ISSN 2044–7965
ISSUE 87 DECEMBER 2017 PRICELESS
magazine
WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL
COVER IMAGE St Nicholas’ Chapel, King’s Lynn by Ian Ward
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 Norma Chaplin Ann Higgins Rachel Murphy 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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PICTURE: IAN WATTS
meet the team
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he festive season is well and truly upon us now, and if you needed any doubt that Christmas is on the horizon you just need to take a look at this month’s magazine. We’re talking to Brian Hallard, the inspirational Director of the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, as he prepares to stage this year’s pantomime (oh yes, he is). We’re also visiting the wonderful setting of Holkham Hall, which is hosting everything from a range of festive-themed workshops to operatic performances. As usual, the Christmas decorations are spectacular, and if you’ve never visited at this time of year, the whole family will be in for a real treat. We’re also taking a look at the beautiful (and nationally-important) St. Nicholas Chapel in King’s Lynn, which has never looked better thanks to its recent restoration and will be hosting the popular Christmas concert by the King’s Lynn Festival Chorus and a special performance by the unique British musical ensemble Mediæval Bæbes. Even Wendy Warner of Thaxters Garden Centre in Dersingham has got into the Christmas spirit, with plenty of ideas for festive flowers to brighten up your home. See page 48 for more details. There’s plenty more to discover in this month’s magazine than holly and ivy, however. We’re enjoying what may be the best view in Norfolk (from the top of the church tower of St. Mary’s at Happisburgh); looking at the work of the King’s Lynn University of the Third Age; celebrating the restoration of a much-loved railway locomotive; enjoying a taste of one of the best gins in the world (made in Norfolk no less!); tracing the life of explorer Samuel Cresswell; and talking to exciting new local artist Emily Chapman. And though we’re not talking turkey, we are speaking with Michelin-starred Norfolk chef Galton Blackiston about his new book Hook Line Sinker, which is a fantastic 90-recipe collection of fish and seafood dishes. And food lovers will want to make a note in their diaries for two special charity events KL magazine will be hosting in March featuring live cookery demonstrations by Galton himself. You’ll find the details on page 75. Have a marvellous Christmas – and we’ll see you again in 2018. KL MAGAZINE KLmagazine December 2017
Contents
DECEMBER 2017
72
40
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48 KLmagazine December 2017
110
6-12 WHAT’S ON This month’s diary of forthcoming events
56-58 MOTH IN A CHINA SHOP The tragic origins of an inspiring local charity
8-10 IT’S A PANTO RENAISSANCE We talk to the Princess Theatre’s Brian Hallard
62-69 FASHION Inspirational ideas from our local boutiques
14-16 CHRISTMAS AT HOLKHAM A spectacular setting for this year’s festivities
72-74 HOOK LINE SINKER... With Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston
18 ALIVE CORN EXCHANGE Fabulous shows and fun-filled activities
76-88 FOOD AND DRINK Reviews, recipes and recommendations
20-22 ST NICHOLAS CHAPEL A look at how the iconic building is celebrating
82 RESTAURANT REVIEW A visit to the Folly Tearoom in Holt
26-28 UNCOVER KING’S LYNN... A new phone app sheds new light on the town
86-88 THE WORLD’S BEST GIN A taste of an amazing local success story
32-34 WEALTHY AND WELL CONNECTED King’s Lynn U3A looks at the town’s heritage
92-94 TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH... The life of explorer Samuel Cresswell
40-42 THE VIEW FROM THE TOP... A look at St. Mary’s church in Happisburgh
100-102 JURASSIC IS BACK ON TRACK A remarkable tale of railway restoration
48-50 DECEMBER IN THE GARDEN Expert help and advice with Wendy Warner
106-108 BOOKS REVIEWS A selection of great reads for December
52 THEN & NOW The changing face of West Norfolk
110-112 EMILY CHAPMAN The work of an exicting local artist
54 YOU AND YOUR PETS With local vet Alex Dallas
114 MICHAEL MIDDLETON Waste not, want not this Christmas...
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MOAT ROAD NURSERY A family�run, independent garden centre
BARRY L HAWKINS Independent Auctioneer and Land Agent
Wreaths & freshly cut flowers also available
Open up until Christmas Eve!
Antique & General Sale
6th December The Scale Model Collection
12th & 13th December One of the biggest displays of real Christmas Trees in West Norfolk!
Moat Rd, Terrington St Clement, King's Lynn, PE34 4PN Tel: 01553 828723 | Open: Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4
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The Wine & Spirit Sale
15th December Downham Market Auction Rooms www.barryhawkins.co.uk | 01366 387180 The Estate Office, 15 Lynn Road, Downham Market PE38 9NL
KLmagazine December 2017
December
Until Saturday 23rd
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT CHURCH FARM Church Farm, Stow Bardolph, Downham Market PE34 3HT November 30th-10th December (Thursday-Sunday) 14th-23rd December (Open Daily) (10am-5pm) Father Christmas will be in his wonderful woodland retreat, Church Farm’s more traditional version of Santa’s grotto! He has wonderful presents for all the children. Visit the nativity scenes – which tell the Christmas story in the barn with real donkeys, sheep, rabbits and poultry. There’s no need to book, as there is a ‘no queuing’ system at Church Farm; just see the elf and she will give you a time to return if we are busy. Tickets start at £9.50 – visit the website for more information and further ticket prices.
Saturday 9th - Sunday 17th
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Peckover House, North Brink, Wisbech PE13 1JR (11am-4pm) Selected rooms of Peckover House will be decorated for Christmas with festive floral arrangements. They will also be including Christmas trees brought in by community groups to reflect and continue the Peckovers’ legacy and involvement in the community. There will be music by local choirs and musicians, and mulled wine and homemade mince pies available in the Reed Barn. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. For more information call 01945 583463 or visit the website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/peckover-house-and-garden. KLmagazine December 2017
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th FESTIVE FOOD FAIR The Lady Elizabeth Wing, Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AB (10am-5pm) A delicious collection of food and drink from the best of local and regional producers offering a truly magical Christmas food event. Stock up on ingredients for your own Christmas feast, or find plenty of treats for the food lovers on your gift list. It’s Not All About Turkey is a cookery theatre with a difference hosted by Charlie’s Norfolk Food Heroes. Featuring demonstrations from local chefs, and yuletide musical entertainment will mean you’ll be feeling truly festive! You can relax in the bar in the Lady Elizabeth Wing, which will be open for drinks both days from 12noon-5pm. Entry is free and there’s no need to book. There is a £3 car parking charge in Holkham park which is redeemable on purchases of £12 of more in our courtyard gift shop or café. For more information visit the website at www.holkham.co.uk.
Saturday 23rd
A FESTIVE FESTIVAL! St. Nicholas’ Chapel, St Anne Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1NH (6:30pm-9:30pm) Simply Sing, The Clarkson Singers, Sutton Bridge Gospel Choir and Voices Unplugged are coming together for a Festive Festival! A wonderful evening of Christmas Music, from traditional carols to modern favourites. There’s no better way to kick off Christmas, with’all profits going to support Young Carers across King's Lynn and West Norfolk through West Norfolk Carers. Tickets are £5 (adults) £3.50 (under 18s) and £6 (adults) on the door £4.50 (under 18s). Advance tickets are available from simplysingcommunitychoir.com or through the participating choirs. For more information visit www.simplysingcommunitychoir.com or by sending an e-mail to simplysing@outlook.com. 7
Santa’s ro G tto Open , 2nd,3rd, 9th,10th , 16th,17th, 20th 21st, 22nd & 23rd December
WINTER WONDERLAN
Open daily 8am-6pm
D
The Magic of
Christmas
NEW THEMES. GREAT GIF TS AMA ZIN G LIGHTS
Real Christmas Trees on sale now!
COFFEE SHOP Offering cakes, lunches and Sunday roasts Open: 9am-4:30pm
Garden Centre & Coffee Shop www.thaxters.co.uk | 01485 541514 49 Hunstanton Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6NA www.thaxters.co.uk | Tel: 01485 541514
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KLmagazine December 2017
December
Friday 1st-Sunday 3rd December
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP Oxburgh Hall, Oxborough, King's Lynn PE33 9PS (10am-4pm) Join the Gardener and volunteers for a day and discover your creative talents in making a Christmas wreath. Based on a metal ring which will be completely covered in moss and greenery collected from the estate and then finished off with decorative Christmas items and suitable for hanging on a door. Decorative items will be available but feel free to bring along our own decorative item to personalise your wreath. Tickets are £45 and the price includes refreshments on arrival, a light lunch and refreshments in the afternoon. To book call 03442 491895.
Running until Christmas
TOBY WINTERINGHAM EXHIBITION Tim Clayton Jewellery, 21-23 Chapel St, King’s Lynn PE30 1EG (Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5:30pm) Exhibition of the latest pieces of exquisite furniture and smaller items by Toby Winteringham. Toby creates individual furniture pieces and collections based on his observations of everyday life; be they natural, cultural or industrial. Inspired by simplicity, structure, pattern and function, his pieces display a pared-down beauty that both challenge and please in equal measure. Not afraid to use a combination of industrial processes and handwork these both inform and reflect in the finished works. Several pieces have been awarded Guild Mark Certificates from The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, for outstanding design and craftsmanship. The exhibition runs until Christmas. To find out more about Toby Winteringham visit the website at www.tobywinteringham.co.uk.
Coming soon...
Thurs 11th & Sun 28th January
KING’S LYNN COMMUNITY CINEMA CLUB JANUARY SHOWINGS: POPULAIRE (7:30pm) HOBSON’S CHOICE (3:30pm) St George’s Guildhall, 29 King Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1HA The King’s Lynn Community Cinema Club is an independent, not-for-profit organisation set up to cater for film enthusiasts in the area. There are two film seasons per year, screening at least one film a month (usually the second Thursday) in The Guildhall of St George at 7.30pm. Members can pay a subscription of £30 for a season of films, May-October and November-April, and can bring along two guests to every film. You can join at any time paying a reduced rate for the remaining time left for the season. For more information and to see future screenings visit the website www.klccc.uk/films.
KLmagazine December 2017
Sunday 21st January THREE OF MUSIC’S FINEST - NORFOLK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn (3:30pm) Beethoven: Egmont Overture Mozart: Clarinet Concerto – Soloist Victoria Soames-Samek Mendelssohn: Symphony No.3 “Scottish” There are many theories about Mozart’s premature death; some rational and medically sound, others more conspiratorial and romantic. However it came about though, it must count as one of the great tragedies in art. The sublime and delicate Clarinet Concerto (his last completed instrumental work) along with The Magic Flute and the last symphonies, give us an inkling of the further riches he may have bestowed on us had he lived on. If it’s music at its most sublime that you’re looking for, then look no further. To book tickets and for more information please visit the website www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk.
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What’s On
ABOVE: Part of the cast of Cinderella, which opens at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton from Saturday 2nd December (from left to right); Helen Farrell as Cinderella, Andy Eastwood as Buttons, and Elise and Seren Whyte as the ugly sisters Venus and Verucca – they may not be ugly, but they’re definitely sisters
Bringing the pantomime back to Hunstanton... It’s stood in Hunstanton for 85 years, but the Princess Theatre has probably never been so exciting. KL magazine talks to Director Brian Hallard about the theatre’s recent success – and its future
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ome five years ago, a consortium of local businesses joined forces to bring the much-loved Princess Theatre in Hunstanton back to life. In a very short space of time, the venue – which first opened as a cinema in 1932 – has brought West End theatre to the coast of West Norfolk, raised over £50,000 for charity, and (oh yes, it has) brought the pantomime back to Hunstanton. As the Princess Theatre’s production of Cinderella begins its month-long
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run, we speak to the theatre’s Director Brian Hallard about the renaissance of this beautiful seaside attraction. KL magazine: Before we get to Hunstanton, tell us a little of your background... BRIAN HALLARD: I was born in the East End of London, and attended the Sir John Cass School in the City of London. From there I went into the family business and married my wife Diana in 1970. We have two lovely sons – Luke is married to Katrina and
Matthew’s wife is Anna. We also have one granddaughter, Scarlett, who’s already showing a love of theatre too. The world of entertainment has always been my passion, but it wasn’t until some 20 years ago that I got professionally involved with it when I directed and produced Rockin’ On Heaven’s Door – which became hugely successful, touring both the UK and Europe. We actually used to play the Princess Theatre once a week during the summer, and it was because of that
KLmagazine December 2017
longer than three years, but with the help of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, we’ve now managed to achieve our main aims. KL magazine: This year’s pantomime is Cinderella, which is probably the most famous of all pantomimes. How pleased are you with this production? BRIAN HALLARD: I’m very happy with the way the pantomime audience has been increasing year by year –people are already booking tickets for next year’s pantomime, which will be Snow White! The feedback has been very positive from our patrons, and Cinderella is proving to be very popular. The sets and the costumes look really impressive and I’m looking forward to working and socialising with a great bunch of people. I’m not going to give any secrets away, but I’ve got a big surprise in store for our 2019 pantomime, which those few in the know are already very excited about.
ABOVE: Director Brian Hallard is spearheading the renaissance of the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton – helped by a professional and dedicated team of talented professionals
show that we were able to move to Hunstanton – as I could book the show and arrange tours from there just as easily as London. KL magazine: How did your book The Real Life of Brian come about? BRIAN HALLARD: I received a package from Life Books for my 69th birthday. I spent the weekend reading the information pack and wondering who had sent it to me – and why? On the Monday, my son Luke telephoned and explained it was my 70th birthday present from the family. They wanted me to write my life story and fill in all the missing bits. At first, I was hesitant and spent about three months just thinking about it. My wife spent the next nine months helping me, and with the assistance of a ghost writer I enjoyed remembering the past. I’m older and wiser now, so there were a few regrets, but mainly I’ve had a very happy life and I’ve spent it well. Writing the book was an amazing experience. KL magazine: How did your ‘official’ association with the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton start? BRIAN HALLARD: I looked at the theatre when it went for tender, but decided the deal wasn’t for me. A cinema company took it over, but that didn’t last for very long. It was actually
KLmagazine December 2017
Councillor Paul Beal who first approached me about the possibility of taking on the theatre. On this occasion my mouth was actually quicker than my brain and I said yes. The rest, as they say, is history. KL magazine: Why did you want to be involved with the renaissance of the Princess Theatre? BRIAN HALLARD: I spent the best part of 20 years telling theatre marketing departments and theatre managers that they weren’t marketing my shows properly – so I thought it would be good to put into practice what I’d been preaching. I’m happy to say that I think I was right!
KL magazine: How important is the Princess Theatre for Hunstanton and the surrounding area? BRIAN HALLARD: It’s very important, and not just for what’s happening on the stage. The theatre brings trade into the town as people come from far and wide to watch the shows. B&Bs, hotels, restaurants and shops are benefitting, and a dark corner of the town is now lit up. Our summer show is back, and coaches are already booking for 2018. The most important part of my role is booking the shows – whether they’re household names or quality tribute acts.
KL magazine: One of the most popular shows at the Princess Theatre is the return of the Christmas pantomime – was that always one of your goals? BRIAN HALLARD: Our main aim in the beginning was to make the Princess a place people wanted to visit, so I set myself a three-year plan. Firstly, I wanted to extend the terrace, creating a place to have coffee in the morning, a wine bar in the evening, and a theatre bar on show days. Secondly, I wanted to install a projector and satellite system so we could have cinema again and stream in live theatre. Finally, I wanted to bring pantomime back to its rightful home. It took a little
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What’s On
COMING SOON
KL magazine: In your five years at the Princess Theatre, what do you consider to have been your greatest single achievement? BRIAN HALLARD: Over the last five years, we’ve raised over £50,000 for charity, including the St Edmunds Society, Save The Children, The Gurkha Trust and several more. This is something that’s very important to me, and something we’ll be continuing in the future. KL magazine: You’ve also started bringing the West End to Hunstanton via live theatrical performances. Is that something you'd like to see continue? BRIAN HALLARD: Certainly, as it’s important for the accessibility of theatre. It brings performances from the London stage to people who may not readily have access to it. With live streamed theatre, the Princess Theatre audience in Hunstanton becomes part of the West End audience in London, experiencing the performance ‘as it happens’ on the big screen.
KL magazine: You've also started screening about two films a month. How do you go about choosing what films to show? BRIAN HALLARD: By listening to our patrons’ requests, a great deal of help from Gemma, my box office/marketing manager and my wife’s wise words, I seem to get it right 8 out of 10 times – or at least they do! Also, I’m very lucky to have a team of loyal volunteers who are there at every performance looking after our audience. KL magazine: How do you personally feel about the Princess Theatre? BRIAN HALLARD: I believe the theatre is a living thing. If you look after it, it will look after you. For me, it’s not a job – it’s a passion I can’t easily explain. I say good morning to the Princess when I open up and I say goodnight when I leave through the back door at night. KL magazine: Where do you see the Princess Theatre going in the next few years? BRIAN HALLARD: Watch this space!
Following the end of Cinderella’s run on New Year’s day, the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton will be hosting a star-studded programme for 2018 that includes Sofia Coppola’s film The Beguiled, singer songwriter Martine McCutcheon, 1970s superband Showaddywaddy, cricket commentating legend Henry Blofeld, the comedy film Table 19, vertan radio presenter Paul Gambaccini and Jimmy Osmond – the original long-haired lover from Liverpool.
The Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 5AH Telephone: 01485 532252 Website: www.princesshunstanton.co.uk 10
KLmagazine December 2017
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KLmagazine December 2017
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PICTURE: FISHEYE IMAGES
What’s On
Holkham Hall: making Christmas extra special Take a glorious setting, add a touch of festive decoration and seasonal food, invite some musical talent, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a Christmas to remember. Welcome to Holkham Hall...
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olkham Hall is one of the region’s true architectural jewels, remaining virtually untouched since its completion in 1764. Today, this perfect example of Palladianism is at the heart of a thriving private estate of some 25,000 acres and is still the family home of the Earls of Leicester of Holkham. It’s always a pleasure to visit, and this year sees a host of new things to discover – including a greatly enlarged and re-modelled Courtyard Cafe, a relocated and expanded gift shop (perfect for that special Christmas present or some of Holkham’s wonderful decorations), and the fascinating Field to Fork interactive exhibition – but Holkham is at its most magical and enchanting at Christmas, KLmagazine December 2017
when the doors open on a feast of seasonal celebrations. From candlelight tours to classical music and from cheeky elves to live music, Holkham Hall at Christmas has something for the whole family to enjoy in the run up to the big day. There’s no better way to discover Holkham Hall than by touring the magnificent state rooms adorned with opulent Christmas decorations and lit by beautiful flickering candlelight. The hall’s early evening Candlelight Tours are hosted by knowledgeable guides who’ll help you learn about how the decorations were created and share some of the intriguing stories of Holkham’s history – and its past and present residents. You can also meet the hall’s Victorian cook and housekeeper, who’ll be preparing a
Christmas feast and sharing stories of their time in the hall’s grand old kitchen. The Candlelight Tours take place every 15 minutes from 3pm-8pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from December 6th-15th and on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th. On Sunday 3rd and 10th December the tours take place every 15 minutes from 12noon-5pm. Tickets include a glass of Prosecco or soft drink and a mince pie on weekday tours, and a glass of mulled wine or soft drink and mince pie on Sundays. On Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December at 7pm, Diva Opera will be presenting a sparkling evening of song, and it’s the ideal way to get you into the festive spirit. A group of friends get together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season and recall Yuletide 15
PICTURES: HOLKHAM ESTATE (unless indicated otherwise)
What’s On
stories of old; and as their thoughts turn to warmer seasons, they make plans for the year ahead – performing a wonderful selection of much-loved arias, songs and carols. Tickets are £40, and include a glass of champagne in the Saloon during the interval and an opportunity to view some of the other festively-decorated state rooms in the hall. For the creatively minded, Holkham Hall is hosting a selection of Christmasthemed workshops to suit all members of the family – from making decorative wreaths, creating gingerbread wonders and preparing decorations. It all starts with A Natural Christmas on the Sundays of December 3rd and 10th (10.30am and 1pm) when children can help prepare for Christmas by making their own decorations. Advance booking is essential, and all children must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Although not suitable for children, on Wednesday 6th December (11am and 2pm) you can enjoy a two-hour Festive Wreath Making workshop, learning how to create your own wreath with greenery from Holkham Hall’s parkland. Tickets 16
(£40) include all materials, a mince pie and a hot drink. On Wednesday 13th December you can combine two Christmas traditions and make your own edible wreath using gingerbread with tutor Emma Thornburn. There will be two 2-hour Gingerbread Creations workshops at 11am and 2pm, and the £40 tickets include all materials, a mince pie and hot drink. Finally, two 2-hour workshops on Wednesday 20th December (11am and 2pm) will be helping you create your own floral arrangements to display at home over Christmas. Once again, tickets (£40) will include all materials, a mince pie and a hot drink. One of the highlights of the celebrations takes place over the weekend of 16th-17th December with Holkham Hall’s Festive Food Fair. From 10am-5pm it’s a great opportunity to feast your senses in the Lady Elizabeth Wing with a delicious collection of food and drink from the best of local and regional producers. Free to attend, it’s a chance to stock up on ingredients for your own Christmas feast or find plenty of treats for the food lovers on your gift list – from award-winning local chutneys to
Holkham venison salami, and from locally-brewed beers to artisan pâté. And don’t miss It’s Not All About Turkey – a cookery theatre with a difference, featuring demonstrations from local chefs such as Chris Couborough (Flying Kiwi Inns), Daniel Freear (Strattons), Eric Snaith (Titchwell Manor) and Roger Hickman (Roger Hickman’s Restaurant). Christmas is always a very special time of year, but if you’re looking for some seasonal treats in a truly glorious setting, a visit to Holkham Hall should be top of your festive list.
CHRISTMAS AT HOLKHAM HALL For dates, timings, ticket prices and more information on all the above Christmas events at Holkham Hall, please visit the website at www.holkham.co.uk. The ticket office can be contacted on 01328 713111.
KLmagazine December 2017
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What’s On
Bring your Christmas to Life! With Christmas just around the corner, why not make a change from predictable presents and surprise your loved one with tickets for a show from Alive Corn Exchange... DANCE TO THE MUSIC
MADAM BUTTERFLY
LEVISON WOOD
Monday 15 January Created by, and starring Kristina Rihanoff, one of the most renowned dancers and choreographers from the popular BBC1 strictly Come Dancing TV Show. It is the one and only dance show in theatrical history, which will feature ALL styles of dancing. The audience will experience the evolution of dance through musical eras, starting from the roaring twenties, with tap and Charleston, going through every decade of dance crazes up to modern day Ballroom and Latin! Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Jive, Rock-n-Roll, Funk, Waltz, Disco, Breakdancing, Street, Contemporary Ballet, and Salsa are just a few spectacular styles which will be presented to you by our incredible and versatile team of dancers.
Sunday 28 January One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.
Thursday 22 February In this adventure-filled show, Levison shares his amusing and sometimes poignant recollections of life as a soldier in the Parachute Regiment and his subsequent transition into an explorer of international standing. ‘An Evening With Levison Wood' will include tales and behind the scenes moments from his journeys walking the length of the Nile, the Himalayas and the Americas, all of which were documented by Channel 4, as well as the people and places that inspired him as a younger man to follow this life of adventure. With his honest accounts of life on the road, Levison hopes to challenge our preconceptions and inspire a new generation of adventurers.
JIM DAVIDSON (16+) Tueday 16 & Wednesday 17 January The people’s favourite comedian takes to ‘The Road Again’ with a brand-new show which promises to be the antidote to this ‘PC’ world we now live in. Guaranteed to be outrageous and as truthful as ever.
AL LIVE 4 Sunday 4 February A.L Live 4 is a unique and dynamic fitness extravaganza that guarantees to that takes your workout experience to the next level, and inspire you on your fitness journey. Join us at Alive Corn exchange to celebrate some of Alive Leisure’s favourite classes. With Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Attack, Body Balance, A.L Step, and Powerwave to choose from, there is something for everyone from complete beginners to fitness fanatics to enjoy. Book your tickets at any Alive Leisure centre.
Tickets for all shows are available from our Box Office on 01553 764864 or book online at: kingslynncornexchange.co.uk @klcornexchange
KLmagazine December 2017
@klcornexchange
Alive Corn Exchange
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Local Life
ABOVE: British musical ensemble Mediæval Bæbes – who’ve sold around 500,000 records worldwide and were nominated for two Emmys earlier this year – will be bringing their unique sound to St Nicholas’ Chapel in King’s Lynn later this month
St Nicholas’ Chapel gets ready for Christmas... The true story of Santa Claus begins with Saint Nicholas, which makes the festive season the perfect time to enjoy the wonders of England’s largest chapel-of-ease, as Clare Bee discovers
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ike many churches and chapels up and down the country, St Nicholas’ Chapel in the centre of King’s Lynn is getting ready for a busy month in December. From The Hoodlums Ball (a Peaky Blinders’ themed ball) on the 1st of the month to a Christmas wreath-making workshop and a variety of Christmas concerts, the chapel is proving that it’s a space for everyone to use for many types of event.
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King’s Lynn Festival Chorus will be holding their regular Christmas concert on December 3rd and will be welcoming back Mardi Brass, a five piece brass ensemble who’ll be contributing their own style to well known and not so well known Christmas music. In addition, children from two local schools, St Martha’s Catholic Primary School and Churchill Park School will be taking part in the concert. The Mediaeval Baebes will be making
an appearance on December 10th, bringing their unique version of medieval music, poetry and texts to life, using traditional instruments while singing in obscure and ancient languages. Affectionately known as St Nick’s, the chapel was the recipient of a large Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant for restoration work in 2014-2015. This funding enabled the re-roofing of the chapel, conservation of the woodwork and internal painting. It also provided
KLmagazine December 2017
funding for a small kitchen, toilets and heating; many locals will remember how bone-chillingly cold it used to be! The back few rows of pews have been taken out, considerably enlarging the usable space, and up to 100 people can be catered for – the dais in the chancel can even be used for a disco! St Nicholas’ Chapel is an exceptionally fine medieval building of national importance. As the largest chapel in England, it’s one of 350 English churches under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT), and its size is comparable with some of the country’s smaller cathedrals. It’s also the largest ‘chapel-of-ease’ in England, as the subordinate church in the parish of St Margaret’s (now King’s Lynn Minster). Even though it’s a very grand building, according to Adrian Parker, Chairman of the Friends of St Nicholas, “its legal status as a chapel-of-ease is no more important than a little side chapel within St Margaret’s.” The origins of St Nicholas’ Chapel date back to about 1150, when the Bishop of Norwich William Turbus granted the use of a piece of land to the north of the town for the building of a chapel-of-ease attached to the priory church of St Margaret’s. Although it was probably originally built of wood, by 1200 parts of the chapel were beginning to be built from stone, including the lower part of the tower. However, by 1380 a complete rebuilding was started and by 1419 St Nicholas’ was referred to as ‘recently rebuilt’ (in the Perpendicular style) and appeared much as we see it today. “During this time, in the 1370s and 1426, St Nicholas’ tried to become a separate parish,” explains Adrian, “but the powerful merchants of the town were politically committed to St Margaret’s, so it never happened.” Apart from the south porch, the chapel is perfectly rectangular, and is mostly built from brick rubble and rendered. The stone tower is all that remains of the early church building, showing there was a lower level of ground floor. The original spire blew down in a violent storm in 1741, to be replaced the following year by a wooden octagon. This in turn was replaced in 1869 by a lead spire, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Inside, many alterations were made to the building during the Victorian era, from new pews and a new peal of eight bells to the installation of a new organ in 1900. Built by Henry Willis and Sons (one of the great organ builders of the time) the organ at St Nicholas’ was in
KLmagazine December 2017
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Local Life
fact one of the last ones he built. It’s the interior of the chapel which really shows off the amazing skills of the craftsmen who contributed to this wonderful building. At the east end, the magnificent stained glass window contains 32 vividly coloured panels depicting New Testament scenes – and at the west end, the intricately-carved doors dating from around 1400 have been re-decorated in red and green paint as was their original colour scheme. Possibly the most spectacular feature is the oak timber roof structure. The tie beams are carried on shallow arch braces, and at either end of the 11 bays of the 15th century timber roof stand 22 carved angels. These impressive angels, each one set on a projecting beam directly above the clerestory windows so as to be more clearly visible, are either holding musical instruments or religious symbols. The medieval carving of these angels is exquisite and the incredible skill taken to produce such fine work is second to none. Of course, as with all old buildings,
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the costs of running St Nicholas’ Chapel continue to spiral. The CCT is responsible for the upkeep of the building, but anything extra has to be found, and this is where the Friends of St Nicholas’ Chapel are active in promoting; encouraging visitors and raising funds for the future. This means opening the chapel for longer and putting on events. “The most critical thing for us is to attract some more helpers who could give three to four hours per month,” says Adrian. “A bigger pool of volunteers would enable us to run more events, and therefore bring in more income.” The current campaign has raised £5,000 to repair the organ. Since its last service over 30 years ago, it now needs the interior cleaned, dents to the pipework beaten out and repairs to the blower and collapsed reeds. The next plan is to renovate the paintwork and stonework on the reredos – the decorative screens at the back of the altar. Built of Bath stone in 1852 and painted with oil on canvas, they’re now flaking and crumbling and in need of urgent repair.
So if you’re going to a concert or attending a party or other event at St Nicholas’ Chapel this December, then not only are you going to enjoy the majesty that is this beautiful chapel, but you’re also helping to ensure the future of this wonderful and special building. For more information and details of events, please see the CCT website visitchurches.org.uk or the Friends’ website at stnicholaskingslynn.org.uk
KLmagazine December 2017
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KLmagazine December 2017
A fresh new look for all your Christmas flowers... Flower Corner in King’s Lynn now looks better than ever
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t’s the busiest time of year for Kate Shipp and her team of five florists, as they get ready for the annual deluge of Christmas orders for Christmas holly wreaths and garlands – which they make from scratch at Flower Corner in King’s Lynn and Elizabeth the Florist in Downham Market. It’s possibly an even busier time for Kate’s husband Ian, as he makes the deliveries for both shops – and even Kate’s parents help out at particularly busy times! The couple have owned Elizabeth the Florist for the last 15 years and bought Flower Corner in King’s Lynn in December 2008, and it’s fair to say the building has never looked better – thanks to a recent facelift that’s made the most of the location. “A lot of the woodwork to the front had deteriorated over the years, but happily my husband is a carpenter by trade,” says Kate. “Together with West Winch carpenter P.J. Waterson they spent a month on the building and I think it looks better than ever now!” It would have been simpler (and certainly cheaper) to replace the old wood with plastic KLmagazine December 2017
boarding, but Kate and Ian have restored the exterior of the building sympathetically to retain its traditional character. It’s a local heritage the couple have always been keen to promote – shortly after purchasing the shop in 2008, they needed to remove the old chimney pots – but instead of simply discarding them, they now feature prominently in the store’s window displays. Christmas may be a busy time for a florist, but then it’s always a busy time for Kate. Every day, her team of florists delivers floral arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions and weddings – at times they can actually be assembling the flowers for up to five weddings in a single weekend!
Funerals are another important element of Kate’s work, and her team are continually having a loved one’s favourite flowers and colours made into beautiful arrangements. “It helps make a very sad time a bit more bearable,” she says, “and we’re always making special tributes to reflect people’s past times and loves. Nothing’s too much trouble, and in the past we’ve made floral arrangements in the shapes of vehicles, animals, pets – and even musical instruments!” Whatever the event, if you’re looking for beautiful flowers to match the occasion, look no further than Flower Corner and Elizabeth the Florist!
Flower Corner
information
49 Norfolk St, King’s Lynn PE30 1AG Tel: 01553 774544
Elizabeth The Florist 23 Bridge St, Downham Market PE38 9DW Tel: 01366 384414 Web: fandabbydaisy.florist
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Local Life
Uncover King’s Lynn: there’s an app for that! The history of King’s Lynn stretches back hundreds of years, but it’s now accessible through the 21st century medium of the mobile phone app. Rachel Murphy explains how it all works...
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ast Easter, King’s Lynn’s stunning new visitor attraction Stories of Lynn opened at the historic town hall complex in the town’s Saturday Market Place. Envisioned as a gateway to the town’s other heritage sites – the Red Mount Chapel, neighbouring King’s Lynn Minster, Greyfriars Tower, True’s Yard, St. Nicholas’ Chapel and Lynn Museum – one of the key aspects of the Stories of Lynn project is the development of a free accompanying app, covering both King’s Lynn town hall and Stories of Lynn, along with the wider town.
KLmagazine December 2017
This was a particularly exciting and innovative part of the Stories of Lynn project, drawing together a wealth of information and historical images into one invaluable resource for those interested in King’s Lynn, whether a local or visitor. There’s an abundance of audio content on the app, which serves to inform, entertain and guide the user through the museum or along trails around the town. For example, when stood in front of the Custom House (once described by Pevsner as “one of the most perfect buildings ever built”) the audio guide will point out where
the interesting features of the building are, telling the user exactly where to look. Along with the audio tracks, dramatic re-enactments and picture galleries, the app also has fun, interactive features such as ‘reveal the past’, where the user ‘rubs away’ an image of the present-day building to uncover an image from the past. The user will be stood in front of a stop such as Marriott’s Warehouse and will see a present-day image of the building on their screen. Using their finger, they’ll ‘rub away’ the image to reveal how that building or place used to look, either in photo or in paint. The
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Local Life
app also offers the opportunity to use the phone’s camera to take a ‘freeze frame’ to submit your own pictures at each stop by uploading them to social media. The Stories of Lynn app gives users four tour options; three that take in the town, and one of the town hall and gaol house – the latter available exclusively for visitors to the Stories of Lynn museum. The town hall and gaol house tour uses beacon technology to prompt relevant content on users’ devices whilst visiting Stories of Lynn. Visitors simply download the app (free WiFi is available at the museum) and whilst they’re walking around the museum the beacons will prompt the app to show the relevant content for the object or artefact they’re stood by. The shortest tour is Heart of Historic Lynn, which takes around 30 minutes to complete, depending on the amount of stops the walker chooses to take. The tour introduces you to the merchants, priests, writers and sailors of Lynn, starting at Stories of Lynn and finishing at Lynn Museum – why not make a day of it and combine a visit to both museums either side of the walking tour? The Walks and Walls tour takes you outside of the historic town centre, exploring religious houses, Lynn’s oldest church and The Walks, the historic urban park in the heart of King’s
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Lynn, which is home to the famous Red Mount Chapel. Lastly, for those who would like to venture a little further, the Town Tour takes in the town centre, the historic South Gate and Hardwick Cemetery, taking around an hour and ten minutes to complete the walk alone. Alongside the tour, the app also offers users a guide to places of interest, a map feature, as well as a What’s On guide to King’s Lynn. Users also have the opportunity to learn more at certain stops, with links to partner organisations and relevant websites or resources. Users can check their progress in the app, viewing how many places they’ve visited, the stories they’ve discovered and the quiz questions they’ve answered correctly. For those who complete all the tours and
become a King’s Lynn Explorer, there’s a downloadable certificate – perfect for children or the young at heart! The progress tracker also means the app can be revisited as many times as desired. Perfect for King’s Lynn locals and visitors alike, it’s something that promises to reveal hidden stories of King’s Lynn to all. Extensive work to the town hall complex and the creation of the new Stories of Lynn exhibition was made possible by a grant of £1,850,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £800,000 from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and investments from other funders.
The Stories of Lynn app is available from the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Stories of Lynn is located at King’s Lynn’s historic Saturday Market Place and the museum is open daily between 10am and 4:30pm, with last entry at 4pm. Entry costs £3.95 for adults, £2.95 for concessions, £1.95 for children and £9.85 for a family ticket, which covers a group of five, with a maximum of two adults. For more information about Stories of Lynn including events, tours and talks, visit the website at www.storiesoflynn.com or call 01553 774297.
KLmagazine December 2017
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KLmagazine December 2017
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Welcome to a new way of shopping for antiques Over 15,000ft2 of fine antiques and collectables under one roof! eers of Europe has a global reputation as Britain’s biggest beer shop, with 2,000 different craft beers, real ales and lagers from over 60 countries. Recently, there was even more reason to visit with the opening of The Steiff Shop, which features East Anglia’s largest selection of Steiff bears and animals – around 500 at the last count. Now, with the opening of The Warehouse last month, Beers of Europe has become a major destination – and a ‘must visit’ location for all the family. The Warehouse isn’t just another antiques centre. In fact, you’ll never have found shopping for antiques and collectables so easy – or so enjoyable. Covering some 15,000ft2 of modern floor space, The Warehouse features
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over 70 local dealers – although that figure is set to reach 100 in the next few months. Cleverly divided into separate stands, units and cabinets, it’s a true collector’s paradise, and each unit is laid out in a room setting. There’s plenty of space to wander around and see the items at their best – long gone are the days of over-packed and crowded antique shops! In addition to high quality furniture and fine antiques, The Warehouse features a glittering range of vintage and retro pieces, silver and jewellery, collectables and wartime memorabilia, taxidermy and paintings – and with the stock changing on an almost daily basis there’s always something new to discover. The Warehouse is open seven days a
week from 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays, and with plenty of free parking and full disabled access it’s very easy to get to – but it’s very hard to leave. Welcome to a whole new way of shopping for antiques. Welcome to the Warehouse.
THE
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Garage Lane, Setchey, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE33 0BE Telephone: 01553 812000 Website: www.thewarehouseantiques.co.uk ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES E-mail: shop@thewarehouseantiques.co.uk
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Local Life
King’s Lynn: wealthy and well connected... SLP co-ordinator Ann Higgins explores the recent partnership project between King’s Lynn University of the Third Age and the Marriott’s Warehouse Trust that’s shedding new light on the town
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earn, laugh and live – that’s the message from the University of the Third Age (commonly known as U3A) and members do just that by taking part in activity groups doing everything from art to zoology – with walking, photography and Scrabble and pretty much everything else in between. Founded over 35 years ago, U3A is a nationwide organisation based on local groups providing opportunities for retired and semi-retired people to come together and develop their interests. King’s Lynn has an active and growing U3A that celebrated its 25th anniversary
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last year. It has 360 members and 60 different interest groups, all of which are run by members with a particular interest or skill to enable other members to develop an existing skill or start learning something completely new. Research is an important part of learning (it’s a core part of U3A’s remit) and Shared Learning Projects are the most common form of U3A research. They began in 2002 at the British Museum in London with 12 members from North London researching an object of their choice. The central feature of an SLP is that it involves members of U3As working together with other U3As and/or with an
organisation or institution on a project which is planned as a joint venture. The intention is for the ‘learning’ to be ‘shared’ between all the parties involved and for the research to have a useful outcome. I’d seen examples of Shared Learning Projects in the ‘Sources’ magazine that comes with Third Age Matters, the national U3A magazine – and after following a training day for Trustees, which also promoted these projects, I thought that if these other U3As can do it, then so could King’s Lynn! From the national data lists of U3As who’d produced Shared Learning ProjectsI could find nothing recorded at that time from Norfolk.
KLmagazine December 2017
The first step was to ask for support from our committee, and once that was granted three committee members volunteered to help with setting up the project. The next decision was to find a local organisation interested and willing to work with us. I decided to approach Dr Paul Richards, the local historian and Trustee of both Marriott’s Warehouse Trust and True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum to discover whether there was any way we could work with either of these local charities – who both do a marvellous job of promoting knowledge of King’s Lynn’s history. Dr Richards was very interested in the idea and told us there were several topic areas they’d not had time to investigate and that Marriott’s Warehouse Trust would welcome our input. Our aim was to produce research and related work to be exhibited and we were offered the opportunity to hold an exhibition at Marriott’s Warehouse to be in place for the Hanseatic Festival 2017. The Trust would provide a meeting room for us and help us with resources and guidance. The choices of topic were whaling, ships and shipbuilding, and imports and exports in King’s Lynn during the 18th and 19th centuries. All members of King’s Lynn U3A were invited to choose one of these and the final result was a majority in favour of finding out more about imports and exports through our port. The project was launched on April 15th last year and we held our first meeting on the second floor of Marriott’s Warehouse. I’d invited Jennifer Simpson, the Shared Learning Co-ordinator for the East of England region to come to the launch and she was able to talk to us about SLPs and describe the exciting learning opportunities they represent. Following that, Paul Richards gave us an introductory talk about imports and exports during the 18th and 19th centuries and the various directions our research could go. Our imaginations were fired as we realised how much there was to discover about the history of our town during those two centuries of unprecedented change and development. Our U3A’s first task was to chart our ideas and we began to move into smaller groups according to particular interests. There was a really wide choice of what we could do, and some members quickly identified where their interest lay – although others (myself included!) took slightly longer to settle on a particular aspect. Initially, the aim was to complete the work within six months but in reality we took longer,
KLmagazine December 2017
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Local Life
most people finishing by Christmas 2016. The town’s archives were still held in Norwich and some members visited County Hall in Norwich to access them. Locally we had the public libraries, the library at True’s Yard, the archive office in the Town Hall and the town museum – Paul Richards was helpful with recommending books and he even lent us some of his own. Merchant houses were visited and connections followed up in the Minster and St. Nicholas Chapel and their graveyards. From the outset, I wanted to include other U3A groups in the project, and the groups who could contribute produced some excellent work, which can be seen at the exhibition in Marriott’s Warehouse. Book Group 1, Stitchery, Creative
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Writing and the Art group were all involved and their contributions greatly enhanced the research – the Book Group, for example, researched the work of Fanny Burney (1752-1840), who lived for a time in King’s Lynn and whose groundbreaking novels were exported to Europe. In August this year, the SLP group met with Paul Richards and Manager for Marriott’s Warehouse Trust Rebecca Rees to explore how the exhibited work could be used. It will continue to be displayed at Marriott’s Warehouse until Christmas, and after that there are several possibilities to further publicise it – it could even be taken to other local U3As interested in finding out how to set up a Shared Learning Project. Paul Richards suggested we approach St Nicholas Chapel, a
significant historic building and the largest parochial chapel in the country, while another suggestion was the Town Museum in King’s Lynn could be invited to display it. At the launch of the exhibition, Rebecca Rees had reproduced some of the research into merchant’s houses in a Merchant’s Trail pamphlet – and these were available at True’s Yard and also the Tourist Office for visitors to the town. They were popular with tourists, and the group decided that pamphlets related to the different topics various members had researched could be similarly produced and sold – which would be a better option than a book, as they’d be more affordable and people could choose the topics that they were most interested in. I hope that in the future, our U3A will start work on another Shared Learning Project – we have so much on our doorstep waiting to be discovered about our environment and our society, both in history and at the present. Anyone interested in learning more about King’s Lynn U3A or even joining the group can visit our website at www.u3asites.org.uk/kingslynn/home
KLmagazine December 2017
TIME N I D E R E V I L DE MAS! T S I R H C R O F
The best Christmas dinner deserves the best Christmas table! A stunning new collection arrives to join Bespoke Pine n Oak’s 800+ pieces of hand-built solid wood furniture all ready to take away today! ne of the centrepieces of the festive season is the Christmas table; laden with all sorts of food and edible treats, accommodating all your family and friends, and providing the perfect setting for those after-dinner chats and board games. With all that activity, few people give much thought to the table itself – until they suddenly discover it’s not good-looking enough, strong enough or flexible enough to seat all their festive guests. It can put a real damper on any home’s Christmas spirit. At Bespoke Pine n Oak’s massive showroom in King’s Lynn you’ll find over 800 pieces of finely-crafted furniture in
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IF YOU CAN DRAW IT, WE CAN MAKE IT!
stock and ready to take home today. It’s one of the biggest furniture choices for miles around, and it’s a collection that includes an incredibly diverse range of tables and chairs. In fact, you’ll find over 50 different tables in a wide range of styles and finishes (some of them exclusive to Bespoke Pine n Oak), together with a dedicated chair booth that features over 70 different designs – and an almost infinite choice of options. Expertly crafted in everything from highgrade American white oak to reclaimed scaffolding boards, there’s a table at Bespoke Pine n Oak to suit every home,
every taste and every room size. From unusual round tables with two extensions to drop-leaf tables (perfect for smaller rooms) and hugely impressive fixed-top tables, Bespoke Pine n Oak can bring some brilliant and practical ideas to your dining experiences – with hidden extensions, under-table storage, fine detailing and tables that can easily treble in size in just a few seconds. With such a huge collection in stock and ready to take home today, there’s still time to treat your family and guests to a stylish and comfortable Christmas – and make your festive table the main attraction!
Bespoke Pine n Oak www.bespokepinenoakltd.com
KLmagazine December 2017
Unit 1, Hamlin Way Hardwick Narrows Estate King’s Lynn PE30 4NG Telephone: 01553 277515
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Charmed Interiors: now more charming than ever It’s bigger, it’s better, it’s got more choice than ever, and now Charmed Interiors even has an on-site hair and beauty salon. No wonder it’s the perfect time to enjoy a day at Charmed Interiors
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t’s been a very big year for Charmed Interiors in Downham Market, as an extensive programme of refurbishment and expansion that started back in January comes to a conclusion. Charmed Interiors is still the hugely popular family-run home furnishings and gift shop that it’s been for the last decade, but it’s now bigger and better than ever. “The last year has probably seen the biggest changes to the store since we first opened,” says Charmed Interiors’ Jason Sutton. “In the past we’ve moved
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the store onto two floors and we’ve introduced the tearoom, but this year has been amazing. We’ve turned Charmed Interiors into a real destination where it’s easy to spend a few enjoyable hours – shopping, relaxing and eating.” In fact, Charmed Interiors has been transformed. A re-vamped car park (with new bays for disabled access) and new entrance leads you into an expanded bedding department; the selection of giftware has been relocated; and the ready-made and made-to-measure curtain department
is now almost twice the size it was before. But one of the biggest changes at Charmed Interiors is the introduction of The Salon, which opened last month in association with Norfolk-based hairstylist and make-up artist Lilian L’Amour. A new boutique-style salon focused on delivering a unique and luxurious hair and beauty experience in a beautiful, purpose-built environment, The Salon at Charmed Interiors has seven chairs and three backwashes manned by experienced hairdressers
KLmagazine December 2017
and nail technicians. “We’re really excited about the opening of The Salon,” says Jason, “and with every service tailored specially to individual customers, we’re really looking forward to making them feel glamorous. Whether it’s a quick manicure, a hair colour correction, or having your make-up done for a special occasion, we’ve got all your beauty needs covered.” The changes at Charmed Interiors aren’t all cosmetic, however. There’s more than ever choice to discover, with a vast range of home furnishings from decorative items and glassware to candles and soaps, and from kitchen accessories to cards. At Charmed Interiors you’ll find towels in over 60 different designs and colours, and more than 100 different cushions – from the traditional to the quirky, from modern metallics to the Voyage Maison wildlife range. Charmed Interiors has also recently introduced a wide range of gifts and practical products for your kitchen, garden and home from Stamfordbased homewares designer Sophie Allport – which offer a stylish twist on the country kitchen. Meanwhile, over in the bedding department, Charmed Interiors are now stocking designer bedding sets from prestigious brands such as Karl Lagerfeld, Joules, Ted Baker, Kylie Minogue and the Victoria & Albert Museum – although if you’re looking for something slightly less extravagant, you’ll find plenty of non-branded bedding available too. The expanded curtain department at Charmed Interiors now features more ready-made curtains than ever, with 100s of designs and colours from
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manufacturers such as Ashley Wilde, Fusion, Curtina and Orla Kiely – but if you can’t find the perfect match for your home, Charmed Interiors now has even more made-to-measure options – together with a bigger and better selection of poles and accessories. Of course, all that shopping is thirsty (and hungry!) work – so don’t forget to take the weight off your feet in Charmed Interiors’ ever popular vintage-styled tearoom. Open from Monday to Saturday (9am-4pm) the tearoom serves a wide range of breakfasts, lunches, snacks, sandwiches, cream teas and lots of delicious cakes – which are homemade on site at Charmed Interiors’ sister store Bookmark in Spalding. There are plenty of gluten-free options to enjoy as well, and in the run up to Christmas it’s the perfect opportunity to book a festive afternoon tea – available all week for £19.95 for two people. With more style than ever to discover, with more distinctive looks for your home, and with a relaxing way to treat yourself thanks to The Salon, there’s probably never been a better time to discover everything that Charmed Interiors has to offer.
The Hythe, Bridge Road, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 0AE Telephone: 01366 384126 Website: www.charmed-interiors.co.uk
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KLmagazine December 2017
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KLmagazine December 2017
Thurlow House, 71 Sutton Road, Walpole Cross Keys, Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn PE34 4HD
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Local Life
ABOVE: The beautiful church of St Mary the Virgin in Happisburgh is full of history and maritime memorials, but its tower offers an incredible view (opposite) that takes in two lighthouses and no less than 30 churches – and even Norwich Cathedral on a clear day!
Enjoying one of the very best views in Norfolk... It’s said to be one of the finest examples of medieval architecture anywhere in Norfolk, but there’s much more to Happisburgh’s church of St Marys than the building itself, as Sylvia Steele discovers
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hat would you be you wide East Anglian skies, Without church towers to recognise you by?’ Sir John Betjeman could well have been talking about the church tower of St. Mary the Virgin situated on the cliffs above the pretty seaside village of Happisburgh when he wrote these words in 1974. Said to be one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Norfolk, the 110ft tower remains a focal point of the 15th century restoration of the church. The tower is open to the public on certain days – when the climb of some
KLmagazine December 2017
113 steps up the steep narrow stairs affords a view of no less than 30 churches, two lighthouses, and even the spire of Norwich Cathedral some 16 miles away. Standing firm against the unpredictable power of the winds from the North Sea, St. Mary’s is inseparably linked to the sea. It appears very much a seaman’s church, with testimony throughout the churchyard to the tragic loss of sailors shipwrecked on the shoal sandbanks off the shore. In one such storm on 19th December 1770, a 41ft sloop called HMS Peggy carrying newly-conscripted pressmen from Newcastle was grounded at a spot
near Tor Gap with the loss of 32 of the Ship’s Company, who are buried in St. Mary’s churchyard. In another tragic loss on 16th March 1801, the Royal Navy 74-gun HMS Invincible, making her way to join the Baltic Fleet under Admiral Sir Hugh Parker and Admiral Nelson shortly before the Battle of Copenhagen, was wrecked on Haisbro Sands. Four hundred lives were lost from the crew of 590, with 119 of them buried here. On the north side of St. Mary’s, a simple memorial stone marks a mass grave in memory of those men lost. Given jointly by the Ship’s Company of the modern-day aircraft carrier HMS
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Local Life
Invincible and the Parochial Church Council the stone was laid here in July 1998 and a Service of Remembrance is attended in March each year by personnel of the Royal Navy. Another fierce storm in 1804 beached the Yarmouth Revenue Cutter HMS Hunter with the loss of many of her crew and, in yet another part of the churchyard, a stone cross and anchor marks the burial place of six crew members from Holland, Norway, Sweden and England, all on board the barque Young England, and who were lost in 1876. Records show there has been a church on this site since the time of the Domesday Book, and it was given to the Priory of Wymondham by William D’Albini in 1101. Following the dissolution of the abbey by Henry VIII, St. Mary’s church at Happisburgh passed into the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Norwich. Unfortunately, only traces of the original 14th century structure remain, such as the tracery of the south chancel windows and the grandeur of the font with its panels of the four Evangelists, alternating with carvings of lions’ heads and mythological wildmen of the woods – perhaps a surprising find in this small intimate church. When lightning struck in 1822, causing damage to the tower and part of the roof, extensive repairs were necessary, and 60 years later the whole building was again in need of complete restoration. A memorial tablet has been added to the south wall of the south aisle in memory of men lost in World War One
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and restoration to the chapel in the north aisle was refurnished as a memorial for those lost in World War Two. The East Anglian landscape has always proved a lure to poets, writers and artists – and in 1974 the BBC filmed the documentary A Passion for Churches featuring Sir John Betjeman, whose love of the county is well documented. A North Norfolk backdrop was also a priority in the filming of A Warning to the Curious, a M R James ghost story featuring the church and lighthouse and Happisburgh coastline. Some of poet William Cowper’s most stirring lines were thought to have been inspired by watching a storm off the coast here; a place he’s known to have visited many times whilst staying with his aunt and uncle Rev. and Mrs. Roger Donne at Catfield Rectory; God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm. They are some of the most famous (and favourite) lines in English poetry, and it’s fitting that they may have originated within sight of one of England’s most charming churches.
KLmagazine December 2017
T.M.Browne: over 30 years of caring for people and property or over 30 years, T.M. Browne Ltd has been caring for properties and the people who live in them – and probably no one locally has more experience in the field of repairs and maintenance, especially when it comes to social housing. The company has been chosen to work with some of East Anglia’s most prestigious private and public sector organisations as well as with hundreds of individual householders throughout the region. The longevity of these relationships is almost wholly derived from T.M. Browne’s ability to adapt and embrace the changing requirements of its clients – and the people who live in their homes. Over the years, T.M. Browne has built
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KLmagazine December 2017
a number of successful and long-term relationships with a wide range of local housing associations across East Anglia and has a vast amount of in-house resources and expertise to undertake everything from fixing ball valves to complete electrical re-wires. It’s not just something T.M. Browne is particularly experienced with – it’s something the company is extremely good at. T.M. Browne’s large dedicated in-house team provides a 24-hour callout service 365 days of the year, and often processes some 50 calls a day – the company is currently carrying out over 800 separate jobs a month.
In the case of recently-vacated properties and mutual exchanges, T.M. Browne carries out an extensive range of ‘void’ works – testing the utilities to ensure they're safe and fit for purpose, and completing anything required in the way of repairs and maintenance required to bring the home up to standard; whether that’s filling holes and fitting handles on doors, or fitting new kitchen cabinets, and repointing the exterior walls. If you’d like more information on T.M.Browne’s repairs and maintenance services and how they can help your property portfolio, please contact us using the details below.
Unit 3, The Mill, Market Lane, Terrington St Clement King’s Lynn PE34 4HR Tel: 01553 828050 Email: admin@tmbrowneltd.co.uk Web: www.tmbrowne-ltd.co.uk
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Works at Hunstanton Golf Club completed by
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KLmagazine December 2017
Keep warm in the winter, and stay cool in the summer! A world of professional air conditioning solutions from the 4 Way Group ver the next few years the pace of global warming is about to speed up, as natural processes in the Pacific Ocean switch from serving as a brake to an accelerator – and it looks likely the planet will exceed a landmark temperature level within the next ten years. A small knockon effect of this trend is the increasing need for professional air conditioning both at home and at work. Few people in West and North Norfolk area have as much experience or expertise in high quality air conditioning solutions than 4 Way Refrigeration. By sourcing the best and most technologically-advanced products currently available, 4 Way Refrigeration can supply, install and service everything from simple domestic units and single
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KLmagazine December 2017
office split-type systems to multi-level VRF installations for larger premises. The units offer virtually silent operation, unbeatable costeffectiveness, plenty of environmental benefits – and they look very stylish and discrete in any setting. With professional air conditioning giving you total control over the temperature in your home, 4 Way
Refrigeration can even help turn your conservatory from a 2-month room into an all-year-round living space. From as little as £1,000 (and with an expert service that can take less than a day to install) you can enjoy energyefficient, simple to operate, and easy maintenance air conditioning that will make a world of difference to your home, your office or your factory. Introduce a breath of fresh air to your enviironment and contact 4 Way Refrigeration today for more details, information and a free quotation.
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Caring for your environment
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KLmagazine December 2017
l When it comes to dealing with the estate of a family member or loved one it can sometimes be difficult to locate the full title deeds – and having your land registered saves additional problems at what’s already a difficult time. It is much easier to submit an application for registration while the owner is alive and is able to provide a Statutory Declaration detailing how the deeds were lost or misplaced. l If two adjoining plots of land are unregistered, the owner of the first plot to be registered may be able to set any disputed boundaries in their favour. Once this has been registered, it can then be very difficult and costly for the neighbour to reverse this when they come to register their own land.
This land is my land... You may own your land, but unless it has been registered your ownership is not protected. Kieren Cross of Fraser Dawbarns LLP makes the case for voluntary land registration s your land registered? It’s probably something you haven’t given a lot of thought to, but having unregistered land can leave you at increased risk of fraud and it can cause problems in the future with inheritance. If you bought your land before 1990 and haven’t taken out a mortgage since, there’s a chance that your land is unregistered. Is that a problem? Well, it could be. Traditionally, all land in England and Wales was unregistered and the owners of land would keep a bundle of documents and deeds to prove their ownership. The government had tried to overhaul the traditional conveyancing system with the introduction of the Law of Property Act (1925) and the Land Registration Act (1925) which updated previous laws and encouraged voluntary registration of land. This system largely stood unchanged until 1990, when compulsory registration was bought in with any sale of land – and this was expanded further in 2002 to require registration for all inherited, gifted or mortgaged land. It’s been a partial success – although Land Registry data from 2016 showed that 17% of all land in the UK had still not been registered. Because of this, the Land Registry is stepping up its efforts to encourage everyone to ensure their land is registered.
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KLmagazine December 2017
Many people may not see the need to register their land – especially with property that has been handed down through the generations within the same family, but registration will bring you significant advantages: l You’ll be better protected against fraud. If your land is unregistered, a fraudster could assume your identity and attempt to register and then sell or mortgage the property without your knowledge. l Squatters have rights and can even become the legal owners of abandoned property by their adverse possession over a period of time. There are online resources that show people how to search for unregistered land, details squatting rights and how to register land. If your land has already been registered, you’re far better protected. l If all or part of the title deeds of your land are lost, destroyed or forged it will be very difficult to prove your ownership of unregistered land. Having the land registered centrally and stored digitally means there will be a permanent record of your ownership.
Significantly, the Land Registry is currently offering a discount on the cost of voluntary land registration – and it’s important to note that this discount will not be applied in cases of compulsory registration, which is required when the land is gifted, mortgaged or sold. Having your land registered will also simplify the conveyancing process – which should further reduce your costs if you do decide to sell or mortgage the land. There is also the risk that the government may bring in mandatory registration in the future. If this happens they’re unlikely to offer a discount on registration fees and may even raise them significantly. Fraser Dawbarns have a range of experts who are able to advise or assist you with land registration. For further help with this issue, contact us today to see how we can help you register your land and provide you with peace of mind and security. You can contact us on 01553 666600, visit our website or e-mail info @fraserdawbarns.com
KIEREN CROSS Partner, Agriculture & Probate 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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Gardening
ABOVE: The beautiful Amaryllis is a traditional Christmas flower, and its spectacular blooms can measure up to six inches across. The most traditional festive flower is the Poinsettia (opposite) – even though this winter houseplant originated in Mexico!
Bring a splash of colour into your Christmas home There’s a lot more to the festive season than pine trees, mistletoe, holly and ivy. As Christmas approaches, Wendy Warner of Thaxters Garden Centre shares some ideas for some glorious indoor colour...
I
t’s December, so it’s time to move your gardening indoors and bring some natural colour into the house with flowering plants to complement the sparkle and glitter of your Christmas decorations. Probably the most traditional Christmas houseplant is the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Originally just bright red, it’s now available in an array of colours from cream through pinks, to the deepest burgundy. An often unknown fact is that the bright-red part of the plant is actually a bract and not the flower – the flowers are the delicate yellow ‘pips’ in the centre. Poinsettias prefer a warm position with maximum light in winter, away from any draughts. Also place them where
KLmagazine December 2017
they’re unlikely to get knocked, as the branches are very brittle and can easily break and secrete a white milky sap. Water them thoroughly and then wait until the compost is moderately dry before re-watering. Due to their dislike of cold temperatures, be careful when taking them home from the garden centre – don’t leave them in the car for hours and ask for an extra bag or box to protect them if you aren’t going straight home. And avoid buying them from a supermarket where they’ve been standing in an icy draught or (as I witnessed last year) on top of the refrigerated cabinets! It’s quite hard to believe this plant we’ve adopted as a houseplant in the winter originates from a tree in Mexico!
Meanwhile, the swept-back flowers of Cyclamen stand tall above decorative green foliage often patterned in silver. They can be pastel pink, white and lilac or vivid reds and purples, and some are also scented. If you choose a plant with plenty of buds you’ll get months of colour – as long as it’s kept cool (frost-free) in a bright position but away from direct sunlight. Cyclamen are best watered from the bottom – discard any remaining water and avoid getting water in the crown at all costs, as this can cause the plant to rot. Deadhead the whole flower stem after the flower has dropped by twisting the stalk, pulling it carefully away from the crown; this will encourage more goodness to go towards producing
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Gardening
ABOVE: Orchids can provide a delightful and elegant touch of colour to your Christmas home as long as you don’t let them get too cold, and Stephanotis (below) is a great choice for bringing some natural fragrance to your celebrations.
new flowers. Don’t be tempted to simply break the stems off as this can also cause them to rot. As the common name suggests, the flowers of the Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) resemble a flight of moths resting on the tall, elegant, arching flower stalks above large glossy leaves. Colours range from plain white through shades of pink, purple, and even yellows and greens, some with speckles and spots and others which are bi-coloured. Locate them in a bright well-lit position – north or west windowsills are usually good. They’re best grown in temperatures of 15-20°C, as colder temperatures can cause unopened buds to fall before opening. Orchids are usually supplied in a clear pot so the roots are visible, giving a clue to when watering is required. If the roots below the surface are green, they’re fine, but once they lighten towards white they need water. Give them a good drink and then tip any excess away. The potting medium (usually bark) will absorb the water and then release it to the roots as required. Feed regularly during flowering period with a liquid feed or slow-release drip feeder. Orchids will flower several times a year, sometimes continuously or with a short break. For something a little different, the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) is a succulent plant so withstands the warmest of rooms – anything up to 50
25°C whilst flowering. Their long flowers are produced on the ends of arching stems and can be white, pink, salmon or red. Each individual flower only lasts a couple of days before dropping, but the plant will have many new buds coming, so you should have a constant display. They prefer a bright position away from direct sunlight. Keep the compost moist but not soggy as they can be prone to rotting off if they get too wet. Once in position the plant prefers not to be moved as this can cause bud drop, and if happy they can last for many years – decades in fact. A Christmas Cactus can be for life, not just for Christmas! Indoor Azaleas will thrive in a cooler, light position away from direct sunlight. Their usually double flowers can be red, purple, pink, white or sometimes bicoloured above small green leaves and they’re an unusual houseplant in that they like to be kept wet – not just moist. This is best achieved by submerging the plant pot in a bucket of tepid (preferably soft) water until it stops bubbling, then removing. To increase humidity, especially in a warm room, mist the plants regularly, again with soft water. Deadhead as flowers fade to encourage new buds to be produced. If you want to bring some scent into the house over Christmas, try Jasmine or Stephanotis. Both are climbers which are usually trained around a hoop or
frame, and have fragrant white flowers. Jasmine prefer a cooler temperature to Stephanotis, but both require plentiful watering while in active growth and a bright position. Another traditional Christmas flower is the Amaryllis, which can be bought as a dry bulb specially treated to flower earlier than normal or as a ready-potted plant. The spectacular blooms can measure up to six inches across and can have up to four blooms per stem in shades of red through to deep burgundy, nearly black and pinks and white, some with stripes. They prefer a warm, light position with some direct sunlight. Don’t overwater them when first planted but keep moist once in growth. A new introduction is a brightly coloured wax-covered bulb which needs no care whatsoever as it contains all the water and nutrients it needs to flower. It can stand directly on any flat surface or be displayed in a bowl. In this form it’s a single use plant and won’t bloom again in subsequent years. I haven’t tried one of these yet, but am going to give it a go this year as I’m intrigued to know how successful they will be! All these plants (in my case with the exception of the Poinsettia – although I understand some people have had luck) can be nurtured to flower from year to year. If you want to give this a try, Thaxters can give your some aftercare tips. If you haven’t got the patience, simply enjoy them over the winter while they flower, which should be for a good couple of months. Much longer than a bunch of flowers anyway! 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 December 2017
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West Norfolk: Then and Now
1961
2017 ST JAMES STREET IN THE 60s... The image at the top of the page shows St James Street in King’s Lynn looking towards St James Methodist Chapel and was sent to us by KL magazine reader Colin Thorpe, who lives in Swaffham. Colin says the image was taken in 1961, and the three shops along the street to the left – just before
the rather interesting road sign – are probably William Crome’s (an early type of DIY store), Woods the newsagents and Bayes TV. If you can remember these stores, leas let us know. 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 52
KLmagazine December 2017
Celebrating continued growth in professional tree care... Heritage Tree Specialists continue to reach new heights in tree care
B
ack in 2013 Dan Ashton and James Hoddy teamed up and pooled together almost 40 years of experience in professional tree care, and Heritage Tree Specialists have continued to reach new heights ever since, offering a range of services from tree surgery, conifer reduction and stump grinding to forestry contracting and woodland management. “With James’ experience in tree surgery and my background in woodland management, we made the perfect combination,” says Dan. “We’d worked together for six years beforehand and it seemed only natural for us to team up.” A member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen for over 10 years, Heritage Tree Specialists now work on everything from fallen trees in domestic back gardens to major projects on conservation sites that
KLmagazine December 2017
sees them dismantling trees into sections weighing over two tonnes. Today, Dan and James oversee a team of four full-time staff, one part-time employee and any number of subcontractors as and when they're required for specific work. “Whereas I’m more focused on customer service, James has a real natural talent for tree work,” says Dan. “He’s got a genuine instinct for judging balances and weights precisely – and we can quickly identify the most effective and safest way of doing things.” Heritage Tree Specialists has recently taken delivery of new specialist machinery to further improve resources and capabilities. These include a powerful stump grinding machine capable of dealing with stumps of any size and a second woodchipper. “We’ve always had first-class equipment capable of accessing the narrowest of spaces and the smallest of
gardens,” says Dan, “but as we take on larger projects and deal with bigger, more mature trees this investment in new machinery will help us complete those jobs more efficiently, more safely and a lot more quickly.” Whether you have a storm-damaged tree that needs attention, an old tree stump in your back garden that needs removing, or want a natural hedgerow planted around your property, contact Heritage Tree Specialists for a free, no-obligation quotation.
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gjlanimalfeeds.co.uk KLmagazine December 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 C
heck out our new logo! Credit for the original concept goes to Stacy our Head nurse, but everyone at the practice was involved until we were all happy with the final design. We love it and we hope you do too.
Winter warmers... R
eggie, my Border Terrier friend is 12 years old! Where do the years go? Reggie is still very active, keeping up with his pal Isa and almost keeping up with Geoffrey, my son’s Golden Retriever, who will celebrate his first birthday in January 2018. Recently however, I wanted to make sure Reggie was as healthy on the inside as he looks on the outside, so I took him in to the practice for a senior health check. After a physical examination and a simple blood and urine test I am very pleased to report that Reggie is indeed in the best of health. My cats too are advancing in years and although they disappear for hours a day, perfectly capable of catching their own meal, when they trot back home to be fed, watered and loved I do wonder what they get up to when they are out of the house and what else are they hiding? To help you be sure your older pet, whether they are a cat or dog, is in the best of health we are offering a free senior pet consultation throughout
December. We will give your pet a thorough clinical examination and talk through any issues you may be having, medical or indeed behavioural. If further investigation is required a blood and urine test can be carried out, this can identify early indications of age related disease such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, which may not be obvious to the owner. Catching these conditions in the early stages means we can put measures in place to keep pets healthy for longer. This December we are offering these senior health screens at less than half price, so there has never been a better time to find out if your cat or dog is keeping secrets. Seeing an animal restored to a happy fulfilling life by simple non-invasive care makes our work so worthwhile. The most important part of the process is bringing your pet to us with the problem you have noticed and having that frank and open discussion about what you want done, or not done, and allowing us to improve your pets’ wellbeing.
Now that winter is here I am adding extra layers before I venture out with the dogs for a walk. It is worth remembering that older dogs can really start to feel the cold too and jackets are great at keeping them warm on walks. Also make sure to dry off your dog after being outside and allow a warm draught free resting place This is especially important for any pets that suffer from arthritis. And lastly, after that lovely walk out in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, get cosy! Is there anything more perfect than a rainy night, with the fire roaring and you cuddled up with your furry friend? For details of our senior pet clinics call us on the usual numbers or visit our website - makeyourpetsmile.co.uk We look forward to seeing you and putting life back into your ‘mature’ best friend!
Visit our website... makeyourpetsmile.co.uk London Road Vets @London Road Vets
LONDON ROAD 25 London Road, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 773168 | Email: info@lrvc.co.uk HOLLIES Paradise Road, Downham Market | Tel: 01366 386655 | Email: info@holliesvetclinic.co.uk KLmagazine December 2017
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Local Life
Arthur’s sporting passion was making a difference Arthur Mason died in an accident on his family farm in July 2014 but as Sylvia Steele discovers, his legacy and his passion for bringing health and wellbeing into the world of sport continues...
M
oth in a China Shop is a relatively new charity, but its name its somewhat enigmatic. The designation has a touch of quirkiness that immediately poses the question ‘what is this all about?’ Happily on hand to talk about the charity’s foundation – and the meaning of its name – is Eve Matthews, PR Events and Marketing Administrator. She’s the best person to explain the origins of the name and the charity itself, which was launched in 2015 in memory of Arthur Mason, a young man who sadly lost his life in a tragic farm accident.
KLmagazine December 2017
“Moth in a China Shop was actually a phrase put forward by Arthur himself as a slogan for the family’s rapeseed oil business,” she says. “It’s something that embodies Arthur’s character to all who knew him – as a fun-loving, caring, gentle giant.” The charity links Arthur’s Norfolk friends from around the Fincham area with the University of Gloucestershire, where he studied history and where his passion for rugby and the benefits of health and wellbeing in sport are legendary. Moth in a China Shop was created to expand on these ideas while continuing to build on the issues he felt so strongly about.
Despite the distance between the two locations, the charity shares a strong bond with Cheltenham – principally through the work it does with the rugby team. Nearer to his home, Arthur’s Home Ground rugby pitch is available for community use throughout the year. Fundraising events have been an ongoing commitment since the charity’s inauguration, and Eve is eager to talk about these. “Film in a Wood is an outdoor cinema event held annually at the home of the charity, Old Larchwood near Beachamwell,” she says. “The concept has grown from strength to strength
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Local Life
with our 2017 event being the best yet. The strong links with the University of Gloucestershire are upheld in a charity bike ride from Cheltenham to Fincham each year. The ride is followed by a Beer and Music Festival also attended by many of Arthur’s local friends and members of the public to help raise funds for the charity.” A memorial rugby match is a momentous occasion held annually for all of Arthur’s family and friends, to renew memories of a young man who made such an impact on all who knew him “The day begins with a round-robin rugby match between the University of Gloucestershire’s current rugby team and one from the Old-Boys,” says Eve. “This is followed by a Memorial and Awards Dinner and charity auction.” Huge achievements have been made by the Moth in a China Shop charity, all designed to focus awareness on Arthur’s passion for bringing health and wellbeing into sport to everyone’s advantage. An Ambassador Scheme exists to provide university students with the opportunity to qualify as rugby coaches. Once qualified, they go into local communities offering free coaching and support to schools and clubs and giving future generations access to the sport. Alongside this, the charity also offers
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a ‘Rugby Activator Role’ and the Arthur Mason scholarship programme. This is aimed to promote a student who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford the opportunity to develop and complete a Master’s degree in a sportrelated subject. The individual assists the qualified coaches to source opportunities in which to provide free coaching – whilst gaining further experience in organisation and management as well as their MA. The Elite 7’s Moth in a China Shop rugby team made its debut at the Bournemouth 7’s Festival this year, and its success has encouraged plans for the team’s development ahead of next year’s season and future tournaments. One particular project that Eve Matthews is excited to talk about is the work achieved to enhance the sporting lives of the Eden Boys School in Birmingham. “It sparked our interest when we learned that the children had to walk 45 minutes to and from their sporting facilities,” she says. “The charity supplied the school with a Moth in a China Shop minibus which allows the school to be self-reliant in transporting the boys to their facilities – enabling them to have more time to enjoy and play sports.” “The minibus is making such a difference to our pupils,” said Asiyh Ravat, Principal of Eden Boys School.
“Moth in a China Shop is a wonderful charity partner for our school. We’re delighted to have formed such a positive relationship with them.” It’s just one testament to the charity’s success and its ongoing commitment in pursuing the ideals of such a wellloved sportsman. For more information about Moth in a China Shop and how you can help support the charity, please see the website at mothinachinashop.co.uk
KLmagazine December 2017
Sandles Seven Seaters Whether you are a family of seven or a smaller family with pets (or pushchairs), seven seaters are a great option for extra space, below are some of our favourites...
Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
Citroen C4 Grand Picasso
Why we like it? Good all rounder £6,999 - £10,499 134g/km – 169g/km Road Tax 12 Months, £135-£220 39.2 – 55.4 combined mpg 2015/15 Plate SRi – Diesel - Manual: 18”Alloys/ Front & Rear Parking Sensors/Cruise Control/ DAB/USB/AUX/CD Boot space = 1860 litres (5 seats down)
Why we like it? Lots of space and low running costs £8,999 – £10,999 105 g/km Road Tax 12 Months, £20 70.6 combined mpg 2014/14 Plate Airdream Exclusive – Diesel - Manual: 17” Alloys/Sat Nav/ Panoramic Windscreen/Reverse Camera/Cruise Control Bluetooth/DAB/AUX/USB Boot space = 2,181 litres (5 seats down)
Nissan X-Trail
BMW 220D Gran Tourer
Why we like it? Lots of extras! £15,799 – £16,999 139 g/km Road Tax 12 Months £135 53.3 combined mpg 2014/14 Plate Tekna – Diesel - Manual: 19” Alloys/ Full Leather/Heated Seats/Panoramic Roof/Front & Rear Parking Sensors/Cruise Control/Bluetooth/DAB/CD Boot space = 1,996 litres (5 seats down)
Why we like it? High specification £23,499 124 g/km 12 Months Road Tax £115 64.2 combined mpg 2017/17 Plate M Sport – Diesel – Automatic: 18”Alloys/Full Leather/Heated Seats/Sat Nav/ Electric Boot/Cruise Control/Bluetooth/DAB/CD Boot space = 1,905 litres (5 seats down)
All cars are available to view on our website www.sandles.co.uk *Prices and statistics are to be used only as a guide and correct at time of printing.* Call us: 01553 630052 | Visit us: Leziate Drove, Pott Row, King’s Lynn PE32 1DD • Open 7 days a week Web: www.sandles.co.uk | Email us: sales@sandles.co.uk | Like & follow us @SandlesCars
A world of famous fashion brands in one local store... Whatever you’re looking for, Goddards has all the style you need! f you’re looking for high-quality and famous-name clothing, there’s no need to travel miles or visit countless out-of-town stores – you can find a world of fashion under one roof in the centre of King’s Lynn. Goddards is one of the finest independent mens and womenswear businesses in the whole country, and their customer-focused approach to style has seen it attract some of the most distinctive brands in the world. Goddards’ 2017/18 autumn/winter collections include the store’s biggest-ever range of Polo Ralph Lauren, the latest countrywear from Barbour, beautiful designs from White Stuff and Great Plains – together with a wide range of fantastic accessories and gift ideas from watches to footwear and from handbags to wallets. With Christmas just a few weeks away, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover why shopping at Goddards is such a pleasure – with a large free car park, friendly and helpful staff, spacious dressing rooms, and a newly-refurbished layout. And when you need to take the weight off your feet and take a break from trying on all those new clothes, Goddards’ fabulous espresso bar offers you the perfect chance to relax and enjoy great coffee – and some very tempting treats. Welcome to Goddards. Welcome to a world of famous-name style on your doorstep.
I
GODDARDS KING’S LYNN
Wellesley Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1QD T 01553 772382 E info@goddardsonline.co.uk W www.goddardsonline.co.uk
fashion Here’s your chance to feel festive and look fabulous with this season’s choice of glittering party wear styles. From sparkling metallics and sequins to elegant laces and bold leathers you’ll certainly be ready to turn heads this Christmas with plenty of inspirations from our favourite local boutiques...
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Jewellery by Kit Heath DAVID AUKER | King’ Lynn 01553 770536 KLmagazine December 2017
Fashion
Party dress by White Stuff (£49.95) GODDARDS | King’s Lynn 01553 772382 KLmagazine December 2017
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Fashion
Dress by Frank Lyman CINDYS | Sutton Bridge 01406 350961 64
KLmagazine December 2017
Fashion
Jersey Top by Georgedé ISOBEL’S Drayton - 01603 866060 | Holt - 01263 714040 66
KLmagazine December 2017
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CASUAL • DAYWEAR • WEDDING • EVENING
Lings Country Goods for all your country pursuits
Sizes 14 -36
Look fabulous this party season
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Wide range of top brand country clothing WINTER OPENING DEC-FEB
Mon-Fri: 10 am- 4:30pm Saturday: 10 am - 4pm
Isobel’s Fashions, 14 School Road, Drayton, Norwich NR8 6DN Isobel’s Styles For You Ltd, 33 Bull Street, Holt NR25 6HP Tel: Drayton 01603 866060 | Holt 01263 714040
Isobel’s. www.bigandbeautifulfashions.co.uk
• BARBOUR • DUBARRY • PAMPEANO • SCHÖFFEL • LE CHAMEAU • TOGGI • MUSTO • HUCKLECOTE • SEELAND • WRENDALE Also stocking guns, ammunition & shooting accessories
Morton ATV
all terrain and utility terrain vehicles Heath Farm, Great Massingham PE32 2HJ www.lingscountrygoods.co.uk www.mortonatv.com | Tel: 01485 520828
Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge
Tel: 01553 772943
KLmagazine December 2017
108 Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge (closed Wednesday & Sunday) 01406 350961 www.cindysfashions.co.uk Sizes 10-26
follow us on Facebook
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Fashion
The Byron waistcoat by Jack Murphy (£80) THE HAYLOFT at BEARTS | Stowbridge 01366 388151 68
KLmagazine December 2017
£10 off*
Fine interiors & design
All types of blinds
Beautifully handmade Curtains & blinds Exquisite fabric collections Poles, tracks & accessories
made to order
FREE measuring & design service & professional fitting 01760 722541 • www.poppiinteriors.co.uk 19 market place, Swaffham PE37 7LA
Burnham Market Pine & Painted
Derma Vida
CREATING BEAUTIFUL SKIN
Gayton Road Health & Surgical Centre, King’s Lynn info@dermavida.co.uk | www.dermavida.co.uk
Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge
Winter Sale starts Thursday 14th December
Natural, painted & reclaimed pine furniture We can make to any size or specification and paint any colour to suit your style and budget... • Waxed • Hand/ spray painted • Distressed • We can also re-paint your own home/garden furniture
Large Reductions on Casualwear from Betty Barclay, LE BEK, Michele trousers/jeans Also dresses perfect for Christmas.
Tel: 01328 738009 / 07917 202529
Station Garage, Creake Road, Burnham Market PE31 8EA
Open Tues-Sun | www.burnham-market-pine.co.uk
KLmagazine December 2017
Sizes 10 -26 | Open 9am - 5pm | Closed Wed & Sun 108 Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge PE12 9SA Tel: 01406 350961 | www.cindysfashions.co.uk
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PICTURES: JOHN SCOTT BLACKWELL
Food and Drink
Galton Blackiston returns to his culinary roots... Michelin-starred Norfolk chef Galton Blackiston has just published his fourth cookery book, which celebrates the best of local fish and seafood – and has its origins over 40 years ago
I
t’s estimated that everyone in the UK owns at least six cookery books, and new titles continue to appear on our bookshelves every week. Norfolk’s latest contribution to this culinary library – Galton Blackiston’s Hook Line Sinker – was published a couple of months ago, and has received rave reviews from everyone from BBC Sport’s Jake Humphrey to comedian Johnny Vegas. The owner of Michelin-star Morston Hall says his fourth book has been two years in the making, but if truth be told it’s actually the culmination of a love affair with the food of the Norfolk coast that’s lasted for more than four decades. Born in Norfolk in 1962, Galton soon found himself in Kent – but his parents (along with his four older brothers) returned to the county for their KLmagazine December 2017
summer holidays, staying at the famous Watch House in Blakeney. At the time, it had no electricity, no heating, no bath, and was only accessible by walking across the mudflats or (at high tide) by boat. It may not sound the ideal summer holiday for a young boy, but Galton was in his element. “I loved it and I still remember those days as two weeks of beautiful and beautifully sunny holiday,” he says. “That’s really when my love of North Norfolk started and it’s where I had my first culinary experiences.” The young Galton would spend his days with a shrimp net or digging cockles out of the sand with his fingers. If the terns were about, he’d grab his mackerel rod and try to catch some fish. Armed with the fruits of his labours, he’d return home and start cooking for the family.
“I remember my mother telling me to put flour on the cockles as I was preparing them,” he says. “She said it was a good way to get them to spit out the dirt and grit. It was a great tip and I still do it today!” Now, after a career that’s seen him run a hugely successful hotel and restaurant for 25 years (and hold a Michelin star for the last 19 of them), pick up a raft of awards for his skills in the kitchen, write three cookery books, and appear on everything from the Great British Menu to Saturday Kitchen (not to mention the pilot for The Great British Bake Off) Galton has returned to his first food love and published a book dedicated to fish and seafood. Hook Line Sinker is a stunnning book. Beautifully produced and lavishly illustrated with mouth-watering photographs, it contains over 90 73
PICTURES: JOHN
ELL SCOTT BLACKW
Food and Drink
recipes ranging from quick and easy dishes such as seared salmon salad to spicy dishes such as tiger prawn and potato curry, and main courses such as open lobster pie. It’s everything you’d want from a cookery book, but it almost didn’t happen. “When I finished my last book Summertime I vowed I’d never do another one,” says Galton. “I’m really meticulous when it comes to my cookery books. I need to know that every single recipe will work in a home environment, I want the ingredients and method to be easy to follow, and I think it’s essential to have a picture of the dish opposite the recipe. Not many chefs are prepared to get that involved in putting a book together!” A number of things combined to persuade Galton otherwise; the extraordinary success of his No.1 fish and chips restaurant in Cromer, the suggestion of award-winning cookery book publisher Face Publications, and the agreement of his long-time hero Michel Roux Sr. to write a foreword. “I think that was the clincher,” says Galton. “It made sense to do a book on fish and seafood because in Norfolk we’re blessed with stunning produce. But if Michel hadn’t agreed to write the foreword I don’t think I’d have done it – he’s been a genuine inspiration to me throughout my career and I consider myself honoured that he’s now my friend.” Galton's approach to Hook Line Sinker was refreshingly (and typically) self-effacing. “I wanted it to be recipe-orientated and
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not all about me,” he says. “I thought we’ll have a quick introduction and then get on with the recipes. The food is what counts. Not me.” It’s an approach that's resulted in an eclectic mix of recipes from a number of different sources. There are recipes from Morston Hall that have been popular over the years, together with some new dishes from the restaurant’s hugely-talented Head Chef Greg Anderson. There are even some recipes from Jimmy Preston at No.1 in Cromer. Moreover, all the recipes have been selected to work at home – and that’s what Galton really wants from it. “It’s a lovely looking book, but I don’t want it to sit on people’s coffee tables,” he says. “All my own cookery books have creased pages and stains all over them because I use them – and that’s what I want people to do with this. Try the recipes for yourself and discover just how amazing fish can be if you treat it with respect.” So, will Hook Line Sinker be the final listing in the Galton Blackiston bibliography? Is there another book on the horizon? “No chance!” he laughs, before pausing for a moment. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind doing a book on desserts, which is where my career started – and it’s still one of my favourite things to cook. One day, maybe. When I’ve got time!” Hook Line Sinker is available now from all good bookshops. Signed copies are available from Morston Hall – please see www.morstonhall.com for more details.
Galton comes to King’s Lynn! Galton Blackiston is well known for many things; his incredible food, his engaging presence, his hugely entertaining TV cookery demonstrations and his frequent charitable work – and now he’s teaming up with KL magazine and bringing them all together in two exclusive events in the centre of King’s Lynn. On March 7th and 20th, KL magazine and Galton will be presenting two live cookery demonstrations in the town’s Duke’s Head Hotel – with all proceeds going to the local branch of the Alzheimer’s Society. It’s a cause that’s particulary important in this area – just two months ago, it was revealed that North Norfolk has the third highest proportion of people living with dementia in the whole country. There are over 520,000 people in the UK suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, but the Alzheimer’s Society is currently the only UK charity investing in research into dementia care, causes, cures and prevention. Together, KL magazine and Galton Blackiston will be treating food lovers to an afternoon (March 7th) and evening (March 20th) of fine food presented and cooked in Galton’s own inimitable style – along with plenty of opportunity to raise money for a charity that makes such a big difference to so many people’s lives. Spaces for the two events are limited and tickets are sure to be in high demand, so please see the advertisement oppposite (and the one on page 113) for further information and full details of how to book your place.
KLmagazine December 2017
&
KL magazine Galton Blackiston
Afternoon Tea PRESENTS
All proceeds donated to the Alzheimer’s Society, KL
A LL PRO C E E D S D O N AT E D TO TH E A LZ H E IM E R ’S SO CIE T Y, KL
WEDNESDAY 7TH MARCH 2018, 11AM
The Ballroom at Dukes Head Hotel, King’s Lynn ♦ Doors open from 11am ♦ Live cooking demonstration by Norfolk’s Michelin starred TV chef Galton Blackiston (starts at 12pm) ♦ Classic afternoon tea created by Trevor Clark served at 1:30pm ♦ Raffle prizes are meals for two at some of Norfolk’s best loved restaurants
TICKETS £35PP To book call 01553 601201 or email info@klmagazine.co.uk
Chris tmas Day menu Adults 3 courses £45.99 Kids 3 courses £14.99 STARTERS Mushroom & Sherry Soup, Prawn Cocktail, Chicken Liver Pâté, Melting Brie Bites or Mini Hog Roast Wellington
MAINS Hand-carved Roast Turkey, Topside of Beef, Roast Gammon, Salmon with a Prosecco Sauce or Broccoli & Mushroom Wellington AND help yourself to unlimited trimmings!
DESSERTS Millionaires Chocolate Brownie, Christmas Pudding, Black Forest Ice Cream Sundae, Apple Crumble or Baileys Cream Profiteroles
Crawfish Inn Thai Restaurant & Bar
Traditional Bangkok Thai Cuisine Local Real Ales Extensive Wine List Takeaway Service Fully Air Conditioned Backing British Farming
Call 01328 878313 for reservations Open: Tues-Sun from 6pm Holt Road, Thursford NR21 0BJ
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/crawfishinn
www.crawfishinn.com
Book now!
Clenchwarton Road, West Lynn King’s Lynn PE34 3LW Web: brewersfayre.co.uk
Tel: 01553 772221 KLmagazine December 2017
Food & Drink
Nutmeg, ginger and marmalade jammy dodger “ This is my take on a classic childhood favourite, the jammy dodger. The warming flavours make it Makes: 15 INGREDIENTS 250g salted butter 175g caster sugar plus extra for dusting 1 egg 1tsp vanilla extract 500g plain flour 1 tbsp ground nutmeg 1 tbsp ground ginger 15 tsp marmalade (approx) fresh nutmeg
“
the perfect biscuit to have with your Afternoon Tea at the Duke's Head Hotel this Christmas. 1 Cream together the butter and the sugar.
6 Unwrap the cling film, and slice into 1/8 of an inch discs and place on lined baking tray.
2 Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
7 Using a 1 inch diameter round cutter, cut a whole out of the middle of half the discs.
3 Sieve together the flour, nutmeg and ginger, then add to the butter mixture.
8 Bake at 160°c full fan for about 10-12 minutes, until just golden on the edges, then dust with sugar, and freshly grated nutmeg. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
METHOD
4 Mix until just combined so not to over work the pastry. 5 Roll into a sausage about 2 inches thick, wrap in cling film and chill for 20 minutes.
9 Once cool, spread each of the full discs with about one heaped tsp of marmalade, then place the disc with the hole on top.
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 December 2017
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K I T C H E N S • B AT H R O O M S • T I L E S
BEDROOMS • PLUMBING SUPPLIES
Wishing all of our customers new and old a Merry Christmas
Over 40 displays!
Beautiful British-made kitchens
Knowledge and experience are what makes Quay Centre your first port of call for your new kitchen. With the latest innovation in design technology and years of experience call in and see us in Wisbech.
Our friendly team!
JANUARY SALE STARTS SATURDAY 6TH JANUARY AT 9AM
Experts in designing and installing beautiful kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms to suit all tastes and budgets • Free design and survey • Trade & new build accounts available • Supply only or full installation service
Address 28-31a North End, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 1PE | Tel 01945 476797 | Fax 01945 463495 | Web www.quaycentre.co.uk
ORIENTAL PALACE
CHINESE RESTAURANT Peking Szechuan & Cantonese Cuisine
Choose as many dishes as you want from the à la carte menu and they'll be freshly cooked to order - all for one set price! Want more? Just order more!
Merry Christmas
Book Now for Festive Dining at the
Kings Arms, Swaffham. £20 for £25 for two courses three courses Call 01760 723 244 to book
(Pre-booking and pre-ordering required)
TOM ERS MER RY CHR ISTM AS TO ALL OUR CUS Call us on: 01553 842255 | Delivery available 204 Main Road, West Winch, King’s Lynn, PE33 0NP Open 7 Days a Week - 12noon-2pm & 5pm-10:30pm www.orientalpalacewestwinch.co.uk
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coaching inn
21 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7LA www.kingsarmscoachinginn.co.uk KLmagazine December 2017
Food & Drink
s l i a t k c o C of the h t n o M
Simple Prosecco Cocktails Great for parties, surprise guests and Christmas brunch. INGREDIENTS & ADDITIONS Chilled Prosecco, Champagne or a dry sparkling wine Kir Royale Chambord (black raspberry liqueur) Bellini Peach puree St-Germain St-Germain elderflower liqueur Classic Sugar cube with two drops of angostura bitters
YOU WILL NEED • Champagne Flutes or Champagne saucers. • Chilled Prosecco, Champagne or a dry sparkling wine. METHOD 1 Add 15ml of your delicious addition to your flute and slowly top up with Prosecco. 2 Add a stirrer or some frozen berries if you wish.
Recipe by The Kings Arms Coaching Inn 21 Market Street, Swaffham PE37 7LA Tel: 01760 723244 Web: www.kingsarmscoachinginn.co.uk KLmagazine December 2017
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Food & Drink
Steamed halibut with black pudding mash & snow crab bisque INGREDIENTS 6 pieces of halibut (60g each) 1 lemon 2 large potatoes 100ml milk 2 tbsp butter
100g black pudding – blended in food processor 1 tbsp double cream 1 tbsp tomato – finely diced 1 tbsp gremolata
METHOD 1 Bake the potatoes in the oven at 200°c for 1-1 ½ hours until cooked.
4 Season the halibut with salt, pepper and lemon juice and steam for 4-6 mins.
2 Allow to cool, scoop out the flesh and mash.
5 Gently heat the Shellfish bisque.
3 Gently heat the milk and add to the potato with the butter and black pudding paste. Beat together in a pan over a low heat.
6 Add the cream, tomato and gremolata and the meat from the snow crab.
ue... How to make the shellfish bisq INGREDIENTS 500g snow crab 1 small onion 1 clove garlic 1 stick celery 1 carrot 2 bay leaves 1 sprig thyme 1 tbsp tomato puree Peel of 1 orange 1 shot brandy 150ml white wine 500ml fish stock Cup of rice 1 lemon
1 Remove the meat from the crab legs & set aside.
2 Roast snow crab shells in hot oven for 8-10mins.
6 Add tomato puree, orange peel and brandy. 7 Cook for 2 mins then add fish stock and cook for a further 15mins.
3 Chop onion, garlic & carrot roughly and brown in a large saucepan. 4 Add bay leaves and roasted crab shells.
8 Add a cup of rice and cook for 5 mins. 9 Add juice of a lemon and adjust seasoning then strain.
5 Deglaze roasting pan with white wine and add to saucepan.
Recipe by Nikki Merchant, Head Chef, The Crown Hotel The Buttlands, Wells-Next-the-Sea NR23 1EX E-mail: crownhotel@flyingkiwiinns.co.uk Web: www.crownhotelnorfolk.co.uk KLmagazine December 2017
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Christmas AT THE
BERNEY ARMS TAS TY, LOC AL PRO DU CE FOR TH E PER FEC T CH RIS TM AS BOO K YOU R ORD ER NOW !
• Turkeys & cockerels • Fresh local game • Smoked salmon • Dressed crabs • Jumbo raw prawns • Swordfish & tuna • Brancaster mussels & oysters • Smoked mackerel & salmon pâté • Local cheese and olives from our deli • Wide range of fresh and smoked fish • Free range eggs & local honey
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 XMAS: Tue/Wed 7am-4pm, Thurs/Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-3pm, Xmas Eve 8am-1pm
NOW CALL OK BO
TO
5 347 99 01366
Join us for festive dining throughout December Visit our website or find us on Facebook for more information and to view our menu online:
www.theberneyarms.co.uk /theberneyarms
@theberneyarms
Church Road, Barton Bendish, Norfolk PE33 9GF
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 ash close swaffham norfolk pe37 7nh 01760 723845 enquiries@strattonshotel.com www.strattonshotel.com Luxury without sacrifice to the environment
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KLmagazine December 2017
Food & Drink
RestaurantReview
A visit to the Folly Tearoom in Holt...
W
hen visiting Holt with my mother we came across an alleyway leading to Hoppers Yard. Within was a rabbit warren of shops, but what caught our eye was a brick archway leading to the Folly Tearoom. Going through the archway was a reminder Alice in Wonderland, when Alice walks through a small door to discover a world of fantasy. The Folly is a vision of loveliness bought to life by its creator Judith West, and it’s full of charm – from the delightful budgerigar wallpaper to the beautiful delicate china cups and
KLmagazine December 2017
saucers. We were greeted warmly by the Judith and her staff, who all made us feel most welcome. The place has a restful and peacefulness to it, and the smell of freshly-baked cakes only adds to the wonderful ambience. The menu featured teas for every occasion and palette, carefully selected and fused together to make their own bespoke flavours – over 40 of them in fact. My mother chose the Golden Monkey King, which is a Chinese golden leaf tea; rich, malty and wonderfully refreshing. I chose the Banoffee Tea, which is made from Sri Lankan black tea, freeze dried bananas and a concoction of other ingredients. Normally I’d take my tea with half a sugar, but none was needed here. It wasn’t a sweet tea, though – it was the perfume that made it so enchanting. Each pot of tea came with its own homemade teapot cosy, which was a lovely touch. The Folly food menu is both savoury and sweet, with the Folly Breakfast, savoury tarts, scones and a special board – and a fabulous array of delicious-looking cakes. As we came for afternoon tea, we chose a selection of cakes from the various glass domed cake stands and display cabinets. The cakes were presented to us on a three-tiered silver cake stand, with a delightful garnish of dried rose petals.
The Chocolate brownie was dark chocolate heaven – especially when warmed, when the centre was delicately melted. The Rose Victoria was light and fluffy, with delicate pink icing and a hint of rose. The Banoffee Cake featured three layers of cake with two layers of creamed icing and a glazed top. It was slightly heavier in texture, almost like a banana bread. The warm pear and almond tart was absolutely delicious, and the pastry casing was perfect. The coffee and walnut cake was enriched with walnuts with a subtle hint of coffee. Both my and my mother’s favourite was the honey and custard tart with nuts – the taste of honey was smooth with a soft filling and abundance of various nuts encasing the topping. All I can say is that we were in cake fairyland. Our whole experience of the Folly Tearoom was one which I’ll share and recommend with many friends and family. It was a most enjoyable afternoon; mother’s always deserve to be to be spoiled, and this enchanting and captivating tearoom is a perfect place for that. I know we’ll definitely return. I was sure the Cheshire cat was going to show his smiling face as the whole experience of visiting Folly Tearoom was so magical. I highly recommend a visit, as seeing really is believing.
FOOD SERVICE VALUE
9 10 9
THE FOLLY TEAROOM Hoppers Yard, Bull Street, Holt NR25 6LN Telephone: 01263 713569 Web: www.follytearoom.co.uk 83
Welcome in 2018 at
Norfolk Turkeys
the
FEATHERS DERSINGHAM
Ticket Entry Only
Quality, local & free range Poultry
Ord now beerins taken g
whites, blacks & bronze turkeys New Year’s Eve Party on Sunday 31st December 2017 Live Band with music provided by ‘DNA’ & buffet with a celebratory glass of Prosecco to welcome in the New Year. Tickets £10 available at the Bar.
01485 540768 www.feathersdersingham.com 71 Manor Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6LN
ASLO STOCKING QUALITY... Boneless Turkey Crowns, Free Range Geese and Ducks & Large Cockerels.
www.goddardsofnorfolk.co.uk tel: 01366 388377 4 Wales Court, Downham Market PE38 9JZ
WE WISH YOU A HAPPY, PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS
Bexwell Kitchens
54 3-2017 196 54 YEARS OF BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS
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Open Mon-Sat 9-5 Sun 2-4 KLmagazine December 2017
Food & Drink
See ad opposi vert t perfec e for your this C t Turkey hristm as!
Top tips for cooking the perfect Turkey 1. SIZE MATTERS Make sure you know the exact weight of your bird, this will ensure the cooking time is correct, and avoids an overcooked and dry bird (or a raw one!). When calculating your roasting time, plan on about 15 minutes per pound. 2. TIMING IS EVERYTHING Get your turkey out of the fridge 30 minutes before you cook it. You’ll get less shrinkage when it goes into a hot oven. 3. TRUSS LOOSELY Legs tied up too tightly against the sides of the turkey take longer to roast and that puts the breast meat in jeopardy of overcooking. Before putting the bird in the pan, fold the wings back to secure the neck flap, then use kitchen string to loosely tie the drumsticks. Tying them too tightly can prevent the thighs from cooking evenly.
4. BASTING IS KEY Before roasting, base the outside of the turkey with vegetable or olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and tightly cover the breast with tin foil to prevent over-browning. 5. DON’T DRY IT OUT Once you get the turkey in the oven, do not open the oven door. When the oven temperature fluctuates, you're increasing the likelihood of a dry bird. About 45 minutes before you think the turkey is done, remove the foil to allow it to brown. 6. LET IT REST It’s important Remove the turkey from the oven and tent the bird with foil and let it rest for about 25 minutes before carving. If you need time to make gravy, heat up side dishes, etc. You can set the turkey sit for up to an hour without losing too much heat.
By Goddards of Norfolk 4 Wales Court, Downham Market PE38 9JZ Tel: 01366 388377 Web: www.goddardsofnorfolk.co.uk KLmagazine December 2017
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Food & Drink
Made in Norfolk: the best gin in the world... It started life two years ago in a couple of rooms at the back of a pub in Norwich. Clare Bee enjoys a taste of Bullards Norwich Dry Gin, which was recently voted the Best London Dry Gin in the World
I
f you’re one of those people who looks forward to a glass of gin at the end of the day, then you’ll be enjoying the recent resurgence in one of the nation’s favourite tipples. And we have even more reason to celebrate here in Norfolk, because several gin producers have sprung up locally in the last few years, and one in particular is a best-in-the-world award winner. Bullards Gin, which is based at The Ten Bells pub in Norwich, has only been in production for less than two years, but has already scooped one of the highest awards in the industry – winning the award for the Best London Dry Gin in the World in April 2017.
KLmagazine December 2017
And what makes it even more amazing is that the gin is distilled in two tiny rooms at the back of a pub in Norwich and is run by a very small team of people – including Head Distiller Peter Smith, Brand Ambassador Hamish Wright, and Sales and Operations Director Craig Allison. As a student in Bath, where he studied history, Peter Smith (like most students!) had a fondness for alcohol and started to make his own beer, cider and wine. He particularly liked experimenting with various flavours to produce fruit wines, and one thing eventually led to another. “I enjoyed messing around with different flavours and it really fired my imagination,” he says. “The next logical
step was to move into distilling, which then led me onto gin making.” After working as an intern at a still in the Cotswolds, Peter saw a job advertised at Bullards and after a successful interview was taken on as Head Distiller. Remarkably, this was only in November 2015 – and in the intervening two years Peter’s experimentation with flavours and botanicals has produced the award winner the gin is today. For gin to be truly gin the base spirit, normally made from a neutral grain distilled from vodka, has to be flavoured with juniper berries. To this can be added any amount of different flavours and the skill is in choosing, mixing and
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Food & Drink
balancing these botanicals. To qualify as a London Dry Gin, the flavours must include juniper and coriander and then any other flavours the distiller chooses. London Dry Gin must also be distilled and have the water added after the distillation, with no flavourings or botanicals added after that process. This is to keep the flavour as pure as possible by ensuring all the flavour comes from the distillation and isn’t added afterwards. The special ingredient which made Bullards Norwich Dry Gin such a winner is tonka beans from Brazil. “Our gin is the first gin in the UK to be made with tonka beans,” says Peter, “ and this is the core part of making it different. To this we add nine other botanicals, but I can’t divulge what they are as it’s a secret recipe!” Other botanicals Peter has experimented with (and possibly uses in his secret recipe!) are angelica root, cassia bark (similar to cinnamon), cardamom pods and liquorice – the list of what can be used is in fact endless. The newest addition to the Bullards Gin range is Strawberry and Black Pepper, a light summery fruit flavour with the subtle but satisfying addition of a peppery after taste. Another product is planned to come out next year, but the details are very
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much under wraps at the moment. “All I will say is that it tastes pretty good!” is the only comment Peter’s prepared to make. There are a lot of firsts in the making of Bullards Gin. The still it is made in is American, from Chicago, and it’s the first of its kind to be imported into the UK. The alcohol is added first, then the botanicals, and it’s then left for 12 hours to infuse. “This infusion time lets the alcohol fully extract all the wonderful flavours,” says Peter. “That ensures every bottle of our gin is crammed with as much flavour and aroma as possible.” After 12 hours have passed, the actual distillation begins; the alcohol is brought up to its boiling point, turning it into vapour. This pure alcohol vapour will become the final product, but it first needs to be turned back into a liquid, which is done by rapidly cooling and condensing it. The liquid is actually distilled five times in order to produce the finest end result. The first alcohol produced (‘the heads’) isn’t drinkable and is discarded, as is the last part (‘the tails’) but the middle 60% (‘the hearts’) is what Peter’s after. Fortunately, the heads and tails not used can be recycled and put back into the next batch of gin, so nothing is wasted. It’s Peter’s skill and experience,
through taste and smell, which turns this final liquid into gin. However, the process still isn’t finished as it then has to be diluted with Norwich water, which has to be filtered five times to make it as pure as possible. The final part of the process in making Bullards Gin is the bottling. This currently takes place in the tiny room behind the still, with just about enough room for Peter to work. Every single bottle is labelled by hand with the batch number handwritten and signed by Peter, so no two bottles look exactly the same. Following their recent award, Peter’s just about able to keep up with production. With between 150 and 180 bottles produced per batch of distilling, he’s currently producing approximately 300 bottles per week. But as their reputation grows and more flavoured gins are added to their range, Bullards Gin are likely to become much busier. They’ve already taken on an apprentice and are looking towards a very bright future. In the world of gin, where any flavour can be used, keep an eye out for Bullards Gin – who knows what the next taste sensation could be? If you’d like to take a tour and sample the wonderful tastes of Bullards Gin, give them a call on 01603 920292 or email hello@bullardsspirits.co.uk.
KLmagazine December 2017
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” Make sure your stone floors Thanks Martin for a truly faultless service: for your care and attention, for your hardworking, courteous and meticulous staff, and for making d our floors look every bit as goo ! laid e wer they as the day
shine over the festive season
With the most advanced cleaning system in the UK and over 20 years experience, XtraClean can give your floors a bright new look ith all the rain and mud, the autumn months can really take their toll on your stone floors, and with the festive season approaching they may not offer the most appealing welcome to your Christmas guests. Stone floors are a considerable investment, but they tend to lose their good looks over time – and eventually your beautiful slate, limestone or natural stone floor will need a lot more than a mop and some elbow grease to bring them back to their best. That’s when you’ll need the professional services of Martin King and his Swaffham-based team at Xtraclean. “As deposits and dirt gradually builds up on your floors, traditional cleaning methods and chemicals will become increasingly ineffective,” says Martin.
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“That’s why we use a revolutionary floor cleaning system to restore heavilysoiled stone floors, tiles and grout to ‘as-new’ brilliance – and we can do it in a single visit too!” For more than 20 years, XtraClean has been offering a professional, friendly and fully-insured service that covers the whole of Norfolk (and even beyond) with a team of highly skilled, highly trained and highly knowledgeable technicians dedicated to keeping your floors looking as bright as the day they were laid. Following an initial survey and test, Martin and his team will get to work (even moving the furniture for you!) breaking down ingrained dirt and loosening surface soiling. Then, XtraClean’s amazing turbo-cleaning capture system thoroughly pressure
cleans the floor, capturing all the waste in the process. The results are spectacular, and are achieved without 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!” So what’s the secret to offering such a high quality service? “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!
Xtraclean
Unit 3, Jack Boddy Way, Swaffham PE37 7HJ Tel: 01760 337762 Web: www.xtraclean.co.uk E-mail: sales@xtraclean.co.uk
KLmagazine December 2017
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SJP
SOLICITORS
Staveley Johnson & Procter Formerly Hawkins of Hunstanton and Beloe & Staveley
We are a local firm of solicitors and our professional lawyers can offer you specialist legal advice and make sure your needs are met. We are experienced in; Conveyancing, family, residential and commercial lease, debt recovery, litigation, wills and probate, and personal injury, contract and professional negligence and dispute matters.
Freedom this Christmas
with the Invacare Colibri Small take-apart scooter available in a range of colours!
We can often offer fixed fees so you know where you stand on costs and an introductory 1/2 hour free of charge. We would like to wish all of our clients a very
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Contact us Staveley, Johnson & Procter Solicitors Waverley House, 37 Greevegate, Hunstanton, PE36 6AB Telephone: 01485 532662 Fax: 01485 534802 DX: 95250 Hunstanton info@sjpsolicitors.co.uk Solicitors acting in the North Norfolk area, including King’s Lynn and Norwich
www.sjpsolicitors.co.uk
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KING’S LYNN MOBILITY CENTRE For all your mobility needs
• Mobility Scooters • Electric & Manual • Wheelchairs • Riser Recliner Chairs • Adjustable Beds • Stair Lifts • Walking Aids • Ramps • Bathroom & Toilet Aids
01553 768751 free customer parking 30-38 Blackfriars Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1NN www.kingslynnmobility-norfolk.co.uk
KLmagazine December 2017
Are you sure your finances are ready for retirement? How Chartered Financial Planner Katie Trendell can help you make the most of your money and secure your financial future... f you’re approaching retirement, you probably have a lot of questions, and they’re likely to include the following:
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l Is there enough in your pension ‘pots’? l Should you consolidate them to save fees? l How much will they pay and is that enough? l When can you retire? It’s up to you to make the most of the money you’ve saved over your working life. One of the most effective ways of
doing that is to speak to pension and retirement specialist Katie Trendell. There are many options and Katie can guide you through them to secure the best income for retirement. Planning doesn’t have to be confusing. By speaking to someone who understands your needs, we can put a plan in place for your future. An initial appointment costs nothing but may just give you the peace of mind you need. Contact Katie Trendell, a Chartered Financial Planner and experienced adviser on 07739 339663 or e-mail ktrendell@barnsher.co.uk. I look forward to speaking with you.
Barnes & Sherwood Professional Advisers King’s Lynn Innovation Centre (KLIC), Innovation Drive, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 5BY Mobile: 07739 339663 E-mail: ktrendell@barnsher.co.uk Barnes & Sherwood Professional Advisers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 547997 KLmagazine December 2017
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History
ABOVE: One of Samuel Cresswell’s watercolour series (which he later gave to Queen Victoria) depicting the ‘critical position of HMS Investigator on the North Coast of Baring Island, August 20th 1851’
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the reverse of our £5 notes from 20012106. In 1842, aged 14, Cresswell joined the Royal Navy as a volunteer apprentice, sailing to the Far East, where he was involved in action against pirates in Borneo and Brunei. On his return in August 1847, he stayed with his friend and mentor Sir Edmund Parry, who’d explored the furthest westwards along the North American Arctic coast than any European – and his adventures encouraged Cresswell to volunteer for
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amuel Gurney Cresswell was celebrated for his Arctic exploits during his lifetime, and not just in his home town of Lynn. His drawings, letters and diaries provide personal documentary evidence of his career. He was born in King’s Lynn at Bank House in King Staithe Square on 25th September 1827 and was baptised at nearby St Margaret’s Church on 2nd November. His maternal grandmother was Elizabeth Fry (nee Gurney), the famous prison reformer who graced
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Born in King’s Lynn, Samuel Cresswell went down in history as the first naval officer to cross the entire Northwest Passage. Norma Chaplin of the King’s Lynn Town Guides tells his story
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From Bank House to the ends of the earth...
similar duties. Within a year Cresswell was appointed Sub-Lieutenant on HMS Investigator, which set out (along with HMS Enterprise) to find Sir John Franklin’s missing 1845 expedition before continuing the search for the North-West Passage. Both ships were purpose-built, with strengthened hulls, metal-covered prows, insulation and a heating/ventilation system. The ships’ primary mission was ultimately futile; Sir John Franklin had died in 1847 and his crew of 134 had perished from starvation, hypothermia, KLmagazine December 2017
ABOVE: This detail from the final watercolour in Cresswell’s series shows some of the crew 'sledging over hummocky ice' in April 1853. Cressell (shown above right in a rare engraving) was born – and died – at Bank House in King’s Lynn, pictured below in a sketch drawn less than three years after his death.
tuberculosis, lead poisoning and scurvy before Cresswell even left England. On encountering Eskimos for the first time, Samuel admired their sealskin canoes and their hunting skills, but found them “filthy dirty, oily, and dreadfully ugly” – reassuring his parents that he wouldn’t be returning with an Eskimo bride. By contrast, Cresswell found the Arctic scenery truly beautiful and a worthy subject for his artistic skills. His first Arctic winter was spent ice-locked at Port Leopold, a trading post in the British-ruled Northwestern Territories. Returning to England in late 1849, Cresswell joined another Arctic expedition on HMS Investigator, under the command of Captain Robert LeMesurier M’Clure. They set off in January 1850 and reached the Arctic in August – but within a few weeks the ship was icetrapped, tipped at an angle, in Prince of Wales Sound. A party led by Captain M’Clure
KLmagazine December 2017
trekked eastwards, and on 26th October they saw that beyond the seaice blocking the ship’s progress was open water. It was a momentous discovery – it meant the Northwest Passage had finally been discovered and its navigation was theoretically possible. It was recorded in the ship’s log on 31st October. When the ice released HMS Investigator the coastline was mapped, but the ship was imprisoned again by late September 1851. Two more winters were spent in an inlet they named Mercy Bay, and by using wild sorrel to prevent scurvy only four men died. Cresswell led sledge-based surveying parties, leaving messages from Captain M’Clure at the cairn at Winter Harbour. Back in King’s Lynn, Cresswell’s family has heard nothing from him for two years, and they persuaded another expedition to look for the Investigator, and to leave supplies for them at Winter Harbour. In early 1853, the despatches were
found at the cairn by the Resolute and the Intrepid expeditions. An overland party set out on 10th March, finding the Investigator a little over three weeks later. Whilst M’Clure travelled to the Resolute, Cresswell was put in charge of a sledge party containing the weakest men along with a surgeon, a translator and some officers. They left early on 15th April, arriving at their rescuers’ ships on 2nd May. It had taken 16 days to cover the intervening 170 miles, sometimes travelling at night to avoid the glare of the sun from the ice, whose irregular formations made the going difficult. Cresswell was sent as an envoy back to England. As the Resolute waited for M’Clure to return with the rest of the crew, Cresswell set off overland to find his voyage home. He reached HMS North Star at Beechy Island, although further progress wasn’t possible until July. Transferring to the steamship Phoenix in August, he finally arrived in Britain at the beginning of October 1853 – where he and another sick officer who arrived with him were lauded as the first people to travel completely around the American continent. The story of the Resolute had an interesting postscript. Eventually released by the ice, the ship drifted aimlessly before being found by an American ship. It was repaired, given back to Britain, and was finally decommissioned in 1879. Three desks were made from the ship’s timbers, and Queen Victoria gave one to the US President Rutherford Hayes – a desk which still has pride of place in the Oval Office in the White House. In his home town Cresswell was given a hero’s welcome on his return, a welcome which included a banquet at the King’s Lynn Town Hall on 26th October. The guest list and the speeches were widely reported in national newspapers, and readers were
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History
ABOVE: A rarely-seen preparatory sketch by Samuel Cresswell of HMS Investigator and HMS Enterprise cutting through the ice. Although not shown in this picture, the ship that eventually rescued the men trapped in the ice had a fascinating legacy; timbers from it were eventually used to create the desk in the Oval Office still used by US Presidents to this day (below)
A step-by-step way to explore the heritage of King’s Lynn...
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birthday. His obituary and report of his funeral in North Runcton were published in newspapers nationally. Apart from the family memorial there, Bank House has a plaque, and some prints of his watercolours are displayed inside. The stained glass in the east window in King’s Lynn Minster was installed in 1865 in thanks for his safe return from the Arctic and in memory of his father. N YN
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new command in 1857, HMS Surprise satisfying his wanderlust. In Hong Kong, he met with Captain M’Clure before sailing upriver to take part in the bombardment of Canton in December 1857. After more action, including some encounters with Chinese pirates, he was promoted to Captain in September 1858. Despite his new rank, a frustrated Cresswell was ashore on half pay for almost 4½ years, and he campaigned to get a new command, writing to influential contacts to intercede on his behalf. The 1861 census shows him and his widowed mother living with his farmer brother Gerard. Cresswell’s sister-in-law Louisa Cresswell of Appleton would eventually be known as the ‘thorn in the side’ of the Prince of Wales. In September 1863 a postal mixup led to Cresswell being late for the deadline to join HMS Scylla – the news being sent to Bank House instead of to him in Northumberland. He rushed to Sheerness, where he suffered a mental and physical collapse. Relieved temporarily of his command due to illness, he eventually retired from the service and returned to live in King’s Lynn. His health gradually declined and he died on 14th August 1867 in the house where he was born, a few weeks short of his 40th
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especially interested in Cresswell’s own version of his adventures. Until his next posting, Cresswell spent time preparing watercolours of his Arctic sketches for publication, and was summoned to Buckingham Palace to relate his adventures in person to Queen Victoria – to whom he dedicated the watercolours, which are still in the Royal Collection. The Crimean War was about to begin. In April 1854 Cresswell sent to take part in the Baltic blockade as Lieutenant of HMS Archer. It was out there he finally learnt the fate of Franklin’s expedition, being “more shocked than I ever remember...” Promoted to Commander, Cresswell was given his first ship, HMS Sparrowhawk, which was frustratingly based in the English Channel in April 1856. A Chinese incident gave him a
PRIVATE BOOKINGS Although there are no regular walks in December, the King’s Lynn Town Guides are available to take privately-arranged group walks at any time or day for groups of at least six people. These walks can be tailored to suit any theme or length. If you’d like to get together with a group of friends or colleagues to discover more about the town, simply contact the Tourist Information Centre in the Custom House on 01553 763044 to book your tour. The King’s Lynn Town Guides give their services entirely voluntarily, and all the money raised from the walks goes directly to conservation projects in the town.
KLmagazine December 2017
By appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Pattrick & Thompsons Ltd Timber Merchants
quality timber products Everything you need in timber - we sell. We would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we would like to thank you for all your continued support - we look forward to seeing you in 2018!
P &T
DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE OR YOU CAN CALL IN AT OUR COLLECTION CENTRE NOW!
PATTRICK & THOMPSONS LTD T I M B E R
C E N T R E
Pattrick & Thompsons Ltd, Page Stair Lane, King’s Lynn, Norfolk Tel: 01553 762026 | Fax: 01553 768495 OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri 8am–5pm & Saturday 8am–12noon
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KLmagazine December 2017
Landlords: get your tax affairs in order... There are almost two million landlords in the UK, and many don’t fully understand their tax obligations. Chris Goad BSc ACA of Stephenson Smart explains how to safeguard your income MRC recently revealed some of the most common tax errors that residential property landlords make, however unintentional they may be. The Let Property campaign provides these landlords with the opportunity to get their tax affairs up-to-date and minimise any penalties. It’s a facility for landlords to report previously undisclosed rental income, and those who make a voluntary disclosure under the scheme will be offered the ‘best possible’ terms for getting their tax affairs in order. There’s no window or end date by which individuals must make the disclosure, but those who do delay risk higher penalties if HMRC ends up approaching them first. The campaign is open to all individuals who let out residential property in the UK or abroad. This includes those who are: l renting out a single property l renting out multiple properties l specialist landlords (such as student or workforce rentals) l renting out a room in their own home and exceeding the Rent a Room threshold (£7,500 per year in 2017/18) l living abroad and renting out a property in the UK or living in the UK and renting out a property abroad l renting out a holiday home, even if it’s
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KLmagazine December 2017
used by the individual Note that the Let Property scheme is not open to companies or trusts renting out residential property, or to those who are renting out non-residential properties such as a garages or workshops. To take part in the Let Property campaign, the individual or their adviser will need to notify HMRC of their intention to make a disclosure. They will then have 90 days in which to inform HMRC about all previously undeclared income, gains, taxes and duties. Full payment is required at the same time as the disclosure, although in some circumstances a staggered payment plan will be agreed. When calculating the penalty, HMRC will consider the level of co-operation, the time taken to correct the non-compliance and the accuracy of the information provided. Simple mistakes lead to lower
OUR BRANCHES
(or no) penalties than cases with deliberate withholding of information. However, the tax arrears will still need to be paid. HMRC does recognise that many landlords don’t deliberately attempt to mislead the tax authority – they may be simply unsure of their tax obligations. In an effort to improve awareness, HMRC has published the top ten most common scenarios in which landlords may have undisclosed rental income. These include individuals who have: l moved in with a partner and rented out their own vacant property l inherited a property which has then been rented out l purchased and rented out a property as an investment l rented out a previously lived-in property following a divorce l relocated to another area due to work and then rented out the vacant property l moved into a care home and rented out their house to pay for the care home fees l misunderstood the rules on jointly owned property and declared all the allowable expenses on the tax return of the higher earner in the relationship l purchased a property for a family member at university but then failed to declare tax on rent received from an informal agreement l failed to check the tax implications of renting out a family home after being posted overseas with the armed forces l incorrectly calculated the deductible element of mortgage repayments By contacting Stephenson Smart at an early stage, we can help you avoid the common pitfalls associated with tax compliance and rental properties. If you believe you have undeclared income, it’s always better to notify HMRC voluntarily rather than waiting for it to contact you. Our professional teams can make a disclosure on your behalf and calculate any tax owed – so please contact us for a free initial consultation.
KING’S LYNN 01553 774104
GREAT YARMOUTH 01493 382500
WISBECH 01945 463383
FAKENHAM 01328 863318
DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 384121
MARCH 01354 653026
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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 Some insurance companies will check that any claim for weather damage hasn’t been increased due to poor maintenance of your property. Source: Policyexpert.co.uk
Winter Worries... W
e have again arrived at the time of year when our focus on planning for the impending seasonal holiday starts to take over. However, we would just like to put a couple of helpful reminders out to both landlords and tenants regarding your rental properties so that this Christmas isn’t memorable for the wrong reasons. Tenants; leaving your Seasonal shopping until the last day can often result in disappointment and this principle carries over to your rental property. On the 24th December last year we logged several serious maintenance concerns, of which only 2 had actually occurred that day. We have a very dedicated team of contractors that we can call upon 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and we pride ourselves on having these resources available to offer. But please consider that just because we can get a contractor to your property at 11pm on Christmas Eve, doesn’t mean that they will definitely be able to action a repair for you. If parts for a boiler or oven
need to be ordered from the manufacturer then there is going to be a longer delay than usual when the Christmas holiday is factored in. We want all of our tenants to be comfortable in their homes over Christmas and the best way to ensure this is to inform us immediately of any issues with your heating, plumbing or cooking facilities. If you haven’t yet checked your heating go and put it on now and if it’s not hot by the time you finish reading this month’s KL Magazine then call us. Please don’t wait until it’s too late! Landlords; we have reached the time of year when empty properties are at their most vulnerable to the effects of the harsh winter weather. The risk of frozen pipes and header tanks resulting in flooding when they thaw is very likely during this time of the year and care arrangements for this should be considered now. The two best preventative options during this time are to either drain the property’s heating and water system or leave it active on a low setting or frost
control. If your property is fitted with prepayment meters leaving the heating on low can present its own complications as the credit on these needs to be monitored and budgeted correctly so that they do not run out. At Edmonton Estates we visit empty properties within our care every 2 days over the winter period and retain a log of our attendance to ensure our Landlords can make a successful insurance claim should the worst occur despite everyone’s best efforts. Even in occupied properties it is always advisable to ask your tenants, when possible, whether they are going away for Christmas and if so what provisions they are making or if they would mind you checking on the property whilst they are away. If you would like any help or advice regarding winter care for your rental property, including details of local contractors for both emergency call outs and routine system decommissioning please contact our office on 01553 660615 and we will be pleased to help.
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
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PICTURES: COPYRIGHT PAUL WALKINSHAW
Local Life
ABOVE: Jurassic being dismantled at Skegness prior to the boiler being sent to the North Norfolk Railway’s workshops at Weybourne for restoration. With the work now complete, Jurassic looks better than ever and is carrying holidaymakers once again, as she’s pictured doing here (opposite) at South Sea Lane station around 1970
How Norfolk helped bring Jurassic back to life She was built in 1903, retired 53 years later, and then enjoyed a second 24-year career before it seemed like her days were over. Now, however, a very special locomotive is back on the rails...
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n 17th September, the lovingly-restored steam locomotive Jurassic was launched on scheduled passenger duties, carrying a record number of passengers at Skegness Water Leisure Park’s annual Classic Wheels car show. Not bad for a train that was built over 100 years ago and during its life moved thousands of tons of rock (and just as many holidaymakers) across the East Coast. Ten years ago Jurassic was in a very sorry state, but thanks to Norfolk skills and craftsmanship and the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, this beautiful KLmagazine December 2017
and historic steam locomotive is now looking (and working) as good as ever. Jurassic is a narrow-gauge (0-6-0) steam locomotive built by the Bristol company of Peckett and Sons Ltd in 1903 for Kaye and Company’s cement works at Southam in Warwickshire. She was taken out of use as long ago as 1956 when the company’s rail system closed, but Jurassic then enjoyed a second life when she was bought by the first railway to be built in Britain by railway enthusiasts – the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway (LCLR). After purchasing Jurassic in 1961, they used her on their services which
linked the bus terminus in the village of Humberston, south of Cleethorpes, to the nearby beach and holiday camp, until changing holiday patterns brought about the LCLR’s closure in 1985. The Railway eventually relocated to the Skegness Water Leisure Park (which sits close to Butlins, just across the Wash from Hunstanton) where it reopened in 2009, but by then Jurassic was in dire need of extensive repairs before she could hope to steam again. The Heritage Lottery Fund recognised the locomotive’s historical significance and awarded £43,000 to the charitable trust which now owns her for the
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Local Life
ABOVE: Following restoration work in Norfolk, the heart of Jurrasic (top) is put through a successful steam test – the only hint the boiler is in steam is a wisp of steam from the safety valve joint. Below that is a 1965 photograph showing Jurassic at Old Beach station, and at bottom right is an imahe of the newly-restored locomotive on her return to scheduled passenger duties in September
restoration work required to bring Jurassic back to working order. At this point, Jurassic was introduced to the craftsmen and skilled workforce of the North Norfolk Railway’s workshops at Weybourne, near Sheringham. Recognising their high reputation for locomotive restoration, Jurassic’s owners gave them a contract to repair and restore the very heart of the locomotive – her boiler, smokebox and firebox. Work took place over several months, with insurers and boiler inspectors checking the work met modern standards – which it did. “Everyone was really delighted with the quality of the work carried out at Weybourne,” said the LCLR’s spokesman John Chappell. “It was vital
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in enabling us to progress Jurassic’s restoration on the timetable agreed with the Heritage Lottery Fund – as well as meeting our own ambitions to re-introduce steam train services on the Railway.” Those vital components were then taken from Norfolk and moved back to the LCLR’s headquarters, where a team of volunteers fitted the newlyrestored boiler, firebox and smokebox back into Jurassic’s frames. That wasn’t the end of the work, however. Next up was the re-assembly of the pipework, injectors (which force water into the boiler to produce the steam
from the heat generated by the firebox), the large cab, the very long chimney and all the controls and fittings necessary to enable this elegant, graceful and elderly lady to return to the tracks and (once again) take holidaymakers for a journey not too far from the shores of the Wash. It was over the summer that the work finally came to a successful conclusion. At the start of July, Jurassic was reassembled, the locomotive’s cab and saddle tank being reunited with the boiler and chassis – and over the next few weeks the team piped up the air brake system, reinstalled the whistle, pressure gauge and lining, and gave Jurassic a new coat of paint. On 21st July a local signwriter completed the beautiful gold and black lining, and two weeks later Jurassic returned to steam with a successful steam test. After a few tweaks to the air braking system, Jurassic was finally ready for service – and she took up scheduled passenger duties at the Classic Wheels car show at Skegness Water Leisure Park on Sunday 17th September. She now joins the LCLR’s fleet of historic English narrow gauge carriages and wagons, which run on rails laid a century ago in the battlefields of France to take Allied soldiers and supplies to the frontline trenches of World War One. The collection includes six Simplex diesel locomotives (of a design which was developed for the War Department Light Railways), the only surviving World War One railway ambulance van, a carriage converted with a grant from The Peoples’ Millions Lottery Fund into a disabled access vehicle, two carriages from the Ashover Light Railway in Derbyshire – and the only carriages built for the Nocton Estates Railway in Lincolnshire and the Sand Hutton Light Railway near York. Happily, Jurassic will be in regular use for the 2018 season, and people wishing to experience this historic and beautifully-restored locomotive for themselves should check the website at www.lclr.co.uk for dates.
KLmagazine December 2017
The Arona arrives at Duff Morgan... Your chance to test drive the new SEAT – and enjoy £500 off t’s a girl’s name that originates with the Maori of New Zealand, and although rarely used today, the literal meaning of Arona is ‘one who’s colourful and vivacious.’ That’s why SEAT decided on the name for their new and brilliantly-compact SUV – which combines the advantages of a smaller city car with all the attributes you need in rural driving conditions. It’s actually the first model in SEAT's compact crossover segment and there’s no compromise anywhere. Drive in town and you’ll find the Arona elegant, spacious, practical and comfortable – take it further afield at the weekend and you’ll find it adventurous, robust, sporty
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and efficient. It’s the best of both worlds – and it looks fabulous. In addition to its attractive and distinct design, the Arona features a level of safety and connectivity technology normally only found in higherlevel vehicles – and is a perfect example of how SEAT is continuing to set new standards in motoring. If you’d like to discover why people are getting excited about the SEAT Arona (and why Duff Morgan is an awardwinning dealership with an unrivalled level of customer care) contact us on 01553 770144 now to arrange a test drive – and enjoy £500 off in addition to a £1,000 deposit contribution.
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Merry
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KLmagazine December 2017
The 7 Series at Listers... Here’s your chance to discover BMW’s latest motoring masterpiece he BMW 7 Series redefines what an exclusive and luxurious driving experience looks like, with its groundbreaking technologies in the areas of lightweight design, powertrains, chassis, operating systems, intelligent connectivity and interior ambience. The increased level of technology truly asserts the new BMW 7 Series as the most innovative car in its class and is designed to enhance the experience for drivers and passengers alike. Among its highlights are BMW Remote Control Parking, using the unique Display Key, and BMW Gesture Control. The design of the new BMW 7 Series provides an authentic showcase for the car’s character. Harmonious proportions, a strongly controlled surface design and precise lines point
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to the stylistic confidence, assured dynamics and exclusive elegance at work here. The BMW 7 Series is enhanced by a precisely arranged lighting design. The Ambient light option now includes the Welcome Light Carpet, which provides eye-catching illumination of the area around the car doors. The optional Executive Lounge option adds an added level of luxury and includes automatic air conditioning with 4-zone control, electrically adjustable comfort seats with massage function in the rear and active seat ventilation for all seats, plus optional executive lounge seating, executive lounge rear console and rear-seat entertainment experience with BMW Touch Command. The BMW 7 Series iDrive operating
Listers King s Lynn
KLmagazine December 2017
system’s monitor comes in touch display form, in addition to using the controller to control the system in familiar style, its functions can also be selected and activated by touching the screen’s surface. Another new addition to the iDrive system’s functionality is BMW gesture control in which hand movements are detected by a 3D sensor control infotainment functions in an extremely intuitive and userfriendly fashion. The BMW 7 Series was the world’s first series-produced car that owners are able to manoeuvre in or out of forward-parking spaces or garages without anyone at the wheel. As such, the remote control parking option allows drivers to access tight parking spaces with ease. The driver initiates the car’s progress forwards into or in reverse out of a space using the BMW display key. While the car is carrying out the semi-automated manoeuvre, the driver watches out for obstacles.
Hardwick Road, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4NA Tel: 01553 692000 Web: www.listerskingslynnbmw.co.uk
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Book Reviews
Books for December – quite literally... DECEMBER GIRL Nicola Cassidy Molly Thomas is a feisty, independent soul, born on the Winter Solstice – but at every stage of her life, she’s faced troubles. As a young woman, her family are evicted from their home at Christmas, and in 1896, her baby son is taken from his pram. While Molly searches the streets for little Oliver, the police are called but her baby is gone. Why does trouble seem to follow Molly? And will she ever find out what happened to her child? This is a tale of family bonds, love, revenge and murder that’s hard-hitting and shocking at times but accurately depicts the realities of society in such an era.
DECEMBER Phil Rickman In this standalone supernatural thriller from the author of the chilling Merrily Watkins Mysteries, four young musicians start work on an album influenced by bloody history of a ruined medieval abbey on the Welsh Border – the same night John Lennon will be murdered in New York. The session tapes are burned – but years later the old tapes (and all the darkness they contain) have been restored. And it’s December again...
TENTH OF DECEMBER George Saunders From a writer named one of the world’s 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2013, this wryly hilarious and disturbing collection of short stories illuminates human experience and explores figures lost in a labyrinth of troubling preoccupations. A family member recollects a backyard pole dressed for all occasions; Jeff faces horrifying ultimatums in some unusual drug trials; and Al Roosten hides his own internal monologue behind a winning smile he hopes will make him popular. Full of brilliant ideas, this collection sings with astonishing charm. A WEEK IN DECEMBER Sebastian Faulks It’s London and it’s the week before Christmas 2007. Seven wintry days to track the lives of seven characters – including a a professional footballer recently arrived from Poland and a student led astray by Islamist theory. With daring skill, the novel pieces together the complex patterns and crossings of modern urban life, and the group is forced, one by one, to confront the true nature of the world they inhabit. Sweeping, satirical, Dickensian in scope, this is a thrilling state of the nation novel from a master of literary fiction. 106
ONE DAY IN DECEMBER Shari Low Shari Low has published 18 books under her own name and pseudonyms Millie Conway and Ronni Cooper – and she’s also one half of the writing duo ‘Shari King’ with old friend and TV presenter Ross King. One Day in December charts four lives on a collision course with destiny, four lives that will be changed forever in a single day. Caro decides to see if her relationship with her father has been based on a lifetime of lies, Lila decides to tell her lover’s wife of their secret affair, Cammy is on the way to pick up a ring for a surprise proposal – while Bernadette vows to walk away from her husband of 30 years and never look back.
KLmagazine December 2017
THE DOOR TO DECEMBER Dean Koontz Six years ago, Laura McCaffrey’s three-yearold daughter Melanie was kidnapped by Laura’s estranged husband Dylan – and seemingly vanished from the face of the earth. Now, Melanie has been found, a nineyear-old wandering the Los Angeles streets with blank eyes and a secret in her soul she will not or can not reveal. Dylan has been found too – or at least his mangled remains have. This is a gripping novel by an international household name whose books have been bestsellers in many countries, selling 17 million copies each year.
A LONG DECEMBER Richard Chizmar This brilliant collection of 35 short stories is dappled in Americana, but something not-quiteright lies just beneath the surface – and each tale turns on a twist ending. Some stories clock in at less than 10 pages, yet each creates a credible world, and often a beautiful one; a beloved fishing hole or the details of a work shed or pickup truck ring true – or at least right up until the tentacles appear. With a whiff of classic pulp fiction about them, these chilling tales pack a giddy wallop and make staying up late to read just one more mandatory.
DECEMBER Elizabeth Winthrop By the talented young author of Fireworks, this is a compelling, ultimately uplifting novel about a family in crisis, showing the delicate web that connects a husband and wife, parents and children, and how easily it can tear. Eleven-year-old Isabelle hasn’t spoken in nine months, and as December begins the situation is getting desperate for her mother and her family – as four psychiatrists finally give up on her.
DECEMBER 1941 Evan Mawdsley All around the world, an unparalleled sequence of events took place between December 1st-12th 1941, and in this riveting book, historian Evan Mawdsley explores how the story unfolded. He demonstrates how these dramatic events marked a turning point – not only in the course of World War II but also in the direction of the entire century. By examining the momentous happenings of December 1941 from a variety of perspectives, Mawdsley shows that their significance is clearly understood only when they are viewed together.
A WEDDING IN DECEMBER Anita Shreeve This is Anita Shreve’s most ambitious and moving novel to date, probing into human motivation with extraordinary grace and skill. At an inn in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts, seven former schoolmates gather for a wedding – which will turn into an astonishing weekend of revelation and recrimination, forgiveness and redemption. Starting with Nora, the owner of the inn, who has recently reinvented her life following the death of her husband...
KLmagazine December 2017
THE DEATHS OF DECEMBER Susi Holliday It looks like a regular advent calendar. Until DC Becky Greene starts opening doors, and discovers a crime scene behind almost every one. The police hope it’s a prank – because if it isn’t, a murderer has just surfaced, someone who’s been killing for 20 years. As the rest of the country relaxes into festive cheer, Greene and DS Eddie Carmine must race against time to catch the killer. Because there are four doors left, and four murders will fill them. A great crime novel that takes some of our best-loved Christmas traditions and twists them to suit nefarious purposes.
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Book Reviews DARK DECEMBER Robert Merriam On 16th December 1944, the German army launched their last of their attacks against the Allied forces in what would become known as the Battle of the Bulge. Robert Merriam, a soldier who witnessed the battle, pieces together a step-by-step account of what occurred; from the planning undertaken by the German High Command, to the initial engagement and encirclement of the Allied troops, through to the counteroffensive that devastated the German forces. Full of first-hand accounts, this is a fascinating account of a monumental battle.
THE THING ABOUT DECEMBER Donal Ryan After an award-winning debut, this book confirms Ryan’s status as one of the best writers of his generation. Set over the course of one year of Johnsey Cunliffe’s life, this is a hearttwisting tale of a lonely man struggling to make sense of a world moving faster than he is. The Thing About December breathes with Johnsey’s grief, bewilderment, humour and agonizing self-doubt as he desperately tries to hold on to the familiar.
DECEMBER 6 Martin Cruz Smith From the author of Gorky Park and Havana Bay comes another audacious novel of exotic locales, intimate intrigues and the mysteries of the human heart. Set in the crazed, nationalistic Tokyo of late 1941, the novel explores the coming world war through the other end of history’s prism – a prism held by an unforgettable rogue and lover, Harry Niles. On the eve of Pearl Harbor, Harry must decide where his true allegiances lie. Suspenseful, exciting and replete with the detailed research Martin Cruz Smith brings to all his novels, December 6 is a triumph of imagination, history and storytelling.
Local Books THE APPRENTICE WITCH James Nicol James Nicol lives on the edge of the Cambridgeshire Fens in a house with too many books and too many musical instruments with his partner and a black and white cockapoo called Bonnie. He's loved books and stories his whole life, and as a child spent hours absorbed in novels, watching epic 1980s cartoons or adventuring in the wood at the bottom of the garden searching for dragons and witches. He now spends all his spare time writing, and his debut book The Apprentice Witch was published last year. More charming, adventurous, and full of heart than a book has any right to be, it begins with Arianwyn fluffing her witch’s assessment. Awarded the dull bronze disc of an apprentice (to the glee of her arch-rival, Gimma) she’s sent to protect a remote and dreary town – but her new life is far from boring. Turns out Gimma is the pompous mayor’s favourite niece – and has opened a magical rift in the nearby forest. As Arianwyn struggles with her spells, it’s clear there’s much more than her pride at stake... Nicol’s follow-up story A Witch Alone will be published in the spring.
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BLACK BEAUTY Anna Sewell No excuses for mentioning Black Beauty this month, as it was published exactly 140 years ago, and was the only book by the Norfolk-born Anna Sewell. With over 50 million copies sold, it’s one of the best-selling books of all time, and although it’s often thought of as a book for younger readers, Sewell didn’t write the novel for children. She said her purpose in writing the novel was “to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses.” The book became an immediate best-seller, but Anna Sewell never lived to enjoy its success. Born in Great Yarmouth in 1820, she fell while walking home from school when she was 14 and injured both ankles. Unable to walk or stand for any length of time for the rest of her life, Anna’s dependence on horse-drawn transportation fostered her respect for horses, and she composed Black Beauty during the last years of her life, during which she remained in her house as an invalid, sometimes barely unable to get out of bed. She died just five months after the book was published.
KLmagazine December 2017
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Local Arts
ABOVE: Local artist Emily Chapman, whose charming paintings capture the sheer joy of living in Norfolk whether that’s private houses such as the one in progress here, or much-loved locations such as the quayside at Wells-Next-the-Sea (opposite)
Capturing the brighter side of life in Norfolk With ancestors including Danish fishermen, lighthouse builders and lifeboatmen it was only natural that local artist Emily Chapman would be – in a very literal sense – drawn to the sea
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he may be a relative newcomer to the local arts scene, but the work of Emily Chapman is already making a big impression. Her bright, colourful and distinctly quirky paintings capture both the beauty and vibrancy of iconic local buildings and landscapes – and the simple joy of living among them. As she prepares for a month-long exhibition at the Soul Cafe on Tower Street in King’s Lynn, we caught up with Emily to talk about her work and her love of Norfolk. KL magazine: Did you always want to be an artist? EMILY CHAPMAN: Yes, always! I was
KLmagazine December 2017
lucky enough to come from a very artistic family, where creativity was encouraged. I also got a great grounding in drawing and painting at an early age from a marvellous art teacher who lived our village. Art was my focus throughout my childhood, and my bedroom was a den of drawings and cut-out materials for sewing and making things. KL magazine: The sea plays an important role in your work, but it’s also played a major part in your family’s story hasn't it? EMILY CHAPMAN: I have many coastal connections that go way back on both sides of the family and I’ve always felt
drawn to the sea. My Danish ancestors on one side were fisherman who were washed up at Blakeney and decided to stay in Norfolk. On the other side of my family you’ll find lighthouse builders and Wells lifeboatmen. KL magazine: How did you go about starting a career as an artist? EMILY CHAPMAN: After school I went to college at King’s Lynn to study General Art and Design, but it wasn’t until years later that I went back to the same college to do a BA (Hons) in Fine Art. After many years of waiting for the right time I finally found my focus and with the help of social media, people actually started wanting to buy my
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Local Arts Norwegian fjords, and his landscapes are much happier than his portraits! KL magazine: What are you working on at the moment? EMILY CHAPMAN: I’m currently working on a commission for a wonderful couple who recently moved to Norfolk from London. They wanted a large painting of their splendid new home. The wonderful, rambling property really lends itself to my style, and I’m finding it a really exciting project. KL magazine: What kind of a response do you expect from people viewing your work? EMILY CHAPMAN: Hopefully people will experience a happy recognition of somewhere special or somewhere they’d like to visit. Most of all, I hope my paintings make people smile!
work! I've been gradually building it up from there. KL magazine: What’s the reception to your work been like so far? EMILY CHAPMAN: I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction to my work, and especially when children relate to the paintings. My work seems to put people in a good place – maybe it reminds them of holidays and happy times. KL magazine: What are your favourite subjects? EMILY CHAPMAN: I love to paint coastal towns and boats as that’s what I always associate with good times – the smell of the sea and the screech of the gulls – but I also love to get commissions for something totally different too. Animals are always a challenge! KL magazine: Your work is characterised by quirky angles and distorted perspectives. Where did that come from? EMILY CHAPMAN: My style originated with me trying to capture the fun and the flow of life. Instead of depicting reality as it looks to the human eye, I find myself compelled to slightly distort perspectives. This evokes a sense of ‘magic realism’ that forces us to confront the familiar as if we’d never seen it before. I want to find that
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childlike freedom in form and colour that we all once had and that we may have lost as adults. KL magazine: Do you have a single painting that’s particularly special or important to you? EMILY CHAPMAN: A painting of mine that’s particuarly important to me is one of Snettisham Curch. It’s a beautiful building that always facinated me as a child, and it has even more significance now as my brother got married there. KL magazine: Who are your major artistic influences? EMILY CHAPMAN: Primarily it would be my mother, who nurtured my interest in creativity. I watched her painting wonderful pictures throughout my childhood. As for more famous artists it would have to be post-Impressionists such as Van Gogh and Fauvists like Matisse for their joy of colour and movement. David Hockney’s landscapes have also been a huge inspiration for me – I love his fearless form and wild use of colour.
KL magazine: Were do you see your work going in the future? EMILY CHAPMAN: In the next few years I hope to keep finding new inspiring things and places to paint. We’re blessed with so many interesting and beautiful scenes in East Anglia, and being commissioned by others always gives you new ideas from different perspectives – which is wonderful. KL magazine: Where can we see more of your work? EMILY CHAPMAN: I’m having a display of my work in a great new restaurant in King's Lynn for the whole of December. The Soul Cafe on Tower Street has an art space available for artists to use on a monthly basis - and they do great food too! My work can also be seen in The Le Strange Old Barns in Old Hunstanton, Riverside Art and Glass in Wroxham and ReallyVeryNice in Bury St Edmunds. I can also be contacted via Facebook and Twitter for commission work - just look for me under Emily Chapman Artist.
KL magazine: If you could have a single piece of art on your wall, what would it be – and why? EMILY CHAPMAN: If I could have only one painting it would have to be a landscape by Edvard Munch called Train Smoke. I love his flowing style and lyrical use of line. I also love the
KLmagazine December 2017
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The Last Word
WildWestNorfolk Michael Middleton’s
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’ve always been fascinated by obscure facts and figures, and Christmas is a great time for lovers of all things trivial. For instance, the record number of Christmas cards sent by a single person in a year is currently 62,824 – which means that someone managed to lick an average of 172 envelopes every single day and ended up spending nearly £41,000 on stamps. In Japan, the traditional Christmas dinner is KFC (it’s so popular you actually need to place your orders in October to make sure of your festive bucket) and in Sweden the television staple is Donald Duck cartoons rather than a James Bond film from the 1970s. And according to the latest research, you’ll have your first alcoholic drink of Christmas Day at 11.48am – unless you’re a guest in Mrs Middleton’s household, of course, where the clocks always seem to be put back an hour or so for the day. Whether you’re talking about the biggest snowman (113ft tall), the longest cracker (207ft), the most expensive Christmas tree (£7 million) or the largest Secret Santa (30,000 people), Christmas seems to drive people to excess – and to some extent we’re all guilty. Christmas is a time when we do a little more than usual; we eat a little more, we drink a little more, we spend a little more, we watch a bit more TV – and many of us will actually go to church a little more. But the one thing we do that probably has the most long-lasting impact is that we waste a little more. In fact, we waste a great deal more. Despite the fact the world produces enough food to feed every one of the seven billion people in it, 11.3% of the world’s population (that’s about 805 million people) is still 114
hungry – and poor nutrition plays a role in the deaths of around 10,000 children a day. Every Christmas in Britain, we throw away approximately two million turkeys, five million Christmas puddings, 74 million mince pies and 17.2 million Brussel sprouts. I asked the lady who lives next door if she served Brussel sprouts with her Christmas dinner – which is attended by an extended family that would put the Waltons to shame. She did. I asked her if anyone liked them. “Not really,” she said. It’s something we really need to think about. We need to plan our festive feasts better and we need to store our food better – and if I can enjoy turkey in a variety of guises (risotto, curry, stew, sandwiches, soup) for a week then I’m pretty sure everybody else can. And it’s not just food we’re wasting. Opening a present wrapped by Mrs. Middleton is a bit like taking part in the Krypton Factor; just when you thought you were about to reveal this year’s pair of socks you come across yet more wrapping paper – which is probably one of the reasons why we throw away 227,000 miles of the stuff every year. That’s enough to wrap around the world nine times. The main reason hardly none of this gets recycled is that we assume wrapping paper is one of those things forbidden from the green bin, but that’s not entirely true – so I’d like to welcome you to the Scrunch Test. If you scrunch up some wrapping paper and it holds its shape, it’s recyclable; if it springs back it’s not. Of course, you could always choose recycled wrapping paper to begin with – especially as producing it uses up to 50% fewer chemicals than virgin paper, so it’s much less polluting
to the environment. Much the same could be said of card packaging. Over Christmas, we’ll get through 300,000 tonnes of it; and that’s enough to cover Big Ben nearly 260,000 times. Recycling it effectively could save enough energy to light the Blackpool illuminations 340 times – and let’s not get on the subject of Christmas cards; one billion of which end up in the bin rather than the recycling centre. Although socks aren’t the most exciting present in the world I’ve got used to them over the years, and as I never learned how to darn the things I’m always in need of them. As I get older and grumpier I’d actually prefer them to something that’s going to spend its life in the understairs cupboard. It’s simply incredible to think that every year we spend £700 million on unwanted Christmas gifts. But before I go all ‘bah humbug’ on you, let me leave you with another fascinating festive fact; if you’re familiar with the idea of there being no room at the inn (and you really should be) you’ll be surprised to learn that on Christmas Eve in 2001, the Bethlehem Hotel had no less than 208 of its 210 rooms free. The stable was available too.
KLmagazine December 2017
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Exquisite ideas and beautiful designs – for a truly sparkling Christmas...
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our customers