KL Magazine March 2019

ISSN 2044–7965

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ISSUE 102 MARCH 2019 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

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welcome

W

e may (or may not) be in for a rather momental month over the next few weeks, and by the time you pick up the next issue of KL magazine we may (or may not) have left the EU. It's a particularly appropriate time for Dr. Paul Richards to reflect on the important European trading past of King's Lynn (see page 88) and remind us that whatever happens in Parliament this month we'll always be a part of Europe.

May’s Hanseatic Festival in the centre of King’s Lynn is a fantastic celebration of our history and heritage, and we're already looking forward to it.

Thanks to the newborn lambs at Church Farm at Stow Bardolph (page 42) and Wendy Warner's gardening advice

(page 50) there's no doubt than spring is on the horizon – 20th March to be exact – but in addition to looking forward to the longer and lighter evenings we're also looking back into our past.

As RAF Marham closes the chapter on the Tornado (you can read about the iconic plane's retirement on page 8) we're opening up the history books to look at a couple of fascinating local stories. Antoinette Padden spent her childhood in a cinema in Hunstanton, and her memories of the golden age of the movies (page 34) are truly charming.

The story of the police force in King's Lynn (page 26) is no less interesting, and Supt David Buckley’s views on where the service has come from (and where it’s going) are particularly thought-

COVER IMAGE

meet the team

provoking.

And please keep an eye out later this month for the special edition of KL magazine celebrating our 100th issue – which showcases 100 reasons to celebrate Norfolk. Available from all the usual distribution points, it's a fabulous publication (even if we do say so ourselves) and a wonderful reminder of why this is such an amazing place to live and work.

If you do need any further proof, just start turning the pages of this month's magazine.

Eric Secker EDITOR

KL magazine

King's Lynn Minster 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 14 20 26 34 42 47 50 54 64

MARCH 2019

DIARY DATES This month’s forthcoming events

GOODBYE TO THE TORNADO...

RAF Marham bids farewell to an icon ST. WINNOLD’S FAIR Downham Market’s horse-trading heritage

HAUNTING REMAINS OF THE PAST Babingley’s abandoned church of St. Felix

THE HISTORY OF LYNN’S POLICE 183 years of local law enforcement

GROWING UP WITH THE MOVIES Memories of Hunstanton’s old cinema A DELIGHTFUL SIGN OF SPRING...

The lambs arrive at Church Farm YOU AND YOUR PETS With London Road Veterinary Centre MARCH IN THE GARDEN Expert advice with Wendy Warner FASHION Make a statement with the perfect prints

72 79 82

88 94 100 104 106 110 114

ED’S LOVE OF BREAD A slice of life at Pastonacre bakery FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH A review of Downham Tandoori FOOD FOR THOUGHT...

The work of King’s Lynn Foodbank LYNN’S EUROPEAN HERITAGE Looking back at the Hanseatic League A LOCAL LIFE-SAVING CAMPAIGN How you can help Heather Bellamy IT’S A DOG’S LIFE...

The inspirational work of Canine Concern THEN & NOW The ever-changing face of west Norfolk KINGS LYNN MALE VOICE CHOIR Keeping in tune with the famous singers EDWARD SEAGO: A PORTRAIT One of Norfolk’s best-loved artists MICHAEL MIDDLETON Is this an apostrophe I see before me?

A TASTE OF THE COUNTRY...

Inside Timbers Country Lodge

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Diarydates

LOCAL EVENTS IN MARCH & APRIL

LOOKS, BOOKS AND THE REAL DOWNTON ABBEY

AFTERNOON TEA AT STRATTONS AND A MOTHER’S DAY TREAT Strattons invite you to enjoy their Flower Show Themed Afternoon Tea, served daily throughout March from 12pm (excluding Mother’s day weekend), with unlimited tea or coffee, a delicious selection of sandwiches, yummy scones and delightful cakes, all for £16.50 per person.

And treat your beloved mum to something extra special from Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April with the Mother’s Day ‘Best Of’ Afternoon Tea, where your traditional afternoon tea will also come with a glass of prosecco and a little gift for mum, all for £28.50 pp.

Strattons is also offering a special set price menu on Mother's Day from 6.30pm.

You can book 2 courses at £15pp, or 3 courses for £20pp.

Booking is essential, call 01760 723845 or email enquiries@strattonshotel.com For further details, go to www.strattonshotel.com WHEN: Flower Show Themed Afternoon Tea – daily throughout March, from 12pm; Mother’s Day ‘Best Of’ Afternoon Tea - Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April.

WHERE: Strattons Hotel, 4 Ash Close, Swaffham PE37 7NH.

The Countess of Carnarvon will provide an insight into the world of Highclere Castle – the real Downton Abbey, by talking about the lives of the influential women of Highclere. Rosemary Hill, social historian, will present her illustrated lecture “What does she think she looks like?”, first presented at the British Museum last year.

Tickets are £125 per person including coffee on arrival, followed by an aperitif, canapes and two course luncheon created by the North Norfolk Catering Company. There will be an opportunity to meet the speakers over book signings, while enjoying a cup of tea and gateau or pastry. Contact Alexandra Ware on alex@norfolkconcierge.co.uk or 01485 540245. Visit the website for more details www.norfolkconcierge.co.uk

WHEN: Thursday 4th April, 11am – 5pm WHERE: Sussex Barn, Burnham Market. PE31 8JY

BURNHAM MARKET FOOD & DRINK SPRING FESTIVAL Number Twenty 9, The Hoste, North Street Bistro, Socius and The Tuscan Farm Shop and Café are among the restaurants, cafés, pubs and hotels involved in this celebratory Spring Festival. Each is offering something different: a supper club, taster menu or special offer. For more information on who’s involved and their special offers, go to www.burnhammarket.co.uk

WHEN: 9th – 17th March WHERE: Various pubs, restaurants and cafés in Burnham Market KLmagazine March 2019

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RAF Marham says goodbye to the Tornado

At the end of this month, RAF Marham will bid a fond farewell to the iconic Tornado – a plane that took off in 1974 and has seen service in everything from the conflict in Kosovo to the fight against Daesh

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t’s a particularly important month in the long history of RAF Marham as the station bid a fond farewell to the iconic Panavia Tornado – a plane that’s provided the backbone of the UK's strike and reconnaissance capability for almost four decades.

Originally born from a requirement for a low-level interdictor capable of deep penetration of enemy airspace, the multi-role Tornado GR1/GR4 first took to the skies in 1974, entering service in 1979, and has seen almost continuous combat operations in a variety of roles since it was first deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of operation GRANBY in 1990 in response to Iraq's annexation of Kuwait and the subsequent war.

Having flown 185,603 hours on operations in Iraq, Kosovo, Libya and Afghanistan, to name just a few, the Tornados flew their final operational sortie on 31st January 2018 as part of operation SHADER out of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. This operation saw them flying sorties over Iraq and Syria in support of the fight against Daesh, and the final jets left RAF Akrotiri on 5th February to return to their home base at Marham.

During its lifetime, the Tornado types have equipped no fewer than 12 frontline RAF squadrons and two reserve units – as well as two training units and a test and evaluation unit.

The Tornado has been based at seven stations in the UK - RAF Coningsby, RAF Cottesmore, RAF Honington, RAF Leeming, RAF Leuchars, RAF Lossiemouth and its final home of RAF Marham. It’s also been based at RAF Bruggen and RAF Laarbruch in Germany.

To commemorate the retirement of the GR4 from RAF service, one of the last remaining aircraft has been specially painted in the original wraparound camouflage scheme of green and grey – which all the original Gr1/1As were delivered in during the 1980s.

All operational Tornado GR squadrons are represented on the aircraft, as well and the training and test units who’ve operated the types over the years.

A further two aircraft were painted in the last two squadrons’ livery of IX(B) Squadron and 31 Squadron – and the jets took part in the farewell flypasts around the UK at the end of February.

The final planned flight of the Tornado will take place on 14th March as part of the disbandment parade of the final two squadrons – but the Tornado Force will remain on standby to support if required until its official “out of service” date on 31st March.

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

‘n’ Roll Revolution with the Bluejays Sat Rock Award-winning band The Bluejays take you on a jiving 2nd journey through the fabulous fifties.

Sun 3rd Fri 8th Sat 9th

BARRY L HAWKINS Independent Auctioneer and Land Agent

March A Au uction Dates Antiques & Collectables Wednesday 13th

Sporting Goods & Memorabilia Friday 15th

Ceramics & Glass Monday 18th

Includes a large single collection of Swarovski glass Bid live online at: www.the-saleroom.com

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

KLmagazine March 2019

Fri 15th Sat 16th

The Lisa Stanley Show

Join Irish country singer Lisa Stanley (the daughter of Ireland's legendary singer, Maisie McDaniels) for catchy songs and friendly chat.

Naturally 7 – The best acapella group in the world

An American music group with a distinct a cappella style they call “vocal play” which is "the art of becoming an instrument using the human voice to create the sound."

Mark Anthony as Prince

The star of Prince life story film documentary When Doves Cry performs in a brand-new-for-2019, hit-packed extravaganza.

The Real Thing – Feel The Force Tour

Original vocalists, Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, perform their no.1 singles and many more live on stage with their own fantastic 5-piece band.

UK Pink Floyd Experience

Featuring eight top flight musicians and a world class crew, this concert-based production authentically recreates the atmosphere of a Pink Floyd live performance

McKeown’s Bay City Rollers Fri Les Bay City Rollers icon Les McKeown is back on tour, 22nd bringing his fantastic show to Princess Theatre!

American Four Tops Motown Show

Sat 23rd

Direct from the USA, the show everyone is raving about its Soul Satisfaction’s AMERICAN FOUR TOPS Motown Show live in concert!

Sun 24th

This show is a celebration of the life and music of the late Sir Jimmy Shand, prolific composer and renowned band leader, an international star and legend of Scottish music

Fri 29th

One of Ireland's best loved and most respected performers.

Along with his magnificent band, Jimmy will entertain you superbly and looks forward to meeting friends old & new.

The Jimmy Shand Story with Brandon McPhee

Jimmy Buckley – Live in Concert

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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Listers unveils the future of the roadster from BMW Listers King’s Lynn prepares to welcome the new BMW Z4 – an open-top roadster that sets new standards of style and performance

T

here's a lot of excitement at Listers King's Lynn at the moment as the prestigious retailer prepares to welcome the new BMW Z4 - the latest addition to a proud tradition of stunning roadsters. A premium open-top sports car, the BMW Z4 boasts a classic fabric roof, an emotion-packed body design, and a beautiful driver-focused interior.

"This is a perfect example of why BMW is one of the most exciting cars on the road today," says Laurence Bennett, Head of Business at Listers King’s Lynn. "The new Z4 may be bigger than its predecessors, but it's also sportier - in fact I think it's the most attractive convertible BMW has ever produced."

Thanks to a low centre of gravity, minimised weight and perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the new BMW Z4 offers a truly dynamic

driving experience - the incredible 3.0litre straight-six engine in the M40i version delivering a hugely rewarding 340hp and taking you from 0-62 in 4.5 seconds.

With its striking exterior (featuring a re-designed front axle and the debut of a vertical headlight arrangement with LEDs as standard) the new BMW Z4 looks distinctive enough - but comes in three model variations with a choice of nine paint shades and alternate soft-top colours.

As for the electrically-operated roof (which opens and closes in 10 seconds) ingenious engineering has managed to increase the capacity of the boot to 281 litres - an amazing 50% more than the outgoing Z4.

"It's an extraordinary car and I'd highly recommend people contact us to book a test drive now," says Laurence. "It's hard to describe just how enjoyable this

car is to sit in - and that's before you've even started the engine!"

Situated on the Hardwick Road, Listers King’s Lynn offers the complete BMW experience in King’s Lynn and the surrounding areas – with expert factory-trained technicians, the very latest equipment and software, and a support service that’s in a class of its own.

Prepare to discover the new BMW Z4 at Listers King’s Lynn today – and come face to face with the future of the sportscar.

FIND US: Hardwick Road, King's Lynn PE30 4NA TEL: 01553 692000 | WEB: listerskingslynnbmw.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2019

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ABOVE: The only known photo of the original Horse Fair, shows horses lined up on Lynn Road near Barry Hawkins the auctioneers.

At its height in the 19th century St. Winnold’s Fair was the third largest in Europe.

Downham Market’s horse-trading heritage...

In the early 1800s, thousands of people flocked to Downham Market for the St. Winnold’s Fair, one of the biggest horse sales in Europe an event still fondly remembered and celebrated today

W

ith its narrow streets and modern market square it’s not easy to visualise Downham Market as being the country's largest horse-trading town – and the third largest in Europe. Of course, the town's sign of two prancing horses celebrates its horse-trading heritage but, were it not for the annual revival of St.Winnold's Day in March, this historic fact could well be lost forever in the annals of time.

The town sign was originally commissioned by Downham Market's Women's Institute in 1965 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their National Festival. It was replaced in 2012 in commemoration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

KLmagazine March 2019

The 3-day fair historically began on St. Winnold's Day, 3rd March, with festivities being held in fields between the villages of Boughton and Wereham and became known as St. Winnold's Fair. In the early 19th century the fair was moved from the Manor of Winwall in Wereham to Downham where it began its trading in the streets of the town and the Howdale.

The town at that time acquired the reputation for horse-trading and became one of the most recognised centres in Europe with, at its height, more than ten thousand horses passing between traders during the few days of St. Winnold’s Fair.

There have been verbal accounts of horse-trading in the glass-roofed yard of the Castle Hotel and, in all

probability, also in the yards of the Swan Hotel and the Crown Hotel. This latter, at one time, had pasture land opposite the stables in an area now occupied by new-build flats.

There are accounts of horses at the time of the Crimean War being

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IMAGES: BARRY HAWKINS & CHURCH FARM STOW BARDOLPH

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IMAGES: COURTESY OF STEPHEN AND CHRISTINE NUNN, AND MICHAEL FYSH

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ABOVE: A re-enactment of St. Winnold’s Day has taken place every year in Downham Market since 2004.

purchased here and, in the five years before World War 1, a substantial number of horses were bought in Downham Market by foreign countries.

Horses were supplied to our own army at this time for the towing of gun carriages on the battlefields and the transport of heavy armament.

Association with this trade in horses brought a variety of other trades to the town. Blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coach and wagon builders, saddlers and, not to underestimate the importance of these trades, veterinary practitioners also flourished in the welfare of animals.

As mechanisation took over from horsepower however, the tradition of horse fairs began to fade out and eventually disappeared. Fifteen years ago, in recognition of Downham Market's heritage, St. Winnold’s Day was reinstated and a one-day celebration now takes place annually in the town on the third Friday of March.

St. Winnold, a shadowy figure with many variants to his name (one being Winwaloe), is documented as being the son of a prince and a holy woman 16

called Gwen. He founded several monasteries, being founder and first abbot of Landevennec Abbey, also known as Monastery of Winwaloe in Britanny.

Winnold House, Wereham, was the former Priory of St. Winwaloe dedicated to the Breton saint. There is, however, no evidence to suggest any other connection of the 6th century saint with either horses or Downham beyond the naming of the town's Masonic Lodge and a street of new-build houses.

Medieval artefacts have since been recovered from Wereham including a horse harness stud, which might suggest that horses were at one time kept here.

Re-enactment of St.Winnold's Day is regarded as important to preserve the town's history and its past dependence on horses. This year, at 9am on Friday 15th March the Civil Procession of dignitaries from around the region will leave the Downham Market Council Offices in Paradise Road. They will be joined enroute by a variety of horseowners, carriages, ponies and traps,

and riders from the Magpie School of Disabled Riders, as well as pedestrians following the parade through the town's narrow streets.

The procession's arrival at the Town Hall will be met by the Town Crier who will read out the Charter of Edward the Confessor that in 1046, granted the holding of markets and feasts in the town. The Mayor will then add his own welcome before, a full breakfast, traditionally said to have afforded the horse dealers a good start to a long day of trading.

The procession figurehead of the past three years was a much loved, gentle giant, Suffolk Punch known with affection as Bernard from Church Farm, Stow Bardolph. Sadly, the Rare Breeds Centre lost the procession's favourite just before Christmas. Virridor is a new horse at Church Farm and he’ll be joining this year’s parade – although he’s not quite ready to fill Bernard’s hooves yet, as he’s still in training, but maybe he’ll be leading the parade next year.

KLmagazine March 2019

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Fresh ideas for your home this Spring

Catherine Lansfield ‘Silly Sausage Dogs’ duvet cover Set starting from single size £14

Ted Baker ‘Fortune’ duvet cover starting from double size £90

Alabar ready made curtains in a choice of colours and sizes

Evans Lichfield ‘Bee Happy’ cushion 43cm x 43cm £15.95

Alabar bedding in a choice of colours and sizes

New collections of curtains, cushions & gifts arriving weekly instore and online

Evans Lichfield retro ochre cushion 43cm x 43cm £16.95

www.charmed-interiors.co.uk

DOWNHAM MARKET The Hythe, Bridge Road PE38 0AE Tel: 01366 384126

SPALDING 15 Bridge Street PE11 1XA Tel: 01775 766378

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KLmagazine March 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

Quickfact From 2010 to 2017 the official number of tenant evictions rose by 53 percent.

Where does the time go?

F

ollowing on from last month’s article we are going to expand upon the timescales for the return of a property following the service of a Section 21 (Form 6A) Notice. This is the latest revision of the Section 21 Notice and allows for 2 months’ notice to be given to a tenant at any point after the initial 4 months of a tenancy has elapsed. Correct observation of the agreed fixed term needs to be observed so the service of this Notice after 4 months of a 12 month tenancy will not permit its termination during month 6 unless a suitable break clause is also written into the tenancy.

If your tenant hasn’t vacated by the end of the time allowed within the Notice they are in breach of the Tenancy Agreement and you have the option to instantly apply for a possession hearing at the County Court. There are two options relating to this; apply for a formal hearing at court

with a judge which will be between 3 and 6 weeks after you have applied.

Alternatively, you can use the Accelerated Possession route which can be concluded without needing to attend court.

In my experience the Accelerated Possession process is a waste of time as even with submitting all your paperwork proving that the notice and tenancy are valid, if the tenants submit a defence seemingly on any basis then a hearing is scheduled. The undeniable point of this is that it takes longer to regain possession of the property in comparison to if you had applied for a standard possession hearing in the first place.

At the hearing the Judge will ask how soon you would like the property returned. Unless you can provide reasonable proof that the property is no longer the tenant’s principal residence, the standard allowance is 14 days after the hearing. If the tenant can prove that

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

KLmagazine March 2019

vacating the property within the next 14 days would result in exceptional hardship for them, this can be extended for up to 6 weeks but this is very rare.

After all of the above, if your tenant still hasn’t vacated you will need to complete the warrant application for a bailiff to attend the property and remove them. This is usually scheduled 4 weeks from the date that your application is received.

This process can be daunting and incorrect filing of the court forms can result in months of delays. At Edmonton Estates we handle all our own possession hearings in house as well as being sub-contracted by other agents and are always willing to assist new clients.

Independent Lettings & Property Management Specialists

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The haunting remains of a long-lost past

The ruined church of St. Felix at Babingley is one of the most picturesque abandoned churches in Norfolk – but few people realise it’s dedicated to the man who brought Christianity to East Anglia

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ittle more than five miles from King's Lynn you'll find a small hamlet of houses that represents all that's left of the once-proud village of Babingley. Now part of the parish of Sandringham, Babingley's main claim to fame stands to the west of the A149 in the shape of the majestic ruins of the long-abandoned church of St. Felix.

A Grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument, it's a site that’s always proved popular with artists - and photographers couldn't ask for a more atmospheric setting - but the remains of the church tell a fascinating story.

For this tiny part of west Norfolk is said to be where St. Felix of Burgundy landed in Britain in about AD 615,

KLmagazine March 2019

bringing Christianity to the area.

The East Anglian royal family of the Wuffingas had invited Felix to evangelise their kingdom (the region we now call Norfolk and Suffolk) and spread the good word, but his mission didn't get off to a particularly good start. Forced into the river at Babingley by a violent storm, Felix eventually made his way to Canterbury (where Archbishop Honorius ordained him as bishop) and then constructed a cathedral at Dummoc, the present-day Walton.

According to local legend, Felix was only saved from being shipwrecked on the Norfolk coast by a colony of friendly local beavers. He duly rewarded the chief rodent by consecrating it as a bishop – a tradition reflected in

Babingley’s village sign today.

The 14th-century parish church named after St. Felix looks somewhat forlorn today, but its humble state and its beautiful ivy-covered walls disguise the amazing fact that it may have been the very first Christian church built in Norfolk.

That original church is now long gone. The surviving ruins mainly date from the 14th century, and it was described as "decayed" as early as 1602 and was "dilapidated" in 1752 - by which time the last rector James Sharp had held his post for 20 years.

By then, Babingley was finding it hard to support (or warrant) a parish church anyway - in 1801 the 'village' comprised only three houses and had a total population of 23.

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Attempts to repair the church of St. Felix in 1849 were unsuccessful, and by the end of the Second World War it had lost most of its roof - which has now completely disappeared.

The opening of a nearby mission church in 1881 didn’t help matters – and the fate of Babingley’s charming village church was sealed.

With no roof and no one to care about its future, the church of St. Felix declined rapidly - and all you'll see today is the empty shell of the 14th century tower, a few pieces of brickwork, and the south aisle of the arcade.

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But there's one more thing to discover here. Look at the chancel arch (for those of you unfamiliar with church architecture, it's the area around the altar) and you'll see a window set in the wall. It's a typical feature of the time, but since most examples were blocked off before the widespread revival of the 19th century, this is a very rare survivor.

The church of St. Felix may be no more, but a short stone's throw will take you to the extraordinary mission church of St. Mary and St. Felix - a timber framed structure clad with corrugated iron and topped with a thatched roof.

Originally supplied in kit form by the famous Norwich-based manufacturer Boulton & Paul, there's nothing quite like it in East Anglia - and it may be unique to the country.

It's been reported that the Prince of Wales takes a particular interest in this fascinating building, which is now in the care of the British Orthodox Church founded by people who left the Church of England after it decided to ordain women and preferred not to convert to Catholicism.

The majestic ruin of St. Felix at Babingley is one of the finest abandoned churches in Norfolk - but it's also one of the most difficult to get to, located deep into private land and with restricted access.

Sitting in a county that has the highest concentration of medieval churches in the world, St. Felix at Babingley is a reminder of Norfolk’s long, proud, and important history.

“It may have been the very first Christian church built in Norfolk.”

KLmagazine March 2019

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KLmagazine March 2019

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The sensible approach to those ECU codes...

Just because your car displays a warning light doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road, as Keith Brown of K Brown Auto Repairs explains...

W

e've all been there. A mysterious symbol lights up on your dashboard telling you there's a problem with your car somewhere, and the obvious solution is to take it to the nearest garage, have them scan the vehicle and fix the problem as quickly as possible. In many cases, however, it's not quite as straightforward as that.

Turn the clock back 20 years, and your car would have had very limited computerised memory, and could only have coped with one or two electronic control units (ECUs). The car you're driving now will have much more than that - some luxury models on the road today have over 100 separate ECUs and they can store as many as 30,000 different codes.

"Lots of people are aware of ECU codes, and will happily buy their own code reader for less than £10 on Amazon - but it's important to realise that a simple bulb warning could be due to any number of reasons," says Keith Brown of K Brown Auto Repairs in

K Brown Auto Repairs

King's Lynn and Hunstanton. "Some of them are very easy to remedy, but some of them are very serious and will require expert diagnosis."

It's surprising how many people ignore warning lights and codes especially as new 2018 regulations mean that many of these could ultimately result in MOT failure and (at worst) breakdown. It's also essential to realise that these mysterious codes (such as P0305) are symptoms of a problem rather than cause - and that's where K Brown Auto Repairs come in.

"It's our job to establish the root cause of the code in question rather than doing unnecessary and costly work," says Keith. "We've invested heavily in diagnostic equipment over the last few years, and it maintains our dealer-level facilities for most popular makes of vehicle - and our independent status."

Through a rigorous testing procedure, K Brown Auto Repairs will fully scan the vehicle, interpret the possible causes and follow a diagnostic

procedure to pinpoint the actual cause – and not the assumed or Googled cause. This saves fitting expensive parts unnecessarily, costing you time and money. It also gives us the confidence to guarantee our work and offer you the peace of mind that the problem is solved first time.

"There's no legal requirement for frequent diagnostic checks," says Keith, "but I'd recommend having your car scanned once a year. It can help identify minor issues before they become major problems - and can minimise the risk of you breaking down."

With a famously friendly service and a totally open pricing policy, K Brown Auto Repairs is everything you and your car has been looking for.

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 March 2019

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King’s Lynn Borough Police in March 1947 Front row - left to right: Det. Insp G. Daniels, Sgt D.W Farey, Sgt A.G Eade, C.C. F. Calvert, Robt Bunnett Esq. Mayor of King’s Lynn, Insp W. Lupson, Sgt E.J Moore, Sgt T. Steele, Det. Sgt. H. Garwood. Middle row - left to right: W.PC J. Starling, PC A. Smith, PC H. Thrower, PC W. McDonald, PC T.Humphrey, PC E. Mason, PC G. Wright, PC R. james, W.PC V. Cole. Back Row - left to right: PC E. Boughton, PC R. Duggin, PC D. Smith, PC G. Stratford, PC A. Menear, PC E. Merrikeh, PC G. Fuller, PC L.Stockdale.

The fascinating story of our local police force

It’s exactly 190 years since Sir Robert Peel laid the foundations of the modern police service. The world has completely changed since then, but the essential role of the police officer remains true to Peel’s vision

I

n 1899, William Andrews published a book with the charming title of Bygone Punishments, detailing everything from “Pressing to Death” (chapter 4) to “The Repentance Stool” (chapter 21) and it’s worth noting that although the book covers the whole country, King’s Lynn gets no less than 10 mentions in the meagre six-page index.

What’s even more remarkable is that there's no mention (anywhere) of the police.

It's hard to imagine our world without a police service, but it's actually a relatively and surprisingly recent development.

In fact, it wasn't until Sir Robert Peel 26

introduced the Metropolitan Police Act in 1829 that a full-time, professional and centrally-organised police force came into existence. For London, at least - it took another 20 years before policing was established nationally.

Happily, King's Lynn was more enthusiastic about this new way of fighting crime. Only seven years after Peel laid the foundations of the modern police service, the first police chief of King's Lynn was appointed in January 1836 along with two constables. By some extraordinary coincidence, his name was William Andrews - the same as the author of the book Bygone Punishments referenced above.

Those early days of the local police

force are a world away from the everyday experience of today's officers, as evidenced by the fascinating official police logs for 1879-81, 1891-94 and 1903-05 held at King's Lynn Library.

They make for fascinating reading.

On Friday 21st January 1881, for example, officers visited all the farmers in Castle Rising and "instructed them what to do respecting filling up farms and removing cattle with reference to foot and mouth disease."

On Wednesday 9th November 1892, William Vincent PC149 was "on duty at the Royal Shooting Party at Sandringham" - and found himself doing exactly the same thing at West Newton two weeks later.

KLmagazine March 2019

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“Our job is to keep people safe and that’s always been the case...”

On Wednesday 29th April 1903, George Boyce PC129 (who’d probably have been enjoying the recent pay rise that took his wages to £1 a week) searched a certain John Goodwin in Grimstone as he "suspected him of having game eggs" - and before the month was out he’d arrested a deserter from the Norfolk Regiment and cautioned James Bugg and John Blake for driving without lights.

It may seem a rather idyllic picture of a rural police force, but the officers of King's Lynn frequently made an impact on a country-wide scale.

In 1944, Chief Constable Charles Hunt featured on the nation's front pages when he was photographed examining an unexploded bomb that had been dropped on the town in the first ever air raid on England, and later that year the town's inspirational Divisional Chief Superintendent Fred Calvert published his book The Constable's Pocket Guide to Powers of Arrest and Charges. It became a classic reference work for police officers around the country and was reprinted countless times.

Shortly after the end of the Second World War, the first woman to serve as a police officer in King's Lynn arrived on duty - 25-year-old Violet Cole, who'd previously been the manager of a local grocery shop.

Things were certainly changing. Until the post-war years, the local police service had been based on the Saturday Market Place in King’s Lynn, but in 1954 its new headquarters were unveiled on London Road.

Taking three years to build and costing around £75,000, it included two self-contained flats, five garages, a cycle store, and specially-designed housing for stray dogs. And a certain Mrs Miller was employed to cook the meals.

Contemporary news reports were keen to note that "particular attention was given to the selection of materials to give a mellow appearance and avoid startling newness."

Fast forward to 2019, and following a two-year and £3 million refurbishment KLmagazine March 2019

TOP: Superintendent Fred Calvert with PC Ted Mason outside St Margaret’s church in King’s Lynn around 1955. LEFT: Chief Constable Charles Hunt in 1944 with one of the first bombs ever droppped on England RIGHT: PC W. Clamp, the Borough’s last mounted police officer BOTTOM: Members of the King’s Lynn Borough Police Band pictured around 1900.

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ABOVE: HRH Prince Charles attends the offical opening of the refurbished police station at King’s Lynn last November, with Mayor Cllr Nick Daubney (to the prince’s right), Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary Simon Bailey and District Commander for King's Lynn and West Norfolk Supt David Buckley on the far right

project officially opened by Prince Charles at the end of last year, it's at that very same station that Supt David Buckley, District Commander for King's Lynn and West Norfolk reflects on where the police service has come from – and where it’s going.

“This building is a perfect reflection of the police service itself,” he says. “It’s changed enormously, but it many ways it’s exactly the same. Our new station may be designed for a technologicallybased 21st century world, but we’re essentially performing the same role as the officers who walked through these doors in the 1950s.”

It may be the same role, but the challenges are radically different.

“When the first police officers arrived in King’s Lynn there were no cars, no 28

computers, and the telephone wouldn’t be invented for another 40 years,” says David. “The real strength of the police service is that we’ve always moved with the times. Today, some of our greatest issues are cybercrime, domestic violence, online bullying, abuse on vulnerable people, and mental health problems - things that my predecessors would never have dealt with."

And for people who look back with rose-tinted glasses and wish that Dixon of Dock Green was walking down their street four times a day, David has a reassuring viewpoint.

“It’s been almost 200 years, but we haven't really come that far from the days of Robert Peel,” he says. “He introduced a paid service made up of people in uniform – citizens with legal

powers to help them keep the peace.

That’s the origin of the police service and we’ve never strayed from that.”

So after two centuries, several name changes, vast changes in society and countless government policies, what exactly is the role of the police in 2019?

“It’s the same as it’s always been,” says David. “Our job is to keep people safe and that’s always been the case.

The very first officer to sit in this room wouldn’t recognise the King’s Lynn of today, but I know he’d have the same commitment to the community around him. We keep people safe. That’s why the police service was started in the first place - and it’s the thing that motivates us every single day.”

KLmagazine March 2019

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1 5 Y E A R S O F E X P E R I E N C E I N T H E I N D U S T RY

Un d e r t a k i n g e ve r y k i n d o f g ro u n d w o r k s a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n j o b s , n o m a t t e r h o w b i g o r s m a l l G RO U N DWO R K S & CO N S T RU C T I O N C I V I L E N GI N E E R I N G D R A I N AG E S E W E R AG E CO N N EC T I O N S F O U N D A T I O N S C O N C R E T I N G D R I V E W A Y S P A T I O S S I T E C L E A R A N C E A G R I C U LT U R A L W O R K

James Covell: 07885837747 Daniel Olive: 07824394851 www.kingslynnconstruction.co.uk | info@kingslynnconstruction.co.uk

K E E P U P % T O % D AT E W I T H O U R L AT E S T P R O J E C T S O N O U R S O C I A L M E D I A

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“Get off my land!”At least I think it’s my land…

Surprisingly, 20% of the land in Norfolk is unregistered, but Hayes + Storr can help ensure ‘your’ property really does belong to you

I

t’s a phrase most often associated with farmers, but what if you can’t actually prove it’s your land? In a rural county such as Norfolk, where large areas of land and many homes have remained in the same family for generations, it should come as little surprise that there are areas of land (and much more than you might think) which are not registered at the Land Registry.

Compulsory registration only came to rural Norfolk in 1989 and even then this was only for purchases of land for value or leases for a term of over 21 years.

In 1998, assents (transfers of land after death) and legal mortgages became compulsory registerable and in 2002 it became compulsory for nearly all land transactions to be registered or, to trigger a first registration. Shorter term arrangements, such as farm business tenancies and leases of less than seven years, do not have to be registered but, may need to be noted against the landlord’s freehold title.

In the absence of a land or property transaction to trigger a first registration, the land will remain unregistered unless a

voluntary application is made to the Land Registry to do so.

This may be considered an unwelcome hassle and cost, but there are good reasons for registering land and property – if only to establish a secure and clear record of what you own.

With unregistered farmland, fields may have been swapped with neighbours many years ago or changes in boundaries agreed – but without recording or documenting the facts.

Since it’s generally the older population who have this information, it’s important the registration process is undertaken whilst current or former owners or farm managers and workers can provide the key facts. This is particularly crucial if title deeds are missing or have been lost or destroyed.

It is much harder to claim adverse possession or “squatters’ rights” over registered property or for a neighbour to encroach onto your land.

If you are looking to sell, gift or mortgage your land or property the process is much simpler and quicker (and often cheaper!) when dealing with a registered title.

The Land Registry is keen for land and property to be registered, and offers a reduced fee for registrations

undertaken voluntarily. So it may well be time to dig out those title deeds and consider an application to register your land.

If you would like to speak with a member of the agricultural or property team about registering your land or property, Hayes + Storr are holding free consultation days at their Fakenham and Swaffham offices during March.

To book a place or for further advice on this matter, please call 01760 724424.

This article aims to supply general information, but it 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. However no duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Always seek our specific advice.

SUSAN MATTHEWS Director

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 March 2019

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Top tax tips for farmers in an uncertain future

If anything’s certain at the moment, it’s that we’ll still have to pay taxes - and Stephenson Smart can help you minimise your business liability

W

ith the imminent end of the EU Common Agricultural Policy, the UK's farming industry has big changes on the horizon - which means it's a good time to review where you want your business to be in the future and how you're going to get there.

There are a number of questions that could form the basis of such a review.

You might, for instance, want to look at your current business structure. Is the structure optimal, or might this be the time to introduce a new partner to the business – for the family farm to bring in the next generation, for example?

A plus point here might be lower taxes, as partners are only taxed on their share of profits. It might also mean that a lower tax band could be accessed.

However, the timing of changes in the partnership can have significant tax consequences, so this isn’t a decision to be taken in isolation. As a case in point, Farmers’ Averaging is a planning tool which can help keep tax bills down amid fluctuating profits.

This may be particularly relevant after KING’S LYNN 01553 774104 FAKENHAM 01328 863318

KLmagazine March 2019

the impact of the recent drought on crops and livestock, for example. But there are also other points to factor in – such as the impact on Class 4 National Insurance contributions. All in all, any decision will need careful consideration within the context of the business as a whole.

Traditionally, averaging meant spreading over two years, but it’s now possible to average over two or five years – or not at all. There is (as always) small print to attend to.

It’s important to note that averaging isn’t an option for farming companies – only sole traders and partners. Access to five-year averaging isn’t automatic either; eligibility is decided by putting the numbers through a ‘volatility test.’

And as mentioned above, the timing of exits or entrances to the partnership can have important repercussions.

Averaging claims cannot be made in the year of commencement or cessation, and partners leaving or joining an existing partnership are also affected – they’re unable to make an averaging claim in these years. Timing is therefore key. It’s important to DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 384121 WISBECH 01945 463383

monitor the position for each individual partner, as the impact of averaging won’t necessarily benefit every member of the partnership.

Liquidity is another important factor to consider. The timing of capital expenditure and the ability to claim capital allowances can affect taxable profits and the size of tax bills. It can also impact averaging claims, as that’s calculated on profit after capital allowances. Again, an overarching plan to take your business through the next few years is likely to pay dividends.

At Stephenson Smart we would be happy to advise you on this as your accountants and business advisors, and can help you implement effective tax planning strategies.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us or pop into one of our offices for a free consultation.

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

D E:C H www.stephenson-smart.com

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ABOVE: The Capitol Cinema staff, 1951 (Antoinette’s mother central with flowers) LEFT: (Far left) On Hunstanton beach with family, 1953 (top left) With parents, July 1948 (middle) View from her lounge, the Circus was in town, 1955 (bottom) Capitol Cinema ticket card.

Growing up with the movies in Hunstanton...

Antoinette Padden’s childhood was rather unusual. Instead of hearing the neighbours, her home reverberated to the sound of happy audiences laughing and cheering in the Capitol Cinema

T

he Princess Theatre has been a popular attraction in Hunstanton since it opened in 1981, but the building already had a star-studded history – and some people may remember it as the Capitol Cinema, which opened in 1932.

For one person, the place holds even more memories, as her parents used to manage this popular movie house – and her recollections of life in the Hunstanton of the 1940s and 50s are fascinating.

“Other children had to sit and think in their bedrooms, but I had all this!” says Antoinette Padden as she sits in the auditorium of the Princess Theatre.

For Antoinette, visiting the theatre is a very special trip down memory lane – it wasn’t just her parents’ workplace. It was the family home.

Alban Augustin and Rita Mary Padden began managing the Capitol Cinema in 1946 (the same year Antoinette was born) and the family lived in a flat above KLmagazine March 2019

the cinema.

“Growing up in a cinema was quite an experience,” she says. “Every evening at about 10pm I’d hear crowds of people clattering down the concrete stairs from the circle, and from our lounge we could hear the film and the music.

That was normal life to me!”

Antoinette’s father had taken part in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War and later worked as marine engineer – a career that caused him to suffer from asbestosis. His love of cigarettes didn’t help, and Alban died of lung cancer in June 1949, just a few months before Antoinette’s third birthday.

Her mother Rita was left alone with a young child, a business to run, and a difficult situation – as the owner of the Capitol didn’t want a woman managing the cinema. Remember that this was a time when Del Monte could run an advertisement for a new screw-top ketchup bottle with the headline “You mean even a woman can open it?”

Rita was determined to prove herself, however. The flat went with the job and she couldn’t lose her home. It wasn’t easy being a working single mother in the 1950s, but she coped admirably – and the cinema business boomed, thanks to the Americans at Sculthorpe queuing down the street. It wasn’t plain sailing, however.

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“My mother dreaded Sunday afternoons,” says Antoinette. “Local lads would come off the buses and be very noisy and naughty. My mother would tell them off in no uncertain terms.

Older men could be difficult too, but her father had taught her the martial art of jujitsu – so she could chuck them out when they became a real nuisance!”

Despite her fearsome skills and nononsense attitude, Rita was exceptionally warmhearted – and always opened the doors to newcomers, regardless of race. This was the 50s and most of the patrons were from the American Deep South.

“Mother was really brave about that, because she could easily have had a riot on her hands,” says Antoinette.

“This was long before Martin Luther King’s civil rights movement in America,” says Antoinette, “and I think my mother was really ahead of her time in that respect. I’ve always been very proud of her for that.”

One of the very few people whose childhood was spent living in a cinema, Antoinette is full of charming anecdotes.

When thunderstorms cut the electricity supply, her mother would go on stage and apologise for the fact the film couldn’t start (or continue) – and encouraged people to buy ice creams before they melted!

One Summer’s afternoon in 1956, the Marlon Brando film The Teahouse of The August Moon failed to arrive.

“For my mother, that was a total nightmare,” says Antoinette. “She ended up showing a number of ‘shorts’, trailers and cartoons while we waited for the film reels to arrive on a specially laid on steam locomotive from Lynn!”

The biblical epic The Robe is also a fond memory, being the first movie released in a new format called Cinemascope.

“Today we’re all familiar with widescreen, but at the time it was amazing,” says Antoinette. “I remember the black blinds at the edge of the screen moving away and revealing this incredbile colourful panorama.”

When she was about nine she’d order publicity materials for films, which she enjoyed doing more than watching the films themselves. However, her favourite film was Carmen Jones, a black American version of opera.

The stunning view from Antoinette’s window overlooked Hunstanton green and she could see the famous Golden Lion hotel, which remains to this day.

She was just a stone’s throw away from the beach, and spent many hours in Hunstanton’s beautiful Westgate Gardens.

36

ABOVE: Antoinette outside the Princess theatre in 2019, and the same building as the Capitol Cinema in 1963.

“There was a buzz in the summer, particularly on the promenade, and there were loads of people on the green,” says Antoinette. “It was a lovely place to grow up. I remember there being a lot of excitement when Barnacle Bill was filmed on the pier in 1957. One of my friends was even in it!”

In contrast to the hot summers, Antoinette clearly remembers the incredibly cold winter of 1963 – when temperatures were so low the sea froze – and vaguely recalls the terrible weather conditions in 1953, when much of the area flooded.

“During this time a man called Reis Leming went out in waders with a dingy to rescue people, and my mother later presented him with a huge bouquet of flowers up on the stage in front of the cinema audience as a token of appreciation from the people of Hunstanton.”

Antoinette’s mother managed the Capitol Cinema until 1963, and her

home then became known as the Kingsley Centre, later operating as a bingo hall before reopening as the Princess Theatre in 1981 – named in honour of Lady Diana Spencer on her marriage to the Prince of Wales.

Antoinette eventually went on to be a language teacher, working abroad and spending most of her career at Fakenham High School.

She has returned to the Princess Theatre a few times over the years, but she can’t resist the invitation to go backstage and visit her childhood home – which is now a suite of offices and dressing rooms.

“I must admit it’s a little weird coming back here,” she says “It’s so different now – but somehow it still feels the same. They’ve done a really good job of it. When we ran it, my mother used to say it looked like an old fleapit – so she’d love to be able to see it today!”

KLmagazine March 2019

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Dr Leena Deol

Dr Ian Jennings

The local GP service you’ve been waiting for...

Answering the current demand for faster and longer appointments, BMI Sandringham Hospital announces a new private GP service

A

sk anyone for their biggest complaint about healthcare services and you'll almost certainly hear one of four things - the difficulty of arranging an appointment, poor communication, unreasonably short appointment slots, and waiting lists for treatment.

For patients and their families it can be a very frustrating experience, but BMI Sandringham Hospital is about to change all that with the launch of a private GP service located within the hospital itself - led by a team of local

doctors, offering rapid access to expert opinions and treatments, and enabling you and your family to access the medical help you need at a time that suits you.

The advantages of Norfolk Private GP being situated within BMI Sandringham Hospital are clear - providing fast and easy access to procedures such as blood tests or x-rays on site and within 24 hours.

Providing passionate care in a friendly and professional way, Norfolk Private GP offers a personal and convenient service that enables you and your family to receive the help and advice you need at the time that suits you best.

And in addition to general health and rapid consultant-led referrals, the new service will also offer prevention and wellness, chronic disease management and well woman clinics.

It's exactly what many patients have been asking and hoping for for so long: • Faster and longer (15 minutes

minimum) appointments • Quicker diagnoses and treatments with no waiting lists or unnecessary delays • A more personal service with a male/female doctor of your choice Choosing a private GP means that you can specify the same doctor for every appointment, a doctor who'll take a proactive and complete approach to your health, providing you with high quality ongoing medical care in a reassuringly dedicated environment.

If you'd like more information about Norfolk Private GP at BMI Sandringham Hospital or would like to pre-register your interest, please contact us on 01553 668970 or visit www.norfolkprivategp.com - and discover the new face of local healthcare.

Serious about health.

Passionate about care.

BMI The Sandringham Hospital, Gayton Road, King's Lynn PE30 4HJ • Tel: 080 8101 0336 Email: info@bmihealthcare.co.uk • Web: www.bmihealthcare.co.uk KLmagazine March 2019

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How to choose the right Financial Planner for you

Planning your finances for a successful future can be a complex affair, but with professional advice and expertise, it can be a wonderful journey - as Chartered Financial Planner Katie Trendell explains

T

he role of a Financial Planner is widely misunderstood, and if you ask ten people what they think it is you'll probably get ten different answers - only a few of which will resemble the truth.

Long gone are the days of simply ‘selling a product’ - I work closely with clients on an individual and personal basis to help them create the life they want, taking time to understand their goals and values and put their money to work. Financial planning may not sound particularly glamorous, but for 40

me this is probably the best job there is - every day I get to help people achieve the things that are most important to them.

My approach to providing advice is to give people the kind of service I'd like to receive myself or would like my own family to receive. I want to do the very best for my clients – they are the heart of our business - so what happens to them is very important to me.

It's important to understand that by using a Financial Planner you're taking advice to make 'your' life better, and as everyone's lives and circumstances are

different, this can never be a 'one size fits all' approach.

Many people feel understandably nervous about meeting a Financial Planner for the first time - talking about your personal finances and your dreams for the future can be a daunting prospect. I want to spend time getting to know you and finding out what's most important to you, so together we can ensure a successful outcome. In the unlikely event we can't help you there's no cost involved in meeting and talking with us.

It's also crucial that your Financial KLmagazine March 2019

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“I want to do the very best for my clients - they are the heart of our business” Planner is well qualified. They will be advising you on your financial affairs and you need to be reassured they have the professional and technical knowledge to do that effectively. As a Chartered Financial Planner, I am in the top 10% of the industry who hold this level of qualification.

It takes time to put together a financial plan, but that's just the start of this journey. What many people don't realise is that working with a Financial Planner is an ongoing commitment. My job is to help you achieve your goals over the coming years, and it is essential to review the plans we've put in place regularly and make any necessary adjustments as time goes by.

Your personal circumstances will change over time, so it's important we allow for that and keep your finances working as hard and as efficiently as possible for you.

We are happy to meet clients at their home, at their place of work or at our office whichever makes you more comfortable, at no cost. It could be a conversation that could actually change your life! By the end of our initial meeting we'll have a good idea of whether we want to work together, agree a plan and talk about costings.

So what will we be talking about? I'll help you understand issues such as whether you can afford to give up work early, how you could enjoy life more, or

if it makes financial sense to give money to children now and watch them enjoy it. Everyone has dreams, but it's only by planning ahead and identifying what needs to be done now that those dreams can become a reality.

In developing plans and strategies for your future, I'll also work closely with your accountant, solicitor and other professionals to help build your wealth - and don't think a Financial Planner is simply there to get you to retirement.

That is a significant milestone, but it's essentially the beginning of another stage of your life - one for which you need to be financially prepared to enjoy it to the full.

For a free initial appointment, please contact me directly on 07739 339663 or e-mail ktrendell@barnsher.co.uk.

Katie Trendell, Chartered Financial Planner BARNES & SHERWOOD PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS King’s Lynn Innovation Centre (KLIC), Innovation Drive, King’s Lynn PE30 5BY Office: 020 7474 3700 E-mail: ktrendell@barnsher.co.uk Barnes & Sherwood Professional Advisers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 547997 KLmagazine March 2019

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Welcoming in the most delightful signs of spring

Newborn lambs can melt the stoniest of hearts, and at Church Farm in Stow Bardolph they’re currently welcoming up to 500 of the animals into the world. Spring is here - and it’s never looked more charming

T

he sight of new lambs gambolling in the fields is a sure indication that spring is on its way. In west Norfolk, we’re fortunate that Church Farm at Stow Bardolph is not only a recognised centre for rare breeds of sheep (and other livestock) but also positively welcomes the public to meet the animals and get close to them.

So close, in fact, that visitors can watch as lambs are born or can help to bottle-feed others who are being reared by hand.

For children who may never have been so close to (or even seen) such a young animal, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Kate Farr, Livestock Manager at Church Farm, thinks it’s very important that children see how it really is.

“We’re a working farm here,” she says, “and we like to be open and honest about how things are. It’s wonderful that the children can get nice and close to see what’s happening, but we never hide things – and will always explain if

things don’t quite go to plan.”

Kate goes on to explain that they have 12 different breeds of rare sheep at Church Farm, and this year some 200 ewes are giving birth, staggered from the end of January to the beginning of May. “We can’t have all 200 sheep in the lambing pens at the same time because that could mean up to 500 lambs!” she says. “We know when they’ve been tupped (mated) so we can spread out the lambing season. Most years we’ll have a handful of triplets, so it can get very busy.”

Kate has been Livestock Manager for three years, having originally come to do 150 hours for work experience during the lambing season eight years ago.

Now she’s in charge of a team of eight full- and part-time staff and has overall responsibility for all the animals on the farm, from the sheep, goats, pigs and donkeys to the smaller animals in the petting centre - the rabbits, chickens and guinea pigs.

There’s also two Suffolk Punch horses - Belle, who is a great favourite with visitors, and her new companion Virridor. Sadly Belle’s mate Bernard died last year, and is missed by staff and visitors alike.

But by far the majority of the work on the farm is with the sheep, making sure they are happy and healthy and keeping up with breeding 12 rare breeds. As with all livestock, this work continues virtually non-stop throughout the year.

During the summer before they lamb, the ewes graze on good grass and then start to breed from one year old. The rams will do two seasons, and as an accredited member of the RBST (Rare Breeds Survival Trust) the farm will often swap rams with other centres to ensure the quality of the breeds is maintained.

This helps improve and increase the rare breeds numbers.

Pregnancy lasts five months, and just before lambing the ewes are brought into the yard to prepare for birth. And this is where visitors can see lambs being born or help feed those being

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“When you go out into the fields they’re all around you, wanting you to stroke their noses!” hand-reared.

“Most children are absolutely fascinated to watch,” says Kate, “and they won’t want to leave until they see the lamb born and then stagger to its feet after only a few minutes.”

After lambing (unless the farm decides not to keep them) the lambs will go to market or will be sold as ‘lawnmowers.’ The sheep are shorn yearly in May – and in some cases such as the Grey Faced Dartmoor or the Swiss Valais Blacknose, twice yearly, as their coat is so thick.

Some of the sheep are kept for the petting areas, either because they’re too old to breed or are a favourite with the staff - and their nature makes them ideal for children to stroke.

“They don’t all look the same either,” says Kate. “You can’t help but gain a bond with them. The Grey Faced Dartmoors, for example, are really friendly – and when you go out into the fields they’re all around you, wanting you to stroke their noses!”

44

Alongside the sheep, the farm has three breeds of goats, who will start kidding straight after the lambing finishes.

“Goats are very self-sufficient and robust,” says Kate. “They tend to just get on with it!”

Lambing is a busy season, with Kate and her team working nights (as well as days sometimes). Living nearby, Kate can pop home if all is quiet, but for her it’s all part of the job.

“I absolutely love it,” she says.

“Every day is different and I never get bored of it. I’d rather be here than anywhere else.”

The Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre at Stow Bardolph is open every day until 30th October from 10am-5pm.

For more information, details and opening times, please see the website at churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk.

KLmagazine March 2019

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KLmagazine March 2019

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Animalmatters

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

Then

Arlo gets a taste of forbidden fruit

E

very so often we have to treat pets for eating things they shouldn’t have. One dog who knows this more than most is Arlo the Dobermann puppy.

Arlo came to us feeling more than a little sorry for himself one afternoon in January, having been playing and suddenly vomited, becoming very withdrawn and not wanting to walk or even stand. His owners brought him to us where we examined him and found him to be drooling excessively, as well as being very painful when touched around his abdomen. X-rays were taken to see if Arlo had swallowed anything that was causing a blockage or there was an obvious cause of pain within his abdomen, for example a bloated or twisted stomach. However, nothing obvious flagged up on these, so he was given some pain relief and anti-sickness medication, with the decision to monitor him overnight and recheck him if he did not improve, since he seemed to perk up slightly while being x-rayed.

While Arlo did not vomit anymore overnight, he was still unable to get comfortable, so he came back to see

me the following day and we ran blood tests as well as repeating his x-rays to see if anything had changed within his abdomen. Due to the severe pain Arlo was experiencing, despite strong pain relief, the decision was made to go for surgery to try to find out what was causing Arlo so much abdominal discomfort.

Upon opening Arlo’s abdomen I was presented with a moderate amount of fluid, which had built up in response to an infection that had formed, a process called peritonitis. A sample of this was collected to send away to the external laboratory for analysis, and we immediately started Arlo on a combination of multiple strong antibiotics intravenously in order to help fight the infection. The next job was to try to find the cause of the

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

KLmagazine March 2019

Now infection, which in Arlo’s case was going to prove rather interesting.

The whole of Arlo’s gastrointestinal tract was examined, and it took a long time to find the culprit of the infection.

After hunting for quite some time, a stick was found freely floating in Arlo’s abdomen, not attached to or within his intestines. This then posed the terrifying question of how had the stick managed to penetrate into the abdominal cavity, but at the same time clarified why Arlo had been suffering with so much abdominal pain. Again after a thorough search, a small hole was located in his intestinal tract, which was repaired, and his abdomen was flushed clear with saline.

After such a large surgery, and with the serious infection he had been brewing, Arlo spent a few days recovering with us at our London Road surgery before we were happy he was well enough to go home. As you can see, Arlo has now made a full recovery, and is back to enjoying normal life.

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

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DMG T mber

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5 Station Road, Heacham, King’s LLyynn, Nor folk PE31 7HG. 01485 571789 | arcoworkshop@posmail.co.uk | www.arcotoolhire.co.uk 48

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Why our new service is so good for your garden

In addition to professional tree work, Heritage Tree Specialists is now offering a wide range of regular garden maintenance services...

F

or many years, Heritage Tree Specialists have been offering a professional range of tree management services from its base in King's Lynn - and it's now bringing all that expertise and experience to your garden.

"We've often been asked by customers impressed by our tree work whether we could help with their garden, but it's something we've been unable to offer until now," says Dan Ashton of Heritage Tree Specialists. "I'm really pleased to announce that we're adding garden maintenance to our list of services - which means we can now undertake everything from your front lawn to that decaying and dangerous tree at the back of your house!"

At a time when our attentions are drawn towards our gardens,

Dan's news couldn't be more welcome.

Available on a one-off or regular basis, Heritage Tree Specialists can undertake everything from mowing and trimming to pruning and strimming and even large-scale garden clearances.

Fully-equipped with professional power tools, woodchippers, stump grinders and rotovators there's virtually nothing in your garden that Heritage Tree Specialists can't handle - and they'll even safely remove and dispose of all arisings.

If your garden frequently gets out of your control or you've just moved into a property with a large and overgrown garden, HTS is exactly what you're looking for.

"We are very happy to provide customers with a fixed quotation for

work. Routine visits are typically fortnightly for general maintenance and mowing and all costs are agreed in advance so that customers can budget appropriately."

Whether you're considering a large scale clearance or are simply looking for a regular mowing service, contact HTS to arrange a free quotation.

Heritage Tree Specialists

T: 01553 617008 | W: www.heritagetreespecialists.co.uk E: info@heritagetreespecialists.co.uk | Willow Farm Industrial Units, Saddlebow, King’s Lynn PE34 3AR

KLmagazine March 2019

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Taking the guesswork out of your pruning...

Pruning is an essential part of gardening, and to get the best results it’s important to choose the right time and to use the correct blade as Wendy Warner of Thaxters Garden Centre explains

T

here’s one thing that practically every plant requires throughout its life which can seem a rather daunting task to many gardeners. Pruning can take the form of simple deadheading to intricate topiary clipping or major pollarding. Pruning is a very broad subject and one we get asked about a great deal at the garden centre. If you can understand the basics of how plants grow and respond to pruning it will all become clearer.

50

Pruning will be carried out for a number of reasons dependent on the individual plant. It could be to control size, improve the shape, encourage new growth, promote flowering and maximise fruit production.

Choosing the right tools for the job is important. For most pruning, secateurs will be required and there are two main types of blade; bypass types have a cutting blade sharpened on one side and cut in a scissor action, whereas anvil blades are sharpened on two sides

and cut down onto a flat plate. Bypass are best for precision pruning giving a clean cut on fresh, green growth. Anvil are ideal for harder, woody stems.

Snips will give a clean, sharp cut for deadheading; topiary shears for clipping box bushes; hedge shears for larger hedges; while loppers offer a stronger alternative to secateurs and have bigger blades for thicker stems – telescopic ones for reaching higher branches in trees, or to be able to get deeper into plants such as rose bushes.

KLmagazine March 2019

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“If you can understand the basics of how plants grow and respond to pruning it will all become clearer” There are also power tools available for larger scale pruning.

You may think it wouldn’t be a good idea to prune in winter but certain plants will benefit. Shrub and climbing roses can be pruned between November and February and bush roses in February (although do avoid carrying it out in freezing conditions). Bush and climbing roses should be cut back hard to promote healthy growth, flowering shoots and plenty of blooms in summer. Shrub roses require a more gentle trim to improve shape and to get rid of any dead wood or crossing stems. Clematis that flower after June need to be pruned before midFebruary, cutting the stems nearly to ground level just above a pair of healthy buds. Pruning apple and pear trees whilst dormant will concentrate sap flow in spring into few buds, meaning stronger growth. Deciduous shrubs or trees, such as figs or Acers, which “bleed” when their stems are cut should be pruned whilst dormant in December or January before the sap begins to rise.

Many spring-flowering shrubs, such as Forsythia, Lilac and Weigela, flower on the previous season’s growth so benefit from being cut back immediately after flowering to prevent the plants becoming woody and weak.

Hardy Fuchsias, Buddlejas, Lavatera, Spiraea and Hibiscus which flower in summer should be cut back hard in the spring to improve the shape and encourage strong growth and plenty of flowers for the season ahead.

Amazingly, vigorous varieties of Buddleja, if pruned back hard, can still make up to 3 metres of growth by the time they flower in midsummer. Some shrubs, such as Lavenders and Cistus, will be protected by leaving top growth or old flower stems over the winter, and in spring, plants can be trimmed back to make room for new growth.

KLmagazine March 2019

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Deciduous grasses such as Miscanthus should be trimmed down in late March before new, green growth gets mixed with the old dry stems. Any perennials that you didn’t get around to tidying up in the autumn can also be cut back now.

Many people would assume Evergreens are hardier than deciduous shrubs, but due to the fact they hold their leaves all year and are in fact constantly in growth means they are more vulnerable to cold and frost – so avoid pruning from autumn through to late spring.

Evergreens that need shaping, thinning or trimming should be cut back to just above a pair of strong new buds. Most deciduous hedges should be pruned between June and 52

September to stimulate close, dense growth. Some may even require a second trim. Pruning of hedges should be left until this time to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Box bushes and hedges may need multiple trims, but avoid carrying this out in very hot weather.

Don’t forget to deadhead repeat flowering roses as well as many perennials and bedding plants throughout the summer to prevent them setting seed and to encourage new buds.

Autumn is the time to cut back most perennials as their flowers come to an end to avoid fungal diseases and before they get damaged by windy weather.

This applies to Delphiniums, hardy Geraniums, Campanulas and many others. If your garden is exposed, to

avoid windrock, it is also worthwhile shortening the stems of tall, top-heavy shrubs and they can then be pruned properly in the spring.

So, whenever you are venturing into the garden, have a pair of secateurs at hand - you will always find a spot of pruning to carry out!

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 March 2019

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More space, more plants, and more reasons to visit!

A specially-built greenhouse at Thaxters has given the area’s biggest garden centre even more reasons to welcome the arrival of spring

W

hen Thaxters opened its new greenhouse at the end of last year, it was simply the most recent chapter of a local success story that dates back for three generations.

"Thaxters actually started when my grandfather started selling tomatoes over the road from a house he managed to borrow from his motherin-law!" says director James Thaxter.

"It's difficult to believe that we've grown so much in such a relatively short space of time."

Today, Thaxters is one of the largest

garden centres in Norfolk, supplying an incredible amount of plants, trees and shrubs - and an equally vast collection of special treats from books to birdfeeding stations.

"We've got tens of thousands of plants here at any one time, and I'm confident you'll always be able to find exactly what you're looking for," says James. "We picked up over 2,000 plants yesterday - and we'll be even busier once spring arrives."

The new greenhouse has given James and his team the chance to display an even greater number of gift ideas in store, showcasing a special collection of ladies' clothing, a superb range of garden furniture, and a delightful choice of quirky ornaments.

"This new greenhouse has made a huge difference to the way people experience Thaxters," says James.

"There's so much more room to look at everything, and people are spending

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

KLmagazine March 2019

much more time here. We probably should have built it a few years ago!"

One of the reasons people tend to stay longer at Thaxters is undoubtedly the garden centre's famous coffee shop and restaurant, which offers coffee that's roasted just a few miles away and bread from the local baker- and 90% of the delicious food is homemade.

As James starts unloading a delivery of particularly beautiful primroses, he's already got one eye fixed on the future.

"We'll be making some big changes to the plant area soon and we're always on the lookout for new and innovative products," he says. "It doesn't matter what time of year you visit or whatever you're looking for, there'll always be something new to discover at Thaxters."

Garden Centre & Coffee Shop 53

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Spring is finally on its way and with temperatures slowly rising it’s time to inject some colour into your wardrobe. Here are some of our favourite eye-catching prints and patterns this season...

Elsa Print Anthea Dress by Adini

ALLEZ CHIC Castle Rising

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Norfolk Shirt in Ptarmigan by Schöffel

LINGS COUNTRY GOODS Great Massingham

Inspired by the countryside, this shirt is the perfect choice for any outdoor enthusiast.

Featuring a hand drawn Ptarmigan design, it’s classic, timeless and full of character.

KLmagazine March 2019

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The Toggi Dariana Reversible Gilet £80

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Off-the-shoulder Dress by Frank Lyman

CINDY’S

Sutton Bridge

This beautiful tropical print dress with stretchy fabric is both flattering and comfortable - perfect for holidays and cruises.

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KLmagazine March 2019

www.ar tichokecollection.co.uk f

S w a f f h a m 4 1 M a r ke t P l a c e 0 1 7 6 0 7 2 4 9 4 8 E l y 7 a H i g h S t r e e t Pa s s a g e 0 1 3 5 3 6 6 5 4 7 2 59

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Styletip

Statement patterned jackets and cover-ups are a great way of injecting pattern and colour into your outfit.

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“I noticed an improvement after my very first session. I'd never had a massage be fore, but I was immediately put at ease and it's wo rked wonders...”

- Nicole Vargeson, client

Say hello to the pain-free life you want to lead...

At Synergist Massage, Brendan and Caroline McGuinness are helping people with a comprehensive range of professional massage treatments

B

rendan McGuinness always wanted to be a sportsman, but the more he studied and the more he learned he discovered that his real calling was helping people.

Today, the fully-qualified sports massage and soft tissue therapist offers a wide range of treatments that correct all manner of muscular problems minimising the risk of future injuries and allowing for faster recovery rates.

"My real passion is for helping people return to a pain-free life so they can enjoy everything they want to do," he says. "I think the most important part of our work is educating people about the underlying causes of their pain. We have many people come to us with serious back pain, and in many cases it's simply due to the way they sit at their desks all day."

For the last few years, Synergist

Massage has been helping people with work-related injuries and the aftereffects of accidents - and Brendan is now moving into the world of postural analysis and movement therapy.

"The most important part of my work is picking up on dysfunctions before they develop into an injury," he says.

"You might think you don't have a problem, but it's really important to keep your body working correctly. It might be called 'sports' massage, but it's not just for sportspeople. It's for everyone."

From two treatment rooms at the Natural Therapy Centre in the centre of King's Lynn and the RAW training facility

just outside Fakenham, Brendan is joined by his wife Caroline, who takes a more holistic approach to healing with treatments such as Swedish massage (the best known type of massage performed today) and pregnancy massage.

"Specialist pregnancy massage helps regulate hormone levels, reduce anxiety and swelling, and alleviates all those acute aches and pains," he says.

"That's what we're here for - and that's what makes our work so enjoyable.

We're helping people enjoy the painfree lives they want to live."

For one of the most relaxing and beneficial treatments you’ve ever experienced, contact Brendan or Caroline at Synergist Massage today – and say hello to the life you want to live.

Need our help? Call us on: 07446 726688 | www.synergistmassage.co.uk KING’S LYNN e Graneries, 21a Nelson Street PE30 5DY FAKENHAM Unit 7, Abbey Farm, Coxford PE31 6TB KLmagazine March 2019

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The Fent Shop

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Largest selection of fabrics in West & North Norfolk

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T: 01553 768613 | W: www.thefentshopkingslynn.co.uk 62

A T 4 4

M A R K E

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Call into the new practice to book your appointment and see our new frame ranges.

D.A. Seaman Optometrists

Tel 01760 722661 | www.daseaman.org.uk 44 Market Place, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7QH.

KLmagazine March 2019

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“Really simple elements of design that cost nothing but that can make all the difference.”

You have the plans, and we have the designs...

With modern and cost-effective architectural solutions, Studio 11 Architecture are literally building a strong local reputation

T

he idea behind Studio 11 Architecture is as simple as it is refreshingly modern. From its studios at Holkham and Wisbech, this Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) registered practice offers a service that's perfect for people looking to realise their own grand design.

"We like to take out a lot of the stress and worry involved in a building project," says founder and Chartered Architectural Technologist Kris Baxter.

"Instead of having to deal with an architect, planning consultant, structural engineer or roads and sewers

designer, we can offer you one single design team that can design and deliver the whole project from start to finish."

From its early days in Kris' spare bedroom over a decade ago, Studio 11 Architecture has grown to a multidisciplined practice that's completed everything from extensions and one-off builds to large-scale residential developments involving dozens of individual properties.

"We like to produce the very best modern architecture we can within the budget of the client," says associate Johnathon Gower. “That doesn't mean compromising on looks, either - there are some really simple elements of design that cost nothing but that can make all the difference."

The pair met when Kris undertook some work for a local architectural practice in the first few years of Studio

11 Architecture, and worked so well together that Johnathon jumped at the chance to join the practice.

"One of the reasons we make such a great team is that we both agree that the client is the most important part of the design process," says Johnathon.

"We're not going to force something too cutting-edge or too traditional on anyone - we produce designs that suit the function and usability of a building and 'speak' the vernacular of the surrounding area."

If you're currently planning a project of your own, please contact Studio 11 Architecture who would relish the opportunity to work together to make the completed project everything you ever dreamed of.

Norfolk Studio: Holkham Studios, Longlands, Holkham Estate NR23 1SH Telephone: 01328 854110 Email: design@studio11architecture.co.uk Website: www.studio11architecture.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2019

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Timbers Country Lodge

Located in a beautiful Grade II listed barn complex in Fincham, it’s one of Norfolk’s best-kept secrets. A fabulous marquee, a brilliant restaurant, a marvellous venue - and that’s only the start of the story

F

ramed on the wall in the Grade II listed restaurant at Timbers Country Lodge at Fincham is the front page of the New York Times detailing the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. It's simply a quirky item picked up at an auction - but when one of your diners recognises one of their relatives among the listed survivors it becomes something entirely different.

"We've had people recognise themselves in the old photographs in the bar, and we had one man who could remember driving a tractor through the building when he was a boy," says manager Sarah Ward. "That's one of the things that makes Timbers so special - we still have a really close link with the local community."

This beautiful barn complex used to be a working farm, raising livestock and growing reeds to thatch local cottages - but it's now a destination in its own right.

64

In addition to a fabulous bar and lounge area, Timbers now has 46 rooms (including a delightful log cabin that can sleep up to six people), a restaurant that can seat more than 100 people, and a permanent airconditioned marquee.

It's also licensed to hold weddings, and there can't be a more idyllic place to say 'I do.'

"I've been here for 13 years now, and the changes to Timbers over that time have been extraordinary," says Sarah.

"We always seem to be offering something new. We have a new Head Chef and a new menu, and we're about to start modernising the lounge and bar area."

Calling David Edgar the ‘new’ Head Chef may be slightly misleading, however, as he’s returned to the place where he started his culinary career some 13 years ago.

Having since worked in a number of award-winning restaurants across

Norfolk he’s come back to Timbers – and brought a fresh new look and a distinctive taste to the restaurant’s menu.

Whether you’re looking for a quick pint and a bite to eat, planning a special family celebration or are looking for the perfect venue for the big day (and even bigger evening!) Timbers has everything you could wish for.

KLmagazine March 2019

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MEET the Chef

Talking with Timber’s Head Chef David Edgar KL magazine: How did you come to Timbers?

David Edgar: Actually it's more a

case of how I came back to Timbers!

Following my training at the College of West Anglia I started my career here as a commis chef under David Whitehair, who now owns The Windmill at Necton and was one of my tutors at college.

That was about 13 years ago, and after spending time at some really great restaurants in Norfolk I jumped at the chance to come back here. I've always thought there's something special about Timbers.

number of years now, but it's evolved over time - I like to think it's never tasted better than it does today!

KL magazine: What's your approach to food?

KL magazine: Is there any great secret to cooking great food?

David Edgar: I think the most important thing is that everything I use has to be local and it has to be fresh.

As a chef you'll always have to serve a range of traditional dishes, but some of your guests will be looking for something a bit more adventurous.

That's the challenge, and that's one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.

KL magazine: Where do your ideas come from?

David Edgar: I'm always getting

inspiration for new things to try and it can come from anywhere at any time. It might be some programme on TV, it might be a book, and it might be having a chat with another chef - I'm always thinking of ways to improve our food, and I've always got plenty of ideas I can't wait to try out.

KL magazine: What dish are you most proud of at the moment?

David Edgar: I'd have to say the duck

breast, which comes (as does all our game) from a local gamekeeper at Watlington. It's been on our menu for a KLmagazine March 2019

David Edgar: Not really! The most important thing to do is to test your food before you serve it. I'll always try out new dishes and new ideas on the staff before they're ready for the menu.

The staff don't mind - they love it, in fact! - and it ensures I'm serving the best food I can.

KL magazine: What do you like best about being in the kitchen?

David Edgar: I do like experimenting, but I'm happiest when I'm over the stove. I'm not one of those chefs that shout and scream and order everyone about. I've just spent the morning peeling parsnips, and that was how I was taught - you lead from the back, not from the front.

KL magazine: If you could cook anything, what would it be?

David Edgar: Game, without a doubt. I love it when we have a whole deer come in - there's nothing quite as local, nothing quite as tasty, and as a chef there's nothing quite as exciting to work with!

KL magazine: What's the great appeal with cooking for a living?

David Edgar: I think that as a chef you can express yourself more than you can in any other job. You put a lot of yourself into the food. Take the exact same recipe and give it to 100 chefs and every single dish will be different.

Every chef will put a little part of their personality into their food.

KL magazine: When I visit Timbers for a three-course meal, what would you recommend?

David Edgar: Start with the prawn cocktail, which has some delicious brown shrimps from King's Lynn. Have the pork belly for your main course, as it's simply astounding. For dessert you'll have to have Kat's cheesecake. It's the best cheesecake you've ever tasted even people who say they don't like cheesecake love it!

KL magazine: What do you do when you're not cooking?

David Edgar: I've got two little

children and they take up most of my time when I'm out of the kitchen! I must admit that I don't cook at home unless we've got family coming round for dinner - it's nice to have someone else cook for you!

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On the MENU STARTERS

Ham hock terrine piccalilli, toasted sourdough, beer pickled onions

Grilled goat's cheese pine nuts, blushed tomatoes, spinach and new potato salad

Prawn cocktail brown shrimp, cucumber, bloody mary rose, chilli and garlic king prawns

MAIN COURSES

Slow-cooked pork belly confit potato, white pudding, burnt apple, squash purée, redcurrant jus Timbers Country Lodge offers one of the very best Sunday lunches in the area, but that exceptionally high standard of food is actually available seven days a week.

“We’ve always believed in supporting local suppliers and we’ve always believed in serving seasonal ingredients,” says manager Sarah Ward.

“Our kitchen team is really passionate about Norfolk’s local produce and they take a huge amount of pride in their work.”

Whether you select a delicious home cooked meal from the restaurant’s traditional ‘pub grub’ menu, fancy a quick light bite for a business lunch, or indulge yourself in a special meal for an equally special occasion, the food here is truly exceptional.

But it’s not all about the food.

Timbers is also the perfect location for a business meeting, with no less than three function rooms to choose from and a dedicated Events Coordinator to ensure your visit is as successful as it is enjoyable.

If you’d rather tie the knot than close the deal, Timbers is the perfect wedding venue – with a lovely setting, great food, plenty of space, plenty of parking, and beautifully-furnished accomodation.

“We’ve held many weddings here and we have a dedicated wedding team to 66

help take all the stress out of your big day,” says Sarah. “On your wedding day all you really want to do is enjoy yourself – and that’s exactly what we’re here for!”

Fancy a quick pint? Looking to celebrate a special occasion? Have an important off-site business meeting to arrange? Getting married and have 40 visiting relatives to look after?

Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Timbers Country Lodge.

It’s definitely one of Norfolk’s bestkept secrets.

Orange marmalade glazed duck breast carrots, honey and thyme, dauphinois potato, pak choi, port jus

Salmon supreme saffron and potato fish cream, blushed tomato, tempura king prawn

DESSERTS

White chocolate and raspberry blondie raspberry sorbet

Passionfruit & berry posset oats and honey, mango sorbet

Baked vanilla cheesecake blueberry compote, Chantilly cream

TO BOOK Please call 01366 347747 or visit www.timberscountrylodge.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2019

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SHOP

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KLmagazine March 2019

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Winenotes Robert Harrison

KL magazine speaks to of Cazalet Harrison Wine Merchants for what’s tickling his tastebuds this season...

PICTURE: MARK ASHBY / ASHBYSHOOTS.CO.UK

Brunello di Montalcino

B

runello di Montalcino is known as arguably the best Italian wine. I was fortunate to have one of the producers do a Norfolk tour at local restaurants in February, so there is only one subject to talk about this month.

Brunello di Montalcino is in Tuscany and is the only appellation in Italy that has to use 100% Sangiovese grape for the wines to comply with the strict DOCG rules. It is a unique region offering varying altitudes and soil types; in fact the soils have been described as some of the most complex in the world due to sea deposits and the impact of pre-historic landslides. The region also offers varying microclimates so wineries often have plots of vines in different locations to offer different results; they can be blended to find a balanced wine with each subzone offering a varying taste or structure.

In 2003 couple team Laura Gray and Marco Sassetti took over managing the estate. Prior they ran a restaurant that had 6 tables and 700 wines in KLmagazine March 2019

Montalcino – it was here Richard Parsons decided to buy Il Palazzone after enjoying a bottle of the estates’ wines. Il Palazzone is small compared to many with 5 hectares of Sangiovese vines over three sites. The cellar and one of the vineyards sits 560 meters above sea level - with recent climate changes the cooler altitude has been advantageous.

The estate bottles three wines from the property; a Vino Rosso, a Brunello di Montalcino and a rare ‘super tuscan’.

Vino Rosso is their entry, but by no means inferior, wine. The grapes are destined for Brunello the whole of their life until the last minute but are redistributed when the Brunello is fulfilled. The Vino Rosso spends less time in the barrel and is a blend of multi vintages.

Brunello di Montalcino is the estate’s flagship wine; the estate ages this for

three years plus. It’s a combination of the estate’s three sites with a ratio depending on the weather. These wines are different from vintage to vintage as Sangiovese is very susceptible to weather change: the grape really does express the climate from which it is grown.

Lorenzo and Isabelle is named after the owner’s parents in homage to them. The wine is an IGT wine that is also known as a ‘super tuscan’; it combines the local Sangiovese grape with international varieties - in this instance Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2013 vintage was aged in oak for 34 months, and released in 2017 - a decade after the original release. It’s a wonderful wine with a slightly heavier approach and firmer body.

The estate is a wonderful example of Brunello di Montalcino: a smaller estate that exhibits the care, attention and passion from the people who run it.

www.chwinemerchants.co.uk rob@chwinemerchants.co.uk 07917095068

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

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A country hotel with something for everyone

S

A stunning building in an idyllic location, The King’s Head Country Hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind

et in the beautiful village of Great Bircham, The Kings Head Country Hotel has something for everyone. Whether you want a full English breakfast, a light bite, a cup of tea or an à la carte meal, The Kings Head Country Hotel has it all, set in a beautiful location with a simply stunning garden.

If you ask people what's best about Norfolk, most people will say its quaint villages, its lovely country walks, its magnificent stately homes, and the fact that it’s home to Her Majesty’s residence of Sandringham.

To experience all these things, you couldn't pick a better base than The Kings Head. This stunning country residence was originally built in the Edwardian era, and is located in the beautiful village of Great Bircham situated on the Sandringham Estate and close to the equally magnificent Houghton Hall.

And you don’t need to be a resident at The Kings Head to enjoy all it has to offer.

“Everyone is welcome,” says Sandra Bowman, who has been running The

Kings Head with her family since 2016.

“We try to cater for everyone, be that dog walkers who want to pop in for a breakfast, a quick bite to eat, or just a pot of tea, or a couple who have just got engaged and want to celebrate with a special meal.”

The Kings Head has a wonderful selection of breakfasts, ranging from a wholesome full English to eggs benedict, to croissants to cereals, and all of them are individually priced.

You'll find teas, coffees, lattes, mochas and cappuccinos, all served with a choice of pastries, scones, cakes and teacakes for people who want a mid-morning treat - and when it comes to lunch, people can enjoy a simple sandwich or bowl of soup, a delicious meal from the à la carte menu, or one of the daily specials – all food is freshly made using local produce.

Food and drink can be enjoyed in the dining room, or in the lovely garden or bar, where dogs are welcome too.

The Kings Head does a delightful set afternoon tea, with a selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes. It’s £14.95 per person, and if you want to

The King’s Head Country Hotel KLmagazine March 2019

make it extra special, you can add a glass of prosecco for just £19.95 per person (inclusive). A perfect Mother’s Day treat! Please book so it can be made to order.

“We like to cater for those wanting something special," says Sandra, "but people are welcome to have a simple cup of tea and scone too."

In the evenings a variety of delicious meals are served, and The Kings Head also caters for conferences in a fullyequipped boardroom, as well as special events including christenings and wakes.

If you’re looking for a tasty bite to eat, a way of combining a dog walk with a lunch or drink, or a special treat for a loved one, you'll find everything you're looking for at The Kings Head.

GREAT BIRCHAM, KING’S LYNN PE31 6RJ 01485 578 265 | www.thekingsheadcountryhotel.co.uk

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For the love of bread!

ABOVE: Ed gets up at 3am to prepare his award winning sourdough at his bakery in Cley-next-the-Sea.

Pastonacre bakery produces an exquisite sourdough bread that’s fermented for hours to create the perfect loaf. KL magazine talks to passionate baker Ed Clark about what makes his bread so special...

W

hen Ed Clark first tasted Californian sourdough bread, he realised it was in a league of its own. At the time Ed was an art dealer in London, but after returning from his holiday on the West Coast he began to read up on baking and so began a passionate interest in bread, fermentation, and how to control it.

“I liked the taste of the high hydration sourdough made in California, and I loved the concept of making bread just out of flour, water and salt,” he says. “I also wanted to feed my family nutritious bread as opposed to loaves full of flour enhancers, palm oil and the other gunk that modern commercial bread tends to be made of these days.

So I started baking it myself.”

Ed and his family (he has four children) moved from London to the beautiful north Norfolk village of Cley-

KLmagazine March 2019

next-the-Sea in 2014 – not only an idyllic location to bring up his young brood, but also a good opportunity to set about sourcing organic, locallygrown and milled flour for his bread making.

Until his sourdough revelation, Ed had absolutely no experience in baking, but his mantra was that time-honoured rule of practice makes perfect. “I locked myself in a room and started baking through a process of trial and error,” he says. “For a year I baked the same loaf over and over again, and eventually I got the hang of it.”

Ed’s bread is naturally leavened. It’s fermented for hours to allow the gluten to break down, aiding digestion and adding real flavour. It is then baked at a high, intense heat – which gives the loaf a wonderful blistered crust and an open, light and deliciously creamy crumb.

“If you go to a supermarket and buy sourdough bread it is much lower in hydration, whereas our loaves are around 90% hydration,” he says. “It’s like surfing a wave of balancing hydration and fermentation. If you mess it up, you’ll end up with a pancake. If you nail it, you’ll get truly amazing bread.”

Ed must be doing something right.

He officially set up his bakery business Pastonacre in early 2018 (named after the district which was destined to be called ‘Pastonacres’ until ‘North Norfolk’ was decided upon) and by the end of the year had picked up the prestigious Tiptree World Bread Award in the sourdough category.

“It is judged by a lot of prominent people in the industry and it’s a real honour to receive such an award,” says Ed. “It has certainly justified all those early mornings!”

Ed’s day starts at 3am in order to

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“For a year I baked the same loaf over and over again, and eventually I got the hang of it.” allow enough time to bake his bread and then deliver his fresh loaves to the Picnic Fayre Deli in Cley and Humble Pie in Burnham Market, who sell his bread daily.

Throughout the week he also delivers to stockists including Back to the Garden at Letheringsett and Stiffkey Stores, as well as some of the coast’s favourite pubs and restaurants including The Anchor in Morston, The Hero in Burnham Overy Staithe, Titchwell Manor, Wiveton Hall Cafe, The Wiveton Bell, The Dun Cow in Salthouse, the North Street Bistro in Burnham Market, and The Moorings in Blakeney.

Ed returns from his deliveries at 10am to start mixing dough for the next day’s bread, to allow enough time for it to ferment, before starting to shape his loaves for the next day, finishing at around 5pm.

It’s certainly a long day, but Ed’s passion for bread-making is unquestionable. “I set up this business because I like making bread,” he says simply. “For me, that’s the secret of a successful business. I love what I do.”

Pastonacre has always donated 5 pence from the sale of every loaf to a local cause. In its first year, the money went to the Cley Old Harbour Project, and now the business is currently donating to the local village schools in Blakeney and Langham.

“We’re a bakery supported by the local community, so it seems only right to give something back,” says Ed. “I helped the Cley Old Harbour Project because I think it’s a really positive project for the village, and I love going out on my boat. And the same goes for our brilliant village schools.”

“I simply want to make delicious, nutritious bread and to continue to push the boundaries of great bread making every day,” he concludes. “We have lots of exciting plans for the future of the business - so watch this space.”

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K I T C H E N S • B AT H R O O M S • T I L E S

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

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KLmagazine March 2019

Stay, Relax

Enjoy the Spring

Enjo oyy a relaxing short break this spring at The Berney Arms.

Call us on 01366 347995 or go to our website: www.theberneyarms.co.uk/stay for more information on our lovely rooms.

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The perfect way to make your mother’s day...

With a new Sunday lunch format and one of the best afternoon teas you’ll ever enjoy, Titchwell Manor is ideal for any special occasion

F

or the last 30 years, the elegant former Victorian farmhouse of Titchwell Manor has combined traditional hospitality with chic contemporary accommodation, offering guests and visitors spectacular and uninterrupted views across the open marshes to the North Sea. This beautiful boutique 26-bedroom country retreat is the perfect base from which to explore the many wonders of north Norfolk, but it has also earned a strong reputation for fine dining thanks to the gastronomic talents of Head Chef Chris Mann under the guidance of Eric Snaith, chef/owner.

Their unique flair and astonishing flavours have earned them a reputation for exquisitely presented, innovative, modern European food, and their use

of local ingredients and cutting edgetechniques has earned the hotel three AA Rosettes and a regional Chef of the Year award.

With Mother's Day on the horizon, there's no better place to treat the most important person in your life.

"We've recently changed the format of our Sunday lunch and we've added a few special touches to our afternoon teas," says Eric. "Whether you choose to sit in the conservatory, in front of the fire in the lounge, or in the walled garden looking out to sea, I can promise you one thing - you'll love it!"

And what's not to love? Eric's Sunday lunch opens with a buffet table featuring around 10 astounding dishes from local oysters on ice to his extraordinary mini prawn cocktails.

It's all very relaxed and informal, and the live acoustic music with local musician Andy Cleveland is the perfect accompaniment.

"I've got three children myself, so I'm well aware of what it takes to keep them well fed and entertained!" he says.

"Just take a look at our dessert table how can anyone resist a choice of eight desserts?"

If you'd rather treat your mother to afternoon tea, it's available seven days a week at Titchwell Manor (the hotel recommends you book in advance) and you can choose the champagne option if you're really in the mood to celebrate.

The made-to-order quiche is brilliant, and it's the ideal opportunity to try one of Chris' amazing handmade venison sausage rolls.

Mother's Day has never been so enjoyable - or tasty - and the even better news is that you'll only have to wait a few months before you can treat your father to the experience of Titchwell Manor as well!

reservations@titchwellmanor.com www.titchwellmanor.com 01485 210221 | Titchwell, Nr Brancaster PE31 8BB

KLmagazine March 2019

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KLmagazine March 2019

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Flavour of the month

Enjoy traditional Indian cuisine at family-run Downham Tandoori...

I

f you want an authentic Indian meal, Downham Tandoori is the place to go. Located in the centre of Downham Market, the restaurant has a very traditional Indian feel. The décor and Indian music all add to the ambience, and the fact it’s owned and managed by an Indian family makes for an authentically friendly and welcoming experience.

Anwar Ali opened the doors to Downham Tandoori in 1996. At the time his oldest son was just a few months old - he’s now 22 and helps manage the restaurant. In fact, this is a real family affair – Anwar’s youngest son (now 18) also works at the restaurant, as do his four cousins and brother, who all work as chefs.

I must admit that I'm not very

KLmagazine March 2019

adventurous when it comes to Indian food. It was my friend who convinced me to visit Downham Tandoori, as she's a huge fan of spicy curry! I asked Anwar what he’d recommend, and he suggested I go for Chicken Bhuna, and for my more adventurous friend he had no hesitation in recommending the Lamb Naga – his own favourite dish.

We went with Anwar’s suggestions and also chose Tandoori King Prawn and Chicken Chaat Purée, which we shared as starters. The king prawns were nice and meaty, cooked beautifully and coated in a beautiful Tikka sauce. The chicken in the chaat purée dish was deliciously succulent and came with tomato, cucumbers, onion and a sweet curry sauce. We also had a freshly made mango and mint sauce which was a lovely accompaniment. Surprisingly, these starters appealed both to me (with my less than exotic tastes!) and my friend (who likes a much spicier dish).

We moved on to our mains and I absolutely loved the bhuna. It wasn’t hot but it had a nice kick, and I really enjoyed the spices. It went very well with the pilau rice, peshwari naan and a deliciously creamy Saag Paneer. My friend was very happy with her lamb naga, and she raved about the quality of the meat, which was perfectly accompanied by pilau rice, garlic naan

and Tarka Dhal.

Having really enjoyed our meal (if I’m honest, much more than I expected to!) we offered our compliments to Anwar to pass onto the chefs.

“I’ll only serve what I’d eat myself and we use only the freshest, finest and most traditional herbs and spices,” he said. “We have a minimum of three chefs working each night - and five at the weekend to ensure our food is of the highest quality.”

Testament to the calibre of Downham Tandoori’s food is not only the numerous awards they've obtained but also that fact that one of their most loyal customers is former Prime Minister John Major.

“He’s been a regular customer for years, and he travels quite a distance to visit us,” said Anwar. “He orders the Mixed Jaipuri, so now people are coming in and asking for the' John Major’!”

If it’s good enough for Sir John, it’s good enough for us! Thanks to Downham Tandoori, I'm now a convert to Indian food. And I'm tempted to add some extra spice next time I visit!

DOWNHAM TANDOORI 52-56 High St, Downham Market, PE38 9HH Tel: 01366 386110 Web: www.downhamtandoori.co.uk E 79

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Treat yourself to the best breakfast in King’s Lynn

When Julie Coe opened Marleys last year, she brought a genuine taste of cafe culture to King’s Lynn – and people simply can’t get enough of it

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hen Julie Coe opened Marleys at the end of last year, she wasn't just opening a new chapter in her life - she was bringing a genuine taste of real cafe culture to King's Lynn.

"I'd spent many years in catering management, and to be honest I got tired of all the paperwork and the driving," she says. "I've always loved going for a coffee and a bite to eat with my friends, but we could never find a suitable place that was relaxing, enjoyable, and served great food. So I did the obvious thing – and opened one myself!"

In little more than three weeks, Julie

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transformed an empty retail unit in South Wootton into a fabulous cafe and coffee shop that's half American diner and half local eatery. It's everything she ever wanted, and it's everything the local area's been asking for.

"There's nothing quite like this anywhere else in King's Lynn, and we've received nothing but compliments since the day we opened," she says. "I like to think this is cafe culture at its very best - whether you're coming here on your own, as a family or as part of a large group."

Taking its name from Julie's nickname (which involves a long story and the world's most famous reggae KLmagazine March 2019

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performer) Marleys is one of the brightest and friendliest cafes in the area – thanks largely to Julie’s bubbly character and her exceptionally friendly staff.

Part of Marleys' success is undoubtedly down to the superb food, which ranges from fabulous full English breakfasts to gluten-free afternoon teas. The bubble and squeak is amazing, the halloumi chips are delicious, and the super-nutritious 'Rainbow Bowls' salads simply have to be tasted to be believed.

It's not surprising that people have claimed that Marleys’ eggs benedict are the best they've ever tasted.

"Our chef Patrick Francis is such a great talent," says Julie, "but I have to admit I like it when he has a day off – because that gives me a chance to get in the kitchen and enjoy some cooking!"

Open from 8am seven days a week, Marleys has a delightfully relaxed atmosphere, and there’s no better way to start your day (whatever day of the week it is!) than to choose the Bottomless Brunch – your choice from the extensive breakfast menu accompanied by prosecco, wine or a specially-blended cocktail.

"It's a bit like having afternoon tea, except you can have it first thing in the morning!" says Julie. "That's the thing people love most about Marleys - you can always have whatever you like, and you can have it whenever you want as well!"

For a genuine taste of real cafe culture, pop into Marleys today for the warmest welcome and some of the tastiest food in the area.

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Plenty of food for thought at King’s Lynn Foodbank It’s estimated that there are more than 14 million people living in poverty in the UK - and nearly five million of them are children. Alison Gifford visits a local service that offers a lifeline to people in crisis

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efore the financial crisis of 2008, the concept of foodbanks was virtually unknown in the UK. But the following years of austerity soon changed that. The Trussell Trust, which had been established in 1997 to improve conditions for children sleeping at the central railway station in Bulgaria, recognised the level of child poverty in Britain, and duly partnered with churches and organisations around the country who also wanted to respond to the pressing need they saw in their local communities.

Following its first foodbank in the garage and shed of a family home, the trust now operates a network of over 1,200 foodbanks (around two thirds of the UK’s total) and have helped over half a million people – and one of those is in the centre of King’s Lynn.

How our society helps people in need has changed over time, and almost every social problem that

KLmagazine March 2019

troubles the conscience of a community has been with us through history. Poverty, hunger, homelessness, the consequences of crime and epidemic disease – all are familiar topics of concern dealt with by charities and aid from the state. One form of this was the local workhouse system, which was explored in a recent issue of KL magazine by Dr. Paul Richards.

The workhouse may have gone, but people still fall into crisis. The modern difficulties of engaging with the benefit system for people with limited literacy, no computer access or transport means that the King’s Lynn foodbank has become an essential service.

I recently visited the foodbank (which is located in the historic heart of King’s Lynn) and spoke to manager Maarten Klem about the service and its volunteers – and the people who use it.

He’s keen to point out that foodbanks are an emergency resource which deal

with the symptoms of poverty – and not its causes. They’re an expression of the goodwill of organisations and people willing to step in at times of crisis to offer direct support to those in greatest need.

The people who visit the foodbank are referred by children’s centres, schools, the job centre, churches and other agencies who issue written vouchers for three days’ worth of food – which is carefully assembled to offer a varied diet and packed for individuals, couples or families.

The King’s Lynn service fed 4,406 people (including 1,554 children) in 2017/18, representing 12 people every day of the year – an increase of 16% from the previous year.

Donations come from collection points at local supermarkets and churches, associations such as the Women’s Institute and individuals.

Maarten is the only paid person on the team at King’s Lynn foodbank, and

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“The generosity of people in west Norfolk is absolutely amazing...” his tireless efforts are truly inspiring.

“Some people come to us in tears and are ashamed about accessing our service,” he says. “Many have been feeding their children but not themselves, and we’re here to help them through a short-term crisis with that absolute essential – food. The generosity of people in west Norfolk is absolutely amazing.”

The foodbank was busy, offering the opportunity to meet the people who’ve fallen through the benefits net and ended up in crisis.

People such as John, for example, who looked cold and lonely, who said his depression and anxiety had left him unable to budget his benefit money – and after paying his bills he’d had no money for food for several weeks.

John lives in a village and has to pay for a bus into King’s Lynn but said the foodbank was a lifeline. He hoped to be back on track soon as he has accommodation. He does have family nearby, but “didn’t want to impose” on them.

Another visitor was David, who ended up in the care system with a legacy of poor mental health. Despite his fragile emotional state, he has recently been told he is now expected to find work.

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His state allowance had stopped and his new benefit had not been paid. He does want to work, but his life has spiralled into depression. Asked how he would manage without the foodbank, his answer is a stark one.

“I would starve or I’d have to beg,” he says.

A bright and articulate young man, David wants a better future – but that remains elusive without more help.

And then there’s Sarah and her son Jack, who was really pleased with the bags of food for three days for her family of seven. Her husband had suddenly lost his job, and the family’s benefits were still being processed.

Sarah had been referred to the foodbank for short-term help to tide the family over and was remarkably cheerful despite her situation.

“I can feed my children,” she said.

“That’s all that really matters, and that’s why the foodbank is so important.”

ABOVE: Maarten Klem, the inspirational manager of King’s Lynn Foodbank

For information on opening times, to donate to the foodbank, or to volunteer to help it continue its vital work, please visit www.mydonate.bt.com/charities/ kingslynnfoodbank.

WHAT TO DONATE People often wonder about the best products to donate to the foodbank. At the moment, they are in particular need of tins (with pull rings) of meat and fish, soup, fruit and fresh vegetables, UHT milk, toilet rolls and nappies for toddlers – but financial donations are always welcome.

KLmagazine March 2019

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KLmagazine March 2019

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After Start your spring clean now - with your floors!

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

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t might seem like the year has only just begun, but Easter is already on the horizon – which means it’s time to focus on your spring cleaning, and there’s no better place to start than with your stone or wood floors.

You can use all the elbow grease you can, and you can buy any number of supermarket cleaning products (hoping they don’t damage the surface) – but there’s no better way of getting your floors ready for the spring than with the professional cleaning services of Martin King and his Swaffham-based team at Xtraclean.

“Natural stone and solid wood floors always look amazing when they're first laid, but there’s no way you can keep that ‘as new’ look forever,” says Martin.

“If your floors have been laid professionally they need expert care and an equally professional approach to cleaning – and that’s where we come in.”

For over 20 years, Martin and his team have been treating floors across Norfolk to the most advanced cleaning system in the UK. “People often have trouble cleaning grout lines in tiled floors,” says Martin, “but our powerful system and the products we use are perfectly safe and can bring heavily-soiled stone, wood and tiled floors back to life. And the best news of all is that we can usually do it in a single visit!”

Over the years, Xtraclean has built a strong reputation for a reliable, friendly and fully-insured service 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, Martin and his team will get to work (even moving the furniture for you!) breaking down ingrained dirt and loosening surface soiling. Xtraclean’s

state-of-the-art turbo ‘clean and capture’ system will then thoroughly pressure clean the floor using its own water supply and capturing all the waste in the process. Without using invasive procedures such as grinding and resurfacing (which can damage your floor) the results are spectacular.

“We can even 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. “The results have to be seen to be believed. Just ask our customers!”

To give your floors a brighter and cleaner look in time for spring, 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

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King’s Lynn in Europe: the past and the present PICTURES: Hanse House in King’s Lynn is the last surviving Hanseatic building in England, a priceless reminder of the town’s important trading past with European merchants

At the start of a particularly significant month in Britain’s relationship with the EU, Dr Paul Richards reflects on the time-honoured and future connections between King’s Lynn and Europe

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e’re more than familiar with the EU after the events of the last two years, but fewer people understand the development – and importance – of the Hanseatic League and its part in the history of King’s Lynn. Essentially, it was an urban German confederation of about 180 members and trading partners whose heyday was the 14th and 15th centuries. The mission was to advance the common economic and political interests of towns at the geographical crossroads of northern Europe, and to the cities themselves the alliance was known as the German

KLmagazine March 2019

Hanse – but only from the 1350s, when the first Congress (or Hansetag) was held in Lübeck.

Despite the fact that the majority of Hanseatic towns had little or nothing to do with England, the regional capitals did – particularly Lübeck, Hamburg, Bremen, Danzig and Cologne.

England’s principal east coast ports of London, Lynn, Boston, Hull and Ipswich were major trading partners of the Hanseatic League, and to promote the international trade (and wealth) of the nation, medieval English kings favoured its merchants.

Anglo-Hanseatic commercial intercourse gathered momentum in the

13th century and thrived until around 1550. Lynn was a chief destination for the German cargo ships called ‘cogges’ and Hanseatic merchants acquired local economic privileges – and even citizenship. The exceptional and arresting medieval-built environment of King’s Lynn today partly owes its existence to the wealth generated by trade with the Hanseatic League.

Herring, furs, timber, wax, pitch and rye were imported into England via Lynn in Hanseatic ships in return for cargoes of wool, salt, cloth and lead.

Lynn merchants sent cargo all the way to Prussia in Danzig cogges – and to Bergen in Lübeck ones. English-built 89

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PICTURES: Hans Holbein’s 1532 portrait of George Gisze (above) shows a typical Hanseatic merchant at work.

Although its influence spread across northern Europe, the Hanseatic League itself was based at The Oostershuis (left) in Antwerp

vessels were sailing around Denmark to the Baltic by the 1370s.

The character of Anglo-Hanseatic commerce changed as the expansion of the domestic cloth industry pressed English exports “inexorably eastwards,” and Lynn rapidly became more heavily dependent on the Prussian trade than any other English port.

A number of Lynn merchants and their associates seem to have settled in several Baltic seaports by the early 15th century, particularly in Danzig (now Gdansk) – and sizeable groups of German shoemakers and Dutch brewers were living in Lynn in 1430.

King’s Lynn joined the New Hanseatic League in 2005, and Hull, Boston and Ipswich have followed since – the organisation’s membership now comprises 192 towns across 16 European nations.

The development of the ‘New Hanse’ was largely due to the historic events in Europe after 1989, with the reunification of Germany and the fall of the Iron Curtain – combined with the EU membership of the Baltic States.

Cities in several Baltic and eastern European countries joined with a number of German and Dutch towns inspired to re-invent what’s seen as a shared and dynamic “Hanseatic Universe.”

Although all member towns possess a Hanseatic past and identity in varying degrees (a necessary qualification for membership), the New Hanse is not a direct descendant of the original German Hanse – a large number of these towns were trading partners and

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not actual members of the original confederation.

Since joining the New Hanse, King’s Lynn has fostered relations with other member towns across northern Europe through the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk. Current mayor Cllr Nick Daubney has played a forward role as England’s representative on the Hanseatic Commission, and the town has raised its profile significantly in other Hanseatic towns by its involvement at the annual Congress or Hansetag and other activities.

There’s an informal Hanseatic Club in King’s Lynn whose members enjoy occasional dinners and journeys to other towns in the New Hanse, and various business and tourism project groups in the New Hanse are at work to develop intercity links.

The port of King’s Lynn trades with other Hanseatic havens around the North Sea and the Baltic, though there is scope for more traffic. In 2017, Associated British Ports (ABP) built a new bulk warehouse at the port – and called it “Hanseatic Bulk Terminal”.

The Hanseatic tradition of King’s Lynn goes deeper than that, however. The town is the location of the only medieval Hanseatic trading post in England to have survived. Hanse House is a key destination for visitors from home and abroad interested in the Hanse, and the town should be able to attract more visitors from Hanseatic Europe and beyond – Japanese tourists for example, in search of Hanseatic Heritage.

At the moment it’s unclear how far the New Hanse can build stronger intercity partnerships to benefit its members. Further progress will depend on the political and commercial interests of the larger towns in the confederation.

People travelling into Lynn are welcomed by signs proudly declaring that they are entering a Hanseatic town, and the obvious (and very contemporary) question that poses is whether the past can help shape Europe’s future.

Time, as always, will tell.

To celebrate its past and present Hanseatic associations, King’s Lynn’s Hanse Festival 2019 will take place over the weekend of 11th and 12th May. Sunday is the main day of activities, and features a Hanseatic procession, a river regatta, and plenty of educational and enjoyable activities at the Hanse House.

For more details on the event please see www.kingslynnhansefestival.co.uk and for information on the New Hanse please visit the website www.hanse.org

KLmagazine March 2019

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The ideal home starts with the perfect floor...

With thousands of styles and hundreds of colours to choose from, Metric Carpets can help give your home the floor it deserves

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listair Allen has been fitting carpets from Metric Carpets in the centre of King's Lynn for over 30 years now, and there's no one better placed to advise you on the best way to choose the perfect floor.

"When you're planning a new kitchen or a new lounge or you’re having a complete renovation there's often a temptation to leave the floors to the last minute," he says, "but that's one of the worst things you can do. You'd be amazed how much impact your floors can have on the overall look of a room and how little they cost in comparison to the furniture and fixtures in the rest of the room!"

Whether you choose carpeting or luxury vinyl tiles, it’s essential to take your time in choosing the correct colour and design for your home and consider all the possibilities – which

may take you some time, as Metric Carpets has a selection of several thousand options to choose from.

"I always encourage people to spend as much time in the store as possible and I'm always happy to take samples to their homes," says Alistair. "You'll have to live with your floor for 30 years or more, so you need to be 100% sure of your choice - and that's where our experience comes in."

Whether you’re in the mood for a bold and colourful carpet or a softer colour to create a calm environment, Metric Carpets can supply the perfect look for your room – along with a variety of textures for additional interest. Together with a comprehensive selection of luxury vinyl tiles from some of the most prestigious names in the business, Metric Carpets can supply and fit virtually all floor finishes.

“We’ve always offered a free estimation and advice service and we’ll always help you with everything from preparation to installation,” says Alistair.

“All our fitters are employed by Metric Carpets, and they’re all fully qualified with the correct supplier certifications.

I don’t think you’ll find a better finish anywhere.”

Every member of Alistair’s team shares a belief in providing a service that matches the quality of the carpets and floors they supply – and often exceeds it.

If you need some inspiration for your home this spring, visit the Metric Carpets showroom in King’s Lynn and let Alistair and his unrivalled expertise help you select the ideal flooring to give your home the perfect finish for many years to come.

36 Norfolk Street, King's Lynn PE30 1AH | TEL: 01553 775203 Email: info@metriccarpets.co.uk | Web: www.metriccarpets.co.uk floors designed for life

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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

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10 reasons to choose your next car from Paragon Buying a used car or commerical vehicle has never been so enjoyable thanks to the professional team at Paragon Motor Company

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ith almost 300 years of combined experience in the motor trade, the team at Paragon Motor Company has spent the last two decades building a strong reputation for used cars of an exceptionally high standard across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.

“It’s partly because we offer such a huge variety of cars and commercial vehicles,” says Sales Manager Ben Collins, “but it’s also because we pay so much attention to our customers and make buying a car such an enjoyable experience.”

Here are just ten of the reasons why people come to Paragon for their vehicles - and why they come back when it’s time for a replacement:

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We're a family-owned and family-run business with one of the friendliest services you'll ever come across

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We have a long-standing policy of no hidden handling fees, so you'll always know exactly how much your new car will cost We insist on Experian and vehicle mileage checks on every single vehicle we sell We treat all our vehicles to a professional multi-point predelivery service We ensure that your car is thoroughly and professionally valeted so it's the best possible condition when you take delivery of it We offer Paragon’s own comprehensive 12 month's parts and labour guarantee on all our cars We make sure that all vehicles leaving us have a full 12 months' MOT where applicable

3 4 5

6 7

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We have access to 1,000s of vehicles from over 20 different brands via a trusted supply network

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We offer a wide choice of flexible finance options to suit your budget We support every car that leaves our forecourt with 12 months' RAC breakdown cover "Actually, there are plenty more reasons why people like to buy their cars from us," says Ben. "It doesn't matter if you're spending £3,000 or £30,000 or if the car's done 5,000 or 50,000 miles they're all treated to the same level of service, the same quality of finish and the same customerfriendly package. That's what really sets us apart."

Whether you’re looking for an Audi or a Vauxhall, a Land Rover or a Peugeot, a Kia or an LCV, look no further than Paragon Motor Company.

And if you can’t see the car you want, just ask – and we’ll source it for you.

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

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LEFT: Heather Bellamy, who desperatley hopes to receive funds for life saving treatment ABOVE: King’s Lynn Town Football Club wore t-shirts during a recent game at the Walks to support Heather and raised £570

How you can help a local life-saving campaign

Heather Bellamy is hoping to be able to travel to the USA in the next few months – but for the nurse and mother from west Norfolk it’s not what you’d expect, for this is a journey that could save her life

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est Norfolk nurse Heather Bellamy is hoping that a fundraising campaign will help raise enough money for her to receive the life-saving treatment she so desperately needs.

Heather, who has four children (the youngest is 12) and has spent most of her working life as a nurse in Downham Market, was diagnosed with leukemia four years ago, and initially received several rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants.

However, in the last four to six months, Heather’s cancer has mutated into relapsed stroke-refractory, late stage acute myeloid leukemia (AML), IDH2 mutation. This is a rare type of

KLmagazine March 2019

cancer, although around 2,600 in the UK die from it every year – and Heather’s only hope for a cure would require receiving the drug Idhifa, which is currently only available in the USA. The cost of that, however, is daunting – including travel, visas, medical care, accommodation and the drug itself, it amounts to £250,000.

“The drug has been developed in the USA and has a high success rate,” says Heather’s father, John Bellamy.

“Although some trials have been done in the UK, it isn’t available here at the moment.”

(AML) IDH2 mutation is a very complex disease. The breakthrough drug Idhifa gives patients like Heather real and tangible hope, but at the

moment that’s all she has – unless enough money is raised.

Heather and her family have been in contact with their local MP Elizabeth Truss to enlist her help, but John explains that although it’s likely the drug will eventually be licensed for use in the UK, the process could take up to 18 months – and Heather can’t wait that long. Her only immediate chance is to try to reach the USA for this lifesaving treatment.

So her friends and family have recently started a campaign to raise the necessary funds.

Auntie Heather’s Last Chance was launched at the beginning of the year

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PICTURES: King’s Lynn Town Football Club supporting Heather’s cause, and loving mother Heather with her family. BELOW: Heather in happier times

“Heather’s dearest wish is to see her four children through their life journey.”

name. To date it’s raised £23,000 but as that only represents 9.2% of the total, there’s a long way to go to reach the necessary amount.

Heather’s brother-in-law Matt Ryan is also very much involved in campaigning for Heather, and appreciates everything local people are doing to help.

“As you walk from shop to shop in Downham Market,” he says,”you’ll see

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fundraising posters in most of the windows.”

Staff at the surgery where Heather worked are planning quiz nights, Bingo evenings and charity waxing sessions, and the local Tesco store is helping with bucket collections and bag packing.

“A local restaurant has even offered a table for an eating challenge,” says Matt, “and a local chap who holds three world records for eating is doing his thing! A close friend of Heather’s has carried out three cake sales and raised close to £1500, which is absolutely amazing.”

King’s Lynn Town Football Club aslo offered their support with a football match in honour of Heather, which raised £570.

It’s not just a local effort either.

Coffee mornings to help the appeal are being held in various locations outside Norfolk – including one that’s 120 miles in Oxfordshire every Wednesday.

There’s nothing the family won’t do in order to get the message across that Heather needs as much funding as possible - and as quickly as possible.

Her father John has enlisted local and national media to spread the word, doing interviews with various news channels to raise awareness of this cruel illness – and a recent article in The Times resulted in donations of

£10,000 in a day.

“At the moment Heather is holding her own,” says John, “although she is permanently tired. She‘s just had another course of chemotherapy and is in hospital at the moment. But we just have to keep going for her.”

Heather’s dearest wish is to see her four children through their life journey.

Her partner Max is supporting her and the children at home, whilst continuing to work full time.

John is grateful for everything being done to help his daughter, from the smallest donation upwards.

“I want to thank the people of west Norfolk for offering all their time and help,” he says. “From clubs like the Lions to hundreds of individuals, so many people have been exceptionally generous. Everyone has been so kind.”

Asked how more people can help the appeal reach its target, his answer is simple.

“Please tell people about Heather and ask them to talk to their friends,” he says. “That will help more than anything.”

If you would like to help Heather receive this life-saving treatment, you can make a donation and find out more via www.gofundme.com/auntieheather039s-last-chance KLmagazine March 2019

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“When someone tells you they wouldn't know what to do without you, you know you're doing something right.”

- Catherine Fountain, Caregiver of the Year

PICTURE: Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk’s Caregiver of the Year Catherine Fountain (left) with the company’s West Norfolk Care Manager Laura McEwan (right)

What it takes to become Caregiver of the Year...

Celebrating the dedicated staff behind the completely personal and individual care services from Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk

I

t was a great start to the new year for Catherine Fountain recently, as she was presented with Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk's Caregiver of the Year Award for 2018. Founded in memory of the company's long-term caregiver Tracey Fox (who tragically passed away in her early 50s) the award recognises an outstanding contribution to Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk's mission to provide personalised and individual homecare for older people that's dignified, reliable and relationship-led.

"I can't believe I've won an award for simply doing my job!" says Catherine.

"I've been with Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk for about five years now and although every day is completely different, every day is hugely rewarding. Until you actually do it, you can't understand what a difference our services can make to people's lives."

From simple companionship to home help and specialist dementia care, Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk

KING’S LYNN 01553 387967 www.homeinstead.co.uk/westnorfolk

KLmagazine March 2019

helps elderly and vulnerable people live happily in their own homes, making their everyday experiences as stressfree and enjoyable as possible.

Ranging from help with grocery shopping to accompanied trips to the theatre and cinema, it's something we generally take for granted unless it directly affects us - or those closest to us. But by carefully matching caregivers to clients on an individual basis (and insisting on one-hour minimum visits) Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk offers care on a completely personal and long-lasting basis.

"All our caregivers are fantastic because they suit a certain type of personality and are matched accordingly," says Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk's West Norfolk Care Manager Laura McEwan. "The most amazing thing about Catherine is that we can match her with anyone. Her motivation is fantastic and we've had so much positive feedback on her work from clients and their families. She fully deserves this award in recognition of

her work."

Catherine herself, however, refuses to believe she does anything different than any other member of Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk's caregiving team.

"When someone tells you they wouldn't know what to do without you, you know you're doing something right," says Catherine. "Being named Caregiver of the Year is lovely, but I think it's important to remember that all of us here give that level of care every single day of the year."

If you'd like more information and details on the many different 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

DEREHAM 01362 357974

www.homeinstead.co.uk/northnorfolk

www.homeinstead.co.uk/midnorfolk

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KLmagazine March 2019

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Start your building project the right way – the 4 Way! More and more local builders are choosing air source heating from the 4 Way Group for their self-build projects – and it’s easy to see why

I

t’s that time of year when the majority of self-build projects start getting off the ground, which means it’s the perfect time to contact the 4 Way Group about air source heating – especially because the best way of getting the maximum benefits from the latest technology is to get it right from the start.

Starting with your architect’s drawings and plans, the 4 Way Group can design, install and commission a system that makes the most of your layout, maximises performance, meets all current building regulations and legislation, and offers considerable savings on future fuel costs.

“Air source heating ticks so many

boxes for local self-builders, and it’s easy to understand why,” says director Steve Simpson. “When you’re trying to choose a heating system you’ll have to think about SAP ratings, financial implications, high quality products, professional installation standards and future running costs – and that can be a bit of a nightmare. The good news is that we can take all that worry and stress away from you – our air source heating systems more than meet all of those needs and tick all of those boxes.”

There’s a good reason why the 4 Way Group is the first choice for local and self builders. Air source heat pumps are up to 50% more cost-effective to run than traditional heating systems, capable of outputting more than three times as

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much heat energy as the electricity they take to run.

Air source heating fulfills today’s increasing demands for energy efficiencies and offers a renewable heating alternative that enables you to future-proof your project.

And don’t forget that contacting the 4 Way Group at the earliest stages of your project will help you integrate air source heating with underfloor heating and PV panels for an even more comfortable, controllable, and energyeffective hot water and heating system.

With a proven 10-year track record of successful (and award-winning) projects for local self-builders all over Norfolk, the right way to take advantage of all the benefits air source heating offers is definitely with the 4 Way Group – contact us now for a free initial consultation.

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KLmagazine March 2019

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It’s a dog’s life – and it couldn’t be a better one

LEFT: Wendy Cox who believes a visit from a dog can enhance someone’s life ABOVE: Wendy and her dog Hattie with Frank in a local care home

Throughout England and Wales, many dog owners are bringing joy and reassurance into the lives of the elderly and the vulnerable.

KL magazine looks at the inspirational work of Canine Concern...

T

o many people their dog is their most precious possession – and to be taken away from it is their greatest loss. The late Eve Waring of Somerset (and great dog lover herself) understood this all too well, and in 1988 she set out to bring dogs back into the lives of the elderly and lonely, the healthy or poorly, with regular visits by dog-loving volunteers.

Eve founded Canine Concern, a group that now has many pet owner volunteers throughout England and Wales, each of whom give a few hours of their time to reach out (with the help of their dogs) to the vulnerable.

They visit care homes, hospitals and

KLmagazine March 2019

hospices where the mood of the room is immediately lightened by the arrival of a canine visitor. Barriers are broken down, hands are outstretched to stroke and pat, and where there was silence the room becomes animated with laughter and conversation.

The dog's reward is simple enjoyment of the cuddles – and a treat or two.

Retired teacher Wendy Cox of King's Lynn joined Canine Concern 11 years ago, and with her Golden Retrievers Phoebe and Hattie she makes visits to a care home and sheltered accommodation.

As Wendy chats about the work of the charity she demonstrates the fitting of the smart blue coats the dogs wear.

“As soon as they have their coats on they’re in work mode,” she says.

Assist Dogs are employed in many walks of life, and Canine Concern volunteers are currently visiting hospitals, care homes, hospices, universities, County Courts and prisons to share (for a short time at least) their own joy in canine companionship.

In February 2018 Canine Concern became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation but, as its founder saw it, its aim is to remain a friendly support group who reach out to people through their dogs. It has no wish to become over-expanded.

A particular philosophy of Eve Waring was that in the education of children in

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“Research has shown that the act of stroking dogs can be a calming factor reducing stress, blood pressure and anxiety.” the care of dogs, we might go a long way to preventing the proliferation of unwanted dogs and some associated behavioural problems.

As well as giving talks and demonstrations to Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts, Canine Concern volunteers are being invited into schools and libraries to talk about dog care.

As part of the Kennel Club's ‘Bark and Read’ scheme, Canine Concern volunteers now take their dogs into schools as reading support. The children get to know the dogs, and by stroking them their stress levels are lowered. This works very well with students who may have experienced tension when reading aloud in a classroom. By reading to a dog they relax and focus on what they’re reading.

The exercise becomes associated with something pleasant and they gain confidence.

Some children will show pictures to the dog whilst explaining what they 102

ABOVE: Founder of Canine Concern, Eve Waring in 1989 (left) and in 1999 (right)

are – and instances have been recorded where a child may well tell a dog about problems they’re having at home or in class. After all, they know they will not be judged.

One step on from schools, dogs can now be seen visiting universities.

Research has shown that the act of stroking dogs can be a calming factor reducing stress, blood pressure and anxiety – and a scheme has been piloted in Oxford Lincoln College where simply having a dog around for a short spell helps anxious students to relax and return to their studies smiling.

Of course, not all people are comfortable around dogs. Some may have had a bad experience in the past or simply not had the opportunity to meet them in the right environment.

A better understanding is often all that’s needed to break down this anxiety.

Some places have been a dog-free zone for many years and it’s taken patience and understanding to convince them of the benefits a behavioural-assessed dog adds to the wellbeing of people deprived of the buoyancy that a dog brings to a room.

In her capacity as a Canine Concern co-ordinator/assesor, Wendy says “All dogs are fully assessed as to their suitability to visit establishments. This is done by observing the dog and owner in different environments to confirm their suitability. Beginning in a safe outside area, we move on to a quiet enclosed space and then finally to an environment similar to where they’ll be visiting. The idea is to assess the dog's limits. If at any stage it’s considered inadvisable to continue, the assessment will be stopped.”

Canine Concern likes to tackle areas where volunteers, together with their

canine companions, can bring understanding to those who have never known the affection and trust that exists between dog and human.

Whilst to others who, through no fault of their own, find themselves deprived of this affection, the joy experienced in a volunteer's visit is immeasurable.

For more information about Canine Concern, or to volunteer go to the website: www.canineconcern.co.uk or call 01323 760258.

KLmagazine March 2019

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West Norfolk: Then & Now

REMEMBERING THE DAYS OF THE SHAMBLES...

Many thanks to True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum in King’s Lynn for this fascinating photograph of the town’s Minster – taken when it was called The

Priory and Parish Church of St Margaret. The most obvious difference is the large structure adjoining the church. Finally demolished in 1914, it was known as The Shambles, and while a meat market took place downstairs the upper floor was a grammar school.

The famous linguist and infamous murderer Eugene Arram taught there,

and his skull is now preserved in King's Lynn museum.

Underground passages associated with the building were allegedly used during the Second World War as air raid shelters, although that’s still a matter of dispute. We’ll be taking another look at the changing face of west Norfolk next month.

If you’re interested in seeing more of how our area has changed visit www.truesyard.co.uk 104

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From historic finds to modern extensions...

Whether you’re planning to renovate a listed building or are starting a complete new build, RGR Developments are all you need to know

T

he sheer scope of the work of RGR Developments is astonishing - ranging from new builds to listed buildings, but as Ryan Rix and Gary New will tell you, it's always best to be prepared.

"We were recently asked to renovate and re-fit a shop in the centre of King's Lynn, but it was a bigger job than we imagined," says Ryan. "We eventually had to pull down the ceilings and strip back the walls - and that was when we came across something we hadn't expected."

It wasn't the usual problem that plagues the lives of builders, however.

Ryan and Gary had uncovered one of the oldest pieces of newspaper ever found in King's Lynn - a discovery that attracted a huge amount of attention and made the front pages of the local media.

"We're more used to rectifying

plumbing or reinstating badly-laid floors, so it was a bit of surprise to find something so many people found so interesting," says Gary. "This little bit of the past is now safely conserved and preserved behind a new wall - and the finished project looks great too!"

Over the past few years, RGR Developments have built a formidable reputation for work of an exceptionally high standard completed efficiently, on time, and on budget - and it's an approach the team brings to every single project.

It comes as no surprise that Ryan and Gary are now looking to expand the business in order to cope with the demand for their services.

"No one likes having the builders in, but it sometimes feels as though people can't get enough of us!" says Ryan, as he adds the finishing touches to a new bathroom. "We came to this customer a while ago to transform a car port into an extension - and they

were so impressed with our work that we're now back renovating their bathroom!"

Whether your next building project entails a simple extension or a complete build, the team at RGR Developments will ensure your dreams live up to your plans - however grand the design is.

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KLmagazine March 2019

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ABOVE: For over 60 years, the King’s Lynn Male Voice Choir has been entertaining audiences with an eclectic blend of religious and secular music – and is now looking for more voices to join one of the most popular choirs in Norfolk 106

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In tune with the King’s Lynn Male Voice Choir

For over 60 years, the King’s Lynn Male Voice Choir has been entertaining local audiences with an eclectic mix of religious and secular music – and it’s now on the search for new singers to join

W

e’re all aware of how important exercise is for our health and wellbeing, but there are many forms of exercise – and many have nothing to do with running, walking or swimming.

Singing is an excellent way to keep the body and brain active, and it has the additional advantage of being a group activity, which only adds to the enjoyment.

King’s Lynn Male Voice Choir is one of several local choirs in west Norfolk, and has been going since 1957 when it was formed by the choristers of St Margaret’s Church and St Nicholas’ Chapel. One of the original members is

KLmagazine March 2019

still part of the choir, but like many others across the country, King’s Lynn Male Voice Choir is now looking to bolster its numbers with more members.

One of the choir’s newest members is its Musical Director Michael Hankinson, who was invited by founder member and President Brian Chase to join two years ago, just before a Christmas Concert in the Town Hall.

Never having been involved with a male choir before, Michael was more than happy to help out, as his background and career has always been in music – although mostly in the form of composing and conducting.

“I originally came as a stop gap when

the choir’s last Musical Director left,” he says, “and although I love it, I feel it would be nice if they had a somewhat younger person in the position! It would be a wonderful opportunity for a young musician to come in and learn the trade.”

Michael is a great advocate of the joy of singing, and is keen to emphasise its many benefits – from helping to improve lung function, to increasing self-esteem and reducing stress.

Singing can also be an essential weapon in anti-ageing, as the physical action of taking in oxygen while breathing uses major muscle groups in the upper body and promotes the longevity of tissues in the body.

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Of course, producing a beautiful sound to entertain and delight an enthusiastic audience only adds to the overall feel-good factor.

As this is a male voice choir, Michael explains the format of the choir made up solely of male performers: “Our repertoire has been specially arranged for a combination of two tenor lines and two bass lines,” he says, “as a mixed-sex choir would be made up of soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices. There’s a great history of male voice choirs in this country - you only have to think of Welsh male voice choirs to realise its importance.”

The choir rehearses every Wednesday evening at Springwood High School, and performs a variety of concerts throughout the year.

“We put on a number of formal concerts during the year such as our very successful Christmas carol concerts in King’s Lynn Minster,” says Michael, “but we’ve also shared many events with other groups including the Marham Military Wives. We perform charity events to raise money for things such as church repairs – and we do commercial events such as singing Christmas carols in Dobbies.”

Concerts for 2019 are already planned, and as usual will feature a wide range of styles and repertoire. The choir’s first event will be held in St Nicholas’ Chapel in King’s Lynn on 28th March and is entitled ‘Songs of Praise.’

Including some traditional Welsh

108

“I’d do reggae or hip hop or anything else to get people involved...” songs, some audience participation and a young female soloist, the concert will also feature King’s Lynn Minster’s organist Adrian Richards - and pianist Anne Greeves, the choir’s regular (and long-serving) accompanist.

The concert will be followed by a special ‘Music from Stage and Screen’ performance in June, and the popular Christmas carol concert in December.

The choir also has a number of more relaxed events planned for later in the year.

As the conductor, Michael works with Anne to plan the programme for the year ahead, and they try to bring together a variety of modern and traditional repertoire. In fact, Michael believes in trying anything to get people interested and make the experience more fun.

“I’d do reggae or hip hop or anything else to get people involved!” he says.

“We want people to enjoy the music. I like things to be relaxed and sociable,

but I also like to enjoy myself – and will often chat to the audience in between pieces. I try to adjust the music so it isn’t too high for the tenors for example, and I’ll also reduce the number of parts to make it sound better.”

The choir has been entertaining local audiences for many years, but there is an ongoing recruitment drive to try to bring in more members. With a current membership of 22 singers, they’re looking for new people to come in and swell the ranks.

If you feel you would like to join King’s Lynn Male Voice Choir, can hold a tune and enjoy singing (and you’re male!), the choir would be very happy to welcome you to a rehearsal on a Wednesday evening – or you can find full contact details on the website at www.klmvc.org.uk.

KLmagazine March 2019

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KLmagazine March 2019

The story of Norfolk’s best - loved painter...

PICTURES: IMAGE COPYRIGHT THE ESTATE OF EDWARD SEAGO, COURTESY OF NORWICH CASTLE MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

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Norwich-born Edward Seago won an award from the Royal Drawing Society when he was only 14 years old - and went on to become one of the country’s most prolific, respected and acclaimed artists

I

may not have a long life, but if it's to be a short one, I have decided that it shall be a full one.” Such were the words of one of East Anglia's most prolific artists proving that he had at last come to terms with the illness that had overshadowed his life from an early age.

Edward Seago was born on 31st March 1910 at 13 Christchurch Road, Norwich - and became one of Britain's most sought-after artists despite suffering a debilitating heart condition that often took him to his bed for days at a time.

KLmagazine March 2019

From the age of four he became used to dabbling with a brush and watercolour at his mother Mabel's side as she worked on her own watercolours. He studied under Sir John Arnesby Brown, and was guided in landscape painting by Bertram Priestman until (at the age of 10) he decided he wanted to be an artist.

Following the advice of the doctor, the family moved to Brooke Lodge, just five miles away from the Swainsthorpe home of the acclaimed artist Alfred Munnings. Brooke Lodge was regularly visited by Munnings to paint the horses.

During their first summer at Brooke,

the young Seago suffered heart attacks on a more regular basis - forcing him to take long rests on his wicker lounger in the garden. He began capturing the changing cloud formations in his sketches, and developed an exceptional talent for retaining detail in his head.

He demonstrated a unique knack of being at ease in a wide and varied circle, and his work displays the same spontaneity. As a young artist, Seago became fascinated by the circus and the lives of travellers - even working and accompanying them on their travels. He also enjoyed the ballet and stage, as described in his book ‘Tribute 111

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to Ballet’ which was published in 1938.

Landscape painting was always his first love, however, and at a presentation to King George VI in 1937 he published ‘The Country Scene,’ including poems by John Masefield.

Seago joined the Army as a camouflage officer in 1944 until, unable to conceal his heart condition, he was invalided out and invited by Field Marshall Alexander to become an unofficial war artist and paint the Italian Campaign.

Edward’s dream had always been to own a boat. Capricorn, his Grimsbybuilt 30-ton auxiliary ketch became a floating studio in which he traversed not only the rivers of East Anglia but across the channel to Europe and beyond.

Eventually feeling the desire to put down roots, he bought a small Dutchstyle house in Ludham where he could moor Capricorn on the banks of the river.

Edward enjoyed many male and female friendships, but (possibly due to his mother’s dominance during his early years) never formed a permanent relationship with a woman. His most loyal friend and companion in the latter years of his life was Peter Seymour.

Throughout his life, Seago

112

demonstrated feelings of insecurity, forever seeking reassurance and encouragement. His first important patron was Lady Evelyn Jones (daughter of the 4th Earl Grey) and she went a long way to remedying this Seago becoming enraptured by the sophisticated dinner table conversation of her circle. This became an important phase in his life.

He enjoyed the patronage of many of the Royal Family. In 1948 he painted a portrait of the Queen Mother destined for the RAF College at Cranwell as a companion portrait to that of the King and in 1953, he became the official artist of the coronation.

During a visit to the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, the Duke of Edinburgh's attention was attracted to two of Seago's portraits and he was subsequently invited to join the Royal Yacht's expedition to Antartica where Seago painted from Britannia's deck alongside Prince Philip.

His exhibition of war paintings in the Colnaghi Gallery was among the first for which people queued. However, despite showing in the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition, he was never elected to the Royal Academy and his work was never bought for any national collection.

Despite a multitude of good reviews, this raised personal doubts and his insecurities were rekindled. Adding to this was the assumption in some quarters that in cultivating such an auspicious circle of friends Seago had divorced himself from his Norfolk roots.

Thereafter he showed reluctance to being described as a 'Norfolk' artist, falsely concluding that few people in Norfolk liked his paintings.

In 1968, he sold Capricorn and bought a studio in Sardinia. Five years later he suffered a brain tumour and was flown back home by private jet, passing away on 19th January 1974 and upon his final instructions, onethird of his paintings were destroyed.

It was left to his loyal friend Peter Seymour to scatter the ashes of the man he so admired. And where better than the place described by Seago as "the landscape that sets his mind free."

The Portland Gallery in London exclusively represents the Estate of Edward Seago, and are currently planning for their next exhibition in Spring 2020. Please get in touch if you have works you would consider selling or lending to the exhibition. Call us on: 020 7493 1888.

KLmagazine March 2019

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Michael Middleton’s

WildWestNorfolk

I

was visting one of our more popular tourist attractions recently, and other than saying it belonged to the largest membership organisation in the UK and one of its largest landowners, I'm not going to identify it any further.

For some considerable time I read (and then re-read) the rather prominent information board at the entrance, which praised the beauty of the site "with it's wide expanse of golden sands" and offered me the opportunity to "get lost in it’s tranquil calm."

Tranquil I wasn't. I wasn't particlarly calm either - but then I shouldn't have been all that surprised.

Not so long ago, I visited a wellknown supermarket and walked under a sign reading 'Kids Toys.' What’s worse, it was located near some other signs reading 'Mens' and 'Womens' – leaving me to wonder whether I’d stumbled across the Get-One-Wrong-Get-TwoWrong-Free department.

If you think I'm making a mountain out of a grammatical molehill, try writing an application letter that starts "Id love to work for youre store because it sell's a huge range of products and I love it's frequent sale’s..." and see where that gets you.

It's a little unfair on one of our most traditional businesses that this habit of abusing a certain punctuation mark has been christened Greengrocer's Apostrophe, because I've lost count of the times I've seen signs for "fresh cockle's," advertisements for "new seasons fashions," and leaflets detailing “service at it's best."

For the last two years at least, a certain cafe on the Norfolk coast has been telling passers-by that it sells pie's, pasty's, sandwich's and cakes. All 114

accompanied by a side order of free punctuation marks obviously.

Walk down the high street and it's easy to see why so many people find this whole thing confusing. Boots was established in 1849 by John Boot - so by rights it should be called Boot's. It's his store after all - and it doesn't sell many items of footwear either.

Waterstones should have an apostrophe as well, since it was founded in 1982 by Tim Waterstone, and it did for 30 years until it was dropped to offer "a more versatile and practical spelling."

Similarly, (and I know I’m getting a bit OCD here) Sainsbury's should technically be Sainsburys' because it was originally founded by a couple of them (John and Mary) – and the store everybody calls Marks & Spencer's is actually Marks & Spencer. Just look at the sign above the door. It's never had an apostrophe, and even if it did it would need two - and would be called Marks' & Spencer's.

People seem to have started using apostophes like some form of arbitrary calligraphic decoration - thinking one or two are probably required somewhere in a sentence and they look reasonably correct when placed vaguely near anything resembling an ‘s.’

But as far as the apostrophe is concerned, it's not particularly difficult for us to help restore its reputation (see what I did there?)

My schoolteacher told me many years ago to think of the apostrophe as a little gravestone for a missing letter (she had an odd way of seeing things).

Since then I've [I have] always recommended that idea to people who don't [do not] or can't [can not] use apostrophes correctly.

If something belongs to someone or something, you'll generally need an apostrophe to indicate that. If you consider all the above to be a lot of fuss about nothing, then it's Michael's fuss about nothing. If you're talking about various people's opinions of Brexit, those opinions will be hers, ours, yours and theirs - or its if it's an organisation like the Bank of England.

It goes without saying that some people think apostrophes don't make any difference at all and they couldn’t care less about them.

An acclaimed rock musician (I won’t name them) once said that no one had ever released a good album with an apostrophe in the title. Which only goes to show how much acclaimed rock musicians know about anything, since The Beatles' 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is regularly voted the best album ever released.

Some people are slightly more radical, and there’s even a website called www.killtheapostrophe.com, whose aims are (apart from the obvious) based on the idea that the apostrophe totally baffles people who don’t know how to use it - which in turn totally infuriates those people who do know how to use it.

This morning I walked past a store offering "Professional Sign's and Lettering" and just after lunchtime drove behind a van that promised “car servicing at it’s best.”

Thanks to 16th century printers from Italy and France, we’ve had our apostrophes for about 500 years now.

I think it’s about time we paid them some respect - but since many people will disagree with me maybe we should have a referendum on the matter.

On second thoughts, maybe not.

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The A-Class. Just like you.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class features an interior that redeones the concept of modern luxury in the compact class. Demonstrated by MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) the touch-screen control, an innovative voice control system and augmented reality navigation revolutionises the way drivers can interact with the A-Class as your car learns who you are and intuitively updates your preferences.

Representative example

As standard, the 7.0-inch dual wide-screen cockpit displays driver related information to the instrument cluster along with navigation and entertainment information to the touch-screen to allow for a more immersive driving experience.

Total amount payable††

£29,935.45

Option to purchase fee

£10

A 180d SE 48 monthly payments of*(Term of agreement)

£269

On-the-road price

£26,025

Customer deposit

£4,440.73

Retailer deposit contribution

£1,807.73

Optional onal payment†

£10,225 £19,776.55

Total amount of credit

†

Representative APR

5.7%

Fixed interest rate

5.5%

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the A-Class Hatchback combined 33.6(8.4)-61.4(4.6).

CO2 emissions* from 169-107 g/km.

The indicated values were determined according to the prescribed measurement method – Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures shown may include options which are not available in the UK. *CO2 figures have been converted into NEDC-equivalent values for use with the current VED and BIK tax legislation. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare with other cars tested to the same technical procedures.

Figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, factory fitted options, accessories fitted (post registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Further information about the test used to establish fuel consumption and CO2 figures can be found at www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/WLTP * *Please refer to WLTP Figures Spreadsheet for relevant figures. Whilst this offer is only available through Mercedes-Benz Finance, we do arrange finance behalf of other finance companies as well. Model featured is a Mercedes-Benz A 180d SE at £26,025 on-the-road (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, fist registration fee and fuel).

Specification imagery may show optional features. Content relating to finance is promoted by Mercedes- Benz Finance. Your Retailer may offer finance on behalf of other companies. *Finance offer based on an A 180 d SE on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement, on 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges apply. †Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. ††Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and Retailer deposit contribution. Orders/credit approvals on selected A-Class models, between 1 January and 31 March 2019, registered by 30 June 2019. Guarantees may be required. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Finance, MK15 8BA. Prices, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions correct at time of production.

Mercedes-Benz of King's Lynn

Beveridge Way, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4NB 01553 335 250

www.group1auto.co.uk/mercedes-benz

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