KL Magazine December 2014 by KL Magazine

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE 51 DECEMBER 2014 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

COVER IMAGE

Red Mount Chapel, King’s Lynn by Ian Ward

editorial

01553 601201 editor@klmagazine.co.uk

Eric Secker Emma Barnard Ian Ward Alex Dallas Graham Murray Michael Middleton

advertising 01553 601201 sales@klmagazine.co.uk Laura Murray Michelle Young Clare Harper

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01553 601201 design@klmagazine.co.uk Lisa Tonroe Amy Phillips

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

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ust a few days before Christmas 1914, from the Western Front in war-torn Europe, Private Alan Harper wrote to his wife at home in King’s Lynn. “We have had a terrible time of it,” he wrote. “The weather has been cruelly wet, and the trenches are just like clay pits. But there you are, we hardly ever grumble.” You can read more from the young soldier’s letter in our feature on the first Christmas of the First World War on pages 16-18 of this month’s magazine. The ‘festivities’ of 1914 are very much on our minds at the moment – whether it’s how the unique message of the season made the Christmas Truce possible, or whether it’s a suitable subject for a supermarket’s television advertisement. Whatever your views on the subject, no one can dispute the fact that Christmas is both a time for spending time together with friends and family and a time for giving some thought to those less fortunate than ourselves. It’s also a time for surprises – and they can be as exciting as discovering that the muchmaligned sprout is actually very good for you (see page 70) or as weird as learning that Norfolk is home to the current world record holder for the Heaviest Weight Lifted with the Toes (see page 100). However you celebrate the coming festivities, have a truly wonderful Christmas – and enjoy the magazine! KL MAGAZINE

KLmagazine December 2014

Contents 6-15

WHAT’S ON This month’s diary of forthcoming events

8-10

RETURN TO NEVER NEVER LAND... Kevin Kennedy comes to the pantomime

DECEMBER 2014

16-18 THE DAY THE GUNS FELL SILENT Remembering the first Christmas of WWI 24-26 THE GOLDEN AGE OF STEAM A look at the North Norfolk Railway 28-30 GOING, GOING, GONE... A day in the life of a local auction

38-40 OPERATION TURTLE DOVE How to stop the bird’s alarming decline 44-46 GET CLOSER TO THE ELUSIVE DEER Where and when to spot them 50

THE BIG INTERVIEW With Rev Mark Bonney, Dean of Ely

54-58 FASHION The latest looks from the local boutiques 66-68 THE BEST WINES FOR CHRISTMAS With Master of Wine Nick Adams 70-72 SPROUTS: 20 AMAZING FACTS Everyone’s favourite Xmas vegetable

74-81 FOOD AND DRINK Recipes, reviews and recommendations 84-95 CHRISTMAS INTERIORS Help and advice for your festive decor 96-98 EXPLORER The enduring appeal of Walsingham 100

NORFOLK’S RECORD BREAKERS Guinness World Records is 60 years old

104

GARY HAIGH-SMITH: A MAGIC BRUSH A profile of the popular local artist

108

CLASSIC FILMS FOR CHRISTMAS The movies that were made for celebrating

114

MICHAEL MIDDLETON The lighter side of Christmas surprises

KLmagazine December 2014

104

108 5

road, stowbridge, king D 01 3 â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lynn, PE34 3P ation t 66 3 S | 88151 | www.bear ts.co.uk

KLmagazine December 2014

December

134 YEARS AGO: On December 15th 1880 a huge fire on the docks at King’s Lynn destroyed a new warehouse, causing £15,000 of damage

Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st An Audience with Father Christmas Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AB Father Christmas makes a pit-stop in his busy schedule to share tales of festive wonderment. You’ll also have the chance to meet Mother Christmas and their band of cheeky elves! All younger visitors will receive a present and the price of the ticket includes a glass of Prosecco or soft drink and a Christmas biscuit. Tickets are available online at www.holkham.co.uk and ‘An Audience with Father Christmas’ lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th Wreath Making Workshop Oxburgh Hall, Oxborough PE33 9PS (10am-4pm) Enjoy a festive day making your own holly wreath with the expert help of Oxburgh Hall’s gardener. Across the day, you’ll be provided with a morning coﬀee, light lunch and afternoon tea. You’ll need to take with you an apron and some secateurs and meet in the tearoom for the start of the day. To book or for more information call 01366 328258 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall.

KLmagazine December 2014

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th Burnham Deepdale Christmas Market Dalegate Market and St Mary’s Church, Burnham Deepdale (10am-4pm) The 5th annual Deepdale Christmas Market will oﬀer over 70 stalls in three large marquees, activities and entertainment. This festive weekend celebrates all things Christmas, including presents, decorations, food and drink. The shops and cafes at Dalegate Market will also be open to enjoy. Why not make a chilly visit to the North Norfolk Coast while you’re at it! For further details visit www.deepdalechristmasmarket.co.uk. The event is free to enter and there is also free parking.

Saturday 13th King’s Lynn Festival Chorus Christmas Concert King’s Lynn Corn Exchange (5pm) The King’s Lynn Festival Chorus promises to oﬀer a wonderful evening to get your festive season started. The highlight of the evening will be joyous and moving pieces from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio which tells the Christmas story and contains many instantly recognisable choruses. The KLFC Music Director Tom Appleton has chosen a selection which includes some of the better known pieces. This will be followed by a new piece written by local composer Lewis Wolstanholme and plenty of Christmas carols to join in with. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk.

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KLmagazine December 2014

December

Wednesday 17th - Saturday 27th The Secret Garden Westacre Theatre, River Road, PE32 1UD (7.30pm performances plus 2.30pm on the 20th, 22nd & 23rd) Christmas at Westacre Theatre presents a production of The Secret Garden. A story of Mary Lennox, a foul tempered, spoilt little girl brought up in India surrounded by a wealth of servants is sent to Yorkshire to live with her Uncle. Friendless, she seeks refuge in a secret garden which has been locked for many years. For more information or to book, visit www.thelittleboxoﬃce.com/westacre.

From Saturday 6th A Christmas Celebration Peckover House and Garden (12pm-5pm) Booking isn’t required for this event to get you into the festive spirit. A selection of rooms of Peckover House will be decorated for Christmas with festive ﬂoral arrangements and Christmas trees. A tasty treat is also available with mulled wine and mince pies on oﬀer. For more information and for event dates and availability call 01945 583463, or email peckover@nationaltrust.org.uk.

NEXT RACE

MEETING

FAKENHAM

D STANDARD GOL

Sunday 21st December | First Race 1:00pm New Years Day | First Race 12:30pm From Saturday 6th Don’t Forget the Breadcrumbs & Gap Year Presented by Noise & Chance School of Dance King’s Lynn Arts Centre – Guildhall Theatre (7:30pm) The classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, recorded by the Brothers Grim and published in 1812 is a story about a brother and sister threatened by a witch living in a forest in a house made entirely of cake and confectionery. Performed over three nights, this Hansel and Gretel Ballet will be danced by 160 local children in the Guildhall Theatre. A moving second act ‘Gap Year’ will be performed by many of the students for the ﬁnal time. To book tickets and for more information visit www.kingslynnarts.co.uk.

KLmagazine December 2014

Admission: Adults from £10 17 years and under (accompanied by adults) FREE Tuesday 13th January, first race 1:00pm

First race times are subject to change

Fakenham RACECOURSE

Fakenham Racecourse Ltd, The Racecourse Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 7NY T: 01328 862388 E: info@fakenhamracecourse.co.uk W: www.fakenhamracecourse.co.uk

KLmagazine December 2014

What’s On

ABOVE: Sinead Kenny as Tiger Lily and Charlotte Baptie as Peter Pan in this year’s pantomime at Norwich Theatre Royal. The villainous Captain Hook (opposite) is played by former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy

From Coronation Street to Never Never Land... When it comes to the pantomime, we’re all a bit like Peter Pan in not wanting to grow up. Luckily this year’s production at Norwich Theatre Royal has something for everyone – no matter your age!

he much-loved tale of the boy who never grew up gets a fresh pantomime twist this month when Peter Pan ﬂies into Norwich Theatre Royal for Christmas. Based on JM Barrie’s timeless children’s story, the highenergy spectacular is based around a warm-hearted story which will appeal to the whole family. Add in some topclass dancing, stunning sets and an all-star cast headed by West End performer and former Coronation Street favourite Kevin Kennedy, and you have a winning festive formula. Oh yes, you do! Kevin Kennedy, probably best known as unlucky-in-love Weatherﬁeld KLmagazine December 2014

resident Curly Watts, takes on the role of the fearsome Captain Hook in the production which runs from December 18th to January 18th 2015, and he can't wait to take to the stage. “I am really, really looking forward to it,” he says, “though like any panto job, it’s a challenge. I think being bad on stage is a lot easier than being good. The audience knows exactly what to do when you come on and you can’t be bad enough! Captain Hook is iconic. It’s just one of the best parts in panto to play – who doesn’t like to be a pirate?” Joining him in the show will be a favourite with families everywhere – CBeebies presenter Sid Sloane, who’ll be wearing a selection of fabulous

frocks as Aunt Delilah. Sid admits he can’t wait to make his debut in the popular city production. “Playing the dame is perfect for me,” he laughs. “This will be my sixth panto, but it will be my ﬁrst one as a Dame, although I did dress up as an Ugly Sister on CBeebies. I had great fun with all the make-up, eyelashes, wigs, dresses and even the high heels. It was brilliant.” One of the highlights for Sid will be interacting with the younger members of the audience. “I do feel very responsible for the children,” he says. “I remember my ﬁrst theatre experience and the lead up to it, and it changed my life. The arts are so important in helping children be 9

What’s On creative and confident. It can be life-changing for them too. Being a presenter on TV is all about being interactive. I have my own brand of energy and character and I’m very intuitive, and the audience is used to seeing that from me. I get lots of really great testimonies from parents, so I know I’m on the right track!” Peter Pan also sees the return of Norwich Theatre Royal mainstay Richard Gauntlett, who’ll be playing the bumbling pirate Smee, a role he’s particularly looking forward to. “Smee's a fantastic character,” he says. “What does appeal to me is that he’s a pirate who doesn’t really want to be a pirate at all!” Richard’s not just one of the on-stage stars, however. The popular performer (this will be the 14th Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime he’s been a part of) has also written the show – and he’s the Director too! But although he’s promising lots of flying (naturally) and some very exciting scenes, Richard’s keeping his cards close to his chest about exactly what’s planned for the production. Smee’s pirate partner Starkey will be played by Ben Langley, who’s a familiar face to East Anglian audiences. Based in South Norfolk, he tickled the funny bone of audiences during the Cromer Seaside Special Variety Show in the summer of 2012, and is part of the creative team that writes sketches for both the summer and Christmas productions there. Returning to the Norwich pantomime will be performer Ruth Betteridge, whose stunning voice wowed audiences last year when she played the lead role of Cinderella. She’ll be playing the role of Wendy this year, and will be joined in Peter Pan by two cast members from the UK hit West Side Story who are heading to Norfolk to star in the show – Charlotte Baptie and Sinead Kenny will be playing Peter Pan and Tiger Lily respectively. Following a recent regional search for young male performing talent, a number of local boys will be taking on the roles of John and Michael Darling, while the parts of the Panto Babes will be filled by students from the Norwich-based Central School of Dancing and Performing Arts. Peter Pan is one of the most popular childrens’ stories of all time, and Richard Gauntlett has turned it into a spectacular pantomime that can’t fail to enchant audiences of all ages when it opens on December 18th.

PANTO STARS: Sid Sloane (left) as Aunt Delilah and Ben Langley as Starkey in the forthcoming Norwich Theatre Royal production of Peter Pan

PETER PAN Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL Thursday 18th December to Sunday 18th January 2015 Tickets £5.50-£21. Children under-3 free. Discounts available for over-60s, under-18s and groups. Signed performances on Saturday 17th January at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Audio-described performances on Sunday 11th January at 1pm and Friday 16th January at 6.30pm. Relaxed performance especially suited for those with autism on Wednesday 14th January at 5.30pm. To book your tickets and for detailed show information, call the Theatre Royal Box Oﬃce on 01603 630000 or book tickets online at www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

KLmagazine December 2014

Your Local Downham Market Auction Rooms SO L

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KLmagazine December 2014

History

ABOVE: An image from the photo album compiled by Lieutenant Colonel A F Logan MC – on the reverse he wrote “Xmas 1914: a friendly chat with the enemy.” Opposite, a British soldier opens his ‘Princess Mary Box’, which contained a Christmas card, chocolates and cigarettes

Christmas 1914: when the guns fell silent As realisation that the First World War wasn’t going to be over by Christmas set in, the festive season of 1914 was a sombre aﬀair – but one still characterised by feelings of love and goodwill...

uring the afternoon of Christmas Eve 1914, some entrenched German soldiers on the Western Front managed to get a chocolate cake across the wastes of no-man’s-land and into the trenches occupied by their British opponents. Accompanying the cake was a message requesting a ceaseﬁre later that evening so they could celebrate the festive season (and their Captain’s birthday). The Germans proposed a carol concert at 7.30pm and would be placing candles along the top of their trenches to signal the event. The British accepted (sending some tobacco as a return present) and the

KLmagazine December 2014

two sides – locked into a dreadful and world-changing conflict – put down their weapons and began to celebrate Christmas togther. The Christmas Truce of 1914 saw soldiers exchanging gifts and buttons with the ‘enemy’, giving each other free haircuts, talking about their families and organising impromtu football matches along the front (in one recorded match, the Germans won 3-2). The facts surrounding the first Christmas of the First World War have become inevitably mythologized, but its central message remains undiminished. The spirit of Christmas was so strong that it enabled soldiers and officers to lower their guns and extend the hand

History

ABOVE: A romanticised view of the Christmas Truce of 1914 that was originally published by the Illustrated London News

of goodwill, peace and love to their adversaries. Sadly, it was a message that would go unheeded for another four long years of war and destruction. By December 1914, it was clear the war wasn’t going to be over by Christmas. If it was abundantly clear to the soldiers at the front, it was equally obvious to the people left at home. Just before Christmas, the Lynn Advertiser wrote: “It is true that in many a house there will be a vacant chair, owing to the effects of the war, and perhaps the Yule of 1914 will not be quite so full of jollity and fun as that of its immediate predecessors.” Reflecting on the local stores putting up decorations and preparing for Christmas shoppers, the newspaper said that “it’s interesting to note that despite the war, prices are very little higher than in previous years. It is true that bread and a few other articles of food can only be purchased at enhanced prices, but taken all round it is safe to say that the great campaign has had no serious effect upon the livelihood of the people.” Indeed, local stores were full of Christmas ideas. Allen, Howard &

Howard were offering “a choice assortment of useful articles” (inlcuding gold-mounted walking sticks), while Kendrick & Son were promising “before-the-war stock at before-thewar prices.” Returned soldiers recovering at the West Norfolk and Lynn Hospital made a special point of thanking the doctors and nurses for their “great affection and care” while others were making their way to the front. In the week before Christmas, according to the Recruiting Office on the Tuesday Market Place, local men leaving for the conflict included four from Snettisham, three from King’s Lynn and two from Tilney St. Lawrence. There were plenty of successful fundraising and charitable events taking place all over the county (Norfolk farmers got together to donate two motor ambulances to the war effort), and people’s thoughts were increasingly clouded by the threat of German invasion. It obviously didn’t worry everyone, however, a situation that prompted P. Chatterton to write that “a raid on our coasts would be a blessing in disguise.” Why? “Because it may rouse unpatriotic footballers

to a sense of duty in this great and national campaign,” he said. But as local people either ﬂocked to the Town Hall to see the unveiling of a specially-commisioned portrait of Captain Vancouver (it had cost the local Council £33) or booked tickets for the exclusive Christmas night showing of The Kiss of Death at the Electric Theatre on Broad Street (a ﬁlm alarmingly heralded as “a Thrilling Drama of Hindoo Hate”), there was no doubt where most people’s attention was focussed. Just a few days before Christmas, Private Alan Harper (whose brother had died beside him the week before) wrote to his wife at their home in King’s Lynn. “We have had a terrible time of it,” he said. “The weather has been cruelly wet, and the trenches are just like clay pits. But there you are, we hardly ever grumble. When I come home it will be one of the proudest moments of my life to march through the old town of Lynn. Oh, what a time it will be.” Given the tragedy of his brother’s recent death and his own dire situation, the young soldier’s thoughts inevitably turned to home. “I am just going to have a sleep,” he wrote, “as I can do with one, I can tell you! But I must wish you all at home a Merry Christmas and a happy and propserous New Year.”

LEFT: The greeting card from George V sent to all soliders at the front in December 1914. ‘May God protect you and bring you safe home,’ it said. KLmagazine December 2014

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SOLICITORS

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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 Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn and Norwich

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Motoring

ABOVE: A 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is a remarkably sound and robust investment – but then so is a more aﬀordable 1976 Ford Capri

The rise and rise of the classic car market... t’s an exciting time in the classic car market. The value of cars, motorcycles and automobilia over 20 years old is rapidly rising, and interest in ‘barn ﬁnds’ has never been higher, with more people taking on project vehicles, and farming the work out on a job-by-job basis to specialists. Undoubtedly, the largest cost in running a modern motor car is depreciation – which is why classic cars, bought and maintained carefully, give a much better return on investment than money in the bank. They also provide great satisfaction and

joy in the possession and the lifestyle they can bring. King’s Lynn based Anglian Car Auctions recently reported their classic auctions have grown to over 200 lots per auction – with over 2,000 people attending and many more watching online. At their ﬁnal auction for 2014 last month, a staggering £1.4 million worth of classic cars were sold – from a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (£67,725) and Jaguar E-type Series II Coupé (£46,725) to a 1976 Ford Capri (£4,410) and a beautifully restored 1964 Austin Mini (£6,825). We’re fortunate to have such a great facility on our doorstep, and there are still plenty of classic bargains to be had. Although the market is still rising, it’s important to note that this won’t last forever – and often those cars that rise most rapidly may also fall more rapidly.

Prices (and value) depends on demand – which is fuelled by appearance, popularity, performance, quality, cost of ownership, rarity, and the history and provenance of the car in question. The ﬁrst few factors are evident to everyone. The latter are probably less so. Powerful and glamorous cars such as the ‘big’ Healeys and the Jaguar E-type have risen rapidly in the last few years from around £20-30,000 to around £100,000 for perfect specimens. These cars were, however, made in large quantities. When the market inevitably turns there’ll be a signiﬁcant number of owners wishing to cash out, and that will undoubtedly instigate a fairly rapid fall in prices (such as happened back in the 1980s). On the other hand, the fewer owners of the rarer quality cars such as Aston Martin, Ferrari and Delahaye tend to retain their cars – and these prices seem to just plateau rather than fall. As always, independent professional advice and inspection should always be sought before you bid at auction and enter the classic car market. KLmagazine December 2014

The complete classic car centre he Historic Sports Car Collection is currently undergoing a transformation as it establishes itself as a true ‘one stop shop’ for aspiring (and confirmed) classic car enthusiasts across the region. In addition to a stunning classic car showroom, the centre offers a fullyequipped workshop for classic car restorations and repairs, from major rebuilds to authentic trim and paintwork, an independent engineering and valuation service for prospective buyers, and a low-cost storage facility – that offers classic car owners a safe and secure home for their investment alongside on-site maintenance services. And for owners keen on putting their cars to the ultimate test, the Historic Sports Car Collection also offers a full

and professional race preparation and raceday support service. Rise above the mechanical side of the centre, however, and you’ll find a fabulous newly-completed club and function room with its own retro bar – together with a galleria of classic artwork and prints and a gift boutique packed with collectors’ models, gift ideas and quality automotive accessories. “Owning a classic car is a lifestyle rather than a hobby,” says the Historic Sports Car Collection’s Julian Sutton. “Our new facilities offer owners and motoring club members a wonderful opportunity to get together and relax, sharing stories and indulging in a spot of nostalgia!” With plenty of parking, a car wash and an on-site restaurant and coffee

shop, there’s little more the classic car enthusiast could want! Visit the Historic Sports Car Collection for some fabulous Christmas gift ideas – large or small! You’ll ﬁnd the centre oﬀ the A10 just south of King’s Lynn in the former Robin and Martin Brundle showroom at Tottenhill.

THE HISTORIC SPORTS CAR COLLECTION Your local specialists for restoring and selling iconic cars...

Unit 2A, Tottenhill Retail Park, Tottenhill, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE33 0RL telephone: 01553 811493 website: www.historicsportscarcollection.com e-mail: admin@historicsportscarcollection.com

KLmagazine December 2014

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Get unlimited MOTs when you replace your cam belt with Audi The cam belt is one of the hardest-working parts of your engine and, if it fails, the damage can be costly to repair. So it’s important to have it replaced by Audi experts when recommended. When you have your cam belt changed by us, we’ll also cover your car’s future with a free MOT test every year for life. Which means the beneﬁts of an Audi cam belt replacement really never end. It’s all part of the Audi Diﬀerence. Contact us to find out more.

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Privately owned Audi vehicles of any age or model. Oﬀer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Re-tests will be chargeable. The oﬀer only relates to the MOT test fee and does not include any subsequent part or labour costs required to repair the vehicle in order for it to pass the MOT or for any other reason. Excludes Northern Ireland and Channel Isles. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Free MOT can be redeemed at participating centres only. KLmagazine December 2014 23

KLmagazine December 2014

Local Life

ABOVE: The North Norfolk Railway is operated by less than 40 full-time staﬀ members – and a team of around 400 volunteers

Celebrating the golden age of the railways... Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the founding of North Norfolk Railway plc, which recently won the Independent Railway of the Year Award. KL magazine tracks its development.

orth Norfolk is home to many unique attractions, but the ‘Poppy Line’ is something to be particularly proud of. Positioned between Sheringham and Holt, the ﬁve-mile North Norfolk Railway was once part of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway. Rebuilding of the line began back in 1965 and two steam locomotives arrived for use just two years later. Hugely popular among locals and visitors alike, the line has even earned a place in the history of popular culture, being used in 1973 as the setting for ‘The Royal Train’ episode of the Dad’s Army television series.

KLmagazine December 2014

The ‘Poppy Line’ operates both steam and diesel heritage services from Holt and Sheringham via Weybourne, and enjoyed its most successful ever year in 2013 with almost 158,000 visitors travelling on the line – and this year is promising to surpass that. The railway runs past Sheringham Golf Club, following superb views of the coast before running into Weybourne Station. On the southern side of the line, access to Sheringham Park is provided where walks through the grounds can pass away a well spent couple of hours. Once the train leaves Weybourne it climbs the 1-in-80 incline towards Kelling Heath and passengers experience magniﬁcent views as the

train travels along this section – they’ve actually been referred to as some of the best views in Norfolk. The trains enter a cutting as they pass Kelling Heath Caravan Park before entering a wooded area and embarking on the run into the station at Holt. At Holt (the station is around a mile from the town centre) there are refreshments and a free museum available to anyone travelling on the line with a ticket – and during the peak months the Routemaster Red service carries passengers into the town (at other times service buses operate from outside the station entrance). Along with the normal daily services of the North Norfolk Railway (every 45

Local Life scenes visits along with timetables are available on the North Norfolk Railway website (see below). Behind the public events themselves, the railway has extensive engineering facilities which support the running operation, including the recently installed boilershop, where essential maintenance is carried out. The facilities attract locomotives from across the UK and Europe. The North Norfolk Railway also operates an Education Centre, where over 100 schools visit each year for themed events and activities. With such a large operation you could be forgiven for thinking the railway has a large employed staff. The truth is that the North Norfolk Railway is run by fewer than 40 full-time staff, a team admirably supported by around 400 volunteers who operate the trains and other support functions such as station staffing, buffets and signal boxes. Needless to say, without the volunteers there simply wouldn’t be a railway! The ‘Poppy Line’ is a wonderful attraction, and with its extensive list of events, there’s no excuse not to visit and enjoy everything Sheringham, Holt and Weybourne have to offer. Even better, as the tickets are valid all day, it’s possible to hop on or off as you wish to make the most of your visit.

minutes from April to early November) the railway hosts many special events throughout the year. Key events attracting large numbers of visitors are the Steam and Diesel Galas (which welcome visiting locomotives for extra interest) and July’s Vintage Transport Festival. Undoubtedly the highlight of the railway’s year (and its biggest event) is September’s 1940s weekend, when the line is transported back in time along with the whole of Sheringham, where shop windows are adorned with decoration and staﬀ dress for the period. This event has grown enormously over the past few years, and the trains operate as they would have in the post-war period – with standing room only! Even at this time of year, there are plenty of reasons to discover why people have such fond memories of

the golden age of the railways. The North Norfolk Railway Santa Specials are available throughout December up to Christmas (although their popularity means it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance). Passengers take in the stunning winter scenery along the line to arrive at Weybourne Station’s ‘SantaLand’ – where Father Christmas himself is waiting by an open ﬁre to take everyone’s Christmas gift requests! Throughout the year, the North Norfolk Railway also oﬀers Murder Mystery events (for a touch of Agatha Christie-inspired adventure) and special dining services, which have become extremely popular, providing a high level of service while the train makes its way to Holt and back for a double journey. Details of all these events (together with exclusive behind-the-

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY The railway always need volunteers. If you fancy getting involved in part of our transport heritage, contact the General Oﬃce on 01263 820800 to request a volunteer pack. Tickets: prices for the 2015 season will be £12 for adults, £11 for seniors, and £8.50 for children aged 5-15. Family tickets (2 adults 2 children) are available for £40. The North Norfolk Railway is dog friendly – as long as canine visitors have a £1 Rover Ticket. For more details and information, see www.nnrailway.co.uk

KLmagazine December 2014

“One of the very best things about an auction is that you’ll ﬁnd every single lot in every single sale is diﬀerent. Everything’s got a fascinating story behind it and I’ve always found that terribly exciting...” – Barry Hawkins

KLmagazine December 2014

Local Life

ABOVE: Julia Shepherd puts another lot under the hammer at a recent sale at Barry L. Hawkins’ auction rooms in Downham Market. The family-run business was founded by the great grandfather of Barry Hawkins (opposite) back in the 1850s.

The enduring magic of the local auction Twice a month people from all over Norfolk and beyond flock to Downham Market to the auction rooms of Barry L. Hawkins to bid on a fascinating collection of items. Going, going, gone...

t’s 10am on a cold November morning at the Downham Market auction rooms of Barry Hawkins, and Julia Shepherd opens the bidding on Lot 1, a set of three CD racks. For the newcomer, it comes as something of a revelation to see how quickly the lots pass under the hammer and before you know it – a mere three minutes, in fact – the crowd is happily bidding on Lot 10. Watching the prospective buyers is just as fascinating as the lots themselves, and in less than half an hour (shortly after the sale of a traditional workbench that started life at the Drysaltery Works in Gateshead) we’re bidding on Lot 100.

KLmagazine December 2014

“We come to Downham Market for every auction and we always come away with something,” says a man carrying a couple of boxes of assorted crockery he’s just successfully bid for. “We’ve got a small shop up on the Norfolk coast, and these will be really popular. We love the auction – it’s the original form of recycling you know!” The atmosphere’s exciting and hectic and it’s very diﬀerent to the auction rooms of the previous few days, when Julia was sorting every item in the sale into relevant sections and giving them their own unique lot number. With over 1,000 lots to catalogue, it’s a time-consuming task – but one that Julia (who’s been with Barry L. Hawkins

Local Life

for around ten years) is well used to. “We have two main auctions every month on the first and third Wednesday, and as soon as one sale closes we’ll start collecting and accepting lots for the next one,” she says. “That’s one of the most exciting parts of it, as it’s always different and you never know what's going to arrive.” Although different people will visit the auction for different reasons depending on their interests, Julia’s learned from experience what items grab the most attention. “People are really interested in the quirky, genuinely vintage items with a story behind them,” she says. “The real magic of an auction is finding unusual things like this.” She picks up a small blue book. It’s ‘The Soldier’s English and French Conversation Book’ and was published in 1917 to help British troops on the Western Front during WWI by providing helpful phrases. It’s a wonderful little item, and the phrases – such as ‘They are advancing’, ‘Have you any good news from the front?’ and ‘My horse is tired’ – offer a poignant glimpse into those dark days. It’s not the only item in the forthcoming auction that inspires such thoughts, however. There are six police helmets, a pile of the New Musical Express from the 1960s and a striking dressmaker’s dummy that began its journey to Downham Market in France. There’s the

screenplay of the 2002 film Resident Evil signed by its star Milla Jovovich, and a numbered statue of the Queen on horseback - it’s No.1 of 50, and only 12 were ever made. Julia’s right – it’s magical. Where else could you find a pair of Prada boots, a tawny owl that was stuffed in the 19th century, a Penny Black, American crime comics from the late 1950s, and a family photo album charting a trip to Norway in 1955? The unpredictability of the auction only adds to the charm. “When it comes to sale day, we’ll always have a few surprises,” says Julia. “We usually have a good idea of how items will perform, but it’s amazing how something you thought would possibly make a little money will strike a chord with people and go racing past what we'd expected.” For Barry Hawkins, whose great grandfather established the family firm in the 1850s, auctions have never lost their appeal. “One of the very best things about an auction is that you’ll find every single lot in every single sale is different,” he says from his desk, which is overlooked by a portrait of the ancestor who started it all and on which sits a 60-year old whisky earmarked for a forthcoming wine and spirits auction. “Everything’s got a fascinating story behind it and I’ve always found unearthing that story terribly exciting.” One of Barry’s first memories is of his

grandfather selling a cow at the market in King’s Lynn, and he held his first auction aged around 20. “I was scared stiff the first time I did it,” he says, “but I soon got over that and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s wonderful meeting all the different people who come to the auctions and I do enjoy having a little fun with them. Auctioneering is a lot like acting – even if people don’t buy anything they still enjoy the performance!” As the curtain finally falls on another successful auction, it’s tempting to ask Julia if she ever buys anything. “Yes,” she laughs. “You see so many fabulous things at an auction it’s really irresistible. I can’t help it.”

For details (and online catalogues) of forthcoming auctions at Barry L. Hawkins, please visit the website at www.barryhawkins.co.uk or phone 01366 387180 for more information.

KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

g your Heatin saving & home gy and r ene costs – g runnin r round! a e y l al

All you need to know about air source heating... I’ve heard a lot about it, but how does air source heating work? The simplest way to explain it is that air source heat pump technology (ASHP) maximises the use of ‘free’ heat from the outside air by collecting it, compressing it to a higher temperature and then using it to heat the water of your heating and hot water systems.

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How can it work in winter if there’s no heat in the air? That’s the beauty of air source heating, because there’s always a certain amount of ‘heat’ in the air – even if we can’t actually feel it. The high quality systems we install at 4 Way Refrigeration Ltd work eﬀectively and eﬃciently in temperatures of -15o and below.

Q A

Is air source heating really that efficient? Think of all the times you’ve used cold water to cool a bath that’s too hot. That’s an expensive way to be treating energy and water. Air source heating enables you to heat your water to a specific, controllable temperature – so you’ll only be paying for what you use, making an obvious and significant impact on your energy usage and costs.

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KLmagazine December 2014

What kind of savings are we talking about? Compared to traditional boiler systems, an air source heating system can lower bills and reduce a home’s carbon emissions by around 50%. As more and more people are discovering, the ﬁgures really do speak for themselves. For example, consider the fact that for every 4kw of heat the system generates, only 1kw is actually paid for! The heat’s naturally out there – the system’s simply using it more eﬃciently.

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Is air source heating suitable for new build projects? It’s not only suitable for new build projects – it’s perfect for them. As it’s a totally integrated system it cuts down on utility usage, and because it’s extremely eco-friendly it can really help in

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meeting planning requirements and building regulations. Our systems are available with 150-, 200- and 300-litre cylinders so they’ll suit every kind of property from a 1-bedroom apartment to a 5-bedroom family home. That all sounds great – what do I do next? Come and talk to us at 4 Way Refrigeration Ltd and we’ll go through the options with you, design a system for your property, and give you an idea of what savings you’ll be making. We’ll also show you how air source heating can be used in conjunction with energy-saving and cost-eﬀective products such as underﬂoor heating and solar thermal systems – opening up a whole new world of savings!

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For more information, contact... 4 WAY REFRIGERATION LTD Unit 25, Bergen Way, North Lynn Industrial Estate King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 2JG TELEPHONE: 01553 767878 WEBSITE: www.4wayref.co.uk E-MAIL: sales@4wayref.co.uk

History

West Norfolk: Then and Now

1953

2014 TOWER STREET IN THE 1950s Thanks to STEVE MANNING of King’s Lynn for e-mailing this view (top) of the town’s Tower Street, which he says was taken in the Coronation year of 1953. If anyone has any information or details about any of the stores featured in the picture (and the restoration of

the building in the centre!), please contact us and we’ll share your stories with our readers. For more photographs of how things used to be in King’s Lynn and the surrounding area, contact Picture Norfolk – you’ll find them at the Norfolk Heritage Centre, Norfolk and

Norwich Millennium Library, The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AW. We’ll take another look back at the area next month. IN ASSOCIATION WITH

KLmagazine December 2014

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The wonder of extra space at Christmas! lthough it’s always a marvellous time of year, Christmas does have its own particular challenges. All those presents to ﬁnd, all that expense to take into account, all that food to prepare – and all that space that needs to be found for various family members, friends and other festive guests. Indeed, space becomes a real premium over Christmas, as the truth is that most properties simply aren’t designed to accommodate grand dining experiences. “We’ve actually spoken to several people who’ve told us their relatives wouldn’t be visiting them at Christmas because there wasn’t enough room,” says ECOnomy Windows’ Jim McClure. “That’s why a conservatory makes so much sense. It doesn’t just open up your home for the festivities, it oﬀers a whole new lifestyle all year round.” When the decorations come down and the Christmas tree gets packed away

for another year, all that extra space can be used as a wonderful leisure or play area (the possibilities really are endless) and by the time summer arrives you’ll also have a relaxing and comfortable garden room to make the most of. A conservatory really can transform the way in which you use and enjoy your home, and ECOnomy Windows offers a reliable and professional local service – with some of the most innovative products on the market and over 25 years’ experience in creating beautiful designs. At ECOnomy Windows, each and every conservatory is managed on a totally individual basis. That’s why you won’t find any ‘stock’ conservatories on offer – every project is carefully designed, managed and manufactured to meet specific site requirements and unique customer expectations. They do have one thing in common, however – the difference they’ve made

to people’s lives. Take Mr and Mrs Shippey of Upwell, for example. “ECOnomy Windows gave us some really valuable advice on things we hadn’t considered,” they said. “The ideas were brilliant and they really understood what we were looking for. Everyone was caring and thoughtful, taking a genuine interest in the project and they did a marvellous job. We spend so much time in our new conservatory because it’s a real joy to be in. It’s exactly what we wanted and we just wish we’d done it sooner!” Those are sentiments equally shared by Mrs Cocksedge of March. “I now spend all my time relaxing in my new conservatory,” she said. “I’m absolutely over the moon with it. All ECOnomy Windows staff were very courteous, helpful and polite from start to finish, and I have to say a very special thank you to the fitting team for their attention to detail. The self-cleaning roof

glass is fantastic, and it also saves my husband a job! I can’t fault anything – the products are truly first class.” Talk to customers such as these, and one thing immediately shines through – the importance placed by ECOnomy Windows on every single aspect of customer service. “We’d like to highlight the commitment of every member of the team,” said Mr and Mrs Crown of Wisbech. “We were kept informed at all stages, and all the work was completed promptly on the specified date. The whole installation was completely stressfree and we felt completely looked after from start to finish. Our conservatory is absolutely lovely and we enjoy it every day of the week.” It’s a degree of reliability and reassurance that ECOnomy Windows takes for granted but it often comes as a welcome surprise to many people. “They’re one of the very few companies we’ve dealt with where everything has run smoothly and all work was carried out on the day it was actually booked to happen,” say Mr and Mrs Bingham of Thetford. “We’re totally thrilled with our conservatory and we really do spend a lot of time relaxing in it.” Mr and Mrs Walker of Moulton were similarly impressed with the experience. “We wanted a professional, first class service and that’s exactly what we received,” they said. “From the initial stages to the final installation the entire staff at ECOnomy Windows were dedicated, friendly and polite. The quality and the design of the conservatory is absolutely superb and it’s exactly what we wanted.” Outstanding quality, a clear and dedicated focus on the individual needs of customers (and their homes), and a fitting last word from Thorney. “We couldn’t be happier with our conservatory,” say Mr and Mrs Allen. “The service we received was efficient and provided by extremely qualified and friendly staff, and the conservatory blends in perfectly with the original house. Thank you ECOnomy Windows for an excellent service and a fantastic conservatory.” As you try to find space for all your festive visitors this year, contact ECOnomy Windows and discover what a difference a conservatory can make to you and your lifestyle – for a brighter spring, a better summer, a more relaxing autumn and a happier Christmas!

“We spend so much time in our new conservatory because it’s a real joy to be in. It’s exactly what we wanted and we just wish we’d done it sooner!”

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KLmagazine December 2014

PICTURES: RSPB and OPERATION TURTLE DOVE/DAVID MORRIS

Local Life

ABOVE: The charming sight of two turtle doves in the English countryside – a sight that may totally disappear in the next 10 years

The disappearing world of the turtle dove The UK population of turtle doves has fallen by 95% since 1970 – and the decline shows no signs of slowing down. Emma Barnard discovers how the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust is helping...

beautiful migratory bird famous for its unique colouring, its soft purring summer song and for being an enduring symbol of love and devotion is in serious danger of becoming extinct. The turtle dove visits the UK every summer, and it’s immortalised in the 12 Days of Christmas (it’s the second day’s gift in case you’ve forgotten) but its numbers are rapidly decreasing. A discreet bird, known for being heard rather than seen, the turtle dove gets its name from the reworking of the French word ‘tourterelle’, describing

KLmagazine December 2014

their distinctive ‘turr turr’ song. They feed mainly on seeds and the fruits of weeds and cereals found mostly on the ground. They breed in woods and agricultural areas and build open nests in trees or shrubs, but breeding success rate is becoming dangerously low – and vitally the reason for that is unknown at present. There is some good news for the turtle dove, however. A charitable trust based in Fakenham is taking active measures to address the decline of these beautiful birds. In association with the RSPB, Conservation Grade and Natural England, the Pensthorpe

Conservation Trust (PCT) is moving forward with research to ensure they don’t die out. “At Pensthorpe we aim to restore the countryside back to ecological working order,” says the famous broadcaster, author and environmental campaigner David Bellamy, who’s Chairman of Trustees for the PCT. “Our ongoing commitment to actively saving species forms a key element of this.” The values of the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust are central to Operation Turtle Dove, an initiative established by the four partners to save the species. The project began in 2012

PICTURE: OPERATION TURTLE DOVE/TIM NEVARD

Local Life

and is determined to reverse the alarming decline of the birds – whose population is currently decreasing at a truly staggering rate, halving every six years. In fact, the UK’s turtle dove population has fallen by 95% since 1970 – and has decreased by 74% across Europe since 1980. Operation Turtle Dove has three main components in its eﬀorts to halt the decline: building on research into turtle dove breeding grounds in England; establishing feeding habitats over their breeding range through advisory panels and initiatives by local farmers; and continuing research into the factors operating during the birds’ migration and at their wintering areas. The turtle dove is now Red-listed in the UK as a genuinely threatened species, and Operation Turtle Dove is approaching the problem from a number of directions. Changes in agricultural practice have severely aﬀected the turtle dove population (and contributed to the troubled state of other farmland birds such as the skylark and lapwing), and the loss of overgrown hedgerows and hawthorn thickets has impacted on

potential nesting sites. Both are considered to be contributing factors to the bird’s decline. Operation Turtle Dove is currently looking into the birds’ food sources and habitats, and seed preference tests are being carried out to discover what seed mixture is best suited to the birds. Meanwhile, a signiﬁcant area of research is attempting to quantify the scale and eﬀect of the legal (and illegal) hunting of these birds. For many centuries, they’ve been hunted as they migrate to West Africa for the winter, and as part of Operation Turtle Dove scientists at the RSPB are undertaking research using small satellite tags that transmit information about the birds’ journey via orbiting satellites. It’s an approach that’s been used successfully in the past on a wide range of species, and will hopefully help the plight of the turtle dove. It wouldn’t be possible for Operation Turtle Dove to work without the help of volunteers and fundraisers, and some of the projects undertaken by the project’s supporters have been quite

remarkable. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the extinction of America’s passenger pigeon, and the story of this tragic bird is strikingly similar to that of the turtle dove in England. Two outstanding crusaders are Jonny Rankin and Tristan Reid, whose fundraising goals were inspired by the centenary of the death of the last living passenger pigeon. Jonny Rankin walked marathon distances every 24 hours for 13 days, while Tristan Reid ran 1,000 miles over 14 marathons – the couple ran the 1,000th mile of Reid’s challenge together at the Leicester Marathon at the end of October. “When I learned of Operation Turtle Dove and the very real possibility we could see a total extinction of England’s turtle doves in my lifetime I wanted to do everything I could to support,” said the tireless Rankin. Once, the turtle dove was common across much of England, but it’s now retreating to an ever decreasing area of East Anglia and the southeast of the country. If no action is taken (and taken now) the turtle dove as we know it will become extinct within 10 years – the work of Operation Turtle Dove and its fundraisers is vital for saving the bird that brings a touch of summer spirit to East Anglia.

KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

Pets

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

SMALL BITES

The not-so-merry taste of Christmas... I

t’s remarkable just how many items we have around our homes that are potentially poisonous to our pets, and they range from essential oils to batteries, from antifreeze to glowsticks. Accidents with these products are thankfully rare, but at Christmas time there are a few extra high-risk items we tend to be a bit casual about – and where pets are concerned, you can take nothing for granted. Let’s face it, we love chocolate at any time of year, but at Christmas we’re surrounded by advent calendars, selection boxes, cakes, cocoa powder, and tree novelties – and most are placed temptingly close to inquisitive dogs. Many dogs will seemingly escape harm, but others can become very ill with just a little chocolate. It can cause theobromine poisoning, leading to agitation, overexcitement, and – in serious cases – heart problems that require treatment urgently.

It may surprise you to learn that festive treats such as grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can all cause problems for pets – especially dogs. So please guard your Christmas cake and all those mince pies. For a dog, ingesting these can lead to kidney problems and cause a very sick dog. We often bring ﬂowers into our homes at this time of year and it’s important to remember that lilies can be highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts of contact or ingesting the pollen can cause kidney damage. The message is keep cats and lilies apart. Be careful around evergreens too. The holly and the ivy may be very festive, but it can also be potentially harmful, so take care – especially with young dogs. Never trust a puppy! Items we’re increasingly seeing problems with are cold and ﬂu remedies and those seasonal hangover treatments. They’re meant for humans,

e’ve just had a smart new entrance built at our London Road Veterinary Centre premises. It doesn’t just look great but oﬀers much easier access for reluctant dogs and heavy cat baskets. And for visitors with pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility diﬃculties we’ve greatly improved our accessibility. It all took just four days and we were helped by two really excellent people – Alan and Ben from Wisbech-based Economy Windows, who’ve looked after us very well. Next time you visit, please admire our new look, but a word of warning for longstanding clients – the door is now at the front!

and will typically contain Paracetamol, Aspirin, Codeine or Ibuprofen in various combinations. In pets these can cause vomiting, gastric ulcers and potential kidney problems, so keep these safely out of harm’s way. Although all that probably makes me sound like a bit of a killjoy, I can assure you that I love Christmas and will be celebrating in great style with my pets. With a bit of thought and care we can all enjoy a safe and happy Christmas together, and that’s what I wish you.

London Road Vets

@LondonRoadVets

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

KLmagazine December 2014

Local Life

ABOVE: A herd of fallow deer on the Holkham Estate, and a magniﬁcent (and typically alert!) deer at Houghton Hall (opposite)

Getting closer to the county’s elusive deer There are more deer in the UK today than at any time since the last Ice Age – and only two of the six species living here are native to the country. Emma Barnard discovers where to spot them...

wonderful and majestic animal, the deer is a common sight throughout Norfolk – whether in the wild or at locations such as Houghton Hall, Holkham and Snettisham Farm Park. Which makes it surprising to learn that just two of the six free-living species of deer in England are actually native to this country. Of the Roe, Red, Fallow, Muntjac, Sika and Chinese Water deer only the Red and Roe deer are true natives. Fallow deer were almost certainly brought over by the Normans, and the Muntjac,

KLmagazine December 2014

Sika and Chinese Water deer were introduced towards the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th Century. Antlers are something we naturally associate with deer, and with the exception of the Chinese Water deer (which have tusks) all male deer have antlers, which they shed every year – a trait shared by the female reindeer. This occurs after the mating season when soft tissue separates the antlers from the body of the deer and they fall oﬀ. A typical behaviour of the deer is the seasons in which they mate, called the ‘rutting season’. The rut is the name for the mating season of animals such as

deer, sheep, moose, camel and goats. The time of year in which the rutting season occurs is entirely dependent on the species of deer – rutting activity is at its most intense shortly after dawn, but some activity happens throughout the day. The three largest species of deer in the country are Red, Fallow and Sika deer and they all rut in the Autumn. They engage in ﬁerce mating battles and if you’re lucky enough to watch them, ensure you keep your distance and keep your dog away as attacks are not uncommon – the males are full of testosterone and are extremely

Loca Life

aggressive during this time. In general, male and female deer remain in separate groups until it is time for mating. If you are interested in seeing them, the deers’ rutting seasons are as follows: RED DEER mate from September to October and give birth in early June. Locally, rutting is speciﬁcally reported at the Minsmere Reserve in Suﬀolk and Thetford Forest. FALLOW DEER mate from October to November and the fawns are born from May to June. A large herd can be seen on the Holkham Estate. SIKA DEER mate from the end of September to November with a single calf (very rarely twins) born during early May to late June. ROE DEER mate from July to August and don’t give birth until May or June. Plenty of Roe deer can be seen in Thetford Forest. MUNTJAC DEER mate throughout the year and give birth seven months later. Unlike other deer, the bucks are fertile when growing new antlers. Muntjac can be seen all across Norfolk and can sometimes be found visiting your garden – so keep an eye out! CHINESE WATER DEER mate from November to December and the fawns are born in May and June. Good spots to see them include Hickling Broad and Strumpshaw Fen. The best time to see deer in the wild is at dusk or dawn, but if you’d like to almost guarantee seeing a deer, there are beautiful locations in Norfolk to turn to – both the Holkham Estate and

Snettisham Park Farm have guided tours of their land. Should you visit Holkham Estate on the picturesque North Norfolk coast, you’re able to embark on The Park Walk in your own time following the green arrows along the route. This walk is around four miles around the woods, farmland and Deer Park. Another option is the guided ‘Deer Discovery Walk’ where you’re able to learn about the herd of fallow deer in Holkham Park. This walk is available on speciﬁc dates and lasts around an hour and a half. Snettisham Park Farm is another wonderful setting in Norfolk where visitors can hop on board the ‘Deer Safari’ which is available three or four times daily. The safari is a 45-minute round trip that oﬀers the opportunity to meet and feed a herd of red deer. The herd of over 60 hinds and two stags will be happy to eat from your hands. Away from parks and estates, deer have a reputation for causing road accidents and collisions. The toll of deer involved annually in vehicle collisions in the UK is estimated to be as high as 74,000 – and according to Dr Jochen Langbein of Langbein Wildlife Associates, Norfolk is among the three most dangerous counties (in terms of road collisions) for deer. The national peak for deer collisions occurs in May, but the period between mid-October and the end of December is also particularly hazardous. Remember that the highest risk periods are sunset to midnight followed

by the hours shortly before and after sunrise. It’s important to take note of deer warning signs (they’re there for a reason) and drive with caution, at or below the posted speed limit. And if you do see a deer crossing the road ahead of you, be aware that further deer may well be following it. Whether it’s in the wild or in carefully-controlled parkland herds, a wide variety of deer species populate much of the county, and with the rutting season in full swing for some at the moment, it’s prime time to see this magniﬁcent animal.

KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

Taking your imagination and crafting it by hand...

e like to say we can make anything for anyone to go anywhere,” says Kevin Berry of Bespoke Pine & Oak in the centre of King’s Lynn. “That means we can create furniture of any shape, in any size, and in any style – in fact, we’re only really limited by people’s imaginations!” It’s a view that’s hard to argue with, as Kevin’s surrounded by over 500 beautiful pieces of hand-made pine and oak furniture at his Tower Street store – while behind him the on-site workshop is visible through windows, showing traditional cabinetmaking and carpentry skills in action. The success of Bespoke Pine & Oak is largely due to the combination of Kevin’s 30 years’ experience in the timber trade with the remarkable craftsmanship of his brother-in-law Carl Ingram, formerly of the Walpole Pine Centre. The pair took over the

KLmagazine December 2014

business three years ago, and it’s evolved from being a purely retail outlet to offering a completely individual and unique service from design to installation. “It’s all in the name really,” says Kevin. “Thanks to Carl’s huge talents, nothing’s standard and nothing’s too much of a challenge. We once built a 10-seater dining table that had to be installed through a window! It took some thinking, but the end result was fantastic.” From bookcases to a complete library, from a single dressing table to a full bedroom suite, and from an individual island unit to a complete kitchen, Bespoke Pine & Oak really does work wonders in wood. “Recently, we had a customer who wanted a fitted series of display cases for a room in an older property,” says Kevin. “The floor was uneven, the ceiling was uneven and even the walls were uneven! But when our ingenious design – which included specially-created cutouts to run under and around the beams – was fitted, there was less than 1mm to spare. That’s what makes hand-made

furniture so special, and that what makes our service virtually unique in this area.” Kevin and Carl like to say that if you can draw it, they can make it for you, but you don’t even need that much. Whether it’s for a striking loft conversion or a dream kitchen, all you really need is the vision – and Bespoke Pine & Oak will turn it into stunning, hand-crafted reality.

details

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

The Big Interview KL magazine talks to the Reverend Mark Bonney, Dean of Ely about the mission of Ely Cathedral, his admiration for Desmond Tutu – and his plans for Christmas...

KL MAGAZINE: In your free time, how do you like to relax? MARK BONNEY: I’m a keen golfer having played since the age of 10, and I usually manage to play two or three times a month. My wife and I have sung in choirs a lot in the past, and we enjoy going to concerts. It’s great when my two daughters are at home (they’re aged 18 and 21) – their infectious laughter and banter is hugely relaxing.

KL MAGAZINE: Could you give us a brief overview of the work of Ely Cathedral? MARK BONNEY: It’s encapsulated in our Mission statement – ‘joyfully proclaiming the love of God in worship, welcome, outreach and care.’ In all these areas we seek to oﬀer the very best we can. KL MAGAZINE: What does your role as Dean entail? MARK BONNEY: It’s my role to oversee the outworking of this core Mission and ensure it permeates all our lives. I’m the ‘public face’ of the Cathedral on many occasions, and I chair the Chapter which is our ‘governing body/board’ and meets every month. I preach and take services regularly both in the Cathedral and around in the Diocese.

Rev Mark Bonney

KL MAGAZINE: What are the biggest issues facing Christianity today? MARK BONNEY: One of the biggest issues is persuading people that the heart of the Christian faith isn’t about who you can and can’t go to bed with! For me the heart of the Christian faith is that well-known verse ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only Son Jesus Christ...’ Selfgiving love is at the heart of our faith and works itself out in a commitment to peace, justice and equality.

Dean of Ely

KL MAGAZINE: What have you learned from your work? MARK BONNEY: You may be ‘the leader’, but you need to work by consensus, by taking people with you if things are going to work. That means some things take a little longer to

happen, and it also means that you have to accept that you’re wrong sometimes. I’ve also learnt that I’m still learning how to do all this! KL MAGAZINE: What do you like best about Norfolk? MARK BONNEY: I particularly enjoy the North Norfolk coastline, walking along the dunes and letting the sea blow away the cobwebs! I love a foray into the countryside for a pub lunch, or an indulgent shop in Holt. The people have always been very friendly.

KL MAGAZINE: Who’s your biggest inspiration? MARK BONNEY: For me, Desmond Tutu is a most wonderful human being and ﬁne Christian leader. Somebody once said to him that he must really hate a particular person who was so racist towards him. His reply was “I wouldn’t give him that advantage over me”! He has always championed the poor and the ostracised, and continues to do so in his retirement – he’s fearless.

KL MAGAZINE: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? MARK BONNEY: Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. I don’t always succeed, but there’s nothing so destructive of human relationships as the bearing of grudges – in the end it’s a behaviour that damages ourselves far more than it ever does anyone else.

KL MAGAZINE: How will you be celebrating Christmas? MARK BONNEY: With a lot of churchgoing, naturally! Once I’ve ﬁnished Evensong at about 5.15pm on Christmas Day I’m usually pretty exhausted, and it will probably be just my wife and two girls at home – but we’ll have fairly traditional Christmas dinner and a jolly good bottle (or two) of wine. For full details of the Christmas celebrations and services at Ely Cathedral, see www.elycathedral.org

KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

Enjoy your Christmas & Kick Start your new year

ne of the best things about Christmas is all that wonderful festive food and drink, but for many it’s also the worst thing – as they rush to sign up for ﬁtness classes as soon as the festivities are over, expecting to lose all those extra pounds in the ﬁrst few weeks of the new year. “That’s simply not going to happen,” says Jane Cole of The Fitness Studios in King’s Lynn. “There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy yourself at Christmas, especially if you put some damage limitation in place before you start celebrating. Keep an eye on your portion sizes, and try to stick with ‘clean’ meals – ones that you’ve prepared and cooked yourself. Above all, avoid processed foods. They may be KLmagazine December 2014

very tempting, but they’re not very good at keeping you fit and healthy!” When it does come to making those new year resolutions and (more importantly) keeping them however, The Fitness Studios’ Jane Cole and Terry Connolly are perfectly placed to help you achieve your goals – from losing a few inches off your waistline to successfully taking part in events such as GEAR and the London Marathon. Indeed, according to the national REPs Register (the Register of Exercise Professionals), Jane and Terry are the most experienced and professionally qualified instructors in the area. “It’s important for people to remember that we’re not a gym,” says Jane. “It’s not all about lifting weights and exhausting exercise regimes – we’re a true fitness centre. That’s why we have such a strict cut-off point for class sizes – because we care

about people and want to be able to give everyone the personal attention and time they deserve.” It’s the personal approach that makes The Fitness Studios so different – and why it appeals to people of all ages and abilities. Membership is available on a non-contract basis, giving you the freedom to choose the classes that are right for you, and everyone’s offered (it's not compulsory!) an individual food diary and individual exercise plan. With a varied timetable of classes that changes every month (including unique classes such as lyra (aerial hoops), Pole Fitness and hula hoops, and with a proven track record of success, Jane and Terry can ensure you can enjoy your Christmas – and still have a fitter, healthier and happier new year!

information

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

fashion Fashion

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a formal dinner or a friendly festive get-together, getting all dressed up for Christmas is almost as good as opening all those presents! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a few ways to make a truly stunning impression and celebrate in real style... Blue dress and jacket by Michaela Louisa ELIZABETH DARBY | Fakenham 01328 855312 54

KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

ABOVE: Tim Clayton (whose King’s Lynn business is about to celebrate its 40th anniversary) at work on a specially-commissioned bangle. “Jewellery is a very personal thing and we develop a close relationship with it,” he says.

40 years of making Christmas extra special As the landmark year of 2015 approaches, Tim Clayton Jewellery Ltd is packed with brilliant Christmas gift ideas – with a host of new collections from some of the most talented designers in the world

ext year Tim Clayton will be celebrating his 40th anniversary, and a major retrospective exhibition is currently being planned to coincide with the 2015 King’s Lynn Festival, showcasing 40 of Tim’s speciallycommissioned pieces from the last four decades. It’s an important landmark for the hugely-experienced and talented local jeweller, whose original introduction to the craft came by way of a series of evening classes. “Jewellery was a completely new ﬁeld to me, but it really clicked,” he remembers, taking time away from his workbench where’s he’s busily crafting a 18ct gold bangle for Christmas. “From the outset I really enjoyed the whole creative

process – from coming up with ideas and designs to working with precious metals and stones, and bringing them to life.” It was a welcome bonus to discover that people actually wanted to buy his creations. “It was a real turning point for me,” says Tim. “It was immensely gratifying to know that people liked my jewellery so much they wanted to wear it, but it also enabled me to fund my studies – and it gave me a viable career path too!” Following a course in jewellery design at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London (which also produced such creative luminaries as designer Terence Conran, painter Lucian Freud and musician Joe Strummer), Tim returned to Norfolk and held an exhibition of his work at the Old Granary in King’s Lynn.

“It was a great success, and by the end of the exhibition I had so many commissions they were going to take me a few months to complete,” says Tim. “That’s when I realised it was time to go into business, and Tim Clayton Jewellery was born.” That was 1975, and from its debut piece (a commemorative silver and titanium badge of oﬃce for the local Soroptimists) the business has remained very much a friendly, family concern with a reputation for beautiful, high quality jewellery – whether or not it’s been designed and manufactured by Tim himself. “There came a time when I had four young children, and we needed to do more than make unique one-oﬀ pieces,” he says. “That’s when the business moved into the retail area, sourcing some of the KLmagazine December 2014

best jewellery we could find. It’s always been important to us that we offer items that have been really well designed and really well made.” Of course, Christmas has always been a particularly busy time for Tim as people search for striking and exquisitely-crafted gifts, and he’s always been willing to help them. “It’s true that men always leave it to the last minute, and it’s also true that they're the hardest people to satisfy!” he laughs. He can prove it too. “I’ll never forget polishing my last commission one Christmas Eve morning,” he says, “when a man phoned and asked if it would be possible to create a bracelet for his wife's Christmas present!” Amazingly enough, Tim talked through the design on the phone and even had to melt down some gold from stock. By 4.30pm he’d actually finished the bracelet. “I proudly called the gentleman back to say it was ready to be collected,” says Tim. “Thanks, he replied, but there is one problem – I am working till 8pm, so could you please deliver it? Now I know how Father Christmas feels!” It may be late in the day for a speciallycommissioned piece this year, but Tim Clayton Jewellery Ltd is still packed with a huge selection of fabulous gift ideas – from a £20,000 diamond ring to a £20 pair of silver earrings – and there’s something to suit everyone. In addition to the ‘noble’ metals of gold, silver and platinum you’ll find a stunning range of bronze jewellery designed and made in New York, amber from the Baltic, and new designs from some of the brightest talents in the UK. “This year, we’re really pleased to be offering a wonderful collection by Alex Monroe,” says Tim, “which is elegant and KLmagazine December 2014

has plenty of whimsical charm. We’ve also sourced some exciting new ranges by award-winning designers such as Collette Waudby, Alexis Dove, and Prism Design, who are the UK leaders in modern titanium jewellery.” Collette Waudby has been nominated for the British Jewellers Association ‘Designer of the Year’ award. It’s not all about jewellery, though. Other ideas for Christmas at Tim Clayton Jewellery Ltd include three new watch collections (from Danish Design, Junkers and Zeppelin), limited edition animal bronzes, finely-crafted pens, leather and wood jewellery boxes, and a fascinating selection of rotating globes that are powered by Solar and the Earth’s magnetic field. You’ll need plenty of time to see everything, but the store’s convenient location on Chapel Street in King’s Lynn (just a few minutes’ walk from the High Street) means that Tim and his staff are able to offer Christmas shoppers some valuable peace and quiet in addition to a friendly, traditional and individual service. “Jewellery is a very personal thing and we develop a close relationship with it,” says Tim. “That's why we devote as much time and effort to a young girl’s first pair of earrings as we do a fabulous multi-carat diamond brooch. It’s especially important at Christmas, and all those men who still leave it to the last minute will be pleased to learn than we gift wrap everything!”

details Tim Clayton Jewellery Ltd 21-23 Chapel Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1EG Telephone: 01553 772329 Website: www.timclaytonjewellery.com

What is a Conservatory?

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KLmagazine December 2014

VILLA NOVA HARLEQUIN

ABOVE: Robert Neal of Wisbech Furnishings with interior design specialist Jemma Yaxley (left) and professional curtain maker Alison Maryan (right)

KLmagazine December 2014

from the classic and traditional to the very latest in modern styling, and include worldfamous manufacturers such as Villa Nova, Harlequin, William Morris, Romo, Design Forum and Zoffany. Over the years (the business was started back in 1962), Wisbech Furnishings has built a strong local reputation for high quality and affordable prices, combining a flair for creating beautiful homes with a dedication to customer service. “Most people do have an idea of what they want to achieve,” says Robert, “and we’re here to give them all the help and advice they need. We’ll visit people’s homes to measure up, we’ll offer them expert advice on matching different textures and colours, and our very own team of in-house fitters will ensure everything goes to plan – whether it’s the simplest bedroom carpet or the hanging and dressing of curtains.” Indeed, when it comes to curtains, Wisbech Furnishings has another new name in Alison Maryan, a hugelyexperienced curtain maker who spent many years refining her skills at the famous Kentbased business C&H Fabrics. CLARKE & CLARKE

hese are exciting times at Wisbech Furnishings. Just when you thought the extensive showroom in the town’s centre couldn’t possibly offer any more in the way of flooring, curtains and soft furnishings, the business is welcoming a host of prestigious new names to further enhance and expand its interior design offering. “It’s great news for our customers as it gives us much more scope for creating beautiful interiors,” says Robert Neal, who took over the running of the independent family business some 23 years ago following almost a decade in the carpet and soft furnishings department at Selfridges. “Some of our new collections are very exclusive and they tend to be quite selective when it comes to choosing suppliers. We’re really proud of the new designs and fabrics and I think they say a lot about the quality of the service we offer.” The new collections cover every look

SANDERSON

Great designs on beautiful homes “Having Alison here is the perfect complement to our collections,” says Robert. “It enables us to offer a totally bespoke and hand-made service on-site, and it makes a huge difference for people to be able to see Alison at work and talk about how different fabrics and different designs work for different rooms. Curtain making is a specialist field and Alison is enormously talented.” Alison joins the established and experienced team of Jemma Yaxley and Julie Johnson, who’ll help you coordinate everything from carpets to cushions and from blinds to wallpapers. For great designs, high quality, affordable prices and friendly customer service – for every room in the house – Wisbech Furnishings has it all!

details

Wisbech Furnishings Unit 1, 40 Alexandra Road, Wisbech PE13 1HQ Telephone: 01945 585488 E-mail: wisbechfurnishings@hotmail.com

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KLmagazine December 2014

Great ideas for a truly charming Christmas...

ith the festive season almost upon us, it’s good to learn there’s even more to discover at Charmed Interiors this Christmas – especially as the much-loved Downham Market store has just opened a new shop in Spalding. The new store is located at 8-9 Sheep Market in the town centre, and brings the Charmed Interiors experience to an even wider audience. “The new Spalding store oﬀers everything Charmed Interiors is famous for,” says Jason Sutton. “You’ll ﬁnd the same great ranges of soft furnishings and bedding, the same high quality curtains and cushions, the same wide choice of giftware and decorative accessories – and you might even think you’ll be seeing the same friendly faces as it’s run by my twin brother!” With people’s homes welcoming a host

KLmagazine December 2014

of visiting family, friends and guests over Christmas, it’s the ideal time to take a fresh look at soft furnishings, and Charmed Interiors is packed with ideas and inspiration for the coming season. In addition to an extensive range of Christmas-themed cushions, towels and tableware in a variety of styles and colours to suit every decorative scheme, you’ll also find some exciting new bedlinen collections from famous-name designers such as Emma Bridgewater and Kirstie Allsopp. And to give your home a truly complete festive atmosphere, Charmed Interiors also offers the luxurious range of Price’s scented candles and reed diffusers. There are over 20 delicious fragrances to choose from, including some special new Christmas scents such as Fig & Anise, Orange & Clove, Sugar & Spice and Cranberry Compote. Although you’ll find plenty of modern and traditional Christmas decorations and

accessories at Charmed Interiors, it’s also the perfect place for ﬁnding all those distinctive gift ideas – from picture frames and gift soaps to stocking ﬁllers and nostalgic artwork. And when you need a welcome break from all that Christmas shopping, don’t forget Charmed Interiors’ lovely tearoom at Downham Market, which is open from Monday to Saturday (9am-4pm) and serves a wide range of breakfasts, lunches, snacks, sandwiches, cream teas and delicious cakes. Homemade soup every day, homemade Pie of the Day on Thursdays, and homemade mince pies too – what more could you want? When it comes to Christmas, Charmed Interiors (whether you’re visiting Downham Market or Spalding) really does have it all wrapped up!

information

Charmed Interiors DOWNHAM MARKET: The Hythe, Bridge Rd Downham Market Norfolk PE38 0AE

SPALDING: 8-9 Sheep Market Spalding Lincolnshire PE11 1BH

Telephone: 01366 384126 Web: www.charmed-interiors.co.uk

Food & Drink

ABOVE: Master of Wine Nick Adams is also a keen amateur chef, so he’s ideally placed for making suitable wine recommendations

Choosing the perfect wines for Christmas... If there’s one thing better than great food at Christmas, it’s finding the ideal wine to complement it. KL magazine asks Master of Wine Nick Adams of WineTrust100 for his festive favourites

hristmas is one of the most enjoyable and social times of the year, but it also involves a lot of planning and preparation. It also has a nasty habit of creeping up on you, and before you know it you’re rushing around trying to keep all the plates spinning on their poles! One of the very best aspects of Christmas is indulging in really good food and wine – and sharing the experience with family and friends. In addition to being a Master of Wine for WineTrust100 (and chair of the selection panel) I’m also a fervent amateur chef myself, so to help you with the various menu and party

options I’ve put together some suitable wine recommendations covering all the main food types for the holiday period. Enjoy the wines – and have a great Christmas! CANAPÉS & NIBBLES These can range dramatically in styles and ﬂavours, but one thing that links them all is that they’re generally savoury. This isn’t a natural area for red wines, so crisp and unoaked white wines work best. Sparkling wines and Champagne are classic partners, but a dry

and refreshing white can work just as well. If the nibbles have a gentle spicy note then you can be bold and go for a more exotic wine such as a racy Riesling. Good “all rounders” are the Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV (it’s great with smoked salmon), Riesling Mosel Trocken Sybille Kuntz 2010 (an oﬀ-dry and zesty white), Pasquieres Grenache Cinsault 2013 (a very gentle and fruity southern French style rosé), and Borsao Garnacha 2013 (a Spanish red that has plenty of punch and fruit but nothing too heavy). TURKEY Turkey can be mildly gamey, and can work surprisingly well with a light

KLmagazine December 2014

Food & Drink bodied red or fuller bodied rosé (the more obvious choice is a dry white wine). Don’t forget that trimmings such as bacon and stuffing often have a salty edge to them – and a traditional bread sauce will add dairy and soft spice notes. In general, avoid heavily oaked whites as they’ll conflict with the food’s flavours. For red wines, opt for a lighter bodied wines, which are fruity but not too tannic – and serve them cool (10 minutes in the fridge) as this lifts the whole profile of the wine. Two of my favourites are Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and Little J Zweigelt from Austria. A good rosé option is the excellent Château Moutète from the south of France. ROAST BEEF Many people opt for this British classic, and with its richness and texture it comes as no surprise to learn that a dry, full-bodied, more tannic red is ideal. The dry tannins merge perfectly with the fats and proteins of the beef – while the soft fruity character of the wine is elevated by the absorption of the tannins– it’s a perfect marriage! Treat your roast beef to a classic red Bordeaux such as Châteaux des Gravières Graves or the Italian Chianti Classico Fontodi. GAME Game is often more fibrous than beef, and although it’s often fatty to start with, this rapidly drains away and doesn’t necessarily infuse into the meat – so the result is quite dry and even more textural. Therefore, go with a full bodied and rich red.

New World reds come into their own here, such as the sumptuously bold John Duval Barossa Shiraz and the Argentinean Polenta Estate Cabernet Franc. All game needs to be served with a sauce or gravy, and the contents of this need to be borne in mind as much as anything. For example, the classic venison and chocolate sauce really calls for New World red! Game works very well in slow-roasted casseroles, where ingredients such as juniper and soft spices (such as cinnamon) come into play. They require a slightly less full bodied and sweeter wine, such as a Tabali Pinot Noir from Chile or the marvellous Beaune Bastion I’er Cru from Chanson. HAM ON THE BONE This is an old and often forgotten classic, and it’s one of those dishes which can be served with a white or red wine. The red must be light bodied and have a good acidity level (serve cool). Whites which work best are unoaked, with plenty of acidity (this really cuts through the salt). Not surprisingly, any white wine with a “tangy” note to it works very well – particularly the Casas del Bosques Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.

FISH & SHELLFISH It’s easy to forget that a number of fish and shellfish are in plentiful supply (and at their best) in the winter, and the wine recommendations are quite straightforward. Always choose a crisp and unoaked white wine for plainly cooked fish, and a richer, Chardonnaybased wine for fish with a butter-based sauce. The classic partner to many shellfish is Chablis Moreau-Naudet, and a real treat to accompany richer fish and sauces is the delightful Puligny-Montrachet Domaine Berthlemot. It maybe as old as the hills, but a good Muscadet such as Sur Lie Domaine Gobin works wonders with mussels (steam the molluscs in the wine itself) and if you’re using fish in an exotic spicy manner (such as a Thai recipe) then aromatic whites are perfect – especially if coriander, lime, lemon grass, and green chilli are involved. This is where you can be really bold and go for something like Gewürztraminer (Rolly Gassmann), which also works with that old seasonal favourite, Scottish smoked salmon. Note that the more heavily smoked the salmon, the bolder the wine can be - but please never pour a red wine with smoked salmon! VEGETARIAN DISHES The key to matching wines to vegetarian dishes is to ask whether they include tomato. If so, the naturally high acid in tomatoes requires an equally high acid wine to complement it, which could be red as well as white. For example, a homemade pizza with a rich tomato base and a topping of roasted vegetables and mozzarella could work well with an Italian red as long as it’s not too tannic – the rich but very smooth Il Passo from Vigneti Zabù is particularly good. If you really chargrill vegetables then you can be bolder with the wine, due to the “toasty” character of the food – the exemplary English sparkling Coates & Seeley Brut Rosé NV is a real treat. A lot depends if you’re using pastry as this means you can serve a richer and fuller bodied white – maybe even

KLmagazine December 2014

Food & Drink gently oaked. This is especially so if you have a gratin (cheese) element, and the stronger the cheese element the bolder the wine choice can be. In general, though, avoid really dry and tannic red wines – they tend to sit aside from many vegetarian dishes. With salads, a lot depends on the intensity of the leaves and vegetables, together with the dressing – which can all vary enormously. It’s very difficult to be definitive here, other than to say that unoaked white wines invariably work better. Richer sauce accompaniments will allow you to indulge in more medium bodied and even lightly oaked white wines, and a good example is the South African Sequillo White from Eben Sadie. CHEESE Is there anything more appealing than a great cheeseboard on Christmas Day? The paradox of cheese is that for all its dairy richness, it’s actually (and naturally) very acidic. It means that an acidic, tannic red wine is just what you don’t need to accompany it! You’ll be pleasantly surprised how well a fuller bodied, more weighty white wine works with cheese, especially with ‘nutty’ cheeses like Comté. Otherwise, cheese is best accompanied by trusted old favourites such as port and sweeter reds such as the lovely Domaine de la Rectorie Banyuls, which also goes with chocolate by the way! For a good, rich port I’d recommend the Quinta da Romaneira Late Bottle Vintage 2007. It’s also worth noting that ‘old’ cheese tends to produce ammonia (especially blue cheese) – you can smell its acrid notes in an instant and it’s a complete killer for any wine. Similarly, Roquefort is positively aged in salt, making it off-limits for any red wine, but these cheeses are wonderful with sweet whites such as the sumptuous Château Laville Sauternes. PUDDINGS & DESSERTS Last but by no means least is what you serve with the good old Christmas pudding. I’d strongly recommend you

try either the Domaine de la Rectorie Banyuls or the rich and caramel nuanced Ben Ryé from the remote Italian island of Pantelleria. Happily, these wines also double up nicely with mince pies and Christmas cake – they’re real multi-taskers in the wine world, and are even bold enough to work with chocolate desserts. For other sweets (especially if they’re caramelised) then choose the excellent Château Laville Sauternes, or the truly hedonistic and world class South African dessert wine Vin de Constance. For lighter, less sweet dishes and for cakes, go for the Andrew Quady Essencia Orange Muscat or the completely frivolous but utterly delicious Innocent Bystander gently sparkling Pink Moscato. One of the very best things about Christmas is the preparation (and the eating!) of all that wonderful food, and by serving a good quality, suitable wine you’ll really have something to celebrate. Happy Christmas!

Discover all these wines (and more) at WineTrust100... ll the quality wines for Christmas recommended by Nick Adams in this feature (along with hundreds more) are available from WineTrust100, which was founded by East Anglianbased businessman John Valentine in 2013 to offer people a selection of wines from around the world that were both exceptional in their quality and reasonably priced. The wines themselves are chosen by an expert panel that meets once a month to consider a shortlist of ‘candidates’, and it’s a panel that includes Nick Adams and Jo Ahearne, both of whom are Masters of Wine (there are only 300 in the whole world) based locally. Only the very best wines make it onto the WineTrust100 list. To save you time and trouble in choosing your wines, WineTrust100 offers a selection of mixed, themed and seasonal cases – and customers can even join the WineTrust100 Wine Club, having a case of 12 hand-picked wines delivered direct to their door every month or quarter. Confirming the commitment of WineTrust100 to real value, around 80% of the wines are £20 or less – and are delivered free (to the UK mainland) for orders over £100. To order any of the wines featured here, visit www.winetrust100.co.uk and discover a whole new world of truly outstanding wine.

KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

Food & Drink

ABOVE: This young sprout faces a long journey to the Christmas table, having to face up to 46 diﬀerent pests and diseases as it grows

20 things you didn’t know about sprouts... It’s rather shocking to discover that we seem to eat less than a third of the sprouts we buy at Christmas. They’re versatile, they’re good for you, and there’s more to them than meets the eye...

ou’ll never hear someone say they ‘like’ sprouts. Come Christmas dinner, people will either tell you they love them (and will happily ask for more) or absolutely hate them (and will try their level best to hide them under someone else’s plate). Although known since Roman times, the Brussels sprout as we know it today was probably ﬁrst cultivated in what is now Belgium sometime around the 13th century. The very ﬁrst written reference to the vegetable dates from 1587. In the UK, sprouts became an established part of the national diet during the years of rationing following

KLmagazine December 2014

the Second World War, but their popularity decreased towards the end of the 20th century as our eating habits changed and diets became more exotic. The toilet-humour jokes of a whole generation of schoolboys did little to help the plight of the vegetable either. To halt the decline of the sprout, to demonstrate its versatility, and to support and promote the work of British vegetable farmers, the British Sprout Growers Association was formed 14 years ago, and it’s still going strong today, under the name of the British Growers Association (the dropping of ‘sprout’ from the name only means they've expanded their

concerns to include other vegetables and salads). They still have some work to do, however. It’s estimated that some 4 billion sprouts will be purchased in the week before Christmas – but that only 28% of them will actually be consumed. Here’s another 20 things you probably didn’t know about sprouts – and hopefully you’ll think a bit better of them after this! 1 Brussels sprouts were almost certainly named following their huge popularity in the Belgian capital during the 16th Century, although the vegetable as we know and love it probably originates from Iran or Afghanistan.

Food & Drink LEFT: This Brussel sprout salad with Dijon mustard dressing contains lightly toasted pecans, raisins and a drop of cider vinegar and is enough to convert anyone to the pleasures of the humble sprout.

14 Sprouts don’t have an easy journey to your festive table. There’s around 46 different pests and diseases trying to kill them off – which is why growing them organically in the UK is a virtually impossible task. 15 For people worried about putting on extra pounds with all that turkey, cranberry sauce, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, it’s nice to learn that a normal serving of cooked sprouts only contains around 60 calories. 2 Sprouts are part of the Brassica family, which means their closest relations are the more popular cabbage, broccoli, kale and kohlrabi. 3 Around 5,000 years ago Chinese physicians would prescribe sprouts as an effective medication for bowelrelated problems. 4 To the untrained eye, one sprout looks pretty much like any other sprout, but there are actually some 50 varieties of the vegetable – including the ‘spicy’ radish sprout and the ‘sweet’ sunflower version. 5 Sprouts come in all shapes and sizes, from ‘button’ sprouts (usually around 20-25mm wide) to the ones you’ll generally find loose in supermarkets (generally 32-40mm wide). As we’ll see shortly, they sometimes get even bigger. 6 Sprouts are very good for you. They contain excellent levels of vitamin C and vitamin K, with more moderate amounts of B vitamins such as folic acid and vitamin B6. They also contain sulforaphane, a chemical currently being studies for its potential anticancer properties. 7 In 2009, Prime Minister Gordon Brown revealed himself a fan of the vegetable when he said (remembering his childhood meals): “I never had a problem eating my greens, and my favourites are probably sprouts.”

9 If you eat more than 20 sprouts (go on, try!) you’ll almost certainly eat one of Yorkshire farmer John Clappison’s. He produces over 175 million of them every year. 10 Although sprouts got their festive reputation because of their need to grow at cool temperatures, modern growing techniques mean that they can now be enjoyed almost all year round. 11 Four years ago, the bitterly cold winter (the temperatures were between -5o and -11o) cut the sprout harvest short by two months and led to widespread fears of a sprout shortage over Christmas. 12 To ensure a literally all-round look to your Christmas dinner, many farmers use state-of-the-art sorters which use three digital cameras to take six pictures of each individual sprout. Fat, ugly, or mis-shaped ones are blasted off the conveyor using a jet of compressed air. 13 Morrisons once estimated they sell about 650 tons of sprouts every week in December. That’s more than the takeoff weight of an A380 Airbus. Or about five blue whales. Either way, it’s a lot of sprouts.

16 Linus Urbanec lives in Sweden, and he’s a bit of a sprout fan. He currently holds the world record for the most sprouts eaten in 60 seconds – getting through 31 of them on November 26th, 2008. 17 Meanwhile, Welshman Bernard Lavery (the author of the book ‘How to Grow Giant Vegetables’) has held the record for the heaviest sprout since 1992, when he grew a colossal sprout that weighed 8.3kg (almost 1½ stone). 18 Two years ago, Tesco proudly announced the arrival of the biggest sprouts ever seen on the high street. The giant sprouts, which were roughly the same size as snooker balls, were grown by TJ Clement of Benington in Lincolnshire. 19 Because of their high levels of sulforaphane, sprouts should only be cooked for 4-6 minutes. Overcooking them makes them smell remarkably similar to rotten eggs. 20 The sulphurous chemicals in sprouts are there for a reason, as they deter animals from eating the young leaves. They do, however, make them rather hard to digest and can result in somewhat anti-social auditory and olfactory consequences.

8 Shortly before receiving that ministerial accolade, however, sprouts had been “absolutely banned” from the Royal Navy’s HMS Bulwark by its Commanding Oﬃcer Wayne Keble. He described them as “the Devil’s vegetable.”

KLmagazine December 2014

Christmas

menus now available

the sandboy

Under new management!ers.

Andy & Emma welcome all old and new custom

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Quality

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‘Thomas Bainbridge’ - Saturday 13th December, at 8pm. Featuring covers by John Legend and The Beatles, along with current favourites!

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booking advised | Tel: 01553 630527 OPEN: Mon-Thurs 12-8, Fri-Sat 12-late, Sun 12-4 Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1EP

Christmas Day & Boxing Day 3 courses, with a choice of turkey, beef, gammon, salmon fillet or vegetable wellington and help yourself to unlimited trimmings! PLUS under 3s eat free!

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KLmagazine December 2014

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Clenchwarton Road, West Lynn King’s Lynn PE34 3LW

Tel: 01553 772221 73

Food & Drink

d o o F What’s good of tohenth M for the goose... R

arely available outside the festive season, goose is a real treat and a welcome change form turkey for Christmas dinner, especially if you’re hosting a small gathering. The meat is rich, tasty and succulent, but it’s fattier and bonier than turkey – so weight for weight it won’t feed as many people. CHOOSE... Make sure you use a free-range and traditionally-reared bird from a reputable supplier, farmers market or butcher. For 6-8 people the ideal weight (for the best meat-to-bone ratio) is 4.5kg (10lb). PREPARE... You’ll need to remove the giblets, but try to keep the trussing strings intact as they’ll help keep the goose in shape while it’s cooking. Store the giblets in the fridge until they’re ready for stock or gravy (they’ll keep for 24 hours) but don’t include the liver as it can add a bitter taste (it can be fried separately if

you like). Put the goose on a tray, cover loosely with foil and keep at the bottom of the fridge (for up to two days) until one hour before you’re ready to roast. COOK... You can roast your goose as it is, but a fruit-based stuffing works wonders as it cuts down on the richness of the meat and helps it go further. Bring the goose to room temperature for an hour before roasting, during which time you can wipe the inside with kitchen paper and push the stuffing inside. For a 4.5kg (10lb) bird with stuffing, preheat the oven to 190o, prick all over the breast with a fork, and sprinkle with sea salt. Put the goose on a rack in a roasting tin, cover with a large loose tent of foil (tuck it tightly around the edges of the tin) and roast for 1½ hours. Carefully take the tin out and slowly pour off the fat. Use some to baste the goose, then re-cover and return to the oven for another hour.

Repeat the draining and basting process, and roast for a further 30 minutes with the breast uncovered so it becomes crisp and golden. Finally, remove from the rack and hold the goose with the legs facing downward so the fat drains off. Now leave it to rest, covered loosely with foil for 30 minutes before carving and serving. To calculate cooking times for birds of different weights, weigh the goose after stuffing, and allow 15 minutes per 500g (1lb) plus 30 minutes. GOOD FOR YOU... There’s a lot of fat on a goose, and although most is mono-unsaturated, at least a third is saturated, so try not to eat too much of it. It is, however, a good source of niacin and vitamin B6. Don’t throw away the fat produced during roasting – it’s excellent for frying and roasting (especially potatoes) and will keep in the fridge for up to a month.

KLmagazine December 2014

ORDER FOR CHRISTMAS! Turkeys and Cockerels

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KLmagazine December 2014

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Food & Drink

e p i c Ref the o h t n o M Preparation: 10 mins Cooking: 30 mins Serves: 1 (main), 2 (starter) INGREDIENTS 2 Jerusalem Artichokes (approx 200 grams) 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting 50 grams fine green beans 15 grams whole hazelnuts, skins off 100 grams Binham blue cheese Mixed salad leaves DRESSING 2 teaspoons hazelnut oil 1 tablespoon olive oil Juice of ½ a lemon Salt and pepper

Roast Jerusalem artichoke, Binham Blue & hazelnut salad METHOD 1 Scrub the artichokes gently to remove any earth (but don’t peel them), then roughly quarter into equal sized chunks about one inch across. 2 Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil and the thyme and then pop them onto a preheated roasting tray and into a hot oven to roast for about half an hour, turning half way through. They should be soft but not falling apart, and nicely brown. 3 Top and tail the beans and drop into a pan of boiling water for about 5 minutes until they are tender enough to slice easily with a knife. Drain them and run under cold water to stop them cooking and keep them a nice bright green.

4 Put the hazelnuts onto a baking tray and toast them in a hot oven for 2 or 3 minutes until slightly brown. 5 Break the Binham blue cheese up into pieces about ½ inch across. 8 For the dressing, mix the hazelnut oil with the olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Add the artichokes, beans, cheese and nuts, all at room temperature, and mix together gently before arranging on a plate with the salad.

Recipe by Stuart Deuchars, Head Chef at Bank House King’s Staithe Square, King’s Lynn PE30 1RD Tel: 01553 660492 Web: www.thebankhouse.co.uk 76

KLmagazine December 2014

Relaxed elaxed atmosphere , contemporary contem porar y style Christmas par party ty menu - until Monday 22nd December cember Ca Pre-panto menu - 2 courses for £12.50 your rve Sund own cak es All day teas, coffees cof fees and cakes ay ro Ca

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www.thebankhouse.co.uk www.thebankhouse.co.uk e: info@thebankhouse.co.uk info@thebankhouse.co.uk t: 01553 660492 King’s King ’s Staithe Square Square,, King King’s ’s LLynn ynn PE30 1RD

Eat locally sourced produce, drink our finest ales and soak up the atmosphere. S ARE FUNCTION OOK FOR B O T E AVAILABL S S & PARTIE WEDDING

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Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, PE31 8HN Tel: 01328 738241 www.nelsonslocal.co.uk

KLmagazine December 2014

NELSON’S LOCAL

Food & Drink

RestaurantReview

KL magazine visits the The King’s Arms...

n a Friday evening, my parents and my partner and I decided to make a trip to Shouldham for a weekend treat; and a treat it was. You may have read about The King’s Arms this year as it’s recently reopened after being closed in June of 2012. After villagers clubbed together to become shareholders, much refurbishment was carried out and The King’s Arms has now been reopened as a cooperative pub; the ﬁrst in West Norfolk. When we walked in at around 7pm, the pub had a lovely warm atmosphere, with families playing games at their tables and locals propping up the bar having a joke with the barmaid. We were greeted warmly by the landlord and as we ordered our drinks, (a bottle

of merlot for my mum and I to share and one pint of Norfolk Wherry ale each for my dad and partner) we were directed to the black board to the right of the bar which has the menu written on it in chalk (the menu regularly changes, as the head chef gathers local produce and designs new dishes). We then sat by the lit ﬁre in the bar area while we decided what to eat which was a lovely touch on such a cold evening. There were a range of choices on the menu for both starter and main and also vegetarian options; one which almost tempted a non-vegetarian! The crispy pork and homemade apple sauce won the starters’ stakes for the four of us and it really was delicious. Served in lovely bowls on wooden boards, the crispy pork was crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside and the apple sauce complimented it perfectly. If I could have chosen two starters, the devilled whitebait and lemon mayo would have been my next choice – the table next to us had it and it looked and smelt wonderful. In terms of main dishes my dad and I plumped for the beer battered hake, mushy peas, chips and homemade tartar sauce, my partner had the shin of beef with mash potatoes and kale, and my mum went for the pork chop, black

pudding and mustard lentils. I had a taster of all the dishes, whether the owner wanted me to or not! My hake was meaty and the batter was crispy, the peas and chips were also very tasty but the homemade tartar sauce was definitely something to write home about. The portion sizes were spot on and all plates were cleared completely. Even though we were full, the dessert menu was too tempting to turn down. I went for the rice pudding and jam, my partner chose the chocolate and coffee mousse and my mum went for the spiced pear crumble for her and dad to share. If the food and the welcome wasn’t enough to make you want to come back, a lovely touch greets the females when they go to the bathroom. Above the sink, where a mirror is usually placed are three words printed on the wall saying “you look lovely”. It definitely put a smile on my face and I didn’t even bother checking my make up in the mirror on the way out. We had a fantastic night at The King’s Arms; faultless rustic food in a pub full of character. I can’t wait to go back and see the little finishing touches they make to the interior. The bill total came to £104 for four people’s meals, three and a half pints of local ale and a bottle of red wine.

FOOD SERVICE

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KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

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Food & Drink

CHANNELL’S HOMEMADE NORFOLK PRESERVES Great Yarmouth Norfolk Preserves started in 1990 with one product and now has 46 – including honey, jam, chutney, marmalade, vinegar, ketchup and other sauces. All jams and marmalades are made with just three products (fruit, sugar and pectin) and contain no artificial colours or preservatives. In addition to supplying local farm shops around the county, Norfolk Preserves has been exporting to Belgium for the last 10 years. Local stockists can be found on the company’s website at www.norfolkpreserves.co.uk (and you can also buy online.) ORCHARD FRUITS Thetford Orchard Fruits make handmade jams, marmalade, chutney and infused ciders with fruits from their own orchard and from other Norfolk farmers. Unique fruit blends take the fore with flavours such as Rhuberry Jam and PlumplePear jam, with ‘boozy’ and more traditional jams also on offer. All products are suitable for vegetarians, vegans and are gluten free. For local stockists, visit www.orchardfruits.co.uk.

Tathstees of Month Spread the news: Norfolk’s best jams There’s nothing better for your morning toast than some locally and lovingly-produced jam – and with so many fantastic ﬂavours out there to choose from, why wait until breakfast? Here’s just a few of our favourites... 80

GARDEN PRESERVES Dereham and Norwich Garden Preserves produces handmade jams, jellies, marmalades, chutneys and lemon curd which are available singly or in gift packs. A member of Tastes of Anglia, the company uses locallyproduced fruit, vegetables and sugar whenever possible, and uses traditional recipes for all 52 products – all of which are additive and colourant free. They’re available in outlets across the region, and you can ﬁnd your nearest at www.gardenpreserves.co.uk. THE GARDEN PANTRY Wymondham The Garden Pantry started just over three years ago, making a batch of chutney from a surplus of courgettes grown in their garden. This inspired them to try a variety of new recipes which has evolved into a range of seasonal jams, chutneys and sauces. All the produce is lovingly home-grown and locally-sourced – well, apart from the mangoes that is! Try to sample their Rhubarb and Lavender Jam and discover why it won the Great Taste 2014 Award. Local stockists can be found (and online orders taken) at www.thegardenpantry.co.uk.

KLmagazine December 2014

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By appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Pattrick & Thompsons Ltd Timber Merchants

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Receive 10% off in the farm sh op wh e n y o u b uy a Christmas tree!

Your perfect Christmas - all under one roof! Take the stress out of Christmas with Worzals - whether you're looking for the perfect gift, decorations, trees, food and drink or to celebrate in style - Worzals has it all wrapped up!

he Christmas season can be overwhelming with multiple shopping trips, but there is an option to take the weight off your shoulders; Worzals is your one-stop festive shop for all your yule time needs. The garden centre is packed full of beautiful festive colours to inspire you when it comes to decorating. There is a huge selection of Christmas trees in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your needs, plus a range of poinsettias, wreaths, flowers and garlands – your home will be decorated to perfection. Stocking the fridge and cupboards is one of the most exciting aspects of Christmas, and this is where the Farm Shop and master butchers come in. The Farm Shop has an array of local KLmagazine December 2014

produce, including fresh fruit and vegetables, wines, beers, chutneys and preserves and the butchers are on hand to advise Christmas cooks with what to serve when the day comes. With their quality meats and expert knowledge, whatever centrepiece you serve will be enjoyed by all. Make sure you pick up an order form for your fruit and veg, deli products and Christmas meats to order in advance, they’re in store now! To take the weight not only off your shoulders, but your feet too, there’s a taste of the season waiting for you at Worzals Bar and Grill. With the offer of delicious lunches and full Christmas feasts or if you just fancy putting your feet up in front of the fire with a gingerbread latte and a mince pie,

there’s a winter warmer for everyone. Whatever you’re looking for this Christmas; the perfect gift, delicious local produce, or to toast the season – Worzals has the answer.

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Interiors CHRISTMAS

KLmagazine December 2014

Christmas

The centrepiece of every Christmas home For hundreds of years it’s been the focal point of every festive home, and decorating it has always been something of a family tradition. Emma Barnard takes a look at the Christmas tree...

very year as Christmas approaches, families across the county start enjoying their own festive traditions – and one thing virtually everyone will do is decorate their Christmas trees. It’s the centrepiece of the Christmas home, and the decorated tree has become a very symbol of the festive season, with presents for loved ones proudly piled underneath – but every year raises the dilemma and debate of whether to buy a boxed plastic tree or a fresh evergreen. Real trees are usually evergreen conifers such as spruce, pine or ﬁr – the most common are ﬁr, which are more appealing due to the fact they don’t shed their needles when they dry

KLmagazine December 2014

out. Fir trees also retain good foliage, colour and scent. Artificial trees are generally made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and were first developed in Germany during the 19th century as a replica of the evergreen conifer – originally by using goose feathers dyed green! CHRISTMAS TREES: ORIGINS The custom of having a tree at Christmas originated from early modern Germany – and they were traditionally decorated with edible treats such as nuts, apples and other foods. In the 18th century trees started to be illuminated by candles, a tradition which was eventually replaced with lights after electrification.

It might feel as though Christmas trees have always been set up in the corner of a family living room, but even though decorating the home with evergreens was already long established, the custom of decorating a whole tree wasn’t known in Britain until two centuries ago. Trees were introduced when George III’s Germanborn wife, Charlotte of Mecklenburgh-Strelitz brought a Christmas tree to a party she threw for the children in 1800, at the time of the personal union with Hanover. At ﬁrst, the custom didn’t spread much beyond the Royal Family, and when it did the trees were initially displayed in better-oﬀ homes. What made festive trees more common was

Christmas

their use at public events – and in 1906 a charity was set up solely to ensure poorer children would enjoy a tree that year. By the mid-1920s the use of Christmas trees had spread to all classes. Today, a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garlands, tinsel, baubles and candy canes are used to decorate trees, and an angel or a star is usually the tree-topper of choice, representing the angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity. Each household has their own ritual for when the festive family tree goes up and comes down, but traditionally Christmas trees were only brought into the home and decorated on Christmas Eve, rather than the start of December. It’s also customary, of course, to take your tree (together with your decorations) down following Twelfth Night. CHRISTMAS TREES: THE FAMOUS ONES! It’s become common practice in cities and towns around the world to have a beautifully decorated public Christmas tree. One of the most impressive is outside the Rockerfeller Centre in New York City. But you don’t have to travel as far as America to see some striking trees, lights and decorations, for towns and villages across the county have impressive displays over the Christmas period. The giving of trees has also been associated with the end of hostilities, and

in other circumstances, trees represent unique commemorative gifts. An example of this is in Trafalgar Square, where the people of Oslo present a tree to the inhabitants of London as a gift of appreciation for British support of Norwegian resistance during the Second World War. THE REAL v ARTIFICIAL DEBATE Of course, one perennial debate that never fails to provoke some lively predecorating discussion is what’s best for your home – a real Christmas tree or an artiﬁcial one. REAL TREES: YES PLEASE! – Few trees come from forests anymore as they’re now grown on farms, and another tree is planted for each one harvested to ensure a steady supply year on year – They carry a fresh scent – There are lots of unique varieties to choose from – They are the more traditional choice – They take in carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases and release fresh oxygen – Christmas tree farms help sustain the rural economy and provide jobs

REAL TREES: BAH HUMBUG! – They need constant maintenance – They can become a fire risk if not maintained properly – They tend to shed needles all over your freshly vacuumed carpet! – They can only be left up for a limited period of time – Transporting the tree and disposing of it afterwards can be difficult ARTIFICAL TREES: YES PLEASE! – They’re cost effective – They’re flame retardant – They need very little maintenance – They can be left up for as long as you wish – There’s no mess from needles – You can choose from a huge assortment of styles and colours ARTIFICAL TREES: BAH HUMBUG! – They can look synthetic – They are made from petroleum, which a non-renewable resource – There’s little advantage to the home economy as many artificial are made abroad – You require time to assemble the tree – You’ll need to make room in your home to store the tree from year to year Across the county there are many reputable suppliers of artificial trees selling anything from very basic, nofrills trees to the truly luxurious. There are also three Christmas tree farms in Norfolk (in Thetford, Great Hockham and Great Melton) so the decision really comes down to which of the options best fits your family and your festive lifestyle. If you can’t make a final decision, why not think of having both? It is Christmas after all!

KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

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Christmas

Tree sorted – time for great Xmas interiors! Your tree questions are hopefully now answered, but there’s still your interior to look at. With so many options available, here are a few simple tips on creating fabulously decorated homes…

e’ve looked at the Christmas tree as the obvious place to begin decorating your home and the debate of real versus fake trees has been covered – but there are alternatives to even those. If you’d like a modern twist on the three-dimensional tree or are short on space, there are some really eﬀective fabric tree wallprints available at the moment. You could use these in any room – they look great by your front door to welcome guests in with a bit of wow factor. When the festive season ends, you just peel them oﬀ and store

safely ready to use again next year. For people wishing to make a rather more minimalist statement, stylised contemporary trees are perfect as festive displays, while wooden advent calendar trees double as a cute place to store lollies, small presents or Christmas messages. Whatever type of tree you choose, remember to string your lights through the branches before hanging your decorations, and place baubles strategically to hide the wires – it all adds to the sense of magic. Decorating a tree is a very serious business for some. There are family heirlooms to hang, and strict

colourways to be adhered to. Some people only allow a certain number of items on the tree, while others insist on displaying a collection of decorations from the past 50 years. The most successful looks come from simply adding what’s important to you. Once your Christmas tree is ﬁnally up and decorated, you can start spreading the sparkle around the house. Your front door is a good place to start, as it has an important job to do, oﬀering a warm Christmas welcome to all your friends and family. There are plenty of traditional wreaths and lights available, or you can make your own wooden sign covered with blackboard paint,

KLmagazine December 2014

Christmas chic by Unique

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in-store and online! www.uniquegiftsandinteriors.co.uk Tottenhill | Castle Rising | Heacham | Hunstanton KLmagazine December 2014

Christmas

reminding neighbours how many sleeps there are until the big day. A lovely way of personalising your Christmas welcome is to purchase a ready-made wreath of greens and then gather items to decorate it. Enlist the help of children and use pine cones, ribbons, crystals, feathers, beaded garlands or homemade paper snowflakes. It’s a lovely touch. Once inside, you can start adding some serious festive spirit. Consider using fabric prints to give walls a seasonal feel in a contemporary way – you’ll be saving space too! Bunting is regaining popularity for all occasions and is available in traditional Christmas colours – and it makes a welcome alternative to tinsel. Add a warm glow with candles, but make sure they’re placed in safe spots and out of reach of little hands. Arrange tea lights together on a tray, and try hanging lanterns or adding candles to mantles. If you take time to get your home ready for Christmas, you can enjoy the atmosphere for the whole festive season. Above all, delight in the decorating! A particuarly good idea is to create a family tradition by doing the decorating together. Spend the school-free week before Christmas having fun recycling cardboard and paper to create festive masterpieces. Look online and in local stores for inspiration – or see what you come up with together. Save this year’s Christmas cards for next year. Teach children basic sewing skills and use Christmas fabrics, ribbons, bells or whatever else you have lying around. It’s lovely having your own handmade designs at the front of the tree. Keep your decorations safe for next year by placing them in egg cartons. Wrap your lights around all the cardboard tubes you’ll have left over from wrapping paper, tin foil and kitchen towels – it will make the task of putting them up again next year so much easier, and will save you time untangling all that wire! However you decide to get started, it’s important to stay with one theme and style for dressing your home for Christmas. Not only will it make shopping for decorative items easier, you’ll be amazed how it gives the completed look a true professional finish. If they don’t fit your theme or style, don’t be afraid to throw away (or even better, donate) older decorations. It’s impossible to keep everything you have, but try to only keep those items

KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

Christmas

with a real sentimental value – and possibly create a special place just for them. It feels wonderfully liberating to give your Christmas decorations a thorough cleansing. Choose two to three colours for your holiday palette and keep it consistent. Multiple colour palettes can be too distracting and tend to look cluttered and messy. Silver, blue and white make a perfect Christmas combination, as do red, gold and brown. Christmas is a very special time in your home, so give your space a different look and feel for the festive season. Rearrange your furniture so the focal point is the fireplace, or wherever you hang the stockings. If you don’t have a fireplace, arrange the furniture to create the best layout for cozy conversations. If your Christmas celebrations centre around get-togethers with family and friends (and they certainly should do!), having all the seating facing the television probably isn’t the best arrangement. As far as lights go, changing your colour palette from year to year is going to prove costly, so a great idea is to invest in some beautiful white lights. They can be used with any colour scheme, and can help enhance the colours that you’ve decided on. Even better, they can be used all year round

(twinkling white lights work especially well for an outdoor summer party. It would be a shame to spoil your overall colour scheme with a garish helping of ﬂashing (and clashing) coloured lights. Because families and tradition are such an important part of Christmas, consider starting a collection of a single

decorative item – something that can grow through the years, be added to by friends and family, and can be passed on to the next generation. For instance, many people collect snow globes, and place them together on a windowsill or shelf. They look wonderful, and as long as they’re all displayed together in one place they won’t interfere with a strict colour palette or theme. What they do very well is encourage conversation and memories about where (or who) each snow globe came from. Remember to take your Christmas celebrations into every room – kitchens and bathrooms are great places to put scented candles (in safe locations!) and smaller seasonal decorations, and there’s no reason to be ignoring the bedrooms either. It has become quite fashionable in some interior design circles to promote the ‘less is more’ approach – but if there’s one time when that deﬁnitely doesn’t apply, then it’s Christmas. It’s a big, fun, family-based celebration, so your home should reﬂect that in its decor – big, fun, and family-based. With a little thought and planning in advance, you can easily create a wonderful festive home that adds a real touch of magic to the season – but still manages to be friendly and fun.

KLmagazine December 2014

Introducing the latest jewel in the Lampe Berger crown ‐ the Lamp Perle. Combining lacquered black glass with luxurious pearl‐string styling, its elegance draws the eye, whilst incorpora ng the latest technology. Thanks to its unique catalyst diﬀusion system, it takes just 20 minutes* to rid the average room of most unwanted odours, including food, tobacco and pets. It also comes with a wide range of sophis cated scents created by master French perfumiers, leaving any room fresh and invi ng. Give a li le glamour this Christmas, with the limited edi on Lamp Perle. * Based on the recommended usage of one minute per square metre. Read instruc ons before use.

KLmagazine December 2014

Walsingham 96

KLmagazine December 2014

Explorer

A wonderful welcome for visitors since 1061 The focus of pilgrims for over 1,000 years, Walsingham is one of Norfolk’s most atmospheric spots. Emma Barnard traces the fortunes of this delightful village. Pictures by Ian Ward

ust four miles from the breathtaking North Norfolk coast you’ll discover a spiritual haven and one of the foremost destinations for pilgrimage in the country. Records of Walsingham date back to Saxon times, when the village (it’s actually the two conjoined villages of Little Walsingham and Great Walsingham) was ﬁrst founded on the banks of the River Stiﬀkey. With a heady mix of religious sites, beautiful countryside, wonderful architecture, museums, a light railway and more, there’s something in this unique village for everyone. Walsingham is world famous for its two shrines in honour of the Virgin Mary, and the village also contains the ruins of two medieval monastic houses. Since 1061, people have been drawn to the village, and in medieval times Walsingham even rivalled Canterbury and the other great shrines of Europe.

KLmagazine December 2014

Even today, Walsingham’s population of around 800 is dwarfed by the 300,000–plus people who visit the two shrines every year. THE SHRINES: A HISTORY Described as ‘England’s Nazareth’, Walsingham was one of the four great shrines of medieval Christendom, sharing its status with Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago da Compostella. The story of the shrine began in 1061, when the lady of the manor Richeldis de Faverches received a series of visions of the Virgin Mary. In them, Our Lady showed Richeldis the house in Nazareth in which the angel Gabriel made his revelation of the future birth of Jesus. Richeldis revealed the Virgin had asked her to create a replica of the holy house in Walsingham itself. Consequently, a large monastery was founded as the village evolved into the most popular shrine to the Virgin Mary.

The Augustinian of the Blessed Virgin Mary was established by 1153 beside the holy house and 200 years later a small friary was established in the village by the Franciscan Friars under the patronage of Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Clare. Many Kings and Queens made pilgrimages to the village, and Walsingham has established itself on the Royal map throughout the years – Henry III visited the shrine no less than twelve times, and even Henry VIII visited twice. In fact, the village was frequented by visitors so often that several hostelries and shops were built solely for serving pilgrims, a situation that resulted in an unusual grid pattern of streets. This rare layout is blessed by remarkable architecture throughout, making Walsingham a unique gem. The village has retained a striking array of rare medieval half-timbered, jettied

Explorer

buildings and Georgian facades – and it even has the only Grade I listed toilets in the country, thanks to their ancient walls. THE REFORMATION... The popularity of Walsingham was brought to a rather abrupt halt in 1538 with the arrival of the Reformation, which saw an end to pilgrims and the trade they brought with them. The famous statue of the Virgin Mary was taken to London to be burned in public, both the priory and friary were dissolved, and all property was handed over to the King’s Commissioners. Sadly, nothing remains of the original Walsingham shrine, but its site is marked on the lawn in the grounds of the Abbey. However, Walsingham didn’t just come to a standstill and stop functioning – it underwent a remarkable transformation and became a booming market village and legal centre. THE PILGRIMAGE REVIVAL... People resumed making pilgrimages to Walsingham in the late 19th century – the ﬁrst modern pilgrimage took place on the 20th August, 1897 and was

made to the Slipper Chapel, which sits in Houghton St Giles, a mile outside Walsingham itself. In 1921, when Father Alfred Hope Patten was appointed vicar, Walsingham began to regain its shrine status, and pilgrimages increased in popularity throughout the 20th century. A MODERN HUB OF ACTIVITY... It’s easy to understand why so many people are still drawn to Walsingham. There’s a wonderful choice of independent shops, restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes in the village, and local produce is available from farms that have been in the same families for generations. For the adventurous, guided walking tours and planned cycle routes are available to make the most of the village. The great thing about the walking tours is they can be tailored to suit the features of the village you’re most interested in – whether that’s the 18th century model prison, the Russian orthodox church (in an old railway station) or East Anglia’s ﬁrst new-build carbon neutral church. Something the area is also famed for is the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway which opened back in 1982.

Built especially for the line are two unique and powerful Garratt steam locomotives named (appropriately enough) Norfolk Hero and Norfolk Heroine. The journey to Wells takes around thirty minutes, in which you have plenty of time to soak up some of the best of North Norfolk’s aweinspiring scenery. Walsingham is a thriving village with a huge amount to oﬀer – it’s immersed in religious and royal history, it has spectacular architecture, and when it comes to community spirit, it has a real embarrassment of riches. For the most secular of visitors, Walsingham is a must-visit destination.

KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

This partial set of dentures was specially made for Winston Churchill, and was sold in Norfolk for ÂŁ15,200 in 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; setting a world record for the most expensive false teeth ever sold at auction...

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Local Life

ABOVE: Ozzy, the dog from Norwich who set the current world record for the Fastest Crossing of a Tightrope by a Dog in 2013

Norfolk’s biggest, best, oldest and oddest... As Guinness World Records gets ready to celebrate its 60th birthday, Simon Andrews takes a look at some local record breakers – from fearless sailors to backward-speaking DJs...

he Guinness Book of Records (now known as Guinness World Records) is more than a traditional Christmas present, and it hardly needs an introduction. Indeed, it’s a record-breaker in itself, being the best-selling copyrighted book of all time – and, oddly enough, it’s the book most frequently stolen from public libraries. First published on August 27th, 1955 the book has sold over 100 million copies to date, and as it gets set to celebrate its 60th birthday next year, it seems ﬁtting to look back at how it all started – and at Norfolk’s own recordbreaking claims to fame. Back in the early 1950s, the engineer and industrialist Sir Hugh Beaver was on a shooting trip in Ireland. On missing a KLmagazine December 2014

shot, the Managing Director of the Guinness Brewery wondered aloud whether the plover was the fastest game bird in Europe. A good-natured argument ensued, and as no one could find the answer in any reference book, Beaver thought it would be a good idea (and a useful marketing promotion) to produce one. He enlisted the help of twin brothers Norris and Ross McWhirter (they were both sports journalists), who had established an agency to provide facts and figures to London newspapers. Working in a converted gym, the brothers started researching, compiling and writing the book, a task that consumed almost four months of 90hour weeks (including weekends). The first Guinness Book of Records had 197 pages and was published at the 101

Local Life

ABOVE: Norfolk’s Ian Couch is the holder of ﬁve world records for sailing, while the 1975 Queen album A Night at the Opera gave former King’s Lynn disc jockey Steve Briers a chance to get into the record books – by reciting the whole thing backwards in ten minutes

end of August 1955 – and it was at the top of the British bestseller lists by Christmas. “It was intended as a marketing giveaway – it wasn’t supposed to be a moneymaker!” Beaver is reported to have said. From the first overseas edition in 1956 (for the United States) to the opening of the Guinness World Records office in Beijing in 2012, it’s become one of the world’s best-known brands – and it seems people are willing to do virtually anything to get a mention. Take former King’s Lynn disc jockey Steve Briers, for example. He wasn’t particularly tall, old, short or fast. He earned his place in the Guinness Book of Records back in 1991 for being able to recite the entire 2,343 words on the Queen album ‘A Night at the Opera’ backwards in just over 10 minutes. It’s a particularly odd record (Steve’s, not Queen’s) and if you were wondering at all, here’s how it starts: “...blows wind the anyway, me to matters really nothing, matters really nothing, see can anyone, matters really nothing. Yeah, oh. Here out of right get to got just...” Norfolk also holds the world record for the most expensive false teeth ever sold at auction, thanks to Keys fine art auctioneers in Aylsham. In 2010, an anonymous bidder paid £15,200 for a partial set of dentures that had been specially constructed for prime minister Winston Churchill to preserve his natural lisp. Norfolk doesn’t just have quirky records, however. The most Victoria Crosses awarded to a single regiment during the Second World War (five of 102

them) were earned by the Royal Norfolk Regiment; the first book written in English by a woman was by Mother Julian of Norwich in 1393; and the first autobiography in English was written in the 1420s by Margery Kempe of King’s Lynn. Norfolk is also home to the oldest human artefacts ever found in Britain – 78 pieces of shaped flint were found near Happisburgh in July 2010 and are thought to be as much as 950,000 years old. Ian Couch from Stow Bedon wasn’t just happy with one entry in the Guinness Book of Records – he now has five. In 2007 (on his very first row) he completed the fastest 1,000 nautical miles in a rowing boat, taking 37 days to get from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Since then, he’s set records for the first (and fastest) row across the Indian Ocean, the first crossing on the Indian Ocean in an eight-crew boat, the first mixed crew Indian Ocean rowall between Australia and Mauritius, and the fastest double crossing of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Admirable as those achievements are, however, we always seem to be drawn to the endeavours of people like Roger Southwell of Southery. In 1991, the intrepid potato grower harvested a record-breaking 205 tons of them at his Northwold farm in a mere four hours, setting a yield record of some 34 tons per acre in the process. And it’s not just the

people of Norfolk, either. Consider Ozzy, the remarkable border collie from Norwich. In 2013, at the Faith Animal Rescue centre in Hickling, Ozzy (or Osbert Humperdinck Pumpernickle, to give him his full name) crossed an 11-foot rope in 18.22 seconds. The record? The Fastest Crossing of a Tightrope by a Dog, of course. In October 1982, the late Norris McWhirter visited Norwich to promote the Guinness Book of Records, and noted that Norfolk wasn’t particularly well known as a location in which to ﬁnd record-breakers. But in 1982 he hadn’t heard of Steve Briers, of course. Or Ozzy the dog. And as the phenomenon he started with his brother all those years ago gets ready to celebrate its 60th anniversary, it’s good to see Norfolk can still get a mention. Among several other local entries, the 2015 edition of Guinness World Records features Guy Phillips from Horning, who’s the current world record holder for the Heaviest Weight Lifted with the Toes. Only in Norfolk...

KLmagazine December 2014

Entrance exams for entry in September 2015 | Satur Saturday day 31st January To register, please contact the Admissions Secretary 01945 583 631 Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com

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PICTURES: GARY HAIGH-SMITH

Local Arts

ABOVE: Seascape with Orange by local artist Gary Haigh-Smith (below) and a detail from his painting High Cloud (opposite)

New horizons – with a helping of the traditional Local artist Gary Haigh-Smith talks to KL magazine about how an enforced change of direction led him to rediscover his love of art – and why the Norfolk landscape is such a great inspiration...

hey say every cloud has a silver lining, and for local artist Gary Haigh Smith that’s certainly true. Born and educated in King’s Lynn, the local artist was working as in-house designer for a multinational company based at East Winch Hall before redundancy brought him an enforced change of direction. “I took a year’s redundancy money, and freelanced for a while,” he says, “but I also started to paint again – even though I hadn’t picked up a paint brush in years.” Gary’s initial brush with the art world came at an early age, when he was one

KLmagazine December 2014

of only two children from his school (Rosebery Avenue Primary School in Gaywood) selected for a regional children’s art exhibition. Owing a debt to his art teachers Ann Harding and Sara Freakley during the 1980s (“they gave me the confidence to be graphic and bold,” he says) Gary became a successful graphic designer, seeing his packaging designs appear all over Europe. However, leaving the world of commercial art to pursue a more personal vision was a major turning point. Soon after returning to the field of fine art, a Cambridge-based gallery held a popular exhibition of Gary’s

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Local Arts

YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIER OF

PICTURE: GARY HAIGH-SMITH

School Uniforms

Currently providing uniforms for the following local Schools: ABOVE: Morning Tide is a typical examples of Gary’s evocative and atmospheric paintings

work, and he’s really never looked back since. He opened his first studio (called Circus) near Burnham Market with his partner and jeweller Clara before moving to a larger, lovely space at Great Walsingham Barns. “I really didn’t realise how deeply surroundings influenced my work until we moved to Great Walsingham,” says Gary. “The old studio was small and dark, and I think that showed in my work. As I settled into the new space my style changed. My work became lighter, the colours more subtle, and the landscapes more open.” Painting has become Gary’s passion, and he’s often asked how he starts his large, wonderfully atmospheric coastal paintings. “I never work from photographs or out on location,” he says. “For me, ‘snaps’ kill spontaneity – and who wants to wrestle with a metre of canvas in a chilly Norfolk easterly? My studio at Great Walsingham has large doors I can open and watch the sky change over Wells, which is a marvellous inspiration. I rarely paint specific places, but try to achieve a feel for the Norfolk coast. The hardest part is actually getting it out and onto canvas – but if you have the ‘magic brush’ on the day there’s no finer way to spend your working time.” Describing himself as something of a traditionalist, Gary professes to a certain degree of ambivalence over some of the more extreme tendencies in contemporary art. “I do often wonder if some of the current trends in art are a distraction from real creative talent,” he says. “Hype and celebrity seem to be firmly embedded in today’s culture, and lots of artists seem to take themselves far too seriously. It’s only paint and a surface after all! What does impress me, however, is the amount of hugely gifted artists working around our county. There’s definitely something about Norfolk that seems to attract artists.” So what does the future hold for Gary and his work? “The great thing about artists is that they can go on forever,” he says. “Even at 100 you can exhibit and be taken seriously – age has never been a barrier to art. I’ll always paint, as it’s in my blood, and you should never resist the creative urge. You may be frustrated and clumsy at first, but nobody lifts the lid of a piano for the first time and rattles off a piece of Rachmaninoff! Painting’s the same – keep applying paint, mixing and enjoying the colours and don’t be too self critical. Oh, and the occasional help of the magic brush never goes amiss!” Gary’s work can be viewed and purchased from Circus, his studio gallery at Great Walsingham Barns. For more details and information, see www.garyhaighsmith.co.uk.

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Christmas

ABOVE: George Bailey (James Stewart) with his wife Mary (Donna Reed) and children in It’s a Wonderful Life – Stewart appeared in more than 92 ﬁlms, but he always said this timeless Christmas classic was his favourite

Festive films: the top 10 Christmas classics In Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle says that Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind – and there’s nothing like getting into the spirit of things by watching a classic festive film...

itting around with family and friends watching a great movie is something of a Christmas tradition in itself, and there are some ﬁlms that never cease to make the occasion extra special – no matter how many times you’ve seen them. We had a lot of fun putting this list together, and we noticed that all the ﬁlms on it do share common themes. In a variety of ways, they all demonstrate the ‘true’ meaning of Christmas – that it’s a time to think of other people and a time to realise there’s something bigger than ourselves and our world that we can believe in. Have a wonderful Christmas!

KLmagazine December 2014

THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)

Barrymore and Henry Travers

Director: Victor Fleming Length: 101 minutes Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack Haley

In the longest ﬁlm on this list, an angel (called Clarence, oddly enough) helps a compassionate but suicidal James Stewart by showing him what life would’ve been like if he’d never existed. One of the most critically-acclaimed ﬁlms ever made, even the director showed it to his family every Christmas.

Although the ﬁlm itself really has nothing to do with Christmas, the Wizard of Oz has become a festive tradition since it was ﬁrst broadcast on TV in mid-November 1956. A timeless story, a multi- coloured visual feast and unforgettable songs. What’s not to love?

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (1947)

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)

Director: George Seaton Length: 96 minutes Starring: Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, Edmund Gwenn

Director: Frank Capra Length: 130 minutes Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel

A nice old man called Kris Kringle in a department store claims to be the ‘real’ Santa and a young lawyer defends him 109

Christmas Clark Griswold (a modern-day Frank Spencer) causes a hilarious domino eﬀect of disasters. Great slapstick humour and situations we can all identify with have helped make this a real Christmas classic. HOME ALONE (1990) Directed: Chris Columbus Length: 103 minutes Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern

Directed by the man who wrote Gremlins, this is the story of an 8-yearold boy accidentally left behind while his family travels to France for Christmas. Not only that, he finds himself having to defend the family home against a couple of idiotic burglars. It's a great family comedy. Without the family. ABOVE: Buddy (Will Ferrell) learns the finer points of being one of Santa’s not-so-little helpers in Jon Favreau’s 2003 classic Christmas film Elf

in court by arguing he’s telling the truth. Fully deserving of its four Oscars, this lovely ﬁlm was originally called The Big Heart when released in the UK.

a Christmas show. There’s a lighthearted series of romantic mix-ups, some wonderful set-pieces, and of course that song.

SCROOGE (1951)

GREMLINS (1984)

Director: Brian Desmond Hurst Length: 86 minutes Starring: Alastair Sim, Mervyn Johns, Hermione Baddeley

Director: Joe Dante Length: 106 minutes Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday, Frances Lee McCain

There are countless ﬁlm versions of Dickens’ classic story to choose from, but this British production is by far the best. Alistair Sim is absolutely astounding in the title role, and keep an eye out for Hattie Jaques as Mrs. Fezziwig. A colourised version was released in 1989.

Searching for an unusual Christmas present for his teenage son, a struggling inventor discovers a small, furry creature in an antique shop – a creature that inadvertently unleashes mayhem on a small town. This funﬁlled ﬁlm is a great Christmas treat, though some scenes may be a bit too gruesome for small children.

WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954) Director: Michael Curtiz Length: 120 minutes Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen

Having left the Army after WWII, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act and meet a pair of beautiful singing and dancing sisters on their way to perform

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989) Director: Jeremiah Chechik Length: 97 minutes Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Juliette Lewis

It’s Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family celebration, but instead of the best Christmas ever,

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993) Director: Henry Selick Length: 76 minutes Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara

The shortest ﬁlm on the list is this delightful Tim Burton tale of how Jack Skellington (the Pumpkin King) opens a doorway to Christmas Town and decides to celebrate the holiday, with some dastardly and comical consequences. It’s a thoroughly charming ﬁlm and the animation is stunning. ELF (2003) Director: Jon Favreau Length: 97 minutes Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Edward Asner

A baby in an orphanage accidentally stows away in Santa’s sack and ends up at the North Pole, being raised as an elf. As an adult (and oversized) elf, Buddy is eventually allowed to travel to New York to ﬁnd his birth father, and spreads plenty of Christmas cheer in a world of cynics. A deservedly popular and suitably festive comedy with a real feelgood factor.

ABOVE: Festive ﬁlm classics (from left to right) with Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci in Home Alone; Edmund Gwenn, a young Natalie Wood and Maureen O’Hara in Miracle on 34th Street; and the Mogwai ‘Gizmo’ from Gremlins

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KLmagazine December 2014

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KLmagazine December 2014

My KL

The unintentionally traditional Christmas... DEAR KL MAGAZINE As Christmas draws closer, I felt I should share a Christmas Day our family had a few years ago. The fridge and the cupboards were ﬁlled to the brim with more food and refreshments than usual, as we were welcoming extended family, and cousins were even visiting from Australia. I had collected the turkey, bacon and chipolatas from the butchers and they were happily chilling, all ready to go in the oven early on Christmas Day. Essentially, everything was ready and in place for a huge and wonderful family Christmas. As expected, the whole family were woken up early on Christmas morning, and we all made our way downstairs to watch the children open presents while the adults enjoyed a festive Bucks Fizz. But the lights wouldn’t switch on. Neither would the TV. Or the oven. We had absolutely no electricity! Amazingly, it wasn’t the disaster you might have expected – the whole family rallied round, even the children. We opened our presents, wrapped up warm and went for a long walk with the dogs. Instead of the turkey, we tucked into the buﬀet food meant for Boxing Day and as the sun went down we got into teams and played board games by candlelight. To this day it remains the best Christmas Day my family and I have ever had. Whatever happens, I hope the people of Norfolk all have a fabulous Christmas this year – enjoy! LIZ CORNET Outwell

KLmagazine December 2014

The page made by KL magazine readers

Congratulations to Francis Wain Jewellers, who launched their exciting new-look boutique last month at Chapelfield in Norwich, swiftly following their recent refurbishment of their King’s Lynn store, which now includes a special Bridal Lounge and Champagne Bar. The opening of the Chapelfield boutique in Norwich is the culmination of the vision and hard work of Managing Director Donné Kidson, and featured a Queen of Hearts human statue performing for the crowds outside the store – reflecting the Alice in Wonderland theme of the in-store displays. “This marks a real milestone for Francis Wain,” says Donné. “We’re really excited about the new Norwich boutique, and it gives us a fantastic new location from which we can offer our customers a refreshingly personalized shopping experience.” For more details, opening times and information on Francis Wain, visit www.franciswainjewellers.com

DEAR KL MAGAZINE As I’m now a Grandmother, it brings me so much joy to see family traditions pass (as if by magic) through the generations. It seems everyone takes the time to appreciate things much more at this time of year, and I am deﬁnitely in that category. When they were small, my children used to write their letter to Father Christmas and we would send them together. They were always told that Santa was very busy and probably wouldn’t be able to bring everything they’d asked for, but he would certainly try his very best. To see their faces when they received even one or two things on their list was always the most heart-warming thing to have the pleasure of witnessing. Christmas is almost upon us and this lovely tradition remains with my grandchildren – I feel very lucky to be able to re-live all of this joy with my children’s children. Merry Christmas to the people of Norfolk! J GROOM Fakenham

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The Last Word

WildWestNorfolk Michael Middleton’s

e had a lot of fun recently talking about the best – and the worst – Christmas presents we’d ever received, and by far the most amusing stories concerned gifts that were at the latter end of the scale. Someone had received a DIY willwriting kit from their brother (well-meant certainly, but hardly full of gladness and joy), someone had received a box of half-eaten chocolates, someone had been given a jumper from a charity shop that hadn’t been washed (it still had a 15p price sticker on it), and someone else had received (from her husband no less) an iron. Obviously there are still some brave men out there. I’m only glad it wasn’t Mrs Middleton as she’d have probably used it immediately for a spot of improvised rhinoplasty. One of the best stories we heard came from a friend who had spent a couple of months dropping colossal hints to his wife about a new wonder called the Sony PlayStation (so I guess this must have been Christmas 1995). Like a small child wondering whether they were ‘there’ yet, he just wouldn’t stop talking about it. Come Christmas morning, he was full of excitement and expectation (actually, he’s very much like a small child) and his eyes were immediately drawn to the enticingly-sized box under the tree with his name on it. Now, our friend’s wife worked in some marketing-related capacity, and had managed to obtain a Sony Playstation display box from a local electrical store. Yes, only the box – into

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which she carefully placed a green and blue striped jumper. Was he surprised? You bet. The worst Christmas present I ever received (at least the one that gave me the greatest sense of disappointment) was given to me by a pair of certain relatives, who shall remain nameless for reasons that will soon become evident. I was about 15 at the time, and my life largely centred around three things – reading books about dinosaurs, drawing pictures of Daleks, and making Airﬁx kits of tanks. My relatives were well aware of this, as whenever we visited them I would sit quietly in the corner busying myself with a book, a drawing pad or the assorted pieces of a Panzer MkIV. So, what did my relatives consider to be an appropriate Christmas gift for a teenage boy with a vivid imagination and a genuine love of creating things? For some unfathomable and neverto-be-understood reason, they decided that a plastic comb with ‘Michael’ somewhat clumsily embossed on the plastic cover would be absolutely ideal. I’ve no idea what happened to the comb (like most of my hair, it’s now lost in the mists of time), but I’ve never forgotten it. I’ve also never forgotten that I thanked my relatives for the gift, saying it would undoubtedly come in useful and that I liked the fact it had my name on it. Because if anything demonstrates the ‘truth’ of Christmas presents, it’s that. It really doesn’t matter what’s inside that colourfully-wrapped

box – iron, will-writing kit, green and blue striped jumper – what matters is the fact that someone took the time, the eﬀort and the money (regardless of how little) to give you something on Christmas Day. That’s why it’s so diﬃcult to remember the ‘best’ Christmas present you ever received. There’s really no such thing – whether they’re a piece of high-tech gadgetry with enough processing power to launch a couple of space missions or a plastic comb with your name on it, they’ve been given to you by someone who’s been thinking of you. Although there’s often no telling what goes through some people’s minds, it really is the thought that counts. So try not to be disappointed when you receive a slightly less-thanoverwhelming gift that’s not exactly what you wished for at Christmas. Anyway, maybe it’s time we all started wishing for more realistic things at this special time of year. Peace on earth, anyone?

KLmagazine December 2014

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