KL Magazine January 2019

ISSN 2044–7965

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ISSUE 100 JANUARY 2019 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

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welcome

I

t's always worth raising a glass to the start of a new year, but we've got extra cause for celebration this month, as you'll have already noticed if you looked at the issue number on the front cover. It hardly seems possible that this is the 100th time I've welcomed readers to the latest edition of KL magazine.

Reaching this milestone with our readers and advertisers has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and you can read about just how far the magazine has come since October 2010 on page 8. However, this seems the ideal place to say that the copy you're reading at the moment is a perfect example of what's made KL magazine so successful - and why this is such a rewarding and fulfilling area in which to live and work.

Over the following pages, you'll find

plenty of local food and drink to enjoy, lots of fascinating buildings to visit, a host of creative individuals, and a world of local professionals, businesses and companies - some of which are also celebrating 100th anniversaries this month. You'll find plenty of history too, from the first hospital in King's Lynn (which was built over 100 years before the creation of the NHS) to the town's workhouse - of which only a fragment of wall now remains.

Over the last eight years, KL magazine has featured hundreds of local people doing remarkable things and making an impact far beyond the borders of Norfolk. Many have been historical personalities, but the area is full of inspiring people today.

People such as Ben Tansley, for example. Last year he climbed Snowdon and completed the Berlin marathon, and

in a few months time he'll be climbing the 45-degree angled 999-step staircase of Heaven's Gate mountain in China - all in the name of charity.

Remarkable achievements by any standards, but extraordinary when you consider that Ben was paralysed from the chest down in the summer of 2017.

His positive attitude and determined spirit are incredible, and you can read about his journey so far on page 30.

A final thank you to everyone who's supported KL magazine over the last 100 issues (we genuinely couldn't have done it without you) and we hope you enjoy this one. See you again next month.

Eric Secker EDITOR

KL magazine

COVER IMAGE

meet the team

Aerial shot of the North Norfolk Coast by Ian Ward

MANAGING DIRECTOR Laura Dunn

CONTENT MANAGER

Sarah Woonton

EDITOR

Eric Secker

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Amy Phillips Lisa Barrett

ADVERTISING Jessica Smith

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Ward

ADMINISTRATION

CONTRIBUTORS

DISTRIBUTION

Clare Bee Alison Gifford Sylvia Steele

Nicola Back

Pete Tonroe

contact

18 Tuesday Market Place King’s Lynn PE30 1JW 01553 601201 info@klmagazine.co.uk

KL magazine is published monthly by KL Publications Ltd. The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and KL magazine takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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contents

7 8 12 18 24 30 36 40 44 52 58 KLmagazine January 2019

DIARY DATES This month’s forthcoming events 100 ISSUES OF KL MAGAZINE We celebrate a major milestone THE WONDER OF CASTLE RISING Exploring one of our finest castles THE HIDDEN PEARL OF KING’S LYNN Uncovering the story of All Saints Church HEALTHCARE IN THE 19TH CENTURY Remembering King’s Lynn’s first hospital FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH...

The remarkable story of Ben Tansley A VISIT TO CLEY MARSHES A haven of tradition and natural beauty THEN & NOW The changing face of West Norfolk THE STORY OF KING’S LYNN FERRY Crossing the river for 750 years TREKKING AROUND THE WORLD A remarkable fundraising adventure FASHION Inspiration from our local boutiques

JANUARY 2019

68 80 85

86 92 98 104 109 110 114

FOOD AND DRINK Reviews, recipes & recommendations NORFOLK’S FAVOURITE CHEESES Catherine Temple’s recipe for success FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH A taste of Archers in King’s Lynn JANUARY IN THE GARDEN Expert advice with Wendy Warner ST. JAMES WORKHOUSE A trip into the past with Paul Richards NORFOLK’S ORIGINAL LIFE SAVER The life and inventions of George Manby FROM ACTRESS TO AUTHOR...

A look at the work of Isabelle King YOU AND YOUR PETS With London Road Veterinary Centre A PASSION FOR ANIMALS & ART We talk to local artist Emily Rose MICHAEL MIDDLETON Turning over a new leaf for a new year

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Two incredible new cars from one amazing dealer It’s a stylish start to the New Year for local motorists as Duff Morgan welcomes the Citroën C5 Aircross and SEAT Tarraco

D

uff Morgan was founded exactly 110 years ago, but although the company has always been associated with high standards of motoring excellence it may never have started a new year in such an exciting fashion – with the arrival of two extraordinary new cars in the shape of Citroën’s stunning C5 Aircross and SEAT's hugely-impressive Tarraco.

And you can start 2019 in style now by discovering them both at Duff Morgan.

Citroën claim the C5 Aircoss (available from £22,305) is the most comfortable SUV on the market, and after a few minutes behind the wheel it’s hard to disagree with them.

The brilliant Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension system makes the C5 Aircross a sheer joy to drive on the most uneven of road surfaces, and the luxurious interior space is only equalled by the generosity of the boot – which

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offers no less than 720 litres. Fold down the second row bench and you can double that.

Of the four engine variations, the PureTech petrol versions are noteworthy for an impressive 30% reduction in mechanical losses due to friction. It’s an astounding car in every respect, but Citroën aren’t the only ones getting 2019 off to a hugely impressive start.

SEAT’s Tarraco (available from £28,320) is the manufacturer’s third and biggest-ever SUV, and it brings a fresh new look to the sector with greater self-confidence, more elegance and increased sportiness Thanks to SEAT’s highly-acclaimed design expertise, the Tarraco mixes state-of-the-art technology, dynamic handling and a host of innovative practical features – and wraps them up in a supremely elegant design.

This is a car designed for drivers who need the utility and convenience of a

5 or 7-seater but aren’t prepared to compromise on looks. The high driving position and interior space maximises the interaction between driver and vehicle, and whichever of the four sophisticated engines (diesel and petrol) you prefer, the Tarraco ticks every box.

“These two cars epitomise the core values of Citroën and SEAT perfectly,” says Sales Manager Martin Seal. “At Duff Morgan we’re really excited about bringing these two new cars to the area – and introducing them to local motorists.”

Of course, with Martin and his team at Duff Morgan you’ll also enjoy the exceptionally high levels of service and support you’d expect from an awardwinning dealer. If you’re looking for a head-turning way to start the new year, look no further than Duff Morgan. Book your test drive in Citroën’s C5 Aircross or SEAT's Tarraco (or even better both!) by using the details below.

KLmagazine January 2019

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Diarydates

LOCAL EVENTS IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Jan-March

Jan-Feb

SNOWDROP WALKS AT WALSINGHAM ABBEY

PATIENCE - PRESENTED BY WEST NORFOLK GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY A rare chance to see one of the less well-known of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operettas – Patience. Set in woodland surrounding a castle, rival poets and a company of dragoons vie for the affections of rapturous maidens.

There will be plenty of laughs and wonderful music. Tickets: Available from the Corn Exchange Box Office on

01553 764864 or online at www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

WHEN: 31st January to 2nd February at 7.30pm with a Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm.

WHERE: The Guildhall of St George (The Arts Centre) in King Street, King’s Lynn

Walk the beautiful grounds of Walsingham Abbey and marvel at the 18 acres of woodland carpeted with snowdrops. Walsingham has the perfect conditions for snowdrops to thrive; deciduous woodland with chalky, alkaline, humus-rich soil with good drainage, although it never dries out in summer. The open tree canopy lets through plenty of light in late winter and early spring. Tickets: Adults £5.50, children 6-16 £2.50.

WHEN: Open daily from Saturday 26th January to Sunday 3th March, 10am-4pm

WHERE: Walsingham Abbey, 10 Common Place, Walsingham NR22 6BP

Jan-April EXHIBITION – FLORENCE ADA COXON, KING’S LYNN’S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR There is a growing buzz of excitement around King’s Lynn as local residents and visitors start to recognise the importance of this 900-year-old town at the edge of the Wash, steeped in history and home to some very special characters.

Come and visit a special exhibition dedicated to Florence Ada Coxon who became Lynn’s first female Mayor in 1925. As well as seeing her robes and regalia in the Treasury, discover formerly little-known facts about her family history and royal friendships. This exhibition is free with paid museum admission.

WHEN: 23rd January - 4th April WHERE: Stories of Lynn, King’s Lynn Town Hall, Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 5DQ KLmagazine January 2019

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th

Feb

ROTARY SWIMARATHON – FUNDRAISING EVENT Time to make a splash for charity! Teams of six swimmers are being challenged to swim lengths of the pool in relays for one hour, to raise money for local charities supported by Priory Rotary Club King’s Lynn.

Money raised will go to West Norfolk Young Carers, West Norfolk MIND, Little Discoverers, Revving Up Reverend, Norfolk and Waveney Headway and The Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company. It’s free to enter but each swimmer is asked to raise at least £25 in sponsorship. To enter a team, or to find out more about the charities, go to www.prioryrotary.org.uk.

WHEN: Saturday 9th February, 12.00-6pm WHERE: St James Pool, King’s Lynn, Blackfriars Street, PE30 1NN 7

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Celebrating 100 editions This month is the 100th issue of KL magazine, and our Editor Eric Secker looks back at how it all started – and how far the magazine has come since the autumn of 2010...

I

Our first edition 8

remember the summer of 2010 quite well. The weather was fantastic, Norwich City had just achieved a club record of 95 points and been promoted to the Championship, and David Cameron and Nick Clegg decided to join forces after an inconclusive general election. Most of the country was about to enter the age of austerity, but I have to say things were looking decidedly promising in King's Lynn. And not just because Lemar was headlining Festival Too. We'd started planning to produce a new high-quality lifestyle magazine focused on celebrating the very best the area has to offer – covering the coastline all the way round to Holt and including market towns such as Downham Market, Fakenham and Swaffham.

We knew the area was blessed with an incredibly rich heritage, stunning natural beauty, packed with fascinating characters and talented artists – and were familiar with its forward-thinking approach to business.

Strangely enough, I remember that some people were rather less than enthusiastic about the idea. The area didn't really deserve a high-quality magazine, they said; and even if it was possible to produce one, there certainly wasn't enough going on in this part of Norfolk to warrant a second or third issue.

Happily, the majority shared our vision. Local historians eagerly offered their knowledge and expertise, and local businesses enthusiastically offered their support. And over the course of the next few months, a small team of talented local people - writers, designers, photographers - proved all those intial doubters wrong.

We interviewed the Mayor of King's Lynn and golfing legend Peter Alliss. We visited the newly-opened King's Lynn Academy (then awaiting its first intake of students), spoke with a local amateur dramatics group, and were treated to a tour of Oxburgh Hall with the property's head gardener.

We also wondered about the future

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of the iconic tower of the Campbell's soup factory (which would eventually be demolished two years later) - and given that Halloween was on the horizon we explored our proud local tradition of haunted houses, of which King's Lynn alone had 14.

In fact, the more closely we looked at west and north Norfolk the more we found to talk about - and met more people doing genuinely remarkable things on both a personal and professional level.

The first issue of KL magazine appeared on 1st October 2010, and even though it was less than half the size of the issue you're currently reading, it generated a huge amount of interest and received an overwhelmingly positive reception.

That sense of excitement has continued to this day. Everyone involved in producing the magazine and we're still largely the same team - is rewarded on a monthly basis by seeing people queuing up for their copies and by hearing from local businesses who've taken new orders and welcomed new customers thanks to their appearance in the magazine.

We've heard from loyal readers around the country and in several parts of Europe - and the magazine has even been enjoyed in places as far away as Australia and America.

Looking back at those early days 100 issues later, it's sometimes easy to forget just what a difference KL magazine has made to the local area.

It's helped highlight hidden talents in

KLmagazine January 2019

every field from art and fashion to engineering and exploration, and it's showcased countless examples of fascinating places (many of them unique) worth discovering or re-visiting.

The magazine has also promoted hundreds of new local businesses and featured well-established companies as they've celebrated significant anniversaries and major landmarks.

In fact, as the publication has always been completely free (though we prefer to describe it as priceless) the local business community has played an equally important part in the success of KL magazine over the last eight years.

Coming from virtually every industry

in both the public and private sectors, their support has been invaluable, and it's great to see that so many local businesses and companies have continued to go from strength to strength, growing along with the magazine. It's a reassuring sign of the resilience of the local economy and the work of the professionals behind it.

The strength and growth of local businesses has enabled us to produce a number of special editions over the years. We’ve worked with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk

“This is your town, your county and your community – and this was always intended to be your Our latest edition magazine” 9

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I am very pleased to be able to congratulate KL Magazine on the publication of their 100th issue. Pleased, but not surprised - as KL Magazine was clearly based upon a vision of high quality and wide distribution for local readers and tourists. It is always interesting, informative, a good point of reference - and most importantly is a fantastic medium of quality that allows businesses to promote their products and services throughout the area and to our many visitors. I am sure I am like many who look forward to each month’s publication.

THE MAYOR OF KING’S LYNN & WEST NORFOLK, Councillor Nick Daubney

in association with the Mayor’s Design Awards, featuring the area’s awardwinning architectural and construction work. We’ve also produced a number of dining out specials, highlighting the area’s best restaurants, chefs and food producers. Proving incredibly popular, they’re still being used and still being talked about.

The success of KL magazine and the strong relationships we’ve developed also shows what an extraordinarily strong community we have here. It was something demonstrated in astonishing fashion earlier this year, when KL magazine hosted two charitable events in aid of Alzheimer's Society – a cause close to our hearts and one that’s particularly relevant to Norfolk.

Thanks to 300 guests and local Michelin star chef Galton Blackiston, we managed to raise a quite incredible £34,500 for the charity, an amount that exceeded all expectations. Including our own, I might add.

As we start working on issue 101 (though you’ll have to wait until next month to read it) this is the perfect opportunity to say that we owe an enormous debt to everyone who’s read and enjoyed the magazine from day one – and all the local businesses who’ve helped us reach this milestone.

This is your town, your county and your community – and this was always intended to be your magazine.

Personally, it’s been an honour and a pleasure to work on the last 100 issues of KL magazine. It’s been a fantastic journey for all of us, and the future for both the magazine and the area it helps promote so successfully looks equally promising.

In fact, I’m already looking forward to that day in May 2027 when I'll be able to help celebrate our 200th issue!

To help commemorate the 100th issue of KL magazine, we’ll soon be publishing a very special collector’s edition – offering a comprehensive and fascinating showcase of the very best the area has to offer. Keep your eyes out for it!

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Special editions Our coverage area Hunstanton

Wells Holt Fakenham

King’s Lynn

Downham Market

Swaffham

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

Please note - the venue will be closed from Wednesday 2nd January and will reopen at 10am on Monday 14th January. Online sales will be available throughout this period. All post will be sent out on reopening.

Tues The Tragedy Of King Richard The Second Theatre Live Broadcast • 7pm 15th National Simon Russell Beale plays William Shakespeare’s Richard II

Madness Of George III - National Thurs The Theatre Live Encore Screening • 7pm 17th Written by one of Britain’s best-loved playwrights Alan Bennett

& Cleopatra - National Theatre Thurs Antony Live Encore Screening • 7pm 24th Starring Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo I’m Not Running -

Thurs National Theatre Live Broadcast • 7pm 31st An new explosive, political play by David Hare SPRING HIGHLIGHTS

Sat 2nd Feb Fri 8th Feb

INCE 1850 SINC Antique & Collectable Auctions

Valuations & Professional Services

Plant Machinery Auctions

Landlord & Tenant

Rural Property & Land Sales

Farming Agreements Land Agents

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

KLmagazine January 2019

BBCs Radio 2 - Sounds of the Sixties Live with Tony Blackburn

Radio 2’s legendary DJ hosts an evening of classics performed live by the Sounds Of The 60s All Star Band & Singers

Nathan Carter – Born for the Road Tour

Nathan Carter is one of the biggest names on the Irish music scene and is fast becoming a big name in the UK. Together with his six-man band performing country, Irish, pop & ballads

Sat Gaelforce Dance Spectacular Gaelforce Dance the International phenomenal Irish Dance 23rd Show is delighted to be performing in the UK in 2019, Feb to once again enchant audiences nationwide.

Fri Naturally 7 - Live In Concert An American music group with a distinct a cappella style they 8th call “vocal play” which is "the art of becoming an instrument Mar using the human voice to create the sound."

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

www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

or call the Box Office: 01485

532252

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

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The history of one of England’s finest castles

Castle Rising is home to one of the most famous 12th century castles in England - and is owned by the family who built it almost 900 years ago

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astle Rising has an extraordinary history that stretches all the way back to the days following the Norman Conquest, when Henry I gave the ‘Manor of Rising’ to nobleman William d’Albini, who’d been one of William the Conqueror’s most senior and trusted knights.

His son married Henry I’s widow, and celebrated his marriage by using his newly-acquired wealth to construct an impressive castle keep (with the king’s permission) at Rising – although it was always intended as a residence.

Construction started around 1138 using imported stone and the Silvercarr that was originally quarried in North Wootton by the Romans.

The earthworks would go on to cover about 12 acres with a circumference of approximately 1,000 yards – all encircled by a large ditch. The design was very similar to the castle in Norwich, with walls up to 9ft thick in places. During the construction of the castle at Rising (it was known as Risinga at the time) it appeared on a silver penny of King Stephen which was minted there between 1138-1145.

The d’Albini family remained Lords of the Manor of Rising for another hundred years – but in 1243 Hugh d’Albini died without any sons and the family inheritance was shared by his four sisters.

The castle was eventually purchased

by King Edward III – who bought it as a

place of internal exile for his mother, the dowager Queen Isabella. Known (perhaps unfairly) as the ‘She-Wolf’ of France, Isabella had been implicated in the murder of her husband, King Edward II. Her lover was executed, and Queen Isabella was ‘imprisoned’ in Castle Rising.

She may have been in disgrace, but Isabella was far from a prisoner in the normal sense of the word. She actually lived in some luxury in a new red-brick palace built for her next to the original stone keep. She made pilgrimages to Walsingham and some of her other properties in England, and entertained many visitors - using King’s Lynn merchants for supplies of food and wine.

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“It’s one of England’s finest and best preserved Norman castles...”

Isabella died in 1359, and apart from a brief period during the reign of Richard II Castle Rising remained the property of the English crown for another 200 years.

In 1544, Henry VIII exchanged various properties with Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, and Castle Rising became part of the estates of the powerful Howard family. Despite the execution of several members of the family on charges of treason during the turbulent reign of the Tudors, the Howard family secured possession of the castle and estates during the reign of King James I. Despite the involvement of English Heritage in recent years, the castle is still owned and currently managed by Lord Howard of Rising – who can actually trace his ancestry back to the William d’Albini who started this story.

By the Tudor period, the castle’s buildings were in various states of ruin, and as it progressively decayed over the years through neglect, local people used it as an easily-accessible quarry for building their houses, barns and walls.

The Silver-carr stonework of the original castle and purple-red handmade bricks of Queen Isabella’s royal apartments can still be found today in the village’s buildings.

St Lawrence’s Church at Castle Rising was built at the same time as the castle itself, and replaced an earlier Saxon or early-Norman church that was discovered on the castle mound by archaeologists. It tells a similar tale of neglect – until its restoration by later members of the Howard family.

The impressive Great Tower of Castle Rising – with its views to the Wash and to the royal estate at Sandringham - still looms over the village of Castle Rising, nearly 900 years after it was first constructed.

It’s one of England's finest and best preserved Norman Castles, and it’s not surprising that it attracts thousands of visitors each year.

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ABOVE: When originally built, the earthworks of Castle Rising covered around 12 acres with a circumference of approximately 1,000 yards – all encircled by a large ditch

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Break up without breaking down...

Last year, over 40,o00 people searched ‘divorce’ online in January.

Hayes + Storr can help make the pain of separation manageable

T

he frequency of separations at this time of year are well documented – family lawyers are inundated with new enquires between New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Getting a divorce can have a major impact on your mental health, and an acrimonious or onesided break-up can result in serious consequences. Some will seek retribution, others won’t accept it, and some will find it difficult to imagine a future without their spouse.

Being mindful of a client’s mental well-being whilst ensuring we achieve the best possible results can be a careful balancing act. Our aim is to deliver an outcome which causes the least amount of distress in what is already a traumatic situation.

The end of a relationship can be devastating, and no matter who ended it or when, life can feel empty and frightening – but life does continue and many people go on to live happy, fulfilled lives after divorce. That’s why we keep our clients focused on the future, encouraging them to avoid negative emotions and think practically about the potential outcomes.

The lawyers

in the Family Services department at Hayes + Storr are members of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers committed to nonconfrontational divorce, separation and other family problems. Our team is guided by Resolution’s conciliatory and person-centred approach, including: • Helping clients focus on what’s important in the long-term • Balancing financial and emotional costs with what the client wants to achieve • Working with others to find the right approach and the best solutions • Managing stress in what can sometimes be a very stressful situation Not only does this practical approach facilitate our clients’ ability to cope, it also ensures costs are kept as low as possible, avoiding entrenched arguments that have no resolve. Our goal is to help clients adapt to their new situation and look for alternative solutions to court proceedings, avoiding unnecessary stress, costs and delays. If you’re concerned about yourself or anyone else going through divorce or a separation, we recommend visiting the Relate website at www.relate.org.uk for lots of helpful resources, and don’t forget you can call the Samaritans free of charge at any

time on 116123. They offer 24/7 support every single day of the year and you don’t have to be suicidal to get in touch. You can also get a referral from your GP for free counselling sessions on the NHS. A break-up can be hard to manage, so speaking with health professionals can be very helpful.

This article aims to supply general information, but is not intended to constitute advice. Every effort is made to ensure that the law referred to is correct at the date of publication and to avoid any statement which may mislead. No duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Always seek our specific advice. Hayes + Storr Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

For more information, please contact us on 01553 778900.

ROB COLWELL Director and Head of Family Services

The Old County Court, County Court Road, King’s Lynn PE30 5EJ W: www.hayesandstorr.co.uk | E: law.kingslynn@hayes-storr.com

OFFICES AT: KING’S LYNN | HUNSTANTON | FAKENHAM | SWAFFHAM | HOLT | WELLS | SHERINGHAM

KLmagazine January 2019

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Discovering the hidden pearl of King’s Lynn

ABOVE: Rebuilt as early as 1095, All Saints is the oldest church in King’s Lynn – and contains a wealth of fascinating historical features

It’s the oldest church in King’s Lynn, but its location makes it one of the least well known. Offering a fascinating window onto the changing patterns of worship in the town, welcome to the church of All Saints

S

urrounded by houses and a few steps from Hillington Square in King’s Lynn sits All Saints Church. At first glance there appears to be nothing remarkable about the building, but on closer inspection there’s a wealth of history and remarkable features here to be discovered.

The origins of the church probably go back to Saxon times, although nothing remains from those days. The church was rebuilt around 1095, six years earlier than the foundation of the Minster, making it the oldest church in King’s Lynn today. Traces of this building can still be seen on the exterior of the south wall of the chancel.

From 1095, All Saints was under the patronage of the Augustinian Priory of KLmagazine January 2019

West Acre for over 400 years. The parish was called ‘South Lynn’ from the 13th Century to distinguish it from Bishop’s Lynn, and All Saints was a splendid medieval building, generously endowed by the rich merchants of the parish. Much of the church as we see it now dates from about 1400.

After the Reformation, the church entered a period of decline. In 1763 the tower collapsed, taking the west bay of the nave with it. You can still see the cracks in tombstones damaged by the fall at the west end of the church.

The fortunes of the church revived in Victorian times, and there were two major restorations in 1841-43 and 1867-69. All Saints has a wealth of architectural and decorative features both inside and out, including the 14th

century pillars and arcades of the fourbay nave, and the font – which dates from a similar time.

Perhaps the most unique feature of All Saints is the anchorite cell or anchorhold. These were small rooms, no more than 12-15ft square that housed a succession of men and women known as anchorites and anchoresses.

Anchorites were widespread during the early middle ages and lived apart from the world, devoting themselves to a solitary life of prayer. They were required to take a vow of ‘stability of place’ – opting for permanent enclosure in cells often attached to churches. Anchorites had a certain autonomy, although they were licenced by the Bishop and would have a 19

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PICTURES: The anchorite cell at All Saints church in King’s Lynn is a rare example of the rooms used by men and women in the middle ages who devoted themselves to a solitary life of prayer.

The church is the oldest in King’s Lynn and features the town’s earliest surviving brickwork

spiritual director nearby.

Anchorites were supposed to remain in their cell in all eventualities, which meant some were actually burned in their cells when pirates or other attackers looted their towns. They ate frugal meals, and spent their days in contemplative prayer and interceding on behalf of others.

From the 12th to 16th centuries, female anchorites outnumbered their male equivalents, sometimes by as many as four to one. One of the most famous is Julian of Norwich, named after St Julian’s Church in Norwich.

Margery Kempe, the medieval mystic of Lynn, visited Julian in Norwich and it’s likely she was also a visitor to the anchoress in All Saints.

At All Saints, the present anchorhold was built around 1500 against the warm south wall of the chancel. The aperture in the interior wall enabled the anchorite to view inside the church and see the blessed sacrament and the priest saying Mass. It has a small window to the south, at which people would make offerings and requests for prayer. The window had a curtain for

20

the anchoress to draw across as no man was allowed to see her.

Traces of an earlier roofline can still be seen in the south wall of the chancel. When the church was extended around 1490, the chancel was lengthened, leaving the anchorite without a clear view of the altar. It’s believed a new anchorhold was built at the insistence of the anchorite.

Some of the anchorites of All Saints had been wealthy individuals and were generous to the parish – anchoresses Isabella and Katherine, for example, are recorded as donating rich sets of vestments to the church.

Today, All Saints is a busy and very welcoming church. Mass is said in the anchorhold on Saturdays at 9.30am.

The church is usually open for midweek services at 8.30am & 5.30pm. The main celebration is the Parish Mass on Sundays at 10am. Other events, including concerts, are held throughout the year. The church is also open on Saturdays from May-September or by appointment with the rector. For further details see the website: www.allsaintskingslynn.org.uk

King’s Lynn Town Guides The Town Guides show visitors and locals around King’s Lynn all year round. While there are no regular walks in January, the Guides are available for private bookings at any time or day, with reasonable notice, for groups of six or more. Contact the Tourist Information Centre in the Custom House on 01553 763044 or e-mail guides@kingslynntownguides.co.uk to book your tour.

The King’s Lynn Town Guides give their services entirely voluntarily.

All the money raised from the walks goes directly to conservation projects in the town.

You can check full details of all the King’s Lynn Town Guides’ various walks on their website at www.kingslynntownguides.co.uk or follow them on Facebook at kingslynntownguides.

KLmagazine January 2019

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The first name in local building design services

For three decades Peter Humphrey Associates has been enhancing the local landscape and building a reputation for architectural excellence

I

t’s now 30 years since building technician Peter Humphrey founded his own business in the centre of Wisbech, and it’s quite incredible how far Peter Humphrey Associates has come since those early days. Today, the practice employs 11 technical and administrative staff, including two fully-qualified architects and an in-house planning consultant (a former planning officer no less) and works on a vast range of projects throughout the region.

Although much of the company’s portfolio involves regular domestic projects such as new builds, extensions and conversions, Peter Humphrey Associates also has considerable experience in commercial properties. From warehouses and factories to health surgeries, recycling centres and educational institutions, Peter Humphrey Associates has unrivalled experience on complex

projects – and especially with largescale residential sites.

“It’s not unusual to find us working on developments involving hundreds of individual properties,” says Peter. “In fact, we’re currently working on a major project in east Wisbech that involves the creation of 1,750 properties.”

As you might imagine, the planning process involved with such a large-scale development can be a highly complicated affair, but it’s one that Peter Humphrey has got down to a fine art – helped in no small part by his considerable past experience as a local councillor at town, district and county level.

In fact, there’s a widespread belief locally that if Peter Humphrey Associates can’t get planning permission then no one can – and it’s a belief that’s not far from the truth.

“When you’re designing a development that involves around 20

different landowners and combining that with collating the reports from ecologists, archaeologists, highways experts and structural engineers it can be quite a fearsome challenge,” says Peter. “Happily, we’ve got the experience, the contacts, the skills and the local knowledge to simplify the most complicated planning applications.”

Having just purchased the neighbouring offices to accommodate natural growth and expansion, Peter Humphrey Associates is now looking forward to remaining at the forefront of architectural excellence in Wisbech and the surrounding areas.

“We’re continually producing really imaginative and beautiful designs that enhance the local landscape and meet current housing needs,” says Peter.

“And there’s nothing we like more than taking them successfully through the planning process.”

Whatever building project you’ve got planned and whatever stage it’s at, Peter Humphrey Associates can help get your ideas off the ground.

31 Old Market, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 1NB T: 01945 466966 W: peterhumphrey.co.uk E: info@peterhumphrey.co.uk

KLmagazine January 2019

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KLmagazine January 2019

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Why it’s so important to choose the right builder

If you’re planning the home of your dreams you need to ensure your builder is up to the task, as RGR Developments explains...

R

ecently, Ryan Rix and Gary New of RGR Developments were contacted by an interior designer who asked them to help a customer whose project to renovate a 3-bedroom bungalow on the Norfolk coast had run into a few problems. It turned out to be a perfect example of the value of choosing the right builder – and the dangers of relying on vague recommendations.

"As soon as we arrived on site we knew that something was wrong," says Ryan. "Everywhere we looked it was obvious the original builder had gone about it the wrong way. The first thing we had to do was identify all the problems (and there were plenty of them!) and remedy them."

It’s no exaggeration either. RGR Developments started by removing almost 60 tons of rubbish that had been simply dumped in the garden – a task which only served to reveal the rest

of the issues.

"The property was supposed to feature underfloor heating,” says Gary, “so we took a section of the floor up – and found some of the worst pipework we've ever seen."

It got worse. The drainage system needed a complete overhaul, a new extension had been completed without any involvement of Building Control, and a 'new' roof was full of holes.

"To be honest, the place was a complete shambles," says Ryan. "Once we'd corrected all the problems we were pretty much starting from scratch - but the project is now going ahead as originally planned and it's starting to look great."

The property owner is now (at last) seeing their plans for their new home come to life, but it's a cautionary tale that anyone considering any building work should pay attention to.

"There's a lot of construction work around at the moment, and it seems that nearly everyone is claiming to be a

builder, but that's simply not the case," says Ryan. "You need to be asking the right questions. No reputable builder will be afraid to show you previous work and let you speak to their customers. If they're not prepared to do that you need to wonder why."

All RGR Developments' customers are more than happy to share their experiences - and even their customers’ neighbours are happy to talk about the minimal impact Ryan and Gary’s team have on site. Moreover, RGR Developments constantly posts updates and photographs to always keep customers informed and up to date on the project’s progress.

It’s just one of the reasons why RGR Developments has built such a strong reputation for work of an exceptionally high standard – completed efficiently, on time, and on budget. Whatever your building project entails, it pays to have the team at RGR Developments on your side.

8 Mill Road, Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen King’s Lynn PE34 3BZ | Tel: 07921 910651 /

07817 941897 | Web: www.rgrdevelopments.co.uk | Email: info@rgrdevelopments.co.uk

KLmagazine January 2019

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PICTURES: When the West Norfolk & Lynn Hospital opened in 1834, patients were governed by a raft of rules covering virtually every aspect of their behaviour. The children’s wing was created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign.

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PICTURES SUPPLIED:

BY TRUE'S YARD FISHERFOLK MUSEUM

Local healthcare in the days before the NHS

Almost 114 years before the birth of the National Health Service, the healthcare needs of the local population was the concern of the West Norfolk & Lynn Hospital – long gone, but certainly not forgotten

W

ith its ubiquitous appearance in the news headlines and its constant status as one of the government’s main priorities, we often tend to take the NHS for granted, assuming that it’s always been here – but as last year’s 70th anniversary reminded us, that’s not entirely the case.

In fact, for over 100 years the healthcare of the local population was in the hands of the now-vanished West Norfolk & Lynn Hospital on London Road in King’s Lynn, and a look into the archives reveals a fascinating and thought-provoking story.

Thanks to the generosity of local philanthropist Daniel Gurney, the hospital was completed in 1834 at a cost of £2,060 (the land had only cost the town Corporation £100) and KLmagazine January 2019

opened with a veritable library of rules and regulations covering every aspect of hospital life.

Rule 49, for example, specified that “the Matron when appointed shall not be younger than 35 nor older than 50 years of age, and her salary in addition to board and lodging shall be £25 per annum.”

Patients didn’t escape the rulebook either. Rule 60 demanded “that the Patients do not swear, curse, behave rudely or indecently on pain of expulsion, not play at cards, dice or any other game, nor smoke or chew tobacco.”

The hospital grew considerably over the years. The Harwood Wing opened in 1848, the Hankinson Wing followed in 1852, a children’s ward was completed in 1897 to celebrate the 60th year of Queen Victoria’s reign, and

Queen Mary visited King’s Lynn in October 1925 to officially open the appropriately-named Queen Mary Hostel for Nurses. Some 24 years later, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother opened a dedicated maternity wing.

One of the hospital’s most interesting features was a pathological museum.

“Although it is very small it contains some interesting specimens,” wrote a 19th century visitor, “and there is a good preparation of an excised elbow joint.” It may sound a slightly odd observation, but back then it was the first time the operation had been performed outside London.

Hospital food comes in for more than its fair share of criticism, but its detractors should be referred to the 1864 report by a Dr B Richardson – who found the diet at the West Norfolk & Lynn Hospital rather generous.

25

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“The proportion of boiled mutton is out of all reason,” he wrote, “and the puddings and slops are in excess,” although he was happy to see that alchohol was kept to around a pint a day per patient.

The good doctor also took time to mention the hospital’s Annual Egg Week, which produced no less than 34,477 eggs (“these were preserved until wanted”) and also thanked Mr and Mrs Leake for their donation of door silencers, electric chairs and a badminton outfit.

The founding of the NHS after the Second World War changed healthcare completely on both a national and local scale – although it’s a sign of how far we’ve come since then that a report on the West Norfolk & Lynn Hospital following the National Services Act 1974 noted that “old men were advised to stop pipe smoking and smoke cigarettes instead – because they were safe.”

By then, the end of the hospital was well on the horizon. A new site for a new hospital in Gaywood had been acquired in 1950, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital opened in 1980, its predecessor being demolished eight years later.

You may have thought the story of the West Norfolk & Lynn Hospital had ended there, but two years ago a fascinating hand-written manuscript was found hidden at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Written by nurse Roberta Spencer, it was called Then and Now: 1928 to 1978, and offered a unique glimpse into the world of hospital life before the NHS. Roberta carefully detailed the life of a trainee nurse in the 1930s, which involved a standard 14-hour day in a starched apron and skirt no higher than 10 inches above the ground.

Paid £16 a year, they could be dismissed instantly for getting married and were expected to walk behind and open doors for senior members of staff.

Their lives improved slightly once they’d qualified, but nurses were still expected to boil the eggs brought in by patients’ families, cut bread, and run from ward to ward delivering messages.

Times have certainly changed, but the central purpose of our local hospital – despite a change of name and a different location – remains very much the same.

“Nurses have a greater say today than ever before in their destinies,” Roberta wrote in 1978. “But in spite of the advances in radiology, pharmacology, pathology and electronics, the role of the nurse remains unchanged. Tender loving care still applies. Ask any patient.”

26

“The founding of the NHS changed healthcare completely...”

PICTURES: The West Norfolk & Lynn Hospital provided local healthcare for over 100 years – and was finally demolished in 1988 after the creation of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the edge of King’s Lynn

KLmagazine January 2019

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KLmagazine January 2019

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The local hospital with the global focus on care

From west Norfolk to west Africa, BMI The Sandringham Hospital is committed to first-class healthcare and positive patient outcomes

Y

ou may think BMI The Sandringham Hospital is only concerned with local healthcare, but while it continues to offer outstanding levels of service and facilities from its site at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, its influence (and its commitment to care) goes a lot further than west Norfolk.

The hospital has a long-standing policy of supporting local charities, and its Charity of the Year for 2018 was the Purfleet Trust - for which BMI The Sandringham Hospital provided clinical support and advice as the charity opened new premises, including a new treatment room for the homeless. The hospital will continue supporting the trust in the future with fundraising events, promotions and volunteer nurses when the room is fully operational later this year.

The hospital also hosts a charitable awareness day on a bi-monthly basis,

Serious about health.

Passionate about care.

KLmagazine January 2019

supporting the likes of Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer's Society and Save the Children - among many other good causes.

But healthcare is a global concern, and BMI The Sandringham Hospital recently supported consultant surgeon Hugh Warren, who travelled all the way to the Farafenni General Hospital in the Gambia with his wife Nicky (herself a registered nurse) to spend a week operating on patients with hernias.

Faced with a lack of onsite medical facilities and armed with supplies donated by various local surgeries, Hugh teamed up with a group of surgeons and anaesthetists from the UK and Slovenia performing a total of 63 operations under local anaesthetic in little more than a week.

“The donation of anaesthetics by BMI The Sandringham Hospital was particularly important to us as we weren't allowed to import powerful painkilling drugs such as morphine into the country," says Hugh. "By using

long-lasting local anaesthetic we were able to ensure patients’ pain relief was really effective during the immediate post-operative period - at a time when pain control is particularly important.”

It's a perfect example of the lengths BMI The Sandringham Hospital goes to in providing outstanding patientfocused healthcare.

With two operating theatres, a diagnostic imaging department and an outpatient department which includes a minor treatment area, BMI The Sandringham Hospital is part of a nationwide network of hospital clinics that performs more complex surgery than any other private healthcare provider in the country.

For more details and information on the specialist services available at BMI The Sandringham Hospital, please contact us using the details below.

Gayton Road, King's Lynn PE30 4HJ • Tel: 080 8101 0336 Email: info@bmihealthcare.co.uk • Web: www.bmihealthcare.co.uk 29

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Inspiring man determined to prove medics wrong ABOVE: Ben completed the Berlin marathon with his friend Josh Patterson just 13 months after being left paralysed.

Ben Tansley’s life changed forever when a motorcycle accident left him paralysed. But he’s determined he’ll walk again, and insists he wouldn’t change a thing

L

ast year Ben Tansley climbed Snowdon and completed the Berlin marathon, this year he is going to climb 999 stairs of the Heaven’s Gate Mountain in China. This is fairly impressive for anyone, but the fact that Ben was paralysed from the chest down 16 months ago in a tragic accident makes it remarkable.

When Ben woke up on 13th August 2017 it was just an ordinary day. The 32-year-old fitness fanatic, who owns Heros gym in King’s Lynn, headed off with his girlfriend Kate, 11-year-old son Jude, and 9-year daughter Ferne, for a day out on the coast. That day would change his life forever.

KLmagazine January 2019

“We’d met my friend Josh’s new baby and then went crabbing in Cromer,” he says. “We set off on our motorbikes to come home and came across a corner.

I slowed down, but another motorcyclist overtook a car, didn’t see me, and I was hit from behind.”

Ben’s son Jude was on the back of the bike, but thankfully he was unscathed. Unfortunately the same couldn’t be said for Ben who’d broken his back and severely damaged his spinal cord, leaving him unable to feel or move anything from the chest down.

Ben was operated on and waited anxiously for the doctor to give him his prognosis. She explained to him and his family that because of the severity of

his injuries he will never walk again.

“My dad and brother started crying,” says Ben, “but I told the doctor she’d never met anyone like me and I was going to prove her wrong.”

Ben’s positive attitude is astonishing.

He insists he’s had very few down days, and his focus is on working as hard as possible to get his muscles working again.

“I’ve never woken up and regretted anything,” he says. “I did cry once, two days after my operation when I woke up on my own – not because I can no longer walk, it was more of a ‘man pride’ thing. I wondered whether I could help the kids if they were ever in trouble. That’s what made me cry.”

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“I’ve always had the attitude with sport that if you don’t train hard you don’t win. It’s the same with rehabilitation” He admits that it’s been harder for his family – his father still struggles with Ben’s situation, and he had to tell his mother to “stop coming in with that sad face.”

“When my daughter Ferne came to see me at hospital, she was the first person to say, ‘I don’t care if you don’t walk, you’re still my dad,” he says. “That was the best thing for me to hear at that stage. It was the most grown up thing anybody had said. I still want to be dad whether I can walk or not.”

Following the accident, Ben spent six weeks at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge before being transferred to the Princess Royal Spinal Cord Injuries Centre in Sheffield. He was told he’d be there for three months, which would mean missing Christmas with his children, but was determined he’d be home by then.

Ben’s sporting background helped enormously with his recovery.

“I’ve always had the attitude with sport that if you don’t train hard you don’t win,” he says. “It’s the same with rehabilitation. No one else can make me walk again.”

Ben soon learned to go to the toilet himself, and to wash and dress. In fact, he reached each stage of progression so quickly he was able to go home after just six weeks – and got his wish to spend Christmas with his family.

Since then, Ben has continued to dedicate his time to rehab, and he’s even started to feel a bit of sensation in his legs.

Ben’s close friend Josh Patterson (star of TV show Made in Chelsea), who he’d visited on the day of the accident, has been a huge support. He put a post about the accident on Instagram and Ben’s followers went from 1,500 to 20,000 in two days. He now has over 27,000 followers.

32

TOP: Ben climbed Snowdon last June | BOTTOM LEFT: Ben during physio BOTTOM RIGHT: Ben with his children, Jude and Ferne

Ben has posted regularly since the accident, determined to prove that life goes on and raise awareness of what it’s really like to be paralysed. He’s been touched by the amount of people who have contacted him, particularly other people who’ve been paralysed and have reached out to him for guidance and support.

Never one to be held back, Ben climbed to the top of Snowdon in June last year to raise money for the BackUp Trust. Three months later he completed the Berlin Marathon with Josh by his side, raising £14,000 for the Spinal Injuries Association.

His next challenge is to climb the 999 stairs of Heaven’s Gate Mountain in China to raise more funds for the BackUp Trust. He also has his eye on the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. There

seems to be no stopping him.

“God may have taken away my legs, but I’m going up the stairs on my hands,” he says. “I’m just the same lad I was before. If I had the opportunity to go back to that day and change things, I’m not sure I would because so much good has come from it. I think everything in life happens for a reason.

Before the accident I was worried about having abs and looking lean, but now I realise how unimportant stuff like that is. My life has more worth now.”

Ben appears in a documentary alongside Josh Patterson called I Will Walk Again, which can be found on YouTube. For more details on the Spinal Injuries Association, please see www.spinal.co.uk, and information on the Back-Up Trust is available at www.backuptrust.org.uk KLmagazine January 2019

30_BenTansley.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 19:04 Page 5

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KLmagazine January 2019

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How to manage your business travel expenses

Travel and taxes are integral parts of business, and Stephenson Smart can help you maximise cost-efficiencies when the two come together

A

s an employer, you may already know that if you’re working away or need to make an unusual trip for an important meeting, you can claim these as business travel expenses. However, understanding what can (and can’t) be claimed back from HMRC can often be confusing and overwhelming – and that’s where the professionals at Stephenson Smart can help.

Transportation

One of the most expensive travel costs is often the transport itself, whether that’s a plane, train or automobile – but these costs are allowable business travel expenses. That includes all travel costs incurred as part of a journey – including public transport, congestion charges and tolls. If you’re travelling by car, you can claim travel costs at 45p per mile up to 10,000 miles and 25p per mile after that.

However, these tax reliefs only relate to unusual work-related travelling – not the costs of commuting to your normal place of work or taking a family holiday.

KING’S LYNN 01553 774104 FAKENHAM 01328 863318

KLmagazine January 2019

Accommodation

Travelling can mean you’re often staying overnight. Fortunately, you can claim back the tax on the expense of the hotel. The rate of the hotel should be considered reasonable (rather than the most expensive option located miles away) or you risk the claim being rejected. And it’s always advisable to book in advance to ensure you get the best rate.

Food & drink

If you or your employees are working away overnight, you can also claim breakfast or an evening meal as an expense. This only includes food and beverages that are bought after the start of your journey, so doesn’t include any packed lunches. Don’t forget to keep all valid receipts for the meals in question.

policies updated and easy to understand. With modern accounting technology, this process can be streamlined. Many apps and online software like Xero or Quickbooks can help you save time, reduce effort and cut costs. Mobile apps also allow your employees to instantly check information whilst on the road. This reduces the tedious task of data entry, and gives you a clearer picture of all your expenses in one neat and tidy place.

Stay on top of your accounts

Travel expenses can be complex, confusing and time consuming. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or call in to one of our offices for a free consultation.

Keeping track of expenses Ensuring you have effective travel expense management can be tricky, so it’s important you keep your travel DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 384121 WISBECH 01945 463383

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“

Reed cutting provides valuable seasonal work for fishermen and land workers. Mechanisation has taken a lot of the hand work away, but I still like to use the old hook and scythe - Henry Randell

�

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The tradition and the future of Cley Marshes

It’s been the centre of a reed-cutting industry for centuries, and it’s now been called the Great Barrier Reef of Norfolk. Home to an incredible variety of wildlife, there’s nowhere quite like Cley Marshes

T

he A149 coastal road winds through villages with tantalising views of the coastline between cottages and over the hedgerows until you arrive at Cley-next-the-Sea and gain your first real glimpse of the vast marshland edging the sea.

The seasonal changes are nowhere more discernible than at these marshes at Cley, where migratory birds have left for warmer climes and frost has taken the last leaf from the reed stalks – and

where the current reed harvesting will continue until March.

Entrenched in North Norfolk’s history, reed cutting has always provided seasonal work when intensive agriculture has ceased during the winter months, and there’s plenty of activity among the marshes as cutters get to work clearing the beds.

Reed cutting is a centuries’ old occupation, with most of the harvest going to thatching and the remainder to local crafts and fence making.

Traditionally cut with hook and scythe, some workers still prefer the hands-on method – although mechanisation in the form of huge grass cutters is becoming more regular.

Henry Randell, a local lobster and crab angler, is always happy to talk about the additional work he does alongside his father Mark, who’s Chairman of North Norfolk Reed Cutters Association. Together, they provide information to keep this important work in the forefront of the

36_CleyMarshes.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 19:06 Page 4

public eye.

“Reed cutting provides valuable seasonal work for fishermen and land workers,” says Henry. “Although mechanisation has taken a lot of the hand work away, I still like to use the old hook and scythe. A cutter will pick up a bundle roughly measured as three hand spans, which is then raked to clear out the old reed and debris and finally tied loosely with twine. A reed cutter can form anything up to 70 bundles a day.”

Traditionally, the stacks were left on the marshes to dry but are usually now taken away for storage. When cutting is finished, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust undertakes the necessary management work maintaining important wildlife habitat on what is their oldest nature reserve.

But beneath and beyond the marshes is Norfolk’s latest gem. A mere stone’s throw from the shore and around 20m below the surface lies what’s thought to be one of Europe’s largest chalk reefs.

Recently dubbed The Great Barrier Reef of Norfolk, Cley Marshes is the first in our region to be designated a Marine Conservation Zone, one of 23 such areas created around the country protecting conservation areas at sea – safeguarding habitats and species of national importance.

The unique Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds are home to a diversity of marine life and a varied range of submerged landscapes, inspiring many wildlife enthusiasts to visit the Cley Reserve.

The history of the reserve goes back to 1926 when the 400 acres of

38

marshland at Cley were purchased by Dr. Sydney Long, a Norwich-based physician and enthusiastic naturalist, to be held in perpetuity as a bird breeding sanctuary.

Long set about establishing an organisation capable of managing the land for the wildlife, and in 1926 the Norfolk Naturalists’ Trust was born.

But the work to protect wildlife goes back even further than that.

The Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves was the brainchild of Charles Rothschild, landowner, banker and naturalist, who wanted to safeguard the places where wildlife made its habitat – moors, fens, and meadows, all of which were under attack from modernisation.

In 1912, from his acquisition of 339 acres of wild fenland for the conservation of nature, a movement that would expand into a network of trusts acquiring new nature reserves was formed. One of the Trust’s most ambitious and latest projects is to manage habitats on a landscape scale bridging the gap between people and wildlife.

In the 1940s-50s, legislation was established to protect National Parks, Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, one of which is the Cley Marshes cared for by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Cley is also designated a RAMSAR (wetland site) – held to be of International importance as waterfowl habitat.

On a rise above the coast road is the Simon Aspinall Education Centre, named in memory of local naturalist

Simon Aspinall in recognition of his contribution to ornithology and natural conservation. The huge glass windows afford uninterrupted views of this vast marshland that will leave you breathless – there’s plenty to see whatever the season.

On this mile upon mile of Cley Marshes, the Reserve supports large numbers of wintering and migrating wildfowl and waders, bittern and marsh harrier – and every species of seabird nests in the reeds and marsh grass or wades contentedly in the pools.

So take a seat next to one of the telescopes and focus your eyes on one of the most spectacular views on the local coastline.

KLmagazine January 2019

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www.dmgtimber.co.uk KLmagazine January 2019

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West Norfolk: Then & Now

THE REVIVAL OF THE EAST ANGLIAN HOTEL Many thanks to True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum in King’s Lynn for this photograph (top) from the mid-1960s of the hugely popular East Anglian

Hotel and Commercial Inn in King’s Lynn. Built a few years after the railways came to the town in 1846 directly opposite the town’s railway station, its first recorded landlord was John Bunton and it eventually closed exactly 150 years later. Landlord Ernest Redwin was fined 10 shillings in 1939 for selling beer out of hours – and does anyone

know about the ‘posting establishment’ Barwell & Sons that occupied part of the grounf floor? The site was eventually demolished, but thanks to a sympathetic (and architecturally accurate) redevelopment, the building has been revived. Although it no longer sells pints to thirsty rail passengers arriving in the town!

If you’re interested in seeing more of how our area has changed visit www.truesyard.co.uk 40

KLmagazine January 2019

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PEOPLE NEED TO TAKE A LONG-TERM VIEW WITH THEIR INVESTMENT PLANNING.

Are you fully prepared for the changes ahead?

J

In the current climate of uncertainty, it’s important to seek face-to-face financial advice to safeguard your financial future

eremy Allen has recently celebrated 30 years in Financial Services and he is committed to building and sustaining long-term client relationships based on trust, superior service and the quality of his initial and ongoing advice. He and his team enjoy providing a highly personalised service, working with their clients to ensure financial peace of mind for them and their family - and there's never been a more appropriate time to think about the future.

With the full force of Brexit yet to be felt, savers and investors need to be wary of the potential impact on their plans. Although markets remained resilient following the referendum result, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned that the impact of the decision to exit the European Union continues to weigh heavily

on the wider economy.

The pound has come under pressure and there's no denying that Brexit will continue to create disruption in the short term; but taking a long-term view will certainly help people plan more confidently.

“At times like this, it pays to keep calm when all around are losing control,” says Neil Woodford, one of the fund managers for St. James’s Place. “This doesn’t change anything fundamental.

I don’t think the prospects of the businesses I've invested in have deteriorated at all as a result of Brexit.”

Indeed, as markets look ahead, our imminent exit from the EU should enable sentiments to settle and investors’ focus to explore their options more carefully.

“Short-term noise in markets isn't always easy to resist," says Chris Ralph, Chief Investment Officer at St. James’s Place. "It's important to maintain a long-term view, and while Brexit may alter a great deal about the

UK, it doesn't alter the essential principles of investment - or of people’s needs to build and protect their financial future.”

It's highly recommended that people seek face-to-face financial advice to gain a clear perspective on the challenges and opportunities that exist in the current climate - and those that will arise in the near future.

For further information, or to arrange a no-obligation meeting, please contact Jeremy P. Allen on the details below.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and the value may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

Jeremy P. Allen - Senior Partner of St. James's Place Wealth Management Tel: 01553 774500 Email: jeremy.allen@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.sjpp.co.uk/jeremyallen

The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

KLmagazine January 2019

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Award-winning care in the comfort of your home Changing people’s attitudes to care and ageing with a distinctive approach to supporting people at home, Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk has all the help and support you’re looking for...

I

t's hard to overstate the importance of Norfolk's older population. More than half the local population is made up of over 55s, and it's estimated that for every child in the area there are no less than three pensioners - in fact, the number of people aged 85+ in Norfolk is expected to grow by 40% in the next seven years. One of the most frequently overlooked issues these individuals have to face is that of loneliness.

Whereas almost 70% of people at age 65 live as a couple, that reduces to a mere 25% at age 85 - meaning that one in four people over the age of 85 lives alone.

It's not surprising that Norfolk is the

42

only county in the whole country that has more privately-commissioned than funded care.

"Our decision to go into care was made about ten years ago after a local family member received very poor care - while another family member in the north of England received a fantastic service from a Home Instead Senior Care branch," says Tom McEwan of Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk.

"The more we researched, the more we found ourselves wanting to be a part of the care sector. We believed we could make a difference to people’s lives, and being a part of Home Instead Senior Care enabled us to do this."

At Home Instead Senior Care in

Norfolk, Tom and his team - including some 90 caregivers across the region provides personalised homecare for older people that's dignified, reliable and relationship-led.

We believe everyone is different and

KLmagazine January 2019

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Help make King’s Lynn a dementia friendly community...

that’s why we don’t offer ready-made package solutions," says Tom. "We offer help that's tailored to individual needs and adapts as peoples' needs change."

From companionship to dementia care and home help, Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk's services help people live happily at home, making their daily experiences as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. It's something we generally take for granted unless it directly affects us - or those closest to us. For example, if you live in such a rural location as Norfolk and lose your driving licence due to

“We don’t offer ready-made solutions. We offer help that’s tailored to individual people’s needs”

failing eyesight, how do you get your weekly shopping? It's an issue that extends to every walk of life.

"It may sound trivial to talk about how you like your tea made or your sandwiches prepared, but these are very personal things," says Tom. "Just because people can't do it for themselves anymore doesn't mean they

KING’S LYNN 01553 387967 DEREHAM 01362 357974

KLmagazine January 2019

have to accept it done in a different way. That's one of the central aspects of our approach to care."

By carefully matching caregivers to clients on an individual basis, Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk is able to provide care on a personal and longlasting level - in stark contrast to recently-bereaved people who may have had over 20 'carers' visit them in the space of a month.

"Some of our client-caregiver relationships are over four years old now, and that makes a huge difference," says Tom. "It enables our caregivers to build genuinely rewarding relationships, and in many ways they become part of the extended family."

At Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk, caregivers offer home help covering everything from washing and ironing to feeding the pets - and companionship, from simple company and conversation to visits to social events and local shops. They offer personal care, whether that's help with dressing and bathing or assistance with meals and medication. And they offer specialist dementia care, building confidence, encouraging engagement, and supporting families with caring responsibilities.

"We know that demand for home care is set to increase over the next few years and we'll inevitably grow with that," says Tom, "but we won't be growing for the sake of it. For us maintaining the level of personalised care we offer is by far the most

The government published its Challenge on Dementia initiative four years ago, and since then a number of organisations such as the Alzheimer's Society and Age UK have been developing dementia-friendly communities, where people living with dementia are understood, respected and supported within the Following successful projects established across Norfolk in places such as Dereham, Sheringham, Wymondham and Norwich, Tom McEwan is now holding an open forum on Monday 7th January to explore the way forward in making King's Lynn a dementia-friendly community.

If you'd like to become involved in the project or are affected by the issues surrounding dementia, please contact Tom on 07947 276060.

important thing."

If you'd like more information and details on the many homecare services and specialist support offered by Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk, please contact your nearest office using the details below.

HOLT 01263 650 983 www.homeinstead.co.uk/westnorfolk

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“

The ferry service isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle. You work with the shape of the river every day of the year - Gail Kingston

”

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ABOVE: A romantic view of the Lynn ferry by Robert Walker MacBeth. Painted in 1882, Too Late for the Ferry was hugely popular and is now in the collection of Sheffield Museum

Crossing the Great Ouse for over 750 years

At one time, three ferries carried people and livestock across the river from one side of King’s Lynn to the other. Today only one remains, but it’s also the oldest – having been in operation since at least 1265

I

t takes a certain type of family to endure and delight in the running of the West Lynn Ferry. Since at least 1265 a ferry has carried passengers across the river Great Ouse come rain, shine, tide or storm, saving passengers a 12-mile walk over the only river bridge then in existence at Wiggenhall St German’s.

In 1392, the powerful merchants of the Trinity Guild acquired the right to run the ferries. It was a profitable acquisition for the guild, essential for trade and commerce, and the ferrymen would pay a very substantial fee of several hundred pounds to the Guild for the privilege of operating the service.

Three ferry boats plied across the river with pilgrims, farmers, livestock and servants coming to the markets of Lynn, with one leaving from the Purfleet, one from the Common Staithe (giving Ferry Street its name) and the oldest from the end of Ferry Lane, a KLmagazine January 2019

continuation of an ancient route via Norfolk Street to Norwich. It’s the latter that still exists today.

After the Reformation of Henry VIII destroyed so many religious institutions, the Trinity Guild ceased to be and consequently lost the privilege of the ferry rights. The Mayor and Corporation eagerly took over as owners, and the ferry was soon one of the most profitable of the town’s possessions – with ferryman John Bird giving the Mayor two “well-fatted swans” for the privilege in 1649.

Not surprisingly, a bridge across the river closer to the centre of the town was never high on the “to do” list of the Borough Corporation. The ferries were the lifeblood of the markets, with one especially adapted to bring livestock across the river.

Hall Books in the King’s Lynn archives note a letter sent in 1752 to the Corporation from people living in

Marshland who supplied butter, cheeses and “other necessities” to both Lynn markets. They claimed to have been “stopped and abused” when reaching the ferry boats at Old Lynn (West Lynn) by ferryman Andrew Pigge, who was also accused of not landing the ferry boats on the town side at one of “the common landing places.”

We see these market women depicted in a romantic 1882 picture by Robert Walker MacBeth (1848-1910) called Too Late for the Ferry, loaded down with baskets and a baby as they

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hurry to the landing stage at West Lynn – only to see the ferry with lucky passengers being rowed away towards the Purfleet. An etched print of this oil painting sold many dozens of copies.

It hasn’t always been plain sailing, however, and serious accidents have happened over the years. No less than 18 people drowned from the Common Staithe Ferry in 1630 when the boat fouled a cable and capsized, and in 1796 an overcrowded boat carrying more than 30 people hit a clay barge. Of the 11 lives lost on that day, two were those of a young couple engaged to be married, later found “clasped in each other’s arms” according to contemporary reports.

When the first and subsequent bridges were built across the Ouse from 1821, they inevitably impacted on the ferry service which now had to adapt and change to its new role as a commuter ferry – bringing workers into Lynn for offices in the morning and home in the evening and shoppers to Lynn’s High Street during the day.

Various methods of propulsion to take over from oars have been suggested over time. A steam launch and cable hauling was considered (and rejected) once but rowing persisted until petrol engines were fitted in 1920.

Even these remained at the mercy of the weather and tides – with ice floes to negotiate in really cold winters such as those of 1947, 1962, 1979 and 1981.

When commercial shipping left the South Quay in 2004, river dredging ceased and the natural sandbanks and spits in dry summers left negligible water at low tide. Duck boards were deployed and the ferry was often pulled across the tiny channel by the ferryman in waders. But much-needed investment by Steve and Gail Kingston (who’ve run the ferry for 20 years) included a new £30,000 amphibious boat which can crawl over the shoals.

“The sandbanks usually occur in the summer months and clear with the autumn rainfall, but that hasn’t occurred during the last two years,” says Gail.

“We’re now dealing with sandbanks in the winter as well as the summer!”

Happily, passenger numbers have increased dramatically in the last 18 years, rising from 43,000 return passengers in 2000 to 85,000 last year.

“The ferry service isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle,” says Gail. “You have to work with the weather, tides and the shape of the river every day of the year.”

Although Gail and Steve do have plans to sell the ferry rights and retire in the near future, it’s essential this centuries old tradition continues. King’s Lynn just wouldn’t be the same vwithout it.

46

“It’s essential this centuries old tradition continues King’s Lynn just wouldn’t be the same without it.”

ABOVE: Ferry Lane in King’s Lynn leads to the town’s oldest and only remaining ferry crossing.

The photograph below was taken in 1905 by Henry Logsdail, who owned a chemists shop on London Road.

KLmagazine January 2019

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The friendly approach to safe winter motoring Keeping you and your car safe on the road is at the very heart of K Brown Auto Repairs – especially during the winter months

D

riving during the winter months is very different than at other times of the year.

Adverse weather, freezing temperatures and longer periods of darkness make driving a lot more hazardous and challenging, and it's essential to adapt the way you drive to the conditions - and not simply assume you can drive as normal.

That’s just one of the reasons why people have been taking their cars to K Brown Auto Repairs for over 25 years now - because the company has such a refreshingly honest and open approach to servicing.

"Ensuring your car is roadworthy before you take it out on the road is a legal requirement," says Tamsin Brown.

"That's always true, but it's even more important at this time of year. It’s one of the reasons we offer a free winter check to ensure your car is safe for you and your family – and that it’s legally

K Brown Auto Repairs

compliant as well."

It's easy to overlook some of the most important aspects of winter motoring. While many people are perfectly happy to spray their windscreen to clear it of ice, few realise their antifreeze has to be at precise levels (normally governed by manufacturer's requirements) to prevent engines freezing.

Similarly, we all know that it gets darker earlier, even during school hours – but older cars won't actually tell you that a light is faulty. Wiper blades need to be checked to ensure they're clearing the screen properly and the rubber hasn't perished. Your tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread – although 3mm is recommended for maintaining good grip in wet and icy conditions.

"The colder conditions you'll be driving in over the winter can exacerbate any underlying mechanical

problems with your car and even lead to a breakdown," says Tamsin. "As if driving in icy conditions wasn't bad enough, constant freezing and thawing can take a heavy toll on your car’s electronics - and it's simple to avoid that. We can check everything from your washers to your exhaust, ensuring your car copes with the worst the winter can throw at it."

Whether you visit the centres in King's Lynn or Hunstanton, K Brown Auto Repairs will always treat you to welcoming and friendly environments full of knowledgeable, attentive staff.

To keep you and your car safe over the winter (or at any other time of the year) contact K Brown Auto Repairs today using the details below.

King’s Lynn Simon Scotland Road, Hardwick Ind Est Tel: 01553 763763 Hunstanton 12 King’s Lynn Road Tel: 01485 533786 www.kbrownautoskingslynn.co.uk Find us on Facebook

KLmagazine January 2019

47

48_Paragon.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 19:10 Page 2

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48

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

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

KLmagazine January 2019

48_Paragon.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 19:10 Page 3

A different way to shed a few pounds this January Discover the most cost-effective way of owning the car you’ve been looking for with the family-run Paragon Motor Company

A

t the start of the new year people generally tend to focus on ways to save money, but few of them realise there’s a cost-effective way to begin the new year with the car of their dreams on their doorstep.

For almost 20 years now, the familyrun Paragon Motor Company has been treating local motorists in Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire to a superb range of premium used cars at truly outstanding prices – and the only thing more attractive than the vehicles themselves is the sheer range of choice available.

“Over the last few months we’ve sold everything from a 2010 Vauxhall Agila to a brand new Nissan Navara,” says Sales Manager Ben Collins. “In addition to having a varied selection of fabulous vehicles on site every day of the week, we also have access to 1,000s of other cars, vans and commercial vehicles, so whatever you’re looking for we’re

confident we’ll be able to find it for you.”

And it’s a choice that’s got even bigger recently. Paragon Motor Company has increased its stock by 25% for the start of 2019, offering a huge collection of high quality used vehicles from no less than 16 different manufacturers. There’s something for everyone here – from affordable and reliable first cars for new drivers to prestigious high-end brands such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover.

And a new year visit to Paragon Motor Company can help you shed more pounds in the long run than a few token trips to the gym.

For starters, every individual vehicle is carefully prepared to Paragon’s exacting quality control standards – which in addition to a complete and professional valet throughout includes a full MOT (where applicable), computerised four-wheel alignment, and rigorous Experian history and

mileage checks for total peace of mind.

Moreover, every vehicle leaves the Paragon Motor Company forecourt with a whole year of RAC cover and a special 12-month parts and labour warranty.

“Because we’re completely independent, we’re able to deal with several different finance companies with different specialities to help make it easier to afford your new car,” says Ben, “and we also offer a selection of professional service plans to help motorists spread the cost of keeping their car on the road in perfect condition.”

Together with a fully-equipped 8-bay workshop and a huge catalogue of approved parts and accessories, Paragon Motor Company can help you enjoy the car you’ve been looking for.

And get your new year off to the best possible start.

Paragon Motor Company, Lynn Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE14 7AN T: 01945 223138 | W: www.paragonmotorco.co.uk | E: paragonmotorco@btconnect.com

KLmagazine January 2019

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Frrom humble be b ginnings...

2018 saw Chartered accountancy firm Mapus-S Smith & Lemmon reach its 100th year anniversary...

The firm was founded in 1918, by Ar thur Mapus-Smith, originally offfering the following ser vices - rating and taxation, accountancy, insurance, sur veying and stocks and shares.

The firm originally traded as Mapus-Smith & Co, Farm Accountants, which later changed to Corporate Accountants, and subsequently changed to Mapus-Smith & Lemmon when Huber t Lemmon joined the firm in 1925.

Operating within King’s Lynn and surrounding towns the firm built up an exper tise in accounting and taxation matter s in relation is Agricultural and farming businesses and throughout the year s has built upon this with continued success.

The firm still acts for a large number of agricultural busiinesses but has also widened its horizons into other industr y sector s, providing accountancyy,, audit and taxation ser vices for manufacturing, constr uction, medical and for professionals to name a few.

KING’S LYNN 48 King Street PE30 1HE 01553 774761

DOWNHAM MARKET 23 London Road PE38 9BJ 01366 383300

WISBECH 30 Old Market PE13 1NB 01945 427050

Registered to carry on audit work in the UK & Ireland and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

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100 years on...

The firm now has three offfices located in King’s Lynn, Downham Mar ket and Wisbech and provides accountancy, taxation, audit and business ser vices to a wide range of businesses across a wide industr y range.

We act for private individuals, small to large businesses, including sole trader s, par tner ships, charities and Limited companies. Last year the firm continued its investment in technology by not only investing in new computer hardware but also new software to ensure they’re one step ahead in the industr y.

The firm has always taken a pro-active approach to accountancy and I believe that with the use of technology we can continue to provide businesses with valuable trading, business and tax advice enabling them to r un their companies more profitability and efficientlyy..

- Partner, Jason Hall (pictured with his team below)

£

O U R S ER E V I C E S I N C LU D E • Annual Accounts Preparation • Book Keeping • Business Planning and Forecasting • Implementation of Computerised Accounting Systems • Internal and External Auditing • Vat • Management Accounts • Paye and Payroll • Personal and Corporate Tax Advice • Self Assessment

Chartered Accountants

u e s i n c e 1 91 8”

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ABOVE: Jon enjoying time with his father Graham – in whose memory Jon is now completing a fundraising adventure that’s taking him around the world

Five deserts, 500km & over £2,000 for charity

In a monumental effort of endurance and stamina, author and musician Jon Lawrence is taking on five gruelling challenges in memory of his father to raise money for Norfolk’s Big C cancer charity

J

on Lawrence has never been particularly sporty. He describes himself as being ‘as fit as a potato’ but the 43-year-old writer and musician who lives in Walpole Cross Keys with his wife and two sons has set himself the ultimate challenge – trekking across five deserts over five continents in memory of his father, who sadly passed away in October 2017 just four weeks after his cancer diagnosis.

“Dad was experiencing a lot of pain, and went for a scan in September 2017 which showed a large shadow on his lung and the doctors said there was nothing they could do,” says Jon. “He had lung cancer and it had spread to his bones.”

KLmagazine January 2019

Sadly, Graham, who was 71, deteriorated rapidly, which was agonising for Jon and the rest of the family. Graham had always been a very practical man, and as Jon sat by his bedside asked his son what he was going to do with his inheritance.

“I told him I’d like to do a trek for the Big C charity,” Jon says.

Shortly afterwards Graham passed away, but Jon remained by his side, telling him he planned to trek over a number of continents.

“I did that for me really, because once I’d said it, I knew I had to do it. You can’t lie to a dead person,” says Jon. “I then told the Big C I was doing it and made an online announcement, so I knew there was no pulling out.”

Jon had worked with the Big C before, holding songwriting workshops in King’s Lynn and Norwich with cancer patients, encouraging them to express their feelings through music and lyrics.

“It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” explains Jon. “The Big C does more than just care for people. It supports both those living with cancer and the friends and family around them.”

Jon next had to decide the specific details of his trek. He decided he’d complete 500km over five continents, allowing 100km for each. After much research, he chose to cross the Atacama Desert in Chile; the Sahara in Morocco; the Rangipo in New Zealand; the Wadi Rum in Jordan and the

53

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A

, US e v a j o M

occo r o M , ra

Saha

Wadi

Rum,J

ordan

Atacama, Chile

ABOVE: Jon’s first trek saw him take on the Atacama Desert in Chile – one of the driest places in the world

Mojave in the USA. Jon describes himself as a “dreadful” flyer, but that considering the challenge in front of him it was arguably the least of his worries.

He headed out to South America in August last year to begin his first trek – the Atacama Desert. Jon had done his best to prepare by doing lots of walking, but he found that walking in the Fens is another matter entirely.

“I suffered from altitude sickness because it’s the highest desert in the world,” he says. “I got to about 4,000 metres or so and got really dizzy – especially when I looked down and saw a drop of about 100 metres in front of me.”

Next, Jon flew out to the Sahara for his second trek. On the first day one of his boots fell apart and he ended up holding it together with a blister plaster on the toe cap, wrapping it together with string, wire and masking tape. He also had to endure a sandstorm, though his guide (obviously accustomed to conditions in the desert) described it as a slight breeze.

“The sand was going up my nose and in my ears and I couldn’t open my mouth,” Jon remembers. “It lasted for about four hours and during all that time I kept my head down – so all I saw 54

“It’s been a lot tougher than I expected.

Oddly, it’s the emotional side that’s harder than the physical aspect.” was the floor!”

Jon is still to complete the final three treks, although by the time you’re reading this he’ll have just completed his trek in New Zealand – a particularly emotional one as he’ll be returning to the place where he enjoyed his last holiday with his father. He’ll trek across the Wadi Rum next month and the Mojave Desert in April.

“It’s been a lot tougher than I expected,” says Jon, reflecting on the treks he’s completed so far. “Oddly, it’s the emotional side that’s harder than the physical aspect. The memories of my father and thinking about why I’m doing it has made me feel very emotional – although having space and room to think has also helped. Overall, I’ve really enjoyed the experience.”

Jon is writing a book about his journeys that will be available later this year.

Rangipo, New Zealand lots of memories have been triggered, so I’m writing about those as well as my experiences.”

He’s also filming his treks and producing documentaries, which are available to view on YouTube. Jon is delighted that he’s already raised over £2,000 for the Big C – and his aim is to reach £4,000.

And what would Jon’s father think of his son’s achievements?

“That’s easy.” says Jon. “He’d be really proud.”

For more information on Norfolk’s Big C charity, go to www.big-c.co.uk.

To donate, please visit Jon’s page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/iwould walk500k

ABOVE: Jon pictured in the Sahara Desert last October

“It’s part memoir, part travel book,” he says. “While I’ve been doing the walks KLmagazine January 2019

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KLmagazine January 2019

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PUT YOUR FEET UP ON THESE COLD WINTER NIGHTS S with the new UK K Ambassador®

LOVE B E I NG YOU

THE REJUVENATION ROOM A leading, well established aesthetic clinic specialising in producing superior natural enhancements including wrinkle relaxing injections and dermal fillers.

WRINKLE RELAXING TREATMENTS

BEFORE

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BEFORE

AFTER

F emm i L i f t To find out more contact Tracey & Sharon Based at No.4 Hair and Beauty, 4 High Street, King's Lynn | Tel: 07884 260190 Email: info@therejuvenationroom.co.uk Facebook: @rejuvenatekingslynn

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FOR R ALL YOUR MOBIL LITY NEEDS

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Largest selection of fabrics in West & North Norfolk

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41 Broad Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1DP

T: 01553 768613 | W: www.thefentshopkingslynn.co.uk KLmagazine January 2019

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“I can't explain what Terry does, but he seems to know exactly where the problem is – and exactly how to fix it.”

- Bridget Nurse, King’s Lynn

“Visiting Terry was one of the best things I’ve done” Discover how Terry Connolly and a revolutionary new form of therapy can help free you from a life of chronic aches and pains

A

t Free Your Body Therapy in the centre of King’s Lynn, Terry Connolly continues to use new treatment techniques to free people from a life of aches and pains; people like Bridget Nurse of King’s Lynn, for example, who’d been suffering with pain in her shoulder for several months following a sports-related injury.

“On a scale of 1-10 the pain was probably an 8,” she says. “Raising my arm was excruciating, but I hate taking tablets and assumed it would simply go away after a while.”

When the problem (and the pain) persisted, a friend recommended Bridget visit Free Your Body Therapy "Visiting Terry was one of the best things I've ever done," she says. "It was very quick and easy, and the pain reduced significantly on my very first appointment. It virtually disappeared over the next few days, and I haven't had a problem with my shoulder since."

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

“I can't explain exactly what Terry does, but I do have total confidence in him,” she says. “He seems to know exactly where the problem is and exactly how to fix it.”

There’s no great secret and no hidden magic to Terry’s treatment – he simply looks at the body and the causes of chronic pain in a completely different way.

“In Bridget's case, all I did was ‘tell’ the muscles in her shoulder to start working properly again.”

says Terry. “Once I’d identified the relevant tension points and compensators, her body was able to balance itself naturally.”

If you’re interested in freeing yourself from a life of chronic aches and pain, contact Terry today and book an appointment with Free Your Body Therapy. Like Bridget, you’ll find the results hard to believe.

“It's really quite amazing what Terry does,” she says. “I’ve already recommended Free Your Body Therapy to several friends and they're now discovering just how effective this treatment is."

Old Dairy Units, Austin Street, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 277520 www.freeyourbodytherapy.co.uk

KLmagazine January 2019

Terry Connolly 57

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This stunning faux fur coat will get you through the coldest winter’s day.

Beautifully soft and incredibly light to wear, it will look fabulous anywhere.

Faux fur coat by James Lakeland (£259)

ARTICHOKE Ely

warm

As winter is now in full swing, it’s essential to feel just as toasty outside the house as you do indoors. Although the cold weather often puts people off venturing very far, there are plenty of fashionable ways to stay warm. Here are just a few of our favourite ways to keep warm (and look great) over the coming months...

58_Fashion_Layout 1 14/12/2018 19:16 Page 3

Stars Lurex Sweater by Lauren Vidal

SHEILA TILLER Long Sutton

KLmagazine January 2019

Ontrend

Combining three of the seasons key trends:Â stars, silver & layering

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THE HAYLOFT at BEARTS Stowbridge

Practical yet stylish, these boots are perfect for wet, muddy days.

Full length zip for easy entry and leather covered calf detail providing stretch, combine to deliver a feminine, fitted and elegant silhouette.

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KLmagazine January 2019

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Beautynotes

Facefacts

1

Not removing makeup at night can prematurely age your skin.

Cellular repair takes place when we sleep, so aim for eight hours a night

2

Ditch the face wipes! Using wipes ages the skin as the chemical preservatives can potentially cause damage and irritation

3

We lose collagen at the rate of 1.5% per year from our early 20s onwards.

This results in wrinkles, fine lines, dry, blemished and thinning skin

The new year your skin deserves

I

n January, the focus is commonly on detoxing to reverse the inevitable signs of overindulgence over the festive period. Almost everyone is hitting the gym and adding superfoods to their diet – but how many of us think to give our skin a detox? Diet, stress, lack of exercise, alcohol, harsh winters and late nights all take their toll on our skin, but the new year is a great time to give your skin a bit of love and introduce it to skin rehab!

Treat Yourself!

As a treat we have three detoxing facials on offer throughout January and February to kick start your Skin Detox.

These bespoke treatments use medical grade products to remove impurities, toxins, pollutants and dead skin cells – renewing and revitalizing your skin back to its normal looks - or, maybe if you detox right, better than it’s ever been before. After purifying your skin with one of our detox facials, the emphasis is then on you to maintain and promote healthy radiant looking skin – and this can be as simple as investing in a good cleanser. Cleansing should be a daily

habit, both morning and night. We offer a range of cleansers for all skin types, so book a free skin analysis consultation to find out what best suits your skin type.

New Collagen Drink Alert!

Want smoother skin, stronger nails and healthier hair in as little as two weeks?

This month, our clinic is launching a new product to our portfolio. Skinade is a high-grade collagen drink that unlocks the secret to a beautiful complexion – by giving your body what it needs to revive the skin from within. It rebuilds and strengthens the collagen matrix below the skin’s surface, boosting natural levels of hydration and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can order yours today from Aesthetics Beauty Clinic.

SKIN DETOX OFFERS • Revitalising Facial £25

• Detoxifying and Pore Refining treatment £30

• Skin Oxygenating treatment £35

Treatments

• Dermal Fillers, including lip enhancement, nasolabial folds & marionettes • Cheek, jaw & chin augmentation • Wrinkle-reducing injections • Chemical skin peels • Microneedling • Injectable & topical Skin Boosters • PCA Skin Care Range

All procedures are fully insured and performed by a fully qualified Harley Street nurse

The Hoste Spa Clinic Our next Aesthetic clinic in Burnham Market takes place on Monday 14th January and Monday 25th February Contact the spa on 01328 737022 to book your appointment

For a FREE consultation, please contact Emma on 07791 575889 or e-mail info@aestheticsbeautyclinics.com

KLmagazine January 2019

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KLmagazine January 2019

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Ruth Griggs

Before

After

“The results are amazing.

I’m so proud of my hair.”

Women of all ages suffer hair loss for all sorts of reasons, but Ruth Griggs offers an affordable, long-lasting and fabulous looking solution with a cutting-edge and totally bespoke system

R

uth Griggs is at the leading edge of professional treatments for hair loss, and her transformational systems are now helping women of all ages across Norfolk regain their confidence and selfesteem.

"My oldest client is in her mid 70s and my youngest is only 17," she says. "Their hair loss can be due to any number of different reasons, but all these women have one thing in common - they want a long-lasting solution that looks and feels fabulous."

A case in point is Claire (not her real name), a successful businesswoman in her early 30s who came to Ruth after a fruitless search for an affordable, attractive and professional answer to her thinning hair - her condition largely due to hereditary factors.

"I'd only ever managed to find one

person who could offer a bespoke service that would enhance my hair rather than place further stress on it," she says, "but that was in west London and it was way out of my price range.

When I met Ruth, the thing that struck me was that I'd finally found someone I could trust with my hair. Someone who understood my feelings and was prepared to help me."

Thanks to both an innovative and natural-looking Crown Volumiser and nano-ring extensions, Ruth helped give Claire a full head of hair. In fact, it's now almost impossible to tell it's not her natural hair.

Claire no longer worries about the wind blowing her hair out of place or the rain flattening it against her head, and she's no longer concerned that business colleagues and contacts are focusing on her hairline. It's made a huge amount of difference to Claire's

life.

"I have different problems with my hair now," she says. "It's thick, it's full, and it's luscious - and it takes longer to dry and longer to style. But that's a happier set of problems to deal with!"

Indeed. For years Claire had used lighter colours in an attempt to disguise her thinning hair, but she's now confidently looking forward to returning to her natural colour.

"It's a wonderful journey I'm so glad I made," she says. "Ruth's systems are incredible. They're affordable and they look amazing. They're empowering and liberating, and I’m now really proud of my hair.”

If you or a friend or family member could benefit from Ruth's care and experience, please contact her using the details below.

Telephone: 07713182748 Email: extensionsbyruth@hotmail.com Website: www.hairbyruth.co.uk E www.facebook.com/extensionsbyruth KLmagazine January 2019

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Strattons Restaurant

Strattons is an award-winning boutique hotel located in the historic market town of Swaffham. Director and co-founder Vanessa Scott tells us what’s special about this hidden gem…

T

he Stratton family took ownership of this Queen Anne style building in the 1930’s and in 1990 my husband Les and I bought the site and renamed it Strattons. It is now a small boutique hotel comprising 14 rooms, a 30-cover restaurant, a café Deli called CoCoes and a lifestyle/interiors shop called Bam & Arrow. We were inspired by the pioneers of boutique hotels such as chef and restaurateur Justin Le Blanc who owned Shipdham Place in Norfolk.

The key elements are an interesting historical building, chef owner and cooking rooted in the produce of the surrounding landscape.

Strattons was the first hotel and restaurant in the UK to win the DTI Queen’s award for ‘outstanding environmental performance’. Les and I

68

both come from an arts background and inevitably with our focus on local food and landscape, the environment was put at the heart of the business model at Strattons Hotel from day one.

We believe operating from a listed building, within a conservation area in a unique location has a special responsibility and is a constant reminder that we are never owners, merely caretakers of our places and environments.

Our guiding principle is quite simply to source and prepare the fabulous seasonal produce on our doorstep real food with true flavours. The unique geography and climate of the Brecks (it is the driest part of Britain) yields some interesting crops from asparagus to blueberries. We have a great number of small producers supplying us with their foods, fabulous local cheese makers,

microbreweries, arable farms, organic and free-range animal production and not forgetting the food from the wild; blackberries, wild mushrooms, sloes, horseradish, wild garlic, venison and game.

This methodology and its results have attracted national and international recognition for the restaurant and hotel. These include awards such as best Norfolk restaurant with the Good Food Guide, Norfolk EDP Food & Drink Awards, BBC Vegetarian Chef of the Year, Wine List of the Year and Best Small Global Hotel with GreenGlobe.

Strattons has won over 40 awards in its history as restaurant and hotel as well as most recently being featured in Truth, Love and Clean Cutlery cowritten by Giles Coren as one of only two restaurants in Norfolk singled out for strong sustainable practices.

KLmagazine January 2019

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MEET the Chef Talking with Stratton’s Head Chef Daniel Freear KL magazine: What’s your background?

Daniel Freear: I studied at The College of West Anglia and have worked at restaurants including Worzals Bar and Grill on Walton Highway and the Ship Inn at Brandon Creek. I've also worked alongside Richard Hughes at the Lavender House and at Quy Mill in Cambridge.

I’ve been at Strattons for a little over three years now and I’m constantly improving my knowledge. If I don’t know something, I’ll look it up.

I eat out at restaurants and taste the food of chefs I admire, which is a great way of keeping in touch with current trends, techniques and fashion - I use these to inform my own style.

I am proud to be an ambassador for the College and this year have fronted a recruitment campaign. We also work closely with City College Norwich to help inspire and train catering students.

I’ll also be doing chef demonstrations throughout the year.

KL magazine: What attracted you to Strattons?

Daniel Freear: From day one it was

clear that good ingredients and simple fresh cooking was at the heart of Strattons and it's something I've always believed in very strongly, so I knew I'd fit in easily.

KL magazine: What made you want to be a chef?

Daniel Freear: My parents’ cooking! I don't come from a family of amazing cooks or a knowledge of good food so as soon as I was old enough to cook, I was doing the dinners. I still get the same excitement I did as a child when I get to use new ingredients, try a recipe or a technique that’s different.

KLmagazine January 2019

KL magazine: Do you have a ‘signature dish’ or favourite dish you enjoy cooking?

r a e e r F l Danie

Daniel Freear: Not a signature dish as such but I love fish cookery.

There's no room for error. A perfectly cooked piece of fish is a beautiful thing and knowing what other ingredients will work with the fish without over powering it is a challenge I really enjoy.

I was lucky enough recently to spend a few days with fish mongers Coles of King’s Lynn. This experience has not only helped my knowledge on the best ways to work with fish but also given me a better insight into what it takes to get fresh fish to our kitchens six days a week.

KL magazine: Food Hell?

Daniel Freear: Mushrooms! As much as I try them and want to like them I just can't. I still appreciate how amazing they can be, and I use them regularly at work but they’re just not for me.

KL magazine: Food Heaven?

Daniel Freear: Chocolate and coffee, so Tiramisu is a real favourite of mine.

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On the MENU STARTERS

Seared pigeon caramelized cauliflower, pear and cocoa nib

Treacle cured salmon warm pumpkin loaf, stewed date, pickled raisins and chervil

Cromer crab crumpet crab and mustard butter, baby leaf and pickled mustard seeds

MAIN COURSES Pot roast quail

Dates for the diary

quail leg ragu, roast broccoli pommes Anna, hazelnut vinaigrette

AT STRATTONS

Roast cod baby turnips, wilted turnips greens,

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MAY

Winnie the Pooh themed afternoon tea £16.50pp available pre-booked daily

Treat your favourite person to a special Valentines meal on Thursday 14th February at £45pp inclusive of 4 courses or indulge in our special 5 course tasting menu on Saturday 16th February at £49pp.

On Friday 10th May Strattons is celebrating the very best of Norfolk ingredients with a ‘local produce night’ including a 5 course tasting menu created by head chef Dan Freear at £49pp.

Back by popular demand Strattons restaurant will be running a special seasonal set price menu for January where you can enjoy 2 courses for £15pp and 3 for £20pp, available daily from 6.30pm excluding Saturdays.

Head Chef Dan is taking over the College of West Anglia restaurant on Tuesday 15th January where diners can book in for a delicious 5 course menu for only £25pp.

Grilled hake sautéed artichokes, brancaster mussels, pickled shiitake mushroom, artichoke and roast garlic velouté

DESSERTS

Chocolate financier spiced pear, boozy currants,

Phantom of the Opera themed afternoon tea £16.50pp, available pre-booked daily excluding Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th inclusive when an extra special Valentines Phantom of the Opera afternoon tea will be £20.50pp

To avoid disappointment, booking is recommended for all of our events.

Call: 01760 723845 or book online at: www.strattonshotel.com

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charred endive, apple vinaigrette

crème fraîche ice cream

Egg custard tart nutmeg ice cream, roast almonds

Spiced apple cake caramelized apple, apple fool, poached blackberries and hazelnut meringue

TO BOOK Please call 01760 723845 or visit www.strattonshotel.com

KLmagazine January 2019

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Craw wfish Inn Thai Restaurant & Bar

KING’S LYNN’S PREMIERE GIN SALOON With over 200 dif ferent gins from distilleries around the world, combined with qualit y mixers and over 30 dif ferent garnishes to enjoy GIN COCKTAILS • GIN TASTING BOARDS LOCAL GINS • SPECIALIST WHISKEYS & VODK AS PERFECT FOR BIRTHDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS ginsaloon

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Traditional Bangkok Thai Cuisine

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1 Railway Road, King’s LLy ynn PE30 1NE | OPEN: Wed-Sat from 6pm

Local Real Ales Extensive W ine List Takeaway Ser vice Fully Air Conditioned Backing British Farming

Call 01328 878313 for reser vations Open: Tues Sun fr Holt Road, Thursfo

crawfishinn

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Kitchens designed with stty yle & craffttsmanship Stunning fitttted kitchens tailored to your liffe estty yle & home

BESPOKE • KITCHENS • BEDROOMS • OFFICES

Walton Highway | w Wa ww ww w w.cecilboin ntteriors.co.u uk k | 08009 875446 / 07719 186273 KLmagazine January 2019

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STUNNIN G VIEWS Across the harbour

A FAMILY FRIENDLY PUB SERVING

REALLY GREAT FOOD!

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VEGAN DISHES • FRESH HANDMADE PIZZAS

LOOKING TO THROW A PARTY?

We have a beautiful first floor dining room with our spectacular views available for private parties.

THE

THIS YEAR SHOW us all your folly y fa avourites

GOLDEN FLEECE

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The Quayy,, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AH

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T: 01553 675566 566 | E: reception@knightshill.co o.uk w w.knightshill.c www .knightshill.co.uk knightshill.co uk South W Woott ootto on, King’s Lynn, Norffolk olk PE30 3HQ

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KLmagazine January 2019

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Duck Breast

with port & blackberry sauce, chestnut purée, buttered brussel sprouts and sauté potatoes INGREDIENTS Serves 2

2 duck breasts

Chestnut purée 300g raw chestnuts 150ml double cream

Port & blackberry sauce 1 large shallot, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 1 star anise 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 sprig of thyme 1 bay leaf Pinch of grated nutmeg 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 100ml port 250ml good chicken stock 100g blackberries

Brussel Sprouts

175g sprouts, cut into quarters Pinch of grated nutmeg 5g butter

1

To make the chestnut purée, roast 300g of raw chestnuts for 30 minutes at 170°C. Cool slightly and then peel. Place in a blender with 150ml of double cream and blend until smooth, season to taste with salt and pepper.

add to a cold frying pan skin side down.

Cook on a medium heat for about 6 minutes; until the skin is a lovely golden brown. Turn the duck over and cook for another 3 minutes. Set aside the duck to rest for at least 5 minutes for serving.

2

4

For the sauce, heat some oil in a saucepan to a medium heat. Add the shallot and carrot and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are a deep golden brown. Take the pan off the heat and add the garlic, herbs and nutmeg, then the vinegar and port. Return the pan to the heat and cook for 2 minutes until the port and vinegar has reduced to a syrup consistency.

Then add the stock and cook until the sauce has reduced by about one third and season to taste with salt and pepper. Strain and reserve.

3

To cook the duck, firstly season the breasts with salt and pepper all over and

Once the duck has been removed from the pan to rest, drain off most of the duck fat. Return the frying pan back to a medium heat and add the sprouts. Stir fry for 4-6 minutes until softened, then add the butter and nutmeg. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and put to one side for serving.

5

To serve, add the blackberries to the sauce and warm through. Warm the chestnut purée and slice the duck breast.

Serve on a warm plate with the chestnut purée, sprouts and topped with the port and blackcurrant sauce. Serve with sauté potatoes and enjoy!

RECI PE BY DANI EL HARTLEY, HEAD CHEF AT BILTON’ S Lynn Road, Tottenhill PE33 0RL Tel: 01553 812200 Web: www.biltonsrestaurant.com KLmagazine January 2019

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Our local talent and the future of fine dining…

S

At the Novus restaurant in the College of West Anglia, the next generation of talented chefs are preparing to write a new chapter in the story of local culinary excellence

ince opening its doors six years ago, the Novus restaurant at the College of West Anglia has gone from strength to strength.

Named from the Latin word for ‘new’, the idea behind this fine-dining establishment is remarkably simple; food-lovers are given the opportunity to sample locally-sourced, seasonal and high-quality produce, which is prepared, cooked and served by the College of West Anglia’s budding young chefs. It is, quite literally, a taste of the future.

Guests are treated to a completely unique dining experience within an ambient and spacious setting, all at a remarkably low price. A three-course lunchtime menu, for example, costs as little as £8, while the three-course evening menu ranges from £12-£18, with plenty of vegetarian options 74

available. The restaurant also boasts a fully-licensed bar with a wide range of drink options.

Proof of the restaurant’s success can be seen by the fact it’s recently received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the fourth consecutive year – an award presented to businesses that have excelled in their service delivery and dining experience.

Novus occupies a unique position within Norfolk, operating both as a restaurant and culinary school for young chefs, who learn and hone their craft under the guidance of highlyskilled and experienced industry experts.

Novus restaurant is home to over 80 trainee chefs, all working towards a professional culinary qualification – and they run every single part of the nonprofit restaurant, from creating new

menus every month to preparing and cooking the delicious food and managing front of house.

All proceeds from the restaurant are re-invested into training these talented young chefs.

“We aim to go above and beyond teaching our students the essentials,” says college lecturer Alex Harrison, who has over 21 years’ experience working in high-end restaurants. “The trainees learn about food provenance, seasonality, sustainability and they gain invaluable practical experience. It means they’ll leave us highly-skilled and ready for the challenges of the working environment.”

Together with working towards their professional qualification, many of the trainee chefs juggle part-time employment at local eateries, as well as participating in nationwide KLmagazine January 2019

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ABOVE: Novus student Jaimie-Lee Adams

competitions throughout the year, such as the renown Nestlé Toque d’Or competition.

“I’ve wanted to be a professional chef for as long as I can remember,” says trainee chef Jaimie Lee-Adams, who’s now working towards a level 3 qualification in professional cookery.

“Studying at the college and working at Novus restaurant has given me the confidence and the necessary skills I need to be able to achieve my dream.”

Many of Novus restaurant’s alumni have taken top roles at some of the area’s best-loved restaurants, including Market Bistro in King’s Lynn, Strattons in Swaffham and Shuck’s in Thornham – and several regularly return to Novus restaurant to inspire the next generation of talented chefs.

The restaurant also hosts guest chef nights, where renown local chefs from restaurants such as Titchwell Manor, The Orange Tree and Market Bistro visit the restaurant to bring Novus diners a taste of their acclaimed menus for one night – as well as training the students in new techniques, skills and styles.

The next guest chef night on Tuesday 15th January sees college alumni Daniel Freear (now Head Chef at the awardwinning restaurant at Strattons) return to the college. He’s planning to deliver a unique taste of his highly acclaimed food as part of a five-course tasting menu served in a contemporary English style.

“Guest chef training ensures our trainees stay up-to-date in a rapidly changing culinary world and cements our ties with the burgeoning Norfolk food scene,” says lecturer Alex Harrison.

“Norfolk is one of the best places to eat in the whole country. The breadth of local produce and the diversity of cuisines and styles found here have made the area an incredibly attractive prospect for talented chefs.”

Sample January LUNCH MENU STARTERS Moules Mariner Chicken Liver Pate with Melba Toast Soup of the Day

MAIN COURSES Fish Pie with Garden Peas Char Grilled Minted Lamb with Boulangère Potatoes Coq au Vin with Dauphinoise Potatoes Aubergine and Lentil Curry with Vegetable Pilau Rice

SIDE DISHES Cauliflower purée Thyme roasted carrots Broccoli cheese

DESSERTS A Selection of desserts will be available £2.50

2 courses for £6 3 courses for £8

Special Offer Buy one full price three-course meal and get the second half price.

This offer is available for the month of January 2019 and excludes theme nights and guest chef nights.

LUNCH MENU 2 courses for £6 or 3 for £8

DINNER MENU 3 courses range from £12-£18

TO BOOK Please call 01553 815464 or e-mail novus@cwa.ac.uk Novus Restaurant College of West Anglia, Tennyson Avenue, King’s Lynn, PE30 2QW ABOVE: College lecturer Alex Harrison with trainee chefs in the Novus restaurant kitchen KLmagazine January 2019

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NO

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76_Recipe_Crawfish.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 19:25 Page 2

e our NEW seasonal menu-

r lovey e to wish ou We would lik ers a very... custom

HHap aapp ppppyyN Neww YYea New Ne Yeeaarr ve limited opening times av In January we ha ving a well deserved break! av as we’re ha

coaching inn

Please chec k our website or Facebook pag ge for deta aiils.

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76

Lynn Lane, Great Massingham, Ly King’s Lyn nn PE32 2HJ KLmagazine January 2019

76_Recipe_Crawfish.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 19:27 Page 3

Thai Seafood Platter with crab fried rice & seafood sauce

INGREDIENTS Serves 2

9 black tiger prawns 2 large squid 6 scallops 1/2 small dressed crab 2 tsp finely chopped garlic 1 tsp coarse black pepper 2 tbsp oyster sauce Few drops of light soy sauce

Crab fried rice 2 large serving spoons of cooked rice 2 tbsp Maggi sauce 2 tbsp fish sauce 1 tsp sugar 2 eggs A few cherry tomatoes 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp butter 2 tbsp of light soy sauce

Thai seafood sauce 6 chillies 6 garlic cloves A few coriander roots (or stalks) Juice of 1 lemon

Rick Stein once said "Nothing is more exhilarating than fresh seafood simply cooked”, I really can’t argue with that at all.

However, by adding Thai Seafood Sauce, it brings more dimensions to the simple seafood dish than you could imagine.

TO PREPARE...

For the king prawns, I like to keep the prawns’ shells on, as it keep the moisture in the meat longer after they are cooked. I take a very sharp knife and split down the back of the king prawns, flatten them a little, almost like a butterfly style. If you see any black string at the back of prawn, just pull it out, this method is called “devein”.

For the squid, I make a cross cut pattern without going all the way through the meat.

I then cut the squid into triangle pieces, and marinate them with the finely chopped garlic, the coarse black pepper and the oyster sauce.

For the scallops, I only drizzle a few drops of light soya sauce; it would be a crime to change the taste and texture of such a wonderful tasting meat!

TO COOK...

Heat the wok or saucepan up to a very hot temperature. Put in two tablespoons of butter then very quickly follow with the king prawns, turning them regularly for 2-3 minutes, then add the scallops and close the lid for 1 minute, then add the squid.

Gently stir for a further 2-3 minutes, then turn the heat off, and put to one side to rest.

For cooking the fried rice, put the vegetable oil and one tablespoon of butter in a wok, crack in the eggs and stir them until they are lightly set. Add the crab meat and cherry tomatoes, then the cooked rice and mix them up well.

Season the fried rice with the Maggi sauce, the two tablespoons of light soy sauce, two tablespoons of fish sauce and the sugar.

Keep stirring the rice until it is piping hot.

And lastly, for the Thai Seafood Sauce blend all of the ingedients together!

Wow that was simple wasn’t it?

Siropas Rangphet (O.B)

RECI PE BY SI ROPAS RANGPHET (O. B), OWNER AT THE CRAWFI SH I NN Holt Road, Thursford NR21 0BJ Tel: 01328 878313 Web: www.crawfishinn.com KLmagazine January 2019

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S U P P LY I N G Q UA LI T Y, LO CA LLY S O U RC ED B E E F, P O R K , L A M B & P O U LT R Y F O R

100 YEARS

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n at Stow Estate eant William (Tom) Sarg in 1919 just before he set up

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78_TheHeron.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 19:29 Page 3

The Heron takes off on a bright new adventure

Refurbished, redecorated and revitalised, The Heron at Stowbridge is now everything a traditional country pub should be...

W

hat do you do when you’re a big fan of your local pub but can’t help feeling it could be a little better, a little brighter and a lot more appealing?

The answer’s simple – you buy it.

That’s exactly what Tracey and Stuart Elflett did last year, spending four months completely transforming The Heron in Stowbridge and giving it an exciting new lease of life.

“It's amazing when people come in who haven’t visited the pub for years,” says Tracey. “They can’t believe how different it is – although it still has all the friendliness of a traditional country pub. It’s been a long journey, but well worth it.”

Located between the River Great Ouse and New Cut, The Heron is in a particularly attractive location. Starting life as a farmhouse before being converted to a hotel and pub, it had become a little tired and dated by the time Tracey and Stuart arrived. They loved their local, but they couldn'’t help feeling

something was missing.

“It was about two years ago when Stuart suggested we take on The Heron and my first reaction was to tell him not to be so stupid,” says Tracey. “We’d never done anything like it before and didn’t have the foggiest idea of how to run a pub.”

However, they clearly have a natural talent for it. Opening last August, The Heron is now almost unrecognisable – despite the fact the structure and layout of the pub hasn’t changed at all.

Tracey and Stuart have worked wonders. They’ve re-upholstered the bar seating in leather, they’ve refreshed and refurbished the kitchen with new equipment, and they’ve installed an Indian sandstone floor throughout.

Suspended ceilings make for a more welcoming atmosphere, they’ve made amazing use of reclaimed scaffolding boards, and Tracey’s eye for detail even extended to sourcing striking heron-themed wallpaper. She even spent much of last summer sanding down and painting the

restaurant’s original chairs and tables in the pub’s car park.

The Heron now serves a completely new choice of traditional pub fayre, and the menu has been simplified thanks to Head Chef David Plumb and his assistant Colin Perry.

It’s the perfect location for an enjoyable winter’s evening, and we can’t wait for summer. The Heron has five touring caravan sites with electrical hook-ups, there’s a pontoon down by the river for waterborne visitors, and Tracey and Stuart are currently adding two bed-and-breakfast rooms to the first floor.

The Heron has never looked better – and if you’ll excuse the pun, the sky’s the limit from here!

To book call: 01366 384040 | Visit our website: www.theheronstowbridge.com THe Heron, sToWbridge, THe causeWay, sToWbridge pe34 3pp

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Putting Norfolk on the country’s cheese map

ABOVE: Catherine Temple at home with some of her Brown Swiss cows – they provide the milk, while Catherine turns it into some of Norfolk’s best-loved cheeses

Catherine Temple’s cheese-making career started in her kitchen with two plastic buckets, a gallon of milk and a library book. Now, her delicious cheeses are some of Norfolk’s best known products

C

atherine Temple is a busy woman. As well as being the brains behind Mrs Temple’s Cheeses, which produces such famous artisan cheeses as Binham Blue and Copys Cloud, she’s also a qualified pharmacist, lecturer, trainer of nursing staff, and a much sought-after speaker.

Cheese was probably the last thing on her mind when she went with her husband to live abroad, first to India, where she worked as a pharmacist in a country mission hospital, and then to Malawi, where she worked at the Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa.

As the resident chemist, she researched the colour and flavour of

KLmagazine January 2019

tea, and published her research to gain a PhD from the University of Surrey.

“I’m not a doctor of medicine or pharmacy,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. “I’m actually a doctor of why tea is brown!”

Catherine came from a farming background, her grandparents owning a small dairy farm in the Vale of Belvoir (on the borders of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire) where the milk they produced was used to make Stilton cheese. Her mother also made cheese in the farmhouse kitchen – but it was just for family consumption.

Catherine went on to attend the University of Bradford, and was sent to

Norfolk as part of her pharmacy apprenticeship, where she met her husband Stephen. After living abroad for several years, they returned to the UK in 1998 and settled in Norfolk.

Stephen’s parents had bought the farm where they continue to live today in 1956, and the couple bought another 300 acres to add to the original land.

Farm incomes were very pressured at the time and markets were starting to change, so Catherine cast around for an opportunity to improve their income. Although she was also working as a pharmacist locum around Norfolk, she wanted to find a way of processing the milk they were producing on their dairy farm, and realised that cheese

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might be a viable option.

“Nobody was making cheese locally apart from a vicar’s wife who had four goats,” she says, “so there wasn’t a lot of competition!” At the same time she was writing up her research on tea and was commuting back and forth to the British Library – where she started looking at books on specialist cheese making. She learned that British cheesemakers were having a conference the following day, and travelled to Shrewsbury to meet some cheese makers.

“I began to formulate a plan and put it

82

into action, visiting other cheese makers and collecting equipment,” says Catherine. “After about two years production began, initially with Wighton, which was based on a Cambridgeshire white cheese recipe, similar to a traditional Fenland cheese.”

This first cheese, Wighton, was similar to feta, and was swiftly followed by Melton, a Norfolk melting cheese which was like a mozzarella.

“I started off with just these two cheeses,” explains Catherine. “I didn’t need any fancy equipment – in fact, all I had was two buckets and a stainless steel knife!”

Following the negative publicity generated by the cattle diseases prevalent at the time, Catherine decided to start pasteurising her cheeses, a practice she continues to do today.

Catherine began by selling her cheeses at local farmers’ markets as a way of spreading the word about her products. As her sales grew, she began to think about reducing food miles, and decided somewhat cheekily to ask the the owners of the refrigerated vans driving past her cottage whether they’d distribute her cheeses to local pubs and restaurants.

“You never know until you ask,” she says, “and I’ve still got three customers from those days who are my biggest distributors!”

Catherine’s cheeses are all made with milk from her beautiful Brown Swiss cows, who live contentedly on the farm. Although Catherine and Stephen

started with Friesians, they switched to Brown Swiss cows, as they live happily on a Norfolk diet of grass, maize and lucerne clover, all of which are grown on their farm.

She began her business by using 90 litres of milk on alternate Wednesdays and has built it up to four staff processing 2,600 litres three days a week (five days in the run up to Christmas).

Last year they made no less than 34 tons of cheeses, 21 of which were Binham Blue, by far Catherine’s best seller. She now produces seven different cheeses, from Binham Blue and the soft and creamy Copys Cloud to the delicious hard and mature Walsingham.

“We’re so gratified with how our products have been adopted into the food culture of Norfolk,” says Catherine, “and how our rapid growth and success have been linked with all the great eateries and farm shops along the Norfolk coast. We couldn’t really ask for more.”

KLmagazine January 2019

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55 3-2018 196

Celebrating 55 years of our family businesss

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Flavour of the month

The new evening menu at Archers...

A

rchers in King’s Lynn is well known for its delicious breakfasts, yummy lunches and unique range of refreshing cocktails, so when we heard it's now started serving evening meals we couldn’t wait to pay another visit.

Located on Purfleet Street just a short walk from the beautiful quayside in the most historic part of King’s Lynn, this small and intimate restaurant has a very cozy feel - and we received a very warm welcome from owners Junno and Charlie Tostevin, who took over Archers in 2013 following years of experience in bars and restaurants in London. The unique style of the restaurant is particularly striking - and your eyes will almost certainly be drawn to the quirky beach hut styled canopy that sits over the bar.

KLmagazine January 2019

When presented with the new evening menu, we were truly spoilt for choice. Dishes include a smoky buffalo chicken burger, a chilli cheese burger, a pasta bake with a variety of sauces and fillings, a vegan katsu curry and traditional meat and vegetables - as well as tapas-style dishes such as halloumi bites, parma-wrapped cod, and pork kebabs – and they're all freshly made.

“We wanted to serve a variety of food,” explains Charlie. “We have different kinds of meats, vegan stuff, naughty stuff, healthy stuff, a bit of English, a bit of American, Japanese – we try to have as much choice as possible without it being an oversized menu.”

His wife agrees.

“Most our food is sourced locally," Junno adds, "and everything is fresh and homemade.”

We wanted to try everything on the menu, but after careful consideration I went for a pasta bake with homemade pasta ribbons, pomodoro sauce, mozzarella and pancetta - with a fresh mixed salad on the side. I wasn’t disappointed. The pasta was the perfect texture, the pancetta was tender, and the sauce was flavoursome and creamy. My friend chose the smoky buffalo chicken burger and was really impressed with the huge portion of chicken - nicely spicy with just the right kick.

Whilst eating our delicious meals we also enjoyed some fabulous cocktails – Bananarama and Blood Orange Sour.

They were really rather special, undoubtedly because Junno and Charlie put a huge amount of effort into sourcing the base ingredients, from syrups to homemade fusions of alcohol.

Junno and Charlie are quite a team.

While Charlie is the head chef, Junno concentrates on baking and desserts, but both play a hand in everything Archers offers.

To complete a lovely evening we enjoyed the most wonderful desserts – a light and moist chocolate brownie served with a particularly zingy chocolate ice cream, and a Winter Berry Mess that had a great selection of fresh berries and wasn't over-creamy or sugary. It was the perfect guilt-free dessert!

We had a fantastic evening at Archers - the food, the drinks and the atmosphere are all outstanding.

And we’ll definitely be returning soon.

Evening meals are served Tuesday – Sunday. Drinks Happy Hour is 4pm – 8pm on weekdays.

ARCHERS KITCHEN Limes House, 25-26 Purfleet Street, King's Lynn PE30 1ER Telephone: 01553 764411 E www.facebook.com/archerskingslynn 85

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A crop of new potatoes for the new year

There are over 1,000 different types of potatoes, and they’re the world’s fourth-largest food crop. It maybe winter, but Wendy Warner explains why it’s the perfect time to be thinking of growing your own...

W

hat a nice thing to look forward to in January – the chance to dig your very own new potatoes fresh from the garden this summer. Whether you have an allotment, a small patch of ground or just a patio container or bag, it’s a lot easier than you may imagine.

It’s amazing that we’re still enjoying a crop first recorded in the Andes over 8,000 years ago!

A huge number of potato varieties are available, so you’ll need to pick the ones that meet your requirements.

Although it’s often difficult to distinguish flavours, distinct textures will lend themselves to particular culinary uses – so consider whether you prefer your potatoes boiled, mashed, baked, roasted, chipped or used in salads.

Potatoes can be divided into three groups. ‘First Earlies’ (FE) and ‘Second Earlies’ (SE) are

best for small, new potatoes and ‘Maincrops’ tend to produce larger potatoes for baking and roasting.

Some of the most popular varieties locally are Arran Pilot and Rocket (FE), Kestrel (SE), Charlotte (SE) and Cara and Desiree (Main). It’s also worth considering pest and disease resistance in certain varieties.

Immediately after purchasing, carefully remove them from their nets and place into shallow boxes or trays, keeping them away from frost, but in a

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“It’s amazing that we’re still enjoying a crop first recorded in the Andes 8,000 years ago!” cool, well ventilated place. Six weeks before planting, move them into an area with natural light at approx 10°C to produce strong, thick sprouts. This is known as chitting.

You can get ahead of the game in Autumn by digging well-rotted manure into the soil where you plan to plant your seed potatoes. It’s important they’re grown on fresh ground each year; you’ll need to operate a strict three-year crop rotation to help prevent the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases. In Spring, turn the soil again with a fork and dig out a trench approximately 6 inches deep, adding compost to the base of the trench to provide a softer environment for the potatoes to grow in – this will result in cleaner, better quality tubers to harvest.

Sprinkle a potato fertiliser or Growmore over the compost before placing the tubers in the trench at the appropriate spacing and back-fill the trench with the remaining soil.

Planting times aren’t critical and are dependent on weather, soil conditions and regional variations, so the following is only a rough guide:

First Earlies: Plant 12” (30cm) apart and leave 24” (60cm) between the rows.

Plant from the end of February and harvest 10 weeks later.

Second Earlies: Plant 15” (37cm) apart and leave 30” (75cm) between the rows.

Plant from mid-March and harvest 13 weeks later.

Maincrop: Plant 18” (45cm) apart and leave 30” (75cm) between the rows. Plant from late March and harvest 15 weeks later.

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Protect emerging shoots from frosts by carefully drawing soil over them (this is known as earthing-up) as frost will blacken shoots and delay production severely. Potatoes require plenty of water during prolonged spells of dry weather, especially when tubers are starting to form.

Earth-up regularly as the plants develop to stop any light reaching the potatoes as they mature. Light will turn your potatoes green, making them inedible. Make sure your potato beds are kept well-weeded too so that all nutrients and moisture reach the potatoes. First Earlies can be harvested as ‘new potatoes’ when the plants begin flowering, which will be roughly 10 weeks from planting. Tubers will generally become larger the longer their growing period – and Maincrops are usually left for at least two weeks after the leaves and stems have withered to allow the skins to set.

It's advisable to lift potatoes with a flat-tined potato fork which should minimise stabbing them.

To store, leave tubers on the soil surface for a few hours to dry and cure the skin before storing them in hessian or paper sacks in a dark, cool but frostfree place. Don’t use plastic sacks as the potatoes will ‘sweat’ and rot.

It is possible to use containers to grow early or salad potatoes, but don’t be tempted to plant too many per container. Choose a 40-litre container 88

with suitable drainage to grow a good crop from five seed potatoes, or a smaller potato growing bag, which will hold three.

Half fill the container with special vegetable compost or general purpose compost with a little potato fertiliser added, and place the chitted tubers halfway down the compost and cover with soil. As green shoots appear, gradually top up the container with more compost until nearly full. Keep container-grown potatoes well watered throughout the growing season – and fed weekly with a high potash (tomato) feed once the foliage is growing well.

Visit the garden centre this month and you’ll see the great choice of varieties available in 2kg nets or others in taster packs if you just need a few or want to try a new variety. I hope this has given you some food for thought and you’ll enjoy the process of growing (and eating!) your own potatoes this year.

YOU AND YOUR GARDEN

Wendy Warner is the Manager of Thaxters Garden Centre in Dersingham.

You can visit the website at www.thaxters.co.uk or telephone 01485 541514. If you’d like some inspiration for your garden or have a particular issue or variety of plant you’d like Wendy to look at, please contact us at info@klmagazine.co.uk.

KLmagazine January 2019

86_Gardening.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 19:32 Page 5

potatoes

COFFEE SHOP

Delicious

from your garden

VISIT THAXTERS FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR GARDEN...

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seed potatoes now avvaailable at thaxters

Av A vailable in a range of varieties and sizes from y,, throughout the Spring. We also supply a wide January range of onion sets, shallots, garlic, rhubarb crowns and asparagus for you to grow in your garden.

49 Hunstanton Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6NA Tel: 01485 541514 | Web: thaxters.co.uk | Open: Mon-Sun 8am-6pm

KLmagazine January 2019

And don’t forget to visit our coffee shop for a delicious lunch or slice of cake

OPEN DAILY 9am-4:30pm

Garden Centre & Coffee Shop

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BEFORE

AFTER

A brighter and cleaner start to the new year

With over 20 years experience and the most advanced cleaning system in the UK, no one cleans your floors quite like Xtraclean

I

t’s a new year, and there’s no better way of welcoming in 2019 than by treating your floors to the Xtraclean experience – especially after they’ve been through months of rain and mud in addition to years of wear and tear.

Natural stone and solid wood floors always look fantastic when they're first laid, but they inevitably lose their good looks over time – and eventually your beautiful slate or limestone floors will need a lot more than a mop and some elbow grease to bring them back to their best.

A high quality and professionally-laid stone floor deserves some extra care, and that’s when you'll be needing the professional cleaning services of Martin King and his Swaffham-based team at Xtraclean.

“Various deposits, stains and dirt will gradually build up on your floors throughout the year, and traditional

cleaning methods will become increasingly ineffective,” says Martin.

“Grout lines can be especially difficult, and that’s why we use a revolutionary and powerful cleaning system to safely restore heavily-soiled wood and stone floors - including the tiles and grout to ‘as-new’ brilliance. And the even better news is that we can usually do it in a single visit!”

For over 20 years, Xtraclean has been offering a reliable, friendly and fullyinsured service that covers the whole of Norfolk with a team of highly skilled, highly trained and highly knowledgeable technicians – all dedicated to keeping your floors looking as bright and fresh as the day they were laid.

Following an initial survey and test, Xtraclean will get to work (they'll even move the furniture for you!) breaking down ingrained dirt and loosening surface soiling. Xtraclean’s state-ofthe-art turbo clean & capture system

will then thoroughly pressure clean the floor – using its own water supply and capturing all the waste in the process.

The results are spectacular, and are achieved without using procedures such as grinding and resurfacing which can damage your floor.

“We can professionally seal your floors for added protection and to help keep those good looks for longer,” says Martin. ”And if you're looking for a truly stunning finish we can even re-polish and buff highly-honed surfaces if required!”

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

“We simply use the most advanced technology and the most professional products on the market today,” says Martin, “and the results really do speak for themselves. Just ask our customers!”

To give your floors a brighter and cleaner start to the new year, Xtraclean is all you need to know.

Unit 3, Jack Boddy Way, Swaffham PE37 7HJ Tel: 01760 337762 Web: www.xtraclean.co.uk E-mail: sales@xtraclean.co.uk

KLmagazine January 2019

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A look back at Lynn’s Georgian workhouse

ABOVE: An early engraving of St. James Workhouse in King’s Lynn around the time of its construction

Histories of the welfare state usually begin around 1945, but support for the poorest members of the local population had been in operation long before then – as Dr. Paul Richards explains...

H

ardship for the very poor and homeless is most acute during the winter months, and that’s just as true today as it was 300 hundred years ago – a fact we know from the copious evidence that exists about the life of the destitute of King’s Lynn between 1730 and 1770.

The town’s population of about 10,000 had stopped growing by 1740, 92

but dire poverty drove many people to seek poor relief and become paupers.

St. James Workhouse (created from the redundant Chapel of St. James by Lynn’s corporation in 1582) was the hub for the operation of the local poor law, which had been established by an Act of Parliament in 1701. It created the ‘Court of Guardians’ which comprised the mayor, aldermen and ten councillors – and was enlarged by 18

other guardians elected to represent the ratepayers in Lynn’s nine wards.

The Court appointed the master of the workhouse and other officials to manage the system, depending on the unpaid overseers whose difficult job was collecting the poor rate from the householders. A tax on the coal landed at the port increased this income – without which Lynn’s poor law would have collapsed.

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“St. James Workhouse was designed to siphon off Lynn’s most deprived, sick and unruly residents...”

Inside St. James Workhouse, new heated rooms were built to separate old and young, sick and healthy, and male and female – and of the 60-100 inmates being relieved at St. James at any one time, many were children, either orphaned, deserted or bastards.

Aged and destitute people were probably as numerous in the workhouse as the young and helpless.

The workhouse was designed to siphon off Lynn’s most deprived, sick and unruly residents – the town’s ‘problem’ characters were removed from the streets to a building where they might be contained.

Not only were “idle and disorderly” persons ordered to St. James, but relatives might even request such a removal. In 1751, for example, Benjamin Canham petitioned the Court that his wife be accepted at the workhouse, offering to pay two shillings and sixpence a week towards her support, “she being frequently disordered in liquor and utterly incapable of looking after his children.”

Those guilty of bad behaviour in the workhouse were whipped before the entire ‘family’ to deter others. Stephen Walker was in trouble in 1769 for “fraudulently obtaining money from a woman inmate.” He was stripped naked and lashed ten times “till his body be bloody.”

The worst thing a man could do in St. James was making a female inmate pregnant. In 1733 Bradd Cooper was so charged, the unfortunate Ester Saunders being “with child of a bastard begotten on her body by the said Bradd about fifteen weeks.” He was dragged before the Court and ordered to be “publicly whipt.” It’s worth noting that fathers were obliged to maintain their bastards – who were regarded as an unwanted burden on the parish.

The workhouse could never hope to accommodate all the applications for

KLmagazine January 2019

PICTURES: St. James Workhouse in King’s Lynn collapsed around 1854 (centre) and very little of the institution remains to this this day (below)

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ABOVE: A painting of St. James Workhouse by Henry Baines (1823–1894) which is now in the collection of the Lynn Museum

relief. In bad winters, work was scarce and food prices high. The two winters between 1766-68 were particularly severe, and on both occasions the workhouse master was given gratuities for his “extra trouble” in delivering food outside to over 600 people every day.

Throughout the year, hundreds of townspeople received social security from the Court. Clothes, food, coal or weekly payments to cover rent or short bouts of sickness were needed. Large families required supplementary income – even if the father was ablebodied and employed. Martin Bonnington, his wife and their seven children, for example, were allowed 5 shillings a week in 1739.

Outdoor relief may have been costly, but it was far more economical than building another workhouse!

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Temporary employment subsidies kept labourers out of St. James and reduced the burden on the rates. In 1733, John Winkley was given an ass and baskets to carry “fish into the country” after his relief had stopped.

Similarly, a shoemaker named James Harris promised to pay back (in instalments) the 17 shillings he’d been loaned in 1740. In 1763, a more substantial loan of over £2 was made to a North End fisherman called Vincent Bouch for the purchase of a boat.

Women were often given payments for nursing sick children, and disability allowances were permitted. A certain Sarah Loveday was provided with 12 pence a week, she “having an impediment in her speech and being unfit for service.”

Blind, lame and the injured were

likewise allowed pensions, clothes and coal. Money was even available for the burial of the poor – although in 1736 an order stated that two shillings and “no more” should be spent on beer at pauper funerals.

To provide the poorest townspeople with a minimum degree of social security was necessary if food riots were to be avoided – and it’s worth remembering that Lynn depended on its labouring class to keep the port and markets trading.

We shouldn’t think the poor law was simply in the self-interest of local merchants and tradesmen, however.

We can hardly talk about a local welfare state in Georgian Lynn, but public efforts to relieve the poorest and the most vulnerable were also driven by a sense of Christian duty and humanity.

KLmagazine January 2019

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Why air source heating is perfect for a warm winter

Air source heating from the 4 Way Group is a supremely energyefficient and cost-effective solution for a cleaner and sustainable future

Y

ou won’t need reminding that we’re in the middle of winter. In addition to the freezing temperatures and icy winds, we’re also paying more attention to our heating systems and our energy costs.

Obviously, we all want to keep our homes warm over winter and have all the hot water we need – but it would be nice to keep our energy costs to a minimum as well.

Happily, when it comes to balancing your energy needs and their costs there really is a way to have your cake and eat it – with a professionally-designed and installed air source heating system from the 4 Way Group.

And the best news of all is that you can enjoy the benefits all year round.

“Air source heating performs really efficiently when it’s only being used for your hot water needs,” says Steve Simpson of the 4 Way Group. “That’s good news over the summer, but it’s during the winter months that our high

quality systems really come into their own.”

Whereas traditional heating systems using fuels such as gas and oil tend to provide heating in ‘blasts’ when required or as per programming, air source heat pumps are designed to provide high-grade heat at lower temperatures over a longer period of time. And as external temperatures drop, the system will adjust itself accordingly – helping keep you warm and helping keep your energy costs down. It’s amazing to discover that air source heating is between 30%-50% more cost-effective to run than traditional heating alternatives.

“Air source heat pumps are capable of outputting more than three times as much heat energy as the electricity they take to run,” says Steve. “That obviously results in noticeably reduced heating costs for the end user, and for local builders the system enables them to offer a more attractive selling

t 01553 767878 w www.4waygroup.co.uk e sales@4waygroup.co.uk

proposition. It’s a renewable alternative as well, which means air source heating provides builders with the perfect opportunity to future-proof their project.”

Easily installed (even over winter) with no disruption to the overall project and no delays, air source heating is remarkably easy to run, with minimal interaction required from the user. It’s also very easy to maintain, with the 4 Way Group offering a full range of ongoing service and maintenance packages to ensure the system’s optimum energy-efficient performance.

The benefits are clear – which is why more local builders are choosing it for their projects and why more people are using it to keep warm over winter.

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

REFRIGERATION ELECTRICAL ENERGY MECHANICAL

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KLmagazine January 2019

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KLmagazine January 2019

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Lettingbetter

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

Damien Simone

Quickfacts From 1st April this year all letting agencies will be required to have client money protection insurance.

A new resolution for landlords

W

elcome to the first Letting Better article of 2019.

Whenever I hear the words “New Year” my immediate thoughts are of singing Auld Lang Syne at midnight and New Year resolutions.

Most of the latter struggle to survive past February despite my best intentions but as the saying goes “life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”.

Whilst it is always pleasing to achieve our goals personally, sometimes the best resolutions include the decision to delegate in order to succeed.

At Edmonton Estates we assist landlords who have one rental property which is their planned retirement fund through to those who have 50 plus properties and multiple other business interests. Whilst now well established, our business is still young in comparison to almost every other agency in King’s Lynn. We are the only

survivor of the 3 new letting agents that started in the Town during 2012 and now manage a portfolio of over 300 properties. We know we’re not the biggest, but then we were never trying to be.

All our landlords have come to us voluntarily, we haven’t elected to buy portfolios from other firms that have since passed. Most of the landlords that we look after have used other agents in the past, but settle with us primarily (so we are told) because we are one of the most hands-on and involved letting agents when it comes to looking after your property.

In perspective, if your property requires maintenance this is organised from our office in King’s Lynn, not in a call centre 70 miles away by someone who has never seen it. If your tenant’s boiler is awaiting repair and they need temporary heaters so that you are not in breach of Section 11 of the Landlord

Edmonton Estates Ltd, Nelson House, Bergen Way, King's Lynn PE30 2DE 01553 660615 www.edmontonestates.co.uk info@edmontonestates.co.uk

KLmagazine January 2019

& Tenant Act we deliver them personally from the 40 we have in stock. If you come to us with a nonpayment problem, we can guide you through the Court Possession and Arrears process or for an agreed fee complete the application and attend court. With in excess of 100 successful claims for both private landlords and on behalf of other letting companies we know how to present a case to achieve your desired result.

With such a large amount of legislation having changed in the past 3 years relating to property letting and yet more to come through 2019 maybe a call to us should be on your New Year’s resolution list. Happy New Year.

Independent Lettings & Property Management Specialists

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“

Despite inventing the fire extinguisher, George Manby never achieved the recognition he deserved...

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The man who invented the fire extinguisher

ABOVE: Local inventor George Manby (opposite) supplied some remarkable illustrations for William Scoresby's Journal of a Voyage to the Northern Whale-fishery in 1823 - an expedition he joined to try out a harpoon gun inspired by his revolutionary rescue mortar

Born just outside Downham Market, George Manby would spend much of his life inventing life-saving devices – and although his plans for an unsinkable ship were scuppered, his legacy is still with us today

O

n the stormy evening of 18th February 1807, George Manby stood as a helpless onlooker as HMS Snipe ran aground 60 yards off Gorleston beach on the east coast of Norfolk. Horrified, he watched as 147 people – French prisoners of war, women and children – drowned close to shore.

Captain Manby was the barrack master of Bauleah House (which still stands today) on St. Nicholas Road in Great Yarmouth. He’d been a distraught eyewitness to similar tragedies from his

KLmagazine January 2019

own house on the cliffs – one vessel smashed to pieces with the loss of all hands in a gale and another broke up with “her wretched crew engulfed and lost from sight.”

Trapped in shallow waters, these stranded ships couldn’t be rescued.

They were so near and yet so far.

Either the ships had to be pulled off the shoals or the people rescued before the ships foundered.

Manby decided to apply himself to the task, and after much frustrating trial and error devised a system which hauled shipwrecked people ashore

beneath a pulley on an aerial line fired across the stricken vessel by mortar, a forerunner of the breaches buoy.

The apparatus was successfully used on 12th February 1808 on the wreck of the brig Elizabeth.

George William Manby was born in 1765 at Denver near Downham Market, where he went to school. He volunteered to fight in the American War of Independence when he was 17 but was rejected because of his youth and his small size.

Undeterred, he entered the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich and then

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joined the Cambridgeshire Militia – where he gained the rank of Captain.

He married Jane Prescott from his home village of Denver in 1793, a union which brought Manby an independent income via his wife’s family estates. But that was the only way he prospered from the troubled relationship – he left his wife in 1801 after being shot by her lover, an incident reported in the Norwich Evening News as “domestic troubles.”

Manby settled at Clifton, near Bristol, where he published books about the local countryside illustrated with his own drawings. In 1803 he wrote a pamphlet entitled ‘An Englishman's Reflexions on the Author of the Present Disturbances’ which dealt with the threat of Napoleon. It came to the attention of the secretary at war, and Manby was appointed barrack-master in Yarmouth – where his experience of local shipwrecks inspired his mission for a life-saving apparatus.

The navy board supplied mortars to 302 stations around the coast from 1808, and in the next 20 years over 229 lives had been saved – Manby was awarded £2,000 and would go on to receive numerous medals for his work.

His was an obviously altruistic spirit.

The sight of a fireman struggling to put out a fire in the top floor of a building led him to invent the ‘Extincteur’ in 1813 – the first portable pressurised fire extinguisher, consisting of a three gallon copper vessel filled with a potassium carbonate solution contained within compressed air.

Ever concerned with the danger to life from fire (he was one of the first people to advocate the creation of a national fire brigade) Manby then designed a padded wire ‘catching-net’ for people who jumped from burning buildings – and a method for extracting

100

people who’d fallen through ice.

Some of Manby’s inventions weren’t as successful. His purportedly unsinkable boat was sabotaged by the very crewmen he hired to trial it at sea – he’d naively failed to realise the men made money from the salvage washed up from wrecked ships.

In 1821, George Manby undertook a sea journey to Greenland in The Baffin to try out a new harpoon gun (inspired by his rescue mortar) for whaling.

The harpooners wouldn’t accept the powered harpoon. The work was dangerous and highly skilled, and the best harpooners were so accurate in directing the small boat and throwing their weapons their abilities were regarded as somehow magical or otherworldly.

Harpooners were the best-paid amongst the crew of a whale ship and were given privileges other crewmen envied – so if any crew member could kill a whale from the prow of a ship with the powered harpoon, his skills would be redundant.

George Manby was also an observant naturalist all his life, and wrote a journal of his journey which contains lively descriptions of polar bears, narwhals, seabirds and whales – his most powerful illustrations in the book depict the dangerous craft of whaling.

Inevitably, when the Royal National Lifeboat Institution held their inaugural meeting in 1824, sea-safety expert Captain George Manby was among the assembled aristocrats, clerics, politicians and naval officers.

Ultimately George Manby never achieved the recognition he felt he deserved, and in retirement he converted his house in Great Yarmouth into a museum of Nelson memorabilia, moving into his basement. Rather fittingly, when he died on 18th November 1854, Manby was sitting in a chair in his living room – looking out at the sea which had inspired his greatest invention.

KLmagazine January 2019

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The new C-Class Saloon.

Innovation in every generation.

The new C-Class Saloon is ready to take you into the future with a variety of innovations. PARKTRONIC now one of the many standard features makes it easier for Mercedes-Benz drivers to locate, pull into and pull out of parking spaces.

The Mirror Package which offers electrically folding door mirrors alongside auto-dimming rear-view mirror is now standard across the range. Beyond the new reonements to the new C-Class Saloon, Keyless Start sits beside a 3-spoke multifunction touch control steering wheel that can be used to control the new 10.25 inch media screen to display Mercedes-Benz Navigation or the optional COMAND. With more highend technology as standard than ever before; whether in rush hour, on long journeys at night or on unknown routes, your new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon will make driving signiocantly easier.

The best or nothing.

Mercedes-Benz of King's Lynn, Beveridge Way, Norfolk PE30 4NB 01553 777307 www.baronsgroup.co.uk/mercedes-benz

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The smarter solution for smarter homes

At the forefront of the latest innovations, Core Technology Projects can help you take total control of your home and your office

T

here's no doubt that our homes and offices are getting smarter. Today, even though you may be miles away, you can control everything from your heating and lighting to your security system and television. You can even open and close your blinds – and all you need is a smartphone or mobile touchscreen device.

Actually, that's not all that's required you'll also need the expert help and advice of Core Technology Projects, the local team that's on the leading edge of technology and offers a complete one-stop-shop approach to the latest innovations.

"Smart homes are all about giving you more control," says managing director Jim Garrett. "Not just more control over

your home or office, but more control over your life. Technology is changing on almost a daily basis, and we're constantly integrating new ideas with currently available systems."

Imagine being able to keep a realtime eye on your holiday home in France. Imagine being able to operate the gates for deliveries to your work premises at night while you're at home.

Imagine being able to turn on (and off) the lights in your home when you're several hundred miles away. Today’s technology can make your life very smart indeed.

At Core Technology Projects, you'll find a complete solution for all your smarthome needs. Jim and his team of fully-qualified and highly-experienced technicians can design and install a totally bespoke cinema room for your home, and multi-screen walls and video conferencing facilities for your offices. They can fit fully automated (and remotely accessible) security gates and barriers - and treat your home to

high quality CCTV and full wireless connectivity.

"Some people are looking to control virtually everything through their phone or tablet while others only need to access a single security camera," says Jim. "Our service is totally flexible and individually tailored to a customer's needs - and we're always available 24 hours a day for help and support."

Working across the UK and Europe, and with showrooms and demonstration suites in King's Lynn and Holt, Core Technology Projects can introduce you to a world where your home and your office works for you however you want and whenever you want.

Contact Jim and his team today for a look at just how smart your life can be.

1 APS House, Oldmedow Road, Hardwick Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn PE30 4JJ Tel: 01553 776413 Web: www.coretechnologyprojects.co.uk E-mail: enquiries@coretechnologyprojects.co.uk

KLmagazine January 2019

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“

Now I know I can do it, I just want to carry on and help children get reading and writing...

- Isabelle King

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Isabelle King on getting books to talk back...

ABOVE: Local author Isabelle King was always making up stories as a child, but never thought she could be a writer

Local actress turned author Isabelle King has a dual purpose in life – to write engaging books inspired by Norfolk’s long and fascinating history and to encourage more children to start reading and writing

I

sabelle King never really thought about becoming a writer.

Growing up in Norwich, she’d always been a born entertainer and performer, and it was a natural step to go on to drama college in London to learn the skills of acting, performance and theatre. She’d been part of the National Youth Theatre from a young age, and loved the family feeling she got from being involved in the world of theatre.

After college she started acting professionally, concentrating mainly on Shakespearean theatre.

“I absolutely loved it,” she says, “particularly children’s theatre and adaptations and productions of Shakespeare for younger audiences. We took groups into schools – and that’s when my involvement with working in schools began, encouraging children to take part in the productions.”

KLmagazine January 2019

Isabelle also toured with Vienna’s English Theatre for six months, touring Austria and putting on English productions at schools and other venues. She also spent time with the wonderfully-named Dorset Corset Theatre Company, which specialises in period work – appearing in Thomas Hardy’s Under The Greenwood Tree.

While acting in London and waitressing at a pub to make ends meet, Isabelle began to look for opportunities to help her develop as a person. She hit upon the idea of hosting a

non-profit event at the pub, inviting local authors to come in and talk about their work. This was her first ‘Books Talk Back’ event, and she discovered author Naomi Wood via Twitter – who agreed to come and be her first guest speaker.

“I was really lucky she agreed to it,” says Isabelle, “especially as I wasn’t offering any money. All I could offer was the opportunity to sign her books and talk to the audience about them.”

At the time, Naomi Wood happened to be writer in residence at the Eccles Centre for American Studies at the British Library, and invited Isabelle along to the launch of her latest book Mrs Hemingway –which Harper’s Bazaar voted the UK’s Best Book of 2014. The

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ABOVE: Isabelle King’s charming and entertaining books have seen her acclaimed as a highly talented historian, author and storyteller

staff asked Isabelle if she’d like to host some events there.

“That’s how it went from a pub to the British Library in the space of a year!” she says. “It was an incredibly exciting time.”

Since that time, ‘Books Talk Back’ has become Isabelle’s driving passion, and she’s now hosted four events at the British Library (in addition to other venues) – and it encouraged her into writing herself. She decided to move back to Norwich, and took a job working in the local branch of Waterstones. By now she’d started writing a novel for adults, and approached the Prince’s Trust, where she found support through their enterprise programme.

Working at Waterstones, Isabelle noticed how popular local history was – but there were no such books specifically for children. She decided to try her hand at writing something to appeal to children.

“I’d been writing historical fiction for adults and was really fascinated by 106

Norfolk history, so it just felt right to develop that into something engaging for children,” she says. “I really surprised myself as I didn't actually know I could do it!”

Isabelle found she could be really playful and have a lot of fun with her children’s stories.

“I love taking them into local schools,” says Isabelle, “as they’re often studying local history and it’s marvellous for them to link with that – and encourage them to make up their own stories.”

Isabelle’s first book The Norfolk Story Book is a book of short stories from different periods of time, which combine local history with imagination and fun.

It was followed by Once Upon A Time In Norfolk, another collection of short stories featuring courageous characters and curious kittens, all inspired by the Norfolk Museums Service and intended to fire the imaginations of future writers.

For her children’s books (delightfully illustrated by John McKeever), Isabelle’s characters are all thoroughly

researched and she uses this to springboard into her imaginary stories.

“I try to feature characters who have obstacles to overcome,” she says, “and usually they overcome that through friendship or love. All my stories come back to that – finding love and support from surprising places, even from with yourself.”

Isabelle has already been recognised for her writing, recently being shortlisted for Best Individual in the EDP People’s Choice Awards as part of the Norfolk Arts Awards.

“I feel it’s been a long road to what I’m doing now,“ she says, “and I did so much learning as I went along. I was always writing and making up stories as a child. I was a big reader, but I never thought I could be a writer. I didn’t have the confidence to be honest. Now I know I can do it, I just want to carry on.

I just want to help children get reading and writing.”

Isabelle’s third book Once Upon a Street: Norfolk Stories for Children features a tale set in King’s Lynn and is due to be published in May – please see www.isabelleking.net for more details and information.

KLmagazine January 2019

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Animalmatters

Our monthly look at the issues concerning you and your pets at London Road & Hollies Vets...

Smallbites

MEET OUR NEW CLINICAL DIRECTOR

How different are cats to dogs?

A

s the new Clinical Director at London Road Veterinary Centre, I feel it’s important to value pets as individuals; from dogs, to cats, to ferrets, we all know how different they can be, and from a vet’s point of view, this can be quite a challenge when they are unwell.

We all know that behaviourally cats are very different to dogs – a dog will greet us at the door and wag its tail in excitement. Our cats will probably see us walk in the door, take one look, and walk the other way in complete nonchalance. Cats are notoriously independent animals, but they are very sensitive and highly emotional beings, becoming incredibly stressed by changes in their environment or lack of essential resources.

Despite being independent, cats still require as much attention and stimulation as dogs do. Inactive cats can become overweight, and obesity in cats is linked to a number of health concerns including heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Cats are generally much better at hiding signs of ill health than dogs, so subtle changes in their

behaviour, such as sleeping or hiding, may be an indicator that something is not quite right with their general health.

It’s important to remember with both dogs and cats that their hunger drive will normally be stronger than any discomfort they are experiencing, so even animals with severe dental disease will potentially still have a good appetite.

Conversely, a cat that goes off its food for more than a day or two should be seen by a vet immediately, as cats can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, whereby the liver is forced to convert the body’s fat stores into energy. If this happens for too long, the liver becomes infiltrated with fat, with the worst case scenario being that the liver can fail.

Cats have different nutritional requirements to their canine counterparts, as they are strict carnivores and must be fed a high protein diet. There are a number of enzymes, amino acids and vitamins that they cannot produce themselves that must be present within their diet in order to maintain good health. Trends

LONDON ROAD Hospital Walk, King’s Lynn Tel: 01553 773168 HOLLIES Paradise Road, Downham Market Tel: 01366 386655

KLmagazine January 2019

Jen Sinclair started as the new Clinical Director at London Road in the middle of October, but many people may remember her from when she worked at the practice between 2012 and 2013.

She is West Norfolk born and bred, and is really pleased to have returned to the area.

Jen currently lives at home with her two cats Ned and Elphie (and her husband!), and enjoys everything the Norfolk countryside has to offer.

Jen has completed a postgraduate certificate in Feline Medicine.

towards vegetarian or vegan diets for cats are completely inappropriate as they will lead to multiple nutritional imbalances and health problems.

With the New Year we are offering cat-only clinics at both our London Road and Hollies clinics, giving you a chance to bring your cat in without the added stress of being in a dog-filled waiting room.

Please contact the practice for more information and times of our Cat Clinics.

Email: info@londonroadvets.co.uk Web: www.londonroadvets.co.uk

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ABOVE: Local artist Emily Rose at work in her West Runton studio – she has an enduring love of animals and a natural talent for capturing their personalities in paint

A love of animals and a genuine passion for art For many people, pets are a lot more than companions. They’re actually a much-loved part of the family, and local artist Emily Rose is now building a reputation for exquisite pet portraits in pastels

I

n a garden studio little more than a stone’s throw from the sandy beach and wide skies that attract artists from all over the country to this tiny coastal town of West Runton, a 22-year old pastel artist has set up a bespoke pet portrait business that will always appeal to pet owners.

Many commissions that Emily Rose receives are from people wanting a tribute painting and she explains how this encouraged her in her chosen career.

“Being an owner of two beloved labradoodles myself, I can understand the bond that people have with their pets,” she says. “This helps with the

KLmagazine January 2019

process of transferring that special feeling into a ‘living’ portrait. I appreciate how important it is to be able to have your pet home with you again and a painting really does that.

Pet owners have told me their pet is more like a loyal friend to them, and it’s that knowledge which makes my work so important to me.”

Emily is happy to explain the process she undertakes in creating the most lifelike portrayal she can.

“I start with a preliminary drawing and study the total value of the photographs I have to work from, identifying particular textures and movement,” she says. “I’ll then produce

a tonal painting which provides the basis from which I aim to attain the correct colours. Paying attention to these details enables me to achieve the hair accuracy and bring these muchloved animals back to life.”

Much of Emily‘s work demonstrates a natural talent and a flair for sensing how an animal reacts. The amazing transformation of her work on one portrait, where she is diligently putting life back in eyes shrouded with cataracts, is obviously a skill that takes hours of painstaking work.

It’s also one that’s taken a number of years to perfect.

“My love of art started when a crayon

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“There’s longevity to a painting. It keeps our pets with us even when they’ve run on ahead.” was placed in my hand at four years old!” she says. “Following three years at Lincoln University, I took a day course on using pastel pencils, a medium I didn't know existed before. I found I was able to combine comprehensive graphite pencil skills with a new knowledge on colour theory.”

Emily manages to make her very intricate work sound easy, but the likenesses she achieves from simple photographs to finished portraits is quite phenomenal.

“One of my first commissions was a Christmas present for a lady who’d had to put down her horse of 25 years,” she says. “But the painting helped bring him home for Christmas, and that was really special. Our furry friends have very individual personalities, and I really enjoy getting to know them. It’s this knowledge that makes the portrait unique and the whole bespoke process so important.”

When accepting a commission as a surprise gift, Emily likes to encourage people to give a gift voucher; something to open on the day.

“Most people have a particular photograph of their beloved pet which they’d like turned into a painting,” she says, “but there’s more to it than that.

Having your pet painted is a very personal process. There is longevity to a painting and it keeps loved ones with us even when they’ve run on ahead. I feel it’s important to get to know the customer and their relationship with their pets to find a way to capture something unique in the painting.”

Strangely enough, her favourite work isn’t of a domestic pet but of a pair of swallows feeding. Placing it in the Cley Exhibition, Emily met well-known local artist John Hurst – who’s been mentoring her ever since and believes her to be a genuine talent.

“I’ve known John some time now,” says Emily. “We often meet – as you tend to do in Norfolk!”

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ABOVE: Emily’s favourite work is this charming painting of two swallow feeding

Emily is never lonely in her studio, having her two dogs there for company until she’s ready to put her pencil down for the day, and she enjoys being active too.

“I like to take a break from being creative and usually take a swim at midday and go to the gym or for a run after work,” she says. “I also enjoy playing the violin, and while with the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra I once had the privilege of accompanying

Stephen Hough, who’s one of the best pianists in the country.”

Having the confidence to become self-employed at only 22 years of age is quite a leap, but Emily acknowledges it’s one aided by massive support from friends, family and patrons.

“I’m so happy with the way my life is going now,” she says, “and I can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring.”

KLmagazine January 2019

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Happy Ne Happ New Yea Year to all of our customers

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Michael Middleton’s

WildWestNorfolk

I

t seems to me that the timehonoured idea of planning a ‘new you’ for the new year may be fast approaching its use-by date. Last year, research by YouGov discovered that only 21% of people made a New Year’s resolution (bizzarely enough, 2% of them didn’t even know) and that 80% of them had failed to keep them by 12th January.

It’s not entirely clear when we began to use 1st January as a time to pledge ourselves to lose weight, stop smoking, get our finances in order or say goodbye to any number of unsavory habits.

They were doing something similar in ancient Babylonia over 3,000 years ago – although the new year started in March back then – when the local population made various promises to their gods, vowing to return objects they’d borrowed and pay their debts.

They obviously had neighbours like ours, who have failed to return countless gardening tools or pay what must by now be a king’s ransom in endless ‘change for the car park’ favours.

The Romans originally celebrated the new year in March as well, but as they (gradually) became less aggressive they switched from a month associated with the god of war (Mars) to the two-faced god of home and hearth who started the calendar. I don’t mean the god Janus was particularly deceitful – he really did have two faces; one looking backwards at the past and one looking forward to the coming year.

The Romans spent the first half of New Year’s Day swearing oaths and making sacrifices, and the other half in giving each other gifts of honey and pears for a ‘sweet’ new year, but they 114

weren’t in the habit of taking the opportunity of changing their behaviour – such as constantly building straight roads and invading other countries. We actually have to wait until the 17th century to find traces of New Year resolutions as we understand them.

On 2nd January 1671, the Scottish religious writer and autobiographer Lady Anne Halkett headed the page of her diary for that day ‘Resolutions’ and proceeded to list a number of promises (largely inspired by Biblical verses) such as “I will not offend any more.”

The practice was obviously at least known at the time, and by the beginning of the 19th century it was so common for people to make (and fail to keep) such resolutions that the habit was satirized.

An article in 1802 from Walker’s Hibernian Magazine (its catchy subtitle was The Compendium of Entertaining Knowledge) states that “the following personages have begun the year with a string of resolutions, which they all solemnly pledge to keep,” before enumerating a series of plainly fictitious promises.

“Statesmen have resolved to have no other object in view than the good of their country,” it said, “and physicians have determined to prescribe no more than is necessary and be very moderate in their fees.”

Just over 10 years later, the phrase ‘new year resolution’ made its longawaited debut in the 1st January issue of a Boston newspaper in a short article titled ‘The Friday Lecture’: “And yet I believe there are multitudes of people accustomed to receive injunctions of new year resolutions who will sin all the month of

December,” wrote the anonymous author, “with a serious determination of beginning the new year with new resolutions and new behaviour, and with the full belief that they shall thus expiate and wipe away all their former faults.”

Not a lot has changed since then, although making a resolution with a glass of champagne while attempting a barely-comprehensible rendering of Auld Lang Syne is a rather sedate way of welcoming in the new year compared to some of our European neighbours.

In Denmark, they save all their unused dishes and plates until New Year’s Eve when they affectionately shatter them against the doors of all their friends and family. At midnight, they climb on top of chairs and literally ‘jump’ into the new year for luck.

Good luck for the next 12 months is slightly harder to come by in Spain, where you need to put 12 grapes in your mouth – one on every chime of the bells. If you don’t like grapes, you could always go to Switzerland and drop some ice cream on the floor, or take your spare change to Romania and throw it all in the nearest river – or even hop over to Ireland and hit some random walls with a loaf of bread.

One of my favourite New Year traditions (not least because it seems to offer a quick and easy solution to most of the world’s political troubles and conflicts) takes place in the tiny Peruvian village of Santo Tomás. Here, everyone settles their differences with a reasonably friendly fist fight to come to an amicable solution – after which they shake hands and start the year with a clean slate.

How’s that for a happy new year?

KLmagazine January 2019

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500 CARS 1 LOCATION

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Tel: 01553 661661 www.stebbings.co.uk Hamlin Way, Hardwick Narrow, Kings Lynn, PE30 4NG

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