortening illness. The Hospice teams work together to create a friendly, welcoming and warm environment in which people and their families are supported and able to relax in. It can be a really special time when family members are able to stop being their loved one’s carer – and become their husband, wife, parent or child once again. Not all services are provided at the Hospice building. For many people, home is where they prefer to be cared for. The Hospice at Home service enables people to remain in their homes during the last 6-8 weeks of life, ensuring individuals experience the end of life that they choose. All the care is provided completely free of charge. The current services
KLmagazine October 2017
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Local Life
cost over £2million per year to run – and only 31% of this is funded by the NHS. The remaining funds are generated by nine successful charity shops, a lottery, donations, legacies, trust funds and fundraising events such as the Winter Ball – which is taking place at Pentney Abbey next month. A perfect example of the work of the Norfolk Hospice is the story of John. In 2016, John initially dreaded the thought of being referred to a hospice; he was struggling with fatigue and was petrified at the thought he was losing control and was facing death. He and his wife were struggling to come to terms with this and weren’t really talking. John came to the day therapy department for support and had oneto-one occupational therapy input to aid his mobility and fatigue; his wife received complementary therapies and one-to-one counselling. Eventually they both received advanced care planning support. John wrote his will and planned his funeral, discussing preferences about where he wanted to die. A few months ago, John was admitted to the Dr Hugh Ford Inpatient Unit at the Hospice. His wife stayed with him at all times, with a
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bed in place in an adjoining room. His bedroom opened onto a patio and enclosed garden, so his children and grandchildren could use the facility almost as their own flat. He was visited daily by his extended family – and his dog stayed during the day, often curled up at the foot of the bed. He stayed as an inpatient until his peaceful death. “We will be forever grateful John ended his days in peace, love and harmony at The Norfolk Hospice,” his wife said. “You made the worst possible time of our lives not just bearable but a time to look back on as a peaceful and even happy time. You cared for us, our children, grandchildren and visitors with such gentleness and thoughtfulness.” His family will now be supported within our bereavement service if required, and the hospice will remember them with fondness and happiness – knowing that they supported John and his family so well.
For more details on The Norfolk Hospice and information on how you can support its work, please see the website at www.norfolkhospice.org.uk or telephone 01485 601700
KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
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Local Life
ABOVE: Award-winning BBC documentary film maker Jonathan Crane is now turning his experience and skills to producing personal documentaries based around people’s lives and thier families – through interviews, photographs and old film reels
Putting your family story on the big screen... Along with memories, photographs fade over time. Richard Parr meets an award-winning film maker who can turn your family story into a fascinating documentary for future generations
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lder readers of KL magazine may well remember the iconic TV show This is Your Life, which was screened from 1955 through to 2003. Its most famous presenter was Eamonn Andrews, who would spring surprises on unsuspecting celebrities and notable members of the public with the famous phrase, “this is your life,” handing them their life story contained within the pages of his big red book before whisking the subject off to the studio where the programme would be recorded. Very few of us will have been on This is Your Life, but the late dancing
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sensation of King’s Lynn Peggy Spencer MBE appeared on the show in March 1993 – and her red book, containing memories of her life and times in the world of ballroom dancing, is now among the treasured possessions of her daughter Helena Anderson (right), who still lives in King’s Lynn. All of us, when we reach our 30s and 40s have stories to tell of lives lived and of our families. How wonderful it would be for those stories to be made into a film – but for many of us, this will only ever be an dream. Imagine seeing your treasured photographs, which may have lain forgotten about in old shoeboxes in the
KLmagazine October 2017
It often happens that we leave it too late to record these things. We wish we’d talked more to elderly relatives about their lives and the fascinating stories they have to tell. JONATHAN CRANE Personal Documentary Company loft for years, being brought to life, together with old cine film, on a film telling your personal life story. Imagine no longer and welcome to the Personal Documentary Company, who can produce This is Your Life style films about individuals, couples and families. The package the company offers includes filmed interviews of the person whose life is being told. Old family photographs are edited as well as home movies added. The company was founded by award-winning BBC documentary maker Jonathan Crane. “We edit and assemble the various elements, add music and create a beautiful documentary celebrating the life and times of the person,” he says. “The end result is a DVD that can be treasured by their children, by their grandchildren and by future generations.” Before the actual filming starts, the company spend a lot of time with the subject, talking about their family and its history, understanding whos who and who is important in their life. Old families photos can be inserted throughout the story. Often these initial interviews can result in people discovering old photographs, home movies and other family artefacts that they didn’t know
KLmagazine October 2017
Local Life
ABOVE: Unless you write as much information as you can on the back of old photographs (and as soon as you can!) they can eventually show only nameless and unknown relatives
about or had forgotten about. “The process of making the film often brings their family history closer to them,” says Jonathan. “It’s amazing what you can remember. We often meet people with living memories of their grandparents – and even great grandparents who might have been born over 100 years ago.” These personal documentaries aren’t all about the older generation either. “Quite often they’re commissioned to celebrate a big birthday, special anniversary or retirement,” says Jonathan. “The people in these films aren’t famous or necessarily extraordinary, but we believe everyone has a story worth telling and we pride ourselves on making wonderful films about them.” In making these films, Jonathan and his company draws on years of documentary experience. “We get to know the clients and we make the filming process as stress-free for them as possible,” he says. “We spend a great deal of time and effort in editing to create a polished, professional film.” Jonathan says that for most of us our family is the most precious part of our lives but that all too often we let family memories and moments slip away unrecorded or forgotten. “It often happens that we leave it too late to record these things,” he says. “We wish we’d talked more to elderly relatives about their lives and the fascinating stories they have to tell.” All too easily, he says, we let time fade the memories of special events in our lives – and while we take endless
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photographs and videos, we relegate them to gather dust in the attic. Some of us may make a family tree, but names and dates on a piece of paper can only ‘tell’ part of the story and will be of limited interest to our children, grandchildren and future generations. Many of us have old family photographs; grandparents on holiday by the sea, and even great grandparents posing stiffly in a photographic studio. But how often do we know when and where they were taken – or why? Jonathan’s first rule for old photos is to avoid dumping them in a shoebox or parking them in the attic but find out as much information as you can about the people in the picture from the rest of the family and write it on the back of the photo – or better still, put them in an album. “When your grown-up grandchildren find that album,” says Jonathan, they’ll have a treasure trove of memories to explore, rather than a bunch of dusty, meaningless images.” He urged people not to be put off if some photos are in a poor condition. Even if they’re faded and torn they can be restored using specialist software. “It’s amazing what technology can do with images these days,” he says. “At the Personal Documentary Company we can pretty much work miracles with poor quality old photographs.” Similarly, old home movies and film reels hidden away in boxes shot in colour or black and white by parents and even grandparents, can now be repaired and restored. The Personal Documentary Comany
recently completed a project where the customer had unearthed a box of home movie film reels of her family shot by her father in India before and after World War Two. She hadn’t seen the footage since she was a child and was excited to finally view it again and to have scenes incorporated in her personal documentary . Part of the benefit of having a personal documentary made is that it concentrates the client’s mind on finding out everything they can about their recent ancestors and digging out old photographs and other artefacts about them. “So many clients have told us how surprised and gratified they’ve been about the amount they’ve discovered,” says Jonathan. “And they absolutely love the films themselves – as I do! Everyone is interesting, and everyone has a story to tell. My job is to draw that story out and create a film that tells it in an engaging and enjoyable way.” For more information about the Personal Documentary Company please visit Jonathan’s website at www.personaldocumentaries.co.uk
ABOVE: Thanks to the latest technology, Jonathan can bring old and faded family photographs back to life (below)
KLmagazine October 2017
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Book Reviews
Books for October – quite literally... OctOber: the StOry Of the ruSSiAn revOLutiOn china Míeville Award-winning writer China Miéville has long been inspired by the ideals of the Russian Revolution and on the centenary of the revolution he provides his own distinctive take on its history. In only nine months Russia was transformed from an autocratic monarchy into the first socialist state in history. This is a great book for those new to this momentous event, told in terms of its historical import together with its passion, drama and strangeness. As well as a political event of profound consequence, Miéville reveals the revolution as a breathtaking story.
the OctOber cOuntry ray bradbury First published in 1955, this is one of the most important collections of horror stories of the 20th century. Written at the very start of his 50-year career, these unforgettable, timeless stories have influenced generations of writers. Read it if only to discover The Lake, in which a boy faces death for the first time after losing a playmate who has drowned – a few pages that prove Ray Bradbury was one of the world’s greatest short story writers.
the OctOber LiSt Jeffery Deaver Every crime scene begins at the end. To know what happened, you must work backwards, piecing together the events that came before. This may be Deaver’s most fiendish and masterful mystery to date, unfolding from the end back to the beginning with many a jaw-dropping twist along the way. The further you read, the more solid evidence, established plot points and sturdily-built characters start to come undone, until what started out as an interactive game becomes a truly unnerving exercise in deception.
OctOber iS the cOLDeSt MOnth christoffer carlsson Discover the book that won the SCWA’s Best Crime Novel of the Year for Young Readers and the story of Vega Gilbert, who’s 16 years old when the police come knocking on the door looking for her older brother Jakob. During a damp, raw week in rural Sweden, the door to the adult world swings open, and Vega realises that once she’s crossed that threshold there’s no turning back. This is a beautifully written, utterly believable and utterly compelling tale told exceptionally well. 104
OctOber SkieS Alex Scarrow In 1865, 130 settlers vanish forever in the snows of Wyoming. All that remains is a diary. Fast forward to 2008, when Julian Cooke stumbles across the rotting remains of a wooden wagon. As he unravels the mystery of what happened to the illfated Preston Group, he’s forced to question if the horror he’s uncovering is only the start of something much worse. This is a thoughtprovoking insight into religious fanatasicm and an examination of how human fear can destroy the very foundations of life as we know it. It will fascinate and terrify you in equal measure, and best of all it’s by a Norwich-based author – and the brother of the equally talented Simon Scarrow.
KLmagazine October 2017
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KLmagazine October 2017
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PICTURES: NIK CARTER
Local Arts
ABOVE: Saxophonist Nik Carter from King’s Lynn; a founding member of The Blackjack Horns (opposite) he’s worked with everyone from Alexandra Burke (pictured above left in Mexico) to Pixie Lott (above right – that’s Nik in the background!)
The local musician making the stars sound better... He’s played on No.1 singles and movie soundtracks, performed in front of royalty and before global TV audiences of a billion. Yet few people have heard of the musical talent that is Nik Carter
Y
ou may not have heard of saxophonist Nik Carter from King’s Lynn, but you’ll certainly have heard of the people he’s worked with. He’s been in American singer Gloria Gaynor’s band since he was 22 and his first professional engagement was performing at the wedding of Peter Andre and Jordan (Katie Price). Ten years ago he was the youngest saxophonist Yamaha have ever signed; the very same year he played in front of 96,000 people and a worldwide audience of a billion at the Concert for Diana in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales on July 1st, 2007. He’s worked with everyone from
KLmagazine October 2017
great British soul singer Elkie Brooks to Nicole Scherzinger, and his distinctive sound has been heard everywhere from the movie soundtrack of American Reunion to the No.1 hit single Dance With Me Tonight by Olly Murs. It’s fair to say that as far as the saxophone goes, Nik Carter is a natural-born talent. Which isn’t bad for a young man whose musical career started with him chasing local saxophonist and teacher George King down a school corridor. “I was 11 years old and I’d just seen George play a concert at Springwood High School,” says Nik. “I was so taken with his performance that I followed him begging him to teach me – and
happily he said yes. He’s still a great inspiration to me today, and even though he’s 86 now he’s just as passionate as ever, and still plays and teaches regularly.” In addition to his parents Colin and Margaret Carter, another huge source of support and a major influence on Nik’s development as a musician was Sylvia Newton, the Head of Music at Fakenham High School & College – a talented musician in her own right whose encouragement enabled Nik attend the Royal Academy Of Music and Trinity College Of Music. “Not only was she a great teacher, she was a very cool one too!” says Nik. “I was in a band at the time and we 107
Local Arts used to play jazz on Sundays at the Stuart House Hotel in King’s Lynn. One weekend our bass player was ill, but Sylvia stepped in and said she’d do it. I have to say, she played a blinder!” Nik left Trinity College of Music when he was 20, touring with British singer/songwriter Lily Allen – and over the course of two world tours played at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in the industry, from the Royal Albert Hall to Wembley Stadium and from Glastonbury to V Festival. However, some of his most highprofile engagments are the ones you’re unlikely to see promoted – and ones that Nik’s not even sure about until the last minute. “About a year ago I recevied an invitation to play in the grounds of Windsor Castle,” he says. “That was all I knew, although I had to send scans of my passport and provide my car details and sign a statement to confirm I’d say nothing to the press. It turned out to be HRH Princess Beatrice’s birthday party! It was a bit like a garden party, except the guests were all royalty and celebrities. I remember serenading fashion model Cara Delevingne in the middle of the dance floor!” Nik isn’t always entertaining A-listers though, and likes nothing better than returning to home soil, walking along the Norfolk coastline with his parents’ dog Tilly – although the chance to pick up his saxophone is always welcome. “I happened to be in King’s Lynn when The Drifters were playing at the Corn Exchange,” he says. “My colleague Gary Barnacle is a great sax player and was working with them, but he was unable to perform that night. It was right at the last minute and I only had the soundcheck to learn the set. They’ve had a lot of hits, so it was pretty tough, but it was so nice to do a gig on my home turf.” It sounds the stuff that dreams are made off, but there’s no doubt that Nik puts in the hours. In recent months he’s performed at the London Coliseum with Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell musical, performed at the Royal Albert Hall for Magic FM’s Magic Of The Musicals show, supported Gloria Gaynor at her induction into the Library Of Congress in Washington DC, recorded the soundtrack for a new (and at the moment secret) Netflix series, and played at various festivals and recording sessions around the country. “I’m hoping to start recording my debut album before the end of the year,” he says, “but that will largely depend on who’s on the other end of the phone the next time it rings!”
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SAXOPHONIST: Nik Carter pictured with just some of the people he’s worked with over the years (clockwise from top) – Gloria Gaynor, probably best known for her classic single I Will Survive; Suggs, former lead singer of the ska band Madness; celebrating the end of the tour with English singer-songwriter and musician Jamie Lawson; recording at RAK Studios in London (which has hosted everyone form David Bowie to Adele); and with Hollywood superstar Samuel L Jackson at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.
KLmagazine October 2017
Local Arts
ABOVE: Artist Richard Gant with part of his recent Counterpart show at Black Barn – this ploughed field ritual piece was made of layflat tubing and varying aggregates (kindly donated by Frimstone Ltd of Crimplesham) Opposite is a model study for Richard’s stunning Hunstanton Pier Concept
Richard Gant and the art of the environment... There’s always been an intimate relationship between art and the landscape, but many contemporary artists – such as Dr Richard Gant – are now using that bond to re-examine our place in the natural world
T
he great novelist DH Lawrence once said that the business of art was to reveal the relation between man and his environment, and 80 years later that relationship has never been more important. It’s also one at the heart of the work of Richard Gant, who was born in Gaywood, King's Lynn and has been an international artist and professional academic since 1976. Although he currently lives in Wales, and spent most of his academic life in Liverpool (where he was Head of Fine Art at Liverpool John Moore’s University until 2009) Richard frequently returns to his home and the landscape that has
KLmagazine October 2017
influenced so much of his work. Describing himself as a sculptor/artist, Richard has exhibited everywhere from the Kettles Yard Gallery in Cambridge to the Tate Liverpool and the Louvre in Paris – and has co-exhibited in group exhibitions with artists such as David Hockney and Andy Warhol. His academic writings often reference the impact and importance of art on industry and business, and his current drawing research realises papers that examine and discuss the changing languages of drawing. “Landscape is key to all my work,” he says, “and my research engagements
have led to an enriched awareness and subsequent influence in how I perceive and develop my ideas. Although I live in Wales I’ve never been distracted from my roots and my romance for the Norfolk landscape. Both locations act as counterparts for my contrasting landscapes and my working method engages the physicality of mark making interpreted into an eclectic range of materials and processes.” Richard’s early work engaged the natural environment of west Norfolk and Lincolnshire. Inspired by the primal qualities of fenscape, including its voluminous skies and seasonal changes, he explored earth texture and
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Local Arts
horizon, developing an enchanted spiritual and cultural regard to this recently reclaimed landscape. His drawings generated sculptural installations that were often placed in situ, such as at Roydon Common (1974) and Old Hunstanton (1974). In contrast, the industries of northwest England offered Richard man-made skies of factory steam plumes and large mechanised modular architecture – which inspired a series of drawings combining structure with plume-like forms; each contrasting landscape enlightening a broad vocabulary of natural and man-made phenomena with creative transferability. Gradually, coastal themes became an integral part of Richard’s portfolio. The statuesque qualities of chalk headlands led to a re-exploration of the cliffs at Hunstanton, which had been an inspiration since his childhood - and resulted in a collection of drawings and sculptural concepts and models.
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“My Barbary series engages these elements, generating figurative structural installations in and around the carstone pavement and cliff scree,” he says. “This is a place of exploration, characterised by the interplay of visitors to the beach and cliffs, who seem to nestle amidst the rocks and explore the maze of carstone pavements.” Richard’s striking Pier Concept provides a sculptural and visually stunning interaction between cliff, strata and sea. Inspired by the role and engineering of the Victorian pier, the concept develops natural and manmade forms into a contemporary utilitarian sculpture. “Its aim is to narrate a time lapse –the events of geological time, using suspended reconstituted stratified boulders representing the former Hunstanton coastal cliff lines,” he says. “The elements play an integral role with the structure, enabling the action of the sea and wind to derive associated
forms and sounds. Unaligned random boulder strata symbolise natural movement and the poetic orchestration of colours and movement – the structure paying homage to its natural context, historically linked to recent offshore discoveries of ancient ritual and culture.” Within this incredible concept, each boulder is cradled by stainless steel legs that form five separate quadrupeds 40’ in height, and the series spatially align to project onto the beach and sea at high tide. The sculpture has the additional ability to be pedestrianised by a series of connecting glass tube walkways. Each boulder’s hollow cavelike core could accommodate an interconnecting walkway that would enable a walk-through of each quadruped, creating contemporary marine and cliff vistas. “The interiors of each boulder unit could present a geological and social educational display,” says Richard. “Access would be by a walkway from the clifftop or a direct link from the beach. The public would be able to walk its entire length offering sea, beach and coastal vistas both at high and low tides.” The aim of the work is to narrate the events of geological time by means of suspended reconstituted stratified boulders representing former Hunstanton coastal cliff lines, the concept has the transferability to possibly include suspended connecting walkways offering social engagement with maritime vistas. This all may seem a very long way from the work of that great founder of Impressionism Edgar Degas but the French artist know that whatever the subject, art had an important purpose. “Art is not what you see,” he wrote, “but what you make others see.” By reminding us of our place in the world and our relationship to the environment around us, Richard Gant is using art to make us see and think about the world around us in a different – and provocative – way.
KLmagazine October 2017
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The Last Word
WildWestNorfolk Michael Middleton’s
N
ot that it had anything to do with Halloween particularly, but I recently came across a survey of the most haunted places in England – and was rather surprised to see that of all places in the land, Brighton managed to top the list. Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised, as I fancy the city may actually be the home of the people who conduct these kind of surveys – especially as Brighton has also recently managed to top the list of the ‘hippest’ cities in the country, the most vibrant cities in the country, and the list of the happiest places to live in the UK. The researchers have obviously never been to Necton. Anyway, the East Sussex seaside resort is allegedly haunted by no less that 129 ghosts, easily beating the next in line, which is Edinburgh with a mere 94 spirits, followed swiftly by Nottingham at 71 and Derby at 46. You actually have to go down to 7th spot to find anything remotely local – and that’s Ipswich with 34 ghosts. The reason these supernatural chart toppers had the Middleton household a bit grumpy (well, at least my side of it) was that the researchers seemed to have been totally oblivious of the existence of King’s Lynn – which by rights should have come fourth. In fact, True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum could have taken the sixth spot all by itself. King’s Lynn is absolutely packed with ghosts. It doesn’t matter where you are in the town, you can be pretty sure there’s a restless spirit close by (no funny comments please). There’s a man in a three-cornered hat hanging around 9 King Street, a woman in black in the Bank House (although to be fair there usually is) and a lady in red at the Duke’s Head Hotel – and not just 114
during a Chris de Burgh tribute act. The hotel’s Room 18 (or 28, depending on who you ask) was once haunted, but it seems the ghost checked out some time ago. Once, the footprint of Satan himself could be found in Devil’s Alley – although you’d be very hard pressed to find it now. The old Eagle Hotel used to be haunted by an entire party of spectral partygoers in the mid-20th century, but a German bomb suddenly brought that to an end in 1942. Not to be outdone, The Globe is haunted by the ghost of a man who was murdered in the stables back in the days when it was a coaching inn – and a ghostly bride (or at least a woman in white) has been seen and heard at the Tudor Rose Hotel. The basement of the town’s library is occasionally frequented by the spirit of a monk, and it was from there you could actually rent an allegedly haunted skeleton (?!) until it mysteriously vanished sometime in the 1970s. The Custom House is said to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers who can be heard fighting, and you can sometimes see another ghostly bride hanging around the Purfleet before she throws herself into the waters. All of which brings us to the cute little collection of rooms, courtyards and cottages now known as True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum, which is a veritable ghost-magnet, with no less that 38 resident ghosts. At least that was the official count of David Wharmby’s Nottingham-based Bassetlaw Ghost Research Group (now defunct), who spent an eventful evening at the museum with a mountain of specialist equipment ranging from infrared cameras to special devices that measure changes in air temperature (we used to
call them thermometers). Of course, all this is a bit of harmless fun that adds a touch of colour to the town’s already rich heritage – but there are sometimes darker sides to many of these stories. Take the ghost of the executed maid who’s said to haunt the Tuesday Market Place and whose heart is said to adorn the wall of No. 15-16 for example. Taking away the existence or not of ghosts and the likelihood of a human heart leaping 20ft into the air, turning into stone and embedding itself into some brickwork, and you’re left with the very real fact that a maid – or at least a woman – really was boiled alive in oil in the centre of the market place. It was, in fact, one of only two such executions in England, the other one taking place in London at roughly the same time. The reason the practice was so rare and was discontinued wasn’t because it was cruel or disgusting or gratuitously sadistic. It was stopped because it was a very slow process, which meant it wasn’t particularly interesting to watch – so it didn’t attract the crowds. Now that’s really scary.
KLmagazine October 2017