KL Magazine March 2011

ISSN 2044–7965

NEW!

ISSUE 6 MARCH 2011 FREE

magazine

LOCAL LIFE

OUT AND ABOUT IN HUNSTANTON! LOCAL HOMES

An exclusive look around Appleton Tower!

LOCAL PEOPLE

We interview local crime novelist Elly Griffiths!

LOCAL SPORT

Meet Nick Good – the 150mph man!

LIFESTYLE

FOOD

FASHION

EVENTS

LOCAL LIFE

editorial 01553 601201

editor@klmagazine.co.uk Eric Secker Charlotte Thorneycroft Ann Weaver Alex Dallas Christine Glass David Learner Karen Reeves Michael Middleton Richard Parr Ian Ward Graham Murray

advertising 01553 601201 sales@klmagazine.co.uk Grant Murray Laura Dunn Becky Drew KL magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and KL magazine takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

If you’d like to order prints of any photograph featured in KL magazine, contact us at the address below. Please note this applies only to images taken by our own photographers.

Welcome!

T

hanks go to J Maxted of Fakenham, whose dramatic picture of Hunstanton’s famous cliffs gets this month’s issue off to a great start. An appropriate start as well, as we’re taking a close look at Hunstanton in this issue – from the people who help keep the town looking so good (see page 26) to how the town used to look (page 19).

Hopefully this month’s KL magazine will inspire you to visit some of the other great locations our area is blessed with – see pages 12-14 for starters.

And whether you like feeding the birds in your garden (page 30), watching extremely fast cars in action (page 60), or getting your teeth into a gripping crime novel (page 58), you’ll find plenty to suit your tastes in the following pages.

Finally, it can’t have escaped your attention that there’s a certain major Royal event on the horizon. It certainly won’t have missed the radar of the remarkable local lady featured on page 54 – she’s been watching the Royals for over 60 years, and now she even gets recognised by the Queen!

Enjoy the magazine!

THE KL TEAM

Contact us at KL magazine, 37 Broad Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1DP TEL: 01553 601201 E-MAIL: features@klmagazine.co.uk KLmagazine March 2011

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It’s heaven for horses!

For all riders and horse owners in West Norfolk, Nags Essentials has everything you could need Famous names, – and a lot more besides! top qu

We’re now open on Sunday!

ality, great prices!

NEW!

Bring in your old tack, rugs and clothing – and we’ll sell it for you!

New for 2011!

We now stock Rands & Wilson feed – ask for full details and current prices!

We have special offers and sales all year round – keep checking!

Don’t forget to ask about the Nags Essentials loyalty card!

NEW SPRING STOCK NOW IN STORE!

Unit 17B, The Maltings, Narborough, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1TE Tel: 01760 444281

www.nagsessentials.co.uk

The carpet showroom that comes to your door!

Choose from the finest choice of carpets in West Norfolk in the comfort of your home!

F

or almost 40 years, Lynn Carpet Centre has been supplying homes and businesses across Norfolk with quality flooring from a selection of well-known manufacturers. A family-run company, we offer a comprehensive range of carpets to suit every home and every budget – and our home-choice service means we can bring a massive choice of carpet tiles, wood laminate flooring, safety flooring and vinyl floor coverings direct to your home. With a friendly, professional and competitive service, we’ve got the carpet you’re looking for – at the price you’re dreaming of.

Lynn Carpet et Centre Aatbea ttbeerttercarpprice!

58 Bergen Way, North Lynn Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn, Norfolk Tel: 01553 773938 E-mail: info@lynncarpetcentre.co.uk 4

KLmagazine March 2011

Contents

March 2011

22

local life 7-11

WHAT’S ON Forthcoming events in West Norfolk

12

HIDDEN GEMS OF WEST NORFOLK A pick of must-see sights and places

22

HOMES A look inside the stunning Appleton Tower

26

GARDENING The couple who keep Hunstanton green!

30-33 LOCAL WILDLIFE How to care for our feathered friends

58 42

34-41 FOOD & DRINK Recipes, reviews and recommendations

local people 16

THE BIG INTERVIEW KL magazine talks to Richard Shaw

50

LOCAL HISTORY The adventures of Samuel Cresswell

54

ROYAL WATCHING A local lady’s amazing 60 years collecting

58

ARTS PROFILE A profile of local crime writer Elly Griffiths

60-63 SPORT In the (very) fast lane with Nick Good

kl regulars 42-45 EXPLORER KL magazine takes a look at Hunstanton 46

HEALTH & BEAUTY From make-up and hair to footcare

49

PETS Help and advice with local vet Alex Dallas

66

WILD WEST NORFOLK Michael Middleton’s lighter view of things

KLmagazine March 2011

12 60

5

MARCH

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00

Tues 1 - Wed 2 Mar RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY Leading contemporary dance company £5.50 - £18.50 Fri 4 - Sat 5 Mar JETHRO Legendary Cornish comedian adults only £5.50 - £18.50 Sun 6 Mar THE STORYTELLER Heather Millan School of Dance & Performing Arts £5.50 - £15 Mon 7 Mar PAUL CARRACK Marvellously soulful singer £6.50 - £27.50 Tues 8 Mar LENNY HENRY Cradle to Rave: A Musical Journey Brand new one man show £5.50 - £24.50

Sun 13 Mar THAT'LL BE THE DAY 25th anniversary show £5.50 - £22 Tues 15 - Sat 19 Mar AVENUE Q Mischievous, politically incorrect, award-winning musical £6.50 - £29.50 Tues 22 - Sat 26 Mar Matthew Bourne's CINDERELLA Magical new version of ballet OUT SOLDfavourite £6.50 - £34 Sun 27 Mar NORFOLK SCHOOLS PROJECT 3 Norwich schools perform their own version of a Puccini opera Free Mon 28 Mar - Fri 1 Apr HORRIBLE HISTORIES The Awful Egyptians and The Ruthless Romans £5.50 - £15

Wed 9 - Sat 12 Mar GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM Oliver Ford Davies stars in adaptation of heartwarming WWII story £5.50 - £16.50

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk 6

KLmagazine March 2011

WHAT’S ON

PICTURE: BBC

March 11

3 HUMAN PLANET LECTURE Guildhall of St George King’s Lynn (7.30pm) The current BBC1 series Human Planet is the subject of the next Royal Geographical Society lecture in association with King’s Lynn Festival. Series producer Dale Templar (above) reveals the stories behind the making of the remarkable production which is being shown on Thursday evenings.

Tickets £12 (£11 concessions), RGS members £8 from the Corn Exchange box office on 01553 764864

WINE TASTING EVENING: BATTLE OF THE AMERICAS Bradley’s, King’s Lynn (7pm) Bradley’s ever-popular wine tasting evenings return with a transatlantic battle of tastes between four wines from the USA and four from South America – together with some fantastic food. A great opportunity to learn more about wine – in the best possible way! Cost £29.50 includes dinner and all wine samples. For more details and to book your place, contact 01553 819888

selected by Charlotte Thorneycroft

19–20

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR Peckover House, Wisbech Come and have a special look around some of the rooms in this magnificent house that aren’t usually open to visitors.

Note that the tour involves several flights of stairs and there is a charge of £2.75 on top of the regular admission price.

Call 01945 583463 for further details.

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LINOCUT PRINTING COURSE The Hare and the Hen, Dalegate Market (10am-3pm) One-day craft course by Amanda Colville. Learn how to produce a linocut print from start to finish using tools to create your own lino block. £45 per person including all tools and material as well as lunch at the Deepdale Cafe. Call 01485 541748 (evenings) for details

March into Spring with the Wish!

25% beauty discount throughout the month of March on all the following:

!Dermalogica Facials

4 THE HAVEN OF LYNN OVER NINE CENTURIES Trues Yard Museum, King’s Lynn (1pm) Part of the weekly lunchtime talks programme in association with the True’s Yard Research Centre, this free talk will be taken by guest speaker Susan Maddock of the Norfolk Record Office. Although the event is free, admission is by ticket only – available from True’s Yard by contacting 01553 770479.

11–13 FICTION FESTIVAL 2011 Town Hall, King’s Lynn Running annually since 1984 to promote new and established authors from across the globe, the Festival has something for everyone who enjoys reading.

Sessions last for 90 minutes, with an interval for refreshments and a perusal of the bookstall, where festival authors will be happy to chat and sign copies of their books.

If you’ve got an event to publicise, send the details to features@klmagazine.co.uk KLmagazine March 2011

!Dermalogica body treatments !OPI Manicures and Pedicures !St Tropez tanning Offer available from Monday to Saturday until the end of March. For an appointment call now on 01553 769891 or pop in to see us.

The Wish, 83 Lynn Road, Gaywood, King’s Lynn PE30 4PR

Telephone: 01553 769891 7

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Looks fantastic!

Derma Vida offers a range of local cosmetic treatments with a caring touch...

W

ould you like Harley Street service without the London price tag?

That’s exactly what Derma Vida based at the Gayton Road Medical Centre are offering. The medical centre has been established locally for over 30 years, and Derma Vida was set up seven years ago to provide the best service in a wide variety of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the best possible setting. All of the treatments are performed by specialists in the field of aesthetics, under the supervision of a doctor.

Dr Leena Deol who is a GP at the medical centre explains the

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benefit of this superior service: “Treatments can involve needles, lasers and chemicals, all of which if used by untrained professionals may harm the patient,” she says.

“As a doctor, I have a duty of care to provide my clients at Derma Vida with a thorough consultation before deciding on treatment, to make sure it’s right for them.

“For me, care continues after the procedure too – my clients are able to get in touch with me at any time in case there are concerns about the treatment. It’s all part of the service at no extra cost because we believe that’s what

our customers deserve, and we’re proud to say we have a very loyal customer base.”

Treatments offered include laser hair reduction, acne and rosacea treatments, anti-aging, facial tightening, Botox, fillers and thread vein removal.

The list continues to expand as the new products come onto the market and most recently added is the Derma Roller.

This innovative procedure visibly improves the texture of the face and is perfect for reducing fine lines, acne, pigmentation and skin problem areas.

For cosmetic treatments that work, from a local company you can trust, call Derma Vida and book your consultation today.

?

Details

DERMA VIDA Gayton Road Health and Surgical Centre, King’s Lynn T: 01553 696886 E: info@dermavida.co.uk W: www.dermavida.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2011

WHAT’S ON

Happy s ’ r e h t o M Day!

!

Don’t forget April 3rd

Three Seasons Concert: Idomeneo String Quartet

Thursday 31st March (7.30pm) Guildhall of St George, King’s Lynn Award-winning quartet formed in 2009 by four post-graduate students of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The programme includes Beethoven’s Quartet in F minor Op.95 ‘Serioso’ and Schubert’s Quartet in D minor ‘Death and the Maiden’. A classic evening’s entertainment.

Tickets are £13 – contact 01553 764864.

M

other’s Day falls on April 3rd this year, so make sure you have something special planned to let your mum know just how much you care. Here are just a few ideas, but if it’s a little pampering she enjoys then have a look at what’s on offer from Derma Vida (opposite) or the Imagine Health Spa (over the page).

If you’d rather treat her to an evening out, there’s lots happening around the region and King’s Lynn’s Corn Exchange has an impressive line-up whatever she likes.

So there’s no excuse not to have a Happy Mother’s Day!

KLmagazine March 2011

Bewildermum’s Day Sunday 3rd April BeWILDerwood, Hoveton, Norfolk One mum free with every group! Take your mum on a fun-packed day out tackling wobbly wires and tricky tunnels with woodland adventures for all ages. There’ll also be Mother’s Day cardmaking activities on the day. Call the Twiggle Team for more information, prices and opening times on 01603 783900 or visit the website at www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Glen Miller Orchestra: Hits From the Blitz Sunday 3rd April (5pm) King’s Lynn Corn Exchange The songs of the 1940s come to King’s Lynn courtesy of the Glen Miller Orchestra directed by Ray McVay. Jan Messeder and Colin Anthony are on vocals with the swinging Jazz Band – The Uptown Hall Gang. This authentic music is still hugely popular today – what better way for mum to spend her evening? Bookings via the Box Office on 01553 764864.

Mother’s Day River Trip Sunday 3rd April (11.30am–1pm and 2–4pm) Broads Tours, Wroxham Try something a little different and take a leisurely cruise on the Broads with Broads Tours. Your skipper will be on hand to provide fascinating facts on the wildlife and history of the Broads, and all mums accompanied by their children will receive a complementary glass of wine. Halfhour and two-hour trips available – contact 01603 782207 for more details, prices and bookings.

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WONDERFUL SIGHTS

WONDERFUL CRUISES BALTIC ADVENTURE 12 days Sailing from Dover 27th June from £1249 per person

NORWEGIAN FJORDS 7 days Sailing from Dover 24th July from £799 per person MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES Flying from London/Sailing from Barcelona 12 days 22nd May from £1149 per person 9 days 24th June from £1139 per person 9 days 5th August from £1049 per person

West Norfolk Travel 2 King Street, King’s Lynn Tel: 01553 772910 Web: www.westnorfolktravel.co.uk

125 Norfolk Street King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1AP 01553 770536

www.davidaukerjewellery.com

Send your Mum a stunning bouquet this Mother’s Day! Visit our website to choose what you’d like to send or give us a ring to discuss your requirements LOCAL INTERFLORA WORLDWIDE DELIVERIES

Elizabeth the Florist

01366 384414 www.elizabeththeflorist.co.uk

Be a smart guy!

Try...

23 Bridge Street | Downham Market | Norfolk PE38 9DW

FlowerCorner

01553 774544 www.flowercornerfloristry.co.uk

49 Norfolk Street | King’s Lynn | Norfolk PE30 1AG

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LADIES & GENTS HAIRDRESSERS

60 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn Tel: 01553 773381 KLmagazine March 2011

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

The finest contemporary spa experience is here Welcome to Imagine Health and Spa...

W

ith Mother’s Day rapidly approaching, what could make her smile more than a truly indulgent spa day in West Norfolk’s own health spa – Imagine at The Knights Hill Hotel in King’s Lynn? From the moment the doors to the luxury health suite are opened, it’s time to switch off from your hectic lifestyle and reenergise the Imagine way.

Feeling a sense of instant calm, the experience begins as you wrap yourself in your robe and immerse yourself in a different world of ‘you’ indulgence.

A spa package entitles you to use of all of the facilities on offer including the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, relaxation room and the unique thermal suite.

This multi-sensory area combines a range of heat and cooling experiences based on ancient bathing rituals, to aid deep relaxation. Try the mineral grotto with steamy essences and heated seats or the aroma steam room for

KLmagazine March 2011

a touch of heat. Then cool with an experience shower of soft tropical rain or for those who really want to chill out, the ice fountain!

Treatments incorporate a selection of the finest products, some from the local Norfolk area, all adapted to give the most effect whether relaxing or restoring.

Dual treatments make Imagine the perfect choice for sharing your day with a best friend, mother or partner. There is even a range of treatments specifically designed for male clients.

The spa now also offers a range of beauty treatments, such as waxing, tinting and tanning.

“Facials are always very popular,” says manager Felicity Warnock. “Our anti-aging powerlift facial has a noticeable effect that you can see and feel!

As for our spa treatments, I would recommend the Serail Bath which can be for one or two people. You are covered in a cleansing mix of mud, chalk and mineral oils to cleanse your skin and the music

and lighting in the Serail chamber all create a soothing atmosphere, leaving you with clear, refreshed body and mind.”

If you want to gain maximum ‘health’ benefit from your visit, you may also want to make use of the extensive gym equipment in the air conditioned fitness suite.

For health club members, Imagines qualified fitness instructors will tailor an individual programme to suit your needs, whatever your level of ability. Regular reviews will make sure you are getting optimum results from your hard work. Spa discounts are available for health club members.

?

For a quick fix of pampering try one of the Twilight Packages – only £10 for three hours spa time, available Monday to Thursday 4pm–8.30pm. It’s just what’s needed to unwind after a busy day. Twice a month the Spa Party gives a great opportunity to sample one particular treatment/product with up to two hours of spa time and a free product to take away. To keep up to date with the latest offers visit www.imaginespa.co.uk/kingslynn, sign up to receive the newsletter and claim your voucher entitling you to 50% off of your first treatment.

Details

IMAGINE HEALTH & SPA Best Western Knights Hill Hotel South Wootton, King’s Lynn PE30 3HQ T: 01553 670991 W: www.imaginespa.co.uk/kingslynn

11

LOCAL LIFE

Hidden Gems of West Norfolk Words: Charlotte Thorneycroft Pictures: Ian Ward

Across West Norfolk we have hidden gems tucked away in picturesque corners, off the beaten track. From quaint and unusual shops to areas of outstanding natural beauty the ‘hidden’ places to be seen won’t be found in your average guide books. Here we look at just a few of the delights on offer for those who want to step off the tourist trail...

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KLmagazine March 2011

Dersingham Bog, Wolferton Dersingham Bog is part of the Royal Sandringham Estate and can be found along the minor road into Wolferton from the A149. This National Nature Reserve has is made up of lowland mire which is usually water-logged for much of the year, heath and woodland. On one side a steep edge marks the outline of an ancient coastline which now allows superb views across the Wash. Offering a peaceful and beautiful, open landscape to enjoy quiet walks in such varied habitat. At its best during summer months of July and August when colourful wild plants are in flower and butterflies and dragonflies are in abundance.

KLmagazine March 2011

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Hidden Gems of West Norfolk Bawsey Ruin Sometimes the smallest of ruins can have great importance and although not easily accessible or well known, each has a history to tell. From a distance Bawsey Ruin is most visible looking East from the A149 (heading North) a short distance from the QE roundabout. It is accessed only on foot, parking at the nearby Church Farm, which can be found by taking the first turning on the left on the B1145 from the QE roundabout heading east towards Bawsey. Be aware Church Farm is a working farm so make sure to park considerately (in front of farm buildings on the left hand side) and be aware of livestock when walking, keep all dogs on leads. During the middle to late Saxon period through to medieval times the landscape surrounding this area was quite different as a thriving fishing village was sustained on the edge of the Gaywood River estuary here. The ruins are of the church that stood at the centre of the community known as St James’.

Parts of the tower which still remain date from the 11th or 12th century whilst the other surviving sections are 14th-15th century. From the sixteenth century the village declined and now the church is all that remains of its once prosperous existence.

SHARP The Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project is one of the largest archaeological projects in the country and has been ongoing since 1996. It is a multiperiod, multi-disciplinary research project investigating land use and human settlement in Sedgeford using a variety of archaeological techniques. Although activities such as field walking take place at varying times throughout the year, the main archaeological field work takes place over a six week period in the summer. During this time, a selection of training courses are offered as well as educational visits for local schools.

Volunteers are always appreciated and the local community is urged to take part. During the six week period anyone is welcome to visit the site and have rare glimpse at history as it is unearthed.

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KLmagazine March 2011

20% OFF! Oak4Le KL magaziness is offering readers of all furniture an EXCLUSIVE 20% off un simply quotetil the end of March – ‘KL magazine ’ to receive your discount!

Solid oak furniture at discount prices!

KLmagazine March 2011

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OAK LESS

Horseley Fields, King’s Lynn Tel: 01553 773533

15

PERSONALITY

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KLmagazine March 2011

Big

the

interview

KL magazine meets Richard Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House about his life in West Norfolk and the important work of the charity and its team of volunteers...

KL MAGAZINE: What is the Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House?

RICHARD SHAW: We are a charity that cares for people –and their carers – with cancer, neurological illnesses such as motor neurone disease, and other life-limiting conditions.

Today, we support some 280 people every month and help them lead life to the full through high quality care and therapy at the hospice or in their own homes. The bulk of our funding comes from private and company donations with just 11% from the NHS. KL: How long have you been involved with the hospice?

RS: About four years. My wife was a volunteer and I originally became involved through attending events and becoming a friend of the hospice, giving modest financial support.

I’ve also been a trustee of the charity and became Chief Executive Officer in August 2010.

KL: What does a typical day involve for you as Chief Executive?

RS: It’s very mixed. As patients are at the heart of everything we do, I make sure I have plenty of contact with them and our fantastic team of volunteers. Funding is a constant challenge and I spend a good deal of time with potential funders, individuals, companies, various parts of the NHS and the media.

Our main building is a bungalow and it’s a real challenge to keep this and our ageing KLmagazine March 2011

patient transport vehicles going. We have a great team and I make sure they have my time as well.

KL: How does the local community support the hospice?

RS: The relationship is critical to us.

Volunteers help with patient transport (driving and escorting), fundraising and working in our shops, supporting the clinical team with patient day care and out patients, providing home care support and giving their expertise to the hospice in terms of gardening, administration, IT and finance.

KL: What hopes and plans do you have for the hospice during the next 12 months?

RS: Our belief is that everyone is entitled to a good death and be able to live life to the full, even with a life-limiting illness. Our services ensure we play a major part in helping make this happen. This means we have to expand our services and move to a new building that’s able to cope with the demands of a full range of services and expand our carer support. Northwest and rural Norfolk isn’t well served at the moment, and with better financial support we could do a lot more.

KL: What do you think makes West Norfolk so appealing to so many people?

RS: My wife and I fell in love with Norfolk because of the people – it’s a beautiful place to live, but Norfolk people make it very special.

KL: Who inspires you?

RS: Outside of my family I look to people with selfless commitment. Some – like Martin Luther King – have changed the world. Some like my boss, the Chairman Tessa Scott, are totally committed to making the lives of local people better. Others that have inspired me are those who’ve reacted to great adversity in an extraordinary way; people I’ve met or know, like Simon Weston, Marc Woods and the late Nicole Drybrugh. Just take a look at their websites to be inspired by their stories.

KL: Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people...

RS: I planned to go to Art College after 6th Form, but was diagnosed with a very nasty form of cancer. The next six years were spent undergoing various operations and experimental drug treatment. Somehow it worked – despite what the doctors said. It just goes to show. I then trained as an accountant but realised it wasn’t for me, and decided to move in a different direction. Since my diagnosis at 18 I haven’t done anything artistic. Maybe it’s time I did! KL

Details The Norfolk Hospice The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House, Common Road (West), Snettisham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 7PF Tel: 01485 543163 Web: www.norfolkhospice.org.uk

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Free local delivery Complete and expert product knowledge Competitive prices Fencing and landscaping Flooring and doors ng’s Lynn for The one-stop shop in Ki

scaping, Building, Timber, Landti , Plumbing and Hea ng s Kitchens and Bathroom

Bathroom and kitchen displays Brick-matching service Free help and advice

MKM KING’S lYNN

Hamburg Way, King’s Lynn PE30 2ND

Tel: 01553 817830

OPEN TO THE TRADE & PUBLIC Monday–Friday 7:30am-5:30pm Saturday 7:30am-noon

ON SCREEN March 2011

My Kind of Merchant

love film. love luxe.

The local cinema experience for serious movie fans

Brighton Rock True Grit Never Let Me Go Biutiful The Way Back Paul Rabbit Hole Tangled Gnomeo & Juliet Rango ...and many more!

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As lavish as something from the golden days of Hollywood, The Luxe Cinema is an elegantly stylish film lover’s delight. The Luxe Lounge bar sets the mood for a social drink with friends whilst the cinema itself offers luxurious and spacious leather sofas and armchairs – including a selection of Premier Sofas with waitress service! Allowing moviegoers to sit back and relax in true style, enjoying a glass of wine or a coffee whilst watching a wide programme of mainstream, arthouse and classic films. If you love film, you’ll love Luxe.

The Luxe 01945 588808

Alexandra Road Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE13 1HQ

www.theluxecinema.com KLmagazine March 2011

HISTORY

West Norfolk: Now and Then

PICTURE: COURTESY OF NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICE

2011

1900 HELLO TO HUNSTANTON’S PAST! To complement our look at Hunstanton today (see page 42) we thought it would be interesting to see what the town used to look like.

As you can see, the green is still a friendly and welcoming place, although we don’t

think you’ll see many horse and carts taking a breather these days!

This photograph and many others like it can be ordered from Picture Norfolk – you can contact them at the Norfolk Heritage Centre, Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, The Forum, Millennium Plain,

Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AW. We’ll be bringing you another look at how things have changed in West Norfolk next month.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

To view thousands of images of Norfolk’s history visit: www.picture.norfolk.gov.uk KLmagazine March 2011

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We can help you design your wedding down to the finest detail from choosing your invitations to dressing your bridesmaids.

Plus, create your gift list with Debenhams and you will receive… r FREE £50 giftcard* r FREE planning tools and personalised website r 10% discount** on the gifts you didn’t receive r FREE gift insurance† r FREE delivery Call 01553 778503 to book an appointment. *You will receive the giftcard when you complete your gift list, minimum spend of £250 applies. **Discount applies to most departments. Selected concessions are not participating.†This covers the products on your gift list up to the value of £1,500.

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KLmagazine March 2011

WHAT’S ON

How to plan for the big day...

S

pring is traditionally the time of year that hails the arrival of the wedding season. As thousands prepare to walk down the aisle during the window of opportunity for good weather over the summer months, others will be attending the many wedding fairs across the region to begin the planning for their own special day. This year there’s something extra special to give everyone the excitement of wedding fever – the highlyanticipated Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29th.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the advantage of a small army of organisers to ensure our big day is everything we dreamed of, so months of planning (sometimes even years) is essential to getting it right.

Where does one start in the complex world of organising a wedding? Wedding fairs are an excellent way to get some ideas, and find out the latest trends. They have a variety of exhibitors and offer a chance to see the products and services at first hand before committing.

Wedding fairs provide the opportunity to

It’s the time of year when wedding plans get into full swing. Charlotte Thorneycroft explains how to get the most from local wedding fairs... compare what’s offered by a range of competing business all under one roof. You can quickly realise what’s right for your big day and what’s available for the budget you’ve set aside.

Wedding fairs are often hosted by large venues keen to show off their facilities to potential customers. Where to have your wedding should be on top of the list to organise, and it’s important to talk to the venue in depth to make sure it’s suitable for your intended celebrations.

If your perfect choice is a country mansion capable of holding 300 and you’re only planning on inviting 50, ask if they have a smaller room in which your party won’t look lost – most will try to accommodate your needs. Also think about where your venue is – if you’re asking guests to travel some distance to a rural hotel, make sure it has enough rooms to accommodate those who’ll need them.

Wedding car companies will often have one or two of their vehicles on show and can talk you through your options – a vintage car might be your dream, but just make sure it can make the

30-mile journey to the church!

Cake companies take the opportunity to offer samples and will be happy to discuss your ideas and show you similar cakes they have done. Ask photographers to talk you through their portfolios so you can see if you like their style and find out what’s included in their packages.

Suit hire, dresses, stationery, favours, jewellery and make-up are just some of the exhibitors you can expect to see. Take

plenty of business cards and leaflets, making a note of anyone who caught your eye and has given you prices or advice. Remember that most of the prices you will have been quoted on the day will be standard fees, and a little postfair negotiating could get you a much better deal – especially if your wedding is ‘out of season’.

However you plan your big day, make sure you take the time to enjoy it – the planning is half the fun! KL

Discover our new 2011 collection

Some discontinued lines available – up to 50% off!

Treasures The Bridal Shop

81C High Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk Tel: 01553 760258 Web: www.treasuresthebridalshop.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2011

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HOMES

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KLmagazine March 2011

ABOVE: Just one of the stunning views from the top of Appleton Tower

A home in the clouds...

From a purely functional building to a fabulous holiday home – Charlotte Thorneycroft traces the fortunes of Appleton Tower on the edge of the Sandringham Estate. Photographs by D Kirkham.

I

n the past, we’ve featured a number of interesting and beautiful homes in this section of the magazine, but I think Appleton Water Tower tops the table in the league of unusual conversions we’ve come across so far. Situated on the edge of the Sandringham Estate, the tower – built in 1877-78 – has an interesting and stately history.

In the early 1870s, two members of the Royal family had fallen ill from typhoid whilst staying at Sandringham, and when Prince Albert died of the same disease whilst at Windsor Castle, the engineer Robert Rawlinson was brought in to assess the drainage systems.

Finding a number of foul cesspools, the poor drainage was blamed as the cause of the prince’s disease. Sandringham was next in the spotlight as its water supply was tested and deemed ‘unsatisfactory’.

KLmagazine March 2011

Something had to be done to provide the Estate with a clean, reliable supply.

The site for the new supply was a chalk spring about a mile from Sandringham. It was soon apparent that both a pumping station and service reservoir would be required, as the spring wasn’t high enough to create the necessary pressure. This eventually took the form of the 32,000-litre tank gracing the top of Appleton Water Tower, a feature projecting above the surrounding trees that can be seen from miles around.

Although a building with a purely functional purpose, the design engineer James Mansergh had every intention to exploit its elevated position and make a statement with what was still essentially a Royal building.

Externally, the style is somewhat striking, but he knew the best feature of the tower

would be the views which could be enjoyed from it. For this reason, the second floor was reserved as a room for the Royal Family and their guests to use whilst on shoots or picnics, where they could look out at the breathtaking views over West Norfolk.

Clever Victorian ideas also took practicality into consideration – all the flues in the tower ran through the iron tank to prevent it from freezing!

Appleton Water Tower served the Estate well for many years until it became operated by a local water authority. In 1973 this beautiful building sadly became surplus to requirements, and it was left to stand empty and deserted.

Fortunately the Landmark Trust, a charity that specialises in rescuing buildings of architectural and historic importance, stepped in and took over the lease of the tower.

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HOMES

ABOVE: The restoration work has left Appleton Tower with a magnificent interior

A restoration programme was put in place by a team of local specialists which involved first knocking down the existing outbuildings, leaving the tower in its own clearing in the woods.

As you’d expect from a building of that age, time hasn’t been particularly kind to it – and as well as the repairs to the brickwork, some parts had to be completely replaced, including the roof of the water tank, the staircase turret and some of the ornamental ironwork.

To enable the tower to be a fullyfunctioning dwelling, the internal staircase was extended from the two lower floors to the second floor (previously this had been accessed via a separate stairway because of its use by the Royal Family).

Complete internal refurbishment continued to create living accommodation to make the building suitable for the Landmark Trust’s purpose – as a holiday property.

Katherine Oakes from the Landmark Trust explains why they’re so pleased to have the building included in their portfolio.

“The Trust cares for many unusual buildings like Appleton Water Tower, but the association with the Sandringham estate makes it particularly special,” she says.

“It is a building of exceptional quality and innovative design. It’s a place which provides memorable holidays while giving an insight into the lives of those that lived

24

before us.”

Recently, after over 30 years as a unique retreat, the tower has undergone a further refurbishment.

On the ground floor is the kitchen/dining room together with a small shower room.

The stairs then lead to the first floor room laid out as a bedroom. Under the valve room is an extra bathroom, which makes the tower perfect for parties of four.

Cleverly, the second floor (which commands the best views) is a bed/sitting room, making it possible for days to start and finish with a magnificent outlook – a day can quite easily be spent enjoying Norfolk from a cosy armchair!

The tower’s distinguished history hasn’t been forgotten in the decor, and the bedrooms have a particularly grand style, mirroring the era of the tower’s early life.

“The Landmark Trust doesn’t try to recreate historic interiors,” continues Katherine, “but will use paint colours and furniture in keeping with the age of the building. The colour scheme at Appleton reflects the tower’s Victorian origins.”

And no other theme could better complement the elements of its working past such as the iron pipes and exposed brickwork still visible in the upper stairwell.

Appleton Tower is a property like no other, and thanks to the Landmark Trust it has been saved and transformed. Grandeur and grace, bordered with serene natural landscape – who could want for more? KL

Details If Appleton Tower has whetted your appetitie for a break with a difference, you’ll find more extraordinary buildings available to book for your next holiday on The Landmark Trust website at www.landmarktrust.org.uk General enquiries Tel: 01628 825920 E-mail: info@landmarktrust.org.uk Bookings Tel: 01628 825925 E-mail: bookings@landmarktrust.org.uk

KLmagazine March 2011

KLmagazine March 2011

25

GARDENING

ABOVE: Patrick and Lesley Richardson take a break from their fantastic efforts in keeping Hunstanton so attractive

The couple who keep Hunstanton blooming...

After last year’s sucess, hopes are high for Hunstanton’s performance in Britain in Bloom 2011. Charlotte Thorneycroft meets the tireless and eminently green-fingered Patrick and Lesley Richardson...

B

ritain in Bloom is one of the largest horticultural campaigns in Europe, working all year round to create a cleaner and greener Britain through community action. Organised by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society), the ‘in Bloom’ journey starts at regional level, with around 1,100 villages, towns and cities taking part in the UK. 77 of these (including Hunstanton) have been nominated for the UK finals where they’ll be judged on horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility.

The Hunstanton in Bloom Committee includes representatives from The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, the Hunstanton Civic Society, the Hunstanton Allotment Holders’ Association, the 26

Hunstanton Gardeners’ Association, the Hunstanton Town Council, a representative from the Royal British Legion, a representative from Silfield Gardens, local business representatives and (last but by no means least!) local residents. The committee also works with a wide range of community groups such as local schools, Rainbows, Guides and the Trefoil Group.

This is the third year Hunstanton has taken part, and after last year’s successful Silver Gilt award, everyone involved will be waiting with baited breath to see how Hunstanton fares at the 2011 award ceremony in September.

Retired farmers Patrick and Lesley Richardson have been helping Hunstanton to bloom since the town first entered and have high hopes this year. They are

encouraging other residents to dig in to help secure the town a Gold Award for 2011.

The green-fingered couple, who are members of the Hunstanton in Bloom committee, will often be found amongst the town’s many impressive floral displays dead-heading, weeding and planting.

Together with a host of other volunteers, they join forces with the town and borough councils to make the most of Hunstanton’s open spaces.

Since first getting involved in the Britain In Bloom campaign in 2005, Hunstanton has established an enviable reputation for horticultural excellence and many unkempt areas have been transformed.

Key achievements include the creation of the Boston Square sensory garden in 1998, KLmagazine March 2011

ABOVE: Created in 1998, the Boston Square Sensory Garden is a haven of tranquility – and local wildlife!

the installation of four former show gardens in key locations around the town (which are now featured in a special trail leaflet) and the spectacular displays that have become synonymous with the Esplanade Gardens.

“Hunstanton is justly proud of its many natural assets and rich heritage,” says borough councillor Elizabeth Watson, Chair of Hunstanton in Bloom.

“The In Bloom team works to enhance these assets so residents and visitors can enjoy spending time out and about in Hunstanton. This takes thousands of bulbs, hundreds of trees and shrubs, pallets full of bedding plants, and – most importantly – the hard work of people like Pat and Lesley, who give generously of their time for the good of the community.”

As any gardener knows, from early spring to late autumn there’s an abundance of jobs to be done.

“It varies depending on the season and what’s planned, explains Patrick. “If we’re putting in a new garden, this takes time and in the run-up to the judges’ arrival there’s barely enough hours in the day!”

In fact, Patrick’s been known to spend well over seven hours wth shovel in hand, helping with landscaping works.

“We like the fact we can get involved in doing something for the town,” continues Lesley. “It’s a great way to keep active and you can get the family involved too. Last spring we planted flowering cherry trees with our grandchildren and we’re looking forward to seeing their fluffy pink blossom this spring,” she continued.

“Of course it can be hard work, but it is really satisfying,” Patrick says.

“When we’re working, holidaymakers often stop and compliment us on the gardens. So many people give of their time.

We’re lucky because we have a bit of time

KLmagazine March 2011

to spare these days, but anyone can get involved. Even if they only have the odd hour here and there, even just helping to keep the place tidy and making sure their front gardens are neat makes a world of difference.”

Patrick, who had holidayed in Hunstanton with wife Lesley and their family for years, had vowed to retire to the seaside town. Three years ago that’s what they did. The sights he’d enjoyed during his stay at the local caravan parks are now familiar and as the unofficial photographer for the In Bloom team, Patrick has always got a close eye on the area.

On his favourite area, Patrick has few doubts.

“There are lots of beautiful places to sit and enjoy Hunstanton,” he says, “but I think Boston Square Sensory Gardens is my favourite. I like the fact there’s so much going on and that everyone can enjoy it.”

The garden includes a wide range of plants and materials chosen specifically for their appeal to the senses. It’s accessible to wheelchair users and because it doesn’t rely on the colour and pattern of traditional floral bedding, it can be enjoyed by the partially sighted.

In recent years, bat and bee boxes have been added to encourage wildlife to thrive.

The garden is home to a wide range of insects including honey bees and a wide variety of butterflies as well as nesting Pipistrelle bats.

Last year youngsters were invited to help monitor the wildlife in the garden when they took part in the Boston Square Bug Hunt, and the trail will be available again this summer. Explorer packs and magnifying glasses can be collected from the Hunstanton Tourist Information Centre (a returnable hire fee applies to magnifying glasses). KL

More details...

The ‘In Bloom’ campaigns are centred on community participation and Hunstanton welcomes anyone who wants to help them ‘Go for Gold!’ whatever time you have to spare.

Why not adopt a bed in your area, taking care of the maintenance?

Plants, information and advice are all provided, as well as a free plaque. Call 01553 782078 to take part.

To find out about what’s happening on the Britain in Bloom front in King’s Lynn and Downham Market visit the website at www.westnorfolkinbloom.co.uk More information on the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign can be found on the Royal Horticultural Society website at www.rhs.org.uk

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ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

12 great reasons to visit the Gaywood Traders...

The Gaywood Traders Association promotes the wide choice of independent shops in Gaywood – and they’re all worth a visit or two!

GALLIANO’S Galliano’s pizza takeaway and delivery service offers authentic, baked to order pizza’s made from dough, freshly made on the premises each day. The varied menu also has a selection of Italian dishes such as calzone and lasagne, a choice of burgers, side dishes and even desserts.

Open seven days a week Galliano’s is the perfect choice for a slice of Italia!

75 Lynn Road, Gaywood Tel: 01553 761812 www.gallianos-pizza.co.uk

CROWN & GLORY Whether you’re looking to be the belle of the ball at the school prom, the blushing bride on your wedding day or turn heads at the races, Crown and Glory have dresses and hats for all special events. One of the largest selections of stunning and affordable dresses in town, there is something to suit all budgets, sizes and ages.

Professional eye for detail and superior fitting is something that can only be experienced from friendly local experts. Make sure your look is FIT FOR QUEEN, the service at Crown & Glory is!

47–49 Lynn Road, Gaywood Tel: 01553 776536 www.crown-glory.co.uk

DEB’S FLORIST As an Interflora member this quality florist caters for every floral need, including local delivery and arranging delivery nationally and worldwide.

Owner, Theresa and her assistant Claire, both qualified florists, have a wealth of experience between them ensuring each petal is in place whatever the occasion. Debs Florists have everything covered to let someone know how special they are, from bouquets to balloons and gifts, make sure your mum knows she’s special this Mother’s Day with flowers from Deb’s Florist.

18-20 Wootton Road, Gaywood Tel: 01553 774193 www.debsflorist.co.uk

WWW.GAYWOOD TRADERS.CO.UK | FREE PARKING | SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TRADERS – we do!

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KLmagazine March 2011

CELEBRATION A shop of two halves, Celebration by Pam Smith operates a fully stocked sugar craft supplies shop, with everything the cake maker and decorator could need, as well as an in house celebration cake decorating business. Pam’s designs are skilfully produced to create culinary masterpieces for all occasions from novelty characters for children’s birthdays to impressive classical wedding cakes, all made to order.

1E River Lane, Gaywood Tel: 01553 762583

FRIENDS TAVERN A snack bar, restaurant, minimarket and hairdresser all combined as the Friends Tavern.

Recently revamped with new decor and new menu the restaurant offers a selection of tasty dishes from light bites to main meals all freshly cooked to order. Traditional Portuguese favourites and, according to regulars – ‘the best coffee in town!’ Coming soon, the tavern will also be offering delicious take away fish and chips and fried chicken.

57 Lynn Road, Gaywood Tel: 07817 395906 www.friendstavern.co.uk

COS STATIONERY, FURNITURE & PRINT With over 50 years of experience, COS can provide a cost effective solution for all your stationery, office furniture and printing requirements. COS are an established supplier to many local companies of all sizes with their own van and driving providing an unbeatable, free next day delivery service. They have an extensive range of “nearly new” office furniture, desks and seating for all budgets. Call today for the latest full colour catalogue with over 20,000 products and savings of up to 80%! ‘COS Keeping Stationery on the Move’ 47-49 Lynn Road, Gaywood Tel: 01553 776500 www.cosofficesupplies.co.uk

HENDERSON ART & FRAMING Henderson’s hold regular exhibitions by local artists throughout the year and offer a complete art experience under one roof. They have a vast range of artists materials for oils, watercolours, acrylics and pastels, as well as offering art courses covering a variety of media and techniques. A bespoke framing service is also available to complete the picture!

19 St Faith’s Drive, Gaywood Tel: 01553 767662 www.hendersonartandframing.co.uk

GATSBY’S Gatsby’s has built its reputation on serving the local community for over thirteen years in Gaywood. Up to the minute techniques and products (including L’oreal, Paul Mitchell and the latest L’oreal INOA colour) are all part of the modern ethos practiced by Cheryl Daubney and her team of experienced stylists. Beautician facilities are also available providing various salon treatments such as waxing and spray tanning.

73 Lynn Road, Gaywood Tel: 01553 774570 www.gatsbyhairandnails.co.uk

TESCO National supermarket chain superstore, open 6am until Midnight Monday to Saturday, 11am until 5pm Sundays. For weekly shopping to last minute essentials, free parking and atm machine.

In store facilities include clothing, hot deli counter, fish counter, music, dvd, games, toys and homeware.

St Faith’s Drive, Gaywood Tel: 0845 6779392

THE CLOCK CAFE A friendly family run business open from 7am, serving traditional English food. Offering, from Monday to Saturday, home cooked daily specials, all day breakfasts and a full table menu. Breakfast is served from 7am-11am on Sundays then from 11am-3pm traditional Sunday roasts are served. There is a free car park to the rear with disabled access.

77 Lynn Road, Gaywood Tel: 01553 761200

CLOCKCLEAN – DRY CLEANERS Clockclean has an excellent reputation in the area and has a large and prestigious customer base. All items large and small cleaned including curtains,chair covers, etc. 24-hour service is available.

CLOCKWASH – LAUNDRETTE Clockwash offers a full laundrette service including service washes and duvet laundering.

Collection and Delivery is available across West Norfolk – so let them lighten the load!

St Faith’s Drive, Gaywood Tel: 01553 777145 (Dry Cleaners) Tel: 01553 770078 (Laundrette)

THE WISH As the name suggests, The Wish is a veritable haven of total body pampering. As well as unhurried, hair design and colouring, The Wish has trained beauticians, nail technicians and holistic therapists to leave you feeling your best from top to toe. A large choice of quality hair and beauty products are on sale in salon including brands such as Dermalogica and New CID. 83 Lynn Road, Gaywood Tel: 01553 769891 www.thewishsalon.co.uk KLmagazine March 2011

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LOCAL LIFE

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KLmagazine March 2011

Bringing a world of birds into your garden There’s a lot more to caring for our feathered friends than throwing a few scraps of food into the back garden. Charlotte Thorneycroft meets the RSPB’s Dave Hawkins to discover more about bird feeding at home...

T

here’s something very soothing about nature, and birds in particular can lift the spirits on the dullest of days with their heart-warming chirping as they flutter through the trees. They’re always in and out of our gardens, jumping from branch to branch, occasionally landing on the lawn to peck out a juicy worm – but have you ever thought of providing for them as a reward for their musical displays?

“Bird watching is something anybody can do from their own home,” says Dave Hawkins from the RSPB’s Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve.

“Whether you live in a built-up urban area or the most rural of country lanes, there’ll be birds nearby to attract into your garden. It can be tough for wildlife, especially through periods of bad weather, so feeding them in the correct way can really make a difference to their survival.”

But don’t be tempted to simply throw your stale bread onto the lawn, because there are a host of things to consider if you want to make your garden inviting.

How you feed the birds is as important as what you feed them. By taking these factors into consideration, you can attract various flying visitors at the same time as keeping the predators at bay.

KLmagazine March 2011

Bird tables can make attractive features in the garden and are suitable for most foods and species. When positioning the table, place it in a fairly open site with nearby access to trees so that birds can ‘inspect’ the table and feeding area before deciding it’s safe to land.

Varying designs are available on the market, but you can make your own very simply by attaching a flat piece of wood to a stake and securing it firmly in the ground.

While they offer good platforms for the birds to stand and feed (which in turn provides you with a good viewpoint) it should be noted they can also attract other wildlife, hungry for your offerings.

Squirrels and larger birds such as pigeons can all easily access bird tables, quickly emptying them of food or frightening smaller birds away.

Most feeders can be bought in squirrel-proof form, with a surrounding cage to keep the squirrel out and let small birds in.

Varying styles of hanging bird feeders are available which all vary in shape in size depending

on their purpose. Nut feeders are designed to allow birds to eat the nuts inside safely – they’re constructed of a steel mesh which is large enough to prevent beak damage but small enough to stop large pieces of nut being removed. Unlike the old-style plastic mesh bags, the steel also avoids legs and toes being accidentally trapped or damaged.

Seed feeders are cylindrical, transparent containers with small holes through which the birds are able to feed. These are designed to hold seeds such as sunflower seeds or seed mixes and attract small birds such as tits and greenfinches.

Goldfinches and siskins enjoy nyjer seed, a very tiny seed that should be fed in a nyjer feeder to prevent spillage.

You may be surprised to know that feeding isn’t just a 31

One of the biggest clothing ranges available in East Anglia!

NEW Dubarry Spring 2011 collection available now

01366 388151

Visit us online: www.bearts.co.uk

For the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, visit our new website!

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KLmagazine March 2011

LOCAL LIFE

Easy-to-make Bird Cake For this, you’ll need plenty of good quality bird seed. Add some peanuts, raisins and a little grated cheese if you want. Put these ingredients into a mixing bowl.

good idea through the winter months. In fact, the RSPB says that by feeding birds all year, you’re giving them a better chance to survive periods of shortage whenever they occur. But different times of the year warrant different types of food, and by being selective you’ll help them thrive naturally.

During the autumn and winter, natural sources of food are rare so regular feeding can literally save lives. It’s at this time that birds need to maintain their fat reserves to help them endure the bitter frosty nights, so (unlike us) they require high levels of saturated fat.

Raw suet and lard is perfect – but never feed fat that’s been used for cooking, as this will be unhealthy for the birds. Margarines and vegetables oils should also be avoided.

Nuts (such as peanuts) provide a welcome source of protein and fat but during very cold spells these can freeze. A good method of supplying both seed and fats – containing the essential nutrients the birds need – is in the form of a bird cake or bird food bar. These are excellent winter foods and are widely sold, and you can easily make your own at home (see our recipe on the right).

In the spring and summer birds require high-protein foods, especially when they’re moulting. Good seed mixes, black sunflower seeds, soaked sultanas, raisins and currants, mild grated cheese and even soft apples and pears are all good to provide.

Hard foods such as peanuts should be avoided during breeding periods as adult birds may be tempted to feed these to their young, which could cause choking.

KLmagazine March 2011

Mealworms are a popular favourite of robins and blue tits and may also attract other insect-eating birds.

“Don’t worry if your garden is empty at first,” says Dave Hawkins.

“Keep putting out the food and eventually they’ll come. The birds will tell each other where the free lunch is, and soon they’ll be flocking in! It’s important to only put out enough food for a day or two – you don’t want the birds to be eating food that’s gone rotten. In built-up areas you should still see a number of starlings, blue tits, sparrows, blackbirds, robins and finches throughout the year. More rural areas can expect to see wrens and chaffinches too as well as the odd woodpecker, coal tit or nuthatch. It’s great to get the children involved and make a note of what you have seen feeding in your garden each day.

There’s a wealth of information on feeding garden birds on the RSPB website.”

Come the winter, you may be rewarded with sightings of birds from Scandinavia and Russia who have flown here for our milder climate – including bramblings, siskins and thrushes. Plant some berrybearing bushes in the garden and you may even attract a stunning waxwing.

Sparrowhawks might also be attracted to your garden, but not to the seeds and peanuts – they’ll be after the blue tits!

Some final points to remember if you are keen to make your little piece of the outdoors a haven for all things feathered are: HYGIENE Always keep feeders and tables clean, regularly washing outdoors so as not to spread disease.

WASTE Only put out the amount of food

Then take 85g/3oz of fat (suet or lard) which has been left in a warm place for about an hour. Cut this up into small pieces, and rub it evenly into the seed mixture using your fingertips. There’s actually no need to melt the fat as suggested in most recipes.

To hang the mixture, find an empty yogurt container and make a hole in the bottom.

Simply make a knot in a length of string and thread it through the hole until the knot holds it in place. Empty the cake mixture into the pot and leave in the fridge to set for an hour or so before you hang it outside.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s great for tits, greenfinch and (if you’re lucky) even a great spotted woodpecker!

you know the birds will eat within 3-4 days.

Food left for a week will begin to rot, which isn’t healthy and may attract disease carrying vermin.

WATER It’s important when putting out bird food to also give the birds access to a shallow supply of water – ideally in a lowsided dish in which they can drink or bathe.

“Large shallow plant pot trays are perfect,” says Dave. “I use an especially wide tray propped up at one end with a small block so there’s a very slight incline. That way, both small and large birds can use it.

Aim to have up to an inch of water – just remember not to place it directly under the table where it could get food or dirt flicked in it.”

Sit back, pull up a chair and enjoy the company, knowing your doing your little bit to help the wildlife around you. KL

33

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

For people who love local cuisine

Enjoy a taste of Briarfields...

T

hink The Briafields Hotel at Titchwell, think food.

Glorious food. Recently refurbished, the atmosphere created provides warm cosy corners for unwinding with a partner over a hearty game pie and bottle of red, or for a family gathering enjoy the light and airy restaurant while tucking in to some local seafood, whilst you watch the sun go down across the salt marshes.

Head chef Ben Handley and his team are devoted to local, seasonal produce to give his masterfully structured dishes the best possible

flavours.

“You won’t find strawberries on our menu in January,” says Ben, “because the taste difference of un-forced produce is incredible, and we’re conscientious in our methods and techniques of cooking and preparation which shines through in the finished meal.”

17-hour Sous-Vide Pork Belly is a fine example of the effort used to create the perfect plate of food, fit for the comprehensive menu, which combines a harmonious balance of classics and modern cuisine.

Try one of Briarfields regular tasting nights, where a selection of dishes are served (around six courses) to enable diners to sample the different techniques and less common ingredients (different meat cuts such as pork cheek, beef skirt) seen on the menu.

?

Popular in the summer months, along the same principal is the Sunday Sea Food Bar, offering the opportunity to sample a wide variety of seafood and shellfish, which also runs in conjunction with the usual Sunday roast.

Love local, love food, love Briarfields.

Details

BRIARFIELDS HOTEL Main Street, Titchwell, Hunstanton PE31 8BB T: 01485 210742 E: info@briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk W: www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk

Superb Thai cuisine, excellent Thai service...

F

rom Tuesdays to Thursdays you can enjoy our special Banquet Meal for only £15.95 per person – order as much as you like from a fantastic choice of over 70 mouthwatering dishes! We look forward to seeing you.

BOOK NOW FOR THAI NEW YEAR! Come and celebrate with us – with special menus and a fantastic atmosphere! April 15th, 2011

Thai Orchid Authentic Thai Cuisine

19 Chapel Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk Tel: 01553 767013 Web: www.thethaiorchid.com

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KLmagazine March 2011

FOOD & DRINK

LOCAL RECIPES Expert dishes to try at home

Black Pepper Pannacotta with locally smoked salmon, caviar, lemon and dill PANNACOTTA 500ml milk 700ml double cream Pinch of salt Freshly milled black pepper (to taste) Smoked salmon trimmings and skin (this adds an extra savoury flavour) Zest of 1 lemon ½ tsp fennel seeds 5 leaves of gelatine (soaked in cold water) 1 Bring all the ingredients apart from the gelatine to the boil. Take off the heat and leave for 5 minutes to infuse the flavours.

This fabulous recipe serves 8 people, but can easily be adjusted for a smaller intimate party GARNISH Chunk of granary bread (stale loaf is fine) 200g locally smoked salmon 1 lemon Avruga Caviar and Keta (found in all good fishmongers) Small bunch of fresh dill

2 Drain the water from the softened gelatine and whisk into the cream mixture.

Pass through a fine sieve and leave the cream mixture to cool to room temperature.

1 With your hands, roughly tear up the granary bread and bake on a medium heat until golden and crisp. Leave to cool and then chop into fine breadcrumbs.

3 When mixture is cool pour into serving dishes or glasses. Refrigerate to set cream mix, preferably overnight.

2 Take out the chilled Pannacotta and garnish with the diced salmon, lemon segments and breadcrumbs, finishing with the caviar, keta and dill.

Recipe supplied by

KLmagazine March 2011

Main Street, Titchwell, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE31 8BB Tel: 01485 210742 Web: www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk 35

FOOD & DRINK

World of Wines

with Don Rutherford

If you asked red wine drinkers to name a Spanish wine region, most (if not all) would say Rioja [ree-ok-ah] because in the not-too-distant past this was the only wine that was exported from Spain. This month I want to give you an insight into Rioja and some other good wines made elsewhere in Spain.

Before describing the wines to you I should tell you a little about the Spanish wine grading system.

Most wines from any area – apart from the very cheapest – will be labelled DO, which simply means Denominacion de Origen, or that it comes from the area stated. The next geographical grading is DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) which tells you that greater checks have been carried out to ensure the grapes are the correct types allowed and that they genuinely come from the area on the label. Historically, Rioja was the only area with DOC status – however it has now been joined by both Priorat and Ribera del Duero.

Much of the character of Spanish wines comes from ageing in oak barrels, which (with good quality wines) produces soft tannins and gives slightly sweet vanilla flavours. However, it’s becoming more common to release wines un-oaked whilst they are still young and fruity.

Here’s a quick guide to the terms you’ll come across: JOVEN – un-oaked wine CRIANZA [cree-ann-tha] – wine aged for a minimum of two years, with six months in oak RESERVA – wine aged for a minimum of three years with 12 months in oak.

GRAN RESERVA – wine aged for a minimum of five years, with 18 months in oak. Only made in the best years.

Whatever you choose, enjoy!

RIBERA DEL DUERO [dwair-oh] Crianza, Torres 2007 (13.5% abv)

RIOJA GRAN RESERVA Martinez Bujanda 2001 (13.5% abv)

The name literally means the Ribbon of the Duero (river) which when it reaches Portugal is called the Douro and is the centre of port production there.

Although Vega Sicilia was established here in 1864, most of the other wine production at that time consisted of simple Grenache rosé wines. This changed in the 70’s when bodega Pesquera was founded and they started to make red wines from Tempranillo (the main Rioja grape) in a more concentrated style than most Rioja of the day. Well-received both in Spain and internationally, they were the catalyst for the expansion of wine making in the region. This wine is pure Tempranillo and has red berry and plum fruits on the nose and palate and is smooth with a long fruity finish.

It rates a C on my scale for red wines.

From a renowned producer this is mainly Tempranillo, and being a Gran Reserva has been held back from the market for at least five years (see left) The prolonged ageing both in barrel and bottle gives it layer upon layer of slightly sweet vanilla notes with structured soft tannins (the dryness in your mouth when you drink red wines).

This is truly a superb wine that rates a C on my scale – it has a deep, cherry colour, with aromas of fruit preserves, spices, and toasted oak.

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LA CANTERA RESERVA San Valero, Cariňena 2001 (13% abv) Made mostly from Spain’s powerhouse grape, Garnacha (Grenache) and Tempranillo, this is big red wine and although not as strong as some it’s wonderfully versatile. Drink it on its own or use it to partner heavy red meat dishes, steaks and casseroles. Its full of plummy, black cherry and damson tastes with just the right amount of oak. Definitley a D on the A to E scale.

PRIORAT Mas de Subira, 2002 (14% abv) I actually found this wine whilst on holiday in Spain. I went to a wine museum in Mijas and sat in the sunshine trying a few different wines when the proprietor brought this one out.

I’d tried some Priorat wines before but this one just blew them all away. Made from 60% Grenache, with 30% Carignan and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is in effect a reserva as it’s matured for 12 months in oak and then several years in bottle although (confusingly) it isn’t labelled as such.

This rates a D on my red wine scale but that doesn’t tell the full story. As with the Rioja, the layers of flavours are superb and seem endless (damsons, blackberries, walnuts, spices and lots more).

Find one if you can and savour it on a very special occasion.

Don Rutherford is the owner of Bradley’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, 10 South Quay, King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

Telephone 01553 60836 or visit the website at www.bradleysbytheriver.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2011

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Welcome to the George and Dragon

A pub as it should be

T

he motto of The George and Dragon in Newton near Castle Acre is ‘A Pub as it Should Be’ – and there’s nothing that would describe it better. Pull up a seat next to the roaring open log fire and enjoy a warm welcome from husband and wife team Paul Sykes and Sarah Williams and their team of friendly staff. Paul and Sarah have a wealth of experience in the hospitality trade and know quality food will always be remembered, but the atmosphere of a dining establishment is equally important.

“The George and Dragon has stood here for years, serving the community as a traditional village pub and we want it to stay that way,” says Paul. “We’ve completely renovated the building whilst still keeping all of its charm and character.”

But it isn’t just the curiosities dotted around Paul and Sarah’s pub that are conversation starters.

As a chef Paul is passionate about food, and along with co-chef Fred puts every effort into creating their own takes on traditional British classics.

Memorable dishes bursting

with originality are on offer across the menu – one in particular that Paul is proud of is a Tongue and Tail Pie. “The oxtail and ox tongue was something a little different to the normal steak and kidney,” he says.

“It was extremely well received and I still have requests for it now.”

If you enjoy good food which tastes even better in good company, then pay a visit to The George and Dragon in Newton, where a homely, inviting atmosphere awaits. It really is a pub as it should be.

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Details

THE GEORGE & DRAGON Swaffham Road, Newton

by Castle Acre, Norfolk T: 01760 755046 E: info@newtongeorge.co.uk W: www.newtongeorge.co.uk

COMING SOON: All you can eat buffet only £6.99!

Includes drink Available Mon-Fri from 6.30pm

st – Try our Sunday Roa rvice, great food, great se k! great value every wee

Don’t forget Mother’s Day – bookings now being taken!

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

Tel: 01553 772221

KLmagazine March 2011

37

FOOD & DRINK

RestaurantReview

In her continuing quest to discover the best in dining that West Norfolk has to offer, Ann Weaver spends an enjoyable evening at The Old Bank in Snettisham...

N

estled in the corner of the quaint village square in Snettisham, the first thing noticeable about The Old Bank is the small, pretty garden area lit by fairy lights. However, on a rather blustery and chilly evening in February, a table inside seemed a much better option.

Inside, space is somewhat limited and we were shown to a cosy table next to the window. The waitress was very friendly and attentive, bringing us a bottle of chilled water and some homemade tortilla chips while we looked over the menu.

There were around five starters which were fairly simple options (such as trio of brushetta with tomatoes, mushrooms and goat’s cheese and a tapas selection) and a choice from seven mains including a steak

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5 4 5 5 5 VALUE

5

SERVICE

FOOD

The Old Bank 10 Lynn Rd, Snettisham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 7LP Tel: 01485 544080

and ale pie on the specials board.

Normally I’d steer away from soup as a starter as I’m often left feeling disappointed but on this occasion the carrot & coriander sounded quite tempting.

My partner settled on homemade chicken liver paté with a pear & ginger chutney. I’m a firm believer that fewer choices on the menu means that more effort is taken to make the dishes that are available fantastic, so I hoped the soup would live up to expectations.

It did, and a bit more too! This wasn’t a few ingredients flung together and liquidised – it was heaven in a bowl, and I could have quite happily had another helping as my main too, but for review purposes I didn’t think it would make for interesting reading! My partner’s paté was served with mixed leaves and thick wholemeal toast, and was also very tasty indeed.

We were really looking forward to the main course which soon arrived at our

table. For me, oven-baked cod with a sweet potato and parsley risotto and my husband had a 10z rib-eye steak complete with hand cut chips, tomatoes, sauté mushrooms and garnish.

The steak was cooked exactly as asked for, the presentation was simple but neat, and the ‘proper’ chips put the icing on the cake – and all were delicious.

My fish was also cooked perfectly and the risotto had a wonderful flavour that accompanied the delicate cod beautifully.

If I was to describe the food here I’d like to call it ‘rustic chic’ if there is such a thing! It was wholesome and homely with a touch of pzazz!

On to the desserts, and after much deliberation my partner settled on the apple tarte tatin while I chose the notorious chocolate fondant! The answer you’re looking for is – yes, the fondant was gooey in the centre just as it should be and very nice it was too.

Quite a small fondant, although the richness didn’t warrant it being much bigger. The tarte tartin was also made by expert hands and greatly enjoyed, although I’m told a larger portion would have been better. With one soft drink and one glass of wine the bill came to just short of £60 which wasn’t a cheap meal but there’s no question on the quality of both the food and service we received.

We were both extremely impressed with The Old Bank in Snettisham – which may be small, but (as they say) size isn’t everything, and this cosy bistro really packs a punch.

Ann highly recommends them! KL KLmagazine March 2011

CafeReview

F

rom the outside Norburys looks every bit the trendy cafe – and its bakery on the opposite side of Tower Street looks equally enticing, especially with some large cheese scones beckoning from the window display! In all honesty, I wasn’t quite so overwhelmed when I entered the cafe. Where was the display of homemade cakes and savouries to tempt me? Not being able to find a table downstairs, it would have been nice if one of the staff mulling around would have told us there was more seating upstairs before we were forced to ask.

It wasn’t the best start, but once seated in the rustic room upstairs we looked over the menu. Lots of local produce and some different dishes to your average cafe offerings – things were looking up.

There were four specials on the board, one of which I chose – ham, vegetable and cheese tart with salad. My dining partner chose the goat’s cheese and sundried tomato salad with toasted pine nuts from the menu, with a coffee and mineral water.

I was pleased to see Breckland Orchard drinks on the menu, and ordered a Cranberry & Rosehip while we waited for the food.

The food for the table next to us came out, and being rather nosey I could clearly see someone had chosen the local ham and Norfolk piccalilli sandwich. It looked so amazing I wondered whether I’d made the wrong choice, but within a couple of minutes our meals were placed in front of us by the waiter.

The tart must have stood nearly four inches high! It was delicious as was the creamy homemade coleslaw and salad it was served with (although I’d have liked a little more salad). My partner’s salad was equally good, with three large fresh portions of cheese on a deep bed of green leaves. There was a little change from £20, so no complaints there. In my opinion the atmosphere needs a boost at Norburys, but they’ve got the food just right and it’s wonderful to see a cafe so committed to local suppliers.

I will definitely visit again.

Norburys 20 and 21 Tower Street, Kings Lynn Tel: 01553 76284 Web: www.norburysdeli.co.uk KLmagazine March 2011

Outstanding food.

Fantastic value.

A very warm welcome.

A

t the Swan Inn we take a lot of pride in our food – using the highest quality locallysouced produce to create a menu packed with memorable tastes.

From British pub classics to exotic international dishes, you’ll find something to suit everyone.

For a better dining experience, the Swan Inn offers you a very warm welcome.

Nursery Lane, King’s Lynn PE30 3NG Telephone: 01553 672084 39

FOOD & DRINK

LocalTastes Selected by Charlotte Thorneycroft

DAVID HAMMOND Head Chef, Congham Hall, Congham Poached Congham Hall garden rhubarb with garden lavender ice cream.

BEN HANDLEY Head Chef, Briarfields Hotel, Titchwell Paul Letzer smoked salmon, pickled cucumber and crème fraiche in a chive pancake.

DARRELL WHITTRED Head Chef, The Lodge, Old Hunstanton Grilled local allotment asparagus, crumbled Norfolk Binham Blue Cheese from Mrs Temple, soft poached egg and hollandaise sauce in a warm pancake served with crisp rocket.

I

t’s that time again – Pancake Day is here on the 8th March, so we’ve decided to dedicate our local tastes this month to pancake fillings! If you’re bored with the traditional lemon and sugar theme, we’ve spoken to some of the top chefs in West Norfolk to find out what local ingredients they use to give their pancakes some extra zing.

40

BRUCE SANDS Head Chef, The Swan Inn, Wootton For savoury, a mixture of Cromer crab, Brancaster mussels and King’s Lynn brown shrimp in a béchamel sauce, wrapped and browned under the grill. For sweet, Sandringham Apples with a drizzle of Norfolk honey.

KLmagazine March 2011

Eating Out The Ancient Mariner Inn Galley Restaurant Golf Course Road, Old Hunstanton 01485 536389

Congham Hall Fine dining Lynn Road, Grimston 01485 600250 www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk

The Jolly Sailors Pub favourites Brancaster, Kings Lynn 01485 210314 www.jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk

Palmers British Brasserie 45 High Street, Downham Market.

01366 388124 www.palmersrestaurant.co.uk

Bank House Brasserie Brasserie food, British Classics Bank House Hotel, King’s Staithe Square, Kings Lynn 01553 660492 www.thebankhouse.co.uk

The Crown and Mitre King’s Lynn’s only traditional riverside pub. Great English food using only fresh locally-sourced ingredients. Ferry Street, King’s Lynn 01553 774669

The Kings Head Hotel Award-winning fine dining Great Bircham, King’s Lynn 01485 578265 www.thekingsheadhotel.co.uk

The Riverside Restaurant English Cuisine 27 King Street, King’s Lynn 01553 773134

Best Western Knight’s Hill Hotel Garden restaurant South Wootton King’s Lynn 01553 675 566 Best Western Le Strange Hotel Golf Course Road, Old Hunstanton 01485 536389 The Blue Boar Inn Good locally sourced food Great Ryburgh, nr Fakenham 01328 829212 www.blueboarinn.ryburgh.co.uk

The Crown Inn Gastro pub The Green, East Rudham 01485 528530 www.thecrowneastrudham.co.uk The Dabbling Duck Seasonal English Cuisine Abbey Road, Great Massingham 01485 520827 www.thedabblingduck.co.uk D’Inacios 9 Newmans Yard, Norwich Road, Fakenham 01328 851247 www.dinacios.co.uk

Leziate Park Local English Cuisine Brow of the Hill, Leziate, King’s Lynn 01553 630393 www.leziatepark.co.uk

The Rose and Crown Traditional pub favourites Old Church Road, Snettisham 01485 541382 www.roseandcrownsnettisham.co.uk

The Lodge Old Hunstanton, Norfolk 01485 532896 www.thelodgehunstanton.co.uk Market Bistro English Cuisine 11 Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn 01553 771483 www.marketbistro.co.uk

The Swan Inn South Wootton, King’s Lynn 01553 672084

Bradley’s Restaurant and wine bar 10 South Quay, Kings Lynn 01553 600836 www.bradleysbytheriver.co.uk

The Gin Trap Inn Gastro Pub 6 High Street, Ringstead, Hunstanton 01485 525264 www.gintrapinn.co.uk

The Neptune Inn and Restaurant Varied Fine Dining 85 Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton 01485 532122 www.theneptune.co.uk

Brewer’s Fayre Premier Inn West Lynn, King’s Lynn 01553 772221 www.premierinn.com

The Hare Arms Varied fine dining Stow Bardolph, Kings Lynn 01366 382229 www.theharearms.co.uk

The Old Vicarage Seasonal Local Food.

The Street, Hemsby 01493 731557 www.theoldvicaragehemsby.co.uk

Titchwell Manor Traditional and modern infusion Titchwell, Kings Lynn 01485 210221 www.titchwellmanor.com

Briarfields Titchwell, Hunstanton 01485 210742 www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk

Heacham Manor Hotel Varied fine dining Hunstanton Road, Heacham 01485 536030 www.heacham-manor.co.uk

The Orange Tree New takes on pub classics and seafood High Street, Thornham 01485 512213 www.theorangetreethornham.co.uk

The Yurt Restaurant Drove Orchards, Thornham Road, Thornham, Hunstanton 01485 525108 www.theyurt.co.uk

Buckinghamshire Arms Traditional and modern local food Blickling Hall, Aylsham 01263 723133 www.bucks-arms.co.uk Caley Hall Hotel Gastro pub Old Hunstanton Road, Hunstanton 01485 533486 www.caleyhallhotel.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2011

Timbers Hotel & Restaurant A la carte and traditional pub food Lynn Road, Fincham 01366 347747 www.timbershotel.co.uk

A taste of West Norfolk If we’ve missed your favourite local restaurant from this list, we’d love to hear from you – and so would our readers. Send the details to us at features@klmagazine.co.uk, and remember to pass on any fine dining tips, advice or recommendations as well!

41

LOCAL LIFE

Explorer It’s been a popular tourist destination since 1846, and today it’s better than ever.

Charlotte Thorneycroft visits Hunstanton...

PICTURE: J MAXTED

Hunstanton, Hunst’on, Sunny Hunny takes its name from the River Hunn which begins in the grounds of Old Hunstanton Park although some say it comes from ‘Honeystone’ the name that used to be given to the local Carr stone.

It was during the nineteenth century that the British seaside took off and in 1846 Henry Styleman Le Strange, as the principal land owner in the area decided to develop the area to the south of Old Hunstanton as a bathing resort, thus becoming (new) Hunstanton. The first building erected was, what is now, The Golden Lion overlooking The Green which slopes from the town down towards the promenade. Bands regularly play on the bandstand here and attract large audiences, as do car shows held on The Green which has also become a hot spot meeting place for bikers during the summer. Le Strange soon persuaded other investors to join him in a venture to link King’s Lynn and Hunstanton via a rail line which would bring more visitors to the area. The railway was finished in 1862, reaching its peak in the 1950’s. It declined after this time when larger connecting stations closed eventually leading to the closure of the Hunstanton to King’s Lynn line in 1969.

Victorian Hunstanton had an 830ft pier that was opened in 1870 with a pavilion added in the 1890’s. This was unfortunately damaged by fire in 1939 and again in the 1950’s but it was a great storm in 1978 that destroyed most of the pier leaving little more than the amusement arcade and cafe at the entrance. Fire once more waved a wicked hand of fate on the pier in 2002 when the whole building (and what little that remained of the pier) was completely destroyed. Today a large amusement arcade and bowling centre stands on the site still affectionately known as ‘The Pier’.

42

Without doubt the beach at Hunstanton (which was awarded a blue flag in 2010) is one of best features of the town offering a vast expanse of open sand and miles of undisturbed horizon. Spectacular sunsets over The Wash are common and last longer than other West facing towns providing time for an attractive evening stroll. Old Hunstanton’s rolling sand dunes are the site for the town’s annual sandcastle competition, with a variety of watersports enjoyed across the beaches including kite surfing and parasailing. During the summer as crowds begin to flock to the seaside resort the stripy deckchairs come out and the donkeys wait ready for young riders giving the complete traditional British seaside experience.

KLmagazine March 2011

Hunstanton On top of Hunstanton’s landmark red and white cliffs is another famous landmark – The Hunstanton Lighthouse, which ceased operating in 1921 and is now a holiday home.

Nearby stands the ruin of St Edmund’s Chapel named after the young St Edmund (adopted by the King of East Anglia in Germany) who arrived in Hunstanton in 855AD to claim his land upon the King’s death.

In 869AD the Danes attacked and tried to force Edmund to renounce his Christian beliefs. Stories say, because he refused to do so, the Danes tied him up and shot him with arrows. A wolf then stood guard over his body until it could be buried in a shrine at what is now Bury St Edmunds. This is the depiction on the town’s sign.

KLmagazine March 2011

Although it is a pleasure to walk around the seaside resort there are two other, more unusual ways to explore the town – The Wash Monster and The Land Train both operated by Searles Leisure Group.

The Wash Monster is arguably the most notable of all the vessels in the Searles Sea Tours collection, recognised for its sharks head design. Originally used by the American forces, this huge craft was the first 60 seater amphibious craft to be used commercially anywhere in the world and can travel at 13mph on sand and 8 knots in the water! A unique way to see Hunstanton’s coast by sea! To save your legs there is a regular service operated by the miniature land train to and from the Searles resort into the town during the season.

43

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KLmagazine March 2011

LOCAL LIFE

Explorer

ABOVE: Fred Grange’s first caravan – the Searles Leisure Resort has come a long way sonce those early days. Left: the Searle family pictured in the late 1950s.

(Photographs courtesy of Searles)

The Searles Leisure Resort covers a 330 acre site providing holiday accommodation and entertainment for the thousands of visitors who come to the seaside town of Hunstanton each year. But although the Searle family name is one of the first associations made with the town today, the business began quite differently a century ago.

William and Alice Searle were fruit and vegetable producers who used some of the profits from their business to purchase boarding houses for the increasing number of holiday makers visiting the coast. It was their son, Geoffrey, who realised the potential of Hunstanton and all it had to offer. In 1929 he added boat trips to the family business, with The Tigress making regular trips along the coast. By 1932-33 the ‘park’ had formed, quite unintentionally as friends asked if they could pitch their caravans on Searles grazing land. Geoffrey Searle agreed and gave each camper a board on which to put their name and asked them to erect it on their pitch.

Sharing an area of the grazing fields in 1934 were the Searles donkeys as the traditional rides on the beach were introduced. Soon, two women from the auxiliary airforce had teamed up with Searles after storing a plane on the land and began offering holiday makers passenger flights over the coast.

As business began to boom in the 1950’s, Geoffrey Searle, his wife Margaret and each of their five children all had roles to play within the busy company. In 1954 the site

KLmagazine March 2011

officially became The Searles Camping Ground. Since then the area has grown, new additions have been made and now The Searles Leisure Resort caters for around 3,000 people a night during peak season.

Paul Searle took over from his father and recognises one of the biggest and most beneficial changes to the resort has been the extension of the season “We have always been keen to introduce new facilities to the site to make the resort more enjoyable for our guests. During the nineties we saw a lot of investment and we made it our policy to buy well insulated, all year round caravans. The holiday makers wanted to come here out of season so it made sense to make it possible. It does of course mean that we can keep more staff in employment all year round and the town also feels a benefit to the economy not just during the summer months, something which is always welcome in seaside towns.

By organising music, theme and event breaks through quieter winter months we have also found we are introducing a whole new crowd of visitors to appreciate Hunstanton.”

From fruit and vegetable producers the Searles family business has become holiday accommodation, owner occupied holiday homes, food outlets, a play centre, a swimming pool to name a few and more recently The Heacham Manor Hotel and Golf Course. Still retaining the ethos of a traditional family business Searles is proud to enjoy a mutually supportive relationship with the seaside town it calls home.

July sees the annual Lifestyles Festival come to Hunstanton with a showcase of extreme sports. There are nationally ranked competitions in kitesurfing and windsurfing, (where our own local talented sports people have often excelled) as well as some ‘have a go’ sessions. A truly electric atmosphere not to be missed, with music, extreme displays such as skateboarding, street dancing and lots, lots more.

Held annually the Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament is the largest lawn tennis tournament in Britain after Wimbledon.

The event, which takes place over one week in August, has been running since the 1920’s and is extremely popular attracting many visitors and players, including some from around the globe.

There are plenty of attractions to keep all of the family amused in Hunstanton, most of which are situated along the promenade.

The Sealife Centre houses an aquarium with a variety of interesting marine life as well as a number of other animals including penguins, otters and of course seals.

During the year the sanctuary rescues seals that are sick, injured or orphaned pups and rehabilitates them in the dedicated seal hospital. Other attractions along the promenade include a crazy golf centre, amusements and a funfair with a variety of stalls and rides.

45

Good Looks HEALTH & BEAUTY

with Elizabeth Dutton

How LLLT can banish unsightly nails and painful tissues...

L

ow level laser therapy (LLLT) is a medical treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to alter cellular function. It can be effective in relieving short-term pain for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, acute and chronic neck pain, tendinopathy, and even chronic joint disorders. The good news is that more people can benefit from it than you might think! Here, we’re going to look at how LLLT works and how it can help you, your family and your friends.

How can low level laser therapy help people?

Damaged cells in your body can cause disease and injury. Low level lasers produce what are called ‘soliton’ or non-linear light waves. These waves are directed into affected tissues and help restore your cells to health by delivering electrons to unstable atoms and by increasing your cells’ energy production.

Is low level laser therapy safe?

In a word, yes! The laser is beamed onto damaged tissues and doesn’t damage skin

46

and healthy tissues. Even better, there are none of the side-effects you might get with some drugs. As an added precaution, while the laser is directed at specific areas, you’ll be given special goggles to wear so there’s no chance of damaging your eyes.

Will it help me?

If you suffer from any of the following, low level laser therapy can get rid of the condition: ! Fungal, thickened and discoloured nails ! Deep-set corns ! Verrucas ! Athletes’ foot ! Painful or cracked heels ! Swollen ankles But that’s not an exhaustive list – there are many more applications for low level laser therapy. In fact, animals can benefit too – race horses with strained muscles can find relief, for example.

How much does it cost?

Treatments generally start at around £35 per session. Sometimes only one treatment is enough to get rid of your problem – but in some cases two or three are needed.

ELIZABETH DUTTON is a qualified foot health care practitioner and trainer. She offers low level laser treatments from The Foot Care Centre in King’s Lynn and home visits are available. You’ll find her at The Foot Care Centre, 4B Tower Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1EJ. Full directions can be found on her website at www.thefootcarecentrekingslynn.co.uk You can call her on 01553 768661 (clinic) or 07973 230293 (mobile) or e-mail enquiries to enquires@thefootcarecentrekingslynn.co.uk.

Training courses on the use of laser are also available – just ask for details.

DARE TO BARE: get those sandals on!

Those lovely summer shoes are now in the shops. If you’ve been avoiding them for years because of unsightly toenails, you can open your wallets and get shopping! Low level laser therapy will clear your toes of fungus, thickening and discolouring, leaving your pinkies ready to be seen once more.

KLmagazine March 2011

It’s more than skin deep...

The secret of looking good is having that personal touch. KL magazine talks to Sarah Scales of The Beauty Room in King’s Lynn...

W

hether it’s fabulously flawless make-up for the big day you’re after or just a healthy new look in time for summer, preparing your skin is essential, according to Sarah Scales of The Beauty Room in King’s Lynn (within Boldero and Filby Hair Salon).

“Making the most of natural features such as shaping eyebrows and tinting and perming eyelashes all helps to achieve stunning make-up looks that still look natural,” she says.

“Facials are one of the key elements to good looks, creating the best possible base for perfect results – your own healthy skin.”

The Beauty Room offers more than your average beautician facials and uses top quality spa treatments from the DECLEOR range. Using aromessence – 100% pure, 100% natural concentrates of essential oils – a DECLEOR facial becomes an experience not just a treatment, as your senses are awakened.

Most popular are facials that can give instant results, which is why Sarah offers The Mini Micro – an advanced facial and microdermabrasion with ultrasound. The Mini Micro is a non-invasive facelift using a low-level micro-current to stimulate, lift and tone the muscles of the face and neck.

It improves skin texture and visibly reduces KLmagazine March 2011

lines and wrinkles, giving you back the tone and luminosity of youthful skin.

Microdermabrasion with ultrasound removes dead skin cells, sending a signal to start the creation of new cells. Immediately the skin becomes smoother and feels and looks fresher. Ultrasound improves the skin tone and texture along with the ability to drive active products deeper.

To complete the look, The Beauty Room uses New CID Cosmetics, an innovative make-up range designed for simplified application. Developed and used by hundreds of make-up artists across the country, New CID takes its inspiration from real women, with wearable shades for every occasion that are easy to apply.

The service offered by Sarah is as superior as the products she uses, tailored to her clients based on her own salon experiences.

“Beauty is very personal and because I do all the treatments myself, I’m able to build a relationship with my clients as it’s very important they feel they can trust me,” Sarah continues.

“I have a spacious, comfortable room so clients can come in and lay back, completely relax and unwind whilst they’re here – exactly as a beauty experience should be.”

A range of treatments await at the

beauty rooms from manicures, pedicures, waxing and spray tans to eyebrow shaping, eyelash tinting and even lash extensions in addition to a full range of DECLEOR and New CID products.

Why not treat your mum this Mother’s Day or come along to The Beauty Room’s open evening on Wednesday 27th April from 6–9pm where a team of London make-up artists will be on hand to offer advice and share tips on creating your perfect look. Make-up artist lessons start at 6.30pm.

?

Details

THE BEAUTY ROOM (within Boldero and Filby Hair Salon) 18 St James Street, King’s Lynn PE30 5DA Tel: 01553 767011

47

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Healthy lawns are happy lawns!

Before feeding

After feeding

Before scarification

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explains Richard, “and if the soil isn’t healthy then neither will the grass be that grows in it, which is why even an area that’s been returfed can fail. By using a range of products – only available to the professional market – I can treat the soil to become the growing

medium the grass needs. It’s this customized service that ensures a transformation that lasts.”

It’s a real cost-effective way to make a genuine difference to your lawn. Make the most of your garden this spring – give Richard a call for your free health check.

How the Lawn Doctor can help improve your garden...

A

lready the spring is upon us and soon it will be time for spending sunny days in the garden, but is your lawn looking a little worse for wear after the rather severe winter has taken its toll?

If you want a lush green lawn that’s healthy and looks great then you need West Norfolk’s Countrywide Lawn Doctor Richard Simpson.

“People often wonder why the

expensive products they’ve purchased from their local garden centre don’t work,” says Richard, “but without knowing what the problem is, there’s no way of treating it and no two lawns are the same – so using a universal product isn’t always going to be successful.”

Before Richard starts work he carries out a comprehensive health check to establish the condition of the lawn, assessing ph levels of the soil and identifying problem areas.

Once diagnosed, a report is then made for necessary treatment which is tailored individually to that particular lawn.

“Soil types vary considerably,”

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Details

COUNTRYWIDE LAWN DOCTOR Bridge Cottage, Lynn Road, Setchey, King’s Lynn PE33 0AY T: 01553 811 533

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KLmagazine March 2011

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

PETS

Small bites I really enjoyed this quote I came across recently – it made me smile: “Most cats when they are out want to be in, and vice versa, and often simultaneously” – this reminds me so much of my indecisive cat Mika!

PetProblems Q

My cat has got older and doesn’t groom herself like she used to, which has led to her getting knots and matts in her coat. She won’t let me brush these – can you help?

A

You’re not alone! Lots of cat owners have this trouble – myself included! We can help, and sometimes all it takes is our nurses gently combing, or (if really necessary) we can sedate your cat for more intensive grooming which will relieve the whole problem.

ALEX

Say hello to some of my industrious patients!

H

ow many types of working dogs can you name? Dogs whose hard work helps us all in our lives? Take a minute and try to list as many as you can.

Recently, during a busy day I thought how privileged vets are to care for this type of dog. An animal who bonds with us and helps us, even risking their own well-being for us.

I was treating a guide dog at the time and these very special animals bring freedom and a whole extra dimension to their handlers. Likewise, Hearing Dogs for the deaf carry out tasks and bring assistance to people who would otherwise struggle. Dogs for the disabled are also specially trained to assist with essential tasks that make a real difference to their owners.

At the London Road Veterinary Centre we’ve had the privilege of looking after the RAF police dog section for many years. Here we help guard dogs, attack dogs and – more recently – sniffer dogs, who help save the lives of our service men and women.

There aren’t too many mountain rescue dogs locally, but there are Fenland rescue

dogs – really! I’ve also looked after some Newfoundland dogs who take part in rescues from the shore of swimmers and small craft in trouble in the sea.

We also look after a more classical type of working dog and that’s dogs that take part in field sports, sending up game birds or retrieving game during a shoot. These dogs are bred to work – they’re very fit and they love what they do.

We don’t look after actual racing greyhounds but we do look after many retired ones and these gentle graceful creatures make excellent pets. If you ever want to consider rehoming a greyhound, visit www.retiredgreyhoundtrust.co.uk Finally, a real favourite of mine is dogs that are working on the farm. During my farm vet days, seeing these skilled and courageous dogs rounding up sheep or (even more impressively) cattle was something very special.

I regularly get to work with all these types of dog, and it’s very special when you know this dog makes a difference. Having said that, what more rewarding role than the pet dog whose main job is to give you a huge welcome home after a tough day!

Your pets This month’s pet is Dooley (his name literally means ‘dark hero’) a beautiful labrador from Gayton who loves going on holiday to the Lake District. This is him in his younger days he’s now nearly 9 years old, but he’s still full of fun and still loves his holidays!

Thanks to Dooley’s owners Ian and Elaine Newman for sending the photograph.

Don’t forget to keep sending me pictures of your pets (the funnier the better!) to Animal Matters at KL magazine, 37 Broad Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1DP or e-mail them to editor@klmagazine.co.uk

LONDON ROAD 25 London Road, King’s Lynn t: 01553 773168 e: info@lvrc.co.uk HOLLIES Paradise Road, Downham Market t: 01366 386655 e: hollies@holliesvetclinic.co.uk KLmagazine March 2011

49

HISTORY

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Remembering a great local hero...

W

hen discussing local heroism the name Samuel Gurney Cresswell probably doesn’t spring to mind to most people, and yet he was a man from King’s Lynn with a fascinating story of national importance.

Born in 1827 in King’s Lynn, The Bank House in the town was his home for many years. But Samuel wasn’t the only resident of status to have slept under the roof of this historic Lynn building. His grandmother was no less than Elizabeth Fry (nee Gurney), the famous prison reformer recognisable

50

He’s one of our more remarkable local heroes, but he’s also one of the most unrecognised.

Charlotte Thorneycroft goes on the trail of explorer Samuel Gurney Cresswell for gracing the back of the £5 note since 2002 – she would regularly stay in the house when visiting her daughter.

As a port town, many of Lynn’s young men went on to watery careers although the Cresswell family’s acquaintance with arctic explorer William Edward Parry may have had more influence on Samuel than most.

Aged just 14, Cresswell joined the Royal Navy in 1842 quickly rising to become Lieutenant on board HMS Agincourt in the China Seas.

He was twice commended for his actions

against the pirates of Borneo. This wasn’t Cresswell’s most notable achievement, however – his name is set in the history books at the first Naval Officer to navigate the entire North West Passage.

It all began in 1845 when Sir John Franklin (remembered as the explorer who actually ate his own boots on a previous expedition in an attempt to survive) embarked on an exploratory journey to discover the North West Passage, a highly sought after trade route that would link the Atlantic and Pacific.

The voyage was doomed which, given KLmagazine March 2011

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Some five years after the ships’ departure, a voyage was organised to search for the missing polar explorers.

Two ships set sail – the Enterprise under the control of Captain Collison, and the Investigator, commanded by Robert McClure on which Cresswell was second Lieutenant.

Only the Investigator went on to sail through Cape Horn and the Bering Strait and thus navigate the North West Passage.

From 1851 to 1853 however, the Investigator became trapped in ice and the crew nearly perished through lack of food.

Still, many of the crew did become invalided and on news that Captain Henry Kellett’s ship was within reach, McClure ordered Cresswell to transport six invalids across no less than 160 miles of icy terrain to the ship.

Amazingly enough, Creswell’s mission was completed without loss of life and on his return to the Investigator McClure sent him to Beechey Island with more men.

As the ice allowed the ship to travel, Cresswell boarded the rescue vessel for home.

On returning late in 1853, he gave news that the North West Passage had been discovered and Parry declared him the first person to transverse this route. Cresswell became quite the celebrity – especially to the townspeople of King’s Lynn, and was the guest of honour at a celebratory banquet held in the Assembly Rooms .

In spite of extreme conditions and events, experiences of the ship and crew were all logged by the ships diarists and Cresswell himself through a series of paintings and drawings. Some of the paintings were presented to Queen Victoria, with eight prints made and published in 1854 detailing the journey.

The difficult Arctic episode had taken its toll on Samuel Cresswell’s health and although he rose the rank of captain after further achievements he was forced to turn down appointments in the remaining years of his career.

He retired from service in 1867, dying shortly afterwards in King’s Lynn at the age of 39, but he will always be remembered as an important figure in Britain’s history of sea exploration. KL

KLmagazine March 2011

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51

ADVICE

PropertyLaw

with Bryan Gillery of MCP

Q

The end wall of my house is close to my neighbours’ boundary. I need to carry out repair works to the wall and the eaves and gutters above it, but I can only do this by going onto my neighbours’ property. My deeds don’t give me any rights to do this, so how do I go about getting my repairs done?

A

Bryan Gillery is Head of Property at the King’s Lynn Office of Metcalfe Copeman and Pettefar. He recently joined Metcalfe Copeman and Pettefar from national firm Eversheds LLP, with whom he worked for many years in Norwich and Cambridge.

Bryan specialises in property law with a special interest and long experience in commercial property work.

First, simply ask your neighbours. In most cases you’ll find they’ll say yes, in which case you won’t need to do anything more to carry out your works.

If your neighbours do refuse, it isn’t the end of the road. What you need to do is apply to the County Court for an “access order” under the little-known but extremely useful piece of legislation called the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992.

You can get an access order if you want to carry out works of maintenance, repair or renewal to your home; if you need to remove or cut back any dangerous, dead or diseased trees or hedges which are close to your boundary; or if you need to carry out inspections and/or surveys to establish the extent of any necessary works.

If you apply for an access order, you should be granted one unless your neighbour would suffer such interference or would suffer such hardship that it would be unreasonable to do so.

The access order will be limited to a specific part of your neighbours’ property. It will also set out the dates on which access can be obtained. It’s also likely to contain a number of other terms and conditions to ensure that as little interference and damage as possible is caused to your neighbours and their property as a result of the works. Note that your neighbours will not be entitled to any payment for allowing you onto their property.

Q

I’m currently living in Glebe Close, on the Rectory Park Estate. My house was built in the 1970s and I moved there in the late 80s. My neighbours (who moved in last year) recently mentioned their property is subject to a ‘chancel repair liability’.

They also told me their Solicitor says it’s now usual for a search to be made whenever a house is bought and sold to see if the property is affected by this sort of liability. Since my neighbours’ property is affected, I’m worried mine might be too.

Do I need I be concerned? What do I need to do if my house is affected?

A

Chancel repair liability is an obligation to pay towards the cost of repairing the chancel of a church. It dates from medieval times, when responsibility for repairing and maintaining the church was split between the parishioners and the rector. The parishioners were responsible for the western end (where they sat), while the rector was responsible for the eastern end (the chancel).

The rector paid for repairs to the chancel by taking profits from the land which belonged to his ‘rectory’ – and in most cases, this land has long since passed out of the hands of the church and been subdivided and sold on many occasions.

Despite this, any former rectory land is still subject to the obligation to pay towards the cost of repairing the chancel. If your house is subject to this liability, you can be called upon – as can your neighbours – to fulfil your duty to repair the church’s chancel.

For many years, it was believed these obligations were unenforceable. You may, however, remember the highly publicised case of the Wallbanks in the 1990s, which suggests otherwise. As a result, it’s now usual to make a chancel liability search whenever a property is bought or sold. A search will establish quickly and inexpensively whether the property is in a parish where former rectory land exists. If your home is in one of these parishes (and there are believed to be over 5,000 parishes within England and Wales with a potential liability), the risk can be covered by insurance.

A modest one-off fee will provide cover in perpetuity and will give you peace of mind.

The Government has taken measures to solve the liability issue by providing that all chancel repair obligations will cease in October 2013. Until then, the risk remains and chancel liability insurance will continue to be required.

52

The questions and answers on this page are intended to provide general information only. Every effort is made to ensure that the law is correct at the time of publication but no duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Each case is different and so you should always seek our specific advice.

MCP Solicitors 28/32 King Street, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1HQ Tel: 01553 778101 Fax: 01553 766807 Web: www.mcp-law.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2011

Books

Broaden your horizons...

From cup cakes to the cosmos, here are some charming stories and some truly inspiring writing to enjoy this month!

David Learner The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party Alexander McCall Smith Meanwhile, back in Botswana Mma Ramotswe is making her eighth cup of redbush tea for the day and starting to mull over the compensations of Mr McCall Smith’s bank account. Getting on?

On the contrary, he’s index-linked.

This is Mma’s twelfth outing with the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency; may they continue for as long as the sun shines over the Tsolido Hills.

Hummingbird Bakery Cake Days Tarek Malouf The cupcake has grown like Rapunzel’s hair from the unassuming teatime snackette to the absolute must-have for a thousand celebrity weddings. Hummingbird’s new recipe book looks mouthwateringly at those special occasion days that deserve flower-infused, Earl Greylaced and even cocktail-soaked cup, layer and tray cakes. Maybe it’s what Marie Antoinette had in mind all the time.

Civilization Niall Ferguson How was it in the late Middle Ages that the great empires of the East started to be outshone by brighter stars in the West? Ferguson’s fascinating journey courses through six growth areas that saw science, consumerism, labour, democracy, medicine and the West’s competitive streak begin a domino effect that would simply outsmart the opposition. In a shrinking world though, what does tomorrow offer?

Daughters-in-Law Joanna Trollope Once again Trollope lays herself bare on the psychologist’s slab with an after-Aga saga of Rachel and the three sons she can’t let go. Watching them grow up has been easy – she’s always been there, always in control – but with the arrival of the daughters-in-law and their puzzling contemporary ways of looking at love she knows it won’t be long before it’s hairdryers at dawn. If you liked The Other Family, read on.

March Bad Ideas?

Robert Winston If we’re so good at finding cures for some of the most terrible diseases to blight the planet how come we also invented the gun? The magnificent Robert Winston celebrates the inventions of man at his brightest and bloodiest and offers an optimistic and enthralling view of how we really could do better next time around.

KLmagazine March 2011

Wonders of the Universe Brian Cox The mockingly handsome Prof Cox is doing for astronomy what Michael Wood did for archaeology and the sales of skinny jeans. Look up into the night sky, he says, to comprehend the connection back to earth and how the links are forged between the two to touch and unite all of us. Compelling television, brilliant writing and a shining book.

2 22

Events

One Day by David Nicholls is this month’s book group choice. Come along at 4pm, pour yourself a cup of tea and join in a lively and informal discussion about the book. New members always welcome.

Highly acclaimed organic gardening experts Alan and Jackie Gear will be in store on the third day of spring to sign copies of their latest book Organic Vegetables & Fruit Growing & Preserving Month by Month. They’ll also be available to answer any of those niggling questions about slugs or sowing.

David Learner is Assistant Manager for Waterstone’s at 137 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1AU Telephone: 01553 660111 53

LOCAL LIFE

ABOVE: Just a small part of Mary’s amazing Royal collection

Celebrating 60 years of Royal watching...

She’s been attending Royal events and visits for so long that now even the Queen recognises her. John Hocknell meets the celebrated local Royal watcher – and avid collector – Mary Relph

T

he announcement at the end of last year of the engagement of Prince William and his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton was greeted with delight around the world. But the feeling of jubilation surrounding a Royal Wedding was perhaps nowhere more keenly felt than in a corner of West Norfolk in the cosy cottage home of Mary Relph.

For the 77-year-old grandmother is

54

widely regarded as one of the country’s most dedicated “royal watchers”.

As soon as the Royal Wedding date of April 29th became official and the venue confirmed as Westminster Abbey, Mary was already making plans to be in London to witness all the excitement, pomp, pageantry and romance of the special day.

And for Mary, the occasion will be another memorable milestone in more than six decades of interest in the Royal

Family stretching back to her first visit to the Sandringham Flower Show as a 12-yearold girl.

“As schoolgirls, my friend and I loved to dress up in an old silk bedspread when we played roles of the King and Queen,” she recalls.

But it was that first visit to the annual summer Sandringham Flower Show with her mother Gladys that really sparked an interest that has become her abiding

KLmagazine March 2011

passion. In more than 60 years of royal observance, Mary has built up an amazing and impressive collection of royal memorabilia and souvenirs. Her collection of commemorative plates, mugs and photographs are displayed everywhere in her neat cottage home in a Norfolk village near Downham Market.

The walls of the tiny front room are covered with china plates marking countless royal births, marriages and anniversaries. The collection, including many limited editions, reflects landmarks of the Queen’s long reign, from her early days through the decades as she approaches her diamond jubilee as our nation’s monarch.

Familiar royal faces smile out from the plates – on one wall there’s a charming portrait of the late Norfolk-born Diana, Princess of Wales while on another is a lovely image of the Queen Mother, who was always a favourite of Mary.

Now with the forthcoming Royal Wedding, Mary has added to her priceless collection with an Ansley commemorative plate and two mugs.

“I ordered these straight away when I heard the news of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton,” she says.

“I’ve been dealing with the same supplier for years and I’m always very excited when

KLmagazine March 2011

the new pieces arrive through the post and I can unwrap them and look at them in detail.”

Mary will have to do a little rearranging of her collection to find space for her latest acquisitions.

“I’ll give them a prominent position on the wall and they’ll later be joined by items marking the actual wedding featuring images of the young royal newlyweds,” she says.

Such is the extent of Mary’s collection, that it has now outgrown her lounge, spread into the kitchen and hallway and climbed the walls of her staircase.

A couple of years ago when her lounge was re-decorated, Mary enlisted the help of her good friend and fellow royal watcher, Sheila Clarke.

“Sheila helped me by taking all the plates of their hooks and carefully put them safely away with the mugs while the walls were re-painted,” she remembers.

“We then shared the task of putting them all back again.”

As well as the commemorative ware, Mary also has a wonderful collection of photographs of the Queen and members of her family.

There’s a lovely full-length photograph of the Queen Mother in a pale green evening gown stepping out of her car when she attended a concert. The picture is signed “to Mary with love from Arthur Edwards” – it’s one of many charming photographs that the famous Sun photographer has sent Mary over the years.

“I treasure these pictures,” says Mary.

“Arthur Edwards has always been kind to me and when he’s able to, he makes a point of having a word when we meet at royal events.”

Mary was particularly fond of the Queen Mother and when she died at the age of 101 in 2002 Mary was in hospital in King’s Lynn following a knee replacement operation. She found herself having to respond – from her hospital bed – to calls from journalists asking for her reaction to the sad news.

Mary attended the Queen Mother’s Laying-in-State at Westminster Hall on crutches. “I felt I had to pay my respects, even though I was in some discomfort,” she says.

Mary also vividly recalls being at Sandringham Estate when the Queen Mother was flown by helicopter to London to enable her to attend the funeral of her youngest daughter, Princess Margaret.

The Queen Mother had been unwell with a persistent heavy cold and had remained at Sandringham House after the Queen’s traditional New Year holiday had come to an end in February.

“There were tears in my eyes when I watched the Queen Mother leave the Sandringham Estate by helicopter because I

felt she was leaving Norfolk for the final time,” Mary remembers.

The Queen Mother later died at Windsor with the Queen at her bedside.

The Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family know Mary by sight and often exchange words with her if they catch sight of her among the crowds at events they are attending.

One of Mary’s most treasured memories was a surprise encounter with the Queen when she and her friend Sheila were strolling through the grounds of Balmoral.

Even today, several years later, Mary still can’t quite believe that she spent several minutes chatting to the woman whose royal progress she’s followed so closely over the years.

It was in 2006 when Mary and Sheila were walking in the grounds (after paying their admission fee at the entrance gate) when a Landrover suddenly pulled up alongside them.

The vehicle’s window wound down and the Queen (at the wheel) said to Mary : “What are you doing here? You should be in Norfolk!”

Mary recalled the Queen, wearing a lemon-coloured dress, was accompanied by her lady-in-waiting and her dogs were in the back.

“The Queen sat in the vehicle and chatted to us for 10 minutes,” Mary recalls.

Mary revealed the Queen told her : “I should have gone to church this morning but I have got a stinking cold so I didn’t go”.

“She then told us all about the cruise she and the Duke of Edinburgh had recently enjoyed. The Queen told me they had had some rain – and she said ‘I love the rain’. She said the captain moored the ship at all the little beaches the royal yacht Britannia used to visit, so they enjoyed a lovely time,” Mary remembers.

Mary explained that the Queen was staying at Craigowan and not officially in residence at Balmoral Castle in the same way she sometimes stays at Wood Farm, Wolferton rather than in Sandringham House itself.

Sometime after the Balmoral encounter, Mary was outside Bircham Church in Norfolk when the Queen visited some war graves.

“The Queen commented to me ‘You’re in the right county this time!’” remembers Mary.

Although she would be the first to admit she has no deep academic knowledge of royal history, she says her long interest in the world of the Windsors has given her much pleasure over the years.

“My interest in the Royal Family has been the joy of my life. I don’t believe the Queen will ever abdicate, but my dearest wish is that I’ll see Prince Charles become King in my lifetime,” she says. KL

55

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KLmagazine March 2011

ARTS

Acting in the family way...

He comes from a long acting tradition, and he’s on stage again later this month. Charlotte Thorneycroft talks to local rising star Adam Tucker about his family and Adrian Mole...

F

ollowing in the footsteps of his great- great-grandparents, 16 year old Adam Tucker will take to the stage this month to play Adrian Mole in the King’s Lynn Players production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾.

Adam’s great, great-grandmother Katherine Raymond (whose stage name was Kitty Dillon) was orphaned at 16, leaving boarding school two years later to make her own way in life.

Not trained to earn her own living she used the teaching she had for music and voice production, taking to a career on the stage. She married fellow actor and comedian Alfred G. Raymond and together the pair became famous names on the stage in the 1920s and 30s, even performing at one time alongside Charlie Chaplin.

Now Adam, currently studying A-levels in music, media and drama at Springwood High School, aims to emulate their success by embarking on his own stage career.

“I’ve always liked singing and acting,” says Adam. “My family used to tell me lots of stories of Kitty and Alfred, so from an early age I was interested in the stage. Their success does inspire me and I can see elements of what they did in my own style – especially the comedy side.”

Adam’s first audition was for a school performance in year 9, taking a role in the chorus. He soon decided it was centre stage he wanted, where he would be able make KLmagazine March 2011

characters his own and directly entertain the audiences.

Since joining the King’s Lynn Players a year ago, he’s developed his skills and confidence further, playing the role of ‘Baby John’ of the Jets gang in the Player’s production of West Side Story, which was performed at The Corn Exchange last year.

“It was a great opportunity for me to be on stage in such a big venue,” Adam continues.

“We had good audience numbers which at first was quite daunting, but after first-night nerves dispersed I really enjoyed myself. Adrian Mole will be a bit different because it’s the first lead role I’ve had. The humour and comedy in the play is just the sort of thing that appeals to me so I’m extremely happy to have the lead part. I’m sure my great great grandparents would be proud!”

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ tells the story of an adolescent boy dealing with life with his dysfunctional working class family, Pandora (the love of his life) and the general turmoil of teenage life.

Directed by Carol Beveridge, another entertaining evening is promised by the much-loved King’s Lynn Players at The Arts Centre from Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th March.

Performances begin at 7.30pm with tickets priced £10 (£9 concessions).

Contact The Arts Centre for further details 01553 764864. KL 57

ARTS

58

KLmagazine March 2011

Norfolk’s first lady of crime...

!

MEET THE AUTHOR King’s Lynn on in be ll wi s th iffi Elly Gr visiting Gaywood d, 2n Wednesday March nn 3pm and King’s Ly Library from 2.30– m.

Library from 7–8p

Fans of crime fiction recently celebrated the publication of the latest Ruth Galloway mystery. Charlotte Thorneycroft talks to her creator, local novelist Elly Griffiths about Norfolk, writing and archaeology...

S

uccessful crime novelist Elly Griffiths uses Norfolk as the setting for her Ruth Galloway crime mysteries and has recently released her third novel in the series – The House at Seas End. Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is called in to investigate some human skeletons that have been found dating back to the Second World War. Finding it difficult to juggle motherhood and her career, things become a even harder when she comes face to face with DI Harry Nelson.

A killer lurks and mystery and intrigue ensue – everything you’d want from a Ruth Galloway story. Here her creator tells us a little more about her literary work.

KL MAGAZINE: How did you begin your literary career?

ELLY GRIFFITHS: I’ve always wanted to be a writer and I wrote my first book, a murder mystery, when I was eleven. I studied English at university and went on to work in publishing. This should have been the perfect job for an aspiring writer but actually it almost put me off for life.

Publishing is a very cut-throat business these days. It wasn’t until I was on maternity leave expecting my twins (who are now 12) that I wrote my first published novel – ‘The Italian Quarter.’ It’s loosely based on my dad’s life and is published under my real name, Domenica de Rosa.

KL MAGAZINE: Would you say crime is your favourite genre? Do you have a favourite crime writer who inspires you?

ELLY GRIFFITHS: I enjoy all sorts of books, but my real love is Victorian fiction. My favourite writer is Wilkie Collins and he has

KLmagazine March 2011

certainly inspired me. The Saltmarsh in ‘The Crossing Places’ certainly owes something to the Shivering Sand in The Moonstone.

KL MAGAZINE: Can you tell us a little about the character Ruth Galloway?

ELLY GRIFFITHS: Ruth is a forensic archaeologist (not an anthropologist as some people have said) who teaches at a fictional university near King’s Lynn. She loves her job and she’s good at it. She lives alone (apart from her beloved cat) in an isolated cottage on the North Norfolk coast.

Ruth is overweight, slightly prickly and formidably intelligent. She’s first consulted by the police when bones are discovered on nearby marshland. The bones turn out to be over 2,000 years old but Ruth is drawn into the investigation and into a complicated relationship with DCI Harry Nelson.

KL MAGAZINE: What was your inspiration behind using Norfolk as the setting for your Ruth Galloway mysteries?

ELLY GRIFFITHS: I was walking on Titchwell Marsh with my husband, Andy, and our children. Andy’s an archaeologist, and he mentioned that prehistoric man saw marshland as sacred. Because it’s neither land nor sea but something in between, they saw it as a kind of bridge to the afterlife – neither land nor sea, neither life nor death. The entire plot of ‘The Crossing Places’ came to me in that instant.

KL MAGAZINE: Are there any particular places, people or tales from Norfolk that have stirred your imagination to feature in your work?

ELLY GRIFFITHS: Obviously, Titchwell

Marsh, but really the entire North Norfolk Coast. I also love King’s Lynn and the Broads.

My second book, ‘The Janus Stone’, ends with a boat chase along the Broads from Reedham to Horsey Mere. The third – ‘The House at Sea’s End’ – is set in a village modelled on Happisburgh.

KL MAGAZINE: Ruth is an archaeologist – have you visited any of the digs in Norfolk?

ELLY GRIFFITHS: I haven’t been to any digs in Norfolk, but I’ve read a lot about the original Seahenge dig at Holme-next-theSea and I’ve seen the finds on display at Flag Fen. KL MAGAZINE: We are very pleased you’re visiting King’s Lynn on 2nd March – what sort of response have you had so far from readers in Norfolk?

ELLY GRIFFITHS: So far, it’s been great. I hope readers can sense my love for the region.

KL MAGAZINE: What can we expect from your next novel?

ELLY GRIFFITHS: The next book will be set in a small (fictional!) museum in King’s Lynn.

The museum has some very unusual exhibits and, when the curator is found dead, Ruth is called in to examine them...

The House at Seas End by Elly Griffiths (Quercus, £14.99) is available now from all good bookshops.

59

SPORT

ABOVE: The Super Pro-ET dragster of NG Motorsports starts off on another exhilarating 8-second race under the expert guidance of Nick Good (below)

Nick Good’s life in the (very) fast lane...

Blink and you’ll miss them – but that’s all part of the appeal of drag-racing. Charlotte Thorneycroft meets the successful local team of NG Motorsports...

I

magine touching your foot against the accelerator and reaching speeds of 150mph in just four seconds. Well, it’s second nature for Nick Good of the West Norfolk based drag racing team NG Motorsport and his Super Pro-ET Dragster.

Drag racing is the world’s fastest and most powerful motorsport, providing an adrenaline rush for both spectators and competitors alike. Actually, Nick’s love of drag racing started in the stands, as he regularly attended meets to watch his favourites race. Wanting to become more involved, he started to crew for one of the teams, which enabled him to learn more about how these highly-technical vehicles operate and achieve the breathtaking speeds they’re capable of.

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After five years ‘crewing’ Nick decided he wanted to be in the driving seat of his own car and soon NG Motorsport was formed.

Essentially, the idea of drag racing is a simple one – two cars race along a ¼ mile track (called ‘the strip’) and the first to the finish line wins. As you might imagine, things are a bit more complex than that.

The painstaking preparation, precise calculations and advanced engineering required to achieve success involves some of the most technical processes in motorsport.

The NG Motorsport team includes Bob Walker, Pete Cridge, Simon Rowland, Hester Penney, Rick Cooke, and Mike and Will Penney – all of whom have their own jobs within the crew to ensure safe and successful runs.

The sport has come a long way in the last 20 years, which Nick puts down to the introduction of computer technology.

“Precision is everything in drag racing,” says Nick, “with times counted by thousandths of seconds and the slightest error having disastrous knock-on effects.

Today, on-board data recorders measure pressures and functions like exhaust temperatures throughout the race. Once downloaded to a computer, we can see exactly what’s happening inside the engine and make any adjustments if necessary.

Not only does it help us see where improvements can be made, but it helps us solve issues before they become very expensive problems.”

Before the race, the dragster is filled with fuel (methanol, which burns slower than KLmagazine March 2011

ABOVE: Burnout time for NG Motorsports – in only four seconds, the dragster can reach over 150mph

petrol), the tyre pressure is checked (it’s critical to performance) and safety checks are completed. When you’re reaching speeds of over 200mph in less than seven seconds, it’s vital to have every eventuality covered and every precaution in place.

As the driver, Nick wears a safety helmet, full fire suit and is completely strapped into the car, which also involves arm and neck restraints.

Nick then spins the tyres (a ‘burnout’) to warm them and lay two sticky rubber strips on the starting line which will aid grip – the track itself is already covered in a type of glue to help the wheels stay grounded.

It’s now the job of the crew to line the dragster up ready to start the race. Both drivers then edge forwards slowly, breaking a beam of light that will then activate the signals – amber, then green to go.

As the car shoots forward, Nick experiences a massive 4.4G of pressure, pushing him into the car – and in just a few seconds he has reached the end of the strip. It’s time to hit the parachute button that assists stopping – although this can take half a mile, twice as long as the race itself!

The official European Championship in drag racing is administered by the FIA (Federation International Automobile), the same organisation that governs the World Championships in Rally, Touring Car and Formula One.

NG Motorsport competes at the two FIA Championship rounds held in the UK and in all rounds of the UK Championship.

In terms of the sport, Nick’s team is still fairly new, but they’ve enjoyed considerable success, finishing last season near the top of the table and reaching the Super Pro ET final in the last round of the 2009 FIA European Championships held at Santa Pod Raceway in front of 35,000 spectators.

The team are constantly working hard to improve their vehicle and skills which has made them a formidable competitor, with the fastest car in their class in Europe.

It’s also notable that NG Motorsport became Europe’s first accredited carbon neutral drag racing team in 2010, gaining membership of the Carbon Neutral Federation.

The racer’s distinctive yellow and white design has also lead to it being one of the most famous and photographed in drag racing.

“We’re lucky to have a great team of sponsors without whom none of this would be possible,” says Nick. “Thanks to them we’re able to give the dragster the latest updates and modifications, to always keep ahead of the field. 90% of the work takes place before the race so it’s great we have such a good crew too. We all have high hopes for the new season which will be starting at Easter.” KL

Competition!

Thanks to NG Motorsport one lucky KL magazine reader has the chance to win a special prize package comprising of the team’s official 2011 calendar, a signed poster, a computer mousemat and two official team coffee mugs. To enter the competition, simply tell us what type of car the team races. Send your answer before March 24th to NG Motorsport Competition, KL magazine, 37 Broad Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1DP.

KLmagazine March 2011

Thanks to the sponsors!

NG Motorsport would like to thank all of their loyal and generous sponsors for their continued support: Beovax Computer Services 01638 720780 Glas-Weld Systems 01366 387500 Plus-Five Gaming 01202 607441 Chris Brown Body Repairs 01366 386608 Morris Armitage Estate Agents 01366 383777 BGC Motorsport Components 01945 466690 Focal Point Digital 01603 401191 East Coast Signs 01366 387291 HRG Ltd 01553 773321 Live and Let Live Public House 01366 383933 Spinwerkes Racing Wheels 001 562 467 1522 Peter Carter Haulage 01366 347626 SellThatCar4Cash.co.uk 0808 1787650

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62

KLmagazine March 2011

with Jonathan Chapman

2010 World Cup at King’s Lynn

Why 2011 will be the ultimate year of racing for the Stars K

ing’s Lynn Stars Promoter Buster Chapman has described this season’s fixture list as the “ultimate year of racing for speedway fans” after learning his club will also be staging the Elite League Pairs as well as the Speedway World Cup and a full season of Elite League and National League racing plus a host of other fixtures throughout 2011.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fixture list full of such high profile and exciting events,” he says.

“It’s enough to make fans drool and it really does show how far this club has come over the past decade. We knew that last year’s World Cup would put the club in the spotlight and thankfully the event turned out to be one of the KLmagazine March 2011

highlights in World Speedway. The Elite League Pairs Championship will be a sensational way to kick off the season on March 16th and hopefully we’ll have a shot at picking up our first piece of silverware.”

The team are really keen to get racing and with the local support they’ve received through sponsorship, the whole of Norfolk can be proud of their efforts.

This year, fans can expect the team to be shown to a worldwide audience of over 500 million people, with the new TV deal that’s been signed for worldwide rights – that’s a lot of coverage for any sporting team, let alone a little old speedway team from Norfolk!

2011 Admission Prices: Adults £15 Concessions (Disabled, Senior Citizens, Student, 16/17 year old) £12 Junior (12-15 year old) £6 Children (11 years and under) FREE

Visit www.klstars.co.uk for the latest news and forthcoming fixture information. Check out the regular speedway column in KL magazine, which will feature exclusive interviews, match analysis and all the gossip!

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orders received by 31.03.11. £294 monthly figure is based on a 9-3 Turbo Edition Saloon 1.9TTiD (180PS) Manual on a non-maintenance contract hire package over 36 months, 10,000 contract miles per year. Advance payment equal to 3 monthly payments is payable followed by 35 monthly payments. Excess mileage charge applies if contract mileage is exceeded.

For full terms and conditions and specification please refer to the Saab Great Britain Limited Master Agreement and your local dealer. All quotations are subject to availability, status and agreement. Free metallic paint is only available in conjunction with the Saab Great Britain Limited offer and applies to selected models only. Guarantees may be required. Terms are unavailable to existing customers under specific end-user terms with Saab Great Britain Limited. Details correct at time of publication and may vary, eg if list price changes. Saab Great Britain Limited does not offer tax advice to individuals: company car drivers should consult their accountant on their tax position. Contract hire by ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Saab Contract Hire, Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. On the road prices include number plates, delivery, Road Fund Licence, first registration fee and VAT. Excludes fuel and insurance. Model shown is a 9-3 Turbo Edition Saloon 1.9TTiD (180PS) Manual at £23,484.79 OTR with optional metallic paint at £536.17 and TX Design Pack at £607.66. **119g/ km CO2 emissions relates to MY11 9-3 manual Saloon engines only and excludes the 1.9TTiD (180PS) Aero model. †Exempt from first years road tax.

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You can also enjoy its class-leading 180PS twin turbo performance. Economy and exhilaration, the best of both worlds. So with cars available for March delivery and prices from just £294 a month* (excl. VAT), it seems the most efficient thing to do is to test drive one today.

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64

KLmagazine March 2011

SPORT

Life with the Linnets It’s been a great start to the year for King’s Lynn Football Club – and March promises to be ever better for the team making all the headlines

T

he 2010-11 season is turning out to be a very exciting time for your favourite local football team, Kings Lynn Town FC. The Linnets kicked off on February 1st with a Tuesday evening game at home to Deeping Rangers and secured a sturdy 20 result to bring us a well-deserved three points. A crucial away win on Saturday 5th at the UCL League match against current leaders and local rival team St Neots ended their 46-match unbeaten record with an impressive 4-2 win. An army of almost 900 King’s Lynn fans who made the journey to St Neots were well rewarded with an exceptional result and King’s Lynn fans should feel very proud of the support they gave to their local team, as no other club in the league can boast the same level of support.

Following their success in the FA Vase in January, the Linnets drew league rivals St Neots in the 5th Round. February 12th proved to be a memorable day for the

KLmagazine March 2011

team, with over 1,600 supporters cheering them on to a 2–1 victory. It was one of the best games fans have seen this season, many describing the tense and passionate atmosphere on the day as the best they’ve witnessed since the King’s Lynn versus Oldham FA Cup game many years ago.

The team barely had a chance to celebrate their victory before rising to their next challenge three days later in the semifinals of the Norfolk Senior Cup against Thetford Town at home. Thanks to a 5-1 win they’ve now made it to the Final of the competition which will be staged at Carrow Road against Dereham (the date is yet to be arranged).

At this point, King’s Lynn are still in all the cup competitions, which is nothing short of amazing for the club. With the quarterfinals of the FA Vase now drawn, King’s Lynn is now looking forward to another home match against Rye United on Saturday 5th March, making this the first time King’s Lynn have ever reached the quarter-finals

of a national competition.

Tickets for this game can be purchased in advance at every home game, and the club expects to see a record turnout from the local community cheering them on – so make sure you take your friends and family to do your bit in helping the Linnets move on to the Wembley final.

The latest fixtures for the team are listed below. For further information and details, please call the club on 01553 760060 or visit www.kltown.co.uk.

KL Magazine hopes to see you at a game soon!

MARCH FIXTURES Tuesday 1st Raunds Town (A) Saturday 5th Rye United (H) FA Vase Tuesday 8th Stuart and Lloyds Corby (A) Saturday 12th Newport Pagnell (A) Tuesday 15th Wellingborough (A) Saturday 19th Long Buckby (H) Saturday 22nd Stuart and Lloyds Corby (H) Saturday 26th Northampton Spencer (A) FA Vase semi final 65

LOCAL LIFE

Michael Middleton’s

WildWestNorfolk

N

ever one to miss the chance to take part in a long-standing local tradition, I paid my annual visit to the Mart a couple of weeks ago.

I’ve always been a big fan of fairgrounds.

I enjoy tucking into all that candy floss and those fizzy flourescent sweets, I get a thrill from trying to score over 50 with a set of darts that seem to defy the normal laws of aerodynamics, and (even though I find it pretty creepy) I love fairground music.

The Mart’s always been a great place to escape from grown-up concerns such as the cost of diesel for a few hours, but this year I couldn’t help feeling the Mart was somewhat pressurising me into acting my age (something Mrs Middleton has devoted several years to).

It all started as I was munching my way through a bag of marshmallows and was confronted by a sign saying NO BOISTEROUS BEHAVIOUR. Fair enough, you might think – although what exactly constitutes ‘boisterous behaviour’ on a fairground is a bit mystifying – but the more I looked, the more signs I came across that started with the word ‘NO.’ Some of them didn’t come as much of a suprise – NO ALCOHOL and NO SMOKING are as much a part of public gatherings these days as bumping into someone you haven’t seen for two years, but some of them stuck me as rather bizarre. NO FOOD, for example. I was surrounded by stalls selling all manner of suger-coated loveliness, and I actually had a bag of the offending material in my hands. I considered accidentally ‘losing’ the marshamallows, but was placed in a qaundry by the NO LITTER sign and then noticed that no one else seemed to be bothered about the fact they were merrily

66

scoffing as much as they could get their sticky hands on.

NO KICKING was also a weird one. No kicking? No kicking what? I’ll admit that spending a small fortune and several hours in a futile attempt to win a 10-foot fluffy elephant can be pretty frustrating, but I wouldn’t start kicking things as a result.

NO HANDSTANDS actually made me chuckle. I haven’t done a handstand for about 40 years, and even if I had managed to win a 10-foot fluffy elephant I don’t think I’d be tempted to revisit my woeful attempts at school gymnastics.

Not in public anyway.

The same can be said for NO CLIMBING. If I wanted to do some climbing, I’d have gone to the Lake District.

And as for NO HEADBUTTING, words fail me. Why would you ever feel the need to tell people at a fairground that they should refrain from headbutting things?

By the time I came across the NO RUNNING sign, I was sorely tempted to do precisely the opposite and hot-foot it all the way home before my nightmares came true and I stumbled into a sign saying NO FUN. What’s happened to the good old funfair I grew up with?

Take the Bumper Cars, for example. I love them, and no fairground would be complete without them. But these days, there’s – you’ve guessed it – NO BUMPING. So, the bumper cars don’t bump anymore – and you all have to go round the track in the same direction. At a rather sedate speed. It’s a bit like driving to work in rush hour. And it’s about as exciting.

I wonder where my

fairground went, with all its thrills and adventures, frights and – let’s face it – a little bit of danger.

I wonder what happened to the Coconut Shy – I haven’t seen one of them in a while, and I have a sneaking suspicion why. They may contain nuts.

It’s a bit like the Stanley Knife I bought last year to help with a bit of improvised carpet fitting. Beside the manufacturer’s logo there’s a big yellow sticker that says WARNING: SHARP BLADE. Well. If I’d known that I’d never had bought it.

But if you think this is going to be another Middleton rant about stupid Health and Safety rules, you’ll need to think again. I recently came across a TUC report that pointed out that in 1976 there were more than twice as many health and safety regulations and laws than there are now.

It’s obviously just me. I’ve grown up. I’ve got old. And I love a good moan about people stating the obvious.

It reminds me of the time when I took a photograph looking out to sea on top of a windswept cliff in Cornwall – next to a sign saying WARNING: CLIFF EDGE. I’d never have guessed.

KLmagazine March 2011

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