KL Magazine March 2013 by KL Magazine

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE 30 MARCH 2013 PRICELESS

magazine

NORTH & WEST NORFOLK’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

COVER IMAGE

Houghton Hall by Ian Ward

editorial 01553 601201

advertising 01553 601201 sales@klmagazine.co.uk

Laura Murray Grant Murray Nicky Secker-Bligh Becky Drew KL magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and KL magazine takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. If you’d like to order prints of any photograph featured in KL magazine, contact us at the address below. Please note this applies only to images taken by our own photographers.

PICTURE: PAVLOVSK

editor@klmagazine.co.uk

Eric Secker David Learner Holly Milston Ian Ward Kitty Leach Bel Greenwood Alex Dallas Graham Murray Christine Glass Michael Middleton

ou’d be forgiven for not recognising the above scene. Not only is the location a long way from Norfolk, the painting itself – Landscape with Ruins by Jan Griﬃer – hasn’t been seen in Norfolk for well over 200 years. It’s just one of 204 priceless paintings that left Houghton Hall in 1779 and have spent the intervening centuries in St. Petersburg. For four months from May 17th, some will be coming home – and you can read all about the exhibition and this one-in-alifetime opportunity to see them on page 12. It’s worth making a note that tickets for the event are being sold on a timed-entry basis, and some sessions are already sold out. Talking of classics, Carmen is one of the world’s most popular operas, and of the bestknown producers of international opera is Ellen Kent, who went to school in Cromer – she talks to us (page 80) about her work as her production of Carmen comes to the Corn Exchange this month. And while we’re on the subject (classics), where were you on May 25th, 1977? That’s the date the original Star Wars movie was released, and 36 years later we’re set for another invasion from outer space, thanks to the King’s Lynn Arts Centre. See page 8 for details. KL MAGAZINE

Contact us at KL magazine, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW Tel: 01553 601201 E-mail: features@klmagazine.co.uk Web: www.klmagazine.co.uk 4

KLmagazine March 2013

Contents 7-11

MARCH 2013

WHAT’S ON Forthcoming events in West Norfolk

12-14 FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE The Houghton Hall collection returns 16

THE BIG INTERVIEW We talk to CPRE’s Chairman James Parry

THEN & NOW The changing face of King’s Lynn

24-26 WICKEN FEN: A LOCAL TREASURE A look at the National Trust’s oldest reserve 29

PETS Help and advice with local vet Alex Dallas

30-32 FASHION Stunning collections for the new season 38-40 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CAKE FACTORY David Learner has his cake and eats it! 43-53 FOOD & DRINK Recipes, reviews and recommendations

53-62 OUT AND ABOUT Ten pages packed with things to do 68-70 EXPLORER Congham, Grimston and Roydon 74-76 AT HOME IN GAYTON HALL We talk to Lady Romney about her home 80-82 CARMEN’S SAVAGE BEAUTY Ellen Kent’s brings opera to King’s Lynn 84

NAUTICAL – BUT VERY NICE A look inside King’s Lynn’s Crown & Mitre

MY KL The page made by KL magazine readers

WILD WEST NORFOLK Michael Middleton’s lighter view of things

KLmagazine March 2013

80 5

Fly direct from Norwich to the

Isle of Man

4 nights 4+ Best Western Palace

4 nights 4+ Mount Murray

4 nights 3+ Ascot

4 nights 3+ Edelweiss Guest Accomodation

Half board included FREE room upgrade

FREE transfers & FREE round of golf

Half board & FREE night included

FREE night included

£499

£449

£425

£335

Valid for travel 03 Apr-31 May 13

Valid for travel 01-31 May 13

Valid for travel 03-30 Apr 13

Valid for travel 01-31 May 13

Flights from Norwich to Isle of Man operate on Wednesday and Saturday, 03 Apr-26 Oct.

FINANCIALLLY FINANCIALLY PRO TEC TED PROTECTED

For more information information or to book please call 01603 428700 or visit Travel Travel Norwich at the airport or Castle Mall, Norwich Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing. Subject to availability. availability. TTerms erms and conditions apply. apply. Prices include clude accommodation accommodattion as stated statted and flights from Norwich. Airport development fee pa payable yable aatt Norwich Airport £10 per adult.

MARCH

Mon 25 Feb – Sat 2 Mar 9 TO 5 £6.50 - £35

Mon 18 – Sat 23 Mar MIDNIGHT TANGO £6.50 - £35

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00

Sun 3 Mar BRITTEN SINFONIA £6.50 - £26

Sun 24 Mar NORFOLK SCHOOLS PROJECT Free

Mon 4 – Sat 9 March THE LADYKILLERS £5.50 - £23.50

Richard Alston Dance Company

Sun 10 March ROBERT CRAY £6.50 - £29.50

Mon 25 – Wed 27 Mar ENGLISH TOURING OPERA £6.50 - £35 Thur 28 – Sat 30 Mar THE BLUES BROTHERS £6.50 - £26.50

Tues 12 – Wed 13 March RICHARD ALSTON DANCE Sun 31 Mar – Tues 2 Apr COMPANY DORA THE EXPLORER £5.50 - £19.50 LIVE! £5.50 - £16 Thur 14 – Sun 17 Mar JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH £5.50 - £16

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

KLmagazine March 2013

30 YEARS AGO: On March 2nd, 1983 compact disc players (and discs) went on sale in Europe for the ﬁrst time. Only 16 albums were available on CD at the time.

March Fri 1st – Sun 3rd 2nd WELLS FILM FESTIVAL Granary Theatre, Wells By popular demand, the 2nd Wells Film Festival returns to the Granary Theatre with a series of feature films under the ‘Best of British’ theme. Films include Shadow Dancer, Peace and Conflict (the new film about Benjamin Britten’s life as a pupil at Gresham’s), Angel’s Share, Orlando and Wrong Arm of the Law. The Film Festival ends with a festival party in the Granary Theatre on Sunday, to which everyone is invited. For tickets and information, call 07900 316606, send an e-mail to wellsfilmfestival@gmail.com or visit the website for full programme details at www.wellscinema.com.

Thursday 7th VICTORIAN TALL STORIES True’s Yard Museum, King’s Lynn (1pm-2pm) True’s Yard Museum continues its series of True’s Talks with Tricia McCarron giving an illustrated talk on Victorian Tall Stories in the Lynn Newspapers. Tickets are free, but please note seats must be taken by 12.55 or they will be re-allocated. Tickets available at the museum – for more details, e-mail info@truesyard.co.uk or telephone 01553 770479. If you are unable to use your ticket, please return it or let the museum know so others may have the seats.

Fri 8th – Sun 10th 25th KING’S LYNN FICTION FESTIVAL Town Hall, King’s Lynn There’s a real treat in store for West Norfolk book lovers at the 25th Lynn Fiction Festival as best-selling Rose Tremain and acclaimed biographer Sir Michael Holroyd join a starstudded line-up that also includes Simon Mawer, Liz Jensen, Robert Edric, Alan Judd and Christopher West. From Professor John Lucas to Norfolk-based Rachel Hore, it promises to be another fascinating literary weekend. Each session has an interval when you can browse the bookstall, get your books signed by the writers, or have refreshments. As before, audience members are welcome to join writers and organisers for lunches on both Saturday and Sunday. For full details and information about obtaining tickets see www.lynnlitfests.com.

Sunday 3rd WEDDING SHOW Briarfields Hotel, Titchwell (11am-3pm) Briarfields’ first wedding event will be a special date for a special occasion, showcasing the hotel’s unique coastal location, full wedding planner service and a sample of its dining options at a wedding café set up for the day. The event features a fashion show, free prize draw, and also showcases some of the region’s finest wedding suppliers, hand-picked by the event’s organisers for their original and stylish services and products. For more information, contact Jac Sandy on 01485 210742 or email jac@jjwilsonltd.com

Fri 8th – Sun 10th

Saturday 9th

EXHIBITION: WINTER’S END Coal Shed Galley, Hunstanton (10am-5pm) This exhibition of Norfolk landscape paintings by Barbara King charts the seasons from snow-laden lanes to verdant spring crops and cowslip meadows, through blue skies of summer to the red, russets and golds of autumn. For details, contact Barbara on 07798 918470 or visit the website at www.barbaraking.co.uk

FASHION WEEK: FASHION SHOWS John Lewis, Norwich (11am and 1pm) John Lewis kicks oﬀ a week of fashion events with two free fashion shows presented by students from Norwich University of the Arts. Other events include a free knitting clinic on Tuesday 12th from 123pm and a free dress-making workshop on Thursday 14th from 2-4pm (both in the Haberdashery department). For more details, contact Laura Gray on 01603 677822.

This month’s round-up of local events continues on page 11... KLmagazine March 2013

Also stocking Guns, Ammunition and shooting accessories Heath Farm, Great Massingham, King’s Lynn PE32 2HD www.lingscountrygoods.co.uk | www.mortonatv.com telephone: 01485 520828

Morton ATV all terrain and utility terrain vehicles

FAKENHAM

D STANDARD GOL

NEXT RACE MEETINGS Friday 15th March | 1st race: 1.45pm Easter Monday April 1st | 1st race: 2.00pm ADMISSION: Adults from £8 17 years and under (accompanied by adults) FREE

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

KLmagazine March 2013

March Sunday 10th HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Rare Breed Centre, Church Farm Stow Bardolph Treat your mum to a fabulous lunch out at Church Farm and save on the washing up! All mums get a small gift – and don’t forget to bring the children! For full details, call 01366 382162 or see the website www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk

Thursday 14th THURDAY NIGHT MUSIC NIGHT Lord Nelson, Burnham Thorpe (9pm-11pm) Nelson’s local continues its series of popular music nights with Betty Swallocks (also known as Gin House). For more details and information, call 01328 738241 or see online at www.nelsonslocal.co.uk/events

Saturday 23rd

Friday 15th

Wed 13th – Sat 16th CALENDAR GIRLS Guildhall Theatre, King’s Lynn (7.30pm) The King’s Lynn Players return to the Guildhall of St George with Calendar Girls, the fastest selling play in British Theatre history. Based on a true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research Fund, this is a production not to be missed. Calendar Girls is fantastic theatre at its very best and is guaranteed to make you laugh, shed a tear and leave the theatre wanting more. An amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd in support of the Robert Foot Leukaemia Fund. Tickets £11 (£10 concessions) from 01553 764864.

Wednesday 13th & 20th JAMAICAN NIGHT King’s Head, Great Bircham If you haven’t enjoyed one of the King’s Head’s theme nights yet, here’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some tropical food and related entertainment in a fabulous setting. For more details and information, call 01485 578265 or see the website at www.the-kings-head-bircham.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2013

THE NIGHTINGALE Guildhall Theatre, King’s Lynn (4.30pm) Children's Theatre House presents Horse & Bamboo Theatre’s sweet, funny and beautiful interpretation of The Nightingale. This traditional story from Hans Christian Andersen is told through a mesmerising blend of masks, puppetry, animation, vivid performance and original music. Directed by Alison Duddle, designed by Bob Frith and music by Chris Davies. Tickets £9 and £6 for children. For booking information and details, call the Box Oﬃce on 01553 764864.

PUBLISH YOUR OWN BOOK! Lynnsport, King’s Lynn (7.30pm-9pm) A light-hearted presentation looking at the publishing world in general, a chat about how to go about publishing your own book, the chance to meet somebody who has selfpublished both factual and ﬁction works and representatives of Fast-Print Publishing of Peterborough, to answer any questions. The event is free and without any obligation. For more information contact Simon Potter on 01733 404828.

Sat 16th – Sun 17th AUDI A3 SPORTBACK LAUNCH King’s Lynn Audi, King’s Lynn The Audi A3 Sportback has just marked its arrival by being named the 2013 What Car? Car of the Year. That’s not a bad start at all, and this weekend you can get up close and personal with this stunning new Audi as King’s Lynn Audi celebrates the A3 Sportback’s oﬃcial launch. For more information, contact 01553 779510.

Sunday 24th WEDDING OPEN DAY Duke’s Head Hotel, King’s Lynn (11am-4pm) One of the premier wedding venues in King’s Lynn is holding a Wedding Open Day, inviting prospective brides and grooms to tour the hotel’s newly refurbished rooms (along with a glass of Bucks Fizz!) and learn more about a range of special wedding oﬀers. Free admission. For more details, call 01553 774996 or visit the website at www.dukesheadhotel.com

PICTURE: COURTESY OF THE MK GARRISON

The Force will be with you from March 23rd! The King’s Lynn Arts Centre Trust is about to celebrate its first year – and will be confirming its position as the area’s most exciting cultural organisation with a host of exciting events...

any Happy Returns to King’s Lynn Arts Centre Trust! March 30th marks the first anniversary for the organisation – and what a year it’s been! From the première of the magnificent Alla Moda exhibition in July to the very first solo UK show by San Francisco artist Edmund Wyss in September, and from the wealth of shows celebrating the best local artists to collaborating with other cultural organisations to bring European Street Theatre Performers to the area, the Arts Centre is quickly becoming the region’s most vibrant

cultural hub. Now the team are eager to build on this momentum, celebrating with a fantastic panoply of events and exhibitions throughout 2013! Here’s just a taste of what’s on the way:

STAR WARS Artist and collector Joe Robinson has been passionate about Star Wars since the ﬁrst ﬁlm in the late 1970’s. Star Wars and Me – his assortment of toys, posters, merchandise and ephemera will be on display at the Arts Centre’s galleries for nine weeks from

March 23rd. There’s a wealth of sci-fi related workshops, events and activities running alongside the show, as well as FREE screenings of sci-fi films that inspired or were inspired by the original Star Wars trilogy, guaranteed to help you feel the force! On the opening weekend, Jedi Masters are welcome to attend the Blast Off event, meeting Imperial Stormtroopers from the MK Garrison and snapping up some sci-fi memorabilia! Embark on a journey of discovery with the Star Dome (tickets £3.50, £2.50 under 16s) – the UK’s longest established mobile planetarium, which will be giving a fascinating insight

KLmagazine March 2013

into our amazing solar system on May 4th (may it be with you!), and King’s Lynn and District Astronomy Society will also be holding star gazing evenings. We ﬁnish with a bang on June 1st, with a special Sci-Fi Costuming Day, where you can join the MK Garrison in your own spectacular costume; the whole site is sure to be a hive of activity, populated by aliens, superheroes and intergalactic princesses! OUTER SPACE FACTORY Thursday 4th April 10.30am–12.30pm (ages 4–8) 1.30–3.30pm (ages 8–11) Join us on Planet KLACT for some spectacular inter-galactic creations, making monsters, planets, robots and spaceships to take home. Tickets £6

PICTURE: COURTESY OF THE MK GARRISON

ALIEN ANIMATION & GREEN SCREEN TRICKERY Thursday 11th April 10–4pm (Age 13–16) You will be utilising the technology of the ‘Star Wars’ films such as stop motion animation and green screen sequences to transport models into another dimension. Tickets £20 MASKS, HEAD DRESSES AND LIGHT SABRES Saturday 20th April 10.30am–12.30pm (ages 4–8) 1.30–3.30pm (ages 8–11) Come and make alien masks, Princess Leia’s head-dresses and light sabres to take away. Tickets £6 IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE: SCI-FI MOVIE POSTER MAKING Saturday 27th April: 10–4pm (all ages) Get some inspiration from the original film posters in the Fermoy Gallery and design and make your own sci-fi movie poster starring you or your family as the super hero or the evil alien! Take a printed copy away. £1 entry – no need to book, just drop in (entry at 30 minute intervals) SPACE SOUNDS Saturday 18th May 10–4pm (ages 13 – 16) Compose and record your own space soundscape. Musician Les Chappell will guide you through the technical knowhow. Tickets £20

To book your tickets for any of the above events or for further information, please call 01553 779095 KLmagazine March 2013

CHILDREN’S THEATRE & COMEDY

his spring we’re working with house theatre (www.housetheatre.org.uk) to bring two children’s theatre performances to King’s Lynn. Stick around on Star Wars Blast Off day (Saturday, 23rd March) for Horse & Bamboo’s The Nightingale. This sweet, funny and beautiful show for ages 4+ brings the Hans Christian Andersen story of a little king who finds friendship to life via a blend of masks, puppetry, animation, vivid performance and original music. (4.30pm – tickets £9 adults, £6 children). Then, on Saturday, 25th May The Girl with the Iron Claws by Wrong Crowd Theatre tells a dark fairytale about a girl whose dream leads her deep into the forest. A chance encounter with a bear sets her on a fateful path she could never have anticipated. The story uses puppetry, live action, music and storytelling to remind audiences old and young of the power of the imagination! (4.30pm – tickets £9 adults, £6 children). And on an even lighter note, don’t miss the fantastic comedy double bill of Josh Widdcombe and Seann Walsh, who’ll be splitting sides at the Arts Centre on June 12th. Josh is all over the TV at the moment, regularly appearing on Mock the Week and The Last Leg with Adam Hills. Josh will be sharing his exasperated observations of the world, before Seann Walsh takes to the stage for an hour of all-new creative, observational comedy! As seen on Live at the Apollo, this precocious newcomer is certain to win over a new army of followers when he makes his first visit to King’s Lynn (8pm – tickets £14, £12 concessions).

To book performances, please call 01553 764864 The full programme of Arts Centre events can be seen on our website at www.kingslynnarts.co.uk 9

LOCAL LIFE

Acis and Galatea by Carlo Maratta (credit: Khabarovsk Art Museum)

Inigo Jones by Sir Anthony van Dyck (credit: State Hermitage Museum)

Two Women, a Cupid and a Soldier by Paris Bordone (credit: State Hermitage Museum)

Grinling Gibbons by Godfrey Kneller (credit: State Hermitage Museum)

A Seaport by Jan GriďŹ&#x192;er (credit: Pavlovsk)

Head of a Girl by Pieter Paul Rubens (credit: State Hermitage Museum)

ABOVE: The magniﬁcent facade of Houghton Hall, shortly to welcome back (for a few months) a priceless collection of masterpieces

From Russia with love – Houghton’s VIP visitors In 1779 a priceless collection of artworks left Houghton Hall for Russia. David Learner meets David Cholmondeley, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, awaiting their imminent return...

or just four months between May and September this year, west Norfolk’s Houghton Hall will play host to several dozen paintings which have lived in St Petersburg’s Hermitage museum for more than two hundred years. Their story is as romantic as many of the landscapes and portraits they contain, and their arrival here will be unique and without precedent. More than ten years before the French Revolution, it seemed the debts Sir Robert Walpole had built up would, on his death, be impossible to clear. Our ﬁrst de facto prime minister’s taste

KLmagazine March 2013

for ﬁne art had already seen him build up an impressive collection at number 10 Downing Street but space was running out. “Houghton Hall was expressly built to house that collection,” says Lord Cholmondeley. The Grade 1 listed building we’re sitting in is surrounded by more than 1,000 acres of Norfolk countryside, close to Sandringham House, and fallow deer roam across its parks. While its silvery-white exterior is soft and timeless, its internal Palladian architecture is colourful and busy. It’s in one of the family’s drawing rooms that Lord Cholmondeley and the

exhibition’s curator – Dr Thierry Morel – are now describing how it’s become possible to engineer an eclipse that has got the international art world excited beyond measure. “It’s more than thirty years since I saw the paintings,” explains Lord Cholmondeley. “It’s impossible not to feel that part of your family has left home, but when Catherine the Great bought the collection of 204 paintings we thought they’d left Houghton forever. Debts were paid oﬀ, but at a heart-rending price. The pictures I saw at the Hermitage in 1981 had been superbly well looked after, even if part

ABOVE: The Judgement of Paris by Carlo Maratta

miles – more than 15% of the world’s entire land mass. Between 1764 and 1781 Catherine was responsible for harvesting no less than six major collections and under her supervision additions were created to the Winter Palace to house her priceless works. While a visit to the Hermitage itself is to reveal a dense and mythical beauty, those St Petersburg museums now contain upwards of half a million works of art. If the casual ABOVE: Dr Thierry Morel and Lord Cholmondeley in front of a portrait of Houghton’s creator Sir Robert Walpole visitor were considering a visit of the collection had already been sold to the city to take in the Hermitage off, but I certainly never dreamed that during the course of an afternoon then one day it would be possible to see the casual visitor really would need to them at Houghton Hall once again.” think again. Houghton Hall is just down Amongst those who found offthe road. And serves tea. message buyers for some of the Catherine’s intervention occurred at a Houghton collection while they were point when James Christie (the founder abroad was Stalin, perhaps not a stickler of the London auction house) arrived to for rules. Most of the paintings, catalogue the collection. Her offer was mercifully, were saved by Hermitage as unexpected as it was opportune, staff who sidetracked the Soviet leader even it would see many of the paintings by convincing him the works had no removed from their frames and rolled great artistic merit, and were merely up for transportation. Nowadays that anti-revolutionary propaganda on a sort of treatment would be seen as grand scale. sacrilegious. Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, Dr Thierry Morel has been the fixer Poussin, Titian... Catherine the Great’s and prime mover of this exhibition and thirst for art would see her Winter has worked relentlessly on the project Palace gather beauty from all four for the last three years. Houghton’s corners of the known world. Since 1732 children will be on display in rooms it had been the official residence of the magnificently refurbished to emulate Russian monarchs, built to reflect the the time they left for St Petersburg and might of an Imperial Russia whose Tsar he’s pulled in favours not just from the ruled over more than 8.5 million square

Hermitage but from other collectors and galleries who’ve played artistic guardian for the pieces for centuries. Was his renown enough? Was there anywhere he was unable to strike a deal with? “The Vatican,” he says. Is it chilly all of a sudden? Was he expecting a better result from Rome? “It was somewhere we thought we were going to be able to work with. But maybe not.” Despite the Vatican’s decision not to take part in Houghton Hall’s greatest ever art party, the visitor won’t be disappointed and the Russian population in London is just one community that will be visiting this beautiful corner of England to gaze and gush. Ironically, there will be admirers from St Petersburg as well. Not daytrippers perhaps. Norfolk has been trained never to disappoint. Lord Cholmondeley is just one in a line of lovers who’ve stuck their map pin in with a ﬂourish to welcome the world to his home. For four short months his family will be supplemented by other, older, children who left home all that time ago to visit foreign parts, and while the world’s eyes may be on them for a very limited time, David’s house will become his home again in September and the fallow deer will continue to graze.

> HOUGHTON REVISITED is open from May 17th until 29th September (11am-6pm, with the last admission at 5pm) > BOOK TICKETS by calling 01603 598640, or online at www.houghtonrevisited.com > HOUGHTON HALL will also be open to the public during the same period – for more information go to the website at www.houghtonhall.com

KLmagazine March 2013

THE WINDOW HAS EVOLVED AUTHENTIC TIMBER AESTHETICS WITH PVCu VALUE volution’s next generation of timber alternative windows has arrived in the innovative shape of Storm 2 – the most unique, advanced stormproof window yet. With all the traditional beneﬁts and good looks of timber but without any of the drawbacks (or cost), it’s no suprise that it’s creating such a storm – and it’s the most energy efficient standard PVCu window on the market today! Discover Storm 2 at West Norfolk Glass today.

NOW AVAILABLE! by

EVOLUTION

West Norfolk Glass Ltd THE LOCAL COMPANY FOR ALL YOUR GLAZING NEEDS SINCE 1967 Hereford Way, Hardwick Narrows, King’s Lynn PE30 4JD Tel: 01553 763164 | Web: www.westnorfolkglass.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2013

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Chairman, Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Norfolk

James Parry James has lived in Breckland since 1996. He’s a writer on wildlife, heritage and art and was instrumental in setting up the Breckland Society, of which he is also Chairman. KL MAGAZINE: What are the aims of the Norfolk branch of the CPRE? JAMES PARRY: To protect, promote and enhance the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of Norfolk’s countryside. KL MAGAZINE: When was it founded and why was it formed? JAMES PARRY: We were founded in 1933, so this year is our 80th anniversary. We started as an independent voice for the countryside and I’m proud to say that continues. KL MAGAZINE: Where and how can we see the work of CPRE Norfolk locally? JAMES PARRY: Just by looking around you! We are helping protect the county from inappropriate and unsightly development, as well as reducing litter and light pollution. KL MAGAZINE: Why did you choose Breckland in which to live and work? JAMES PARRY: I came in 1996 to house-sit temporarily

KLmagazine March 2013

Landscaping and Decking... for a friend but ended up moving nearby and have been here ever since. I love the atmospheric character, open heaths and twisted roadside pines. KL MAGAZINE: What’s the most rewarding part of your job? JAMES PARRY: Working with a great team of people who are passionate about protecting Norfolk. KL MAGAZINE: What’s been your greatest achievement during your chairmanship of CPRE Norfolk? JAMES PARRY: Beating the recession! As a charity, we rely on the support of our members and volunteers, and on fundraising. Times are tough but we are up for the challenge. KL MAGAZINE: What have you learned from your work? JAMES PARRY: Sadly that there are still people who are prepared to trash the countryside for their own personal gain.

Everything you need to complete your project

KL MAGAZINE: What do you like best about West Norfolk? JAMES PARRY: The fantastic landscapes, sense of space and great local villages. KL MAGAZINE: In your free time, how do you like to relax? JAMES PARRY: I’m a real wildlife geek, so days oﬀ are usually spent in search of birds, butterﬂies and plants. KL MAGAZINE: Who’s your biggest inspiration? JAMES PARRY: The poet John Clare. Rarely has anyone shown such an emotional connection to the countryside. KL MAGAZINE: The best piece of advice you've ever been given? JAMES PARRY: Don’t believe people when they say something is impossible.

!* &+( - #* & .' (! % % * %! # "%&-# & # % ) '!% '(& + *) - -!## #' /&+ +!# /&+( ' ( * ( % * ( /&+ - %* #& " &( &( *!, ' ,!% % *+( # )*&% - ##!% &( ))&(! ) , , )* ( % & * # * )* '(& + *) *& )+!* , (/ * )*

+( !% #+

&( *!, ( % )

KL MAGAZINE: Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people... JAMES PARRY: I’m really into taxidermy! Our house is full of stuﬀed creatures, although my partner has made me agree to call a halt. KL MAGAZINE: What’s your favourite place in Norfolk? JAMES PARRY: That’s a tough one! It would be easy to choose the north Norfolk coast, but instead I’ll go for Thetford Forest. Walking along the woodland rides and over the restored heaths on a hot summer’s day is hard to beat.

For more details and information about the work of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, visit their website at www.cprenorfolk.org.uk

&% /0 (! / $ $ +( / !% 1) /%% # --- $"$ ) & +"

*+(

$ %&&%

Further information on the Breckland Society can be found on the website at www.brecsoc.org.uk

KLmagazine March 2013

Spring into a new room at ECOnomy Windows Traditionally Easter sees the upsurge in our desire to move house. ECOnomy Windows would like us to stay exactly where we are.

here’s an old saying – the house you want to live in is probably your own – and while at first glance it doesn’t seem to make sense its truth is obvious. We’ve been here for a while; we’ve grown used to it; the children might have left and its character has changed. It isn’t the house that’s changed – it’s us. As the estate agents throw off their dust sheets and entice us into a buyers’ market with pictures of daffodils and downpipes Jim McClure’s suggestion is a different one – he’d prefer us to sit down, have a cup of tea or coffee and discuss exactly what it is we’re looking for. After all, ECOnomy Windows’ Business Manager has been providing homely solutions for more years than he’d care to say. “More often than not,” he says, “we look just at our own four walls. That tends to be the limit of the exercise. I’m suggesting we step outside the house, look back towards it, and imagine what an extra room could do. Let’s face it, the hassle of moving is immeasurable in terms of time, money, frustration and stress. Is that really what we want?” Those who buy ECOnomy Windows conservatories and orangeries are those who have made that comparison. The options for an extra room now are many, whether the new owner’s intention is to use it as an office, a living room or just as space to relax.

NEW CONSERVATORY SHOW SITE AND E DISTRIBUTION CENTR

Suddenly, as our pictures show, the new space can provide a rolling out into the garden. With new light on three sides the gardener can revel in extra borders and planting areas to provide colour, intensity and style. The visual ambience itself has changed, says Jim. “The improvements in the manufacture of glass over the last few years may be invisible to the naked eye,” he says, “but today’s glass offers improved thermal insulation, high neutral appearance with optimal solar heat gain which contributes to achieving a WER (Window Energy Rated) band A product combined with improved light transmission. It’s almost like turning up the brightness control on your TV remote, without the glare.” Fitted with ECOtherm glass (standard on all ECOnomy Windows products) your new room is supplied and fitted by experts whose reputation has been their calling card for more than 25 years. You’ll discover design features that show off the very best of classical architecture while solid construction, recessed lighting and optional corner heating panels all reflect the elegance of their surroundings. For any design to be outstanding, Jim believes it has to be outstanding in every way. “Your new room comes with a wow factor that speaks for itself. From the outside its elegance is outspoken on the one hand and subtle on the other but it’s on the inside that the

craftsmanship and style really come into their own. And your new room is there twelve months a year, and for using every single day.” It’s a persuasive argument that the phrase house hunting could be as easily replaced by room hunting. Certainly ECOnomy Windows’ range of rooms, bringing with them the sophistication of flair, the beauty of design and the everyday desire for extra space makes the trip to their Wisbech conservatory park more adventurous and desirable than that proposed call to the estate agents.

CONSERVATORY SHOW PARK Elm High Road, Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE14 0DG Tel: 01945 588988 Web: www.economywindows.com E-mail: mail@economy-windows.co.uk

HISTORY

West Norfolk: Then and Now

1935

2013

AN ARTISTIC BRIDGE TO THE PAST... This lovely photograph of what is today the King’s Lynn Arts Centre was sent to us by KL magazine reader John Weekes, and very timely it is too, as this month the KLAC Trust celebrates its first anniversary. As you can see, the building was then the base of GM

Bridges & Son, Scenic Artists and Decorators – by royal appointment to HM Queen Alexandra. For more photographs of how things used to be in King’s Lynn and the surrounding area, contact Picture Norfolk – at the Norfolk Heritage Centre, Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, The Forum,

Millennium Plain, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AW. We’ll be bringing you another nostalgic look at West Norfolk next month. IN ASSOCIATION WITH

To view thousands of images of Norfolk’s history visit: www.picture.norfolk.gov.uk KLmagazine March 2013

The staff’s the star at King’s Lynn Volkswagen You choose a car, you buy a car. End of story. Not for the Marriott Motor Group. For the team in King’s Lynn it’s just the start.

he stellar successes enjoyed by King’s Lynn Volkswagen could, on the surface, show that a local company with a superb reputation has struck it lucky. Brand Manager Austin Seales knows there’s far more to it than that, and that luck has little to do with just a showroom shine. “We’re incredibly privileged,” he says, “to have two vital strengths here: our staff and our customers. It sounds simplistic, but if we didn’t have loyal staff we certainly wouldn’t have loyal customers.” The staff roll call makes for great reading: three of the technicians have been at Bergen Way for over ten years; quality control for nine; accounts for seventeen and twenty-seven years. Even Tim Chandler in sales – that’s him next to the sparkling new Beetle – has clocked up a colossal quarter of a century. After Sales Manager Michael Smith, in the other picture, was brought in to Bergen Way in March 2012, but the new

boy had already enjoyed a generation “Maybe,” he says. “The continual in the car industry. “People buy people,” development of our core processes is he says. “Our emphasis is on customer going on behind the scenes. That’s as it satisfaction. Many of the staff have should be, but ours is a joint operation, been here for a long time – so have and that means that customer and many of our customers. It’s not a staff loyalty combine to make the coincidence.” company great.” Like all the staff in King’s Lynn Austin’s The affordable Golf 7, the eternal pride in the brand has a great gleam to Beetle, the powerful Passat, the it, and no wonder – there are 220 Scirocco, the Touran and the rest – all Volkswagen retailers across the of them have their place and their country, and they all compete in a popularity – new or pre-owned – to league table to satisfy ten key measures ensure a healthy future for the team at in the business, covering every aspect Volkswagen King’s Lynn. of the Volkswagen experience. Since As we leave Austin points out a February 2011 the team has leapt an polished bumper, currently being amazing 129 places. buffed to perfection by a valeter who’s Michael is quick to jump in. “For after been with the company for ten years. sales, we’re 7th in the UK. That really is “To me,” says Austin, “that says you’ve a fantastic compliment to King’s Lynn,” got to love what you’re doing.” he says. King’s Lynn Volkswagen – you’ll love Is the casual what they’re doing as well. car buyer going to KING’S LYNN VOLKSWAGEN notice? Bergen Way, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2JG Austin Tel: 01553 778800 | Web: www.marriottmotorgroup.co.uk smiles.

KLmagazine March 2013

INSURANCE MATTERS WITH CHARTWELL

Paralympic cyclist backs specialist broker Chartwell

aralympic cyclist Jody Cundy, who became a household name after London 2012, has linked up with specialist insurance broker Chartwell to advertise its range of policies. Jody, 34, from Wisbech, a world and Paralympic swimming champion before repeating the feat when switching to the velodrome, has been sponsored by the East Winch-based broker for several years. But now he is lending his name to a new advertising campaign that plays on his unfortunate false start in London, when RIo FLDOV GHQLHG KLP WKH FKDQFH WR GHIHQG his 1km title won in Beijing in 2008. The world record holder at the event, Jodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wheel became trapped in the starting gate but, after raising his hand to GHQRWH D SUREOHP RIo FLDOV UHIXVHG WR JLYH him the second start that the rules allowed. His frustrated reaction became the stuff of legend and showed the nation the passion behind four years of intensive training in Manchester alongside the British cycling teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-conquering athletes. The series of adverts show images of Jody with the catchline â&#x20AC;&#x153;because things donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always go according to planâ&#x20AC;?. Gerry Bucke, general manager at Chartwell, which provides a wide range of cover for people with disabilities, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re delighted to have Jody representing the brand - he showed great mental strength to come back

as a child after he was born with a defect, was awarded an MBE in 2009, and said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been very grateful for the support from Chartwell over the years, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pleased to be able to help a company Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a long association with.â&#x20AC;? Of his London 2012 disappointment, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t my proudest moment, but it will go down in Paralympic history in the same way as John McEnroeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outburst at Wimbledon in 1981. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I basically threw all the toys out of my pram at anybody who would listen, in denial that I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be defending my kilo title, and was removed from the velodrome. â&#x20AC;&#x153;London will always be memorable for me for some amazing highs and some equally amazing lows, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad I can say I was there and I won a medal in front of the best and noisiest crowd anyone can ask for. What a year for sport, and amazing to have played a small part in it!â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I basically threw all the toys out of my pram at anybody who would listen, in denial that I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be defending my kilo title, and was removed from the velodrome.â&#x20AC;? from such a disappointment to win bronze in the pursuit the very next day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, accidents do happen and, MXVW DV -RG\ SLFNHG KLPVHOI XS RII WKH p RRU to win bronze, at Chartwell we not only provide great cover at affordable prices, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be there to help you when things go wrong.â&#x20AC;? Jody, whose right foot was amputated

He later apologised to the fans in the velodrome and is focused on regaining his crown in Rio in 2016, his sixth Paralympic games. Chartwell offers a range of policies for people with disabilities, including adapted vehicle insurance, adapted home insurance, mobility scooters, wheelchairs and travel insurance.

Jody Alan Cundy Paralympic Athlete London 2012, Beijing 2008 Born in Wisbech, England Para-T Cycling Team

Chartwell has vast experience in looking after the insurance needs of people with disabilities. For more information, call 0800 089 0146 or visit chartwellinsurance.co.uk Chartwell Insurance Services, East Winch Hall, East Winch, Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1HN

WHAT’S ON

INTERVIEW...

Keith Jack When we had the Joseph show in King’s Lynn in 2007, you were training to be the narrator and now you’re in the starring role! How does it feel to finally be playing Joseph and how do the two roles differ? KEITH JACK: It’s amazing to be playing the part after coming second in the programme. Gaining more experience and coming back to finally don the coat is something I thought I’d never get the chance to do. The roles differ in that Joseph has less to do than the Narrator but you have the pressure of the people who played it before and the weight of the whole show on your shoulders.

A fantastic new season at the Corn Exchange! Take your seats for a feast of fabulous shows

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s ‘amazing’, ‘superb’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘brilliant’ production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs and moments and stars Keith Jack, the runner-up of the hit BBC1 show Any Dream Will Do. Tuesday 19th – Saturday 23rd March Tuesday: 7.30pm Wednesday: 2pm & 7.30pm Thursday: 2pm & 7.30pm Friday: 5pm & 8pm Saturday: 2pm, 5pm & 8pm Prices from £18

What are you looking forward to about playing Joseph in King’s Lynn? KEITH JACK: To be back to where I ﬁrst started as Narrator. What else have you been up to since appearing on Any Dream Will do? KEITH JACK: Concerts for the Queen and the Spanish royal family, albums, three years of pantos and touring. Are you still in touch with the other Josephs from the series? KEITH JACK: Yes, I try and text the boys every now and then. I met up with Lee last week – we keep in touch the most. During the week-long run will you get a chance to explore King’s Lynn and the surrounding area? KEITH JACK: We have 10 shows a week so it’s quite diﬃcult – but I will be trying to explore a gym as I wear a loincloth! What’s you career highlight so far? KEITH JACK: The TV programme and singing for the Queen. You’ve released two albums – do you see yourself as a recording artist in the future? KEITH JACK: No, my love is for acting – albums are something I’m lucky enough to do on the side. What’s next after Joseph? KEITH JACK: You never know where you’ll be in three months, but my dream role would be the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera!

KLmagazine March 2013

NEW SEASON HIGHLIGHTS... Big Girls Don’t Cry Featuring The East Coast Boys

elebrating the timeless music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, this is a real feel-good concert featuring four phenomenal singers and a fantastic live band. The Four Seasons had a string of hits beginning with the classic number one Sherry in 1962, and this fantastic show features many hits from both sides of the Atlantic including Grease Is The Word, Bye Bye Baby, Stay, Silence is Golden, Working My Way Back to You Babe, Oh What a Night and many more. Including Sherry, of course!

Friday 17th May | 7.30pm Tickets: £18.50 (£17 concessions)

Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors & Vile Victorians

e all want to meet people from history. The trouble is, they’re all dead – so it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage! Directed by Phil Clark and using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows – Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians – are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips.

Friday 24th – Sunday 26th May Friday: Terrible Tudors (7pm) Saturday: Terrible Tudors (2.30pm) Vile Victorians (7pm) Sunday: Vile Victorians (11am) Terrible Tudors (3pm) Tickets: £15, £11 under 16s, Family (4) £46 10% discount for booking both shows!

Puppetry of the Penis A

new show that’s bigger and better! From the West End to Broadway, the boys have stretched themselves to the limit for over a ‘dickade’ performing the hilarious Ancient Art of Genital Origami and now they’re back for more! An unforgettable evening of comic brilliance, this mindblowing show features two strapping Australians who manipulate their genitals into various shapes, objects and landmarks. A video camera projects intimate details of these incredible phenomena onto a large screen ensuring that little can be missed! This new show features ﬁrm favourites such as the Hamburger, the Wristwatch and the Windsurfer and is guaranteed to tickle parts you never knew you had! You’re nuts if you miss it! First half: Comedienne Tiﬀany Stevenson Second half: Puppetry Of The Penis

Monday 20th May | 7.30pm Tickets: £20 (1 in 10 free for groups) 16+ ONLY

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST – AND WE’LL KEEP YOU IN THE SPOTLIGHT! Have you signed up to the Corn Exchange e-mail mailing Don’t forget list yet? We’ll keep you fully updated with all the latest to follow the news – and you can now choose your preferences so we Corn Exchange can keep you informed about the shows that most online too: interest you! For more details, visit our website at www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk or scan the QR code able from the Box for all shows are avail s et ck Ti ok online at opposite which will take you direct to our home page. 764864 or you can bo

Oﬃce 01553 exchange.co.uk www.kingslynncorn

KLmagazine March 2013

LOCAL LIFE

ABOVE: The Historic Fen Cottage at Wicken Fen, and (left) its historic windpump, the only working wooded windpump in the Fens

Wicken Fen: a local and national treasure... It’s the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve, and it’s England’s most famous Fen. Wicken Fen’s Howard Cooper gives us a guided tour of this unique – and fragile – landscape

very year visitors to the National Trust’s Wicken Fen Nature Reserve enjoy the walks and amazing wildlife of this internationally renowned nature reserve in the heart of the Cambridgeshire Fens. Besides encouraging visitors to explore the countryside the Trust is working to bring alive the social history of this amazing landscape. As you arrive at the Reserve, your eye is immediately drawn to the vast open expanse of the ancient Sedge Fen – acre upon acre of sedge stretching as far as the eye can see

KLmagazine March 2013

gently swaying and rustling in the light autumn breeze. The scene is framed by Fen’s iconic wind pump, once used to pump water from the peat workings, its black structure and white sails are a distinctive feature of the landscape and the subject of countless visitors’ photographs. This unique landscape, now all but lost due to the widespread drainage of the Fens has been shaped by topography, hydrology, and in particular, by centuries of use by man. This wetland habitat has played an important role in the social and economic life of the area providing

sedge for thatching local houses, bedding and feed for animals, ﬁsh and fowl for food, and peat for fuel. Such uses have all left their mark – ecologically, in the plant and animal communities that have developed over time, and physically, in the peat diggings, paths, ditches and dykes which were created for the ancient exploitation of the Fens natural resources. There are records of sedge being harvested at Wicken since at least 1419 – in fact historically the Fen once supported a thriving community known simply as ‘The Lode’, completely

separate from the village of Wicken at the top of the road. The residents lived and worked on the Fen until the hamlet went into decline in the 1890s when the markets for sedge and peat collapsed, being replaced by more efficient alternatives. Sadly, historic Fen Cottage, one of the smallest properties maintained by the Trust, with its beautifully cared for flower garden and vegetable patch is all that remains of this once thriving community. This year to help interpret the social history of the Fen for visitors, the Trust have recreated a traditional Fenman’s Workshop in the grounds of the cottage. Development of the workshop was a real community effort, with local residents answering appeals for authentic building materials and pre-1940’s artefacts such as wildfowling punts, fishing equipment and tools. Volunteers also came forward to help construct the workshop and restore two wildfowling punts and regularly demonstrate traditional Fenland crafts such as willow weaving, hurdle making, tool making, green woodworking, scything and net making and encourage visitors to have a go for themselves.

Peering into the workshop I’m transported back over 40 years to happy childhood days spent with my grandfather in his tool shed as he worked at his bench. This is not the age of power drills, electric screwdrivers but beautifully crafted hand tools. Eel traps, beckets (spades used for cutting peat) and a pair of mallard hang from the rafters, along with some fascinating archive photographs from yesteryear. You are immediately struck by the resourcefulness of the Fenman, a master of all trades, very much dependent on the seasons. Eel catching, peat digging and sedge harvesting in the summer months. When the eels submerged themselves in the muddy riverbeds during winter, attention would turn to wildfowling as thousands of birds returned to the Fen from their summer breeding grounds high in the Arctic Circle, whilst long dark winter nights would be spent making and repairing eel traps, hurdle and basket making. Next time you visit the Fen, take a few minutes to step back in time to see how our forebears lived and thrived in this truly amazing landscape.

ABOVE: A bird’s-eye-view of Wicken’s beautiful and ancient Sedge Fen ABOVE LEFT: Turf cutting at Wicken Fen – the resourceful Fenman was also adept at eel-catching and sedge–harvesting ABOVE RIGHT: Residents of Lode Lane pictured around 1915 – many of them earned a living working on the Fen

> WICKEN FEN is one of Europe’s most important wetlands, and supports an abundance of wildlife. There are more than 8,400 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonﬂies. It’s open every day of the year. > THE FENMAN’S WORKSHOP is open at weekends and school holidays throughout the year > MORE INFORMATION can be found by visiting the oﬃcial website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk – search for Wicken Fen

KLmagazine March 2013

*- '' 3*0- (*2$)" ) . 2 50/ *1 /# - ./ **& .# -+ 4 $/5. 3*0. -1$ !*- /# 0//$)" . .*) **' ) +' )/ #$- !*-

"$).

/* " / 3*0- (*2 -

*)./-0 /$*) ) ' ) . +$)" +-*% /.

0'' - )" *! " - ) ( #$) -3 !*- . ' 4 !-*( (*2 -. ) ./-$(( -. /* # $). 2. # " 0// -. ) # ) /**'. *(+- # ).$1 2*-&.#*+ ! $'$/3 !*- - + $-. ) . -1$ $)" * ' '$1 -$ . / - .*) ' - / . !0'' . -1$ '' ,0$+( )/

) .0++*-/ *)

New season stock arriving daily! Superb collections from: Jack Murphy | Dents House of Cheviot | Alice Collins Strawberry Bay | Tayberry Kanyon | Hunter Outdoor Lazy Jacks | Grenouille – and many more! Sandringham Visitor Centre Sandringham Estate Norfolk PE35 6EH Tel: 01485 298082 KLmagazine March 2013

Open every day from 10am-4pm SALE STILL ON! e Reading Rooms Holkham Village (Opposite Adnams) Norfolk NR23 1RG Tel: 01328 712120

/ /$*) * # ( $)"5. 3)) *-!*'& - *2*-&.#*+ +*.( $' * 0& 222 - */**'#$- * 0& 27

Tamar Plant Centre TIMES NEW OPENIN30tGh to the end of

From Saturday March n on Saturdays from September, we’ll be ope EN from 10am-4pm OP O 9am-4pm! WE’RE ALS nday, and the May on Good Friday, Easter Mo lidays and August Bank Ho

& Cash and Carry

OPEN TO EVERYONE! At Tamar Nurseries, you’ll find large selection of quality trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants all year round at prices you’ll find hard to beat. We accept cash and credit cards, and there’s no need to pre-order! l 2L and 3L shrubs, climbers, herbaceous and perennials starting from just £2.35! l 5ltr, 10ltr, 30ltr and 45ltr – together with a large selection of trees from light standards to semi-mature! l Hardy palms and olive trees in various sizes! E S TA B L I S H E D S I N C E 1 9 7 9 l Topiary Box (buxus) – balls, cones and spirals! l Topiary Bay (laurus nobilis) – spirals, half standards and pyramids! l Compost and garden sundries! l Bedding plants, hanging baskets (in season) and lots more – all at exceptional value! School Road, West Walton, Wisbech PE14 7DS E-mail: cashandcarry@tamarnurseries.co.uk Web: www.tamarnurseries.co.uk OPENING TIMES: Monday–Thursday 7:30am–4:30pm | Friday 7:30am–4pm

CONTACT Sadie or Rachael on 01945 464383 ext 2 or 07584 022473

Things you didn’t know about Bearts

now! special offers on selected clothing all through the hayloft!

Brighton Mill, Stowbridge King’s Lynn PE34 3pd 01366 388151 | www.bearts.co.uk 28

KLmagazine March 2013

PETS

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

Attention all dog owners!

Foreign bodies... I

couldn’t believe my eyes – that definitely looked like Snow White. But on the x-ray of a very ill dog? Well, it was Christmas time – and the patient, a large chocolate Labrador, had eaten the remains of the Christmas cake and the decorations on top. And sure enough, after surgery Snow White was safely removed from the dog’s stomach and he recovered nicely. I believe the seven dwarves made their own way out. The things dogs will eat are unbelievable and infinite. The obvious offenders are stones the dog has played with. Unfortunately we frequently see bones given by well-intentioned owners as a treat but ending up lodged. Another favourite is corn on the cob – the hard husk can often get stuck in the small intestine. These items are called foreign bodies in our veterinary jargon. This means something present inside the patient that really shouldn’t be there which is making the animal sick, literally. It’s not just dogs either. Every year we

get a cat ill because it’s eaten the tinsel from the Christmas decorations, or string and threads found around the house. This is a serious condition and one of the hardest challenges for a vet is deciding whether an ill pet has simply got a stomach infection or something as life-threatening as this condition that needs an operation to achieve a cure. In days gone by we would see dogs that had chewed a music cassette, and end up swallowing the tape, which caused real problems in its intestines. I still remember a dog that ate a whole roll of sticky tape in January, but only became ill in April as the tape unwound and caused a blockage. Of course, I have a favourite foreign body of all. On the x-ray of a particularly sick dog there was a strange image of two half-mooned shaped wires, but big. Very big. After surgery, a black underwired double G bra was returned to its rightful owner. Now how did that get there?

The Government is proposing that all dogs should be microchipped by 2016 by law. This is to help with stray dogs, which is a big problem right now in the UK. But it’s a very good idea anyway, should your dog get out and become lost, or (even worse) if it’s stolen and you need to prove that this is your pet. We have a range of oﬀers on Microchipping at both surgeries to make life-long microchip registration very aﬀordable. Call us and have all your pets microchipped easily and readily now – before you’re legally obliged to!

Your pets Many thanks to KL magazine reader C Benefer of King’s Lynn for sending us this lovely picture of Holly, her friendly 15-month-old Border Collie/Labrador cross. Don’t forget to keep sending me pictures of your pets to Animal Matters at KL magazine, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW or you can e-mail them to editor@klmagazine.co.uk

LONDON ROAD 25 London Road, King’s Lynn t: 01553 773168 e: info@lrvc.co.uk HOLLIES Paradise Road, Downham Market t: 01366 386655 e: hollies@holliesvetclinic.co.uk KLmagazine March 2013

fashion

Tunic by Doris Streich (£75) CINDYS | Sutton Bridge 01406 350961

Make a stylish leap into Spring this year with a collection of vibrant and fresh fashions from just a few of our favourite local stores and get this season oﬀ to a ﬂying – and great-looking start!

Dress by Michaela Louisa (£165) ELIZABETH DARBY | Fakenham 01328 855312

Dresses by Havren (£189 to £249) GODDARDS | King’s Lynn 01553 772382

KLmagazine September 2012

E lizabethD

SPRING 2013 COLLECTION

FAKENHAM

arby

6 Dereham Road, Hempton, Fakenham NR21 7AB tel: 01328 855312 www.elizabethdarby.co.uk KLmagazine March 2013

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM COUNTRY

Purveyors of fine country wares

SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE

Creake Abbey, North Creake, Fakenham NR21 9LF Telephone: 01328 738983 Web: www.christopherwilliamcountry.co.uk

Sweater by Faber (£159) CINDY’S | Sutton Bridge 01406 350961

The Old Applestore, Drove Orchards Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LS t: 07990 593750 e: email@nelle-dk.co.uk

w: www.nelle-dk.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2013

Outfits for your special occasions

High Chic At Allez Chic Exclusive clothes you won't find on the high street Organising an event? We can help you raise funds for your charities by bringing our collections to your event and giving you a percentage of sales Individuals or small groups can view our collections by personal arrangement

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Tel: 01553 630820 | Mobile: 07951930776 Website: www.allezchic.co.uk | Email: cheryldaubney@allezchic.co.uk

TURNAROUND !

of Sutton Bridge

108 Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge PE12 9SA Telephone: 01406 350961 "

KLmagazine March 2013

Cindyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sizes 10 - 26 | Closed Wednesdays

www.cindysfashions.co.uk 35

O N E

O F

N O R F O L K ’ S

H I D D E N

G E M S

PLATFORM 1

THE RAILWAY ARMS DOWNHAM MARKET

;

" "

#05#45+% (11& (+345 %.#44 4'37+%' # )3'#5 #5/142*'3' #0& 3'#. 7#.6' (13 /10'9

Featured in CAMRA’s e Good Beer Guide: 2011, 2012 and 2013 3rd place in CAMRA’s East Anglian Region: Cider Pub of the Year 2012 Featured on Michael Portillo’s TV programme Great British Railway Journeys Don’t forget our Cafe is also open: From 0530 Monday to Friday, from 0745am Saturday

T I M E T A B L E Mon-Wed ursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1000–1210 1530–1730 1000–1210 1530–2230 1000–2230 1000–1210 1630–2230 1200–1430

P L E A S E

N O T E

Opening times are subject to change – please check online at www.railway-arms.co.uk or call 01366 386636 AWA R D - W I N N I N G

M I C R O P U B

$- #!(, 3 ! +))', -#+))', 3 **&$ ( ! 3 $&!,

"16;3' +07+5'& 51 ,1+0 5*' (60 15 #0& %1.& $6(('5 (11& 2#359 $#)4 $#..1104 %#-' +07+5#5+104 %*1+%' 1( #%5+7+59 #0& .154 /13' 11- 51&#9 0.9 :

2'3 %*+.&

. &$-2 ( ,!+/$ ! $, -#! ").( -$)( )" ).+ ,. !,,

DON'T MISS OUT )( ).+ ,*! $ & *+)')-$)(, 0$-# ).+ !1 ,#)0+))' %$- #!(, ( -#+))' $,*& 2, *' 0!!% 2, *' -.+ 2,

.'0%*8#3510 1#& !'45 900 +0);4 900

'. 36

KLmagazine March 2013

So still is the air at Wiveton Wiveton’s Jacobean history reveals more than just a day out at the coast. KL magazine takes a look at the crockery and the crocuses.

iveton Hall is one of those brief encounters that you want never to end. This wonderful venue gets folk returning time after time after time, and no wonder. There are two sorts of people: those who love Norfolk, and those who have yet to fall in love with Norfolk. A note to the latter – head to Wiveton Hall. Take the A149 coast road (the Coast Hopper is a superb option) to head east past Stiffkey. Soon after you’ve got to Blakeney you’ll see a sign: Wiveton Hall Café. Stop here. Please, stop here. Down the track, past the growing asparagus and the pick your own raspberries and strawberries, you’ll find a handsome café, blue and white, reflecting sky and sea. Before you head in for the best cup of coffee for miles, or any of the food prepared with passion by chefs James and Ben, look at the sea. It’s worth repeating – look at the sea. That extraordinary view over marshes that stretch wind-blown to the near coast, a haven for harriers and bitterns, owls and wildfowl will lure you in like a Siren and own you for ever. You’ll have

KLmagazine March 2013

fallen in love with Norfolk in a single glimpse. Desmond MacCarthy thought that maybe he could share that view with the rest of us by providing tables and chairs, good home-cooked food, ambience, style and a zest for life and make something out it. He did, and now they come from far and wide to enjoy those sumptuous dishes, using ingredients sourced from the hall’s high-walled kitchen garden or from providers very close to home in Binham, Holt or Burnham Market. Sea bass? Yes, if it’s available, caught off Cromer last night. For Friday and Saturday it’s Tapas night – hugely, hugely popular, and you’ll need to book in advance. The café’s décor is a spicy, colourful shock against the marshes. Its walls are vibrantly decorated with images by local artists and its north and westfacing big-picture windows offer a song to the coast. The farm shop is a happy basketful of Wiveton cordials, jams and chutneys made from the

farm’s own produce, together with unexpected treasures like exclusively produced crockery by Emma Bridgewater and Katherine Barney. Barney’s unexpected hand-painted poems, themselves witness to Wiveton, are unique as presents and beautiful to give and own. The children and pets will never be bored by a venue that’s made lively by its connection with the sea in earth-based activities that have more in common with a halfremembered childhood of nooks and grass and Arthur Ransome. And as you head home with layers of summer fruit, magical mementos or no more than a happy memory, you know you’ll be back. Wiveton does that.

> Wiveton will be open again in time for Easter > Check the website for more details: www.wivetonhall.co.uk > Wiveton Hall, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7TE 01263 740515 www.wivetonhall.co.uk

LOCAL LIFE

ABOVE: What’s your favourite? The Real Norfolk is ready to develop it into a tasty recipe!

A day in the life of a local cake factory There’s nothing quite like a traditional, tasty, locally-made cake. David Learner takes a trip down Memory Lane (ok, Downham Market) to watch a tasty Plum Cake being created from scratch...

atching Rebecca making a plum cake is hypnotic. The ingredients are exactly the same as you’d use at home – and you hope that you too would be using only tip-top ingredients – but her alchemy is the result of trying and testing and tasting and several more stages than most home cooks would bother with. You ﬁnd a recipe, you make a cake. Easy. It works, or it doesn’t. Nope. With Rebecca and the rest of the team at the Real Norfolk Cake Company it’s a darn sight more serious. Start with prunes, the solid basis of any plum cake.

KLmagazine March 2013

Bizarrely it’s not necessary to actually include prunes (or plums, for that’s all prunes are – a dried version of a particular variety of plum) in a plum cake. Many producers leave them out. Prunes account for around a quarter of this mixture and they’re the ﬁrst to head into the mixing bowl. Rebecca’s making around 120 in this batch so unsurprisingly it’s a big mixing bowl, with an industrial beater doing the hard work. In goes the ﬂour and two types of sugar – white and Demerara – skimmed milk, ground cinnamon, baking soda and margarine, and the mixer takes over. Rebecca has taken

care to pulse the dried ingredients first but once the liquids are added the method, once again, is remarkably similar to the one you’d use on your kitchen table. “Take care not to overbeat the mixture,” she warns. “You want your fruit to remain as whole as you can.” While the mixer chuffs away Rebecca reels off the ten or so varieties of cake that the company’s taken time to create and develop, using recipes that are sometimes ages old – Cherry and Almond, Apple and Cinnamon, Apricot and Raisin, and the rest. “Vinegar was traditionally used to help the cakes rise. We use it in our 39

ABOVE: Handmade Real Norfolk cakes cooled, glazed and ready for wrapping

Vinegar Cake and that’s been one of our best sellers. We’re using Aspall’s vinegars – their apple juice is also one of our raising agents. Where possible we aim to make Norfolk cakes with ingredients sourced as close to home as possible – Munn’s rapeseed oil comes to us from Chatteris, less than 20 miles away. Our customers expect us to have sourced the very best.” The beater is removed from the mixture and gently scraped to ensure every last drop makes it into the bowl. Now it’s at this point that you and I would be licking the spoon and Rebecca gives me an oldfashioned look to indicate that if I were to do so I would almost certainly be ﬁred on the spot. “When the Environment Health guys visited us we got the highest mark possible. We’ll hang on to that, thanks!” Temptation gives way to fascination again as the cake straps are produced, multiple tins lashed together for the oven, 20 at a time. Each has a cake-sized baking liner deftly inserted into it. Poured into a gigantic hopper, the mixture is measured for precision and the machinery calibrated by hand to ensure perfect 40

replication. More fruit to decorate the tops of the cakes, and then into the oven. Time to wait, slaveringly, as the intoxicating scent of home baking invades the senses. “There’s something you won’t find in the recipe,” says Rebecca, “but we add it all the same. Passion. We love what we do here because we know that our customers love the finished products. There’s always time for cake. How can you resist?” The cakes have been taken out of the ovens. The finishing processes include hand-brushing the glaze – this will ensure that the cake retains the fullness of its shape – and individually wrapping each of the 1500 cakes that the company will produce this week. There are plans to increase production to five or six thousand, probably within months, if there’s the demand. There’ll be the demand. Biting into the finished cake is to head back to childhood and the sense of wellbeing that is produced only by cake... tea, family, sharing, closeness, warmth. Heaven really, all in one, courtesy of The Real Norfolk Cake Company. KLmagazine March 2013

Probably East Anglia's biggest fine food wholesaler Your local supplier for gourmet brands and the most popular names in speciality foods

We are now local stockists of products from the Real Norfolk Cake Company Plot 3 Sovereign Way Trafalgar Industrial Estate Downham Market Norfolk, PE38 9SW Tel: 01366 381250 | Fax: 01366 381213 | Email: sales@shirefoodsofnorfolk.co.uk

LUXURY WITHOUT SACRIFICE TO THE ENVIRONMENT

With superb hospitality and stylish surroundings, The Hoste is a unique and special place to stay or visit The Hoste’s renowned two AA Rosette restaurant offers delicious seasonal food supplied by local farmers and fishermen and sourced from the nearby coast, meadows and woodland

strattons hotel with Self catering, Restaurant & Café deli The Rustic Restaurant Open daily from 6.30pm - Sunday Lunch from 12 - 2.30pm Functions, celebrations, group gatherings and business meetings Lunch by arrangement Monday to Saturday CoCoes café deli Open Monday to Saturday and fully licensed Tapas night on the first Wednesday of every month Coffee, cakes, teas, snacks, lunches, take away and local produce Come in or call our fabulous reception team Tel: 01760 723845 Ash Close, Swaffham enquiries@strattonshotel.com www.strattonshotel.com

Thee Hoste, The Th The Green, Burnham Market, PE31 8HD

www.thehoste.com | 01328 738777 KLmagazine March 2012

Quote ‘WINE13’ to receive a free bottle of house wine with your meal. One bottle per table & booking, excludes NYE, Valentines, Easter & Mothers Day, minimum of 2 courses must be taken by all table & booking. Usual terms & conditions apply.

WA R M IN G TH E HEART OF YOUR HOME

ARCADIA

FULL OF FRESH IDEAS

FREE delivery for orders over £50.00 in Norfolk

Top quality local and fully traceable norfolk meat

NOW AVAILABLE Dried aged beef READY MEALS AVAILABLE PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE

Still providing first class bread made from home milled English wheat Check out website for new baking classes

4lb fresh chicken fillets for £10

Order online and deliveries will be made by post! Visit our website for more details www.goddardsofnorfolk.co.uk call 01366 388377 4 Wales Court, Downham Market PE38 9JZ

! "

New to Denver Mills, The Kogge Bar in the Hanse House Undercroft

Hanse House South Quay King’s Lynn PE30 5GN

www.denvermill.co.uk KLmagazine March 2013

A new recipe for fine dining provided by

Unique Norfolk Venues

Ingredients Sedgeford Hall Albert Roux trained Head Chef Nicholas Parker e Finest Ingredients Specially Chosen Fine Wines to Complement Elegant Professional Service A Generous Helping of Strings to Garnish

Method

Step 1: Have pre-prepared the formal gold dining room with white table clothes, silver candlesticks, pressed napkins and beautiful flowers. Step 2: Adjust the lighting accordingly to set the atmosphere. Step 3: Mix in the drawing room’s own bar with excellent gins (ensure there’s ice and cucumber), a good selection of spirits and liqueurs, something sparkling and perhaps some cocktails, depending on your taste Step 4: Blend in beautiful sounds from the musicians to create the perfect ambience

Step 5: Once your guests have arrived, add a stunning selection of canapés to complement your pre-dinner drinks; from your choice of native fresh oysters to tempura prawns with sweet chilli. Step 6: Next, Head Chef Nicholas Parker prepares a five course dinner to your request. Discuss the menu and confirm your timings so this recipe works out just as you would want. Step 7: Stir in to mix the selection of white and red wines - the white is chilled and the red at a good ambient temperature. Smooth, chilled dessert wine served with the dessert, and perhaps some warming LBV port with the cheese. Step 8: Finish oﬀ the recipe with tea, coﬀee and liqueurs in the drawing room, by the open fire. Add delicious Petite Fois to complete.

To serve

A truly fantastic evening that you’ll never forget. Let us take care of all preparations to make the perfect, relaxed dinner party for you and your guests (between 12 and 26 people). Only 6 nights in 2013 available – 4th and 11th May, 1st June, 13th July, and Friday 9th and Saturday 17th August. E-mail jaymi@uniquenorfolkvenues.co.uk to find out more.

e Sedgeford Hall Estate, Sedgeford, Norfolk PE36 5LT telephone: 01485 578265

A TRADITIONAL PUB WITH TRADITIONAL FOOD

Great deals on great food! THE ANGEL CARVERY Thursdays 12noon–2pm & Sundays 12noon–3pm Booking advisable STEAK NIGHT Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays SENIOR CITIZENS 2-COURSE LUNCHES Tuesdays to Fridays: only £8.50 (note: Carvery on Thursdays) DATES FOR YOUR DIARY! Mother’s Day - March 10th Red Nose Day/St Patrick's Day Disco - March 15th Easter Sunday - March 31st BOOKING ESSENTIAL! Monthly Quiz Nights (every 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm) Poker Nights every Wednesday at 8pm

Well-stocked bar Specials Board and restaurant menu Outside catering for weddings, business functions, etc Function room available Large car park Childrens play area Large vegetarian choice available Families made most welcome Food served 7 days a week (excluding Monday lunch)

BUY ONE AND GET ON E PRICE ON THE FOLLOW HALF ING: MO NDAY & FRIDAY: Fish & Chip Night TUESDAY: Burger Night WEDNESDAY: Specials Bo ard THURSDAY: Dessert Me nu Available FRIDAY: Platter Night

41 School Road, Watlington, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE33 0HA

tel : 0 1553 811326 | web : w w w.t h ea n gelp u b.web s.com KITCHENS

B AT H RO O M S

HOME OFFICE

NOW

KING’S LYNN 48 Bergen Way (next to Citroen) North Lynn Industrial Estate King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 2JG Tel: 01553 762749

BEDROOMS

OO R W O EK! N SAH O T S A WE Y N A D UNST OPEN 7 O VISIT

W UR NE

www.kingsoakkitchens.co.uk

HUNSTANTON 2-4 Northgate Precinct (opp. Natwest, High Street) Hunstanton PE36 6EA Tel: 01485 534965

KLmagazine March 2013

FOOD & DRINK

Spring onions A

lso known as scallions or green onions, spring onions are in fact very young onions that have been harvested before the bulb has had much of a chance to swell. Although most people seem to throw most of this delightful little vegetable away, both the long, slender green tops and the small white bulbs are edible, and are great either raw or cooked. As you might expect, they have a similar ﬂavour to onions, but they’re much milder.

STORAGE Spring onions don’t last as long as onions, so keep them in a perforated bag in the fridge and use within four or ﬁve days.

BUYER’S GUIDE You’ll ﬁnd spring onions available all year round, though it’s said they’re at their very best this time of year, and they’re remarkably easy to grow in a vegetable patch from seed. When buying spring onions, choose ones with ﬁrm, unblemished bulbs and bright green, perky leaves. Try to avoid those that are slimy or wilting. The skin

PREPARATION Wash your spring onions thoroughly, then trim oﬀ the root as well as any ragged ends at the top. Slice the bulbs into rounds, and cut the green tops across (kitchen scissors are good for this) or lengthways with a knife, then lengthways again, according to what shape you’d like. If you want to make the tops into a garnish, cut them into

KLmagazine March 2013

covering a spring onion bulb can be either white or deep red fading to white at the roots – but there's no significant difference in the taste. Similarly, the bulb can be quite pronounced or more like a leek in shape, with no noticeable swelling – but again, this has no impact on the flavour.

slim lengths (as above) and then stand in ice cold water for 30 minutes. GOES WELL WITH... Use shreds of spring onions in your salads or scatter them over ﬁsh or chicken dishes, rice and noodles as a garnish. To make the shreds go curly, put them into ice cold water for 30 minutes. For a mild onion taste, use them like shallots by frying in oil or butter for a minute or two. GOOD FOR YOU... Spring onions do contain niacin, but they are not particularly rich in nutrients.

FOOD & DRINK

INGREDIENTS 1 loaf of brioche, sliced 200g rocket 50ml lemon salad dressing Parfait 500g chicken livers 500g butter 5 whole eggs 1 large white onion, diced 4 cloves garlic 8 sprigs thyme 25ml port 25ml Madeira wine 25ml brandy Date and apple chutney 250g pitted dates 170g Braeburn apples diced ½ white onion diced ½ red chilli finely sliced 60g dark brown sugar 1 star anise 2 whole cloves ¼ cinnamon stick 125g sultanas 75ml white wine vinegar 210ml dry white wine Serves: 4

Chicken Liver Parfait with Toasted Brioche, Dressed Rocket and Date and Apple Chutney FOR THE PARFAIT 1 Place the chicken livers, butter and eggs into separate bowls, and leave out to reach room temperature. 2 Fry the onion, garlic and thyme, add the alcohol and reduce. 3 Mix the eggs, chicken livers and butter and blend to form a smooth mix. Add to the onion mix and re-blend before passing the mix through a fine sieve and pouring into a terrine mould. 4 Place into a bain marie, and cook at 105ºc for 1 hour or until set. Remove from the oven and place in the fridge. FOR THE DATE & APPLE CHUTNEY Place all the ingredients into a large saucepan on a medium heat, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally. Reduce down to form a chutney, and refrigerate until needed. TO PLATE AND SERVE Use a hot knife and cut the parfait into slices, placing them on a plate. Dress the rocket with lemon dressing then add the date and apple chutney along with the toasted brioche, and serve.

Our thanks to the Hoste Arms, Burnham Market for this month’s recipe 46

KLmagazine March 2013

Fishing for compliments? Treat your mum this Mother’s Day! Don’t forget to plaice your orders for Easter We are open Good Friday 7am-1pm Local frozen game Local shellfish Fresh and smoked fish Brancaster oysters Hard-carved ham on the bone Free range eggs

Extensive delicatessen counter with top quality cheeses and olives from home and abroad!

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

DESIGNER, CONTEMPORARY AND TRADITIONAL

Discover our Everyhome kitchen and bedroom ranges in our new showroom... Our new 1st floor showroom features our fantastic new Everyhome range of kitchens and bedrooms. With prices starting from about £10,000 for a fully-fitted German kitchen you really don’t have to go to the DIY warehouses – get better quality, service and Style from a local family business. Everyhome deserves one.

KLmagazine March 2013

9 High Street, King’s Lynn (next to Debenhams) t: 01553 767519 w: www.stylek.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

RestaurantReview

The King’s Head at Bircham combines the traditional warmth and comfort of a long-established inn with sleek contemporary facilities – and amazing food!

t may be ideally located for the wonders of the Norfolk coast and the attractions of Sandringham, but the King’s Head at Bircham also makes for a perfect lunchtime venue, as we discovered on a snowy weekday in January. Thankfully, the welcome was decidedly warm and although the bar looked very inviting (and the bar menu was very tempting) we decided to eat in the hotel restaurant. This large dining room is very stylish and has been carefully decorated to maintain a comfortable and airy setting during the day that’s clearly warm and intimate for evenings. The staﬀ were very friendly and

classic meal. Outstanding. My partner was equally impressed with the galette, which contained a generous amount of feta and tasty caramelised onion – delicately combined with the other ingredients, it was both ﬁlling and absolutely delicious. It was in fact, judged to be one of the very best vegeterian meals my partner had ever enjoyed. As you’ve probably gathered by now, the King’s Head oﬀers a remarkably high standard of food and service – even on a lunchtime. It’s also refreshing to see bright new ideas such as the current Challenge the Chef innovation – you pick your lunchtime dish and receive an hourglass and a promise to deliver your freshly-cooked food within 7 minutes. Although the menu we were treated to will have been changed by the time you’re reading this, that’s even more reason to revisit the hotel – as are the popular themed evenings that this month feature Jamaican Nights on the 13th and 20th. Amazing food. Amazing place.

remarkably knowledgeable, being able to offer all details of the specials, desserts and guest ales without having to look them up or ask someone else. While making our selections from the delightful menu (which offered a wide range of traditional classics and some true specialities) we were served complimentary water and wonderfully fresh bread (wholemeal and cheese and onion) with a balsamic dish. It was a very nice touch. For lunch, I decided to try the King’s Head seafood bouillabaisse with Saffron potatoes and roullie, while my partner opted for the caramelised onion galette with marinated feta, olives, dressed leaves and toasted pine nuts. On arrival, the food looked simply stunning – both dishes were beautifully and very carefully presented, and it’s hard to credit but they actually tasted even better than they looked. Every piece of fish in my bouillabaisse was faultlessly cooked, succulent and FOOD SERVICE VALUE packed with flavour. The vegetable base was especially noteworthy – I’ve possibly never enjoyed the vegetable part of a dish so THE KING’S HEAD HOTEL much before. Small wonder Great Bircham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6RJ that even the French rave Tel: 01485 578265 about head chef Nicholas Web: www.thekingsheadhotel.co.uk Parker’s version of this

9 9 10 10 10 10

KLmagazine March 2013

CaféReview S

ited on the old Hunstanton Road in Dersingham, and snuggled close the garden centre that shares its name and heritage, the Thaxters Coffee Shop offers free parking, an architectural gem of a converted domestic venue and plenty of home-cooked food. A Tardis from the outside, the door leads you gently past a period fireplace to the counter, with chalkboards listing plenty of information about the menu and a vast choice of rooms to rest and enjoy. It’s a workaday selection that begins with cooked breakfast from 9am in the morning, and closing with an afternoon snack by 5pm. It’s a tribute to the place that while my partner and I were enjoying our lunch garden centre staff were also taking advantage of the proximity of a café close to their work. Terry’s tuna and mozzarella Panini and my own gammon ham baguette were both served with a side salad. Warm and filling, they gave us a chance to take in the surroundings – a hotch potch of colour and light, and more than a few photographs and paintings by local artists, all of which were for sale. They brought home that this was a

café largely enjoyed by a local clientele, although it’s obvious that the location enjoys returning visitors who come from as far as Peterborough and the Midlands. The menu – hot meals, home-made cakes, puds, beverages and buns – was served at table with a cool efficiency and the door always seemed to be opening once again to welcome another customer. The closeness of the garden centre, of course, means that it’s an ideal venue to enjoy both. Happily, the physical separation between the two means that the garden centre’s visitors can safely stow their purchases in their car before heading into the café for a well-earned cup of tea. Dersingham’s bypass may well now take visitors to the coast more efficiently, but veer off on to B1440 and discover Thaxter’s Coffee Shop for yourself.

THAXTERS COFFEE SHOP Hunstanton Road, Dersingham Telephone: 01485 541514 Web: www.thaxters.co.uk

Finally I have a kitchen that’s worthy of my cooking – thanks to Town & Country... Everyone’s favourite kitchen.

Nelson House, Bergen Way King’s Lynn PE30 2JG Tel: 01553 766578 Web: www.towncountrykitchens.com

K I TC H E N S B E D RO O M S & B AT H RO O M S KLmagazine March 2013

FOOD & DRINK

LocalTastes Selected by David Learner

LORD NELSON, BURNHAM THORPE 01328 738241 Opposite the village cricket ground and bowling green the Nelson’s stood there since 1637. That’s 375 not out. No bar, just a tap room. Marvellous. Landlord Peter de Groeve will happily find you a pint of Nelson’s Blood or a drop of Adnam’s and since he’s a successful restaurateur as well you’re bound to find a tasty bite to accompany your ale. RAILWAY ARMS, DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 386636 Oakham’s from Peterborough, Elgood’s, Tydd Steam or Humpty Dumpty all served in a bar carved out of former waiting rooms on Downham Market station. Landlord Ian Pinches’ focus is on high quality ale, you can leave the car at home and marvel in the same way Michael Portillo did when he was there for Great Railway Journeys on the telly. LAMB & FLAG, WELNEY 01354 610242 Dennis Birch offers Elgood’s (bit of a theme around here, but then it’s great beer), City of Cambridge and there’s always a couple of guests bitters, currently including Burton Bridge’s gold-medal winning Pom Passage. Check the Wash Road is open before you head for Welney. The good news is you can always stay if you get stuck and the bonus is some unforgettable views across the Ouse Washes.

n 1892 the King’s Lynn Vigilance Committee reported that there was one licensed house for every 100 inhabitants of King’s Lynn, going on to say that one house in every 22 was licensed. Best reason, therefore, to ﬁnd out what your neighbour’s up to in his shed. We’ve got some awardwinning producers hereabouts - Two Rivers in Denver, Iceni Brewery in Ickburgh, Elgoods in Wisbech, Humpty Dumpty in Reedham, Woodforde’s in Woodbastwick and plenty more – and some friendly venues in which to ﬁnd them. Cheers!

THE REAL ALE SHOP, BRANTHILL FARM 01328 710810 Close to Wells-next-the-Sea there’s Branthill Farm - a classic north Norfolk malting barley farm - and a range of more than sixty bottle-conditioned beers representing a wealth of micro-breweries from right across the county as well as some of the bigger boys we’ve already met. There’s the Elmtree Brewery in Snetterton, the Grain Brewery in Harleston, the Wagtail Brewery in Old Buckenham and many more.

KLmagazine March 2013

! "

! #" #

"# "

#" "

# $ "

! %% $

! $ (!!

) # ! #( $! %% ( # ! #($! %% $

''' %

"" " & "

Italian nights 13th, 14th and 15th of March

10% OFF

menu price for parties of 6 or more

THE HARE ARMS Traditional Country Pub & Restaurant

Lynn Road, Stow Bardolph King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE34 3HT Telephone: 01366 382229 Website: www.theharearms.co.uk

Dining out THE BERNEY ARMS A traditional village inn oﬀering luxury accommodation and fantastic meals – all freshly cooked using the very best local produce!

Eat, drink and stay... Church Road, Barton Bendish Norfolk PE33 9GF Tel: 01366 347995

www.theberneyarms.co.uk

If you’re eating out locally, here’s a selection of great places to try...

the village

Deli th rnham

café and store

Open Daily Extensive menu Children’s play area Lovely location Plenty of parking Telephone: (01485) 512194 Email: villagedelithornham@gmail.com

Boutique Hotel with Superb Restaurant

! %&

#! #

- + /

! #

*$ , % & #% *

! % "

" ! % # ! " #

#'!0+ /'' % ),#(' -$ +" "(, % (& ... -$ +" "(, % (&

KLmagazine March 2013

5% Off all food and drink with this advertisement No photocopies accepted

The Kings Head

H O T E L Great Bircham, Kings Lynn PE31 6RJ Tel 01485 578265 Web www.the-kings-head-bircham.co.uk

Your car’s never been in safer hands!

Our local team of mechanics has all the experience and technical expertise you – and your car – needs OVER 10 Full service facilities YEARS OF QUALITY 4 service bays MOTOR Dedicated MOT bay SERVICE! Professional mechanics Outstanding customer service

The Workshop, Maple Road, Saddlebow Industrial Estate King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE34 3AJ

Telephone: 01553 826000

KLmagazine March 2013

Out & About Ten pages full of things to see and do and places to visit in and around Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn, West and North Norfolk. Enjoy!

KLmagazine March 2013

> Out and About

Welcome to the King’s Lynn Pilgrimage Trail...

lose to the entrance to the Lynn Museum you’ll ﬁnd a complete set of steel plaques. It’s the starting point for an exploration through King’s Lynn’s rich medieval heritage along the town’s Pilgrimage Trail. Lyndall Phelps created the artwork for the Pilgrimage Trail to link the restored Red Mount Chapel in The Walks with other medieval buildings in the town. She was initially inspired by the wonderful collection of medieval metal pilgrim badges in Lynn Museum. These intriguing objects were produced in large numbers and sold to pilgrims to promote individual religious shrines and sites of worship. Many are decorated with the designs of buildings or symbols associated with particular medieval shrines and centres of pilgrimage. Details found in the ﬁne medieval buildings of King’s Lynn also provided inspiration for the designs the artist would eventually use to create the Pilgrimage Trail – including a wooden ceiling boss showing a seated Christ from All Saints’ Church, a dog pictured on a brass from St Margaret’s, designs from the ceiling of the Red Mount Chapel, a decorated stone corbel from Greyfriars Tower, and a carved ship on a wooden bench from St Nicholas’ Chapel. The designs now feature on a series of brushed stainless steel plaques located on or near the buildings with which they are associated. The designs have also been reproduced on stickers and paper bags.

short walk southeast from the museum brings you to the Red Mount Chapel. The late 15th century Red Mount Chapel was a wayside chapel for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. The upper chapel of 1506 has a fan vaulted roof, further decorated with quatrefoils which inspired the design of the plaque (inset left). There’s limited opening for the chapel, but for further information please visit www.visitwestnorfolk.com

he Lynn Museum is as good a place to start as any. The important collection of medieval pilgrim badges on display come mostly from the river mud of Lynn’s Purﬂeet and were probably lost by pilgrims on their way to the shrine at Walsingham. The ‘West Norfolk Story’ gallery explores medieval life and pilgrimage in the town. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am–5pm. For more information visit www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

KLmagazine March 2013

> Out and About

Weddings, Airports, Restaurants, Concerts, Nights-out, Ports, Theatre, Horse Racing eventsâ&#x20AC;Ś All occasions catered for. King's Lynn office:

Hunstanton office:

01553 776499 01485 535555 w: www.guyan.org.uk e: enquiries@guyan.org.uk

KLmagazine March 2013

> Out and About

ll Saints’ Church is the oldest church in King’s Lynn, largely rebuilt in the 14th century. This plaque was inspired by a wooden ceiling boss showing a seated ﬁgure of Christ. For further information please visit www.allsaintskingslynn.org.uk.

reyfriars Tower was part of a Franciscan friary founded in the 1230s, one of only three surviving monastery towers in England. The Grade 1 listed tower dates to the later 15th century and features many ﬁne carved bosses and corbels, one of which is featured in the plaque. The tower survived the Reformation as a sea mark, guiding ships into port. It’s still clearly visible on the town’s skyline to this day.

ﬁne collection of medieval brasses in the church includes one from 1364 showing Robert Braunche, a former mayor of Lynn, with his wives, Letitia and Margaret. The dog sitting at Letitia's feet provided the inspiration for this plaque. For further information please visit www.stmargaretskingslynn.org.uk.

KLmagazine March 2013

Flying high with the eagles at Glebe House School Headmaster John Crofts is rightly proud of his school’s latest Independent Schools Inspectorate Report...

he excellent friendly ethos which exists within the school community allows pupils to grow and flourish into self-assured young people with a strong sense of who they are and what they believe in.” (ISI)

From the ages of six months to thirteen years Glebe House School in Hunstanton has provided a coeducational day and weekly boarding school since 1874. Its acclaim has seen it continue to develop its expanding home in twelve acres of beautiful Norfolk, close to the sea and the sky. “The school’s pastoral care makes a positive contribution to the academic standards achieved and the excellent personal development of pupils.” (ISI)

“The report is a marvellous aﬃrmation from professional Inspectors”, says John. “We are delighted that they recognised the special qualities which we describe as The Spirit of Glebe.” “The warmth and hospitality of the leadership are reflected in the family atmosphere which pervades the school. Boarders are extremely polite and listen attentively, showing real care for their house community.” (ISI) If you agree that the thoughts of the Inspectors and the values and practice of John Crofts and his staﬀ is right for you and your child, then GLEBE HOUSE SCHOOL & NURSERY we warmly invite you to Cromer Road, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6HW attend our Open Day and Tel: 01485 532809 see for yourself. Web: www.glebehouseschool.co.uk

You’re invited to discover the wow factor...

OPEN DAY Saturday 9th March | 2-4.30pm For more details and information, please contact Bridget Crofts on 01485 532809 (extension 4) or send an e-mail to bmc@glebehouseschool.co.uk

Glebe House

School & Nursery P RO V I D I N G A C A D E M I C E X C E L L E N C E A N D O U T S TA N D I N G PA S TO R A L C A R E

2 Cromer Road, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6HW | 01485 532809 | www.glebehouseschool.co.uk KLmagazine March 2013

> Out and About

ear the market square is Purﬂeet Quay, in its heyday the principal harbour. The 17th-century Custom House houses the tourist oﬃce. Outside is a statue of Captain George Vancouver (1757-98), the local boy who charted 5000 miles of the northwest coast of the Americas; his family worked in the Custom House.

he 15th century ship featured on the plaque is from a wooden bench end from St Nicholas’ – the ship highlights King's Lynn's rich maritime past. For over 600 years the wonderful carved roof angels, the dazzling stained glass and the history contained within St Nicholas' Chapel have inspired locals and visitors alike. The Chapel is still a consecrated Church in which services and some local funerals are still held. It is also in regular use by Community organisations for concerts and exhibitions. It is opened by ‘The Friends’ on Tuesdays and Saturdays between April and September. A key is available from the Hotel opposite, or from True's Yard museum on the corner of St Ann's Street/North Street and can be signed out, with proof of identity, for those who wish to visit between these times.

KING’S LYNN TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE The Custom House, Purﬂeet Quay, King’s Lynn PE30 1HP Tel: 01553 763044 E-mail: kings-lynn.tic@west-norfolk.gov.uk Web: www.visitwestnorfolk.com THE PILGRIMAGE TRAIL PUBLIC ART PROJECT was commissioned by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk as part of the £4.3 million restoration of The Walks park, the only surviving example of an 18th century town walk in Norfolk. The development of the trail was supported by King’s Lynn Arts Centre, Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service and Commissions East.

KLmagazine March 2013

ÊÜ iÊ`>ÞÊ vÊ ÃÌ «Êv> ÞÊ ÊÜ iÊ`>ÞÊ vÊ ÃÌ «Êv> ÞÊ vvÕ ÊEÊ>`Ûi ÌÕÀiÊ ÊÌ iÊv ÀiÃÌt Õ ÊEÊ>`Ûi ÌÕÀiÊ ÊÌ iÊv ÀiÃÌt UÊ

UÊ ÞV ÞV } }Ê> Ê> `Ê `Ê / / ÊÌÀ> ÊÌÀ> ÃÊ ÃÊv À v ÀÊ> Ê> Ê i Ê iÛi Ûi Ã UÊ UÊ i i ÀÌ ÀÌ]ÊL ]ÊL i iÊÃ ÊÃ « «ÊEÊ ÊEÊ À Ài UÊ* UÊ* >Þ >ÞÊ>À Ê>Ài> i>ÃÊv ÃÊv ÀÊ> ÀÊ> Ê> Ê>}i }iÃ UÊ7 UÊ7> > } }ÊÌÀ> ÊÌÀ> ÃÊ ÃÊ UÊ

UÊ >vi >viÊEÊ ÊEÊÌ> Ì> iÊ iÊ ÕÌÊ ÕÌÊ UÊ UÊ Ài ÀiÃÌÊÃÌÊ-i} i}Ü> Ü>Þ UÊ UÊ Ê Ê «i «i

NEW

T: 01842 810090 w www.bikeartthetford.co.uk ww.bikeartthetfor forrd.co.uk

T: 0845 094 9741 www.goape.co.uk www.goape.co.uk

ÀiVÌ Ã\ÊHigh ÀiVÌ Ã\ÊHigh Lodge is situated in Thetford Forest on the B1107 B1107. 07 7.. Sat Nav: IP27 0AF. 0AFF.. Open ever everyy day. day. Discovery Discovery Pass available. All cars and minibuses must pay a site KLmagazine March 2013 for Go Ape & bike hire. For more info call 01842 815434. entr entry y fee. Additional charges

T: 01842 813949 www www. } `}i V>ÌiÀ }°V °Õ w. } `}i V>ÌiÀ }°V °Õ

forestry.gov.uk/highlodge forestry.gov.uk/highlo59dge

KL Mag/0765 HL/Ja13©Crown copyright

trail

> Out and About

Out and (further) About While plaque-spotting may not be your ﬁrst plan for the spring weather they do oﬀer the chance for a bit of a breeze and a slice of history thrown in for free. See if you can track down these little beauties while you’re out and about in west and north Norfolk.

unstanton’s lighthouse stood proud for nigh on three hundred years. It housed the world’s first parabolic reflector, added in 1776 to a building which had been there since 1665. In case you thought that date rang a bell, it was the same year that the Great Plague arrived in London. The parabolic reflector at Hunstanton was the first in Britain to collect energy from a distant source. Ancient Greece used one (and still uses one) in the shape of a deep metal bowl to light its Olympic flame. Car headlights use the design, as do LED housings and spotlights, but it was Hunstanton that was the first ever to harness that energy in that way. Hooray for Hunny! The lighthouse’s building is now available as holiday accommodation and while you can’t actually stay in the tower itself you can gain access to its astonishing views when you’re a visitor there.

ead up to the Swan Inn on Downham Market’s High Street and you’ll find commemorations of visits to the inn that stood at the spot by both King John and Charles I. The former began his last fateful journey from King’s Lynn to Newark in October 1216 when his baggage train was lost in the Wash. That trip has become the subject of countless investigations and suppositions ever since. Was Downham en route (we know he travelled via Wisbech certainly) or does the plaque relate to a different moment altogether? There’s certainly more fact around King Charles’ involvement with Downham. Escaping across the fens after the Battle of Naseby in 1646 his stop at the Swan took place around the first of May.

t the front of the Barclays Bank building in Holt is a plaque commemorating the strange story of the Holt owl and its nine lives. Such was the disturbance caused by this raucous visitor that the villagers worked in unison to stop its hooting. All was to no avail until it was cornered by a local mason and stuﬀed, unceremoniously, up a drain pipe to be left to drown. Once more the owl escaped - in this case the young stuﬀer had forgotten that the pipe, having a bottom, also had a top that led to freedom. One place that has had no ’owls of protest is the town’s Owl Tea Room. Enjoy the cake!

KLmagazine March 2013

> Out and About

! "+& " #/"3 31*0 3/ 2&& 3)& 2&",2 *. 3)&*1 ."341", &.5*1/.-&.3 /. ,"+&.&7 /*.3 )& 31*0 *2 24*3"#,& '/1 ",, "(&2 ".% *2 314,7 4.'/1(&33"#,& *-&3"#,&2 3*$+&32 ".% *.'/1-"3*/. "1& "5"*,"#,& "3 3)& .$)/1 .. 04# *. /123/. 8 /"32 ,&"5& '1//123/. 4"7 8 //+*.( *2 231/.(,7 1&$/--&.%&%

666 2&",31*02 $/ 4+ &-0,&2 &", 1*02 )& 31&&3

" & %,

/123/.

(, ( % ! $ % $ $ %%! %$" $

KLmagazine March 2013

/1'/,+

" + $ & % ' # & ' & " *** ( ")+ $ # %#

> Out and About

tiffkey lies on the North Norfolk coast between Wells and Morston and its name derives from ‘treestump island’ – it’s a beautiful village consisting largely of flint and brick cottages built on the banks of the charming River Stiffkey. High above the village sit Stiffkey Old Hall and the church of St. John the Baptist. In 1937 Henry Williamson – the author of Tarka the Otter – purchased Old Hall Farm in Stiffkey for £2,250. He wanted to contribute to Sir Oswald Mosley’s new vision of Britain but with no previous experience of farming he abandoned the farm after eight years and returned to Devon. In his 1941 book The Story of a Norfolk Farm he writes about the area with some vivid prose:

he Lord Nelson Inn at Burnham Thorpe was originally named The Plough. Built in 1637 it would be renamed in honour of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of the Nile. Inside you’ll find a plaque commemorating the birth of the man who would be dubbed ‘The Greatest Ever Englishman’ and even if the locals prefer to tell you he was born in the brick and flint barn that runs adjacent to the inn, the records show he was born in the Parsonage House of All Saint’s Church, where Horace’s father Edmund was the rector. Soon after Nelson’s birth the house was demolished although the rectory that replaced it can still be seen. The site of the original rectory is marked by a roadside plaque. The story of Lord Nelson is one of heroism and valour. As his figure looks towards the coast of France from the top of Trafalgar Square’s column it’s easy now to move on to newer heroes but his story continues to intrigue and fascinate, and surely there’s no better place to begin one’s own research into his formidable life than in the village where it all started.

“The sea was half a mile from the village, and the field ended in a plantation or land-fringe of stunted trees, and then steeply down to a pebbly shore and a creek where a fisherman's boat was moored. We sat down on the grass, gazing out over the marshes, one vast gut-channered prairie of pale blue sea-lavender. Afar was the sea merging in summer mist and the palest azure sky. There was no sound: the air was still: not a bird stirring. This was the sun I remembered from boyhood days, the ancient harvest sunshine of that perished time when the earth was fresh...”

OUT & ABOUT AT EASTER: Easter arrives relatively early this year, so let’s hope for some great weather to go with the ﬁrst of the year’s natural breaks. Wherever you go in west and north Norfolk – whether your visit is your ﬁrst or your hundredth – you’ll discover gems of geography and history. King’s Lynn’s urban population is the second biggest in Norfolk and growing all the time. Its county’s history is rich and its landscape ever-changing, but close to the town is sea and coastline and forest and countryside that can take on any county in the country, and win hands down. Welcome to Norfolk!

KLmagazine March 2013

> Out and About

)

% +

The pub with no bar – great ales straight from the cask!

&' % - )0 0 )&$ $

$ $ ) ) * !

&,+

Tongue-twizzling food and superb value!

,+! ,# + !% *

)

% +

- )0. )

(, #!+0 % $ ) +* +& + $'+ 0&, '&+* ' !%+!% * + /+!# * # ** % .&& * % % +,) # !*+&)0 &&"* % ' !%+ +!# * +& 0&,) &.% *! % +& #!- % ,' 0&,) "!+ % #

+ # ' &%

+ $ )" +

Victory Barn Function Room for weddings and parties

,)% .

*!+

... ' !#!'' # '&++ )0 & ,"

NELSON’S LOCAL

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

Individually designed and crafted garden buildings – exquisitely hand made by local carpenters

Creake Road, Burnham Market, Norfolk PE31 8EA Tel: 01328 823413 | Mobile: 07775 897937

www.theclassicshedco.co.uk KLmagazine March 2013

Red carpet treatment by Rounce & Evans... West Norfolk’s homes have never been so popular. KL magazine talks to Teresa and Luke from Rounce & Evans about life close to the Sandringham Estate

or the last 23 years Rounce & Evans have been providing homes to buy or to let in a territory that’s tremendously easy to get to, and just as easy to love. This part of west Norfolk – Dersingham, Ingoldisthorpe, Snettisham and Heacham - has terriﬁc transport links both north and south, schools, doctors’ surgeries, shops and neighbours, and a proximity to the Sandringham Estate and the coast that make it perfect for families. Around ten years ago King’s Lynn’s professionals started to realise that it might be possible to get more for your money north of the town. While costs

may be lower they’re not always going to remain so, and certainly not now the area may well have received the royal stamp of approval from William and Kate. KL Magazine understands that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge may have decided to make Anmer Hall their home. Dating back to 1802, and lying just two miles east of Sandringham House, its memories for William are those of youthful holidays spent there. The Cambridges’ children could well be growing up in what for many visitors is still an undiscovered country. “There’s just so much here,” says Teresa. “Not just the closeness to

Sandringham and the cachet of its royal connections but also the sense of returning to childhood. When Dersingham was bypassed there was anxiety that the three villages it swept around – Dersingham, Ingoldisthorpe and Snettisham – would fade. Quite the opposite has happened and it’s all come about as a result of an inﬂux of people looking for somewhere that’s well connected to the 21st century, but retains a great deal of old-fashioned charm.” Luke’s connection with the company began in 1997 when letting in the area was for corporate landlords only. Within just a few years everything would

KLmagazine March 2013

change. “Families began to realise that they could rent a Norfolk lifestyle,” says Luke, “without the need to find the deposit required to buy their first home. Only now really are we beginning to take the lead from the continent and view renting as the first option, rather than the last.” While Teresa’s properties for sale lie within a relatively small geographical area that bursts with the beauty of west Norfolk Luke looks further afield; Rounce & Evans Property Management’s reputation for the quality of its lets is such that he’s dealing with clients in Burnham Market, East Dereham and Downham Market, and he’s become adept at block management on behalf of some wellestablished landlords. “We’re delighted to be offering homes to let on behalf of the Crown,” adds Luke, “and as for security of tenure … well, I don’t think you can find a more reliable landlord anywhere else in the country, can you?” Teresa’s dealings with her clients are face-to-face but is aware that the company’s connections with Right Move means that it can tap into their TV advertising and a reputation that’s known worldwide. Luke’s relationships tend to be more long-distant but the personal approach is just as important to them both. “We operate the only dedicated lettings agent in Hunstanton,” says Luke, “and the only

member of ARMA (the Association of Residential Managing Agents) in the area.” The beauty of dealing with Rounce & Evans though, for someone who’s looking to rent or buy, or let or sell, is that they’re working with professionals who live in the area themselves and understand it as well as any of its residents. That comes of years of experience, complete empathy with the requirements of their clients and a passion that’s all too rare these days. Luke runs the letting department and Teresa’s responsibility is for sales; the two teams, close-knit and dependable, operate from separate floors of their Dersingham offices but they both understand the business of the other inside out. That means that their clients will receive a personal service on every occasion they contact the company. “We work as a team,” says Teresa. “We complement each other in commercial terms and in the running of the two companies, and we give a regulated professional service on both sides. It’s the sort of assurance our customers are looking for. We also…” “Finish each other’s sentences,” says Luke. It’s utterly, utterly refreshing to find an independent company like Rounce & Evans, all the more uplifting because they’re devoted to a part of the country that’s still to be discovered by many,

close to the sea, close to the forests and close to the train to London as well. If William and Kate were to choose West Norfolk to live in because they wanted somewhere that was unique then they would be choosing well. If Rounce & Evans’ clients choose their company because it oﬀers access to that unique part of the country as well then they too will have made the right decision.

ROUNCE & EVANS ESTATE AGENTS 3 Jubilee Court, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6HH Web: www.rounceandevans.co.uk Tel: 01485 541843 ROUNCE & EVANS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 75 Westgate, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 5EP Web: www.norfolklets.com Tel: 01485 544740

KLmagazine March 2013

V R EC H IE O IG WI M H N M L G EN Y D ED

Hopkins Homes Noticeably Different NOW OPEN! Willow Grove Necton, Norfolk PE37 8EN Willow Grove is a beautiful collection of traditionally crafted new homes from award winning East Anglian developer Hopkins Homes. Set within an idyllic rural location, Necton has a relaxing and calming ambiance with a local community that isn’t too small to enjoy a thriving public house and restaurant, post office, local shop, doctor’s surgery, garden centre and primary school. Willow Grove provides everyday convenience combined with easy access to the City of Norwich, the major towns of Norfolk and the untamed splendour of the North Norfolk Coast. Book an appointment to view today to see just how spectacular these homes are. Prices from £214,995 Marketing Suite & Show Home open Thursday - Monday 10am - 5pm. Call: 01760 720105

Also developing at: Aylsham, Bocking, Costessey, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Halesworth, Kilverstone, Little Plumstead, Mulbarton, Norwich, Reydon, Soham, Saxmundham & Walsham le Willows

PART EXCHANGE AVAILABLE*

sales@hopkinshomes.co.uk

www.hopkinshomes.co.uk

D EX EV C A EL LU N O SI PM V ENE T

*Subject to terms and conditions. Price correct at time of going to press. CGI of development.

PAPERMAKERS, SWANTON MORLEY, NORFOLK NR20 4GE

Now Open - Join us this weekend! The picturesque Norfolk village of Swanton Morley is the perfect setting for this exclusive new development by award-winning developer Hopkins & Moore. Papermakers is located within a secluded cul de sac and offers just 13 traditionally crafted new homes for open sale comprising six 3 bedroom houses and seven 4 bedroom houses. Each home has been individually designed for its location and the result is properties that balance character and style with clever integration of light and space to provide highly desirable homes of timeless appeal that incorporate all the convenience, practicality and energy efficiency to meet the demands of the most discerning home buyer. Current availability from £182,995 View Home & Sales Office open Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm. Call: 07775 562141

For more information call 01394 446860 or Savills on 01603 229229

sales@hopkinshomes.co.uk

www.hopkinshomes.co.uk Computer generated image. Prices correct at time of press.

KLmagazine March 2013

Y A W 4 New build? Self-build? The Right Way is 4 Way Steve Simpson, director of 4 Way Refrigeration Ltd, believes the message may be getting through – for new builds and self-builds air source heating is the way to a warmer future.

e may be getting to the end of winter at last. One of our coldest for some time has sharpened our wits, according to Steve. “At last, the innovation of air source heating is beginning to make sense,” he says. “For the future, for the planet as well as for our pockets, for new builds it has to be Air Source heating.” Fossil fuels burn a hole in the earth and a hole in our pockets. We’ve seen it as part of a necessary evil – to put money aside for oil or liquid petroleum gas – so that we can keep warm during winter. “It’s as if we’ve become hypnotised,” he says. “The architects and planners of our new homes still have blinkers on. It’s not the Ford Model T principle – there are more options available. We need to open our eyes.” Steve’s clarity is persuasive and practical. There is another way. “The point where winter starts to lose its grip – around the beginning of March – is also the point where most self-builders start to look seriously at their options. After all they’d like to be in by

KLmagazine March 2013

Christmas. If that seems to be a long way away, it isn’t.” Self-build..? That sounds serious, Steve. Is it really that popular? “Self-build home completions rose by 3.75 per cent in the first three months of 2012, the third consecutive quarter-on-quarter increase.” His figures are borne out by the Building Societies Association which revealed that one in 10 new homes in the UK are self-built and that the market generates £3 billion annually for the UK economy. So 10% of all homes are self-built. How does that compare with the continent? “In France and Germany,” says Steve, “around 60% of new homes are self-built and in Austria the figure rises to a staggering 80%.”

If we’re going to start at the beginning, and have the option of installing a heating solution that offers dramatically reduced heating costs, eco-friendly systems and improved efficiency, Steve has the answer. “Come and see it in action here on Bergen Way,” he says. “Or I’ll happily put you in touch with others who have already had Air Source heating installed and you can talk it over with them.” Air Source heating, at its simplest, takes in 1kw of energy and returns it as 4kw of energy. Pay for one kilowatt and receive four in return, year after year after year. Christmas comes but once a year. Air Source heating is for life.

Details 4 WAY REFRIGERATION LTD Unit 25, Bergen Way, North Lynn Industrial Estate, King's Lynn, PE30 2JG TEL: 01553 767878 E-MAIL: sales@4wayref.co.uk WEB: www.4wayref.co.uk

LOCAL LIFE

OUT & ABOUT Pictures: Ian Ward Words: David Learner 68

KLmagazine March 2013

privately-owned Georgian manor, Congham Hall is a crushingly romantic place to stay. Oops, it’s Mother’s Day and you’ve left this copy of KL magazine lying around again. Dating from the 1780s it was a family home for the next two hundred years until Christine and Trevor Forecast transformed it into a country hotel in 1982. Christine’s development of the house’s herb garden achieved international acclaim. Its latest acquisition, in March 2012, was by a consortium headed up by renowned hotelier Nicholas Dickinson. Heading clockwise, Grimston’s steadfast clock tower was originally erected to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1897 and its earthiness is a statement for change at a time when it was sorely needed. The change at St Botolph’s church came about when the hymn books were swapped for a screen; its friendly congregation uses modern English services and the 15th century tower looks on magniﬁcently. In 2011 Grimston Cricket Club were the West Norfolk League Champions and even in a leaf-short early spring the pavilion’s thatched roof is a gem of rural skill.

KLmagazine March 2013

oydon’s brief mention in the Domesday Book records it as Reidnua. In 1254 it became Ridone. The church of All Saints is a quiet, peaceful space dating back to 1857 when architect GE Street rebuilt it in the Neo-Romanesque tradition rooted around the church’s two original Norman doorways. Both the font and the pulpit are in similar style. In Roydon, the Three Horseshoes has received warm words for its welcome from online reviewers, but make sure you know what to expect when you ask for a sizzler. Roydon’s Old Stores, just steps away from the Horseshoes is currently available through Sowerby’s. “West Norfolk’s rural charm” – their words, or yours? Back in 1870 John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales said this of Grimston: There are chapels for Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists, a free school for boys, a school for girls, a charity of £95 a year for the free school and for repairing the church, and lands worth £40 a year for parochial purposes. Much has changed, but its Post Oﬃce and shop remain the hub of a patchwork community.

KLmagazine March 2013

BY APPOINTMENT TO HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTORS

$&1 1/2$- 13)1.- 5' $3( 10( 1) 5+( .$45 )$/,.8 ,0'(2(0'(05 &1053$&5134 )13 515$. 7$45( /$0$*(/(05 # ! ! 105$&5

00,4)3(( 3$',0* 45$5( $74(8 ,0* 4 800 13)1." 9 %$&1&1/2$-.5' &1 6- 9 4$.(4 %$&1 &1/2$- &1/

All your holiday questions...

mpany go bust? Will your holiday co layed? Will your flight be de ncelled? Will your flight be ca te be fair? Will the exchange ra with you? Will your bags arrive n and safe? Will the hotel be clea arrive? Will your cruise ship ions? Will you need inject

KLmagazine March 2013

...and all the answers! Holiday caravans in West Norfolk – plots currently available in Snettisham, Heacham, Hunstanton, Thornham and Brancaster. Prices from only £6995 – and no passport required! Contact us today and discover a new world of holidays!

Lynn Road, Gayton, King’s Lynn PE32 1QJ

Tel: 01553 636243

HAIR & BEAUTY SALON all welcome

Treat your mum to something special this Mother’s Day! Treat yourself to Jessica Geleration nails

£18.50 SPECIAL OFFER: For mum and daughter a Swedish back and shoulder massage £35.00 for both of you Treat yourself to an Elemis advanced facial and receive a FREE back massage

£42.00 Tel 01760 722661 Fax 01760 722551 Email info@daseaman.co.uk 18 Plowright Place, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7LQ

Proprietor: Michelle Firth South Beach Road, Hunstanton Tel: 01485 536028 | Free Car Parking

www.daseaman.org.uk

y Balloon FREE Mother’s Da ply quote Sim rs! with all orde ecial MDKLMAG in sp dering or en wh instructions

MOTHER’S DAY COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE! e Norfolk Florist oﬀers a complete online service for stunning floral gifts and bouquets for every occasion. With a range of beautiful styles and themes to choose from, we ensure high quality and excellent service – and personally deliver throughout West and North Norfolk. For more details, visit us online or call us now at either Swaﬀham on 01760 721726 or Fakenham on 01328 864036

www.thenorfolkflorist.co.uk

Make your Mother’s day this year with a stunning bouquet! LOCAL INTERFLORA WORLDWIDE DELIVERIES

$ $

!" #$

&&& !" #$ !& "

" $ !%

$" $ ( !&

!& " !"

" $(

!" !

01553 774544 www.flowercornerfloristry.co.uk 49 Norfolk Street | King’s Lynn | Norfolk PE30 1AG

KLmagazine March 2013

You and your health

How enhanced recovery can help you...

ne of the most common questions people ask when coming into hospital is ‘when will I be able to go home?’ “At BMI The Sandringham Hospital, we believe in a whole team approach to enhanced recovery following surgery,” says Physiotherapy Manager Hilary Tudor. “Enhanced recovery is evidence based practise to improve patient outcomes. We include the patient in our team approach to speed up recovery and enable early discharge with full patient confidence. Our physiotherapy department works closely with the nursing and medical staffs to ensure our patients are fit and ready to leave.” “This is a studied and planned process,” she explains, “and we dedicate ourselves to making it happen – we’re all committed to this pathway. We can’t work miracles, but with our patients working alongside us they’re amazed at what we can achieve.” Keys to the success of the Enhanced Recovery Program are: > Pre-admission assessment, planning and preparation > Commitment by the patient to their recovery > Reducing the physical stress of the operation > A structured approach to the immediate post-operative care including adequate pain relief > Early mobilisation “It is essential the patient is involved

at every stage of their treatment,” says physiotherapists work out treatment Hilary, “from the pre-admission routines to meet the needs of each outpatient appointment, through to individual patient. them heading back home.” “This isn’t about rushing people – this Medical staff will carry out individual is about concentrating on patients’ needs assessments for every patient as needs and requirements and working well as preparing a programme of with them to get them as fit and active treatment. They will also offer all the as we can, as quickly as medically guidance and support needed to help possible. someone on their treatment journey. “We know that people don’t want to “Because we spend so much time in spend extra days in a hospital bed when hospitals we don’t always appreciate they could be at home with family and the stress involved in coming in for an friends in a operation,” Hilary adds, “but for some more people it can be a worrying time. They comfortable don’t really know what’s going to environment happen to them or how they’ll react. and we work “From the beginning of admission, very hard to staff here work hard to ease those make sure worries, to soothe jangled nerves and that to ensure the patient is relaxed and happens.” confident about ROBERT MORRIS (right) was a what’s patient at BMI The Sandringham going to Hospital who recently had a knee happen to replacement. “Care is individualised,” them. he says. “Within 24 hours of my “During operation I was able to bend my their stay knee. The physiotherapy team gave we monitor me the confidence I needed to help their me recover more quickly.” progress and provide all the postoperative support needed. Once we feel the patient is able to get up, then our

The Sandringham Hospital

For more information, please call BMI The Sandringham Hospital on 01553 769770 or visit us at www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/sandringham KLmagazine March 2013

LOCAL LIFE

ABOVE: Gayton Hall a Grade II listed building sitting on 20 acres of land surrounded by the wild, wonderful, woodland

Gayton Hall looks to spring and sunshine... Lady Romney is preparing to open her gardens once again. David Learner talks to her about hearth, home and Norfolk

y the end of 2013 Tapping House will have moved into its new home in Hillington. The Norfolk Hospice will eventually provide 12 inpatient beds and is aiming to expand its Hospice at Home service. One of the patrons of the charity’s Capital Appeal, aiming to raise £4 million, is the 8th Earl of Romney. In the drawing room of Gayton Hall the Countess of Romney, Catriona Marsham, is ﬁlling in the gaps in my knowledge. “I’m a home visitor for the hospice,” she says. “I’ve been a volunteer since 2006.” The support of Tapping House is something she’s passionate about, but then the list of items she’s passionate about isn’t a short one. On a winter’s day and in the midst of snow the sun has shown a rare January face and the meadow land we’re looking out on shines with translucence.

KLmagazine March 2013

“We’re very lucky here, but it’s not just for us. Our first open day this year with the National Gardens Scheme is in late March. Twenty acres of wild, woodland, water garden, beautiful to walk. The spring bulbs will be in full bloom but by then there will be a host of colour. Other charities will benefit of course, and I’ll happily encourage them to get in touch with me for further days during the year.” The pictures that accompany this piece reveal the gardens at Gayton in their springtime glory but even in the cold there’s a splendour that promises well past the snow, and it’s a landscape that’s very very different from that of her formative years. Cici was one of five children who enjoyed a happy childhood in central Scotland. Her mother was one of the first teachers at Le Cordon Bleu in London and cooking became second

nature to her daughter. In London she found that the city’s choices for eating out didn’t offer even the tiniest percentage of variety that’s available today, but instead of heading mainstream in her own culinary career she set up on her own, offering private catering for some high-powered clients in the financial world. It was novel, it was different and it found her success. Much further on, in 2002, she would be asked to use her catering talents at the Queen’s Golden Jubilee party for Norfolk. Four thousand guests at Sandringham would require the collective efforts of ten catering companies and the enthusiasm of student waiters from King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Norwich. It’s a measure of its success that ten years later Cici would be asked to repeat the process for the Diamond Jubilee. This time, marvellously, students would not just

ABOVE: Daﬀodils oﬀer the best ever welcome at Gayton Hall gardens

do the serving but would also be the caterers as well, selected again from those same three colleges. It wasn’t Lord Romney’s intention to move into Gayton Hall quite so soon, but the couple’s wedding day also witnessed the untimely passing of the 6th Earl. This beautiful late Georgian house was built in the ﬁrst decade of the 19th century and its original designation was as a shooting box to a partridge manor. The family’s residency at Gayton began in 1888 after the family’s original seat Mote Park in Maidstone - was sold. “It turned out that there were gambling debts to pay oﬀ,” she explains. “It seems Lord Romney’s brother-in-law had run up quite a bill.” As well as her involvement with Tapping House Lady Romney works locally with the NSPCC. She’s been a member of the West Norfolk committee since 1975 and has chaired twice. “It’s a cause very close to my heart,” she says. And then there’s Westacre Theatre, the vibrant company that’s become synonymous with thought-provoking, challenging and hugely enjoyable theatre-going. Its 76

patrons are Stephen Fry and Antony Gormley, and Cici is an active trustee. “It’s such a happy team at Westacre,” she says. Her talents lie not onstage, she adds, but in the business of raising funds that are so vital to the future of this unique local venture. As we talk about her family we’ve arrived at the subject that gives her most contentment. Her eldest son David, the heir apparent, is a Major in the Scots Guards, currently in Afghanistan. She shares the same anxieties that any mother with any child serving for the armed forces anywhere in the world has. “He’ll be home soon,” she says. “Very soon.” He married Katherine Phillips in 2012 and the couple are expecting their ﬁrst child in March. Michael Marsham is her younger son, a director of Black Rock, due to marry Lucy Beaumont in Hexham Abbey in April, and Laura is her daughter, a London-based travel consultant. “She’s marrying here in September,” says Cici. “The garden will look lovely then too.” Laid out as a Victorian pleasure garden Lord Romney’s hobby is the arboretum but it’ll be a busy summer for the whole family while the gardens show their

best during their open days. Eventually we arrive at the reason for our visit today – the news that Her Majesty the Queen has approved the appointment of Lady Romney as Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk. “Quite simply, it’s a great honour,” she says. Her duties are to deputise for the Norfolk’s Lord-Lieutenant when Richard Jewson is unavailable. “I’m looking forward very much to representing west Norfolk, in particular. It’s a very special place.” As we prepare to leave I ask Cici what makes her happiest. After all, she continues to lead an active life around a whole host of organisations to whom she is wholeheartedly committed. “My family,” she says. “What more could I want, and this year more than any other? Three weddings and a baby. It doesn’t get any better than that.” GAYTON HALL GARDENS will be open on Sunday 24th March from 12pm-5pm. Admission is £5 (free for children) and visitors are also welcome from March to October by appointment – please call 01553 636259 for further details. TAPPING HOUSE www.norfolkhospice.org.uk WESTACRE THEATRE www.westacretheatre.com NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk

KLmagazine March 2013

%(+

#, " '+ +#!' ,( +-#, 1(-* #' #.# - % +,1% (&)% , +)($ +#!' + *.# ,, ',#(' ,( ," #' +, , #% '*#. %% * )-, ,#(' +) # %#+,+ (* 1 #, " '+ 0) *,%1 * , ' * , ,( +-#, 1(- 1(-* "(& ' 1(-* - ! , %% $#, " '+ +-))%# * 1 ,( #'+, %% 2 (* -%%1 #,, + *.# #+ . #% % ,((

0/ %%

*( *(&

///

(/'" & *$ , (* (%$ 0/ %%$#, " '+ (% (& 0/ %%$#, " '+ ( -$

The Hythe, Bridge Road, Downham Market www.charmed-interiors.co.uk

Read All About It! Sign up to receive the Charmed Interiors email newsletter and be the first to know about our: •

Exclusive Discounts,

•

Special Events, and

•

What’s New In-store. Gisela Graham Letter Holder, available to purchase

www.charmed-interiors.co.uk/newsletter-subscribe/

TEAROOMS • GIFTS • HOMEWARES • DECORATIONS KLmagazine March 2013

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FeetFirst

with Elizabeth Dutton

A bony problem for the Spring! OFFER OF TH

bunion (it’s official name is actually hallux valgus) is a protrusion on the head of the metatarsal bone at its junction with the big toes. It is caused by inflammation and swelling of the bursa (bursitis) at that joint. The bursa itself is a pocket of fluid enclosed in fibrous tissue that surrounds the joints and serves to protect them from friction. In the condition we’re talking about, the metatarsal joint becomes enlarged and is therefore subject to pressure and friction from shoes – which further aggravates the problem and damages the skin. Shoes can become a major problem in this condition, especially pointed high-heeled shoes which thrust the foot forward and exert an enormous amount of pressure on the big toe. The construction of the toes can also affect the little toe – forcing it toward the middle of the foot and causing a “bunionette” on the outer side at the base of the little toe. Bunions can be very painful and can cause serious problems when walking. 78

At the FOOT CARE CENTRE we can help by using a short course of laser treatments which help reduce the swelling on the joint – which in turn reduces the level of pain. We can also help with the careful choice of footwear. By using our dedicated Shoe Masters tool we can help your bunion to ‘ﬁt’ in your shoes without causing damage. For more information and details about the FOOT CARE CENTRE and our services, please contact us using any of the options below.

E MONTH!

A FREE expert shoe adjustme nt with every foot assessment – ju st ask for details !

All you need to know... ELIZABETH DUTTON is a qualified foot health care practitioner and trainer. Elizabeth and her qualified team offer treatments from THE FOOT CARE CENTRE, 4B Tower St, King’s Lynn, PE30 1EJ. For more information, details, help and advice please contact Elizabeth’s centre in King’s Lynn. You’ll find the Centre’s website at www.TheFootCareCentreKingsLynn.co.uk For details of how to train as a foot care practitioner please see the website at www.TheCollegeOfFootCarePractitioners.co.uk (note that the QR code on the right will also take you there) Finally, you can call us on 01553 768661 (clinic) or or send an e-mail to Elizabeth and her team at enquiries@thefootcarecentrekingslynn.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2013

(

$% " #

((

&* ' %&$* & &" " !, !!' # &$ ( &$% &(, $"" & ! &$% &(, &'$# ! # )&, "%!$," #( '%)( '$!)( $# # $"" & ! +

"""

KITCHENS | GRANITE WORKTOPS | FIREPLACES | STOVES

High quality designs & superior service

KR FIREPLACES Austin Fields, King’s Lynn PE30 1PH tel: 01553 772564

KLmagazine March 2013

ARTS

KLmagazine March 2013

ABOVE: A square in Seville – the sultry setting for Act One of Carmen, coming to King’s Lynn this month in an Ellen Kent production

Carmen’s savage beauty comes to King’s Lynn Cromer’s Sutherland House School for Girls closed in 1990, but amongst its former pupils is one of international opera’s best known producers. Ellen Kent talks to us about Carmen.

here’s musical theatre,” says Ellen Kent, “and then there’s extreme musical theatre!” To paraphrase Masterchef’s Gregg Wallace, in fact, musical theatre doesn’t get much tougher than this! It’s an astounding set straight out of the paintings of Goya – fountains, ﬂowers and orange trees basking in the sultry Seville heat – it’s a world away from a freezing winter in Tuesday Market Place. Ellen Kent’s production of Carmen – possibly the world’s best

KLmagazine March 2013

known opera – is coming to King’s Lynn for just one performance and it’s going to be a scorcher. Ellen Kent has been producing stunning theatre for longer than she cares to remember, and in some valuable spare moments she took time to speak to KL Magazine about why her audiences follow her productions like slaves, across the country and right across the world. “With show like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Miss Saigon we’ve got used to sung-through

musicals,” she says. “They’re second nature. We love them. What I do is treat the shows like movies. My productions are always very ﬁlmic – that way you get to see the vibrancy of the music and the beauty of the words brought to life with some incredible acting that’s worthy of the National Theatre.” Ellen talks with massive passion, precisely because that she wants her audiences to get from her shows. The evening should be stunning, memorable and rip-roaring, and it’s bound to last well beyond the ice

cream in the interval. “We always have a great time in King’s Lynn,” she says. “There’s always a fantastic following for what we do at the Corn Exchange, but it’s always great to see new faces as well. Many, many people believe opera’s not for them. How wrong they are!” It’s a great story, of course, and so blindingly simple you can write the plot on the back of a fag packet. The soldier Don Jose is seduced by the fiery beauty of the gipsy girl Carmen, killing a comrade to prevent her arrest after she forces him to desert his post for her. The fickle Carmen then resents his possessiveness and turns her attention to the glamorous toreador Escamillo. His obsession leads to a tragic conclusion in the bullring and the death of Carmen. Darn... plot spoiler. Forgot to tell you. “Carmen’s been popular the world over since it was first produced,” says Ellen. “Its lyricist was treated like royalty – you can’t have sensational theatre without some terrific words.” So how about the surtitles then? This is a production sung in French, after all, and you might imagine that the words displayed in front of you might detract from your enjoyment. “Not a bit,” says Ellen. “They become second nature, in the same way that they have done on the telly, or at the movies.” She’s right, of course, and Danish TV’s The Killing became a sensation precisely because it wasn’t dubbed into a rackety English, using the guttural qualities of the Scandinavian tongue to tell the story in the most effective way possible. The Independent said this production was “hot-blooded, a joy”. The Observer called it “impassioned and sultry”, and the Birmingham Evening Mail described it as “red hot passion”. “Love, revenge, torture, treachery... you get the lot, sung and performed by some of the opera world’s best known performers and musicians,” says Ellen. “It’s an immense, unforgettable evening.” Ellen has travelled the globe to handpick her company, right down to the technical staff, wardrobe, orchestra and actors – a bespoke company for a stunning night out that Ellen promises will be unforgettable and will change forever your view of opera. Change your mind and change your plans – book for Carmen now!

CARMEN will play at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange for one performance only on Tuesday 5th March at 7.30pm. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, you can book tickets by calling 01553 764864 or online at www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2013

(& , +$ !/ ,#0 *-" * %/($,#*6 0$/3("$ 0

ROLL END TOP END

$:** #$*(3$/ ,# (,01 ** 6-2/ ,$4 ..*( ,"$0 %-/ 4(1'(, +(*$0 -% (,&:0 6,, 8 4$:** $3$, #(0.-0$ -% 6-2/ -*# ..*( ,"$0

A massive choice of top value carpets!

/$$ #$*(3$/6 ,# (,01 ** 1(-, ..*($0 1- .2/"' 0$0 -3$/ 7

5.$/1 ,# '$*.%2* #3("$ %/-+ 1$ + -% *-" * 0.$"( *(010 /($,#*6 01 %% 1- + )$ 0$,0$ -% ** 1'$ 1$"',(" * #$1 (*0 -+.*$1$ %1$/ 0 *$0 0$/3("$ 2** / ,&$ -% #-+$01(" ..*( ,"$ 0. /$0 1--

A huge collection of high quality carpets!

Don’t forget we also offer a wide range of vinyls, laminates and hardwood floorings

From budget floors to grand designs, we never compromise on quality... -4$/ 1/$$1

(,&:0 6,, -/%-*) 444 "--.$/ ,#$*+0 "- 2)

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

Anglia and BBC East

You always get a better service with KlearVu! Did the recent switchover leave you with TV problems – missing channels or poor reception? Call the local experts and we’ll give you all the help and support you need!

KLEARVU AERIALS

Reg C893

Reg 18267073

King’s Lynn 674950 www.klearvuaerials.com KLmagazine March 2013

LOCAL LIFE

ABOVE: Busier than a bee in a brewery, the bar at the Crown and Mitre in King’s Lynn

The history of Lynn at the Crown and Mitre Celebrating its 270th birthday this year one of the last waterfront pubs in King’s Lynn still serves a juicy pint. David Learner sups ale with landlord Roger Duggan...

lmost lost in time, and one of the very last buildings you’ll notice before tumbling into the Great Ouse at the end of Ferry Street in King’s Lynn is the Crown and Mitre pub. Mind you, if you use the word pub now, you do so at your peril – large numbers of our pubs have been revamped, rewallpapered and reborn as bars and very few traditional pubs still exist. Roger Duggan protects the word pub ferociously, but then he protects most things ferociously. It’s true to say that

the Crown and Mitre has no jukebox or fruit machine, no telly, serves homecooked food seven days a week and is almost certainly one of the last truly free pubs in Lynn. The ales haven’t come far and they’re served at their best temperature. You’ve approached the pub from Tuesday Market Place, past the Globe on the corner, or you’ve come the older way down the quayside, past the back of the Corn Exchange. That way you’ll have walked past the old swimming pool, part of the King’s Lynn Conservancy Board building, and

maybe without knowing you’ll have stepped over cobbles that have been there since the 1500s. “They’re not sets,” says Roger. “They’ve come straight from the sea shore, one by one. Not a long trip.” The pub’s attack of massive busyness hits you as soon as you’ve opened the front door of the Crown. Everywhere you look there’s something to see that’s got Roger’s mark on it. The former mechanical engineer came from leafy Middlesex in the early 1970s to do a bit of fishing and then moved up in 1994 to run the pub.

KLmagazine March 2013

Bits of nautical engineering culled from a whole host of vessels have been sympathetically recycled by Roger into bar stool feet, or the bar rail itself, or they festoon the place in huge mechanistic slabs of industry that either you like, or you don’t. It could never be said that there’s nothing to see. It’s also the reason why some warier first-time visitors turn tail when they enter the pub. As one of the waterside inns that attracted composer Ralph Vaughan Williams in his search for the roots of English folk-songs in the early 1900s it’s possible that today’s latterday drinkers could be a bit fazed by the place. In Penzance it’s fine, and your trip there might well find you on a Treasure Island trail that takes in the Admiral Benbow and the romance of Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver, but King’s Lynn? In other words, if you’re here for the beer, then you’ve arrived home. None of it has come far and when you do eventually make it to the bar – handmade by Roger – you’ll find one of the more extraordinary sights in an already special place, the ancient cooking range sitting snug beneath the optics that will dispense a Johnnie Walker or a Bell’s, if that’s really what you want. Order a pint of local ale and turn round. You’ll see a room you won’t have noticed on the way in, somewhere else that takes a step back in time, somewhere to explore later, and you’ll also begin to absorb some of the pub’s atmosphere, which has been

KLmagazine March 2013

smouldering softly since 1743. “The pub’s had a licence continually since then,” says Roger. “King’s Lynn needs a decent pub and folk come from miles just to experience that.” In that sense he’s right – there’s a loyal bunch from Lincoln who arrive every six weeks or so. They order liver and bacon, they drink plenty of Roger’s ale and they know what to expect. Sausage and mash, gammon steak, white wine chicken, lamb cutlets, rump steak. Time’s taken to prepare them but there’s certainly plenty to engage you while you’re waiting – maps, pictures, ropes, woodwork, thunking great pistons, maritime chains and shipboard instruments – a sense of the past, even if the deck is an illusion. Ask Roger when it dates from – you might get a surprise. And take a wander out to the Vinery – built by Roger of course – the glazed conservatory that last year seated 80 for a golden wedding celebration and over which the east coast watches the sun set in the west in some spectacularly original displays that glower and burn their way down the hanging sky. Finally, as you leave just cast an eye over the sign that says Anchor Brewery, opening soon. “It’s been there four years,” says Roger. “It’ll happen. Soon. That’s what it says.” Half-full, that’s Roger’s glass, and never half-empty. Take him as you find him and along the way you’ll have found one of the last pubs in west Norfolk that calls a spade a spade. Or an anchor an anchor.

Garden Centre Coffee Shop Aquatics Reptile Centre Tools and accessories Bird feeding products

SHED WITH CEDAR SHINGLE ROOF

Brilliant buildings, brilliant service!

GARDEN SHEDS POTTING SHEDS WORKSHOPS SUMMERHOUSES PLAYHOUSES POULTRY HOUSES/RUNS TIMBER BUILDINGS

FREE! DELIVERY ! AND INSTALLATION

atoes Seed pot able l now avai

Our wide range of different size sheds and buildings are all individually made from high quality softwood. Contact us today – we’re sure we can cater for all your outdoor needs!

Evergreen House, Railway Road, Downham Market tel: 01366 382496 web: www.evergreensheds.co.uk e-mail: evergreensheds@gmail.com

Poppyfields Drive | Snettisham | Norfolk PE31 7UD Telephone: 01485 544638

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

PATTRICK & THOMPSONS LTD T I M B E R

C E N T R E

Your first choice for quality products and service! A comprehensive range of planed and sawn timber, skirting, architrave, dado rail, MDF skirting and architrave, roof trusses, chipboard, plywood, sterling board, hard board, MDF board, plasterboard, worktops, melamine shelving, louvre doors, stairparts, doors, door frames, ironmongery, stains, tools, mastics, adhesives

For the garden... Featheredge board, fence panels, trellis, metposts, fence posts, postmix, decking and much much more... C A L L I N AT O U R C O L L E C T I O N C E N T R E N O W !

Pattrick & Thompsons Ltd Page Stair Lane King’s Lynn, Norfolk Tel: 01553 762026 Fax: 01553 768495

OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 8.00am–5.00pm (closed 12 noon–12.30pm) Saturday 8.00am–12noon SPECIAL OFFERS ON MANY SELECTED PRODUCTS! FREE LOCAL DELIVERY – OR YOU CAN COLLECT!

KLmagazine March 2013

A special spring at Doubleday The Doubleday team are getting ready for sunnier days with a host of special offers perfect for keeping your garden looking great

f you find yourself doing a double take at Doubleday don’t be surprised. There’s more to see than ever before and its spring offers are set to please even their most consistent customers. Doubleday’s Roy Pickett tells us that the new X135R Lawn Tractor is much more than a working war horse. “Just take a look at that picture,” he says. “Not everyone’s got twenty acres to look after and this beauty offers a great first step into the rear collection lawn tractor range. It combines dependability, durability and power in every aspect of its construction from a fully welded steel frame to a cast-iron front axle. It’s an automatic rear collection machine providing a perfect finish in smaller gardens.” Roy’s double delight comes from the ease of operation of the X135R. “It’s got an infinite choice of ground speeds and the seating has been ergonomically designed for maximum comfort. There’s a 42-inch cutting edge, a massive 300 litre hopper and robust headlights for when you really can’t sleep. It’s easy to maintain at a very affordable price.” John W Doubleday Ltd took on the John Deere franchise in 1982 and the company grew rapidly, acquiring Bourne tractors in 1988 then taking over Evergreen Tractors in St Germans in 1999. In 2012 the company rebranded all outlets to operate as KLmagazine March 2013

Doubleday and their John Deere ensure the best service for our trading area was expanded deeper into customers.” Lincolnshire to cover as far as Boston. As if there weren’t enough good In 2013 the brand is set to grow again news for its customers already Roy has as John Deere have asked Doubleday kept the best till last – an early season to represent them even further north, offer to ensure a short hop to St with the territory now stretching to Germans takes precedence over the Chapel St Leonards, close to Skegness. daytrip to the coast. “We’ve just heard A new state of the art premises on the that selected models from the John A17 near Swineshead will open in Deere Lawn Tractor range will receive a autumn this year to ensure Doubleday free utility cart. That’s a trailer to you customers get the best possible service. and me. The X100, 300 and 500 ranges “Doubleday’s commercial range of all benefit from this offer – catering for products and its geographical range of every size of garden – purchased operations have always gone hand in between 1 March and 31 May 2013.” hand. The company is known for its The Doubleday offer is about much history, reliability and professionalism. more than a great deal for its We know that if a customer orders a customers. The personal service that all part for their machinery on a Friday it’ll the Doubleday team have offered for be here on the Saturday – we’ve generations is renowned through managed to save the weekend, and Norfolk and Lincolnshire. “Those two that’s by far and away the busiest time counties are at the very heart of arable for both our commercial and domestic farming in the UK. Doubleday’s customers.” heartbeat is just as strong and we’re The Doubleday back-up is second to fantastically proud to have been able to none, and its parts and service systems serve this beautiful area past, present for the home gardener take just as and future. And that future is going to important a place as the needs of the have some great looking lawns!” agricultural customer. “The history of Doubleday is the history of farming itself. As the dips and recessions have hit us all Doubleday has been able to ride - quite literally DOUBLEDAY (KING’S LYNN) through the Lynn Road, Wiggenhall St Germans, King’s Lynn, Norfolk worst of the Tel: 01553 617666 | Web: www.doubledaygroup.co.uk storms to 87

&$ & *! $ %. ) (," ) % '(& + *) , "# # &( ) # *"&% . .&+ (

! "

! "# !" " $

")"* &+(

. *& ("

)"* --- )+'( $

!! & "

$"% * #&&("% / &$ )*" #&&("% / + #"*. (' *) + ) / && #&&("% &#" % % "% ( "%.# #&&("% ' " #")* &+% (&& "% % (# . .)* $ *+( # #&&("% ( )) ") # &"( % +* !&-(&&$ &' %

$ $

!! "

(*,# '!

(' *) &$

$+ " #

& +

--- +$&)%. $',"*$(*+ (&

+ %"+

+$&)%. $',"*$(*+ (&

VICE R E S N IO T IP R C S B U S

! E L B A L I A V A W O N

Have KL magazine delivered to your door every month! KL magazine has always been enormously successful, and by popular demand we’re now introducing a subscription service – which means you won’t even have to leave your home, as your very own copy posted direct to your door! For £25, you can receive the next six issues of KL magazine, and £48 you can receive every issue for the next 12 months. Please note that we can only deliver to UK postal addresses. So, to make sure of your copy of KL magazine, please contact us on 01553 601201 – and thanks again for all your feedback!

To subscribe and for more details, please call 01553 601201 88

KLmagazine March 2013

My KL

e page that’s

made by KL magazine readers...

Next month... > PENSTHORPE: as spring unfolds we take a walk through the wonderful world of the Wensum Valley’s award-winning attraction.

Greetings from Hampshire... Hello King’s Lynn! Although I’ve lived in Birmingham, Scotland, the USA and (since 1974) Baskingstoke, I was born in the King’s Arms in Swaffham in February 1940. For many years I’ve had an increasing interest in West Norfolk, and your great magazine is passed on from a lifelong friend in Terrington. I have about 100 old postcards of King’s Lynn and about 50 of Terrington. The one here (above) is from the early 1920s and shows my father at his stall in the Tuesday Market Place – note the name on the lower centre stall cover. I read with interest your interview with David Lawrence, because I was at Wymondham College between 1951 and 1958. During the earlier part of that period there was a group of students who lived at Wymondham College and travelled every day by special bus to Easton. They were referred to as ‘the Aggi Boys’ as they weren’t Wymondham College students. I’m curious to learn if the current Easton College has descended from those days 60 years ago. Could you satisfy my curiosity? This is a snapshot taken from up a tree in July 1954 showing the gardens used for practical agricultural science purposes and the Nissen huts that were the classrooms and accommodation facilities. I took the Engineering Science option. It may be of interest to David Lawrence that in 1956 (my ‘O’ level year) our science options were Agricultural Science or Engineering Science. Things have changed! TIM BRISTON Basingstoke, Hampshire KL magazine: We spoke to David Lawrence, and the answer is yes – the first students at Easton were residents at what become Wymondham College during the first year of Easton College’s operation before residences were built at Easton.

KLmagazine March 2013

> GLAMOUR AND GOWNS: a sneak preview of a fabulous new exhibition at Holkham Hall featuring the elegant ball gowns and dresses of renowned couturier Belville Sassoon. > PENTNEY ABBEY: as you’ve never seen it before, we talk to those who’ve taken on the painstaking task of the restoration of this astounding Norman gatehouse.

...and lots more!

$ !

31*)44,10%. 164) .)%3%0') )37,') 3)) "%.6%5,104 1* 5)/4 *13 %.) 31&%5) %0( 0463%0') "%.6%5,104 !

%3'+ 5+ 5+ 23,. 3( 5+ %9 45 5+ 60) 5+ 5+ 0 ,5) %.)4 %3/ %'+,0)39 5'

105%'5 %339 %8-,04 *13 %(7,') ). :888 &%339+%8-,04 '1 613 888 6-%6'5,10))34 '1/ : 900 1%( 180+%/

%3-)5

LOCAL LIFE

Michael Middleton’s

WildWestNorfolk

hile I admit that the Internet has brought us many wonderful things, I do hold it responsible for ruining several of my most cherished childhood memories. The toys I used to have, the television shows I watched and the books I loved as a child are no longer fondly-held but thoroughly murky recollections. Now they’re all avaialble at the click of a few buttons – and to be honest, they’re not as great as I thought they were. The same holds true for an enormous amount of information I’ve been happily carrying around for years believing it to be true. Thanks to the Internet, my world may be wider, but it seems to have lost a lot of its magic. For instance, I now know that Nero didn’t fiddle while Rome burned (since violins hadn’t even been invented at the time), Marie Antoinette didn’t say “let them eat cake” (the phrase was actually coined by a French philosopher when she was only 10), and George Washington didn’t have wooden teeth after all – his dentures were made of gold, hippopotamus ivory, lead, and a variety of real human, horse and donkey teeth. Oh, and Napoleon Bonaparte wasn’t short – he was, in fact, rather taller (at 5ft 7ins) than the average Frenchman of his time. For years I’ve been under the impression that the popular image of Santa Claus was created by Coca-Cola as an advertising gimmick in the 1930s. But it wasn’t. I still add a little oil to the saucepan when I’m cooking pasta to prevent it sticking, even though I now know that

the oil floats on the surface of the water and the pasta stays at the bottom of the pan and the two never come into contact. Thanks to my online meanderings, I’m also aware that all cattle are dichromatics – so they don’t see red as a particularly bright colour and it doesn’t make bulls mad. So all those years of happily warning ramblers against wearing red rucksacks were in vain. Similarly, I’ve recently discovered that bats aren’t really blind and that goldfish have a memory span of months rather than seconds. Oh, and if you’ve got any sleepwalkers in the house, don’t worry about waking them – it doesn’t hurt, although tripping over things or losing balance while sleepwalking does. How many times have I told people that swallowed chewing gum takes seven years to digest? Wrong – it’s mostly indigestible, and passes through you at the same rate as anything else. Warts are caused by a virus unique to humans – you can’t catch them from toads. And the bumps on a toad aren't warts anyway. Before I had my laptop (for most of my life) I was always fascinated by the fact that diamonds are formed from highly compressed coal. Now, thanks to my laptop, I know that more than 99% of the diamonds ever mined have been formed about 90 miles below the earth's surface, whereas coal is formed from prehistoric plants no more than 2 miles from the earth surface. Remember talking about what would happen if you happened to drop a penny from the Empire State Building? Even though it’s a scenario

that kicks in every time you walk past an unfeasibly tall building, the mundane truth is that it won’t kill anyone or crack the sidewalk. Before it hits the ground, the penny will reach its terminal velocity of about 30–50 miles per hour, and won’t exceed that speed regardless of the height from which it is dropped. Anyway, the tapered shape of the building in question makes it impossible to drop anything directly from the top to street level. Talking of things falling from the sky, I was often worried about a frozen block of toilet waste hurtling its way to the ground from a 747 passing over South Wootton (I had a strange childhood). That was before I learned that all waste on aircraft is collected in tanks which are then emptied on the ground by toilet waste vehicles. If you want to hold on to your illusions, my advice is to avoid the Internet. It’s elementary, my dear Watson. Oh, and before you ask, that phrase was never actually uttered by the character in any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s written works.

KLmagazine March 2013

' &' && + (' ) ##" ' & !#% ," ! ' " ) % #% % ! ' " & &$#%'& % " &'% " "' & '# '& $$

" %

Representative example C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Saloon with manual transmission and metallic paint 36 monthly payments of*

(% # % # #!$ ! "' %, % ) ' #" ,&' ! & ) " !#% . &$ , * " ,#( % & ' ' " ) ' #" &,&' !& #" / #!$ ' '#% !# & *#( #&' ($ '# -

& $#!, * !

! )#( !

#- $

' !

##"

* ,

£26,915.00

Customer deposit

£3,938.21

Optional purchase payment† Acceptance fee Purchase activation fee†

"*'

$ # $)( "$&

£180.00 £95.00 £19,076.79

Total amount payable††

£29,082.21

Duration of agreement

36 months

Fixed interest rate

# ($ $$

£3,900.00 £10,925.00

Amount of credit

Representative APR

( '( & *

4.15% 4.9% APR

# ' ,##

! "

/E,2*5 08?.;76.7= />.5 ,87<>69=287 E0>;.< 27 690 52=;.< 9.; ,86+27..62<<287< G

On the road price

Retailer deposit contribution**

. ,( " &)## # ! (' . / (+ # '%$ !!$, + ! . &$#( # & & & (&$# % & # '' '( # . ! (, $#(&$! ')'% #' $# $& '%$&(, & * . (( #( $# '' '( &$+' # '' ( ( $# ','( " " ' && + (' ) !#"' , $ ,! "'& # (&' -

£279.00

46 /8; =1. 0 46

5*<< ;*70. >;+*7

.A=;* >;+*7

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