KL Magazine February 2018

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE 89 FEBRUARY 2018 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

COVER IMAGE Brancaster beach by Ian Ward

MANAGING DIRECTOR Laura Dunn MANAGING EDITOR Eric Secker DESIGN TEAM Amy Phillips Lisa Tonroe PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Ward PROMOTION Nicola Back ADVERTISING Jessica Smith CONTRIBUTORS Clare Bee Bob Price Paul Richards Sylvia Steele Maxine Thorne Wendy Warner Sarah Woonton

contact 18 Tuesday Market Place King’s Lynn PE30 1JW 01553 601201 info@klmagazine.co.uk KL magazine is published monthly by KL Publications Ltd. The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs.

While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and KL magazine takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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PICTURE: PETE HUGGINS

meet the team

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t first it seems a rather uncomfortable juxtaposition; the lavish interior of one of England’s finest Palladian houses with a bijoux-like arrangement of Norfolk flint and Cornish slate on the floor. It seems an unlikely pairing – not least because almost 300 years separate the construction of Houghton Hall and the installation of Richard Long’s North South East West – but the magnificent house has always been associated with fine art. Built for the de facto first British Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, Houghton Hall was intended to be the permanent home for his huge collection of marble Roman busts and Old Master paintings, including works by Van Dyck, Poussin, Rubens, Rembrandt and Velázquez.

Now it’s home to an equally impressive collection of contemporary sculptures and installations, thanks to the work of David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley – who’s worked tirelessly to bring some of the most highly-acclaimed artists of the day to this beautiful corner of West Norfolk. Only last month, it was announced that at the end of March Houghton Hall will be hosting Colour Space – a major exhibition of new paintings by Damien Hirst, one of the most famous (and talked-about) artists in the world.

You can read more about it on page 8 of this month’s magazine.

Of course, February sees the traditional return of the Mart to King’s Lynn, which makes it the perfect time for Bob Price of the King’s Lynn Town Guides to describe the extraordinary life of Frederick Savage, the King of the Fairgrounds (see page 96). During the latter half of the 19th century, the King’s Lynn Mart was a spectacular event during which Savage displayed his latest roundabouts and fairground attractions to the showmen – innovations that are now enjoyed around the world.

Finally, don’t forget that the last few tickets are still available for the two special charity cookery events KL magazine is hosting at the Duke’s Head Hotel in King’s Lynn next month with Michelin-starred Norfolk chef Galton Blackiston. All proceeds from the events are being donated to Alzheimer’s Society, and you’ll find more details of the events (and the work of the charity itself) on page 22. Enjoy the magazine!

KL MAGAZINE

KLmagazine February 2018

Contents

FEBRUARY 2018

96

42

110

28 34 KLmagazine February 2018

6-12 WHAT’S ON This month’s diary of forthcoming events

56-67 WEDDINGS Inspirational ideas from our local boutiques

8-10 THE ART OF HOUGHTON HALL From Robert Walpole to Damien Hirst

68-70 A GRAND SETTING FOR THE BIG DAY Unique Norfolk Venues and Pentney Abbey

14 ALIVE CORN EXCHANGE Fabulous shows and fun-filled activities

72-74 THE FOOD OF NIKKI MERCHANT The Head Chef at The Crown Hotel in Wells

16-18 GARDENS BY DESIGN The landscaping work of George Carter

76-85 FOOD AND DRINK Reviews, recipes and recommendations

22-24 THE FIGHT AGAINST DEMENTIA How you can help Alzheimer’s Society

83 RESTAURANT REVIEW A reader pays a visit to CoCoes in Swaffham

28-30 SAVING MARIE ANTOINETTE...

The strange adventures of Charlotte Atkyns

86-88 IT’S ALWAYS TIME FOR ICE CREAM Enjoying a taste of Lakenham Creamery

34-36 LIFE ON TWO WHEELS With the King’s Lynn Mountain Bike Club

90-92 THE HERITAGE OF HANSE HOUSE Discover England’s last Hanseatic warehouse

41 YOU AND YOUR PETS With local vet Alex Dallas

96-98 THE KING OF THE FAIRGROUNDS The innovative life of Frederick Savage

42-44 FEBRUARY IN THE GARDEN Expert help and advice with Wendy Warner

102-104 HEALTHY MINDS, HAPPY CHILDREN How ‘wellbeing’ is helping local schoolchildren

48-50 200 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY A new chapter in the story of The Hare Arms

110-112 PORTRAITS AND WORLD PEACE The work of local artist Keith Tutt

54 THEN & NOW The changing face of West Norfolk

114 MICHAEL MIDDLETON On the lovestruck trail of Jack Valentine

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This pair of brilliant SUVs combine the advantages of smaller city cars with all the attributes you need in rural driving conditions.

Drive in town and you’ll find them elegant, spacious, practical and comfortable – but take them further afield and you’ll find them adventurous, robust, sporty and efficient.

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Jupiter Road, Mile Cross Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6SU

49 Bergen Way, North Lynn Ind’l Est, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 2JG

Tel: 01603 480200

Tel: 01553 770144

TECHNOLOGY TO ENJOY

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6pm.

Sat 8.30 - 5pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm.

KLmagazine February 2018

February

21st February to 6th March BRIAN EDWARDS EXHIBITION: ‘THE MAGIC OF THE MARSH’ Cley Visitor & Exhibition Centre, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Cley next the Sea, Holt NR25 7SA Brian Edwards trained as an architect but has been a lifelong birder and artist. Now retired, he travels widely armed with binoculars and sketchbook. His paintings explore structure, light and perspective: three key qualities of architecture. In this exhibition Brian pretends he is a bird of prey flying high over Cley Marsh. The paintings explore seasonal difference of flood and biodiversity and are meant to highlight conservation issues such as the need for a patchwork of habitats - not just reedbeds. Today Brian visits the north Norfolk marshes less for the birds and rather more the sense of mystery and space. Besides sketching the marshes, Brian has begun a series of paintings of Norfolk churches, mainly those along the coast. A few of these are also in the exhibition. For further information visit the website www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Saturday 17th CHARITY LIVE MUSIC EVENT PRESENTS: 2 + ONE Heacham Public Hall, Station Road, Heacham PE31 7ET Come along for a night of great music, dancing and good company.

The event will be fundraising as part of the Norfolk County Council's "in good company" campaign for Hunstanton Library and WNDIS (West Norfolk Disability Information Services). 2+ONE are a fantastic band who will perform all the best pop and rock party classics from the 1960s to the present day. There will be a licensed bar open from 7pm-11pm. Tickets are £8.50 or two for £15 as a Valentines special!

Tickets can be purchased on the door on the night or from the Hunstanton Library (Tel: 01485 532280).

KLmagazine February 2018

Now until 22nd March

ON FORM: A SELECT EXHIBITION CURATED FROM THE ARTS COUNCIL COLLECTION Peterborough Museum & City Gallery, Priestgate, PE1 1LF Showcasing the work of 17 internationally acclaimed artists from the 50s to present day, On Form features sculpture, print and drawing selected from the Arts Council Collection. Complementing these will be abstract paintings by artists such as Patrick Heron and Josef Albers from the Ealand & Warwick Bequest. Distinguishable by their choice of subject matter, colour, line and form On Form includes works by Sir Antony Gormley (creator of the iconic cast iron sculpture Angel of the North), Richard Deacon (Turner Prize winner 1987) and Sir Eduardo Paolozzi (the artist behind the mosaics at Tottenham Court Road station in London). For more information visit www.vivacity.org or call 01733 864663.

IMAGE CREDIT: Cornelia Parker, Fleeting Monument, 1985, Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London © the artist

Various dates in February & March SNOWDROP WALKS Oxburgh Hall, Oxborough, King's Lynn PE33 9PS (The walks are on every weekend in February, everyday during half term and for the first two weekends in March. Times are: 11:30am-1pm/2pm-3:30pm) You can either join one of our garden stewards for a walk taking in the beauty of the snowdrops and aconites carpeting the ground beneath the trees or you can take yourself on a stroll to view them through the gardens and woodlands. Depending on the weather conditions, there may be many snowdrops to see or few. Trails are available for families. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. Dogs on leads are welcome and please make sure you dress for the weather conditions. For more information and specific dates visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

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over 15,000ft of fine

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Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 10-4 Free parking

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Over 70 local dealers displayed neatly in a modern and spacious warehouse setting

Furniture • Jewellery • Collectables & much more with stock changing on a daily basis

DAY OUT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY While you’re here don’t forget to visit...

Beers of Europe (Britain’s biggest beer shop) & The Steiff Shop (East Anglia’s biggest selection)

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arehouse

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Garage Lane, Setchey, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE33 0BE • Find us on Tel: 01553 812000 • Web: www.thewarehouseantiques.co.uk • E-mail: shop@thewarehouseantiques.co.uk

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KLmagazine February 2018

Coming soon...

KL Magazine & Galton Blackiston charity events...

In aid of

Friday 9th & Saturday 10th March

KING’S LYNN GIN FESTIVAL 2018 St Nicholas Chapel, St Ann's Street, King's Lynn PE30 1NH (7.30pm - 10.30pm - both nights) Are you a gin lover? Then make sure to book tickets to King’s Lynn’s very own truly unique gin festival! On arrival at the festival you will be handed a Gin Festival Glass and a brochure that tells you all about the gins at the festival along with the sponsors. The bar will operate on a token system and will not accept cash so you will need tokens to get your drinks. Tokens are £5 each, with one token paying for a double measure of gin, garnish and a Fever-Tree mixer. There will also be a gin inspired cocktail bar and prosecco bar on the night!

Throughout the event there will be live music and entertainment, opportunity to meet artisan gin distillers and lots of chit chat with other gin lovers! All profits raised on the night will be directly donated to local charities and good causes. Visit www.facebook.com/KLGinFestival/ to follow the event and for details on tickets and any further information. This event is strictly over 18's only (ID may be required).

Tuesday March 20th Supported by

CHARITY DINNER & AUCTION The Ballroom, Dukes Head Hotel, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JS (from 6pm, cooking demo 6:30pm) Live cooking demonstration by Norfolk’s Michelin starred TV chef Galton Blackiston accompanied by wine tasting with prestigious award-winning wine merchants and a two course evening dinner

by Trevor Clark. There will also be live music and an auction.

Dress to impress! Tickets are £65pp. All proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

In aid of

Wednesday 7th March Supported by

Friday 16th March

KLCCC & PURFLEET TRUST: SCREENING OF ‘I, DANIEL BLAKE’ St George's Guildhall, 29 King St, King's Lynn PE30 1HA (6pm onwards) A special performance of outstanding British Film of the Year ‘I, Daniel Blake’, which won best director for Ken Loach at the BAFTA awards has been arranged by King’s Lynn Community Cinema Club to raise funds for the Purfleet Trust, which helps the homeless and vulnerable of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. The film will be shown with a canapé and drinks reception beforehand. Tickets for the combined reception and film are £10 and available from the Corn Exchange box office. Seats for the film alone will be available for a donation of £5 on the door and also from the box office. For further information contact Tricia (KLCCC) on 07803 076486.

KLmagazine February 2018

AFTERNOON TEA The Ballroom, Dukes Head Hotel, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JS (Doors open 11am, cooking demo 12pm) Live cooking demonstration by Norfolk’s Michelin starred TV chef Galton Blackiston. Classic afternoon tea created by Trevor Clark will be served at 1:30pm. There will also be a raffle with prizes including meals for two at some of Norfolk’s best loved restaurants! Tickets are £35pp. All proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

TICKETS To book tickets for these events call 01553 601201 (between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or email info@klmagazine.co.uk 13

PICTURE: PETE HUGGINS

Local Life

ABOVE: Houghton Hall provides a stunning backdrop to Richard Long’s 2016 work A Line In Norfolk. The estate is home to a number of important works of contemporary art, including Chinese artist Zhan Wang’s breathtaking Scholar Rock (opposite)

Where modern art meets the 18th century As Houghton Hall prepares to host a major new exhibition by Damien Hirst next month, Clare Bee explores the unique collection of contemporary art that sits in the hall’s grounds...

B

ack in 1990, when David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley took over Houghton Hall from his father, he was keen to put his own mark on the estate he had inherited.

As a filmmaker and long-time supporter of the arts, it seemed entirely appropriate that he should use this wonderful backdrop to promote large works of art for visitors to see in the historic wide landscapes of Norfolk.

Houghton Hall is one of the grandest survivors of the Palladian era, and was built in the 1720s for Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister.

KLmagazine February 2018

Surrounded by more than 1,000 acres of parkland, where white deer and other rare species roam freely, the park and grounds provide an ideal outdoor canvas where art can be placed to complement and enhance the outdoor space.

Beginning in the early 2000s, Lord Cholmondeley started collecting contemporary works of art for display in the grounds of Houghton, and over the years has built up an impressive collection of highly acclaimed pieces.

The first work to be commissioned was Skyspace by famed American artist James Turrell; an oak-clad structure on stilts which focuses the viewer’s gaze

upwards to contemplate the heavens through the open roof – a window to the sky that becomes a live art experience.

James Turrell was invited back in 2015 to create the spectacular lightwork LightScape, which illuminated the entire west facade of the Hall. This ran from June to October 2015 and visitors were invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the light show as the daylight faded.

Since the first installation, Lord Cholmondeley has gradually increased the number of sculptures to be found throughout the park and garden.

“Lord Cholmondeley likes to invite

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Local Life

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Houghton, held over the summer of 2017, was his largest since his retrospective at the Tate in 2009, and was a unique opportunity to see new site-specific works set in a stunning location – and a number of works from the exhibition will remain in the grounds for the foreseeable future.

These include the slate Houghton Cross in the Walled Garden, the roughhewn spiral of slate Wilderness Dreaming, the upturned tree stumps of White Deer Circle and the 84-metre carrstone Line in Norfolk.

The most exciting news for Houghton Hall in 2018 is the recent announcement that this year’s main exhibition will be a series of new paintings by the artist Damien Hirst, entitled Colour Space.

The exhibition will run from March 25th until July 15th and will also include a number of the artist’s most celebrated sculptures, which will be installed throughout the house and grounds.

The paintings, which have never been

For more information on the Damien Hirst exhibition at Houghton Hall, together with details of other events and opening times, please see the website at www.houghtonhall.com.

The Damien Hirst exhibition will be a timed ticket event and the cost will be £18 per adult, free for under 17s, and £10 for over 17s with a student ID card.

This will give access to the house, exhibition and garden, with entrance to the garden only priced at £12.

PICTURE: DAMIEN HIRST AND SCIENCE LTD

artists to design something new or to choose the site,” says Jennifer Taverner, Marketing Manager for Houghton Hall.

“The works are then cleverly positioned in the grounds under the direction of the artists. In fact, many are sitespecific works.”

One of these is by Rachel Whiteread CBE, who was the first woman to win the Turner Prize and recently had an exhibition at the Tate Britain Gallery in London. She makes ‘negative impressions’ of objects, and her current piece at Houghton Hall is her shepherd’s hut, now renamed the Houghton Hut (above), which is one of several permanent sculptures set among the trees.

Exhibitors are invited from all corners of the world to produce work for permanent display in the grounds at Houghton Hall. Chinese artist Zhan Wang works in a number of different mediums, and his stunning piece Scholar Rock in stainless steel is positioned to reflect the world from its highly-polished surface. Danishman Jeppe Hein’s work Waterflame brings the two opposing elements of fire and water together to create movement and drama.

Perhaps one of the most well-known of those whose artworks are to be found at Houghton Hall is British landscape artist Richard Long. He works with natural materials – stone, wood, slate – to produce simple geometric forms which express man’s timeless connection to the earth.

His Full Moon Circle, created from Cornish slate, is situated at the end of the long west-facing avenue and has been a feature at Houghton Hall since 2003.

Long’s recent Earth Sky exhibition at

shown in public before, will be hung in the State Rooms and are a selection of the artist’s iconic ‘spot’ paintings (below), and are some of his most recognised works.

This exhibition, which forms part of the visual arts programme of Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2018, is a truly prestigious event for Houghton Hall.

“We’re delighted to have this opportunity to show Damien Hirst's new paintings in the State Rooms at Houghton, together with some of his best-known sculptures in the grounds,” says Lord Cholmondeley. “It’s perhaps the first time that Hirst has shown a significant body of work in a formal country house setting.”

The exhibition will literally take over the spectacular State Rooms in the Hall, with all the regular artworks moved out to make way for Hirst’s paintings.

“We normally have a major exhibition every other year,” says Jennifer Taverner, “but we’re very excited to be welcoming such a well known artist to Houghton this year, and we look forward to offering people the opportunity to see these works in a totally different setting.”

The exhibition is part of the evolving plan that Lord Cholmondeley has for Houghton Hall. As a keen champion of the arts, his vision remains that “in time Houghton will become a ‘must-see’ destination for those interested in contemporary art and sculpture.”

KLmagazine February 2018

February What’s On Show times all at 7:30pm unless stated

Sun Jimmy Osmond Moon River & Me This brand new show full of award-winning music is the only 4th official Andy Williams tribute show starring Jimmy Osmond Feb TICKETS: VIP £75 / Standard £32.50 (buy 10 get 1 free) Fri The Opera Boys UK’s finest classically trained young voices combine in 9th aThepowerhouse of vocal harmony to deliver a blend of music Feb from Opera to Pop. TICKETS: £21.50, restricted view £19.50

Sat Raymond Froggatt fantastic show featuring the talented rock and roll 10th Asinger songwriter with great songs spanning 52 years Feb TICKETS: £20 / £18.50, restricted view £17

BARRY L HAWKINS Independent Auctioneer and Land Agent

Forthcoming Sales Antiques, General & Textiles Sale 21st February Entries by: 9th February

Antiques & General Sale

14th March Entries by: 2nd March

Sporting Sale 16th March Entries by: 26th February

Downham Market Auction Rooms www.barryhawkins.co.uk | 01366 387180 The Estate Office, 15 Lynn Road, Downham Market PE38 9NL

KLmagazine February 2018

Wed Twelfth Night RSC Live Broadcast •7pm Twelfth Night is a tale of unrequited love – hilarious and 14th heartbreaking.Starring Adrian Edmondson & Kara Tointon Feb TICKETS: £15 /£12.50 Concessions, Film Club Members £10 Sun The Story Of Bart • 7PM 18th West End Star John Barr (Les Miserables & Evita) will be taking on the roll of Lionel Bart telling you the true story Feb of Britain's greatest songwriter. TICKETS: £19.50 / £18.50

Thurs Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Theatre Live Broadcast • 7PM 22nd National A trilling revival starring Sienna Miller and Jack O’Connell.

Feb TICKETS: £15 / £12.50 Concessions, Film Club Members £10 Sat Rock & Roll Revolution The Bluejays present an electrifying and authentic 24th tribute to the era when music changed the world forever Feb TICKETS: £23, restricted view £20

For ticket prices, more info & to book visit the website:

www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

or call the Box Office: 01485

532252

The Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton PE36 5AH 11

What’s On

Half Term fun at Alive Leisure Give your kids something exciting to tell their friends when they get back to school with Alive Leisure Half Term Holiday Activities!

H

olidays are a time to try something new, get involved in fun healthy activities, and make memories! And what better way for your children to thoroughly enjoy their holiday, than with Alive Leisure’s Half Term Holiday Activities. We have some fantastic activities for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy, that will keep their boredom at bay.

Alive Leisure holiday and breakfast clubs are extremely popular, and offer activities such as Archery, Nerf-Tag, Football, Climbing, arts and crafts and more.

Our Tennis camps are suitable for all standards of players from children who want to try the sport for the first time, to those who are already playing. We create an encouraging and dynamic environment with the emphasis on teamwork, participation and most important of all – Fun! We have some wonderful activities on offer over the course of the week, including Indoor adventure play, Roller Skating, Gladiator Challenge, Tumble

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Teds, and Junior Trampolining and Gymnastics.

Our centres with pools (St James, Downham and Oasis) offer an UNLIMITED swimming passport during the school holidays allowing your little ones to get as much time in the water as they like! The passports are valid from Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 February and are ONLY £5.

We also have teamed up with Creative Arts East to provide a wonderfully creative workshop at Alive Downham Leisure on Monday 12 February from 2pm-4pm in the dance studio. Children of all ages can come and create characters, scenes and story lines based on the original Noggin The Nog series illustrated by Peter Firmin.

Tickets are just £2.50, or £2.00 with an Alive Card, concessions are £1.50.

Participants can also watch The Sagas of Noggin The Nog at Downham Market Town Hall on Wednesday 14 February at 2.30pm. For further details about this show contact the box office on 01366 383762.

For more information about half term holiday activities visit aliveleisure.co.uk or download our brochure. Limited spaces are available, so make sure to call your local centre now to book and guarantee your place.

KLmagazine February 2018

Brighten up your February Visit Alive Corn Exchange with the family at half term or treat a loved one to something different this Valentines Day! WOMEN IN ROCK

CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS

Saturday 3 February The UK’s only live show dedicated to the World’s greatest Female Rock Legends. With three of the most powerful female singers on the live music scene to draw upon, together with an awesome touring band, Women In Rock delivers a show stopping performance covering all the greats through the decades.

Women In Rock pays tribute to: Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jet, Vixen, Cher, Bonnie Tyler and many more.

Tuesday 13 February Back by popular demand, the “troublesome twosome” plan to amaze and delight you with their Magical Mischief Tour - a brand new exciting production for 2018 - a completely unique, fast paced, cirque style variety and comedy show, interspersed with magic, illusions, International circus acts and stunning professional dancers, starring the “Superstars of Slapstick” Clive Webb and Danny Adams and everyone’s favourite idiot, Michael Potts.

ED BYRNE: SPOILER ALERT (16+)

THE ROCKET MAN:

Monday 5 February Is life that bad or have we good reason to complain about it? Are we filled with righteous anger at a world gone wrong or are we all just a bunch of whiny little brats? In short, are we spoiled? Come and watch as Byrne takes this question, turns it upside down and shakes it until the funny falls out. Go on, spoil yourself.

A TRIBUTE TO ELTON JOHN

SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK Friday 9 February Some Guys Have All The Luck is a fantastic theatrical production celebrating the career of one of rocks greatest icons, Rod Stewart – from street busker through to international superstar!

Paul Metcalfe delivers an authentic and charismatic performance assuming the persona of this legendary singersongwriter and performer right down to the last detail - from the distinctive vocals to the swaggering showmanship and sheer fun that have made Rod Stewart one of the most loved performers of all time.

Friday 23 February Entertainers are proud to present The Rocket Man: a tribute to Multi-Grammy award-winning legend and superstar, Sir Elton John. Join us on a musical journey, charting the rise to fame of one of the biggest selling artiste of all time.

Combining breath-taking vocal and piano performances, flamboyant costumes, a dazzling light show - all accompanied by an outstanding band and backing vocals.

JASON DONOVAN & HIS AMAZING MIDLIFE CRISIS Saturday 24 February At aged 49 ½ and with a wealth of tantalising tales under his belt, this autobiographical show will take Jason’s looming 50th birthday as its starting point and will zigzag back and forth through his life.

Hear some new stories (and possibly one or two you’ve heard before!) plus some of the songs you know and love for a night like no other!

@klcornexchange

@klcornexchange

Alive Corn Exchange

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

@klcornexchange

Alive Corn Exchange

PICTURES: GEORGE CARTER

Local Life

ABOVE: George Carter’s design for the walled garden at Thenford House in Northamptonshire contains a number of domed pavilions in groups of four. Opposite is George’s beautiful grey and white border at Oxnead Hall in Norfolk

Continuing the tradition of classic garden design 200 years after the death of the great Humphry Repton, Sarah Woonton discovers how leading Norfolk garden designer and writer George Carter is following in the master’s footsteps...

N

orfolk-based George Carter designed the garden at Chevening House, the current home of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. He also works regularly on the garden of Michael Heseltine’s Oxfordshire home, he’s won numerous medals for his exhibits at Chelsea Flower Show and he’s responsible for the incredible Garden of Surprises at Burghley House in Stamford.

In addition, he’s written numerous books on the theory and practice of garden design and is a lecturer.

KLmagazine February 2018

It’s not surprising that on meeting George Carter there’s no doubt you’re in the presence of an incredible talent.

The gardens of his Silverstone Farm home in North Elmham (which he designed, of course) are truly breathtaking. They’re so delightful, in fact, they were featured in Barbara Segall’s 2017 book Secret Gardens of East Anglia.

Originally studying fine art at Newcastle University (where he specialised in sculpture) George went on to work as a museum designer for the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at

the UEA, finding himself working on big contemporary outdoor installations before moving on to landscaping projects. Since then, George has worked on numerous high profile gardens in the UK and abroad. He’s possibly best known for his stunning exhibits at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, having exhibited there since 1985, over which time he’s been awarded no less than eight gold medals, many with the Romantic Garden Nursery, Swannington, Norfolk.

George recently undertook the restoration of the garden at the Royal

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Local Life

ABOVE: George Carter’s peaceful rill and water house in the Garden of Surprises Burghley House in Stamford, one of England’s greatest of all Elizabethan houses. Below are the misted tufa arches that lead to the the Garden of Surprises’ Moss House

Hospital, Chelsea to its original classical formal appearance.

It’s not just domestic politicians who are enjoying his work; a house near Charlottesville in Virginia, USA now belongs to Donald Trump and is called the Albemarle Trump Resort.

One of his proudest achievements – to date, at least, – is the Garden of Surprises at Burghley House, Stamford, which includes numerous water features and is open to the public.

“I do work as a garden designer but I take the view that gardens need to be seen in relation to architecture and the larger landscape,” he says. “This involves looking at the whole combined scene of a house and garden, and it sometimes means that houses need to be changed as well as the garden itself – perhaps only quite subtly adjusted.”

His backgound in designing temporary exhibitions for museums and galleries has played an important role in his development and his approach to gardening.

“I enjoy the idea that gardens needn’t be static things but can be designed for change, or for temporary ephemeral effects,” he says. “17th and 18th century architects and designers could, and often did, have a go at designing anything from a masquerade to a piece of furniture, from a building to a large landscape – and I sometimes find myself designing across a wide range of disciplines.”

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George has always been a fan of the 18th century landscape gardener Humphry Repton, who was born in Bury St. Edmunds and whose work ranges from Catton Park in Norwich to Sheringham Park on the Norfolk coast.

“I’ve always thought he was the most intelligent garden designer because he wrote a lot,” says George. “He actually described why you should do things, so he was very cogent in putting his ideas on paper.”

Of George’s many books, The New London Garden won the Garden Writers Guild award for best Inspirational Gardening Book, and both his Gardening with Herbs and Gardening with Containers have sold over 400,000 copies. His new book Setting the Scene will be published in March 2018 and looks at the continuing influence of Repton – especially on George’s own work.

“The book is structured like a Humphry Repton ‘red book’,” explains George. “He used to present his clients with a book containing before and after illustrations, which were charmingly visual. He divided them up into sections like the plan, the approach to the house, the walks and drives, and the flower garden. So I’ve devised this book along the same lines. It deals with my own work but it’s seen through his eyes and tries to prove that his ideas are still very current. There’s 30 years of work in this book. The idea is that you could use the book for design advice.”

George is clearly a very busy man, but what’s next for him?

“At the moment, in addition to various gardens across Britain, I’m designing an Indian Exhibition at The Royal Collection in London and an exhibition at Sudeley Castle as an introduction to the tour of the house and garden.”

George even finds time to hold six lectures a year where he shares his experience, and he works on a scheme called ‘Invitation to View’ where small private houses and gardens are opened up to the public.

You’ll find more examples of George’s work and details of his books on his website at georgecartergardens.co.uk.

George’s new book Setting the Scene will be available from 27th March 2018.

Details on the Invitation to View scheme are available from the website at www.invitationtoview.co.uk

KLmagazine February 2018

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KLmagazine February 2018

Equity Release made simple James Batchelor, Principal of Evergreen Equity Release Solutions, based in the historic Tuesday Market Place of King’s Lynn, on making Equity Release simple hen my business partner Nigel Barrett and I first formed Barrett Batchelor Mortgage Services LLP in King’s Lynn, our aim was to not only be professional and efficient, but also ensure the service offered was personal and friendly. We firmly believed this was essential to make our company successful – and was also what the people of West Norfolk required.

We were (and remain) determined to treat our clients with the respect they deserve and ensure they don’t feel as if they’re just a number, as can be the case when dealing directly with the big banks.

When we made the decision to extend our range of services a number of years ago by forming Evergreen Equity Release Solutions, it soon became apparent to us that this personal approach was probably even more important when dealing with people who were considering Equity Release.

Important decisions have to be made when people are approaching retirement – and using your property to raise funds could be the most important one of all. It’s fair to say that Equity Release isn’t for everyone, and part of the process I guide people through is explaining the other options available to them.

In addition to this, future plans and state benefits could be affected – it’s not a decision that should be rushed into,

W

and it all depends on your individual needs and personal circumstances.

Having said that, more and more people are recognising the benefits of raising money this way, and it can be a very efficient way of doing so.

Many of you will still be very active in retirement, and still have plenty of plans ahead of you. If you no longer have a wage coming in, and your private pension may not have performed as you’d hoped for, the question that could be asked is – how can you fund your future plans?

For many, it could be a case of having the majority of your wealth locked up in your home. Where some will look to downsize their property to release some money (not a cheap option in itself when you take into account the fees from Estate Agents, Solicitors and potential stamp duty on the new purchase), more and more people are looking at the option of staying in their current property, and raising funds via

Equity Release to enable them to do so. One thing I’m very keen to do is explain to people how the Equity Release market has evolved over the last 25 years.

You no longer have to sell your property to the Bank, so you still retain ownership of the property. Another important point is the ‘No Negative Equity Guarantee’ – which ensures the amount you borrow will never exceed the debt on your property.

Examples of how I’ve assisted people with their Equity Release requirements are: l Raising funds to boost their income in retirement l Clearing an outstanding mortgage on a property l Property improvements l Assisting family members financially l Funding new or existing hobbies, such as caravanning There are of course numerous other reasons you may be looking to raise money, and the importance of discussing such matters in detail with a fully qualified Equity Release Adviser can’t be stressed enough.

A big concern I have is that many people decide Equity Release isn’t an option for them without being in possession of the full facts. They could be missing out on a great opportunity because of this, and that’s why I offer a completely free consultation without obligation. I’d even suggest you bring a family member or a trusted friend with you to the meeting.

If you’re fast approaching retirement (Equity Release is available to over 55’s only) or have already reached this milestone in your life and would like to explore the options available to you, I’m here to offer an expert helping and guiding hand.

To understand all the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. If our service is of any interest to you, I’ll be only too pleased to visit you in the comfort of your own home if you’d prefer.

JAMES BATCHELOR

Principal

27-28 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JJ t: 01553 692800 w: www.evergreenequity.co.uk e: info@evergreenequity.co.uk

Evergreen Equity Release Solutions is a trading style of Barrett Batchelor Mortgage Services LLP, and is a Limited Liability Partnership.

Registered in England and Wales number: OC36701. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

KLmagazine February 2018

21

PICTURES: ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Local Life

How you can help the fight against dementia...

With more than 2,600 people in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk living with dementia and many more affected by the condition, Alzheimer’s Society is calling for everyone to take action now

D

ementia is an invisible foe for which there is currently no cure. Yet awareness is growing, and it’s becoming clearer that we need to be united to raise the voices of those affected. It comes with many misconceptions – but what cannot be mistaken is that all of us, no matter what age, will know someone affected by the condition.

Dementia is an umbrella term, used to describe a group of symptoms that may include memory loss, difficulties

22

with thinking, problem solving or language and often changes in mood, perception or behaviour.

There are many types of dementia, the most common cause being Alzheimer’s disease – followed by vascular dementia and up to a hundred more.

With every diagnosis, different parts of the brain are affected and different support is needed to help each person continue to live well.

That’s key to the work of Alzheimer’s Society, which supports everyone

affected by dementia cope with dayto-day challenges and prepare for the future.

Despite what you may have been led to believe it might come as a surprise to learn that we’re not all destined to end our days battling dementia. It’s not a natural part of ageing, and the 42,000 people living with a form of dementia in the UK under the age of 65 are testament to that.

Dementia is progressive, meaning that symptoms gradually get worse, but many people will and can continue to

KLmagazine February 2018

Local Life lead active and fulfilling lives for many years.

One of the ways Alzheimer’s Society in Norfolk is helping achieve this is through a Side by Side service.

Supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, it uses a new approach to volunteering by matching people through their shared interests.

It’s not uncommon once receiving a diagnosis or as the disease progresses for people to lose their confidence with activities or the interests they once had.

Martin Anderson was diagnosed with Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) – a rare type of dementia which causes damage at the back of the brain – in his early 60s. Initially people with PCA tend to have a relatively well-preserved memory but experience problems with their vision. They may also have problems with literacy and numeracy.

The condition has already taken away Martin’s ability to drive, read and write but he’s determined to look on the positives, and receiving a match through the Side by Side service has been one of them.

This pairing in Norfolk introduced him to volunteer Andrew Hardwick, who was looking for ways to make a difference after retiring from work.

Once a fortnight the pair meet up and share their interests in local football, local history and walking.

“I cannot begin to express how wonderful it is,” says Martin. “I lost the ability to drive, but Andrew helps me get out and about and we explore local walking routes. It’s the little things that give you some normality back.”

In Norfolk more than 14,700 people are living with dementia, and Side by Side has proved so popular with people wanting to be matched up that Alzheimer’s Society is now urgently calling for more volunteers.

“Loneliness is a real problem for people with dementia, yet we know that one of the most important things for those affected is to remain part of their community and continue to do the things they love,” says Jill Noble,

I cannot begin to express how wonderful this is.

I lost the ability to drive, but Andrew helps me get out and about and we explore local walking routes. It’s the little things that give you some normality back...

– Martin Anderson on Alzheimer’s Society’s Side-by-Side service Martin is pictured above (left) with volunteer Andrew Hardwick KLmagazine February 2018

23

Local Life

LAST FEW TICKETS LEFT!

& In aid of

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magazine

KL magazine Galton Blackiston

KL magazine n Galton Blackisto

Afternoon Tea PRESENTS

PRESENTS

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7 WEDNESDAY

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TICKETS £35PP

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Alzheimer’s Society Side by Side Coordinator for Norfolk. “Current Side

by Side volunteers have reported that they’ve gained and shared skills, developed new friendships and even enhanced their CV as a result of participating in the service. Side by Side is designed to be flexible so that anyone can sign up.”

Sometimes people just want professional advice or seek more information to help gain a better understanding of the diagnosis. That’s where Norfolk’s Dementia Adviser and Support Service is best placed – and it’s available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, with trained staff on hand and ready to help.

Taking action to fight against dementia can come in many forms.

Volunteering is just one of these, supporting local fundraising events is another.

Every pound raised helps Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.

And even the magazine you’re reading is helping. Next month, on March 7th and 20th, KL magazine and Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston are teaming up to present two prestigious live cookery events in the centre of King’s Lynn – with all proceeds going to Alzheimer's Society.

“These high profile events aim to serve up a genuine treat for everyone who attends,” says Jenna Veneziani, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser in Norfolk and Suffolk. “The support of KL magazine and Galton Blackiston is wonderful to help raise the profile of Alzheimer’s Society within the local community.”

And it’s support that’s crucial for the charity.

“We rely on our fundraisers to help us continue the vital support we deliver and help us reach out to even more people living with dementia,” says Jenna. “I’d really encourage people to buy tickets and enjoy these special events knowing that they’ve helped make a meaningful difference.”

There are many ways to unite against dementia, and to find out what you can do, visit alzheimers.org.uk/getinvolved.

601201 or email

k info@klmagazine.co.u

TUESDAY 20TH MARC H

The Ballroom at Duk

SOCIE T Y

2018, 6PM

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TICKETS

£65PP 601201 (between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or email info@klm agazine.co.uk

To book call 01553

At KL magazine, we’re really excited about next month’s charity events with Galton Blackiston – and it seems that we’re not the only ones.

The response to the events has been phenomenal, and we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has booked tickets and given us a huge amount of support.

We’d particularly like to thank Black Shuck Gin, who’ll be providing the arrival drinks, and renowned wine expert William Mason – thanks to his experience, you’ll be able to enjoy a selection of fine wines to complement Galton’s dishes.

A special thank you needs to go to all the local businesses and organisations that have generously donated a range of fabulous items for the charity auction. We’re not about to give away any surprises, but let’s just say many of them are particularly mouthwatering!

Due to the high demand and popularity of the events, the last few tickets are still available, but if you’d like to attend either the afternoon tea or charity dinner we’d recommend you book your places as soon as possible.

Please see the advertisement opposite and the one on page 115 for further information and full details of how to order your tickets.

Thank you again, and we’re looking forward to seeing you next month at these very special occasions!

Anyone interested in becoming a Side

by Side volunteer or fundraising in Norfolk, call 01603 763517 or e-mail norfolk@alzheimers.org.uk.

If you’re affected by dementia and would like information and support, contact Norfolk’s Dementia Advice and Support Service on 01603 763556 or email norfolk@alzheimers.org.uk – and find the dementia support that’s right for you.

24

KLmagazine February 2018

&

KL magazine Galton Blackiston

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All proceeds donated to the Alzheimer’s Society

ALL PROC E E D S D O N AT E D TO TH E A LZ H E IM E R ’S SO CIE T Y, KL

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KLmagazine February 2018

King’s Lynn Volkswagen: one of the best in the UK Official recognition for the team behind an outstanding local dealership ndy Sinclair is a justifiably proud man at the moment. The Brand Manager of King’s Lynn Volkswagen, which has been part of the Marriott Motor Group for the past six years, has just been officially recognised as one of the very best VW dealerships in the whole country.

It’s a fitting tribute to the incredible work of Andy and his team, headed up by General Sales Manager Paul Underhill and Aftersales Manager Neil Bushell – and clear proof of just how far the local dealership has come over the last few years. Every year, Volkswagen judges every one of the 225 dealerships in the UK on a range of performance measures ranging from professionalism and standards of service to parts and customer satisfaction – and when King’s Lynn Volkswagen joined the Marriott

A

Motor Group six years ago it was 189th in the country.

However, following a major £1 million refurbishment programme that’s seen facilities improved across the board and an expansion of the Bergen Way premises, King’s Lynn Volkswagen is now viewed as one of the country’s leading VW dealerships.

King’s Lynn Volkswagen made the UK’s top ten last year, and last month’s results saw them rise two places to seventh.

“It’s a major achievement for us as a team and for the Group as a whole,” says Andy Sinclair. “Having received Number 1 Key Partner status after so many years is a

King’s Lynn Volkswagen

fantastic result . It demonstrates that everyone in every department is working with the same vision and meeting the extremely high professional standards of Volkswagen – and that can only make it a better and more enjoyable journey for all our customers.”

The only authorized main VW retailer in north Norfolk, King’s Lynn Volkswagen offers a superb selection of new and used vehicles, together with servicing, MOTs and repair work using genuine Volkswagen parts carried out by VW-approved technicians.

If you’re looking for the very best from your motoring, look no further than King’s Lynn Volkswagen.

And that’s official.

Bergen Way, North Lynn Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 2JG t: 01553 778800 w: www.kingslynn-volkswagen.co.uk KLmagazine February 2018

27

History

ABOVE: Ketteringham Hall in Norfolk, where Charlotte Walpole lived after her marriage to Sir Edward Atkyns in 1779

The strange history of Charlotte Atkyns...

She was the daughter of Britain’s first prime minister, an actress, lady of Ketteringham Hall, and she tried to save Marie Antoinette from the guillotine. It’s a great local story – but is any of it true?

T

he church of St. Peter at Ketteringham may be one of the trickiest to find in Norfolk, but it has one of the best collections of medieval and Flemish glass in the county, and its memorials – covering some 500 years in the lives of four prominent local families – are among the country’s most interesting. And quirky. Perhaps the most intriguing is a relatively plain tablet with a particularly curious inscription: “In memory of Charlotte, daughter of Robert Walpole and wife of Edward Atkyns Esq of Ketteringham. She was born 1758 and died at Paris 1836 where she lies in an unknown grave. This tablet 28

was erected in 1907 by a few who sympathised with her wish to rest in this church. She was the friend of Marie Antoinette and made several brave attempts to rescue her from prison and after that Queen’s death, strove to save the Dauphin of France."

It sounds a quite incredible story; a young woman from west Norfolk (the daughter of Britain’s first Prime Minister no less!) who became friends with the doomed Queen of France and tried to save her from the guillotine during the French Revolution. And at first sight, the story really is a remarkable one.

It seems that Charlotte Walpole had a short-lived career as an actress on the

London stage at the Drury Lane Theatre – her two-year career ending only because Sir Edward Atkyns of Ketteringham Hall fell in love with her and married her in June of 1779.

Unfortunately, the former actress wasn’t accepted by Norfolk society, and as her husband was suffering heavy debts at the time the couple decided to move to France.

The newlyweds received a warm welcome in France, and Charlotte – described as “pretty, witty, eccentric and impressionable” – became friends with the Duchess of Polignac, who was in turn a close friend of Queen Marie Antoinette. Apparently, from the KLmagazine February 2018

ABOVE: The only known portrait of Charlotte Atkyns, who is said to have travelled from Norfolk to Paris and made two unsuccessful attempts to save the life of the French queen Marie Antoinette (right)

moment the Duchess introduced Charlotte to the French monarch, the woman from Norfolk was enchanted and became an intense admirer of the Queen.

When the French Revolution broke out in 1789, Charlotte and her husband moved from Versailles to Lille, and it was there she was recruited as a spy by her Royalist lover Louis de Frotté – a role she continued after returning to Norfolk with her husband in 1791.

In January 1793, the French king Louis XVI was guillotined in a public square in Paris – and most people gave up any hope of being able to save his Austrianborn wife from the same fate. Not Charlotte Atkyns, however.

Back in Norfolk, in the safe surroundings of Ketteringham Hall, she decided to travel back to France and attempt to save Marie Antoinette by gaining access to the prison in which she was confined.

It was an audacious plan, and wasn’t helped by the facts that Charlotte barely spoke French and that most of her friends (who had by now escaped to England) tried to dissuade her.

“You will hardly have arrived before innumerable embarrassments will crop up,” one wrote. “If you leave your hotel three times in the day, or if you see the same person thrice, you will become a suspect. If you wish to be useful to that family, you can only be so by directing operations from here – instead of going there to get guillotined.”

Charlotte was nothing if not persistent, however, and she duly travelled to France – despite the fact that Marie Antoinette had recently been moved to a more secure prison after

KLmagazine February 2018

29

History

ABOVE: A contemporary painting of the execution of Marie Antoinette in Paris in October 1793. At left is a rare engraving of the young Charlotte Atkyns (then Walpole) dressed as a male soldier in a 1788 theatrical production. Whether her rescue attempt was real or not, this seems almost certain to have been its inspiration.

another rescue attempt had failed.

By somehow gaining the confidence of a prison official to open the doors of the prison (by using her old acting skills, perhaps?) Charlotte managed to dress up as a member of the National Guard and meet Marie Antoinette.

She’d been warned not to exchange any words with the imprisoned Queen, but Charlotte had hidden a note explaining the details of her rescue attempt in a bouquet – which she then dropped in all the excitement. Before the guards could grab the note, Charlotte swiftly grabbed it and swallowed it – before being equally swiftly thrown out of the prison.

She wasn’t giving up that quickly, however.

Charlotte then managed to obtain an hour’s audience with Marie Antoinette at a cost of 1,000 gold coins – during which time she planned on swapping clothes with the Queen, who would then leave the prison in disguise.

If she thought her plan would work, Charlotte would have been disappointed to find Marie Antoinette was rather obstinate – she refused to leave her children and “would not, under any pretext, sacrifice the life of another.” It was a costly miscalculation. In trying to save the French Queen, Charlotte had bankrupted the Atkyns’ family fortunes, mortgaged the Ketteringham estate, and spent an extraordinary £80,000, the equivalent of some £15 million today.

30

And it was all in vain; Marie Antoinette was guillotined at 12.15pm on 16th October 1793, famously apologising to the executioner for stepping on his foot while climbing the scaffold. As for Charlotte Atkyns, it appears she never returned to Norfolk; remaining in Paris until her death 43 years later – and being buried there in an unmarked grave.

It’s a wonderful and dramatic story, but unfortunately it’s one with more than a few holes in it.

Ultimately, all the source material for Charlotte’s adventures come from Charlotte herself – and there are a number of indications that she wasn’t actually in Paris in 1793 as she claimed. There’s no independent evidence of her ever having been at Versailles or of meeting Marie Antoinette, and the only references to their friendship appear in letters from eminent people that Charlotte actually wrote to herself.

As for being the “daughter of Robert Walpole” (as her 1907 memorial in Ketteringham’s church has it – see image to the left) it seems to be an assumption by subsequent generations that Charlotte was related to the man who built Houghton Hall and became Britain’s first Prime Minister. It’s an assumption without any basis in fact, however – because not only did Walpole never have a daughter called Charlotte, he died 13 years before Charlotte Atkyns was born.

His son was also called Robert, but he had no daughters either.

The truth of Charlotte’s origins can be found in an obscure book with the unwieldy title of A Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers & other Stage Personnel in London, 1660-1800.

Charlotte was actually the daughter of William (not Robert) Walpole, and instead of hailing from west Norfolk the family actually came from the west of Ireland.

Charlotte made her acting debut in Dublin, but she did enjoy a brief career in London – during which time she was praised for her acting skills in both female and male roles. Of perhaps major significance in determining the truth (or origins) of her adventures, one of the book’s rare engravings shows Charlotte Walpole as ‘Nancy’ in an obscure play called The Camp – and she’s dressed as a soldier.

The ‘real’ Charlotte Atkyns and her husband certainly spent time in France shortly before the Revolution, but they were more concerned with getting out of financial difficulties than political intrigue.

“She was a player,” wrote Lady Jerningham (who knew the couple) from Lille in 1784. “You may remember to have heard of her, and Atkyns was always a great simpleton – or else he wouldn't have married her.”

The notion that Charlotte may have created a rather fanciful legend around herself from her early acting experiences is a disappointing way to end the story, but it’s one that unfortunately may not be too far from the truth.

KLmagazine February 2018

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On display and ready to take away today are over 1,000 pieces of fine furniture in every style and shape you can imagine, for every room in your home – and the choice of 30 different collections has just got bigger and better with the arrival of the unique and exclusive Witham Pine range.

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The even better news is that in the unlikely event you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, Bespoke Pine n Oak can produce made-to-measure versions and variations designed and

crafted specifically for your home.

“There’s nothing quite like uniquely handcrafted furniture, because it means you can have exactly what you’re looking for without having to compromise on anything,” says Bespoke Pine n Oak’s Kevin Berry. “But our offthe-shelf furniture is equally well designed and it’s always made and finished to the very highest standards.”

Bespoke Pine n Oak offers one of the biggest furniture choices for miles around; if it’s on display you can buy it and take it away today – and if it’s not they’ll handcraft it especially for you!

If you’re looking for the finest furniture for your home, look no further than Bespoke Pine n Oak.

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KLmagazine February 2018

Unit 1, Hamlin Way Hardwick Narrows Estate King’s Lynn PE30 4NG Telephone: 01553 277515

33

PICTURES: SONJA BEALS / JOHN STYLES (opposite)

Local Life

ABOVE: King’s Lynn MTB Club members Kevin Beals and Rob Smithers (opposite) – the club was started by a small group of cycling enthusiasts just over three years ago, and now has some 100 members

Enjoying the great outdoors on two wheels It’s a sport, it’s a leisure activity, it’s a social event, it’s a healthy exercise – and it’s also great fun. Clare Bee meets the dedicated cyclists of all ages who make up the King’s Lynn MTB Club...

F

rom its beginnings just over three years ago, King’s Lynn MTB Club has quickly gone from strength to strength in a very literal sense. Started by a group of only four or five enthusiasts, the club has rapidly established itself as one of West Norfolk’s newest and most dynamic cycling clubs.

With Andy Lane as chairman, Steve Munden as vice chairman and a small committee, the club began with some 30 keen cyclists and is now up to about 100 paid up members. Affiliated to British Cycling (the main national governing body for cycle sport in Great Britain), King’s Lynn MTB Club offers something for everyone, from a fully

KLmagazine February 2018

seasoned racers to people who want to just have fun on their bikes, and it welcomes all ages from three upwards.

“We just try to be really inclusive, and do everything to make people feel welcome,” says Club Secretary Steve Collins. “Our main commitment at the moment is young riders, encouraging a love of cycling in a safe and welcoming environment.”

The club’s current junior coach is David Webster, a British Cycling Level 1 registered coach, and the coaching sessions are normally held on Saturdays. They’re open to anyone aged 6-16, and although there’s no lower age limit, every rider must be able to ride their own bike without

stabilisers. As well as encouraging the young riders to improve their cycling techniques and skills, the club also teaches them how to check their bikes for safety, and there are fun races and time trials.

“We even have a short lap for three year olds,” says Steve. “It’s really good to see the youngsters having fun and building their confidence.”

Based in West Norfolk, the club’s main off-road terrain is Shouldham Warren, and it’s here that the majority of the club’s activities happen. Club members also ride local trails around Thetford Forest, the Nar Valley and Peddars Way, but trips away are also very popular and riders will travel all

35

Local Life

ABOVE: Younger members of King’s Lynn MTB Club include (from left to right) Ben Thompson, George Thompson and Joe Allen

36

popularity of these events grows.

With the main aim of the club being to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors, fitness and healthy competition (either against each other or themselves), Steve and his wife Lorraine, who’s the club treasurer, are keen to stress the fun side of it as well.

There are regular social events and always a ‘Christmas Bash’ when fancy dress for all riders, marshalls and supporters is obligatory – and is probably the most competitive element of the event! After a fun ride, everyone heads to the King’s Arms at Shouldham for a festive get-together and presentation of the prizes.

As always with these types of organisations, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes to keep them going.

“There’s a team of people all working together to make these events work,” says Lorraine. “Everyone knows what they’re doing, and it all works like clockwork. And we always make sure there are plenty of tea and cakes to keep us all going!”

The courses all have to be prepared the day before the events, toilets and boards are set up and miles of tape is used to mark the courses. Safety is naturally of great importance, and always complies with British Cycling regulations. The club also works well with the Forestry Commission and has built up a good relationship over the years, knowing which areas they can and can’t access.

On race days, there’s always the need for marshalls, parking and ‘signing in’

attendants, as well as paramedics and first aid teams.

For a relatively new enterprise, King’s Lynn MTB Club has firmly established itself as a successful local organisation.

It prides itself on going that extra mile, being all inclusive and catering for all ages and abilities. With events of all types, there’s something for everyone, either taking part for the pure enjoyment of the outdoors or for more competitive riding. For a relatively small amount (£10 per year for adults and £5 for children), the club offers friendship, fun and fitness – what’s not to love?

For more information about King’s Lynn MTB Club, please visit their website at kingslynnmtb.com

PICTURES: STEVE COLLINS / KING’S LYNN MTB CLUB

around the country, often north to Manchester or south as far as Lee Valley Velodrome in London.

The main event in the club’s calendar is the Winter Series, a series of four races at four different venues, testing the skills of the riders over varying terrains. The races are held monthly over the winter from November to February, and the 2017-2018 series is taking place at Shouldham, West Bilney, Brandon and Santon Downham.

There’s a one hour race for 14-16 year olds, a 1.5 hour race for 16-18 year olds, and then for 19 year olds upwards, there’s a choice of either 1.5 hours or three hours. There’s an entry fee and prizes, but the main joy of it for the riders is taking part and pitting their wits against themselves and others.

Incredibly, up to 250 riders will take part in each round of the winter series, such is the popularity of this sport.

The Summer Time Trials is a totally different type of event, with six rounds held at the club’s main venue at Shouldham Warren between May and July. In this series, the riders compete in time trials, consisting of a six-mile loop, including plenty of single tracks, climbs with thrilling downhills, and short sharp climbs to test the participants’ fitness.

“There are prizes for the fastest lap at the end of the series,” explains Steve, “and the rider with the quickest four times in the series is the overall winner.

There’s also a loop for the children, when they race against themselves.”

With a maximum of 30 riders, places are quickly snapped up, as the

KLmagazine February 2018

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KLmagazine February 2018

The all-new BMW X2.

Exciting looks, sparkling dynamics.

T

he attractive, exciting, extrovert new BMW X2 will celebrate its market launch in March 2018.

With a design oozing individuality from every pore and a sporty suspension set-up, the BMW X2 pushes back boundaries, puts a firework under old habits and brings previously uncharted levels of driving pleasure to this vehicle segment.

The BMW X2 cuts a sublime figure from any angle. Its stance on the road recalls a finely-tuned athlete – and fuses the rugged profile typical of a BMW X model with the sporting grace of a coupé. Signature details include wheel arches with a squared-off look, striking exhaust tailpipes and accentuated side skirts, not to mention an elegant roofline, slick lines and slim window graphic.

Never does the BMW X2 betray its own unique character; this is a standalone model to its core, one

which stands out positively from the crowd. Plus, the M Sport X model is available for the first time and allow owners to make the character of their BMW X2 even more individual.

Two design features, in particular, catch the eye. The X2 turns BMW’s familiar trapezoidal kidney grille form on its head, and it now broadens as it heads south; this is the first time a modern BMW has gone about things this way. And the additional BMW roundel on the C-pillars references a much loved detail of classical BMW coupes, such as the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL, highlighting the sporting DNA of the BMW X2.

BMW TwinTurbo engines transfer these genes to the road in suitably dynamic style. Three variants are available from launch; the BMW X2 sDrive20i petrol model with 192 hp, the BMW X2 xDrive20d diesel variant with 190 hp and the BMW X2 xDrive25d diesel with 231 hp. Both diesel cars come as standard with xDrive intelligent

Listers King s Lynn

KLmagazine February 2018

all-wheel drive and the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while the petrol model is fitted with the sporty seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission. All combinations turn every journey – on any terrain – into an adventure.

Drivers can expect to find top quality included as standard. The interior of the M Sport and M Sport X models is trimmed in an enticing Micro Hexagon fabric/Alcantara Anthracite combination with contrast stitching for the instrument panel and centre console. And the instrument cluster and large displays bring added flourishes to the interior and act as visual pointers to BMW’s digital expertise.

The BMW X2 will be available from 17 March at Listers King's Lynn. Visit www.listerskingslynnbmw.co.uk or call 01553 692000 to book your test drive or request an invitation to the launch event.

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KLmagazine February 2018

Pets

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

SMALL BITES I

Pip

Is your pet a secret eater?

L

ike human obesity in the western world, obesity in our pets is rising too. Some estimate that as many as half of the pet population is currently overweight with a significant percentage considered clinically obese.

This is certainly something we see all too frequently in our veterinary practice.

Part of the problem is the average daily amount of food we are feeding our pets. Most people tend to think that dogs and cats need a bowl of food a day, but just how much is in one bowl of food?

As pet owners, we don’t always realise that portion size and in between meal snacks pay a major part in the excessive amounts of calories consumed. Just imagine feeding your pet a chipolata as a between meal treat.

Sounds quite innocent doesn’t it?

Actually, this amount of food for a small dog is equivalent to a human eating a 12 oz steak in one sitting! Now if they had two or three… Well, you can see how serious the problem is.

One cup of dried dog food can contain between 300 to 500 calories, depending on the quality of the food; each brand of food has different

calorific content, so always recalculate feeding quantities if you decide to change your pets diet. Remember the treats too, as dog biscuits range from 15 to 100 calories per biscuit!

Most owners will admit to giving their pets a few extra treats, and there is nothing wrong with this at all, but the problem lies with the amount of treats we give, as most of us don’t actually weigh out or count the number of biscuits that we let our dogs have in one day.

Exercise will however, make a difference as to how many calories your pet (and you!) can consume, but if you have an indoor cat or an older inactive dog then you will need to be even more vigilant.

So as pet owners we need to take responsibility for the weight of our pets, but you don’t have to do this alone. At London Road and the Hollies we are all here to support you. We have been on the weight loss journey with many pets over the years and have had some fantastic results. Take Pip for example.

In April last year Pip had been unwell for a while and although he wasn’t considered obese, our vets thought that along with medication, losing

t’s time to meet a very special gentleman, named Uncle Albert!

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He can't wait to meet his Del Boy & Rodney.

weight would also improve his health.

So they got Simonne, one of our nurses involved; he was given a new calorie controlled diet food, one which not only reduced his calorie intake, but also made him feel fuller too. His treats were cut down and substituted with healthier options and a gentle exercise plan put in place. In January this year Pip reached his target weight, he has lost just under 2.5 kg in weight and a whopping 14cm from around his waist.

Now that’s a lot for a little chap like Pip! His health has definitely improved and we are all so proud of him and of course his owners.

So, do you think your pet is a secret eater? Only you can be the judge of that but, as ever, we are here to help, just come and see us or give us a call.

Visit our website... makeyourpetsmile.co.uk London Road Vets @London Road Vets

LONDON ROAD 25 London Road, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 773168 | Email: info@lrvc.co.uk HOLLIES Paradise Road, Downham Market | Tel: 01366 386655 | Email: info@holliesvetclinic.co.uk KLmagazine February 2018

41

PICTURE: MARCUS HARPUR

Gardening

ABOVE: Chestnut Farm at West Beckham features over 90 different varieties of snowdrops, and will be open later this month as part of the National Garden Scheme's open gardens programme, as will the stunning Gayton Hall (opposite)

Taking some inspiration from other local gardens The beginning of the year is the ideal time to be planning your garden, and you can get some great ideas by visiting gardens rarely open to the public, says Wendy Warner of Thaxters Garden Centre...

W

e’re still at that time of year when it’s often better to be planning your garden than to be out there in the damp and cold actually doing anything!

If you are looking at making changes to your garden this year (or are starting a new garden from scratch) it’s worth considering looking at other people’s gardens for inspiration. And don’t feel limited by the size of your garden compared to some of those that are open – you can get a little idea to take away from even the biggest stately home garden.

KLmagazine February 2018

A very good place to start are the gardens open to the public through the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

Owners are invited to open their exceptional and privately-owned gardens to the public, giving visitors unique access to some of Britain’s most memorable gardens – and it’s all for good causes. These gardens are usually open just once or twice a year, usually in the season they’re looking their most spectacular.

In its first year back in 1927, there were just 609 gardens open, and over £8,000 was raised from the admission charge of ‘a shilling a head.’

Things have changed enormously since then. The National Garden Scheme celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017 and welcomed 750,000 visitors to over 3,700 gardens, raising a record £3 millon during the year.

The gardens give all the money raised (including that from sales of teas and plants) to the NGS, which currently distributes this to nursing, caring and gardening charities; the beneficiary charities are the Queen’s Nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Carers Trust, Hospice UK, Perennial, Parkinson’s UK and other guest charities.

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Gardening

ABOVE: Both the stunning gardens of Bank House, Marshland St James and the beautiful snowdrop display at Horstead House (below) are well worth a visit – and can even provide a little inspiration for your own garden

We’re very lucky in Norfolk to have a great range of gardens open through the NGS. Even in February and March some will be open, including Horstead House at Horstead, Chestnut Farm at West Beckham, and Bagthorpe Hall near Bircham – all of them renowned for their beautiful snowdrops.

Our most local, Bagthorpe Hall, is open on Sunday 25th February and has snowdrops carpeting a circular woodland which leads you through the walled and main gardens.

Slightly further afield but certainly worthy of a Sunday drive is Chestnut Farm at West Beckham (near Holt), which features over 90 different varieties of snowdrops and large drifts of crocus, together with seasonal flowering shrubs and bulbs. It’s open on Sunday 25th February and Sunday 4th March. If you’re impressed by the amazing displays of snowdrops and feel your garden would benefit from the addition of some, note that it’s best to plant them ‘in the green’ as growing plants rather than dry bulbs.

As we move into Spring and Summer there’ll be many gardens open each weekend, and there are some I’m looking forward to visiting for the first time. Gayton Hall (open on Sunday 18th March) looks very interesting and is a rambling, semi-wild 20 acre water garden with over two miles of paths – and contains lawns, lakes, streams, bridges and woodland with an abundance of spring bulbs.

I’ve been to Lexham Hall for their snowdrop opening in the past, but this year they’re open in May and August, so it will be lovely to see it through the

44

seasons with emphasis on the Magnolias, Rhododendrons and Camellias in May and the herbaceous borders in the walled garden at their peak in August.

And Bank House at Marshland St James sounds as if it has a mixture of everything from damp shade to dry gravel in its two acres.

The NGS Norfolk leaflet details gardens, addresses, dates and opening times with a brief description of each garden – or you can visit the website at www.ngs.org.uk where you can see listings for the whole of England and Wales. The NGS also publishes The Garden Visitor’s Handbook annually (it was formerly known as The Yellow Book), a guide to the over 3,700 gardens open across the country – it’s really handy if you’re visiting other counties and enjoy looking around gardens.

As well as the NGS open gardens, some villages around the county have their own open gardens where a number of gardens are open around one village on the same day – usually with one admission covering all the gardens and a map provided.

I find this particularly interesting as you can experience a great variety of different gardens from the smallest terraced cottages to grand manor houses in one location. Although it can be rather annoying when you spy a lovely garden as you’re en route and it’s not open. I always feel like putting a note through their letterbox requesting them to open next year!

Last year, I visited the open gardens locally at Holme-next-the-Sea and

Ringstead, and got lots of ideas – including some great planting combinations and specific varieties of plants. Here in Dersingham, there’s an open gardens and art trail on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th May – but I’ve been unable to visit these as it’s one of our busiest weekends of the year in the garden centre!

A visit to these beautiful gardens not only gives you a memorable, pleasant afternoon out, a nice cup of tea and cake and some new ideas – but means you’re also contributing to some very well-deserving charities.

Wendy Warner is Manager of Thaxters Garden Centre at 49 Hunstanton Road, Dersingham PE31 6NA. Visit the website at www.thaxters.co.uk or telephone 01485 541514

KLmagazine February 2018

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KLmagazine February 2018

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KLmagazine February 2018

“ ” “Two years of pain – gone in two sessions!” at the body Just by looking n make what differently, you ca possible at first seems im ... actually happen

e TERRY CONNOLLY Fre

Your Body Therapy

Discover how Terry Connolly and a revolutionary new form of therapy can help free you from a life of chronic aches and pains rom Free Your Body Therapy in the centre of King’s Lynn, Terry Connolly continues to use a range of new treatment techniques to free people from a life of aches and pains; people like Trevor Dennis of King’s Lynn. As Head Greenkeeper of Heacham Manor and Searles golf courses it’s hardly surprising that Trevor’s driving passion is playing golf – but two years of increasing chest pains eventually forced him to give up his favourite sport.

“I saw doctors, physiotherapists and heart specialists without any success,” he says. “None of them could really identify the problem or help relieve the pain.”

After coming across Free Your Body Therapy in KL magazine, Trevor decided to see if what everyone was saying about Terry Connolly was true.

F

“

I can’t believe after two years of constant pain, it took just two sessions with Terry to be almost completely pain free!

TREVOR DENNIS King’s Lynn

KLmagazine February 2018

“I must admit I was a bit sceptical about it at first,” he says, “but after just one session Terry identified the root of the problem and the relief was almost instant. It was incredible – and I’m still amazed!”

Terry Connolly is one of the very few people in the entire world currently offering P-DTR (Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex) as a form of treatment, and he combines that with Anatomy in Motion gait therapy – a cutting-edge method of correcting postural problems, helping with the repair and rehabilitation of past injuries and the relief of pain. For Trevor, the effects were as impressive as they were instant.

“I’m not sure exacly how he did it, but Terry traced my chest pains to injuries that had happened a long ago,” says Terry.

“They’d caused a problem with my ribs, and that gradually resulted in almost constant pain and a shortness of breath.”

Although his clients may disagree, for Terry there’s no great secret and no hidden magic to this treatment – it’s simply a case of looking at the body and the causes of chronic pain in a completely different way.

”

“Basically all I’m doing is reminding the body how it’s supposed to work!” he says.

“It’s important to avoid focusing only on the site of an injury or a problem area. The body is a complete system – and sometimes problems in one area will manifest themselves with pain in totally different areas, even if they happened long ago.”

If you’re interested in freeing yourself from a life of chronic aches and pain, contact Terry today and book an appointment with Free Your Body Therapy for an initial assessment and consultation.

Like Trevor, you’ll find the results hard to believe.

“With Terry’s help and guidance I was virtually pain free by the second session,” says Trevor. “I can’t thank him enough, and I’m now looking forward to picking up my clubs and getting back into the swing of things!”

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47

Local Life

A bright new chapter in the life of The Hare Arms For over 200 years, The Hare Arms in Stow Bardolph has been one of the area’s favourite inns. Now, thanks to a major refurbishment programme, it’s never looked better – or more welcoming...

T

he lovely atmosphere of The Hare Arms at Stow Bardolph makes it very hard to leave and it’s always a pleasure to return to – and no one knows that better than landlord Pat Palmer. His association with The Hare Arms goes back some 30 years, and not only did he meet his wife Deb there, the couple have now overseen a major refurbishment programme that’s made the pub one of the most attractive in the county – if not the whole of East Anglia.

But Pat’s introduction to The Hare

48

Arms was somewhat fortuitous. Back in the summer of 1987, he was working as an apprentice hairdresser when the pub’s landlady walked into the salon.

“While I was washing her hair she happened to mention that she had some part-time jobs behind the bar at The Hare Arms,” says Pat. “I quite fancied the idea, and even though my first shift was on the August Bank Holiday, I loved it. I certainly enjoyed it a lot more than I did hairdressing!”

It’s fair to say that Pat had a natural talent for the trade, and within six months he was managing a pub that

had been part of the local community for hundreds of years.

Sitting on the original centre of the village of Stow Bardolph, The Hare Arms was initially built as a house during the Napoleonic wars at the start of the 19th century – and was transformed into an inn when Captain Thomas Hare (the owner of Stow Hall) offered it to three soldiers, two of whom had French surnames.

That generous spirit and cosy hospitality has always been at the heart of The Hare Arms, and it’s been the focus of local celebrations such as

KLmagazine February 2018

KLmagazine February 2018

PICTURES: DAVID WOOTTON / DW PHOTOGRAPHY / DW@DW-PHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

wartime victories, coronations and jubilees ever since.

In fact, thanks to redoubtable landlady Emma Sayles (1878-1934) The Hare Arms’ celebration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 made the newspapers. According to contemporary reports, some 1,380 revellers were seated in two vast marquees and enjoyed “substantial dinners of beef, mutton, plum pudding, etc,” all washed down with beer, gingerade, and tea brewed in the boiler of a steamroller – before enjoying such amusements as “a baby show, smoking concert and the perambulator race.”

Emma’s husband Harry also left his mark on the pub. Before leaving The Hare Arms in his wife’s evidently capable hands, he scratched his name on one of the bar windows – where it can still be seen today, as Pat points out.

In addition to falling in love with the pub itself, Pat also met his wife Deb there when she started working behind the bar in 1989, and the couple remained at The Hare Arms for the next ten years.

“Around 2000 we decided we wanted to do something on our own,” says Pat. “We really enjoyed the hospitality industry, so we found some premises that had been a gentleman’s outfitters in Downham Market and turned it into a restaurant.”

With Pat in the kitchen and Deb looking after front-of-house, the restaurant (aptly-named Palmers) was a successful addition to the local dining out scene for 16 years – until February 2016, when the couple had a fateful lunch with the landlords of The Hare Arms, with whom they’d remained in touch.

“They’d been at the pub for 40 years by then,” says Pat, “and they told us that they were planning to retire. In fact, The

49

Hare Arms was already on the market.”

Although the couple had never planned on returning to The Hare Arms, they spoke about the possibility of running the pub where they’d met some 30 years previously.

“As much as we loved our little restaurant, it seemed too good an opportunity to turn down,” says Pat. “We knew if we didn’t do it, we’d probably regret it forever.”

Pat and Deb returned to The Hare Arms in July 2016, and this new chapter in the pub’s life took a surprising turn within a few months.

“Greene King approached us and asked how we’d feel about taking the conservatory down and replacing it with an extension,” says Pat. “As the conservatory was a bit draughty and leaky, we thought it was a good idea – and then they suggested refurbishing

50

the entire pub at the same time!”

So, over a two-month period towards the end of last year, The Hare Arms was given a thorough and comprehensive makeover. The result (which was officially opened on November 23rd) is simply stunning.

The old conservatory has been replaced with a beautiful brick-built extended dining space, and the rest of the building has been completely redecorated throughout – with new flooring and carpets, new vintage lighting and new furniture. The original bar has been stripped back to bare wood and re-varnished, the rear gardens have been redeveloped, and a number of woodburners have been introduced to complement The Hare Arms’ popular open fire.

Best of all is the fact that despite all the changes The Hare Arms still feels

like The Hare Arms always has.

“We’re absolutely delighted with it and so are our customers,” says Pat. “I think one of the greatest things we’ve achieved is spreading the cosy feeling of the bar through all the areas of the pub from the restaurant to the Coach House. It sometimes felt like The Hare Arms was four very separate areas, but that’s not the case now.”

For Pat, who coincidentally started work at The Hare Arms on the first day after the last refurbishments back in 1987, it’s the start of an exciting new chapter in the life of the pub that’s been such a part of his life.

“Although running a pub is fairly new to us, The Hare Arms is definitely in our blood and both Deb and I have always loved it here,” says Pat. “It’s very different to running a restaurant, though – we used to be able to lock the door and go on holiday!”

There’s never been a better time to sample the hospitality of The Hare Arms, and Pat, Deb, and their team of dedicated, hard-working staff – along with Badger the cat (aka ‘Otis’) – look forward to helping you enjoy one of the friendliest, cosiest and most attractive pubs in the area.

The Hare Arms Stow Bardolph, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE34 3HT Telephone: 01366 382229 Website: www.theharearms.co.uk KLmagazine February 2018

PICTURES: DAVID WOOTTON / DW PHOTOGRAPHY / DW@DW-PHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

Local Life

BRAND NEW

Luxurious cushions by Evans Lichfield

Sophie Allport pet beds from only ÂŁ36

Beautiful bedding sets ideal for Spring

Plus Dormall a beddi ng no w 1/2 p rice!

A collection of flamingo themed gifts

The Hythe, Bridge Road, Downham Market PE38 0AE www.charmed-interiors.co.uk | 01366 384126 9 - 5 Mon to Sat | Free Parking

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uPVC, Timber and Aluminium Windows | Doors | Orangeries | Conservatories | Roofline Flat Roofing Garage Doors | Glass Balustrades & Balconies | Aluminium Seamless Gutters

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Tel: 01553 829240 www.fenlandwindows.co.uk

Thurlow House, 71 Sutton Road, Walpole Cross Keys, King’s Lynn PE34 4HD

KLmagazine February 2018

Progress to Dersingham’s new village centre...

The construction expertise of T.M. Browne Ltd is helping create a fabulous new village centre for the local community ust a few months into the major project to revitalise the muchloved village hall in Dersingham and create a new community hub, the work of T.M. Browne is already starting to look hugely impressive.

Designed by Atelier Associates of Snettisham and planned in consultation with both the Sandringham Estate and English Heritage, the new centre will eventually include an extended hall area with a new kitchen, new toilets with baby-change facilities, a relocated Parish office meeting room, and even a break-out hub for special meet and greet events.

The project began in October with the demolition of all parts of the existing village hall apart from the front facade and the two gable-roofed ends; familiar

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features that T.M. Browne will be incorporating into the final building, as can be seen in the artist’s impression above.

Following excavations for the foundations and slab work (which also involved the expert removal of 100year-old tree stumps and old root systems) the skeleton of the new centre is now starting to take shape. The timber frame and steel superstructure is now in place, and it provides a clear picture of just how ambitious the project is (the hall’s main floor space is almost doubling in size!) and what a difference it will make to village life in Dersingham. Over the next few months the public will see the large new

extension coming to life, with the installation of attractive larch cladding and zinc roofing – materials which will perfectly complement the existing tiles and carrstone of the original hall’s remaining elements.

Thanks to an unrivalled mix of professional local tradesmen, an established and reliable supply base, and over 30 years’ experience in caring for people and their properties, T.M. Browne is now helping create an aesthetically-pleasing addition to the local landscape – and a vital community resource.

Work is planned to continue until the autumn, and we’ll keep you updated on this exciting project’s progress over the coming months.

Unit 3, The Mill, Market Lane, Terrington St Clement King’s Lynn PE34 4HR Tel: 01553 828050 Email: admin@tmbrowneltd.co.uk Web: www.tmbrowne-ltd.co.uk

KLmagazine February 2018

53

West Norfolk: Then and Now

1959

2018 ST ANN’S STREET IN THE 1950s...

Thanks to MARGARET ASPINALL of King’s Lynn for sending this view looking down the town’s St. Ann’s Street towards St Nicholas’ Chapel. On the left is the old Naval Reserve, while Harry Southgate’s grocery store is on the right. The large building which no longer exists used to house

Humphrey’s, which was a ship chandlers, while the empty space on the corner of the street is now obviously home to the entrance of True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum.

You can enjoy thousands of more images showing Norfolk’s history and the changing face of the county on the website at www.picture.norfolk.gov.uk

or by visiting the Norfolk Heritage Centre at the Millennium Library, The Forum, Norwich or your local studies library.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Enjoy thousands of images of Norfolk’s unique history at www.picture.norfolk.gov.uk 54

KLmagazine February 2018

Heating your new build home with free heat from the outside!

Sustainable technology and energy-efficient homes with air source heating ver the last 10 years, the 4 Way Group has been installing air source heating in hundreds of new build properties all over Norfolk; bringing all the benefits of increased energy efficiencies and cost savings, and also enabling homeowners to take advantage of the latent heat in the air – an energy source which is completely free and is available all year round.

That’s why one of the most commonlyasked questions (especially at this time of year) is how a domestic heating system can possibly provide heat from the outside in cold weather?

“It’s difficult to understand the concept of taking heat from very cold air and using it to provide heating and hot water for your home,” says Steve Simpson of the 4 Way Group. “But there’s always some degree of ‘heat’ in the air, even in the middle of winter – it’s simply a case of the air source heat pump extracting it. The systems can actually work perfectly well in temperatures as low as -15o!”

Although it runs on electricity, air source heating is incredibly efficient, producing

O

KLmagazine February 2018

three units of useful heat for every one unit of electricity used (that’s an efficiency of 300%) but another major benefit is a significant reduction in wasted energy.

“A standard gas boiler will heat your water to around 65o – whereas for a nice hot bath you’ll only need around 42o,” says Steve. “People will happily add cold water to their bath to get it to the right temperature, but very few of them realise that they’re actually cooling down water they’ve already paid to heat up!”

While it’s true that conventional boilers deliberately ‘overheat’ water to prevent the build-up of bacteria, air source heating does the same thing much more

efficiently and economically – by sanitising itself automatically every week.

By storing a larger amount of usable hot water at a controllable temperature, air source heating can have a significant impact on a home’s energy and water usage – and their cost. And built-in measuring software will help you keep track of the amount of energy the system is producing and using – and how efficiently it’s performing.

If you’d like to discover all the benefits air source heating can bring to your next project, contact the 4 Way Group today for more details, information and a free quotation.

REFRIGERATION ELECTRICAL ENERGY MECHANICAL

t 01553 767878 w www.4waygroup.co.uk e sales@4waygroup.co.uk Recognised and accredited throughout the industry

55

Weddings Finding the perfect outfit for your wedding day can be daunting.

Whether you’re looking for your dream dress, a suit to complement all your groom’s men, or you’re the mother of the bride looking for that showstopping hat, our local boutiques have got something special to offer everyone for that all important day...

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Beaded Wedding Gown by Morilee UNIQUE BRIDE | Castle Rising 01553 631500 KLmagazine February 2018

Fashion

Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Gown by Morilee UNIQUE BRIDE | Castle Rising 01553 631500 KLmagazine February 2018

57

Fashion

Woburn Lounge suit (from £75 for hire) GODDARDS | King’s Lynn 01553 772382 58

KLmagazine February 2018

Fashion

Strapless Wedding Gown by Ronald Joyce CINDERELLA’S BRIDAL SHOP | Blackborough End 01553 841155 60

KLmagazine February 2018

Fashion

Outfit by Hudson & Onslow ISOBEL’S Drayton - 01603 866060 | Holt - 01263 714040 62

KLmagazine February 2018

CLOSING DOWN

Emma’s CRAFTS

SALE

Garment Alterations & Sewing Service

Friendl y Reliabl , e& Afforda bl e

All Wedding Dresses 50% off

WEDDING & EVENING WEAR

T: 01553 841155 • www.cinderellasuk.com

Chapleton Lodge, East Winch Road, Blackborough End, King’s Lyn PE32 1SF

Specialist in bridal alterations for the entire wedding party •Bride & Groom •Bridesmaids •Flowergirls •Mother of the Bride and Groom

Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9am-4.30pm Wed 9am-12pm

13 -14 Bergen Way, North Lynn Ind Est, King’s Lynn PE30 2JG

07769928157 www.emmascrafts.co.uk

fëçÄÉäÛë píóäÉë=cçê=óçì

CASUAL • DAYWEAR • WEDDING • EVENING Sizes 14 -36

Mother of the Bride & Guest Outfits

_É~ìíáÑìä=éáÉÅÉë=~êêáîáåÖ=áå=ëíçêÉ=Ç~áäó

OPEN

Mon-Fri 10 am- 4:30pm Saturday 10 am- 4pm

Isobel’s Fashions, 14 School Road, Drayton, Norwich NR8 6DN | Tel: 01603 866060 Isobel’s Styles For You Ltd, 33 Bull Street, Holt NR25 6HP | Tel: 01263 714040

Isobel’s. www.bigandbeautifulfashions.co.uk KLmagazine February 2018

63

Fashion

Outfit by Condici (was £825 now £350) SHEILA TILLER | Long Sutton 01406 363433 64

KLmagazine February 2018

STUART HOUSE

HOTEL • BAR • RESTAURANT Meet, Eat, Drink & Sleep

THE PERFECT VENUE FOR THE SMALLER WEDDING SEE OUR WEBSITE CALL US ON

01553 772169 OR

Mention this advert when booking and receive a free bottle of champagne on your wedding day

35 Goodwins Road, King’s Lynn. PE30 5QX

www.stuarthousehotel.co.uk

Sheila Tiller

EXCLUSIVE LADIES FASHION & SHOES EST. 1978

ALL CONDICI STOCK NOW OR LESS

Outfits starting at just £99 Fashions: 13 Market Place, Long Sutton | Tel: 01406 363 433 Shoes: 7 Market Place, Long Sutton | Tel: 01406 364 128 www.sheilatiller.co.uk Closed Wednesdays

AA Rosette Restaurant

The perfect venue for your North Norfolk wedding

OLD HUNSTANTON | NORTH NORFOLK Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6HH Tel: 01485 533486 Email: mail@caleyhallhotel.co.uk Call to arrange a viewing or visit www.caleyhallhotel.co.uk/weddings/ for more information

KLmagazine February 2018

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Fashion

Outfit by John Charles CINDY’S | Sutton Bridge 01406 350961 66

KLmagazine February 2018

Occasions begin at Cindy's of Sutton Bridge, sizes 10-26

Wedding Packages from

£4000

Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge

Spring Fashion Show & Afternoon Tea at The Curlew Centre, Sutton Bridge Wed 25th April, tel Cindy’s 01406 350961 to book your tickets.

T: 01553 675566 | E: conference@knightshill.co.uk | www.knightshill.co.uk S o u t h Wo o t t o n , K i n g ’ s L y n n , N o r f o l k

KLmagazine February 2018

PE30 3HQ

108 Bridge Rd, Sutton Bridge (closed Wed & Sun) www.cindysfashions.co.uk follow us on Facebook 67

PICTURE: DK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTURE: JAMES ROUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

The grandest setting for your biggest day...

Unique Norfolk Venues offer an array of exclusive use wedding venues across East Anglia, but few are quite as unique as the glorious setting of Pentney Abbey, with its 14th century Gatehouse

S

et among the rolling countryside, Pentney Abbey cuts a truly unique figure in the rural Norfolk landscape.

Combining a rich history with traditional grandeur and romance, it's safe to say that this venue offers something special.

The focal point of this impressive setting is, of course, the Gatehouse.

Standing proudly amid the grounds, this dramatic building dates back to the 14th century and was one of the largest in the country. Now this imposing location provides an atmospheric setting for wedding ceremonies,

KLmagazine February 2018

allowing couples to celebrate amid the original walls and hanging tapestries.

The secret spiral staircase makes it possible for a grand entrance too.

Having been the setting for an Augustinian priory for centuries, unfortunately the site fell into disrepair until a huge restoration saw the buildings returned to their glory in 2013. Now, operated by Unique Norfolk Venues, Pentney Abbey has become an exclusive use venue of the utmost luxury.

The Barn was once a medieval banqueting hall and now provides a place to dine and celebrate. Exposed

stone walls and oak beams hark back to its past while expansive floor-to-ceiling windows let the light flood in. In the summer months, drinks on the patio and cosying up to the fire pit as the sun sets is the perfect way to celebrate.

With 35 acres of tranquil grounds and verdant countryside beyond, Pentney Abbey offers the best of the county’s natural beauty.

The idyllic rose garden makes a wonderful addition to the venue, offering a chance for couples to enjoy a few quiet moments together and capture romantic photographs. With the floral scent drifting on the breeze,

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Alternatively, couples can choose one of the remaining dates in 2018 and receive all of the accommodation free of charge. That’s the luxurious cottages, characterful Farmhouse and the whole venue with exclusive use.

To find out more about this incredible venue, visit pentneyabbey.com or call 01485 500292 to arrange to see it for yourself.

Unique Norfolk Venues offer an array of exclusive use wedding venues across East Anglia. Find out more at uniquenorfolkvenues.co.uk or call 01485 500292.

PICTURE: DK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

this place is heavenly in late summer.

Another aspect of the venue that has been lovingly restored is the accommodation. With a handful of cottages and a charming Farmhouse, each fusing traditional country touches with contemporary style, couples and their loved ones won’t have far to go after their celebrations have drawn to a close. Perhaps the best part, however, is waking up and sharing breakfast with your nearest and dearest, reminiscing about the events of the day before.

To ensure that couples have the best day possible when celebrating here, Unique Norfolk Venues provide a team of dedicated wedding planners to help arrange and organise every aspect of a couple's day. Having managed several venues across East Anglia for many years, they have the expertise and passion to make sure every wedding day at Pentney Abbey is a successful one.

Pentney Abbey is currently offering two special offers, making this impressive venue even more appealing.

First, the Twilight Wedding Offer lets you create a late-afternoon wedding for just £5,500, offering a midweek celebration for any couple who wants their day to be a little bit different.

PICTURE: GINA MANNING PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTURE: LUIS HOLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Weddings

KLmagazine February 2018

BLISS COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE AT

David Auker Jewellery 125 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1AP Tel: 01553 770536

www.davidaukerjewellery.co.uk

Your perfect

Wedding

At one of the town’s most iconic buildings.

Whether you choose an intimate celebration with family or friends in our historic Nelson Room or something more lavish in our spacious Walpole Ballroom.

We offer a flexible range of wedding packages and are licensed to hold Civil Wedding Ceremonies. We are happy to tailor your package to suit your requirements.

For any queries or viewings please email us at events@dukesheadhotel.com

DUKES HEAD HOTEL

5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JS Tel: 01553 774 996 www.dukesheadhotel.com KLmagazine February 2018

Bringing fresh ideas into your home

New 2018 ranges now available, beat the spring rush!

• Bespoke curtains, blinds and upholstery • Extensive Fabrics and wallpapers • Upholstery & outdoor Fabrics • Curtain poles • Roller, vertical, wooden and venetian blinds • Professional Design service • Fitting Service 01760 722541 • www.poppiinteriors.co.uk 19 market place, Swaffham PE37 7LA 71

Food & Drink

Nikki Merchant and a lifelong love of food...

The beautiful Crown Hotel in Wells-next-the-Sea is in a stunning location, and its restaurant makes the most of Norfolk’s fabulous produce. KL magazine talks to the hotel’s inspirational Head Chef

I

t’s fair to say that Nikki Merchant, head chef at The Crown Hotel in Wells-next-the-Sea, is a naturalborn talent. Growing up in Newbury in Berkshire, her early childhood cooking experiences were limited to jam tarts and fairy cakes until her future career suddenly appeared in front of her one day at school.

“I suddenly decided I wanted to have my own outside catering business, cooking for different people in different places,” she says. “It must have been something within me – I simply loved the idea of preparing food for people, and I’ve never looked back since.”

KLmagazine February 2018

By the time she left Newbury College after a two-year catering course and a part-time position at Newbury’s Millwaters Hotel (it’s now the Newbury Manor Hotel) Nikki knew she wanted to be a chef.

Starting as an apprentice pastry chef at the four-star Donnington Valley Hotel, she continued her love of cooking sweets and desserts, but soon felt the need to spread her culinary wings.

“The pastry section is probably the calmest part of the kitchen!” she says. “I really enjoyed watching all the adrenaline and excitement going on

around me, so I started working in different sections of the kitchen on dishes such as cold starters, soups and sauces for the main courses.”

In 1996, Nikki made a fateful move to the famous Monkey Island Hotel in Bray, Maidenhead – a stunning Grade I listed building set on a private island in the middle of the Thames and a dining experience only accessible by footbridge or by boat. There, in addition to refining her skills in all areas of the kitchen over the course of three years, she was introduced to New Zealandborn head chef Chris Coubrough, who instilled his passionate approach to

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Food & Drink

cooking in her – an approach that involves creating wholesome food using only the best local ingredients and combining them with inspirations from around the world.

Nikki left Monkey Island for a 12month working holiday in Australia before finding herself back home in the kitchen of the Fat Cats restaurant in Lymington – but she’d kept in touch with Chris, who by then was head chef of The Crown Hotel in Southwold, and duly offered her the position of junior sous chef.

“I’d loved working with Chris on Monkey Island and this seemed a fantastic opportunity to build on my skills and widen my experience,” she says.

Three years later Nikki had progressed to sous chef, while Chris Coubrough had added The Crown Hotel at Wells-next-the-Sea to his Flying Kiwi Inns portfolio. A beautiful former coaching inn tucked away on the edge of a tranquil tree-lined green, the building was sympathetically refurbished; enhancing its many historic features, offering 20 luxury en-

suite bedrooms, and boasting a fabulous restaurant and well-equipped kitchen.

“I’ve always enjoyed being close to the coast,” says Nikki, “so when Chris offered me the position of head chef I really didn’t have to think twice about it.”

Twelve years later Nikki’s still at The Crown, and she still loves working only a mile from the sea.

“There’s so much great food along the Norfolk coast, especially the fish and shellfish,” she says. “I like to think we’ve always made the most of it.”

It’s difficult to categorise Nikki's food.

It’s always packed with layers of flavour, but it’s never over-complicated. It doesn’t rely on exotic ingredients, but it’s refreshingly complex. And it never fails to look exquisite. It may be a straightforward approach, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple. Asked to cook a three-course meal on the spot, she doesn’t have to think twice.

“I’d start with a smoked trout mousse wrapped with smoked salmon,” she says. “I think I’d follow that with steamed halibut with black pudding

mash and a creamy shellfish bisque. It uses some very local ingredients, it has lots of colours and there are some great flavours in it. It’s good to look at as well!”

Dessert is an easy choice.

“It would have to be chocolate fondant,” she says. “But that’s only because I absolutely love chocolate!”

There’s no doubt that Nikki is a supremely talented chef, but she’s the first to point out there’s a lot more to being a professional chef than cooking.

“The real secret is having a wellorganised kitchen and being able to get your timing right when you’re dealing with a number of courses, various dishes and a lot of people at the same time,” she says. “Getting that right is what makes a great chef. You can see that with contestants on Masterchef – they have a huge amount of talent, but performing in a professional kitchen under time pressure requires very different skills.”

Nikki’s food draws inspiration from the places she’s visited, the books she’s read, and the foods she’s tasted and adapted – and from other chefs.

“I’ve learned an enormous amount from Chris and he’s been a great inspiration for me,” she says. “But I’m also a big fan of Scottish chef Tom Kitchin, who was the youngest-ever winner of a Michelin star. I really like what he does with food and how he talks about it.”

And there’s no doubt what Nikki wants from her food.

“I want my kitchen to perform, and produce what I’ve promised on the menu,” she says. “I want you to enjoy it and remember it. And most of all I want you to come back for more!”

If you’d like to sample Nikki’s food for yourself, The Crown Hotel can be found at The Buttlands in Wells-nextthe-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1EX. To book, please telephone 01328 710209 or visit www.crownhotelnorfolk.co.uk

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KLmagazine February 2018

Burnham Market Pine & Painted

Natural, painted & reclaimed pine furniture We can make to any size or specification and paint any colour to suit your style and budget...

• Waxed • Hand/ spray painted • Distressed • We can also re-paint your own home/garden furniture

Tel: 01328 738009 / 07917 202529

Station Garage, Creake Road, Burnham Market PE31 8EA

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

Use your local merchant rather than shops & garages for a wider variety of excellent quality fuels designed for your specific appliance at very competitive prices

For more information on what we can supply, prices and discounts on offer or to arrange delivery/collection please call us on: 07780 776576 / 01485 520637 or email nigel.carlton@btinternet.com

KLmagazine February 2018

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Valentine’s AT THE

BERNEY ARMS Delicious local fish perfect for your Valentine!

Local lobsters & crabs Local oysters & shellfish Fresh Brancaster mussels Jumbo raw prawns Plus!

Wide range of fresh and smoked fish Deli counter with Free range eggs & local honey quality local cheeses

DONALDSONS A fresh taste of the sea

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

The perfect place to spend Valentine’s and your special events

h t s tay i n c One nig ludin g Din n e r, B B e d & r e a k fa s t fo r o nly £1 95

CALL NOW TO

BO

OK 01366 347 99 5 Enjoy dinner with your loved one from our special Valentine’s 3 course menu and breakfast as standard the next day, you’ll also receive a complimentary bottle of Prosecco in the room!

Dates for offer (subject to availability): Friday 9th & 16th and Saturday 10th & 17th February

www.theberneyarms.co.uk Church Road, Barton Bendish PE33 9GF

The

Coach & Horses Dersingham

COCKTAILS & TAPAS EVENING Saturday 24th February the

FEATHERS N E X T TO T H E S A N D R I N G H A M E S TAT E

Join us for some delicious food and drink from 6pm! Tapas will start from just £2.25 and cocktails from £4.95!

Please visit our website for full details

A traditional country pub serving exquisite food & drink • Pub • Bar • Restaurant • Garden • Accommodation • Function Room for Parties and Special Events www.feathersdersingham.com

CA L L 01485 540768 TO BOOK 71 Manor Road, Dersingham PE31 6LN

Tel: 01485 540768 Web: www.feathersdersingham.com 71 Manor Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6LN

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

KLmagazine February 2018

F

Food & Drink

Valentine’s Day Grilled Oysters Treat your Valentine to the perfect aphrodisiac with these delicious warm and melting grilled oysters...

Serves: 2 (As a starter)

INGREDIENTS 6 oysters 30g butter 1 crushed garlic clove 30g breadcrumbs Parsley (optional) Lemon wedges

METHOD 1 Preheat your grill 2 Shuck your oysters and keep in their half shells with their juices

6 Scatter with chopped parsley if you desire and serve with lemon wedges

3 Melt the butter over a medium heat and mix in the garlic to create a garlic infused butter 4 Put the breadcrumbs into a bowl and pour over the warm garlic butter. Stir together to combine 5 Place the oysters under the grill for a minute or so until the oysters are hot and the crumbs are golden

KLmagazine February 2018

5 Take them out of the grill and let them cool slightly. Transfer the oysters in their shells to a presentation plate

Recipe by Donaldsons Austin Fields, King's Lynn PE30 1PH Tel: 01553 772241

77

rd Winning Inn Swaffham’s Double Awa Opened February 2013

Call B o o to 0176 k 723 0 244

Step into a “wonderland” of vintage charm and romance, and indulge in some of our homemade treats served from ‘breakfast to early evening bites’ created with love and passion, a characteristic of the whole Folly experience...

...drink me

Valentine’s Menu Saturday 10th & Wednesday 14th Limited availability.

Cocktail Bar open Friday’s & Saturday’s 21 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7LA www.kingsarmscoachinginn.co.uk K I T C H E N S • B AT H R O O M S • T I L E S

Over 40 displays!

EAT ME...

Surprise yourself with one of our 40 curiousi-teas and unique blends within the magic of the tearoom and its beautiful garden or available to take away from our Tea Caddy shop.

Private parties, PLUS gluten free and diabetic afternoon teas AVAILABLE WITH advance bookING CALL ON 01263 713569 TO ARRANGE Folly Tearoom, Hoppers Yard, Bull Street, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6LN WWW.FOLLYTEAROOM.CO.UK

BEDROOMS • PLUMBING SUPPLIES

Beautiful British-made kitchens

Knowledge and experience are what makes Quay Centre your first port of call for your new kitchen.

With the latest innovation in design technology and years of experience call in and see us in Wisbech.

Our friendly team!

BI G NA ME B R A N D S - Bosch • Blanco • Neff • Ted Baker • Samsung • Laura Ashley • Smeg

Experts in designing and installing beautiful kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms to suit all tastes and budgets • Free design and survey • Trade & new build accounts available • Supply only or full installation service

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

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KLmagazine February 2018

Food & Drink

s l i a t Coocfkthe h t n o M

Raspberry Ripple Martini & Velvet Elvis Cocktail Deliciously easy cocktails too woo your Valentine!

Raspberry Ripple Martini

Velvet Elvis Cocktail

INGREDIENTS 15ml Chambord, 50ml vanilla vodka. 50ml cranberry juice, 1 single raspberry & ice.

INGREDIENTS 25ml Chambord, 25ml Jack Daniel’s, lemonade, lemon & ice.

METHOD 1 Add all the above ingredients to a cocktail shaker, then shake with ice.

2 Strain into a chilled Martini or Champagne glass.

3 Drop in a Raspberry to garnish.

METHOD 1 Add ice to your tumbler or a taller glass.

2 Add the Chambord and the Jack Daniel’s.

3 Squeeze in the juice of 1/4 of a lemon.

4 Top up with lemonade.

Recipes made at Copper Horse, the Cocktail bar at King’s Arms Coaching Inn 21 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7LA Tel: 01760 723244 Web: www.kingsarmscoachinginn.co.uk KLmagazine February 2018

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ORIENTAL PALACE

CHINESE RESTAURANT Peking Szechuan & Cantonese Cuisine

BOOK NOW

Choose as many dishes as you want from the à la carte menu and they'll be freshly cooked to order - all for one set price!

FOR MOTHER’S DAY! Sunday 11th March

Sunday C ar very 12no on-6pm TWO COURSES JUST £9.99

DEL IVERY SERV ICE AVA ILAB LE

Call us on: 01553 842255 204 Main Road, West Winch, King’s Lynn, PE33 0NP Open 7 Days a Week - 12noon-2pm & 5pm-10:30pm www.orientalpalacewestwinch.co.uk

Crawfish Inn Thai Restaurant & Bar

Book now!

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

Tel: 01553 772221 80

Traditional Bangkok Thai Cuisine Local Real Ales Extensive Wine List Takeaway Service Fully Air Conditioned Backing British Farming

Call 01328 878313 for reservations Open: Tues-Sun from 6pm Holt Road, Thursford NR21 0BJ

/crawfishinn

www.crawfishinn.com

KLmagazine February 2018

Food & Drink

Lemon Creameaux “ Don’t let the name put you off. This is quick, simple dessert, Serves: 4-6 INGREDIENTS 450ml double cream 130g caster sugar Juice and zest of 2 lemons 1 leaf gelatine

METHOD 1 Place the cream and the sugar together in a saucepan over a medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

2 Add the lemon juice and zest, then bring the mixture to the boil.

3 Turn down the heat and allow to simmer for about three minutes. You will notice the size of the bubbles begin to change from small to large. Once the bubbles are large remove the pan from the heat.

4 For a silky smooth cream, pass the mixture through a fine sieve. Or you can leave the lemon zest in the cream to add a bit of texture. Personally, I prefer it silky smooth.

5 Pour the cream into glasses or ramekins then allow to settle for a few minutes. Tiny bubbles will appear on the surface. Carefully lift these off the surface with a teaspoon.

“

and oh so impressive

6 Set in the fridge for about two hours. You have now made a delicious lemon posset.

However, if you want to impress even more then keep reading to turn it into a creameaux.

7 Soak the gelatine in cold water for about five minutes to soften. Then remove the leaf from the water and gently wring out the excess water. Add to the cream mixture and stir well to dissolve.

8 Complete the recipe as for a lemon posset.

The difference is that with the addition of the gelatine you will now be able to set the cream in a removable mould (and that’s how I do it for the restaurant).

9 You can serve the cremeaux with a garnish as simple as shortbread and berries. In the restaurant I serve mine with a gluten free lemon almond cake, green tea sorbet and ginger beer meringue.

Recipe by Trevor Clark Head Chef at Duke’s Head Hotel 5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn PE30 1JS Tel: 01553 774996 Web: www.dukesheadhotel.com KLmagazine February 2018

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Food & Drink

RestaurantReview

A reader reviews the all new CoCoes Cafe Deli...

S

trattons is already well known as an award-winning independent and family-run hotel, so my friend and I were really looking forward to trying out their equally popular cafe deli, which has recently undergone a major

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transformation.

Originally located in one of the buildings along the narrow lane leading towards the hotel itself, CoCoes Cafe Deli reopened in the corner of the hotel’s garden in March last year.

The cafe has a very different look and feel from the hotel, and the interior has a rustic, somewhat Scandinavian feel to it, with earthy tones of brick, flint and wood. The ambience is modern and light, and on warm days you can sit outside enjoying the view of the attractive hotel and its beautiful garden.

We were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff and settled down to look at the fairly extensive menu. Although we were there for afternoon tea, the cafe offers a whole array of light meals, breakfasts and lunches. It is also licensed, with local beers and ciders on the menu – as well as a very good selection of wine.

Both my friend and I are great lovers of Earl Grey, so we chose the cafe’s own

KLmagazine February 2018

blend, which contains a hint of passion fruit. This had a delicate (though not too overpowering) fruit taste and was very welcoming on a cold winter’s day.

We both decided to opt for scones followed by cake, and chose the cheese scone and fruit scone accompanied by raspberry jam. These arrived gently warmed and had a deliciously light melt-in-the-mouth texture. After a short break, we had a tough choice to make, as all the cakes looked very tempting.

My friend eventually chose a plum frangipane served with crème fraîche, whereas I chose a homemade (and rather large!) meringue, filled with blueberry and lavender compote – and also accompanied by crème fraîche.

The frangipane was fruity and almondy with a rich but delicate taste, and the meringue was everything a meringue should be – satisfyingly crunchy on the outside and luxuriously sticky and gooey on the inside. The lavender in the filling gave it a rather unusual flavour, but was utterly delicious.

As well as all the choices on the regular menu, there are always several daily specials available – the broccoli, Binham Blue cheese and walnut flan with lentils and slaw sounded particularly tempting, as did the Norfolk Fishcakes.

Everything is freshly prepared and cooked on site by CoCoes head chef Maggie Cooper and her staff. And local produce is widely used – in line with Strattons’ strong environmental and ethical policy and also because there is such an abundance of very high quality food and drink produced in Norfolk. It’s good to see people making the most of it. CoCoes Cafe Deli at Strattons is open every day – 7.30am-5pm during the week and 8.30am-5pm on weekends and Bank Holidays, and also offers outside catering for any type of event.

Why not pop in next time you’re in Swaffham and give it a try? I promise you won’t be disappointed.

FOOD

9

SERVICE

9

VALUE

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“Everything is freshly prepared and cooked on site by CoCoes head chef Maggie Cooper and her staff. And local produce is widely used – in line with Strattons’ strong environmental and ethical policy...”

CoCoes Cafe Deli 4 Ash Close, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7NH Tel: 01760 723845 Web: www.strattonshotel.com

KLmagazine February 2018

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Food & Drink

CHEF’S TIP

!

These pan cakes go great with blueberrie s and lemon drizzle an d should be slightly gooey insi de!

Ricotta Pancakes INGREDIENTS

1 cup ricotta 1 cup flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 1/2 tsp sugar granulated 1/8 tsp salt 4/3 cup milk 2 x egg yolks 2 x egg whites 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

METHOD

1 In one bowl mix the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.

2 In another bowl mix the ricotta, milk, egg yolks and vanilla extract.

3 Whisk the egg whites in a third bowl.

4 Mix the first two bowls together and then fold in the egg whites.

Recipe by Archers Kitchen Limes House, 25-26 Purfleet St, King's Lynn PE30 1ER Tel: 01553 764411 KLmagazine February 2018

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Food & Drink

ABOVE: Lakenham Creamery currently produces around 25 different flavours based on a time-honoured ice cream recipe – and while you might expect coconut & cream and raspberries & cream, the company also produces exotic tastes such as gooseberry & elderflower and apricot & brandy – and has even been known to produce onion ice cream!

Why it’s always time for ice cream in Norfolk With a heritage that stretches back almost 100 years, Lakenham Creamery has taken ice cream to a new level, creating over 20 exciting and award-winning flavours, as Sylvia Steele discovers...

S

ince it was first introduced to Londoners in 1851 by Swiss émigré Carlo Gatti from his stand outside Charing Cross Station, the popularity of ice cream has never diminished. Prior to this, it had been an expensive luxury – making Gatti’s one-penny scoops exciting and affordable to the average passer-by. In those early days the choice on offer was simply vanilla or vanilla, but as with other foods the public’s awareness of other more exotic

KLmagazine February 2018

tastes has fast-forwarded.

Ice cream has been a large part of Norwich’s culinary history since the wonderfully-named Christmas Aldous introduced it to the city’s market in 1921 – where every Saturday he’d sell some 3,000 ice creams. The company then passed to his two sons Ronnie and Chris until, 25 years ago, Aldous Ice Cream was taken over by Chris Coughlan.

“I was fortunate to have plenty of help from Chris Aldous in the early years,” he

says. “That was invaluable to us.”

Renamed Lakenham Creamery, the company still occupies premises at the old Aldous family home in Norwich.

Since its humble beginnings, the factory has undergone considerable renovation and modernisation in recent years, with continual refits and the introduction of replacement equipment.

The company produces two ranges of ice cream; Norfolk County Dairy and Aldous Norfolk County, which retains the old association and heritage.

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Food & Drink

“This is ice cream your grandmother would remember,” says Chris. “Norfolk County Dairy ice cream is the connoisseur’s choice – with its exceptionally high cream content, it’s a smooth and rather decadent dessert.

We still use the traditional ‘batch’ method of production using fresh cream, egg yolks, sugar and flavourings, but we’re continually refining our flavours and adding new ones.”

Chris describes it as being the way you’d make ice cream at home – but on a considerably bigger scale and using the very latest technology.

“We can make three flavours at the same time,” says Chris, “but they do need to complement each other – for instance, we can work on Butterscotch, Toffee Crunch and the ever-versatile Vanilla at the same time.”

As the public’s penchant for travelling to exotic places and discovering different tastes has grown, Chris has been asked to produce many different flavours. One, perhaps not to everyone’s taste, was onion ice cream – and another was prawn ice cream.

However, mascarpone and fig was one fusion that proved a real winner, picking up two stars at the 2016 Restaurant Show at Olympia.

More recent flavours include elderberry and gooseberry, salted peanut butter (which won two gold stars at the Great Taste Awards in 2017) and the limited editions of pure pistachio and dark chocolate with

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cocoa nibs.

“We created a stem ginger ice cream for a client once, and that’s really gained in popularity,” says Chris. “The British public certainly know what they like and they have very diverse tastes. They have a greater awareness of flavours today and what they’ve tasted on holiday they want to be able to re-experience at home.”

Whilst retaining the concepts held by Christmas Aldous of being a traditional British ice cream company producing the kind of treat you’d enjoy in a cone at the seaside, Lakenham Creamery’s desire to move forward and launch new flavour ideas has never diminished – a passion reflected in an impressive galaxy of Awards.

In total, the company has won no less than 25 Gold Taste Awards from the Guild of Fine Foods and a further 120 national awards, including 30 Great Taste Awards.

“We aim to produce around 25 different flavours of Norfolk County Ice Cream, with occasional specials like Christmas pudding ice cream and an all-round winter dessert ice cream,” says Chris. “That was introduced in 2016 and has a brilliant mix of spicy orange with punchy cranberries for a little touch of bitterness.”

And although our summer’s may not be quite as summery as they were before, ice cream has never diminished in popularity – with sales in the UK last year totalling around £1.2 billion. The current level of production at Lakenham

Creamery is between 1,000-2,500 litres a day, although that’s exceeded in summer months. The company now employs a staff of six, including Factory Manager Damien Hunt, and calls in additional help over the summer.

“We’re really proud of our close-knit team,” says Chris. “My staff members have been here a long time and they’re all experts at what they do.”

When Christmas Aldous first opened his stall on Norwich market in 1921, he could never have envisaged that the popularity of this wonderful food, first being sold in one-penny scoops at a London station, would rise to such prominence nearly one hundred years later. But some things never change.

“Even today, vanilla still outsells all the other more exotic flavours,” says Chris.

So what’s the secret of a truly great ice cream?

“I think the key to our success has been our attention to detail and the fact that we’ve always concentrated on quality,” he says. “And most of all, our ice cream recipe remains basically unaltered since the Aldous days.”

You can find Lakenham Creamery’s ice cream in several farm shops, deli's and stores such as Waitrose and Co-op.

Visit the company’s website at www.lakenhamcreamery.co.uk for a full list of current flavours – and they’re always happy to help you find your nearest stockist.

KLmagazine February 2018

“

”

Thanks Martin for a truly faultless service: for your care and attention, for your hardworking, courteous and meticulous staff, and for making d our floors look every bit as goo ! laid e wer they as the day

Time to brighten up your floors with a fresh new look With over 20 years experience and the most advanced cleaning system in the UK, no one can clean your floors like XtraClean... hile the weather may be a a bit gloomy and dull, you can still enjoy a bright start to the year by treating your stone floors to the professional cleaning services of Martin King and his Swaffham-based team at Xtraclean.

The winter months can really take their toll on your stone floors. The look fantastic and are a considerable investment, but they tend to lose their good looks over time – and eventually your beautiful slate, limestone or natural stone floor will need a lot more than a mop and some elbow grease to bring it back to its best.

“As deposits and dirt gradually builds up on your floors, traditional cleaning methods and chemicals will become increasingly ineffective,” says Martin.

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“That’s why we use a revolutionary floor cleaning system to restore heavilysoiled stone floors, tiles and grout to ‘as-new’ brilliance – and we can do it in a single visit too!”

For more than 20 years, XtraClean has been offering a professional, friendly and fully-insured service that covers the whole of Norfolk (and even beyond) with a team of highly skilled, highly trained and highly knowledgeable technicians dedicated to keeping your floors looking as bright as the day they were laid.

Following an initial survey and test, Martin and his team will get to work (even moving the furniture for you!) breaking down ingrained dirt and loosening surface soiling. Then, XtraClean’s amazing turbo-cleaning capture system thoroughly pressure

cleans the floor, capturing all the waste in the process. The results are spectacular, and are achieved without invasive procedures such as grinding and resurfacing.

“Once the floor’s been cleaned we’ll professionally seal it for added protection which will help retain its looks for longer,” says Martin. ”We can even re-polish and buff highly-honed stone floors if required!”

So what’s the secret to offering such a high quality service?

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KLmagazine February 2018

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History

ABOVE: The central quadrangular courtyard of Hanse House in King’s Lynn, which was once an important German trading post until the Hanseatic merchants sold it in 1751

A remarkable survivor from Lynn’s trading past It’s stood on the quayside in King’s Lynn for over 500 years, but even now Hanse House is a hive of activity. Dr Paul Richards looks at the life of the very last Hanseatic warehouse in England

I

nterest in the long association between King’s Lynn and the Hanseatic League is stimulated by the quadrangular complex of historic buildings by the river Great Ouse now known as Hanse House. It was once called St Margaret’s House, and was home to the offices of Norfolk County Council from about 1948 to 2011, but its origins go all the way back to medieval times.

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For here was once a German ‘kontor’ or trading post, with warehouses full of imported wax, pitch, amber, fish, and furs – and it remained in the possession of the ‘Hans’ towns of Lübeck, Hamburg and Bremen until 1751 when the property was sold to a Lynn merchant for £800.

The street range opposite King’s Lynn Minster had probably been timber framed originally, with the entrance

adorned with the double-headed eagle of the Hanseatic League. Referred to in documents before 1751 as ‘Allemayne Mansion’ or ‘Stileyard House’ the site was redeveloped shortly after 1475 with two warehouse ranges running down to the river – and was then acquired by the Hanseatic towns.

As the sole remaining Hanseatic trading post in the whole country, today’s Hanse House is of national

KLmagazine February 2018

significance – Bergen’s kontor is even on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage sites.

The Germans had abandoned their kontor in King’s Lynn by 1561 and it was then let to local merchants for both storage and accommodation. In 1732 the tenant was Edward Everard (16991769) before he purchased it from the Mayors of Lübeck, Bremen and Hamburg in 1751 – at which time the complex included warehouses, shops, cellars, yards and a wharf.

It was no doubt Everard who was responsible for calling the building St. Margaret’s House, following his rebuilding of the street range or mansion on (naturally enough) St Margaret’s Place. It became a venue for the upper-crust parties of King’s Lynn, with a salon created in the northern warehouse range about 1790 – which has now been carefully restored as an impressive Georgian period room.

At the river end of the warehouse, Everard erected an extension to serve as a maltings, which functioned into the 1930s. The Rathskeller bistro and restaurant occupies this Georgian building today.

The Everards had a partner called John Prescott Blencowe who then emerged as their ‘leading spirit’ at St Margaret’s House. He married an Everard daughter in 1799 and became the owner of the complex.

In 1878, St Margaret’s House and its adjoining warehouses passed into the hands of William Burkitt who proceeded to lease the whole property, HS and JL Marriott operating the granaries and maltings behind the mansion. Within the latter, a day and boarding school for girls had been

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History

ABOVE: The ‘kontor’ known as the Oostershuis was the headquarters of the Hanseatic League in Antwerp. Designed by the Flemish artist and architect Cornelis Floris II, it was erected about 1560 – but unlike the kontor in King’s Lynn (today’s Hanse House, below) it has not survived, being destroyed by fire in 1893.

established by 1883, with the Germanborn August Goebbels and his wife Margaret being the teachers. The 1881 census records about 15 female boarders aged between 12-16 and two servants.

By 1888 St Margaret’s House was occupied by Lydia and Henry Allinson, who was a local surgeon. He was also paying poor rates for a stable and a warehouse, and the domestic staff consisted of a coachman, housemaid and cook.

At the start of the 20th century (between 1908 and 1914) the new owner of St Margaret’s House provided a meeting room for the West Norfolk Masonic Lodge, which had been founded in 1906 – and during the Great War of 1914-18, quarters (rooms) for British Army officers were made available by the proprietor.

In the 1920s and 30s the former Hanseatic kontor belonged to corn merchant Frank Rust Floyd – who had been mayor of King’s Lynn in 1911.

A dining room and small study with a sitting room were on the ground floor opposite St Margaret’s. Today’s Georgian room in the northern warehouse range was still being used as a drawing room, with a granary beyond.

In the southern warehouse range on St Margaret’s Lane, the kitchen and an

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office were on the ground floor and living accommodation above, with the granary towards the river.

Frank Rust Floyd continued to reside in the house – he died aged 94 in 1948 – but the two warehouses were leased to other merchants. Floyd was very interested in the Hanseatic League, and welcomed groups on town tours to his home.

In 1968, Norfolk County Council purchased St Margaret’s House as its western area headquarters, and following restoration and internal

alterations the complex was Grade I listed in 1972.

St Margaret’s House finally received its current name in 2009, when it was changed to Hanse House to reflect its importance in Anglo-German history.

An information plaque in the courtyard was unveiled by the mayor King’s Lynn and the German Ambassador to London in 1998.

The next chapter in the life of Hanse House began in 2011, when it was sold to Mr James Lee who has since cleverly transformed it into a business and multi-purpose centre. Two attractive apartments have been created in the street range, with offices on the ground floor. Part of the southern warehouse range accommodates another apartment, with Citizens Advice Bureau on the ground floor.

In the northern warehouse range can be found the undercroft bar, and on the floor above the Hamburg Suite is used for art exhibitions and a variety of functions.

The short western range overlooking the river was probably the dining hall of the German merchants who lived on the street facing St Margaret’s, and this has been licensed for civil marriages since 1972.

Thanks to the work of James and his team, public access to Hanse House has been increased, and it has a bright future ahead of it. It’s a vibrant contribution to the regeneration of the South Quay area and will help preserve this historically important building for future generations.

For more details and information on Hanse House, please visit the website at www.hansehouse.co.uk. To arrange guided tours of Hanse House, please contact Lucy Lee on 01553 775678 or e-mail info@hansehouse.co.uk.

KLmagazine February 2018

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

Independent Lettings & Property Management Specialists

QUI CK FAC TS The fine for failing to comply with the GDPR is 4% of a businesses turnover.

DPA+EU–BREXIT=GDPR T his month I’m going to be talking about the changes to the handling of customers personal information. I appreciate that the Data Protection Act (DPA) is relevant to all companies in every conceivable area of business so these changes are not specific to the residential lettings industry. However, what does make these changes worthy of discussing this month is firstly that letting agents have to collect, process and store a huge amount of personal data concerning tenants. Trying to rent a house is like applying for a loan, except we have to ask more questions than a bank!

Secondly preparation for this new legislation has been largely ignored by a lot of companies believing that it would not be coming into force following Brexit. Wrong!

What’s changing then? The Data Protection Act (DPA) which has remained relatively unchanged and easy to follow since its inception back in 1995 is to now be replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) following a ruling at the European Parliament which comes into force on 25th May 2018.

It just sounds like the same thing, what are the main differences? Express consent by a consumer for their data to be used must be proven and retained at every point. There can no longer be an assumed permission to pass on contact details for a tenant to a contractor just because maintenance has been reported, permission must be sought in each instance.

Likewise lengthy permissive disclaimers for unspecified use of a tenant’s personal details will be abolished along with preselected tick boxes on computerised application forms which require customers to opt out rather than in are all being quashed.

Customers also have the right to request removal from a company’s data records once their business is concluded, as well as a right to request for all their information to be forwarded to an alternative service supplier.

Specifically affecting the lettings industry these new consumer rights along with additional constraints governing the responsible handling and destruction of personal data are throwing up a few challenging scenarios.

At what point has our business with a tenant concluded to the point where we can responsibly dispose of their data. If rent arrears remain after the tenancy ends does this signify suitable reasoning for retaining their personal information? What about when a perfect tenant comes back in 12 months time for a reference, if you had followed the destruction protocols to the letter information concerning the conduct during this tenancy is going to be greatly diminished.

For some letting agents using cloud based software systems this has been a costly time with PSG, one of the largest suppliers within this area, having to “retire” some of its’ programs due to the complexity of adjusting to the new legislation.

These new regulations are not going to pass without some test cases appearing in front of judges and landlords who let their properties privately should not consider themselves exempt as although they are not a company they are acting within the course of business. Don’t let it be you!

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

KLmagazine February 2018

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done without having to alter your Will.

How to make your final wishes known...

While it doesn’t supplant the need to make a Will, a letter of wishes can be useful in clarifying what happens (and why) after your death, as Janet Lane of Fraser Dawbarns LLP explains any people have very specific wishes as to the nature and conduct of their funeral, but naturally they won’t be around to know if those wishes are carried out.

Technically, the executors appointed under the Will are the decision makers for funeral arrangements, and they are not obliged to follow any funeral wishes expressed in it.

A recent report by the Law Commission recommended that expressed funeral wishes be made legally binding, but in the meantime your best course of action may be a letter of wishes.

This is a confidential document that sets out your thought process either at the time of making your Will or at a later date, and expresses your personal wishes about how you would like things to be done after your death.

As such, it can provide important information that you may wish to be kept outside of your Will, or it can simply offer guidance to executors and trustees – provide general information about how you envision any money being used or information in relation to the family dynamics.

M

KLmagazine February 2018

SHOULD YOU MAKE ONE? Although the contents of a letter of wishes are not legally binding at the moment, they can be useful in certain circumstances.

A letter of wishes can help executors make practical early decisions, such as making funeral arrangements, but it can also provide reassurance to executors and trustees when making potentially difficult or unpopular decisions – and can help them manage family expectations.

A letter of wishes can be particularly helpful if your family situation is one which includes, for example, being married more than once, having children from different relationships, or a family business where one child is involved in the day-to-day running of the business and another is not.

Another use for a letter of wishes is to specify who should inherit certain items that are not of great monetary value but where their sentimental value means you want to make specific mention of them.

Detailing these items in your Will could make it too lengthy or difficult for the executors to deal with – and if you do have a change of heart about who should inherit a specific item it can be

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? Because a letter of wishes is not legally binding, the executors and trustees are under no legal obligation to distribute items in accordance with the letter.

However, without a letter of wishes there can be confusion as to why you’ve made certain decisions in your Will – and family members can be left not knowing the reasons for receiving a smaller inheritance in comparison to their siblings, or even being left out altogether.

In these circumstances a letter of wishes can help prevent disagreements between family members and can help avoid a challenge to your Will.

Please note that a letter of wishes does not replace the need to make a Will and cannot prevent a successful claim being brought against your estate by an excluded beneficiary, as the recent case of Nahajec v Fowle shows (in that case, an adult child); however, it can be helpful when your Will doesn’t provide for family members as they might expect, and can provide you with the opportunity to specify who should inherit items of sentimental value to you – without having to make a long and complicated Will.

Fraser Dawbarns have a range of experts who can advise and assist you with all aspects of Wills, estate planning and letters of wishes. For further help with this issue, contact us today to see how we can help you register your land and provide you with peace of mind and security. You can contact us on 01553 666600, visit our website or e-mail info @fraserdawbarns.com JANET LANE Associate Solicitor, Civil Litigation

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

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History

ABOVE: This model of one of Frederick Savage’s revolutionary fairground rides can be found in King’s Lynn Museum

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deported to Tasmania to serve a sentence of 14 years – after this, Savage’s parents spent the rest of their lives apart. Fred Savage was determined to better himself and moved from job to job until, aged 16, he was employed by Thomas Cooper who was a Whitesmith and Machine Maker in East Dereham. It was here that Fred gained considerable experience in the manufacture of farm implements. He later moved to work in Norwich, where he met and married Susannah Bloyce on the 26th August 1850.

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rederick Savage was born on the 3rd March 1828 at Hevingham, four miles from the market town of Aylsham.

He only had a very basic early education, and when he began work preparing wood for Mr Dye, a local hurdle manufacturer at the age of 10, he couldn’t read or write.

Savage’s parents had fallen on hard times, affected by the local and national depressions. His father, William Savage (one of 19 children over a period of 22 years) was caught poaching and was

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GU

In the month the Mart returns to town, Bob Price of King’s Lynn Town Guides describes the extraordinary rise to wealth and enduring popularity of one of Lynn’s most colourful characters

KI N G ’S L

Celebrating the life of the King of the Fairgrounds Savage showed his inventiveness from an early age. Whilst living in Norwich he devised and built a primitive car with a fixed body mounted on four wheels and propelled by means of side levers. Locals would amusingly shout out “here comes Savage with his go-cart!” when they saw him.

In 1851, Fred moved to King’s Lynn to start a new job with Charles Willett as a foreman carpenter making steam threshing machines.

About two years later, Fred left to set up his own business, initially a forge on KLmagazine February 2018

Tower Street, making iron and wooden rakes. As the draining of the fens created more agricultural land, Fred developed other agricultural implements and needed to find ever larger premises for his growing business.

It was whilst his business was at the Old Workhouse that Fred produced his first self-propelled traction engine, the seven horse-power ‘Juggernaut.’ The engine was used to move threshing equipment from field to field and was at home in the country, but town folk were very nervous of it because it was so noisy – and they were worried it would either blow up or scare their horses.

Fred’s steam engines weren’t allowed through the South Gate, so he wrote a letter of complaint to the Lynn Advertiser.

In 1863, Fred’s growing business moved to St Nicholas’ Works in St Nicholas’ Street and was known as “Frederick Savage, mechanical engineer, millwright, boiler and agricultural implement maker, iron and brass founder and agent for all kinds of patent implements.” It was from here, alongside the Tuesday Market Place, that he began his great association with travelling showmen.

As the Mart was the first fair of the season, the travelling showmen would take their equipment to Fred for repair and overhaul. Fred made small steam engines to drive the barrel organs to save the operators from hand cranking the machinery.

In the early 1860s he invented the Velocipede Roundabout; a pedalpowered roundabout, which he unfortunately neglected to patent. Fred then struck up a friendship with William Sangar of the renowned circus family in Margate, when providing a steam engine for his pony driven set of gallopers.

KLmagazine February 2018

ABOVE: The statue of Frederick Savage on the junction of London Road and Guanock Terrace in King’s Lynn. It was unveiled on 27th May 1892 (five years before Savage’s death) at a grand ceremony during which Lord Henry Bentinck MP said it would remind people to “walk uprightly, and be kind and generous.”

Fred was the first person to come up with the idea of inserting an engine into the middle of the ride. Other rides that he was involved in were the ‘Gondola Switchback’ and his most famous platform ‘Gallopers’, which were considered the best around. He also made variations of the Gallopers with Racing Peacocks, Jumping Cats and Flying Pigs.

As Fred Savage’s business grew, his final move was in 1873 to St Nicholas Ironworks on nine acres of reclaimed land on the northern edge of town. The factory was fitted out with modern equipment, and initially 200 men were employed, increasing to 450 at the business’s peak. The expense of the new factory left only £12 in the bank, but it wasn’t long before orders came rolling in for both agricultural machines and

fairground rides, not only from this country but from abroad too. His relationship with the showmen grew stronger and Fred’s works became a laboratory for the showmen. Each year at the Mart, Fred would have his own stand just outside the Globe Hotel, where his latest ride was shown to an expectant and excited crowd.

Amongst his best remembered rides were the Sea-on-land Yachts, Tunnel Railway, Razzle Dazzle and the Savage Slide.

Whilst Fred was successful in business, he still found time for public life, representing the Borough as a member of the Board of Guardians, a life governor of the West Norfolk and King’s Lynn Hospital, a trustee for the Municipal Charity and a director of the King’s Lynn Docks and Railway Board.

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History

Finding Frederick Savage in King’s Lynn today...

Frederick Savage’s statue is on the junction of London Road and Guanock Terrace.

Savage is buried at the Hardwick cemetery where his grave is crowned with an elegant monument in Peterhead and Labrador granites bearing an angel with uplifted arms in finest Sicilian marble.

There are exhibits of Savage’s work (right) in King’s Lynn Museum.

Working Savage carousels can be found in both the Thursford Collection and at the Bressingham Steam Museum.

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A step-by-step way to explore the heritage of King’s Lynn...

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statue. The coffin was made by Fred’s own workmen from Norfolk oak, panelled and polished, with brass furniture and plate, and the hearse was drawn by the Savage’s Works horse Samson. The bearers were some of the foremen employed by the firm followed by family and other important dignitaries. Around 180 employees of the firm attended, marching four abreast, all wearing gloves and a black neck-tie.

Frederick Savage brought great happiness to many people. He was successful in business, had time for everyone and wanted to make them happy. The fact that he was self-taught, together with his wonderful vision made him a brilliant engineer.

Fred brought the Industrial Revolution to the fairground and it’s hardly surprising he was affectionately known as the ‘King of the Roundabouts.’

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He was most generous in his support of charities and other deserving causes, including the hospital, the Primitive Methodist Chapel and local traders such as the Lynn fishermen and local craftsmen.

His family supported him greatly in his many public duties reflecting the same generous spirit. In all, Fred and Susannah were to have 11 children, three of whom died in infancy. Fred Savage often travelled extensively in this country and abroad, too. But the constant long distance travelling, in sometimes difficult conditions, had taken its toll on Fred’s health and he died on 27th April 1897, aged 69 years.

Fred’s funeral was a spectacle never previously witnessed in King’s Lynn, befitting the showman he was.

As crowds lined the route, the procession made its way through town to the South Gate – passing his own

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ABOVE: This replica of Fred Savage’s ‘gallopers’ carousel shows horses with flat ears – originally the ears were standing up, but after a number of people sat on the heads and broke the ears off, Fred redesigned the models.

PRIVATE BOOKINGS There are no regular walks in February, but the Town Guides are available for private bookings at any time or day, with reasonable notice, for groups of 6 or more.

If you’d like to get together with a group of friends or colleagues to discover more about your town the simply contact the Tourist Information Centre in the Custom House on 01553 763044 to book your tour.

The King’s Lynn Town Guides give their services entirely voluntarily. All the money raised from the walks goes directly to conservation projects in the town.

THE TOWN GUIDES’ ANNUAL DONATIONS CEREMONY will be taking place at King’s Lynn Town Hall on Wednesday 21st February in the presence of the Mayor. 2017 was the most successful year for visitor numbers for over 15 years, with attendances up by over 20% against the previous year.

This means that the Guides will be giving away £6,000 this year to support eight local organisations: Hampton Court; Worfolk Boat Trust towards putting sails on the Baden Powell; Trues Yard for work on their fishing smack; Marriott’s Warehouse Trust for a new project entitled ‘King’s Lynn: North Sea Haven & Hanseatic Town’; King’s Lynn Preservation Trust; Lynn Minster towards their renovation fund; All Saints Church; and Friends of St Nicholas Chapel towards their restoration of the organ.

KLmagazine February 2018

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KLmagazine February 2018

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KLmagazine February 2018

A new year, a new start, and a new approach to your money How Chartered Financial Planner Katie Trendell can help you make the most of your money and secure your financial future... new year means a fresh start, but that can mean different things for different people. The start of the year is always an important one for relationships, and whether they’re beginning or ending those changes can have a major impact on your finances.

That’s why it makes sense to get sound advice from an independent financial adviser – someone you can trust and someone who’s qualified to help you and your money.

Before any big changes start to shape your future (for better or for worse!) it’s important to know how secure that future may

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be – and how you can protect it.

For example, you may need to understand what happens to your pension, what your options are, and what impact they will have in the years ahead. If you would prefer financial stability and you want to avoid the stress of making the wrong choices, speak to Katie – and together we can organise your money to achieve your future financial goals.

Contact Katie Trendell, a Chartered Financial Planner and experienced adviser for a free initial appointment on 07739 339663 or send an e-mail to ktrendell@barnsher.co.uk.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Barnes & Sherwood Professional Advisers King’s Lynn Innovation Centre (KLIC), Innovation Drive, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 5BY Mobile: 07739 339663 E-mail: ktrendell@barnsher.co.uk Barnes & Sherwood Professional Advisers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 547997 KLmagazine February 2018

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Local Life

ABOVE: NLP practitioner and advanced hypnotherapist Nicki Williamson with a group of schoolchildren during a Wellbeing Workshop

How healthy minds can help make happy children With the mental health of our children frequently in the news, West Norfolk based specialist Nicki Williamson is now leading the introduction of Wellbeing Workshops for local schoolchildren...

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ver recent months, the news media has highlighted the achievements of school children who’ve been provided with ‘Wellbeing’ support to reduce disruptive or aggressive behaviour in class. Now, one local specialist in this field, Nicki Williamson, is urging schools to consider the positive results that Wellbeing Workshops are already delivering and which have also proven successful in the workplace.

KLmagazine February 2018

Giving pupils structured but informal behaviour-changing support makes school days happier for everyone – and enables youngsters who take part in the workshops to understand and manage how they respond to situations that may have been challenging before.

Nicki is a highly skilled NLP practitioner and advanced hypnotherapist, and her tailor-made workshops are already used by corporate organisations as a positive approach to stress, anxiety and depression in the workplace.

One West Norfolk school is already providing Wellbeing Workshops, which have greatly benefitted several of their young pupils. The results have been applauded by the school and welcomed by parents of the youngsters – who have participated in a four-week, one hour a week workshop.

The aim of Wellbeing Workshops is to provide a small group environment where around four youngsters can build positive emotions, learn to manage emotions, build their self-

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Local Life

confidence and develop a positive approach to dealing with situations they have difficulty with.

The objectives of every Wellbeing Workshop centre around the children learning relaxation techniques which help them remain calm and able to recognise specific, positive feelings as well as understanding negative emotions when they occur.

Wellbeing Workshops are relatively short, inexpensive and effective; helping pupils of all ages to develop better coping skills in situations they find difficult to deal with, resulting in them ‘acting out’.

For children, not having the insights or confidence to understand their own emotions in stressful situations can be debilitating and destructive. Sadly, this can lead to suspension or even exclusion; and age is no barrier, with pupils of even infant school age already receiving support to become more resilient, as well as learning to understand their emotions better.

With their emotions better understood and under their control, resilience, self-esteem and confidence quickly grow.

As a seasoned specialist in therapeutic services for adults and children, Nicki knows first-hand that society is in the throes of a worrying epidemic, with mental health trends continuing to rise across all age groups.

This epidemic can take many forms, and despite the increasing media reports of health services not being

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able to keep up with an increasing level of demand, there are still some who believe that ‘Wellbeing’ or ‘Mindfulness’ are just buzz words.

This couldn’t be further from the truth, and Nicki’s making it her mission to raise awareness of what could be called ‘the potential to destroy ourselves from within’ and promote solutions that are now needed in schools as well as the workplace.

“The fact is that if we make changes to attitude, perspective and action, the long-term return on the ‘investment’ would be staggering,” says Nicki.

“Imagine – children won’t go through years of self-destructive behaviour and can be the happy, emotionally

confident little people they deserve to be. Wellbeing Workshops achieve this, and provide firm foundations for the future in a very short space of time.”

The workshops give pupils the tools and techniques they need to recognise and manage their emotions. And by having the light-hearted but structured workshops within the school and in groups of four children, it’s an effective solution provided in a comfortable and familiar environment.

“The Wellbeing Workshop techniques are highly effective for adults, and seeing the positive impact on young children has turned this into a mission for me,” says Nicki. “Everyone – particularly children – has the right to be confident and content, and to be able to understand and manage their emotions. Life becomes so much easier then, and children are much happier as a result.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean being deliriously happy all the time. It means helping all school children, even very young ones, to recognise how emotions can impact on each of us, and what can be done to turn negative behaviours into positive outcome. And that remains important throughout school years.

“I am convinced that Wellbeing Workshops are key to supporting children of all ages, so they can enjoy their school years and get the best possible results from their education,” says Nicki. “I’m always happy to discuss the benefits with any school that would like to hear more about how Wellbeing Workshops can support their pupils – whatever their age.”

If any local school would like to find out more, Nicki Williamson can be contacted by calling 07568 145151 or e-mail nicki@thewellbeingpeople.co.uk

KLmagazine February 2018

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Books

ABOVE: Norfolk author Louis de Bernières, who published his first novel in 1990 and achieved international fame with his fourth, the bestselling Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

A special selection of the best books on the shelf...

It’s difficult to believe that UK publishers release around 20 new titles every hour – and even harder to know which ones are worth reading. Here’s our pick of books you’ll find hard to put down

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f you’re looking for your next book but can’t choose from the plethora of titles available, then you’ve come to the right place.

Below you’ll find book reviews sent in recently by KL magazine readers, giving their recommendations of really good reads.

Some of them are new, some of them are classics – but all of them are books readers just couldn’t get enough of. Think of it as your very own, handpicked reading list!

BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS Louis De Bernieres Expansive in its reach yet minute in its

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detailing, Birds Without Wings is a myriad of ‘nested’ stories baked in the Turkish sun; the love story between Ibrahim the shepherd and beautiful Philothei, the ‘Circassian’ prostitute Layla’s tale, her master Rustem Bay’s, and those of the island boys through whose eyes we view the horrors of the First World War. Norfolk author Louis De Bernieres portrays the jealousies and tragedies of small town life with equal relish to its pleasures, but for all its realism and poignancy the novel glows with charity, true love and a harmonious mixedreligion community imploding under exterior racist forces.

PERFECT ARCHITECT Jayne Joso “The architect is dead.” Jayne Joso begins Perfect Architect with the perfect first line. This isn’t any ordinary architect who’s choked on a piece of eel, this is Charles Ore – member of an elite group of international star architects. On his death, Charles’ wife, Gaia discovers a series of intimate letters between her husband and another woman. These letters lead to a source of friendship and support through Gaia’s grief as well as providing the impetus to set up a competition between her husband’s contemporaries to design the perfect home for her. This

KLmagazine February 2018

Local author

is a quirky novel packed with a very warm sense of humour A PLACE OF GREATER SAFETY Hilary Mantel Firstly, it’s huge. Secondly, it’s worth it.

This may be true of many things in life, but particularly A Place of Greater Safety – a book so good it won the Man Booker Prize twice. Exploring the chemistry and innate tension between extremes of passion and reason, Mantel’s knack of conveying dizzying historical detail through engaging and complex characters is at its peak here.

The reader’s life becomes entangled with three men who drove the French Revolution, and understanding what in turn drove them. The portraits of Danton and Desmoulins are great, but Robespierre is outstanding. He’s now unavoidably associated with ‘The Terror’ – but while you may shudder at his decisions, it’s fascinating to see Mantel in his defence.

THE GROUP Mary McCarthy Known for frank and daring descriptions of female sexuality way ahead of its time, Mary McCarthy’s story of five female graduates of New York’s prestigious Vassar College has inspired women writers as far apart as Sarah Waters and Candace Bushnell since.

Published in 1963 and set in the 1930s, the writing is as vibrant and breathless as modern chick-lit – but with the depth of literary historical fiction. It presents familiar issues (class, careers, relationships) alongside taboos of the age (abortion, lesbianism) – but above all, it’s a timeless study of female

KLmagazine February 2018

When Julie meets Ron at a jazz club in South London in 1966, little does she know what impact he’ll have on her life 20 years later. In 1986, drowning in a loveless marriage, Julie sends a 40th birthday card to Ron’s parents’ address, hoping it will reach him. Weeks go by.

She’s about to give up all hope of finding him again when he phones her from Sydney, Australia.

Meeting up with him after all those years is a strange experience but they soon discover they still have strong feelings for one another. He has come back to visit his parents and by the time the four weeks are up he’s making plans to come back to England for good, and for Julie. This is the beginning of an emotional rollercoaster that changes her life forever.

Another 10 years down the line, Julie decided to write her story by hand, from her old diaries. After weeks of work, she put the three A4 notebooks away in a cupboard, hoping one day to get them published.

In 2007, having retired and moved to Cornwall, Julie was wondering how to fill her days when she spotted a poster for a creative writing course. This opened up a whole new world for her.

She gradually transcribed her three notebooks onto Microsoft Word and gave parts of the document to the members of her writers’ group to critique. Their enthusiasm spurred her on to try and get it published. Julie wrote to various literary agents but her manuscript was rejected.

She was told her memoir was a niche subject, she wasn’t famous and therefore she was a ‘bad risk’. She put the memoir away again.

In 2015 Julie moved again to West Norfolk.

She attended the Ely Writers Day in June 2017, where she learned how to self-publish online.

No One Comes Close A memoir by J.A.Newman She decided to give it a go. Not being very computer literate, this was a huge undertaking for her – but she persevered, taking it one step at a time, and finally published No One Comes Close in September last year. She’s very pleased with the positive reviews on Amazon.

Having taken part in many creative writing courses and workshops has enabled Julie to write in different genres, from magazine articles to short stories to novels. The first work she had published was an article for This England magazine, shortly after she completed her first creative writing course. She was overjoyed when a cheque arrived in the post along with a copy of the publication. Since then, Julie has had seven more articles published with This England and their sister magazine Evergreen.

Whilst living in Cornwall Julie took part in a historical short story course as part of the Caradon Hill Heritage Project. This enabled her to have two short stories published in two separate anthologies: Mining for Words and Write to Remember. The first was a collection of short stories set in various periods of history, for which she wrote Vanished Without Trace – a time-travel story set in the English Civil War in Cornwall. The second was released in 2014 to commemorate the onset of WW1. Hell in a Pocket tells the story in which a farmer and his wife are waiting for news of their son fighting in the trenches.

Julie has written two novels which she plans to publish this year and her next project will be a historical novel set in the English Civil War, which she hopes to publish in 2020.

No One Comes Close is available on Amazon.co.uk in paperback and Kindle.

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Books The chilling tale follows identical twins Julia and Valentine, who (despite appearances) are contradictory in nature. Upon the death of estranged Aunt Elspeth, the twins inherit their elusive relation’s Highgate home.

London’s most famous cemetery provides the perfect backdrop to this fantastically unravelling story of family secrets, interlacing desires of both the living and the departed. Niffenegger blends science fiction with human complexity like no other, but the surprising conclusion may leave a bitter taste.

friendships and high-society cliques in all their catty and compelling glory.

ROOM Emma Donoghue Meet Jack – a boy whose perception of the world is limited to the 12ft square room from which he has never left.

Child of his incarcerated ‘Ma’ and her monstrous captor, Jack’s life is dominated by the intense relationship with his mother and the deceptions she’s woven to keep the horrors of his existence from him. Horrific themes are introduced by cleverly-structured omissions to create a novel that’s ultimately a glimpse into the private world a mother and her son, with ever present intimations of the Fritzl case adding an effectively unsettling chill to every word. It’s a stunning an profoundly moving book.

GENTLEMAN AND PLAYERS Joanne Harris Every woman and their cat read Chocolat, Harris’ most famous novel.

But if Chocolat was like curling up by the fire with a glass of red wine, Gentlemen and Players is a shot of whisky on a stormy night — and it’s all the better for it. Set in an elite public school for boys, the story is narrated by both an old Latin master and Mole – a new teacher with a fifteen-year-old

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grudge against the school. Cue love, hate, sex, murder and betrayal, all presented in Harris’s deliciously decadent style of storytelling. It’s thrilling, and it’s hugely satisfying in a curious way.

AMERICAN WIFE Curtis Sittenfeld The life of former First Lady Laura Bush might not sound like promising material, but this fictional autobiography is delightful. When shy librarian Alice falls for Charlie, heir of the Blackwell political dynasty, private tragedies from her past (and her disagreement with her husband’s policies) threaten to emerge.

The well-drawn characters defy caricatures of a conniving presidential idiot and his meek, silent wife. Imagining the rich inner story that resides in every unassuming introvert, Sittenfeld has created a masterpiece from an ordinary life.

HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY Audrey Niffenegger Before reading this book, be warned; this is unlike the cult classic charting the time travelling trials of Clare and Henry – if possible, it’s better.

THE TRICK IS TO KEEP BREATHING Janice Galloway Joy Stone is depressed – haunted by memories of the drowning of her former lover, she blames herself for his death. In this fascinating book, Janice Galloway has created a complex protagonist with obsessive compulsions, giving the reader an insight into a disturbed mind, and the first-person narration means that nothing is concealed. Joy’s sense of hopelessness and the tragedy of a selfdestructive life stain many of the pages with accounts of bulimia, alcoholism and self-mutilation. It’s a gripping read filled with uncertainty and fear, yet it’s still sprinkled with humour and makes you realise you have no idea what another person’s life may really be like.

THE BLOODY CHAMBER Angela Carter With Hollywood’s renewed penchant for the fairytale revival, there’s no better time to sample dark offerings from literature’s original purveyor of the macabre. Angela Carter’s fantastic collection of reworked fairy tales firmly rejects the motif of the damsel in distress, instead choosing to follow strong young women and themes of awoken sexuality and confused lust in deliciously lyrical prose. From the gloomy eroticism of The Bloody Chamber to the haunting rewriting of Beauty and the Beast in The Tiger’s Bride, this collection of short stories show there is a lot more to folk tales than beautiful princesses and happy endings.

KLmagazine February 2018

from £5,000 to £2,000 from 6th April, so it may be beneficial to take dividends before the 2017/18 tax year end. If feasible, funds can then be loaned back to the company, paying a commercial rate of interest – thus taking advantage of your savings allowances.

Tax-saving strategies ahead of April 5th...

As the tax year starts coming to an end, Chris Goad BSc ACA of Stephenson Smart looks at the ways you can maximise the various allowances available to both you and your business he new tax year is only a couple of months away, which makes it the perfect time to ensure your finances are as tax-efficient as possible. On both a business and personal level there are a number of ways you can boost your personal wealth – and here are just a few of them.

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES Make use of your capital allowances Most businesses can take advantage of a 100% Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) which can be applied to the first £200,000 of plant and machinery expenditure (excluding cars) – it’s available to businesses of any size and most business structures (except partnerships with corporate partners) although provisions are in place to prevent multiple claims.

TIP: A purchase made just before the end of the current accounting year means the allowances are usually available a year earlier than if the purchase was made just after the year end.

Consider the company car Few businesses consider whether company cars are the most tax-efficient option for their needs. In 2017-18, benefits are calculated at up to 37% of the car’s list price and by the same percentage on a

KLmagazine February 2018

notional £22,600 for fuel. The percentage increase and further changes to the rules are set to come into effect in April, so now may be the ideal time to review your company car policy.

TIP: Paying employees for business mileage in their own vehicles may prove more advantageous for them, especially if their business mileage is high.

Extract your business profits efficiently Some business owners can take a dividend rather than a salary or bonus.

While a salary or bonus can carry up to 25.8% in employers and employee national insurance contributions (NICs) dividends are paid free of NICs – but note that dividends are not tax deductible for the company. This area requires careful consideration, so please speak to us.

TIP: The dividend allowance is being cut

OUR BRANCHES

PERSONAL STRATEGIES Make tax-efficient savings Over the years, Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) have proved a popular way to save. The overall annual ISA subscription limit is currently £20,000.

The new Lifetime ISA (available to adults aged under 40) allows first-time buyers and those saving for retirement to deposit up to £4,000 in an account each year. The government will add a 25% bonus on any savings in the account before their 50th birthday.

TIP: Ensure you’ve fully utilised your ISA allowance ahead of April 5th.

Maximise your retirement income If you’re not currently in an appropriate pension scheme, it's important to make your own pension arrangements. Relief is available on annual contributions, limited to the greater of £3,600 (gross) or the amount of UK relevant earnings eligible for tax relief, and subject also to the annual allowance, which is generally £40,000.

TIP: Pension contributions must be paid on or before 5th April to be applied against 2017/18 income.

Consider the whole family All individuals (including children) have their own tax-free personal allowance (PA) which is £11,500 in 2017-18, so you may consider spreading your income more evenly across the family. Some restrictions apply, so please contact us for further information.

TIP: The Marriage Allowance is available to married couples and civil partners where one earns no more than £11,500 and neither pays tax at the higher or additional rate - potentially reducing the tax liability by up to £230 in this tax year.

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Local Arts

ABOVE: Keith Tutt’s painting The Landscapers – an example of the artist’s love of capturing the essence of real people in real situations

Portraits, screenplays, poetry and world peace Most artists would be satisfied with success in one particular field. Not so Keith Tutt – whose work ranges from fiction to award-winning TV series, and from painting to film scripts...

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o describe Keith Tutt as an artist does him an injustice.

For in addition to his portraits, landscapes, narrative works and copies of old masters he’s also the author of six non-fiction books, two children’s books, a growing body of poetry and a novel.

Somehow, he’s also found time to win a national competition for an original screenplay, pick up the BT Science Journalism of the Year Award and win a BAFTA for an animated series about a little red fox.

At his home in Norfolk, Keith took a well-earned break from his work and talked to KL magazine about everything

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from painting portraits to world peace.

KL magazine: Your father owned a fish shop and your mother was a dance teacher – so how did you end up as an artist?

KEITH TUTT: Good question! My father was a frustrated creative person who never really got the chance to pursue his real talents. I’m not sure how conscious I was of this when I was young, but I was interested in painting and art from a very young age.

KL magazine: Why did you move away from painting in the early 1980s?

KEITH TUTT: I was doing art A-level and hoping to take it further, but

contracted glandular fever and had to drop a subject – and at my rather academic school, art was the casualty.

At that point, my creative impulse moved into writing and I took my first play to Edinburgh in 1981, before working on film scripts from 1982.

KL magazine: You won a BAFTA in 2000 for your work on the BBC children’s animation series Pablo the Little Red Fox – how did that happen?

KEITH TUTT: In 1995 my then wife Hannah Giffard and I started a TV production company to turn her children’s books into an animation series. It took five years and a lot of money to get the series funded, but its

KLmagazine February 2018

success on BBC eventually led to the BAFTA award.

KL magazine: You’ve also written six non-fiction books, two children’s books, a large amount of poetry and a novel – what do you enjoy writing the most?

KEITH TUTT: I enjoy writing the current project most – whatever it is! I’m curious about many things, and once I get inspired I’m very committed to each project. I’m also balancing projects that have long timelines (like novels) with other shorter-term work where I can get more regular and immediate response from an audience – poetry, for instance.

KL magazine: Why did you finally return to painting in 2008?

KEITH TUTT: Well, I became divorced from my artitst wife after 22 years, and somehow the wish to paint portraits started to reappear in my thoughts.

Since then, it’s been a steady build towards it being most of what I do.

KL magazine: What kind of a response do you want from people viewing your paintings?

KEITH TUTT: That’s interesting to consider. People’s real responses are sometimes more thought-provoking and rewarding than any ‘fantasy’ review that I can make up. I’m aiming for a portrayal that’s compassionate and reveals what’s ‘true’ but not obviously apparent in the person. If a viewer experiences that, then I’m certainly very happy.

KL magazine: Do you have a single painting of your own that’s particularly special or important to you?

KEITH TUTT: I painted a portrait of my mother in the year after she died. I worked on it for six months, and it became a positive way of grieving her passing. A lot of people have responded very well to it – although I’d certainly never sell the painting. I keep it in my house so she can look at what’s going on.

ABOVE: Keith Tutt’s portrait of his late mother and (below right) Philip Mould of Antiques RoadShow fame. The portrait Elsie Mae (below left) is a commission Keith completed last year for a recovery driver who rescued him and his car

KLmagazine February 2018

PICTURES: KEITH TUTT

KL magazine: Who are your major artistic influences?

KEITH TUTT: Art is a seemingly infinite and inexhaustible source of nourishment, so there are plenty to choose from. I love Post-Impressionist Edouard Vuillard, society portraitist John Singer Sargent, and Scottish artist Joan Eardley. But I also get a great deal of inspiration from masters such as Soutine, van Dongen, Velazquez, Holbein, Leonardo and Caravaggio.

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Local Arts

KL magazine: If you could have a single piece of art on your wall (other than your own!) what would it be – and why?

KEITH TUTT: That’s a tough one! It would either be one of the great Leonardos or Holbein’s Jesus in the Tomb. I painted a copy of it last year [above] after seeing it in Basel. The Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky became obsessed with it, and I can understand his reaction!

KL magazine: What do you enjoy most – writing scripts or books, painting or making documentaries?

KEITH TUTT: I’ve known all my adult life that painting is the most exciting and often ecstatic experience in the actual creative moment. And that’s possibly why I’ve returned to painting after the more ‘vocational’ work of scriptwriting and bookwriting that have felt that they needed to be done and wouldn't leave me alone.

KL magazine: What’s the idea behind Lard Wants World Peace?

KEITH TUTT: Essentially, it’s one small guy, one big dream, and one mega mission! It’s a comic strip about a little wise-fool character who wants to create a better world and has some funny ways of going about it. Supertalented illustrator Daniel Saunders and I have produced around 1,000 strips so far, which are on about six online platforms worldwide. It’s our own small donation to creating a better world – with a bit of humour.

KL magazine: What are you working on at the moment?

KEITH TUTT: I’m currently painting some private commissioned portraits and planning a themed series of portraits with artists, comedy performers and (hopefully) Big Issue

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ABOVE: Keith Tutt’s portrait of Channel 4 News’ Jon Snow and (above) his copy of Holbein’s masterful Jesus in the Tomb. Below is a strip from his cartoon series Lard Wants World Peace! produced in association with acclaimed illustrator Daniel Saunders

sellers. I’m also setting up this year’s exhibitions as well.

KL magazine: Where do you see your work going in the future?

KEITH TUTT: In the direction of more and better portraits I hope! Every work

brings new challenges, which I love. I’d love to see my work in the National Portrait Gallery before I pop off – but we’ll have to wait and see.

KL magazine: Where can we see more of your work?

KEITH TUTT: At the moment, the best (and easiest) place to see my work is online. You can find more information on my paintings and other work on the websites at www.keithtutt.com and www.keithtuttpaintings.com, while the cartoon project can be found at both www.lardwantsworldpeace.com and www.unbound.com/books/lard-wantsworld-peace

KLmagazine February 2018

The Last Word

WildWestNorfolk Michael Middleton’s

V

alentine’s Day is usually seen as a happy, carefree and (literally) rosy time of the year, but it seems to have some pretty gloomy and distinctly unromantic roots. Traditionally, historians believed the festival started in Ancient Rome as a pagan fertility festival called Lupercalia.

Before you get too excited, however, you should know that it involved sacrificing all number of animals and whipping women with animal skins until they bled – which somehow signified their fertility.

Not surprisingly given our modern sensibilities, it’s no longer the most popular theory about the origins of Valentine’s Day, which concerns the Roman Emperor Claudius II, who ruled from 268-270AD. By all accounts, he was a fearsome wrestler and was known to punch horses in the mouth when the fancy took him. His macho approach to life led him to forbid the men in his army from marrying during wartime – which in those days was pretty much most of the time.

But not even emperors can stand in the way of true love, and a certain bishop called Valentine went against the wishes of Claudius and started performing weddings in secret; a service for which he was eventually jailed and executed – on February 14th of course.

And the story goes that whilst in prison the doomed bishop wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter signing it “from your Valentine.”

The trouble with this is that no one really knows whether any of it is true, especially since some 12 other saints with the name Valentine are commemorated in the Roman Catholic Church (one of them was even Pope for two months) and no less than five of 114

them also died on February 14th.

Nevertheless, despite all the odds February 14th had officially become a holiday associated with love and romance by the 1300s, although by that time the festival’s timing was due to the belief that birds started their mating season on February 14th – which is supposedly why doves are often associated with love.

It wasn’t until 300 years later that people started exchanging cards and letters, and mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards didn’t start appearing until the 1840s. As with our ‘traditional’ Christmas, we have the Victorians to thank for what we now consider Valentine’s Day – and it seems in Norfolk it was particularly popular.

Whereas in other parts of Britain a solitary love letter or card would do, people in Norfolk went to great lengths to anonymously swap parcels on the eve of Valentine’s Day – in fact, back then more money was spent on Valentine’s gifts than Christmas presents.

People would fill a bag with love tokens, sweets and flowers, and when they arrived at the home of their lover they’d knock on the door, leave their present, and quickly run off before they were seen.

This is almost certainly the origin of the uniquely Norfolk tradition of the enigmatic Jack Valentine (also known as Old Father Valentine or Old Mother Valentine) who’d knock on your door and run away, leaving a present on your doorstep.

If you think that’s also the stuff of legends, I actually have vague memories of being visited by Jack. My sister and I would be sitting at home (I can’t remember if it was the night before Valentine’s or the day itself) when

there’d be a knock at the door – and no matter how quickly we ran to answer it we’d never see anyone. But there on the doorstep would be a parcel comprising layers and layers of newspaper – in the centre of which were all sorts of treats and goodies.

There’s a story that because Jack Valentine was so popular, local jokers saw it as a perfect opportunity to pull off hoaxes. Those judged unlucky in love would find Jack leaving a huge present outside their house – but after unwrapping it the unhappy recipient would be reduced to tears by a nasty scribbled comment.

I’ve so far been unable to discover whatever happened to Jack Valentine, but he seems to have left Norfolk around the early 1970s.

Maybe he went to Japan, and started the interesting Valentine’s Day practice where women give confectionery to the men in their lives, with the quality of the chocolate indicating their true feelings.

It makes sense – there must be a reason why all I got for Valentine's Day last year was a broken Wagon Wheel.

And it was three months out of date.

KLmagazine February 2018

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