KL Magazine March/April 2022

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE MARCH & APRI PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

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welcome

I

t’s been a long time coming, but spring arrives this month, and as we start paying more attention to our gardens it might be time to give them a touch of patriotism in this momentous year of royal landmarks.

Our gardening feature is full of ideas on how to bring some natural red, white and blue into your outdoor spaces so that even your plants can take part in the forthcoming celebrations.

You’ll find a look at Norfolk from all angles this month. Starting underground, this could well be the most exciting place in the UK, having revealed countless astonishing and internationally-important discoveries over the years. Just a few of these treasures are unearthed on page 38.

COVER IMAGE

At ground level we’re visiting some truly beautiful locations - from the historically-important watermill at Letheringsett and the magnificent church of St Mary at Brancaster, to the vast and spectacular tulip fields of Belmont Nurseries - and how they’re supporting a vital local charity.

We’re also exploring how our local landscape is changing, particularly at Wild Ken Hill where a quartet of beavers (together with the first kit born in the county for six centuries) have made positive changes to their environment in little more than two years. It’s something that the UEA’s Corinne Le Quéré would undoubtedly encourage. As one of the leading researchers on climate change in the world (and one of its few women) you can read about her life and work on page 18.

Moving a considerable distance upwards, we’re taking to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the area, and how a vast collection of older aerial photographs can provide a new perspective on how our towns, villages and countryside have changed over the years.

After all that, we’ve still managed to feature a new Pilgrim Trail through King’s Lynn, a Picasso exhibition, a history of how our local poor were treated in the past, and a special Easterthemed quiz for you to enjoy.

A very happy Easter from all of us.

Eric Secker EDITOR KL magazine

Thornham by Ian Ward

4

KLmagazine March 2022

contents

A SEA OF COLOUR FOR SPRING Our landscape is teeming with tulips

CUTTING THE MUSTARD...

A delicious taste of Essence Foods

BRANCASTER’S BRILLIANT CHURCH Taking St. Mary’s into the 21st century

FASHION Stepping into spring in style

CAN WE SAVE THE PLANET? Corinne Le Quéré may have the answer

SAVED BY THE COMMUNITY The restoration of Watlington station

THE SHADOW OF THE WORKHOUSE How we used to care for our local poor

A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF THE PAST Norfolk’s history from the air

THE STORY OF HILGAY The vibrant village with a bright future

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS...

A new trail through King’s Lynn

UNEARTHING THE PAST...

A look at our archaeological treasures

BIRDS, BOATS AND BEACHES The printmaking work of Sue Welfare

A JEWEL IN NORFOLK’S CROWN The precious world of the Kelling Estate

4

THE LEGACY OF YOUTH Pablo Picasso comes to Norfolk

MARCH IN THE GARDEN Patriotic ideas for your plants this year BUILDING A BETTER WORLD Exciting news from Wild Ken Hill

4 KLmagazine March 2022

A UNIQUE LOCAL WONDER The rescue of Letheringsett Watermill

WORLD BOOK DAY Norfolk’s proud literary heritage

4 4

THE KL MAGAZINE QUIZ An eggsellent test of your knowledge MICHAEL MIDDLETON The strange truth about your cat 5

Brightening Norfolk’s hen el ont urseries opened one of their tulip fields last year o er people oc ed to see the o ers Plans are no under ay to repeat the e ent hich raises crucial funds for a ital local charity

W

ith their dazzling colours and beautiful buds, tulips are truly stunning springtime flowers, and when Norfolk’s fields burst into bloom it’s an incredible sight to behold. Terrington St Clement-based Belmont Nurseries is the only commercial grower of tulips in the UK, and every year their fields create vibrant views that can rival the most spectacular in Holland.

“Last year we worked with The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House to open a field near King’s Lynn to the public,” says Mark Eves, a director and

farmer at Belmont Nurseries. “The tickets disappeared almost as soon as they were released, and we collected over £21,000. Tulips for Tapping has really taken off, and we’re hoping to raise even more this spring.”

Mark decided to launch the event in 2021 after speaking with Lindsey Atkin, the Community and Corporate Fundraising manager at The Norfolk Hospice.

“We do it all for them because they’re an amazing charity,” says Mark. “Most people only associate the hospice with end-of-life care, but they do so much more than that.”

Located in Hillington, The Norfolk Hospice helps people suffering from chronic and life limiting illnesses and provides crucial support to their families and carers.

“We want to help people live as well as they possibly can for as long as they possibly can,” says Lindsey Atkin.

“Supporting patients and their families is at the heart of everything we do.”

The hospice provides a wide range of crucial services including rehabilitative day therapy, in which patients can take up new hobbies, learn to cope with their symptoms, and join peer support groups. The compassionate charity

ABOVE: Mark’s daughter, Olivia Eves, at work removing the tulip flowers, allowing the plants to put their energy into growing bigger bulbs.

also helps people come to terms with their diagnosis, offers their loved ones emotional support, and has an Inpatient Unit and Hospice at Home service to provide quality care based on individual needs.

Last year, The Norfolk Hospice helped over 1,100 patients and their families, and delivered outstanding care and support to the local community.

“The Tulips for Tapping event was brilliant for us,” says Lindsey. “Not only did it raise much-needed funding, but it also enabled us to gain new volunteers and raise awareness of what we do.”

And Mark is thrilled to see that something special comes of his fabulous flowers. Though the colourful tulips look magnificent in the fields, they’re grown as a bulb crop, so not a single one of the flowers is sold.

“The bulbs spend a year

growing in the field to ensure they’re strong enough to produce good quality flowers that are going to last,” he explains. “After they’ve bloomed and been admired, our de-header removes the tops from the tulips and they’re used as compost. Initially we want the bulbs, not the flowers themselves.”

When the heads have been removed, the bulbs are harvested, dried, stored and sorted by size.

The smaller ones will be replanted in the fields the following year to make them grow stronger, whereas the bigger bulbs are placed in trays of water to allow their roots to develop.

The trays are transferred to cold stores which are kept at 7°C - the optimum rooting temperature.

Whilst nestled in the cold stores the bulbs grow longer roots and develop small shoots, and after about three weeks they’re brought into a large glasshouse, which is heated to 17°C “We always try to do our bit for the environment so we warm the glasshouse using overhead water pipes that

are heated by burning recycled wood chips,” says Mark. “At the start of the year, Lindsey and her team collected people’s old Christmas trees in exchange for donations. They gathered about 500, all of which have been turned into wood chips to help grow the tulips.”

In the warm glasshouse the bulbs assume spring has arrived, and after about three weeks grow into stunning high quality flowers. They’re then taken to the pack house where the bulbs are removed to be recycled as compost.

The tulips pass through a remarkable machine that x-rays their heads and sorts them into bunches of similar sized flowers, and they’re finally packed and sent to supermarkets across the country to be bought, gifted and enjoyed.

“It’s not hard work, but it is constant work,” says Mark. “Growing top quality tulips is a long process, and I’m glad something good now comes from the first flowers that bloom in the fields.”

Mark and Lindsey are currently working on organising Tulips For Tapping again this spring, so make sure you look out for online updates.

“We can’t predict when the flowers will bloom so can’t set exact dates for the event, though it should take place in late April or early May,” says Lindsey “You can keep checking our website for information. We’d love to see you there, although please remember you must have a ticket to attend.”

To get a glimpse of Mark’s tremendous tulips and support the inspirational work of The Norfolk Hospice this spring, visit www.norfolktulips.co.uk and www.norfolkhospice.org.uk.

Please be aware there is no disabled access as the field is on uneven ground, and dogs and drones are not allowed.

Mark & Olivia Eves 8

KLmagazine March 2022

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15/02/2022 KLmagazine March 15:18 2022

In Heacham,

W

ith the hustle and bustle of everyday life we often find ourselves tired and stressed, and we rarely get a moment to relax. The good news is that Sarah Jane Ward at Coastal Calm Reflexology in Heacham is now offering an amazing new treatment that’s deeply calming and incredibly beneficial.

Welcome to the wonderful Zone Face Lift – which has been developed by holistic beauty expert Ziggie Bergman through the combination of traditional reflexology with facelift massage and Native American healing techniques. It’s an innovative natural treatment, considered by many an effective alternative to Botox, and will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.

Whilst the massage helps stimulate collagen and elastin and provides a natural way to smooth and lift the

face, the reflexology can help reduce tension, increase relaxation, and generally improve your wellbeing.

“It’s a treatment that lifts your face, mind, and spirit all at the same time,” says Sarah. “I notice my clients relax on a deeper level, and they leave with a glow in their face and a spring in their step.”

The Zone Face Lift is more than a treatment. It’s an experience. And it’s unlike anything you’ve ever had before.

For starters, it doesn’t take place in a clinic. This is a home from home treatment, and Sarah welcomes you with open arms. Her professional skills combine with quality essential oils, quartz crystals, and industry leading products to treat your body physically, emotionally, and spiritually - and clients report they feel ‘exceptionally relaxed’ and notice an astonishing difference in their skin tone.

“All my products are completely

organic and charged with crystals to complete the holistic nature of the treatment,” says Sarah. “You’ll leave with the precious gift of a calm and rejuvenated face and spirit, and all new clients receive a welcome pack containing a selection of products to try at home.”

You’ll also be given an advice card and information on after-treatment care, and if anyone knows about health and wellbeing it’s Sarah. Her 35-year nursing career has involved helping people of all genders and ages, and she’s been a fully qualified reflexologist for over nine years.

Other reflexology treatments are available for those wishing to stay at home and relax - and rejuvenating facial reflexology treatments can be delivered by Sarah virtually via Zoom.

To book your first appointment or for an initial consultation, please contact Sarah and say hello to the new you.

Contact Sarah: 07592 455001 Email: sarahjane.reflexologist@gmail.com Web: www.coastalcalmreflexology.co.uk KLmagazine March 2022

Coastal Calm Reflexology 11

With its wealth of history and wildlife and strong community feel, St Mary’s is the beating heart of Brancaster. Welcoming, wonderful and full of colour, it’s a charming church with a very vibrant future…

B

rancaster sits on the North Norfolk coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

With its glorious sandy beach and rich Roman history, the small village is full of rare wonders – although few are as delightful as its lovely church.

St Mary’s stands proudly on a pretty coastal path with its distinctive square tower framed against the stretching sky.

A humble and elegant construction, it dates mostly to the 14th century – though there’s evidence a Christian church has existed on the site since

around 1250. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be anything particularly special about the building, but on closer inspection there’s a treasure trove of history to be discovered. Though it’s mainly constructed of attractive flint pebbles, some remarkable pieces of Roman stone can be seen in the outer walls of the chancel. These astounding ancient slabs almost certainly originated from the 3rd century Roman fort of Branodunum, which was situated to the east of the village (and whose commander enjoyed the title of Count of the Forts of the Saxon Shore)

There are more amazing wonders to be found inside the church, including a magnificent medieval font cover given by Walter Bodham in 1493.

The elaborately-carved wooden masterpiece is a symphony of finials and crockets which telescopes up over itself in a spectacular spiral pattern.

Now supported by a modern iron frame, it’s one of Brancaster’s most precious medieval survivals.

“It’s incredibly beautiful but it’s equally extremely delicate,” says Janet Lake, churchwarden at St Mary’s. “We don’t touch it. We don’t even dust it.

Kirsty Allan & Rachel Dines It’s a truly astounding piece of art.”

Another impressive element of the church is the grand east window of the chancel. In vibrant stained glass, it depicts a stunning image of Christ throned in glory surrounded by adoring angels and mortals. The striking artwork was installed in 1908 to commemorate the tragic death of the rector’s young wife Muriel Daubeny, who’s included among the mortals in the bottom right corner.

St Mary’s fine clock (which faces both east and west in the tower) was given by parishioners 1907, also in memory of Mrs Daubeny.

“It’s a beautiful old clock and one of the church’s most distinctive features,” says Janet. “It’s in the process of being mechanised so you’ll no longer have to climb the tower to wind it up. It’s also going to be repainted and regilded.

We’re all very fond of it and can’t wait to get it chiming again.”

A few of the church’s other memorials include a brass tablet in the nave commemorating local men who gave their lives in the wars, a wooden RNLI service board listing the rescues made by the old Brancaster lifeboat, and some gorgeous Edwardian poppyhead pews which were given by members of the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club.

St Mary’s certainly holds a sea of fascinating treasures, although there’s more than just history 14

concealed in its ancient walls. In the roof space above the west door, staff have discovered a swarm of bees – which have likely been living there for many years.

“I’ve never seen it myself, but I’ve heard you can sometimes see honey dripping down from the roof,” says Kirsty Allan, Team Vicar for the Hunstanton and Saxon Shore Benefice.

“Last summer I attended a beekeeping course with our Team Rector Rachel Dines, and we’re planning to get some hives so we can keep them if they ever swarm. We love having bees here, and if they choose to stay we hope to make jars of church honey.”

And the bees aren’t the only natural wonder at St Mary’s, as Kirsty has recently worked with local schoolchildren to create a wildlife corner PICTURES: The church’s beautiful medieval font cover (above).

A few of the wonderful wildflowers planted by Kirsty and the at the east end of the children of St Mary’s Primary School (below). churchyard.

“We wanted to bring more biodiversity to the amazing,” she says. “I know the children area and create an outdoor classroom will enjoy putting it together, and it’s for the children to explore,” she says. something the whole village will be able “It’s attracted a haven of wildlife, with to admire.” everything from muntjac deer and bats With its historic treasures, stunning to a vast range of birds and insects. The memorials and sea of wild wonders, St children really loved creating it, and Mary’s is a truly delightful place to visit. they’re always so excited, keen, and Warm, welcoming, and bursting with eager to learn about the natural world life, it’s a small church with a big heart around them.”

- but it has an extremely bright and As spring approaches, Kirsty intends colourful future. to go a step further by planting a carpet of wildflowers in the churchyard.

For more fascinating features on some “I’ve seen it done at St Stephens of our most beautiful churches, please church in Norwich and the effect is visit www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

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Living

For buyers and sellers the property market in west & north Norfolk has never been more vibrant,

Spencer Cushing of Sowerbys explains how to make the most of it...

impressions count

E

aster and Spring go hand in glove in our natural psyche, with the two events always overlapping each other. Having said that, our extraordinary English weather means that I can vividly remember an Easter Bank Holiday Monday at Fakenham Races shivering in a horizontal snow storm - as well as more recently taking

the children paddling off Wells-NextThe-Sea in shorts and a t-shirt. It seems the idea of Spring is more about Easter and less about the climate!

However, as the Easter holidays approach we agents begin encouraging potential vendors to think about taking advantage of what, year on year, is considered the best time of the year to put your property up for sale.

As the days lengthen and the trees and bulbs start to bud and flower, we all become caught up in the feeling of optimism this particular change in season brings with it, and this year I think the Spring market will be as strong as it has ever been.

To that end, my advice for selling at this time of year is to focus on the outside space of your home. That’s not to say that you should neglect the

presentation of the rest of your home of course, but first impressions always count - and your exterior is the first thing people will see.

Your Eastertime buyer is picturing themselves enjoying a warm summer evening in their new garden, relaxing with a cold glass of something nice, watching as the sun sets and breathing in the tantalising aromas of their BBQ. With this in mind, and even though those sultry days may still feel a little way off, it’s for you to help paint the picture for your buyer - so that when they come to view your house it’s the garden they remember as much as your kitchen or bathroom.

Dust off or hose down the garden furniture, wash down the patio or decking, tidy the garden and show off all the potential it has. One of the many things the pandemic has taught us over the last couple of years is just how valuable our outside spaces are so make sure yours looks as good as it possibly can.

Finally, the primary reason I think we will see a stronger than usual Spring market in 2022 is that the market continues to be afflicted by a lack of available stock coming on.

We’re at the mercy of market forces and the imbalance of availability verses demand means that it really is a fantastic time to set in motion the sale of your property.

Burnham Market | Dereham | Fakenham | Holt | Hunstanton | King’s Lynn Norwich | Watton | Wells-next-the-Sea www.sowerbys.com 16

KLmagazine March 2022

Norfolk is a wonderful place to live, and few people have more experience in styling our homes than Aldiss, as managing director

Darryl Simpson explains...

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Creating your ideal outdoor space...

T

he last two summers have made outdoor living an essential part of home life, which makes an investment in our gardens, patios, decks and balconies a ‘must do’ for any property owner.

Part of the challenge has been getting hold of what you need to fulfil your outdoor plans, but at Aldiss we’ve already taken delivery of much of our outdoor furniture stock to ensure Norfolk homes have all they need for the perfect al fresco season.

Before you start, review your space.

Whether you have a cosy balcony or a large back garden, there are ways to DuraOcean® chair

transform any space. Smaller gardens and balconies are ideal for bistro sets (usually two chairs and a table) but larger spaces can accommodate an outdoor corner sofa or 4, 6 or 8-chair dining set. If you have the room and enjoy hosting, why not have both?

Visualising your ideal outdoor space and planning what you need ensures you’ll make informed decisions when shopping.

Then you’ll need the right look. One of our most popular collections is the Aruba range. This features bistro sets, dining sets, and sofa corner groups with adjustable tables, all in keeping with the same natural style and light grey colour scheme. That means it’s great for combining and matching several items from the same range.

If you’re eco-conscious, we also offer fully-recyclable garden furniture, and our DuraOcean bistro set and Panama

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chairs are produced using recycled sea nets taken from our oceans.

Our quality furniture can be left outside all year without the risk of rust or damage, although a cover is recommended to prevent debris from collecting. Many of our collections include up to seven years’ warranty and (other than the recyclable options) are made using either polyethylene resin, rattan or aluminium, all of which are incredibly long-lasting. Our cushions for outdoor seating usually come with unzippable covers that are machine washable.

For the perfect finishing touch, consider pergolas and parasols, including cantilever parasols, which will protect you from the sun on hot days. If you haven’t got one already, purchase a BBQ for the ultimate al fresco dining experience. And if you can find space, the must-have product from the last two years is the Egg Chair. Outdoor rugs and scatter cushions can also add texture and allow you to experiment with different colours and patterns.

Have fun - and let Aldiss help you create an outdoor space that’s truly part of your home this year.

Eret London Wicker egg chair

www.aldiss.com 17

© UEA / CORINNE LE QUERQUE ABOVE: Professor Corinne Le Quéré at Wells-Next-Sea, to which she retreats for some peace and quiet and a break from undertaking groundbreaking research into a subject that affects every single person on the planet

An inspirational woman in a changing world We’re becoming increasingly aware that carbon emissions and their impact are vital issues in the world, and that understanding is largely thanks to the work of people such as Corinne Le Quéré

H

ad she not applied 24 hours too late to a small university in Canada, Corinne Le Quéré CBE, FRS might be a sports teacher today. Instead, the Professor of Climate Change Science at the UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences is ranked as one of the most influential scientists in the world studying the climate - and is one of only a handful of women.

Only 10% of physics professors in Britain are women, just seven have ever won the Nobel Prize for chemistry, and only four have won the prize for physics.

When not on campus in Norwich or at her idyllic retreat at WellsNext-the-Sea, Corinne undertakes KLmagazine March 2022

works for the French High Council on Climate, is a member of the UK Climate Change Committee, wrote the 3rd, 4th and 5th assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and regularly advises politicians and policymakers in the UK and Europe.

“Now is the time when climate science is most needed to inform the big decisions of our time,” she says.

“The more we learn about the Earth the more obvious it becomes that humans are an intrinsic part of the planet.”

Corinne’s research mainly focuses on the interactions between the carbon cycle and climate change in the atmosphere and oceans, and despite all her qualifications and awards she’s

the first to admit that she doesn’t know everything.

For example, turn the clock back to March 2020 and you’d have found Corinne (like most of us) largely confined her home office.

The streets were deserted, it seemed the world had come to a sudden stop, and there was an odd silence pretty much everywhere. Apart from Corinne’s phone, however, which rang from a range of colleagues and journalists - most of whom were asking her the same question.

“They wanted to know what this global pandemic was likely to mean for our emissions of carbon dioxide – and for human-driven climate change itself,” she remembers. “Since this is my 19

© ANUSHREE FADNAVIS © ADNAN ABIDI

© UEA / CORINNE LE QUERQUE ABOVE: In March 2020, Corinne Le Quéré assembled a team of academics to study the environmental effects of the global lockdown, which saw cities around the world such as New Delhi (above right) experience significant changes in air quality and pollution levels

20

old piece of ice she’d taken with her on the train to London.

Born in Quebec, her favourite subject in high school was physics - so when she was told by the university in Gatineau that applications for the sports education programme had closed the day before, she decided to call the physics department at the University of Montreal.

“They said ‘yeah, you’re welcome here - we take everybody,’” she recalls.

“However, I didn’t realise that physics would become my life’s work until I was a research assistant at Princeton University in the late 1990s.”

In addition to raising her young daughter with her first husband, Corinne helped her boss Jorge Sarmiento and his team solve a programming problem that was preventing them producing accurate computer models of changes in the climate - some of which are still in use today. Corinne and her family then moved to Paris, where she studied for her Ph.D. In 1997, she was spotted when she gave a presentation in Australia to an audience of scientists studying carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in China.

Shortly after finishing her Ph.D, Corinne was recruited by ecosystem scientist Colin Prentice to join his team at Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, which had been tasked with writing a chapter on

the carbon cycle for the influential Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. By 2004 however, Corinne was on the move again - moving to Norwich and joining the UEA, where she remains as Professor of Climate Change Science at the university’s School of Environmental Sciences.

She’s a genuine inspiration, but Corinne’s feet are firmly on the ground.

“If we want to make progress on tackling climate change and make good decisions we need to understand how humans deal with with scientific knowledge,” she says. “That’s why I’ve always worked hard - not only to do great science, but also to interact effectively with other researchers, with policymakers and with the public.”

© UEA / CORINNE LE QUERQUE

area of research it seems obvious to ask me, but I was surprised to discover that I really didn’t know the answer.”

By the middle of March, she’d sent an e-mail to various colleagues, contacts and associates and had assembled a team of 13 scientists in six different countries to discover the immediate effects of the sudden and drastic drop in the global burning of fossil fuels.

Just over three weeks later the collected data had been analysed (an incredibly fast feat in the usually slowpaced field of scientific research), and the results were published in the middle of May. They made headlines around the world, showing that in one day in April 2020, carbon-dioxide emissions had dropped by 17% to levels not seen for almost 15 years.

However, in an update published exactly a year ago the team reported that overall carbon dioxide emissions fell by a comparatively meagre 7% for the whole of 2020.

“It was quite a sobering reminder that in order to reduce the carbondioxide emissions that heat the planet significantly,” says Corinne, “we’ll have to do a lot more than stay at home, avoid driving, and cut down on our use of natural resources for a year or so. We need to start taking a longer view.”

And if anyone’s familiar with the longer view it’s Corinne - she once demonstrated the complex processes to David Cameron with a 100,000 year

KLmagazine March 2022

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Why it’s time to start solar powering your life

I

As our move into a greener and cleaner world gathers pace, Kevin Holland of the Solar Shed explains how easy it is to e race the future and ho si ple it is to en oy all the enefits

t seems that every time we switch on the news at the moment, there appears to be another major weather event or disaster linked to climate change and it’s hardly surprising.

2010-2019 was the hottest decade in recorded history, and the three gases at the heart of climate change are at unparalleled levels - compared to preindustrial times, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is now 147% higher, nitrous oxide is 132% higher, and methane is an astonishing 259% higher.

Most of us know what needs to be done to avoid a global catastrophe, but many people are understandably confused about the best place to start - and what efforts to make in their daily lives to make this a better, healthier and cleaner world.

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We’re reminded on a daily basis that we have to do something to lessen what is rapidly becoming a genuinely existential threat, but what can we do?

I hear this from people every day, and I have done for many years. In fact, that’s one of the main reasons I opened the Solar Shed in the first place - renovating and retro-fitting our 15th century cottage into a cost-free living environment that proves that there is another way.

Welcome to the way we want to live and a world without oil and waste.

A greener and cleaner world, and a much more affordable way to live by reducing, recycling and re-using - in addition to growing food, composting and generating our own energy.

For over 14 years the Solar Shed has been helping customers switch to a

Home battery KLmagazine March 2022

ABOVE: Over the last ten years Kevin Holland has transformed his beautiful riverside home into a stunning example of how renewable energies and sustainable technologies can help us all lead a cleaner and greener life - saving money in addition to saving the planet.

different way of life as we become more aware of the importance of averting disaster.

Some people choose solar power for the heating of water and some choose it for the making of electricity. Many of us now have battery systems, electric car charging points, water harvesting and many other forms of renewable living technologies.

All our clients share a burning desire to do their best in the fight against climate change, but many don’t understand how these technologies can work for them - but that’s what we’re here for. We teach people, we educate them, and we provide the tools for the greatest fight humanity has every faced.

That might sound rather alarming, but that’s what our premier service is all about. We’ll show you how we’ve managed to live with renewable energy for over a decade in a 500-yearold house and how we’ve reached the point where the family car and house run free of charge for many months of the year. We’ll help you build resilience into your life, using the latest technology and the simplest of methods.

That’s one of the reasons we

introduced our exclusive private sessions, which can be arranged for up to eight people and last for around two hours.

We’ll show you how to become more environmentally friendly, we’ll help you save money, and we’ll advise you on making your energy usage more efficient.

From recycling and composting to water storage and energy harvesting, we’ll show you that there is a better way. A cleaner way, a greener way, and more sustainable way.

Contact us now for more information and details and we’ll be happy to show you the way forward.

www.solar-power.co.uk KLmagazine March 2022

23

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KLmagazine March 2022

From a builder’s point of view you couldn’t ask for a better company to work with Richard Knight Richard Knight Homes Ltd

Why local builders choose the 4 Way Group

I

ir source heating is the energy e cient ay of the future ut at the 4 Way Group the very latest technology is already here...

n order to achieve ‘net zero’ by 2050, the UK government plans to install 19 million air source heat pumps in new builds, and the technology is expected to be a better and low-carbon alternative to heating homes in the foreseeable future.

That comes as no surprise to Steve Simpson of the 4 Way Group, who have been designing, installing and maintaining air source heating systems for well over 15 years.

“Air source heating needs no gas or oil supply, no flues and no ventilation,” he says. “It doesn’t need extensive ground works either, which makes it a cost-effective solution for all building projects – from small self-build homes to larger developments.”

And that’s something Richard Knight Homes Ltd is more than happy to endorse. The company has

recently completed the 12-property development of Walton View in Walton Highway, and every home benefits from air source heating that can be controlled remotely via a mobile phone or tablet.

“We’ve worked with the 4 Way Group for around 8 years now and they’ve helped us on well over 20 properties,” says director Richard Knight. “From a builder’s point of view you couldn’t ask for a better company to work with.

They take as much pride in the build as we do, they’re always willing to go the extra mile, and they’re totally reliable.”

The new Fujitsu air source heating systems from the 4 Way Group are incredibly energy-efficient and produce significantly less carbon dioxide than traditional heating systems, emitting fewer pollutants and costing much less to run. They also come with a full

7-year warranty, but there’s even more reassuring news for both the builder and the homeowner.

“The level of service the 4 Way Group offers is fantastic,” says Richard Knight.

“When we hand a property over to a customer, Steve will always meet the owners in their new home and explain the system to them - how to operate it and how to make the most of it.

And he’ll be their first point of call in the unlikely event of any problems.

For us it’s completely hassle-free, and as a developer I can assure you that’s priceless.”

If you’re currently planning or working on a new building project and are looking for the most reliable heating system on the market and the best service in the area, contact Steve and the 4 Way Group team today for an initial consultation and free estimate.

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

KLmagazine March 2022

25

ABOVE: This image of the St James Workhouse in King’s Lynn by Henry Baines is rather bucolic, but it hides the grim reality of local workhouses, which had been intended to improve the lives of the impoverished, but did little more than pass the issue on to future generations

Gone but not forgotten: our local workhouses Traditionally, the road to hell is said to be paved with good intentions, and in the 19th century that paving led thousands of local men, women and children inexorably towards the gates of their nearest workhouse

P

lease sir, I want some more.”

It’s now tempting to see Oliver Twist’s request for a little extra food as a rather quaint piece of Victorian literature, but being based on Charles Dickens’ real experiences it will have sounded a depressingly-familiar chord with contemporary readers of the 1830s.

For the very mention of the word ‘workhouse’ struck dread into large sections of the population, for whom the prospects of extreme poverty and starvation was a very real threat. It only took a bad harvest or a sudden illness to plunge whole families into abject misery - and that was the least of their worries.

26

The origins of the workhouse can be traced back to the Statute of Cambridge (1388) which tried to address the manpower shortages after the Black Death killed around 40% of the population in little more than two years.

For a while, local parishes, churches and monasteries were responsible for their local poor, but that all changed after Henry VIII declared himself head of the newly-created ‘Church of England’ and his henchman Thomas Cromwell destroyed the monastery system.

Within a generation the Poor Relief Act (1576) gave the parishes the legal framework to force desperate people

to work in order to receive support (whether money or food) and it was the foundation of the principle of the Victorian workhouse.

In 1782 MP Thomas Gilbert introduced a new act which allowed neighbouring parishes to join together to form ‘unions’ in order to share the costs of helping the old, sick and infirm - and this was amended in 1834 to help people who couldn’t continue living in their homes.

The result was the workhouse, and conditions were deliberately harsh to ensure inmates generated enough income to cover the costs of their food and accommodation - and (somewhat inevitably) generate a profit. When KLmagazine March 2022

parishes were able to join together to pool their meagre resources there were eventually 22 ‘union’ workhouses in Norfolk.

Some of our more local ones include Docking Poor Law Union’s workhouse, which served the needs of 35 surrounding parishes but only had room for 450 inmates (and seven members of staff) and Gayton Union’s workhouse (room for 154 inmates from 32 different parishes) - both have now become privately-owned houses and/ or apartments.

In the centre of King’s Lynn the old St James workhouse on the site of the old County Court building was used until 1854 when the ancient structure collapsed and killed two people. A replacement workhouse in Exton Road was commissioned and could ‘house’ 468 people, and it eventually became St James Hospital - which closed in 1985. The surviving building now comprises the offices of the local area’s Health Authority.

Local people researching their family history are often shocked and upset to find their ancestors had to enter a workhouse to survive (and had a 10% chance of dying in them) - but the stigma had been there from the very beginning. For example, children born in the Gayton workhouse were allowed to be registered as having been born at No.1 Old Swaffham Road.

Following a cursory medical examination, inmates would ‘enjoy’ a disinfectant bath and be issued workhouse clothing before being sent to the appropriate part of the building the block for men, women or children.

Families were split up – husbands from wives, children from parents - although in some workhouses husbands and wives over the age of 60 were allowed KLmagazine March 2022

to live together.

You’d be expected to get up at 6am and dress, wash and attend a roll call before attending prayers and being treated to a nutritionally-minimal breakfast. You could expect to have a controlled portion of bread and broth at 12noon (you might get some meat once or twice a week), but supper was invariably bread and cheese.

And mealtimes weren’t exactly family gatherings. Larger workhouses had separate dining rooms for male and females, and if that wasn’t possible meal times were staggered to avoid contact between the sexes. After some more prayers you’d need to be in bed by 8pm in winter (9pm in summer) before a porter locked the gates and handed the keys over to the master.

If you think this sounds rather like prison you won’t be too surprised to learn that workhouses were often called ‘prisons of the poor’ - and the conditions only got worse. When the guardians of the workhouses realised they were hardly breaking even (let alone making any kind of profit) they cut back on the food. Which only resulted in starvation and fighting among inmates.

As for the work itself, it was generally the stuff of chain gangs. For men it was invariably physically-demanding agricultural work or crushing bones (for fertiliser) or stones (for road making) while women could at best hope for menial cleaning and domestic jobs although some lucky souls were taught how to knit and embroider.

Children fared little better. They could expect three hours education in the morning (in the event a teacher was available), were sometimes treated to a supervised walk at lunchtime, and might be fortunate enough to learn the basics of sewing or farming in the event they lived long enough to leave the workhouse and find a job.

Although the system gradually fell into disrepute and the workhouses became solely a refuge for the sick and elderly, it was only in 1948 that the Poor Law was finally eradicated and the National Welfare State took over.

The buildings which still stand today in Norfolk are a testament to a bygone era of social savagery. They may have been repurposed and reused, but the memory of what took place within their walls isn’t likely to be forgotten any time soon.

“In-work poverty occurs when the income of a working household doesn’t meet basic needs, and one in six working households in the UK is now in poverty. Analysis suggests that 3.7 million children (more than 25% of all children in working households) are now in poverty.”

And that’s not Charles Dickens writing almost 200 years ago. It’s from a study published by the Institute for Public Policy Research in January 2022.

For more fascinating features on local history, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

27

Avoid the nasty surprise of paying inheritance tax on the estate of a loved one.

The amount of Inheritance Tax payable on the estate of a loved one can be a nasty surprise. A better solution can often be that, with the right advice, the amount of Inheritance Tax can often be reduced, sometimes significantly. For more information:

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ar est G pe ab uy ts lis P ov he lay er d S fo 30 up rd ye rem ar e s ag o

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KLmagazine March 2022

Tax always changes, but we’re always here to help Next month sees the introduction of several changes to the way we’re taxed, but Stephenson Smart has the expertise to guide you through

I

n the Autumn Budget 2021 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced tax changes due to come into play next month. The two main changes involve the National Insurance threshold and rate change along with the increase to dividend tax rates. There is also a change to capital gains tax reporting on the sale of a property. Both are likely to have the potential to have a significant impact on your finances.

NATIONAL INSURANCE THRESHOLD AND RATE CHANGES...

National Insurance rates are set to rise by 1.25 percentage points from 6th April as part of the government’s plan to introduce a health and social care levy, where working people contribute to fund the NHS and the social care crisis.

In 2022-23 this will be taken along with the rest of your National Insurance payment, but the plan is to officially split out the levy from April 2023.

April 2023 will also be the point where the levy is paid by those who are above state pension age, but still in work.

The National Insurance lower

earnings limits will be increasing by 3.1% although upper earnings thresholds are being frozen at £50,270

DIVIDEND TAX RATES TO INCREASE...

Similarly to the National Insurance rate rises, those who earn money from dividends will also see a 1.25 percentage point rise from April. You may have to pay dividend tax if you’re an investor that earns money from owning company shares; you’re only charged tax on the amount you earn above the dividend allowance, which hasn’t changed and is still £2,000 for 2022-23. Those with investments held in an ISA wrapper – such as a Stocks and Shares ISA – are tax-free and so won’t be charged dividend tax.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX REPORTING EXTENDED...

The time period within which taxpayers must report the gain and pay the tax owed after the sale of a property has now increased from 30 days to 60 days.

This means that anyone who makes a capital gain after selling a second home or buy-to-let property will need to submit a residential property return

to HMRC and make a payment on account for the estimated tax owed within 60 days of the gain being made.

Note that this only applies to properties sold on (or after) 27th October 2021. If you sold property between 6th April 2020 and 26th October 2021, you will have to report and pay the capital gains tax due within 30 days.

It’s important to ensure you’re aware of the latest tax changes so you can plan ahead and avoid any fines for getting it wrong, but that’s what we’ve been here to help you for over 100 years. At Stephenson Smart we are experts in tax planning, so please get in touch to help you manage these (and any future) changes.

Kayleigh Wilson ACCA CTA

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

KING’S LYNN 01553 774104 FAKENHAM 01328 863318 WISBECH 01945 463383 MARCH 01354 653026 DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 384121 GREAT YARMOUTH 01493 382500 www.stephenson-smart.com

KLmagazine March 2022

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k info@rgrdevelopments.co.uk KLmagazine March 2022

Is your electrical safety check up to date?

If you can’t remember the last time your electrical installation was professionally inspected, it’s time to contact the 4 Way Group

S

ince it powers everything from our televisions and laptops to our fridges and ovens we tend to take electricity for granted, especially since we can’t actually see it. But that doesn’t make it any less dangerous. Electricity causes around 20,000 fires every year, and about 350,000 people are seriously injured as a result of electrical accidents in the home - which are usually caused by faulty and/or old wiring.

“Electrical installations deteriorate with age and through the wear and tear of everyday use,” says director Stuart Olley of the 4 Way Group. “They can suffer from damage, corrosion, excessive electrical loading and a range of environmental factors - and they can be lethal.”

Buildings and properties should have

their installations inspected and tested regularly (between three and 10 years in most cases) and landlords are now legally required to have their properties inspected every five years or with each change of tenant - and with Norfolk having a high proportion of older buildings it’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The main purpose of periodic inspection and testing is to determine whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory state for continued use - and to identify problems before they become something more serious.

“We can reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded, find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards, and ensure your installation meets the latest British Standards and IET Wiring Regulations,”

says Stuart. “And once our engineers have completed their work you’ll be issued with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which you’ll need if you’re planning to let out a property or sell it.”

Professional electrical inspections are just a small part of the services offered by the 4 Way Group, which include LED lighting design and installation for domestic properties and commercial premises, power distribution, data and fibre optic projects, and a wide range of energy-efficient and environmentallyfriendly solutions from solar panels to electric car charging.

For a qualified, experienced and totally professional inspection of your current electrical installation, please contact Stuart and his team today for more details and information.

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

KLmagazine March 2022

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PICTURES: Standing on the River Wissey, Hilgay is a pretty parish with a rich and remarkable history. With its rare Roman earthworks and impressive array of Bronze Age finds, the village is a truly fascinating part of Norfolk.

A vibrant village that’s steeped in history Perched proudly on one of the largest islands in the Fens you’ll find Hilgay, a thriving community that can boast a fascinating past and is now looking forward to a very bright future...

F

our miles south of Downham Market on the bank of the river Wissey, the charming village of Hilgay rises from the surrounding flat fenland.

An extensive and historic parish, it’s thought to be of Saxon origin and along with neighbouring Southery is one of only two settlements in the Norfolk fens recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.

The great survey describes Hilgay as a lordship of the Abbey of Ramsey and reveals it was a sizable community, with 240 acres of land, 8 acres of meadow, and a population of more than 100. There’s also plenty of evidence for earlier settlement in the area, as fascinating artefacts have been

KLmagazine March 2022

unearthed from almost every field in the village.

These amazing discoveries include Neolithic flint knives and axe heads, Bronze Age tools, and scatters of Roman jewellery and pottery. Even more astounding, the rare earthwork of a small Roman farmstead has been found in the east of the parish.

These remarkable remains consist of two raised platforms, set in enclosures defined by shallow gullies, and two sub-circular ring ditches - which were likely stack stands for drying hay.

The spectacular site is a listed Scheduled Monument because due to the development of agriculture over the centuries it’s very unusual for this type of farmstead to survive as earthworks.

Towards the centre of the village, Hilgay’s Grade II listed church of All Saints stands proudly at the end of a beautiful avenue of lime trees.

The handsome edifice was initially constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries, although its true age is masked by the heavy restoration that took place in the mid-19th century.

A charming combination of different periods, the church has a medieval perpendicular style south aisle, and a nave and chancel in the decorative style the Victorians were so keen on.

Its large square tower was rebuilt with brick in 1794 and contains eight bells and a clock with two faces.

It was from the top of this very tower that the remarkable Norfolk inventor 33

PICTURES: Hilgay’s charming church is treasured by its community and hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. It’s thought that the famous local inventor George Manby, who was once a churchwarden at All Saints, perfected one of his most incredible creations from the top of the building’s stumpy tower.

Captain George William Manby tested prototypes of his revolutionary ‘Manby Mortar’, an extraordinary device capable of firing a rescue line to a sinking ship. Manby himself is buried in the churchyard, as he grew up in Hilgay and always held a strong fondness for the village.

Like many substantial Norfolk parishes, Hilgay once had its own railway station - which sat on the Fen Line between King’s Lynn and Cambridge. A pretty and peaceful stop, it was opened in 1847 as ‘Hilgay Fen’ and became simply ‘Hilgay’ after 1896.

The remote spot hit the headlines in June 1939 when a London-bound express train collided with a lorry on a crossing just north of the station.

The derailed engine careered into wagons in an adjacent goods siding before coming to rest at a 45-degree angle just short of the station platform.

Causing four fatalities, several injuries,

34

and extensive damage it’s considered to be one of the worst railway accidents ever to occur in Norfolk. Despite this tragedy the station soon recovered after a few repairs and continued to operate smoothly until its eventual closure in 1963.

Although Hilgay is a treasure trove of history, the most wonderful element of the village is its cheerful and caring community. It’s a place full of Norfolk charm, with friendly neighbours, enjoyable local events, and a brilliant parish magazine called ‘The Riverside News.’

This unique village even boasts its own silver band, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last year. Formed in 1896 as the ‘Hilgay Brass Band’, the delightful ensemble was founded by farmers and landowners from the area. It’s now considered one of Norfolk’s premier bands, and plays both traditional and modern music at a wide range of events throughout the year. ‘’Hilgay is a welcoming village that thrives on generosity and community spirit,” says Parish Chairman Graham Carter. “We’ve recently rededicated our war memorial after 20 years of planning, and thanks to the lovely silver band, church, Hilgay Charities, and Riverside Academy it was a great success that really brought everyone together.’’

The council for Hilgay and neighbouring Ten Mile Bank is now busily working on a five-year plan for “The Parish of the Future” and there’s no doubt this is a very special corner of Norfolk.

It has plenty of tales to tell, and thanks to its strong and dedicated community you can’t help feeling that the best is yet to come.

KLmagazine March 2022

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KLmagazine March 2022

Graham, King’s Lynn

“I haven’t taken a single tablet since I came here” At Jane Cole and Terry Connolly are using revolutionary treatments to free people from years of chronic pain

T

here’s never been a more effective way of freeing yourself from those aches and pains that have been holding you back for far too long. Just ask Graham Walker from King’s Lynn, who retired early after 20 years running a busy newsagents in the centre of town.

“I think spending 12 hours on my feet and doing lots of heavy lifting seven days a week eventually took its toll,” he says. “It developed into really debilitating pain in my lower back, neck and shoulders - and nothing seemed to help. If anything, it just got worse.”

Having already seen a number of doctors, chiropractors and osteopaths with only limited and short-term success, Graham decided to visit Free Your Body Therapy on the recommendation of a friend who’d read about various people’s experiences in several issues of KL magazine.

“In the past I was often reliant on high-strength painkillers to get me through the day,” he says. “I didn’t have

much quality of life at all, but since coming here nearly five years ago I’m pleased to say that I haven’t taken a single tablet.”

At Free Your Body Therapy new approaches ranging from acupuncture and sports massage to medical grade shockwave therapy, P-DTR and ‘Anatomy in Motion’ gait therapy are helping people with pain management and encouraging the healing process.

It will revolutionise the way you think about pain - and certainly change the way you experience it.

“I certainly don’t know much in the way of anatomy,” says Graham, “but as soon as I came here I felt I was finally being treated for the causes of my pain rather than the symptoms.”

Graham still visits Free Your Body Therapy every six weeks or so to ensure everything’s working as it should, and for Terry Connolly that’s the whole point.

“Many of our clients think we work some kind of magic, but it’s simply about looking at the body from a

different perspective,” he says. “In Graham’s case, the treatments he’d been receiving were only looking at the pain in his lower back - and not what was causing the pain in the first place.”

For Graham it’s been a revelation, and he’s now able to enjoy the active lifestyle he wants.

“I’ve been exceptionally well treated and helped from the moment I first stepped through the door,” he says.

“Coming to Free Your Body Therapy was one of the best things I’ve ever done because it’s made such a huge difference to my life.”

To transform your life and finally say goodbye to chronic aches and pains, contact Terry and/or Jane today to book your first appointment.

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

KLmagazine March 2022

Jane & Terry 37

© THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM ABOVE: The Great Torc of Snettisham is currently on display at the British Museum in London, but when it was ploughed up by a local farmer in 1950 this extraordinary kilogram of exquisitely-worked gold was assumed to be part of an old bed post and cast aside.

Uncovering Norfolk’s unique treasure trove We all know Norfolk is rich in history, but few of us realise just how rich and just how important that history is - even on an international basis. and there’s more out there waiting to be discovered...

L

ater this year we’ll be celebrating the centenary of the day when a man who’d grown up in Swaffham made the most famous discovery in the history of archaeology. When Howard Carter found the entrance to the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamen, he was some 2,500 miles from his home town - but the archaeological discoveries Norfolk can hold claim to (by accident or design) are equally breathtaking and arguably even more important.

Seven years ago the county recorded the highest number of recorded finds (over 15,000) and treasure caches KLmagazine March 2022

(119) in the entire country within a 12-month period - many of which were of regional, national and even international significance.

They ranged from a remarkable Anglo-Saxon burial in south Norfolk of a woman who was clearly extremely wealthy and could even have been of royal status to the accurate dating of the second Bronze Age circle on Holme Beach to exactly the same summer its smaller (but more famous) sister of ‘Seahenge’ was constructed, a unique find in British prehistory.

One of the most unusual was a ceremonial copper alloy dagger that weighed in excess of 2kg and had been

used as a doorstop since its discovery ten years previously at Rudham. Its owner had been about to throw it away when a friend suggested he should have it identified - wise advice considering archaeologists later declared it to be “truly spectacular and of international significance.”

More recently, staff from the Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service mapped the historic environment of Norfolk’s coastline in a four-year project from 2002-06 - and created 3,354 new entries on Norfolk’s Historic Environment Record (NHER) database.

A similar investigation of the area around Downham Market and Dereham 39

© NORFOLK MUSEUMS SERVICE ABOVE: Used as a doorstop for over ten years, this peculiar object weighing over 2kg was found in Rudham and has now been identified as a ceremonial copper alloy dagger that experts have now declared to be truly spectacular and of international significance. Below is pictured a small part (the bottom layer) of one of the finds that constitute the Snettisham Hoard.

40

silver) accidentally found by a local farmer in 1950 who was ploughing a field. According to the oft-repeated story, he assumed it was simply part of an old iron bed, and threw to the side.

Today it forms the centrepiece of a collection that is jointly-owned by Norwich Castle Museum and the British Museum - and when the BBC made a documentary about the 10 most important discoveries ever made in Britain it made number four on the list.

And while this may all seem to be concerned with the past, it’s very much a thing of the present.

Just last month it was announced that volunteers in a community archaeology project on the grounds of Woodgate Nursery just outside Aylsham had uncovered the remains of

a 200-year-old kiln that once fired up some 20,000 bricks a day.

“We’ve got 10,000 years of local history here,” says Peter Purdy, who owns the nursery and founded the Aylsham Roman Project, “and in addition to evidence of the Bronze and Iron Ages there are two Roman brick kilns on the site. It’s pretty endless, but it’s also a lot of fun for our volunteers, who are of all ages. They love uncovering the secrets of the past beneath their feet.”

And who knows what they’ll be digging up next?

For more fascinating features on local history, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

© THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM

between 2007-08 added 382 new records (including ancient ceremonial and funeral sites) to the database, increasing the area’s presence in it by over 30% - and a similar survey of Breckland that ended five years ago added almost 500 new records.

Although they might appear to be rather academic exercises, the projects are still increasing our knowledge of Norfolk - how it looked and how its people lived - from the Neolithic period to the Second War, a span of over 6,000 years.

But Norfolk can hold claim to even older treasures. After all, this is where the West Runton Mammoth was discovered in 1990 (the largest nearly complete mammoth skeleton known and the oldest ever found), where an ex-policeman found the 500-000 year old “Happisburgh Handaxe” which is one of the oldest handaxes ever discovered in Britain, and the oldest human footprints ever seen outside Africa have been found - which may well be a million years old.

Perhaps one of the most famous finds in Norfolk is the well-known Snettisham Hoard, which actually comprises a number of discoveries made in and around the village between 1948-73.

In total they consist of metal, jet and over 150 gold, silver and copper alloy fragments, over 70 of which form complete torcs, dating from around 70BC. The most spectacular single item is the Great Torc, which is now held by the British Museum. Weighing in at just over 1kg, it’s an exquisitely worked piece of gold (with a small amount of

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KLmagazine March 2022

Farewell and thanks for all the memories...

It’s the end of an era as Tim Clayton Jewellery closes its doors for the very last time after almost years as one of our best-loved businesses

H

e’s been designing and creating exquisite pieces of jewellery for 47 years, has been a Freeman of The Goldsmiths’ Company since 1995, and his store in the centre of King’s Lynn has long been a showcase for unique works of art and craftsmanship. But Tim Clayton is now finally hanging up his gem testing equipment and soldering torches, and is looking forward to life in retirement with his wife Sue, who’s played a major part in the business for over 20 years.

“It’s been an amazing journey and I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some incredible commissions over the years,” he says, “but both Sue and I feel that it’s time to move on and embark on some new adventures.”

Tim Clayton Jewellery will close its doors in Chapel Street for the last time on Saturday 9th April, bringing the curtain down on what’s been a literally

glittering career that began in 1975.

“I left college on a Friday and started work the following Monday,” he says.

“I already had a month’s worth of commissions in front of me, and it’s still the same today.”

Before the store closes however, Tim and Sue are holding a special ‘retirement sale’ with up to 25% off gold jewellery and bronze sculptures, and 40% off selected watches, silver and finely-crafted giftware.

From its early days in the Old Granary to the Saturday Market Place and its current home in Chapel Street, Tim Clayton Jewellery has always offered a friendly, traditional and very personal service.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have dedicated staff and some incredibly loyal customers over the years,” says

Tim Clayton Jewellery KLmagazine March 2022

Sue. “We’re still in touch with many of them. Tim might be the creative one, but without them we couldn’t have made the business the success it is today - this is the perfect opportunity for us to thank them.”

But after so many years and countless commissions, how does Tim feel about embarking on a new chapter in his life?

“I’m proud to have trained several craftsmen who’ve gone on to have exciting careers of their own, but most of all I’ll miss working with people to create something very special to them,” he says. “I’m often dealing with family heirlooms or pieces that contain a lot of emotions and history. Making something that means so much is really very precious, and that’s been the most rewarding part of my career.”

And it’s a career that everyone will be a little sad to say goodbye to.

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KLmagazine March 2022

At Metric Carpets, it’s all part of the family With over years’ experience, di erent rands and s of di erent options Metric Carpets has the oor you’re loo ing for

A

s you might expect from a company that’s been literally covering the area for over 40 years, Metric Carpets has seen it all - and this muchloved local company has some words of advice when it comes to looking for your new carpet. But over 30 different prestigious manufacturers (most of them British) and thousands of colours, patterns and materials to choose from is only half the story.

“We’re very proud of our heritage and we’re really pleased that this is still a genuinely family-run business,” says Alistair Allen, who’s been the guiding force behind Metric Carpets for the last three decades since his father - who founded the company back in 1973 retired. “Even if they’re not members of our family, our staff have always been

Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn Email: info@metriccarpets.co.uk KL aga ine March 2022

an essential part of our team.”

Alistair has no plans to hand over the reins quite yet, but his son Gregg and son-in-law Ben are perfectly placed to take Metric Carpets into the future.

“We’ve always been proud of the fact that we don’t use subcontractors and that all our fitting team are fully employed by us,” says Alistair. “They’re fully trained, they’re highly experienced and they’re always available for any carpet or flooring-related help and advice.”

That dedication to service can also save you a lot of time, a lot of trouble and a lot of money. Committed to the very highest standards, Alistair and his team have access to an industrystandard database of floors and everyone in the company ensures that every carpet and every floor is perfectly

el Web: www.metriccarpets.co.uk

suited to the material it’s sitting on.

“Not many people would make a 120-mile journey to fit a luxury vinyl tiled floor, but that’s exactly what we did a few months ago for a loyal and long-standing customer,” says Alistair.

“They had a very clear vision of what they wanted to achieve and our team did an incredible job. But at the end of the day that’s exactly what we’re here for.”

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We’re selling invaluable personal stories, and we’re helping preserve that heritage for future generations...

- Nick Holt, founder of Holts Auctioneers

PICTURES: © ANDREW ORR/HOLTS AUCTIONEERS

John Evelyn Scoular DFC

ABOVE: An extraordinary record of the career of John Evelyn Scoular DFC is just one of the historically-important lots featured in this month’s sale at Holts Auctioneers.

Selling our history & preserving our heritage

Important episodes in British history, unique survivors from the First World War, European royalty - it’s no surprise that Holts Auctioneers is one of the most famous specialist auction houses in the world

W

hat could possibly connect a beautiful part of the Sandringham estate with three different James Bonds, a number of D-Day heroes, the crowned heads of Europe, various recipients of the Victoria Cross, internationally-famous rock stars, Oscar-winning actors, and a host of historical figures from explorer Henry Stanley to the 18th century bareknuckle boxer who gave his name to Big Ben? The answer can be found in a former dairy farm in Wolferton, which has been home to Holts Auctioneers for over 20 years and is now one of the country’s only auction houses specialising in antique guns and weaponry. It’s also one of the most famous in the world.

“Although most of the items we sell KLmagazine March 2022

are generally described as weapons there’s actually a lot more to them than that,” says Nick Holt, who founded Holts Auctioneers after spells at the Royal Armouries at the Tower of London and the famous auction house of Bonhams. “They’re very rare examples of one of our oldest and most famous crafts, they’re a tangible part of our shared history, and they’re often works of art in their own right.”

They’ve played a central part in Nick’s life ever since he accompanied his father on visits to the highly-regarded (and self-taught) gunsmith John Wilson as a youngster, and it’s rather fitting that among his team of researchers, photographers, media specialists and ballistics experts is Scott Wilson, who’s followed in his father’s footsteps.

Holts Auctioneers is now preparing for its next sale of fine antique guns,

taxidermy, edged weapons and militaria towards the end of the month “One of the most exciting parts of our work is that we never know what’s about to come through the door,” says Nick. “One day we might receive a sword that belonged to a 19th century European king, the next day we’ll be looking at a rifle that was used in the American War of Independence, and the day after that we’ll be examining a German Iron Cross from the First World War.” And therein lies a large part of the work at Holts Auctioneers. Research and proven provenance is key. You’ll never see words such as ‘allegedly’ and ‘possibly’ in the latest catalogue, because a demonstrable record of ownership and history is invariably as valuable as the item itself.

“Last year Bonhams sold a pretty 47

ABOVE: The collection of John Evelyn Scoular DFC includes his father’s dog-tag and compass from the time when the latter served in the First World War - a perfect example of the historically-important items sold by Holts Auctioneers, which is now one of the most famous auction houses in the world

unremarkable Colt single-action revolver that wasn’t engraved, wasn’t in particularly great condition and had simple wooden grips,” says Nick. “The reason it sold for over £40 million was that documents from 1906 proved it belonged to Pat Garrett and was the gun he used to kill Billy the Kid.” That’s the real magic of Holts Auctioneers. Every lot has a story to tell.

Particularly significant and expected to fetch up to £20,000 at the next auction is a pair of 50-bore percussion target pistols (together with accessories) in a beautiful and original walnut case that were made in 1832 by the world-famous British gunmaker James Purdey & Sons - who currently hold no less than three Royal Warrants.

Given their exquisite finish and attention to detail it’s hardly surprising that six years after they were made, even Queen Victoria was buying a pair of Purdey pistols.

Perhaps the most fascinating lot of all (and one with plenty of local interest) is the trunk of written documents, photographs and other ephemera relating to Wing Commander John Evelyn Scoular DFC. Following his initial training in Leicestershire, Scoular had joined the RAF in 1936 and was posted to Peterborough and Duxford before being transferred to the 73 Squadron at Mildenhall in Suffolk in 1937. On the day

the Second World War broke out he was stationed at Digby in Lincolnshire, but within a week his squadron was in France.

He shot down his first plane (a Dornier 17) before the end of 1939, and by the end of the war had downed almost 20 enemy aircraft in addition to two V1 flying bombs and even part of a train.

He served in Egypt, the Middle East and Malta and returned to England at the end of 1943, eventually becoming the Commanding Officer of HQ10 at the base in Box in Wiltshire. Retaining the rank of Wing Commander when he relinquished his commission at the end of March 1954, Scoular joined Rolls Royce and died in August 1986.

The lot offers a unique glimpse into an extraordinary life, thanks largely to a large photograph album covering Scoular’s service years focusing on aerial photographs, war damage and crashes, and a smaller album containing more personal photographs including Scoular training at RAF Sutton Bridge and playing golf in Hunstanton.

In addition to Scoular’s personal flying log and service record books, the trunk includes various newspaper cuttings, a diary written with the help of other members of 73 Squadron, his black leather parade baton, the official telegram referring to the award of his Distinguished Flying Cross, and a

NEXT SALES

VALUATIONS

Monday 21st March Antique and vintage guns, accessories, taxidermy, edged weapons and militaria Tuesday 22nd March Modern and sporting guns and accessories Thursday 31st March (10.30am) Final date for written or online bids to the Sealed Bid Auction

To maintain owners’ privacy, valuations take place on an appointment-only system, and you should call Holts on 01485 542822 to book. Please bring any documents or information relating to provenance, as that can have a huge impact on the value of your item(s).

48

vintage leather attache case marked ‘J. Scoular’ containing various squadron photographs, framed crests and letters.

It even rather poignantly contains the dog-tag and compass belonging to Scoular’s father who served in the First World War - carefully stored in a souvenir Queen Elizabeth II coronation tin.

“This is a perfect example of what makes our auctions so special,” says Nick Holt. “We never think we’re simply selling guns and swords. We’re selling important parts of our history, we’re selling invaluable personal stories, and we’re helping preserve that heritage for future generations.”

Nick Holt Holts Auctioneers Church Farm Barns, Wolferton, Norfolk PE31 6HA 01485 542822 info@holtsauctioneers.com www.holtsauctioneers.com

KLmagazine March 2022

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What’s in a name?

S

A lot more than you might think, as Hayes + Storr explains...

hakespeare once said; ‘What’s in a name?’ Well, as it turns out, quite a lot. In 2015 over 85,000 people changed their name by deed poll, more than twice as many as the previous decade, and the numbers look set to rise. There are lots of reasons why people choose to change their names, including: • Those who want to distance themselves or reconnect with family • People who dislike their birth name • Married couples who want to combine their surnames • People who can’t afford to get married but want to make a commitment • Single parents who want to change their children’s names • Gender reassignment • Religious reasons Kanye West recently filed court documents to formally change his name to ‘Ye’. Explaining the change in a radio interview, he said: “I believe ‘Ye’ is the most commonly used word in the Bible, and in the Bible it means you. So I’m you, I’m us, it’s us.”

Name changes are not uncommon

for music artists. The hip-hop artist ‘Puff Daddy’ aka ‘P.Diddy’ and more recently ‘Diddy’ changed his name again in 2017 to ‘Sean ‘Love’ Combs’. Even though the artist formerly known as ‘Diddy’ has changed his stage name many times, it is thought this may be his first legal name change.

The Deed Poll Office advises that you do not chose a name for purely commercial purposes, although in 2011 the BBC reported that a teenager changed his name to ‘facebookdotcom forwardslash-mountaindewUK’ to increase his chances of winning a competition. In the past few years, the UK Deed Poll has recorded 15 new Wayne Rooney’s, five Amy Winehouses and 30 Michael Jacksons. Whilst there is no copyright or trade-mark protection of names, you can’t choose a famous name and use it as a means of deception.

family law specialists can draft and formally execute a change of name deed.

After obtaining a change of name deed, you must notify all organisations i.e. the bank, post office and the DVLA, by showing them the deed (or certified copy) as proof of your new name. It is important to understand the implications of changing your name, as it is your responsibility to ensure that you are known under your new identity.

A name change can shape a person’s future, whether a new name better reflects their current identity or helps them take the final step in removing themselves from a former partner or relative.

If you need any advice from our family law specialists and would like to arrange an appointment, please call 01553 778900 or email emma.george@ hayes-storr.com.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL PROCESS? In England and Wales, if you are 18 or over, you can change your name by deed poll and it is not expensive.

Whether as a standalone process or part of matrimonial proceedings, our

EMMA GEORGE Family Solicitor

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

The Old County Court, County Court Road, King’s Lynn PE30 5EJ W: www.hayesandstorr.co.uk | E: law.kingslynn@hayes-storr.com OFFICES AT: KING’S LYNN | FAKENHAM | SWAFFHAM | HOLT | SHERINGHAM

KLmagazine March 2022

51

ABOVE: The suitably grand setting of Kelling Hall tends to disguise the fact that this family home is at the centre of several different businesses and is the heart of one of the most enterprising initiatives in north Norfolk.

A thriving jewel in the crown of north Norfolk

From farming to tourism and from a hotel to a garden centre, the Kelling Estate continues to expand, investing in the local economy and safeguarding a precious environment for future generations

I

n 1912, shortly after setting up his own practice, the young architect Edward Maufe started work on his first important commission the design of a particularly grand hall in a stunningly beautiful location less than a mile from Holt on the north Norfolk coast.

Built in the Arts & Craft style with a distinctive butterfly plan, Kelling Hall featured knapped flint walls, a grey tiled and gabled roof, a shooting lodge, tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, five main reception rooms and 13 bedrooms. It was designed to be the finest sporting estate in Norfolk and was built for Henri Deterding,

52

who helped found the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company (it’s now known as Shell plc) and whose family lived in the hall for generations until 2008, when it was sold to the Widdowson family.

Following a sensitive restoration project the Grade II* listed property remains a family home and is the heart of the Kelling Estate, which now covers some 1,400 acres of arable farmland, 500 acres of restored woodland and 100 acres of grazed pasture.

Firmly committed to biodiversity, a healthy environment and sensitive farming techniques, the estate was shortlisted for the prestigious Purdey Awards for Game & Conservation in

2018 - which highlight outstanding contributions to the responsible management of game and its habitat.

The estate was also shortlisted in the North Norfolk Business Awards 2019 in the category Agriculture, Horticulture & Countryside for its contribution to conservation.

It’s something central to the vision of Managing Director Duncan Ross, who’s been with the Kelling Estate since 2009.

“The entire estate is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Widdowson family has invested large sums into ‘natural capital’ which will benefit future generations,” he says. “Re-establishing three miles of KLmagazine March 2022

e entire estate is ithin an rea of utstanding atural eauty hedgerows doesn’t generate any income - but it does support and encourage wildlife, and that’s very important to us.”

The estate is now an important employer in North Norfolk, making a significant contribution to the local economy across several different operations.

“The many enterprises on the estate all have their own unique characteristics and demands,” says Duncan, “which means there’s a huge variety of challenges to face throughout the year. It means you’re constantly learning in order to keep up with everything.”

As he looks to the horizon, Duncan is confident the Kelling Estate has a very bright future ahead of it.

“All our diverse businesses are working on some exciting plans and developments, and we’ll continue to grow the estate carefully and responsibly,” he says. “We’ll also be looking to allocate more land to environmental enhancement and sustainable tourism activities.”

And it’s certainly diverse, since the estate now includes a beautiful collection of four

Hayley Robertson KL aga ine March 2022

chic self-catering (and dog friendly) holiday homes, 26 luxurious residential properties for long-term lets, and has owned The Pheasant Hotel for the last 10 years - which itself sits in nearly three acres of grounds.

The established hotel’s warm welcome to the Kelling Estate was a complete and sensitive overhaul. All 32 bedrooms were refurbished, all public areas were refreshed, the exterior was re-rendered, the gardens relandscaped, an orangery was built, new

windows fitted and a biomass boiler installed - and most of the work was completed in a mere 47 days.

However, a new chapter is now being written in the story of the Kelling Estate.

“Since my father bought the estate 14 years ago this has been my family home,” says Managing Partner Hayley Robertson, “but to be honest the whole estate is like one big family home despite the fact we employ over 100 people across all the businesses and operations.”

53

ABOVE: The newly invigorated and completely redesigned Holt Garden Centre is the latest addition to the Kelling Estate, but it remains true to the estate’s overall guiding purpose of preserving the local environment, supporting the local economy and becoming a destination in its own right.

If anyone should know, it’s Hayley.

She personally looks after the long-term residential properties and the holiday cottages, manages The Pheasant Hotel on a day-to-day basis, is involved with the agricultural side of the business, and supervises the team in the estate office.

And just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be that many hours in the day, Hayley has overseen the development of the spectacular Holt Garden Centre for the last four years.

“There’d been a popular garden centre here for many years, but when the opportunity came to buy it, it seemed to be a perfect fit for the Kelling Estate,” says Hayley. “As we approach spring and start paying more attention to our gardens there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the first anniversary of our official opening.”

There’s plenty to celebrate. Over the last few years the garden centre has been totally reconfigured, redesigned and refurbished - true to the estate’s vision of creating a visitor experience and a genuine destination.

Under a vast canopy, the ‘outdoor living’ space has more than doubled in size, the outdoor plants display is considerably bigger (and is still growing to this day) and the centre now includes carefully-planned clothing, gift 54

and home accessory areas.

Artificial grass paths lead customers through a rather magical journey, surrounded by ‘living walls’ created by members of the gardening team.

A new outdoor children’s playground caters for younger visitors, and offering fabulous views across the fields to the famous Poppy Line steam railway (whether you’re sitting inside our outdoors) is the stylish new Garden Terrace Café.

Open seven days a week, it offers breakfasts, snacks, lunches, afternoon teas and cakes. Everything is homemade and cooked on-site, and everything uses as much local produce as possible. The sausages and bacon are sourced locally, and even the honey comes from bees who live (and work) on the estate.

“I know it sounds rather clichéd but we genuinely couldn’t have done this without the passionate and enthusiastic team we have here,” says Hayley.

“They’re all local people who have been here for years, and they’re really proud to work on the estate. They have a real investment in what they see as ‘their’ garden centre, and I think that’s why it’s been so well received.”

There’s nothing quite like it in north Norfolk, but that’s hardly surprising given the offer to local customers,

holidaymakers and second home owners a truly unique experience.

“As a family we’re always looking for ways to improve and for ways to be better,” says Hayley. “And that applies both to my own family and the greater ‘family’ of everyone who works on the estate.”

Kelling Estate Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7EW 01263 712201 www.kelling-estate.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

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KLmagazine March 2022

It’s your kind of garden.

It’s our kind of expertise.

As we head into spring and spend more time in our gardens, MKM in King’ Lynn has all the ideas you’re looking for

T

hanks to a combination of expert knowledge with creative design and cuttingedge ideas, MKM Building Supplies in King’s Lynn is helping people across the area create gardens and exteriors they (and their families) can enjoy and be proud of.

And as we approach spring and the new 2022 collections arrive, MKM’s customers are looking forward to a whole new approach to landscaping “Porcelain has probably become the biggest trend in exterior spaces

KLmagazine March 2022

in recent years,” says Matthew Cobb, the branch’s landscaping expert. “It’s strong, it’s weather-resistant, it’s easy to clean, and it looks fantastic.”

And despite the fact it’s available in 49 different finishes from ‘old slate’ to ‘marble’ it can be a very cost-effective solution. Although it’s not the only one available from MKM. “We offer a wide range of natural stones such as limestone and sandstone,” says Matthew, “and concrete alternatives such as TimberStone, which looks virtually identical to real wood but doesn’t rot, warp or splinter.”

In addition to sleepers, driveways

and 27 different decorative aggregates MKM also offers a choice of high quality decking, fencing, and outdoor lighting - and even a choice of artificial grasses for year-round entertaining.

It’s almost certainly the most comprehensive landscaping range in the area, which is just reason why MKM is now widely regarded as one of the very best builders’ mechants in the whole country - with a commitment to high-quality products, efficient and reliable deliveries, and complete dedication to customer support, help and advice.

A long-established business run and staffed by an expert team of local people, at MKM in King’s Lynn the great outdoors has never looked greater.

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Perfect plants for patriotic gardens e ueen’s Platinu u ilee is a uni ue e ent in our country’s history and as Wendy Warner of a ters arden entre e plains it’s easy for your garden to ta e part in the cele rations

I

n 1977 we celebrated the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and I can remember that along with the procession and street party we had in my home village as a child, there were many hanging baskets and containers planted up with lovely displays of red, white and blue flowers. It doesn’t seem possible that was 45 years ago, and this summer we will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with an extra Bank Holiday at the beginning of June.

If you’re a patriotic gardener why not plan your colour scheme now so you can have a spectacular show of red, white and blue in time for the celebrations? There are many attractive bedding plants that lend themselves to this type of display, but if that isn’t for you, why not introduce a few perennials, border annuals or shrubs in these colours?

Your biggest challenge will be getting these colours in the garden in time for the jubilee celebrations. As with all things related to the garden, we will be dependent on the weather. A cold Spring could mean flowering will be delayed if you’re growing from seed, but you may be able to speed things up by buying small hanging basket or bedding plants and growing them on in a greenhouse.

If you have the room, get your pots or baskets planted up early so they can get established, hardened off and put KLmagazine March 2022

outside as soon as there’s no further likelihood of frosts or harsh winds.

The fun part is undoubtedly choosing the plants. If you want to use all the same type of plant, Petunias would be top of the list as there are red, white and blue varieties. Choose from trailing Surfinias with their large flowers or the smaller Calibrachoa (Million Bells) for hanging baskets - or the more compact, upright bedding Petunias for pots, window boxes and borders.

Similarly, verbena (both trailing and bedding) and nemesias come in all three colours. There are other bedding plants available in red and white, but sadly not blue; Impatiens (Busy Lizzies); zonal or ivy-leafed geraniums; Begonias both the small flowered semperflorens and the larger flowered non-stop and trailing types and Nicotiana (tobacco plants).

The blue can be provided in the form of ageratum or the taller Salvia

59

farinacea, plus of course there’s the red Salvia splendens.

There is a so-called “red” bedding lobelia, but personally I think this is too much of a purply-pink tone for colour schemes like these, but the blue and white varieties both in trailing and upright form make a wonderful show and are very adaptable. Perhaps try a white Marguerite with its daisy flowers as a centrepiece in larger pots.

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When planting any containers, be it pots, hanging baskets or window boxes, remember to include “thrillers” (the most upright, tallest plants), “spillers” (those that tumble and trail over the edge of the container), and “fillers” – which are usually bushy, mid height plants. It’s the perfect way to create a balanced display. And don’t forget you can add to your whole colour scheme by choosing a red, white or blue pot – be bold.

There are many perennials or cottage garden style plants that flower in June.

Lupins come in shades of red, white and blue, herbaceous or shrubby salvias such as Salvia “Hot Lips” with red and white blooms on the same plant, and the taller spires of Salvia “Caradonna”, blue or white Delphiniums or Campanulas, red and white hollyhocks, white Leucanthemums with their daisy-like flowers, and many more. The choice is almost endless.

If you’re after a more natural look and the weather is favourable, you could create a delightful display of red field poppies, white ox-eye daisies and blue cornflowers. It would be worth starting these off from seed indoors for an early show rather than direct sowing in the ground,

although I’m sure Her Majesty wouldn’t mind if they flower a little later.

On a somewhat larger scale, a huge wildflower meadow will be appearing in the Tower of London moat this summer. Called ‘Superbloom’ it’s being planted to mark the Jubilee and will be on show from June to September with the display changing naturally as different flower species enter their prime.

Some 20 million seeds will be sown in the moat of the tower and visitors will be able to purchase tickets to wander through the display.

Another horticultural initiative you can get involved with is The Queen’s Green Canopy, which invites everyone across the UK to “plant a tree for the Queen’s Jubilee”. The very first tree was planted by the Queen and Prince Charles in the grounds of Windsor Castle in March last year, and you can now add your Jubilee tree to the Queen’s Green Canopy Map - see www.queensgreencanopy.org.

So why not go red, white and blue this summer, and if you have a large enough space and are feeling particularly adventurous you could even plant up a Union Jack of bedding plants.

YOU AND YOUR GARDEN Wendy Warner is the Manager of Thaxters Garden Centre in Dersingham. See the website at www.thaxters.co.uk or telephone 01485 541514.

KLmagazine March 2022

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KLmagazine March 2022

Get your garden in shape for the growing season...

From simple pruning to complex crown reductions, it’s time to call on the professional treecare services of Heritage Tree Specialists

S

pring officially starts on March 20th, which means our gardens are about to start coming to life again – making this the perfect time to use the many professional treecare services of Heritage Tree Specialists to get your outdoor space ready for the coming months.

“March is really your last opportunity to complete a number of garden maintenance jobs before everything starts growing again,” says Director Dan Ashton.

“Reshaping, reducing and pruning can make an enormous difference to the overall health and look of established trees. It also allows more sunlight to reach

shrubs and flowers beneath.”

And Dan’s keen to point out that although there’s still time to plant bare-rooted trees, it’s probably too late to think about trimming back your hedges.

“We’re now coming into the nesting season and lots of people fail to realise that it’s actually an offence to disturb wild birds, their nests and their eggs,” says Dan. “We’re always very careful when working at this time of year, and our general rule is only to carry out work if we can see what’s going on in the branches.”

And Heritage Tree Specialists don’t just help people enjoy their outdoor spaces at home.

“Parks, allotments and schools are

areas that should be safely enjoyed by everybody,” says Dan. “We have plenty of experience in maintaining and preserving public spaces the whole community can enjoy.”

And perhaps you have unwanted tree stumps in the lawn which make mowing awkward? Heritage Tree Specialists have the answer with their narrow-access Stump Grinder, which will access most garden gates and leave you with a clear lawn free of obstacles.

With a friendly, committed and fully-qualified team and a proven track record of successful large and smallscale projects, Heritage Tree Specialists can provide free written quotations and recommendations to homeowners and businesses throughout west Norfolk.

Contact us now – and get your garden in good shape for spring!

Heritage Tree Specialists

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

KLmagazine March 2022

63

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KLmagazine March 2022

Insuranceinsights

Our regular look at insurance issues for you and your family with the experts at Adrian Flux...

8 ways to get ready for the new motorbiking season

I

t’s been a long hard winter but now it’s time to brush off the cobwebs and get yourself and your motorbike ready for the new biking season.

Most bikers will have their own checklist for prepping the bike before it comes out of winter hibernation.

Just in case you don’t, or you’re a firsttimer, the Bikesure team has come up with some advice about what to check before you hit the road again.

Tyres There’s nothing more deflating than a flat. Tyres lose pressure when bikes are left to stand, especially during cold winter periods. Riding with low pressure deteriorates handling. Check your pressure, inspect the tread and check for cracks in the sidewalls. If they are defective, replace them.

Brakes Inspect brake pads and check for leaks and cracks along brake lines. Top up brake fluid and test brakes individually.

If in doubt, get a professional to examine them.

O Check the oil, petrol, brake fluid, coolant and any hydraulic fluids. Top up if necessary or, if they have discoloured, drain and replace. Check on the floor beneath the bike for any tell-tale signs of leaks.

Battery If you’ve had the battery on a trickle charge over the winter it should be in good shape, but if you haven’t, give it the once over. If the battery hasn’t got enough oomph to start the engine, or it discharges quickly, replace it. Make sure battery terminals are clean and cables are secure.

Electrics Test your headlamp, indicators, brake lights and horn. Replace bulbs if necessary and keep a spare set in your tool box, because they could go any time.

B If you’ve not worn your biking gear since the autumn don’t expect the leathers to fit. Try them on before your first ride out and replace them if

necessary. Your gloves and boots and will also wear, so think about replacing them for the new biking season. Also ensure your helmet is in good shape and in a safe condition.

Stay safe Remember, your safety is your first priority. You may not have ridden for a few months so take it steady, be smooth on accelerating and braking, and take time to get a feel for the bike and the conditions.

S Ensure you have a valid MOT, road tax and adequate insurance cover.

Bikesure, part of the Adrian Flux insurance group, has been offering value-for-money scooter and motorcycle insurance for more than 30 years. You can even get cover for your helmet and leathers from as little as £20.99. Call 01553 400399 for the best deals.

To get a feel for the motorcycle policies available, visit www.bikesure.co.uk

TEL: 01553 400399 | EMAIL: contact-us@adrianflux.co.uk WEB: www.adrianflux.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

EDQ 65

ABOVE: Beavers are incredibly reclusive creatures and notoriously difficult to spot, but the two pairs introduced to Wild Ken Hill two years ago have already had a positive impact on the local ecosystem and made history last July when they produced at least one kit - the first to be born in Norfolk in over six centuries

The natural way to build a better world

Last summer a beaver kit made headlines around the UK when it eca e the first to e orn in orfol for o er years. Wild Ken Hill e plains ho these ani als are changing things for the etter

B

ack in 2020 two pairs of beavers were successfully reintroduced to Norfolk at Wild Ken Hill, brothers Blue and Orange (named after the colours of their ear tags) joining Ebb and Flow - named by members of the public - who’d already been living in this beautiful corner of the county for six months.

Once native to the county and generally regarded as a keystone species, the animals are commonly known as ‘ecosystem engineers’ due to their presence having such a vital and positive impact on the local environment and biodiversity.

KLmagazine March 2022

Despite that, our beavers were hunted to extinction in the 16th century for their fur, glands and meat. Until the efforts of the team at Wild Ken Hill and the building of an enormous 55-acre enclosure, the only traces of beavers locally were on the village signs of Babingley and Flitcham - based on a tradition that the creatures guided St Felix (widely credited as the man who introduced Christianity to the kingdom of East Anglia) safely to shore in west Norfolk after a ferocious storm in the Wash.

The forward-thinking initiative at Wild Ken Hill started bearing fruit within a few months, with the beavers

transforming the landscape, creating new ponds, coppicing poplar and sycamore trees (bringing more light into the woodland), improving the quality of the water running through the estate and helping build a diverse wetland and woodland environment.

And they’ve now taken another step forward with the birth of the first beaver kit in Norfolk for more than 600 years.

“This newborn represents a very historic moment towards the conservation and restoration of this valuable species within lowland England,” says Lloyd Park, Conservation Leader and Ecologist at Wild Ken Hill. “Beavers are a vital link in the 67

ABOVE: An example of the ingenious way the beavers at Wild Ken Hill are felling the trees in their enclosure, bringing more light into the woodland and using them to help create a healthier wetland environment. Project Manager Dominic Buscall (below) is amazed at how much the beavers have managed to improve in the short space of time since they were introduced in 2020

preservation and regeneration of our natural places, and even though they’ve only been here for a couple of years they’ve already made significant changes to our woodland structure which supports a host of other wildlife.”

Although the enclosure’s camera traps only picked up a fleeting glimpse of a single kit paddling through the water in the middle of the night, beavers generally have between 3-6 at a time - so there may well be more youngsters waiting to be discovered.

“We were pleasantly surprised that the kit was spotted in the territory belonging to Orange and Flow, as we’d been advised it was unlikely due to their young age,” says Lloyd.

“We saw plenty of dam-building activity over the spring and winter of 2021 which was encouraging and the cameras often caught them together which would suggest they like living at Wild Ken Hill.”

As the government continues to investigate the value of reintroducing beavers in the wild on a national scale (and is about to give them legal protection), the work at Wild Ken Hill demonstrates exactly how successful such projects can be in tackling climate emergencies and restoring our increasingly-fragile natural world.

“Over the last two years I think we’ve demonstrated the huge benefits beavers bring to our environment,” says Dominic Buscall, Project Manager at Wild Ken Hill. “With the right balance of protection and management, we could harness them across the whole country

68

to assist the recovery of nature and the prevention of flooding.”

With the BBC using it as the recent base for its hugely-popular Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch programmes the inspirational work of Wild Ken Hill has now reached an international audience.

Re-wilding, responsible land management and regenerative farming practices (that haven’t seen the use of insecticides for over ten years) has let nature regain control of the landscape.

The beavers are only a small part of that long-term vision, but don’t expect to be seeing one any time soon.

They’re largely nocturnal and extremely elusive creatures, and one of the regular guided tours through their enclosure (see the website opposite for more details) is only likely to give you the opportunity to appreciate the work the animals are doing. Seeing the way they’ve gnawed away entire rings of bark in order to fell trees is a wonder in itself.

“I like to think that our beavers have set a really good example of exactly what’s possible when you restore nature’s balance, and we’re very excited about what the future holds,” says Dominic Buscall. “We’ve been amazed at how little time it’s taken for them to make significant and extremely beneficial changes to their environment, and the good news is that the Norfolk Rivers Trust have also translocated beavers to the River Glaven headwaters, and more are on their way to Sculthorpe Moor.”

To keep up to date with the work of Wild Ken Hill and for the latest information on the beavers and their growing families, please see the website at www.wildkenhill.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

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KLmagazine March 2022

Animalmatters

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

The vets that pets enjoy...

N

ext month The Hollies veterinary practice in Downham Market will celebrate its 29th anniversary, a particularly memorable occasion for Practice Administrator Sue Baker since she was there when the doors opened for the very first time.

“Over the years we’ve developed strong links with the local community,” she says. “In fact, I’m now seeing the grown-up children of some of our first clients at The Hollies who are bringing their own pets in!”

Sue grew up on a farm at a time when virtually everyone was either watching All Creatures Great and Small or reading the books by James Herriot on which the TV programme was based.

“I was always around animals at a young age and was fascinated when the vet came to treat our cattle,” she says. “His name was Alex Dallas, so it seems as though I was always destined to work here.”

At the time Alex owned the longestablished veterinary practice on

London Road in King’s Lynn, and when Sue finished 6th Form she was offered a couple of days a week to see if it really was the career she wanted to pursue.

“When I first arrived I discovered there was a job vacancy, and jumped at the chance,” Sue remembers. “And I’ve been with the practice ever since although I was only at London Road for three years.”

With many clients living in and around Downham Market, Alex opened a sister practice in April 1993, and Sue was more than happy to help run it.

She likens The Hollies to a GP service, carrying out health checks, vaccinations and consultations - with pets needing further investigation or surgery taken to the London Road practice. Her team of vet, nursing assistant and receptionist is about to welcome a registered veterinary nurse, who’ll be holding regular clinics at The Hollies on Mondays and Wednesdays.

“When the whole team has worked well together to achieve a positive outcome with a poorly pet it’s extremely rewarding,” she says, “but I

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

KLmagazine March 2022

think my favourite part of the job is in preventative healthcare.”

Sue recently completed a Level III Fear Free training course designed to help pets (and their owners) see a visit to the vets as an enjoyable experience.

“We’re already seeing really good results with that approach,” she says.

“We’ve had puppies that were nervous and worried on their first visit, but are now looking forward to seeing us so much they’re actually pulling their owners through the door.”

It takes time and patience in addition to thoughtful touches such as treats and toys - and using pheremone spray on bedding for cats to make what can be an unsettling environment feel familiar and safe.

“That style of nursing benefits everyone,” says Sue. “The pets are less anxious and tense, which makes our work easier, and that in turn relaxes the owners who can be as nervous and worried as their pets!”

info@londonroadvets.co.uk www.londonroadvets.co.uk

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KLmagazine March 2022

Kyushi Clinic & Studio

Digestive problems: expert food for thought

Peter ug ore has a di erent ay of loo ing at our o erall physical and ental health ut it’s a ay that a es sense nd it or s

T

his month we’re continuing to learn about the digestive system and how we break down our food - and why that’s important to our overall health. And in this feature I’d like to focus on the mouth and stomach.

Dental hygiene plays a huge role in digestive health, and by that I don’t simply mean brushing on a regular basis. If you have fillings, red or receding gums, or wake up with a coating in your mouth, note that these can be signs of oral infection or of an imbalanced oral microbiome.

Root canals or crowns are also prime areas for infections to find a home, and give off toxins in a similar way that a flower gives off seeds. These toxins then adversely affect the rest of the digestive system and body.

Think of it in terms of a river - if the source isn’t pure then the rest of the river can’t be.

Which brings us to digestion. When we chew our food we break it down into tiny particles and mix in saliva which is a digestive enzyme. Insufficient chewing will leave us playing catch up

in the next phases.

Once the chewed food reaches the stomach, saliva and the proteins in the food stimulate the stomach cells to release stomach acid - and the walls of the stomach contract to mix it through properly.

Once the stomach acid has reached a high enough concentration, the valve at the bottom of your stomach will open, allowing food to pass through to the next phase of digestion.

Although this will sound controversial to most people, acid reflux is not a matter of too much stomach acid - in 90-95% of cases it is having too little.

The main problem most people have is that the stomach acid simply doesn’t get strong enough and food sits in the stomach for too long - it ferments and the gases created have to vent, the acidic gases causing irritation to the oesophagus.

The issues that result in lowered stomach acid (and the symptoms it causes) include nutritional deficiencies, diet, chemicals, toxins and preservatives found in processed foods, subclinical or clinical infections, stress, and

inadequately chewing your food.

The knock-on effect of lowering stomach acid production for the rest of the digestive system is that the level of stomach acid in the food bolus as it leaves the stomach stimulates the bile and pancreatic enzyme secretion which is the next phase of digestion.

The rather unpleasant symptoms of this are burping, feeling full or stagnant after meals, gas, bloating and finally acid reflux and heartburn.

Your mouth may seem a long way from your stomach, but the two are inextricably connected. Ignore the former and you’ll inevitably have problems with the latter.

If you would like any support to get your digestion back on track please contact peter@kyushi.co.uk, telephone 07817 504094 or visit the website at www.kyushiwellness.com

Peter Dugmore MIFM, HCPC, SRP

The Kyushi Clinic & Studio: Acrefield House, Winch Road Gayton, King’s Lynn PE32 1QP | www.kyushi.co.uk KL aga ine March 2022

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PICTURES: The iconic red brick watermill in the idyllic village of Letheringsett is one of our county’s most remarkable landmarks (left). Inside the mill the traditional methods of making flour are still operational today (above).

The wonders of Norfolk’s only working watermill Letheringsett’s striking watermill is one of Norfolk’s most remarkable tourist attractions and its fantastic our is sought all o er the country and its rescue fro ruin is largely the or of a single fa ily

S

ome 580 watermills were recorded in Norfolk at the time of the Domesday Book, but today only one is still up and running. Situated on the River Glaven, Letheringsett Mill is a unique and delightful landmark - and thanks to the work of a dedicated family it’s developed into an extremely successful business.

Although there’s been a watermill on the site as far back as the 11th century, the building we see today was constructed in 1802. Built by Richard Rouse, the soaring four-storey structure was made to house four sets of grindstones, making it twice the size of the area’s earlier mills. Though it’s a remarkable rural treasure, and one of only 24 working watermills left in the whole country, much of the magnificent building’s past is now KLmagazine March 2022

shrouded in mystery - during a burglary in 1960, many important historical documents were stolen from the mill’s safe and they’ve never been recovered.

Though little is known about its earlier use, Letheringsett Mill undwerwent great changes in the late 20th century. With the country’s rising population, the demand for flour sharply increased and advances in technology gave way to more efficient milling methods. The production of flour was largely moved to huge industrial buildings where higher quantities could be made quickly.

In 1972, Letheringsett changed hands and became a mill for producing animal feed, and as the years progressed its condition gradually deteriorated.

However, new hope arrived in 1987 when a lorry driver named Michael Thurlow made a delivery to the old mill

and instantly fell in love with it. During his 20-year naval career he’d travelled the world seven times and seen countless heritage buildings being lost and neglected.

Michael & Marion 75

ABOVE: Harnessing the power from the River Glaven, Letheringsett is the only operational water-powered flour mill in Norfolk.

Fortunately, the Letheringsett Estate was searching for someone to run the mill at the time, so Michael and his wife Marion decided to take on the lease.

The passionate couple shared a dream of returning the building to full working order and were determined to restore it to its former glory, despite having no previous milling experience. They consequently started from scratch, learning the business by reading books and visiting working watermills across the country - and a few months later their restoration began.

The couple’s huge project benefited from the Great Storm of October 1987, which violently ripped through East Anglia and tore many trees from local woodlands. Gusts as strong as 122mph battered Norfolk and a staggering 265 trees were lost on the Blickling Estate in a single night. The carnage provided the Thurlows with 200 fallen English oaks, which they used to renew 10,500ft of the mill’s flooring and 2,000ft of structural beams.

They then started to restore the roof and repair the mill’s workings, which involved the arduous task of realigning the water wheel. In 1990, after three years of hard work, Mike and Marion were delighted to open Letheringsett Mill to the public. They went on to become some of the finest millers in the country, and in 2006 Mike Thurlow was named the nation’s Local Food Hero in a competition run by UKTV Food. The £40,000 prize money went straight into continuing the mill’s restoration, and in 2007 two floors were converted into exhibition areas and opened to the public.

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Michael Thurlow achieved his aim of rescuing the mill from ruin, although he sadly passed away in 2013 before the project was fully complete. When Marion died a couple of years later, the couple’s daughter Michelle decided to take charge of Letheringsett Mill and finish what her parents began.

Despite having an allergy to flour she’s put her heart and soul into running the mill, which now produces 2-3 tonnes of flour a week - although during the first lockdown in 2020 they were making 6-7 tonnes every seven days.

“The soaring demand prompted several months of manic milling,” says Michelle. “I’d often come in at 4am to start a run, and my team were working 12-hour days to help satisfy all the orders.”

Michelle is dedicated to her parent’s pride and joy and does everything from milling and weighing flour to managing the site’s shop and village store.

“It’s hard being an independent mill, because if anything goes wrong you have to fund the repairs yourself,” says Michelle. “We had seven breakdowns last year following the busy lockdown period, and just before Christmas we changed 96 wooden arms on the water wheel.”

Despite the challenges, the marvellous mill still runs smoothly, and Michelle has some wonderful plans for its future.

“I want to make it into a hub, a destination for an enjoyable day out,” she says. “A lovely antiques business arrived on site last year, I’m planning to open a tearoom in the spring, and

eventually I want to transform the paddock into a huge children’s play area. My vision is to create an attraction that offers something for everyone.”

It’s certainly had an eventful past, but there’s a very bright future ahead for Letheringsett Mill. It’s one of our county’s rarest treasures, and a delightful location that’s definitely worth a visit.

For more details, online flour sales and opening times, please visit the website at www.letheringsettwatermill.co.uk or telephone 01263 713153.

For more fascinating features on local landmarks and historic buildings, please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

WE ARE HERE

Stunning Restaurant & Bar on the Quay of King’s Lynn Grade 1 listed building in the heart of King’s Lynn’s quayside with outdoor seating and great views of the river.

Open: Restaurant: Wed to Sat 12-3pm & 5-9pm, Sun 12-6pm.

Bar: Wed-Fri 5pm-late, Sat 12-late, Sun 12-6pm.

1 South Quay, King’s Lynn, PE30 5GN | 01553 773713 | www.therathskeller.co.uk CURRENT OPENING TIMES: Tuesday-Friday am -4pm & Saturday am- pm

!

EW

EASTER ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN

N

Eat healthy this year with delicious Award-winning smoked haddock, hot roast salmon and smoked mackerel pâté Deli Counter with local cheeses and olives

FRESH ROLLED SUSHI Now available thurs, fri & sat

Something for a quick tea, check out our spring rolls and much much more!

Fresh Local Bread Seasonal vegetables and herbs now

Follow us on Facebook for weekly specials

SEAFOOD PLATTERS Order for that special occasion

Don’t forget to spoil her!

DONALDSONS A fresh taste of the sea

Austin Fields, King’s Lynn | Tel:

KLmagazine March 2022

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C O S Y T E A RO OM S E T I N T H E H E A RT O F G R E AT M A S S I N G H A M

a place to enjoy breakfast, coffee & cake, lunch and afternoon teas Locally sourced ingredients | Hot food freshly cooked to order All cakes handmade on the premises | Takeaway available Open: 9am-4pm 7 days a week Book a table: 01485 520 272 / info@thecartshedtearoom.co.uk Web: www.thecartshedtearoom.co.uk Located behind Great Massingham Stores & Post Office: Church Lane, Great Massingham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE32 2HY

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION AFTERNOON TEA

F R I DAY 2 5 T H - SUNDAY 2 7 T H MARC H 1 2 . 0 0 -1 6 . 0 0 Enj oy so m e qu a l i t y t i m e t hi s Moth e r ’s Day we e ke nd at t he Du ke s He a d Hote l for a n af te r no o n te a t re at - t i c ket eve nt on l y £ 2 5 p p .

Incl udes a Wh a taHo ot gi n a nd to n i c !

C O N TAC T U S T O BO O K:

01553 774996

E V E N T S@ D U K E SH E AD H O T E L .C OM

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KLmagazine March 2022

Carrot Cake INGREDIENTS

METHOD

250g (9oz) carrots 150g (5oz) butter 2 large eggs 200g (7oz) light soft brown sugar 200g (7oz) self-raising flour 2 tsp of ground cinnamon 2 tsp of baking powder ½ tsp salt 2 tsp of milk TOPPING 50g (2oz) icing sugar 200g (7oz) cream cheese 1 tbsp of lemon juice 1/2 tsp of vanilla essence

1. Grease and line a 9’’x 9’’ shallow tin.

2. Grate the carrots.

3. Melt the butter in either a pan or a microwave.

4. Break the eggs into a small bowl and beat them.

5. Stir the sugar into the melted butter followed by the grated carrot. Then add the beaten eggs.

8. Spoon the mixture into the tin and smooth the top.

9.Bake for 40-45 minutes at 165°c.

10.Leave the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the tin then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Make the topping by combining all the ingredients together in a bowl and beating well. Spread over the cooled cake to finish.

6. Put a sieve over the bowl and shake the flour, salt, cinnamon and baking powder into the mixture.

7. Use a large spoon or spatula to beat the mixture until it’s smooth, then stir in two tablespoons of milk.

Recipe by The Cartshed Tearoom Church Lane, Great Massingham, King’s Lynn PE32 2HY 01485 520272 www.thecartshedtearoom.co.uk KLmagazine March 2022

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It’s hot and it’s historic: a classic taste of Norfolk Mustard has played a key part in our county’s heritage ever since Colman’s was established near Norwich over two centuries ago, and thanks to a dedicated local usiness it’s a ing a return to our fields

PICTURES: The Savages have grown their own Mustard at Salle, Reepham and are now producing it at Stanfield near Dereham (left). Montys offer a range of incredible products that are all handcrafted in Norfolk. They’ve got everything from a traditional English mustard (below) to an aromatic cumin wholegrain mustard, and a rich and nutty powder made from their own yellow mustard seed (above).

F

amous for its intense and powerful flavour, mustard has been one of the most widely grown spices in the world for centuries. Vibrant and versatile, its preparation as a condiment likely began with the Greeks and Romans, who blended the ground seeds with unfermented wine (known as ‘must’) to make a smooth and aromatic paste.

This was thought to have strong medicinal properties - the Greek philosopher Pythagoras recommended it as a remedy for scorpion stings, and the Romans used it to treat everything from toothache to war wounds.

While conquering the rest of Europe, the Romans brought mustard to northern France where it was cultivated by monks and sold for a considerable profit. Centuries later the fiery and flavourful sauce remains extremely popular, with Colman’s mustard recognised as one of the best-known brands in the world.

Established in Norfolk in 1814, the company manufactured in Norwich for over 160 years, providing income for hundreds of local farmers and filling our county’s fields with a sea of bright yellow flowers. However, after issues

KLmagazine March 2022

with costs and yields and the closure of the Norwich factory in 2019, many farmers transitioned to growing more profitable crops such as rapeseed.

Though mustard is still grown in Norfolk, it’s not as widespread as it was in the past.

Thanks to Montys, an insightful artisan business, Mustard’s making a powerful return. Essence Foods incorporates three different brands: Essence Botanicals makes jams and marmalades, Beetella produces a range

of healthy chocolate spreads, and Montys creates incredible mustards and chutneys.

Managing Director Sarah Savage set up Essence Botanicals with a friend in 2005 and began supplying Waitrose with delicious conserves under a local produce scheme. In 2007 the pair went their separate ways and Sarah carried on with Essence, moving her premises several times and going on to win local, national, and international awards for her fabulous flavours.

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ABOVE: Essence foods create a wide range of award-winning products from luxurious, fruity conserves and flavourful mustards and chutneys to heavenly and healthy chocolate spreads.

Sarah now works with her sons Edward and Archie, who share her passion for good food and quality local produce, and they’ve enabled the business to flourish and go even further.

“Throughout my teenage years I spent many Saturday mornings in the kitchen helping mum with the botanicals range,” says Edward, “but when I joined the business in 2017 I wanted something a bit less floral to work on, something I could really get into and take charge of. Mustard really caught our attention, as it’s a versatile product you can create so much flavour with, and it’s a huge part of Norfolk’s heritage.’’

After a few months of planning, Sarah and Edward launched Montys, a fantastic brand of handcrafted mustards and chutneys. ‘‘We spent a while trying to come up with a short and memorable name,’’ says Edward. ‘‘In the end we were inspired by a family friend who’d spent

lots of time and money training their disobedient gun dog Monty. He always went in his own direction and couldn’t be contained, and we soon fell in love with the name as much as we did with the dog.’’

Luckily the Montys brand has been easier to manage than its canine namesake, and has enjoyed great success over the last few years.

In 2018 the Savages, who are passionate about local produce, decided they wanted to start using their own mustard seed rather than relying on imports. ‘‘It took almost a year to find mustard we were able to plant, and another six months to find a farmer willing and able to grow it for us,’’ Edward remembers. ‘‘All the hard work was worth it in the end, because in 2019 we became the only single-estate mustard manufacturer in Europe.’’

It was the first time in nearly 140 years that mustard had been grown in Norfolk for an independent food

producer, and Montys have moved from strength to strength ever since.

In 2019, they won gold in the Great Taste Awards for their incredible horseradish mustard and last year they ground their homegrown seed into a delicious, full-bodied powder – the only independent mustard powder within Europe. During the first lockdown the business took another step forward, moving to an old dairy in Stanfield and creating a café, shop, and unique manufacturing kitchen. ‘‘All our products are made and labelled on site’’ says Edward. ‘‘We want people to really understand their food and the passion we put into making it, so we have a large window across one of the kitchen walls to let visitors watch everything being crafted. Our products are made by people for people, and the excitement and enjoyment customers get from them is the reason we love what we do.’’

Since 2017, Montys has flowered into a popular and successful local brand, and with plans to plant more mustard this spring they’re striving to grow even stronger. ‘‘We want to get to a position where there are lots more yellow fields in Norfolk producing mustard rather than rapeseed,’’ says Edward. ‘‘It’s played such an important part in our county’s history, and we want to celebrate that - and proudly display the Norfolk name on our jars.’’

For more information on Essence Foods, please visit the website at www.essencefoods.co.uk For more mouthwatering features on our local food and drink please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk

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KLmagazine March 2022

Elsegood Family Butchers A taste of Norfolk’s finest meats for 100 years

Serving customers across west Norfolk

since 1921

QUALITY MEATS Beef, Pork, Lamb & Poultry, all prepared and cut to your own requirements. Sausages and Burgers all made to our own family recipes.

DELI Homemade pies, pasties & sausage rolls and a variety of cheeses.

Plus “Aunt Aggie’s Pork Cheese”

We deliver five days a week From Tuesday to Saturday across west Norfolk Cliffe-en-Howe Road, Pott Row, King’s Lynn PE32 1BY Website: elsegoodfamilybutchers.co.uk | Tel: 01485 600222

Crawfish Inn Authentic Thai Restaurant Keep up to date with us by liking us on Facebook

• Finest ingredients from Thailand

• Local cask ales to a popular range of draughts beers & extensive wine list • Takeaway service available

Tel: 01328 878313 Holt Road, Thursford, Norfolk NR21 0BJ www.crawfishinn.com Open: Tue to Sun from 6pm (open on all Bank Holidays)

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Bigger, brighter and better than ever e eer shop is a out to dou le in si e the restaurant has introduced an e citing ne enu and the anti ues centre has ne er een usier ere’s pro a ly ne er een a etter ti e to isit Beers of Europe...

I

t’s hardly surprising that increasing numbers of people are flocking to Setchey just outside King’s Lynn at the moment. Here you’ll find what’s probably the best beer shop in the world, one of the widest collections of Steiff bears and animals in the country, a vast antique centre that’s been featured on BBC’s Bargain Hunt no less than six times, and a new bar and restaurant that’s taking the area by storm.

Since the Warehouse Taproom Bar 84

and Restaurant opened last year it’s become a popular destination for fabulous breakfasts, delicious lunches and memorable dinners thanks to the inspired dishes of head chef Bruce Ingle and his kitchen team.

“We’ve had an amazing year and have been absolutely blown away by the public’s response to the restaurant and bar,” says restaurant manager Mark Sweetman. “We’ve extended our opening hours and have recently introduced Sunday Roasts, which cater

for meat-eaters, fish-lovers, vegans and vegetarians. They’ve been received incredibly well and are usually fully booked - so you’ll have to reserve your table as soon as possible.”

In addition to the fantastic food on offer, there’s an amazingly extensive drinks menu serving a huge range of bottled and draught beers - and over 70 hand-picked spirits from locallyproduced gins to speciality liqueurs.

And when you find something to your taste (which you undoubtedly will) KL aga ine March 2022

A taste of the

MENU STARTERS

Warehouse Calamari fresh caught-line squid rings with a sweet chilli mayonnaise

King Prawn Pils-Pils with a special spiced oil and sourdough bread

Ham Hock Terrine

don’t forget that you can pop next door and buy some to take home with you.

“We’re currently in the process of doubling the size of the beer shop,” says procurement manager Matthew Keeley-Smith. “It can be somewhat overwhelming to be faced with thousands of different beers from all around the world, so we’re planning to make everything easier to find and more enjoyable to navigate. We’re planning to launch the new beer shop at the end of March and it’s already looking really impressive.”

And as the weather warms up and the days get longer, the Warehouse Taproom Bar and Restaurant is likely to become even busier - with a secluded beer garden which can seat up to 200

Special Mother’s Day menu - book now The kitchen team at the Warehouse Taproom and Bar has created a very special menu for Mother’s Day on March 27th. It’s already proving very popular, so please call and book your table as soon as possible

with a specially-prepared onion chutney and sourdough bread

MAINS Pho Noodle Bowl with rice noodles in a rich and lightly-spiced broth with a selection of vegetables

Warehouse Burgers Choose from Black Angus steak, chicken or tempeh vegan all served with your choice of accompaniments in a toasted pretzel roll people (on 100% recycled plastic chairs and benches) and a specially-designed children’s play area. Even dogs are welcome.

With a programme of summer music festivals, weekly quizzes and events already in the planning (and something very special to celebrate this year’s Oktoberfest) the Warehouse Taproom Bar & Restaurant is fast becoming one of the most exciting destinations in the area.

“We’re one big happy family here and we’re always pleased to welcome you to our home,” says director Jason Clark.

“Just make sure you have enough time to see and enjoy everything.”

The Warehouse Taproom Bar & Restaurant Garage Lane, Setchey, King’s Lynn PE33 0BE | 01553 812000 www.thewarehousetaproom.co.uk | bookings@thewarehousetaproom.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

The Taproom Pie Freshly-made, packed with flavour and slow cooked for extra taste - just ask for today’s choices

DESSERTS Extra Gooey half-baked brownie with luxury vanilla ice cream

Limoncello Lemon Posset with a lavender shortbread biscuit

Zymurgorium Choc-a-Block gin tiramisu with a speciallychosen dark chocolate

BOOK A TABLE Please call 01553 812000

85

Enjoy our Luxurious Venue

OPEN DAILY TO ALL I PAVILION SPORTS BAR OPEN DAILY 7.30AM - 6PM I LUNCH SERVED DAILY 12.30 - 4.30PM I SUNDAY LUNCH SERVED 12.30 - 4.30PM To view menus: www.heacham-manor.co.uk/eat/menus or Simply Call: 01485 536030 HEACHAM MANOR HOTEL, HUNSTANTON ROAD, HEACHAM, NORFOLK PE31 7JX

86 THE PAVILION SHOWCASE HALF KL MAGAZINE FEB22 ARTWORK.indd

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15/02/2022 KLmagazine March 15:15 2022

Chef’s top tip

auce toffee s For the ing a bought el st us I sugge rnation caram a c e ill be one lik s this w sauce a stable. more

Pecan o ee Meringue Roulade

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Serves: 6-8 MERINGUE 6 egg whites 375g caster sugar 1 ½ tsp cornflour 1 ½ tsp white wine vinegar FILLING 300ml double cream 30g pecans crushed 8 halved pecans Toffee sauce

1. Whisk egg whites to stiff peaks making sure bowl and whisks are clean with no water or yolks in.

2. Add sugar little at a time while whisking, mix white wine vinegar with cornflour and add, mix well.

3. Pour into a 12x8” tray lined with greaseproof paper, level out making sure the meringue is in all the edges well. This should be approx. 1” thick.

4. Bake at 170°c for 10 minutes, then turn temperature down to 160°c for 10 minutes.

5. While this is baking, clear a worktop and lay a tea towel down, add a layer of greaseproof on top of this, and sprinkle with a little caster sugar. When meringue is cooked allow to cool enough to handle the tray, quickly and confidently turn the meringue out onto the tea towel and greaseproof setup, allow to cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

6. Whip cream to soft peaks.

7. Layer the cream onto meringue not pressing down too hard - use 2 spoons to

help even out approx. 10mm. Leave the first inch along the 12” side - cut this and lay on top (this will assist in rolling and keeping the shape), leave the last inch as just meringue (no cream or toffee sauce along the 12” side as this will become difficult to roll.

8. Sprinkle the crushed pecans on the cream and a generous sprinkling of toffee sauce.

9. Then from the 12” side use the tea towel and greaseproof to help roll. Start with a fairly tight roll and ease up as you go, not forgetting to remove greaseproof and tea towel from the inside of roll. This stops the meringue breaking up too much.

10. Keep in fridge for 1 hour to set. Finally sprinkle some toffee sauce and the crushed and halved pecans on top of the roulade before serving.

Use a hot knife to get a clean slice, and serve as shown, and enjoy.

Recipe by Colin Perry, Sous Chef at The Heron The Causeway, Stowbridge PE34 3PP 01366 384040 www.theheronstowbridge.com KLmagazine March 2022

87

A birthday celebration of the life of

Howard Carter MONDAY 9TH MAY 2022 @ 7PM

Discove rer of Tutankh amun’s tomb

Presented by Historian and Author Neil R. Storey Tickets £15.00 B ooki n g s : contact us via Facebook @ t u t a n k h a m u n s or call 01760 751592

(booking essential)

EMPORIUM BAR

BISTRO

ART GALLERY

Mediterranean seafood dishes | Vegan & vegetarian dishes | Large array of gins | Atmospheric setting 46 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7QH | Call to pre-book your table: 01760 751592 / 07591546423

ORIENTAL PALACE

CHINESE RESTAURANT Peking Szechuan & Cantonese Cuisine

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

TAKE AWAY & DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE 204 Main Road, West Winch, King’s Lynn, PE33 0NP Tel: 01553 842255 | www.orientalpalacewestwinch.co.uk or Facebook page for up-to-date news

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KLmagazine March 2022

Flavour of the month

Modern food and a very ancient

I

t’s a rather momentous year for Sue Allen, as it’s now exactly 100 years ago since her great-uncle made the most famous discovery in the history of archaeology - uncovering and excavating the virtually intact tomb of Tutankahmun. Despite being the smallest tomb in the Valley of the Kings it contained around 5,000 priceless objects, over a ton of gold, and took Howard Carter 10 years to clear.

Carter spent much of his childhood in Swaffham and it was there that his love of everything ancient and Egyptian began - and together with her husband Steve (a talented artist in his own right whose work is part of Her Majesty’s the Queen’s Royal Collection) Sue has created a fitting and mouthwatering tribute to her ancestor.

The moment you walk through the doors of Tutankhamun’s Emporium you step into another world and another time. It’s a treasure trove in itself.

KLmagazine March 2022

It’s dominated by an enormous sphinx replica and exquisitely-detailed copies of royal thrones that were imported from Cairo, and one of the newest arrivals is a purpose-made 8ft statue of the fearsome god of death Anubis.

The restaurant and adjacent shop is packed with Egyptian-related books and memorabilia (much of it kindly donated by the couple’s many loyal customers) and also serves as a gallery of Steve Allen’s paintings.

“If my great-uncle hadn’t grown up in Swaffham the tomb of Tutankhamun might still be buried in the sand,” says Sue. “People are always amazed when they discover the connection between a market town in Norfolk and one of the most famous kings in history. The town hasn’t got a statue and doesn’t even have a blue plaque - but I like to think we’re doing justice to such an important event.”

Before you assume Tutankhamun’s Emporium is simply part museum and part art gallery, it’s worth remembering that this is also a fabulous and increasingly-popular restaurant in its own right.

“Both my parents were excellent cooks and they taught me the value of combining great food with socialising and enjoying time with friends and family,” says Sue. “Of course, it

obviously helps when you’ve got one of the best markets in Norfolk on your doorstep.”

Sue’s food is suitably eclectic and draws on several European and Middle Eastern influences. There’s a huge choice of tapas, a delightful selection of Mediterranean seafood, and one of the most comprehensive ranges of vegetarian and vegan dishes in Norfolk.

Her prawn linguine is outstanding, but Sue’s Egyptian tagine is the standout dish - the dates and apricots cutting through the tomatoes and mushrooms to amazing effect. She also makes a fantastic authentic Egyptian boiled egg cream dessert - and if it’s not on the menu she’ll be more than happy to cook it for you.

As the centenary of the incredible discovery approaches, Sue and Steve have plenty of ideas in store to mark the occasion including an exclusive (and very limited) collection of speciallymade gin and caramel vodka - and on May 9th (Howard Carter’s birthday) famous local historian and author Neil Storey will be hosting a celebratory evening at a ticket-only event.

“We always wanted Tutankhamun’s to highlight the role Swaffham played in one of the most momentous events of the 20th century,” says Sue, “but we also wanted to create a warm and welcoming environment where people could come and enjoy good company and great food.”

To avoid disappointment (the restaurant can be extremely busy) please pre-book your table using the details below and discover why Tutankhamun’s is so different.

Uniquely different.

TUTANKHAMUN’S EMPORIUM 46 Market Place, Swaffham Norfolk PE37 7QH Tel: 01760 751592 / 07591 546423 89

A new season is on the way, so it’s time to put our warm winter wear away and literally spring into style. e est of our local outi ues are ri ing ith fresh ne loo s including stri ing and stylish ac ets and layers to ease you into the warmer weather.

Cashmere mix cardigan by Marc Aurel

SHEILA TILLER Long Sutton

Dubarry Castlehyde allpurpose shooting coat in Ivy

LINGS COUNTRY GOODS Great Massingham

KLmagazine March 2022

91

Shower coat

by From My Mother’s Garden

ALLEZ CHIC Castle Rising

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KLmagazine March 2022

CLOTHING HANDMADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU in the heart of Norfolk..

Combine fine tailoring and cutting edge designs with some of the most famous British brands in automotive and aviation history and you’ve got a look that’s both stylish and patriotic.

At British Vintage Brands we’re putting the ‘great’ back into Great Britain with a collection of bespoke flying jackets, trench coats - all totally

handmade in the UK and all paying tribute to some of the most famous brands in the country.

As well as our established Premium range of leather coats & jackets we are introducing a new line of t-shirts and hoodies. We are also hoping to expand this range further in the near future.

For your very own personalised and proudly-patriotic look, call 07392 704986 or e-mail roz@britishvintagebrands.com | www.britishvintagebrands.com

Dubarry Rockpool jacket in navy £ 4

THE HAYLOFT at BEARTS Stowbridge

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KLmagazine March 2022

Lings Country Goods for all your country pursuits

Dubarry | Schoffel | Seeland | Ridgeline | Musto | Alan Paine | Meindl MacWet | Dents | Le Chameau | House of Cheviot Also stocking guns, ammunition & shooting accessories Heath Farm, Great Massingham PE32 2HJ www.lingscountrygoods.co.uk Tel: 01485 520828

AIGLE ARIAT BARBOUR BUFF CATERPILLAR

The Hayloft

at bearts of Stow Bridge

Everything for the great outdoors

JOULES LE CHAMEAU MOUNTAIN HORSE MUCK BOOTS

CHATHAM

RIDGELINE

DUBARRY

SEALSKINZ

GRUBS

STETSON

HOGGS

TOGGI

HUNTER HOUSE OF CHEVIOT

JACK MURPHY

PLUS! SHOOTING - GUN CARTRIDGES CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES GAMEBORE • HULL

WOOFWEAR TILLEY

visit our superstore with ample free parking TEL: 01366 388151 | WEB: www.bearts.co.uk | Brighton Mill, Stow Bridge, King’s Lynn PE34 3PD

KLmagazine March 2022

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allez chic Chic and affordable fashion for all ages

Step out in a new dress this Spring It’s the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe with our new collections arriving instore. t: 01553 631915 The Old School, Castle Rising, King’s Lynn PE31 6AG Open 10-4.30 Monday to Saturday www.allezchic.co.uk

Sheila Tiller EXCLUSIVE LADIES FASHION & SHOES EST. 1978

Unique fashions not usually found on the high street from a range of exclusive brands OPENING HOURS 9am-4pm Mon to Fri, Sat 9am-3pm, closed all day Wednesdays

FASHIONS • HANDBAGS SHOES • LINGERIE 13 Market Place, Long Sutton Tel: 01406 363 433 www.sheilatiller.co.uk

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KLmagazine March 2022

The art of style and the heart of fashion

S

From a unique corner of Holt, Follyology is bringing an ethically produced and sustainable edge to the way we dress

ince it opened towards the end of 2019 in a rather magical corner of Holt, Follyology is re-defining the way we think about fashion - and as the new spring collections arrive there’s never been a better time to think seriously about the clothes we’re wearing. Where they come from, who produces them, and how looking fabulous doesn’t have to cost the earth. Literally.

“When you imagine sustainable and ethically-sourced clothing you’re probably not thinking of something particularly stylish,” says owner Judith West, “but that couldn’t be further from the truth. All our brands have a very special story behind them, and they’re as unique as you are.”

Together with Caroline Champion, Sue Goose and a team of wonderfullyfriendly ladies, Judith has made Follyology the perfect example of where fashion needs to be heading.

The stunning creations of Tribe + Fable are a case in point, with Maasai

unique style + sustainability in a magical space KLmagazine March 2022

warriors re-casting old padlocks and women in Bali meticulously handknotting colourful tassels.

Bath-based Diana Wilson’s jewellery and textiles are inspired by vintage illustrations, photography and her love of travel, while Gabrielle Parker’s beautiful and colourful designs combine cutting-edge styling with impeccably green credentials.

One of the most exciting arrivals at Follyology this season is the groundbreaking brand Ecoalf which concentrates on durability and responsibility, using waste plastic from the oceans to produce an astonishingly stylish range of jackets, t-shirts and bags.

“It’s the brainchild of visionary designer Javier Goyeneche and it really is breathtaking,” says Judith. “It looks like the finest silk clothing you’ve ever

come across, and you’d never believe it was essentially made from old bottle tops.”

With the rise of fast fashion and all the harmful and destructive processes that entails, Follyology is a breath of fresh air. Judith and her team are determined to turn fashion on its head - and prove that we should be styling for ourselves rather than letting our clothes dictate the way we look.

“One of the most important things we look for whenever we meet a new supplier is that sense of individuality,” she says.

“Everyone is unique, and what you wear is such an important part of that. With our help you’ll look fantastic, and the story behind your clothes will make all the difference in the world.”

Welcome to Follyology and welcome to the future of fashion.

www.follyology.co.uk | 01263 711455 Hoppers Yard, Bull Street, Holt NR25 6LN 97

Eco-friendly Baby products

Easy ways to live sustainably with a new baby OUR TOP PICKS • Reusable nappies, wipes and more • Natural rubber teethers and wooden toys • Super soft organic cotton clothing • Beautiful nursery decor and soft toys • Natural toiletries and care products Perfect gifts for precious newborns including bespoke new baby gift boxes available online.

Shop online at www.eleandme.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for exciting new products launching in 2022 /eleandme /eleandmewells

Ele and Me, 1 Bolts Close, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1JP | OPEN Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm

DIY Centre & BJ Models

60 OVER

116 NORFOLK STREET, KINGS LYNN, NORFOLK PE30 1AP

T: 01553 773394

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MON: C TUE-SA LOSED T: 9-5.3 0 SUN: C LOSED

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DIY ESSENTIALS SCENICS

MODEL LOCOMOTIVES

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For more of our models visit youngstersworld.com WE STOCK:

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KLmagazine March 2022

Embrace carrier

Omni

Cool Air Mesh carrier

Keeping you and baby cosy and comfortable Babywearing is a brilliant way to bond with your child so it’s i portant to find the right carrier as Youngsters World explains...

A

fter birth, parents want to protect their newborns and keep them as close as possible, and many worry about the safety of their little ones whenever they’re out of sight. At Youngsters World in King’s Lynn, Liz Harrison and her team are passionate about helping parents make the very best choice for their baby, which is why they offer an amazing range of quality Ergobaby carriers. ‘‘Babywearing is perfect for connecting with your child,’’ says Liz. ‘‘Many people worry it will make them clingy, but in fact babies worn in carriers tend to be calmer and cry less.’’

Babywearing involves using a carrier, wrap or sling to carry your baby close to your body, and it’s been widely practiced around the world for centuries. However, in recent years it’s rapidly gained popularity, as research suggests that babywearing can physically and emotionally benefit parents and their children.

It’s thought that babywearing can encourage healthy hip development,

which is incredibly important for your child to support them throughout their life. According to the NHS, Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition in which the hip joints don’t form properly in babies, and it can develop before or after birth. Many cases resolve on their own, though others may need treatment so it’s especially important that babies’ hips are kept in a stable position.

For 20 years Ergobaby have been revolutionising how we support babies with their innovative and ergonomic carriers, which are all designated ‘hip healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

The Ergobaby Embrace carrier is ideal for supporting the development of newborns, as it’s designed to grow with them in their first year. The adjustable back panel keeps your little one safely supported in a natural, hip healthy ‘M’ position and the soft jersey fabric cuddles them close to your heart.

Ergobaby’s Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh carrier also provides amazing support and comfort to you and your child, and

can adjust to fit both newborns and toddlers. The lightweight, breathable material and soft, padded shoulder straps ensure you’re both kept cosy, and the handy detachable storage pouch is the perfect size for nappies and spare clothes. ‘‘Using a carrier is a great way to transition your baby from the calm environment of the womb to that of the outside world,’’ says Liz. ‘‘We particularly love the Ergobaby range as it’s been carefully and thoughtfully designed to offer something for everyone, from a snuggly carrier for the first few months through to the breathable carriers for more active lifestyles.’’

The most important thing parents need is support and clear advice, which is why the team at Youngsters World help them choose the right products for their little ones. For babies this is a very new world, and Youngsters World are determined to make it as safe and secure as possible.

112 NORFOLK STREET, KING’S LYNN PE30 1AQ

Open: Tues Sat 9-5.30, Sun 10-4, Monday - CLOSED • Tel: 01553 766576 • Web: www.youngstersworld.com KLmagazine March 2022

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In a special partnership with a local blacksmith, ill shortly e installing a collection of steel utter ies on the royal estate to raise awareness of its vital work and services

ABOVE: Master blacksmith Nigel Barnett of Fransham Forge with a prototype for the specially-designed and expertly-crafted butterflies that will grace the gardens of Sandringham House this summer in a special event to raise funds for The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House.

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his summer, hundreds of blue butterflies crafted in steel will be installed in the gardens of Sandringham House in a collaborative project between local registered charity The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House, a local craftsman and the royal estate.

The hospice is situated just under four miles from Sandringham in the neighbouring village of Hillington.

The butterflies have been lovingly created by Nigel Barnett of Fransham

Forge and are painted blue in the style of the silver-studded blue butterfly, a species which can be found in Norfolk.

The butterflies will be affixed to steel poles so they can be easily planted in the ground and measure approximately six inches wide and stand three feet high.

They are a beautiful way to remember someone special to you and comemmorate their life - they may have been cared for at The Norfolk Hospice, they might have been lost

A closer view of Nigel’s prototype butterfly

KLmagazine March 2022

to Covid-19, or they may simply be someone very special to you. Anyone in East Anglia can take part in the event, and there will be a suggested donation of £25 per butterfly.

The Butterfly Meadow will be installed in the peaceful gardens of Sandringham House from July, with the display open to visitors for the summer. Once the installation closes in August, you will be contacted to collect your butterfly or it can be posted to you.

The Norfolk Hospice is a registered charity which provides free care, comfort and compassion to residents in north and west Norfolk nearing the end of their lives and provides support for their families and friends. Their services include a dedicated Inpatient Unit, a ‘Hospice at Home’ service, family and carer support and day therapy.

Every year The Norfolk Hospice provides care for over 1,100 families at a cost of over £2.7 million, the majority of which is raised through donations and their popular retail shops.

As for the man behind the butterflies, master craftsman Nigel Barnett’s career started at an early age, when he lived in view of a steelworks and became fascinated by fire and iron. On leaving school he trained to become a coded welder, working on many of the largest building projects of the early 1980s.

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FACT FILE The silver-studded

• It is a rare butterfly generally found in heathland habitats that have shorter, sparsely vegetated areas.

After mastering the welding of a vast range of materials, he looked for new challenges and settled in Norfolk, completing a two-year traditional blacksmith course at Hereford before re-opening a forge at Fransham.

Located on an eight-acre site in the heart of the county, Fransham Forge boasts a museum, showroom, workshop and garden for exhibiting sculptures. His extensive training, wide experience and exquisite standard of work earned Nigel the title of Master blacksmith and over the years he’s undertaken many public commissions around the world. Wherever possible Nigel uses environmentally-friendly fuels and electric induction heating.

This speeds up the forging process which uses green energy from wind turbines in the local coastal area.

The forge is situated within woodland and visitors can enjoy its outside sculpture trail featuring work by Nigel and his talented team, as well as in his showroom.

For more information about Fransham Forge and Nigel’s work please visit his website at www.forged-ironmongery.co.uk To discover how you can help support the vital work of The Norfolk Hospice and to purchase your own butterfly please visit the website www.norfolkhospice.org.uk/butterfly

• It is restricted to close-knit colonies in southern England and Wales • They emerge in June and are usually on the wing until late August.

• The larvae feed on a large variety of plants, such as bell heather, cross-leaved heath and gorses.

• The upper wings are blue with a dark outer rim. Males are also bluer than females.

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KLmagazine March 2022

3 RD JUNE 2022 Special Guests the Military Wives Choirs A concert to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with Symphony Orchestra and Proms Finale

For tickets please visit www.livepromotions.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

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01553 768751 KLmagazine March 2022

One of our most recent fitments

Can you tell this is a hair system?

Restore your hair and With of en eing a ected y hair loss efore the age of ReMane Ahead is o ering ad anced and high uality solutions ithout the need for surgery

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ne of the things that worries our clients the most about having a hair system is what friends and work colleagues will say. They fear being ridiculed for going from having thinning hair the day before to arriving at work with an obvious new abundance of locks the next.

At ReMane Ahead we have two ways of reducing this concern for our clients.

First of all we would recommend starting with a lower density hair system, if you remember from our first KL Magazine article you need to lose around 50% of your hair before the loss is noticeable. Rather than restoring this in full with your first system if we graduate it back at 25% to 30% you will see an instant improvement in your hair’s appearance and styling ability.

After that when your hair system is due for replacement we can then specify it with a full thickness of hair to take you to your desired final look.

The other way of introducing your refreshed look to your peers is to have your system fitted during a holiday period from work. We already have several new clients who are keen to have their first hair systems applied during their time off in the Easter Holiday, returning to work (and in one case college) with a fresh thicker hair style but with an excusable period of time between seeing friends and colleagues to make the transition more socially comfortable.

We want our hair systems to promote our client’s confidence and the improved mental wellbeing that this provides, and we will endeavour to provide the necessary support for this to be achieved. It’s not just about giving you back your hair it’s also about being there!

All of our hair systems are individually designed to suit your lifestyle as well as matching your existing hair colour and your personal and physical

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KLmagazine March 2022

requirements. We will explain the benefits and limitations of all the options available to you, as well as the costs involved. You will get the opportunity to look at and touch multiple different types of hair system to see what you feel would suit your needs best and be given the correct care advice relevant to your choices.

We also provide a full range of cruelty free, vegan hair care products to help you maintain your hair system in the best possible condition.

Our discreet consultation room is located in premises with no external advertising, to ensure client confidentiality, and is just a short walk from the Tuesday Market Place. All attendance is strictly by appointment only and initial consultations are free of charge and without obligation.

Tel: 01553 602238 Location: King’s Lynn Town Centre Web: www.remaneahead.co.uk

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PICTURE: © KEYSTONE PRESS/IAN TYAS

LEFT: A team of dedicated Watlington villagers dutifully repaint their station. A charming picture of a steam locomotive sitting alongside the magnificent ‘Magdalen Road’ hedge, likely taken in around 1950 (above).

A special station saved by community spirit Sitting on the fen line between King’s Lynn and Downham Market you’ll find a onderful stop called atlington a s all station rescued fro ruin y a passionate and po erful pressure group

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atlington Railway Station was opened on 27th October 1846 by the Lynn and Ely Railway company.

The charming rural stop soon became an important part of village life, as it brought great change to an area where people had rarely travelled.

Locals soon found themselves with more opportunities and freedom, especially when the track was extended the following year to connect King’s Lynn with Ely and London. In 1862, the station became part of the Great Eastern Railway Company, and in 1875 they renamed it ‘Magdalen Road’. The KLmagazine March 2022

reason for this was to avoid confusion, as an identically named station had recently been opened in Oxfordshire.

Despite being a small countryside stop Magdalen Road saw plenty of activity, as it was where the Peterborough and Wisbech branch joined the main line. The station soon became a busy junction for goods and passengers, and in the early twentieth century it had a resident Station Master, three Porters, a Crossing Gate Keeper, and a Signal Man. A great deal of produce passed through Watlington, so staff never seemed to stand still. Daily there would be wagons of livestock to be loaded

and unloaded, milk and trays of fresh fruit, fish, and vegetables to be carted between platforms (along with mail bags and luggage) and deliveries of coal for the station buildings. In addition, 40-gallon casks of rape seed oil for the signal lamps would regularly arrive – and some of this was often ‘borrowed’ by locals to clean their bicycles and gardening tools.

Despite all the hustle and bustle, the staff took great pride in their station and ensured it always looked its best. A beautiful garden filled with flowers and herbs was dutifully maintained by the station master, and attendants from the dining car on passenger trains would 107

stopping, the pretty garden was invaded by a mass of tangled brambles and the magnificent Magdalen Road hedge soon became indecipherable.

The villagers of Watlington were deeply saddened by the loss of their stunning station and, with the expansion of King’s Lynn’s industry, the population was rapidly rising and the railway was needed more than ever. This prompted Mr Ron Callaby, an ex-signalman at Magdalen Road, to see what steps could be taken to bring the station back to life. In 1973 Callaby became a member of the ‘Transport 2000’ campaign, which aimed to improve public transport networks. A meeting with a British Rail representative was called in King’s Lynn and attended by a newly formed pressure group consisting of Mr Callaby, Hugh Lacey (the village doctor) and PICTURES: Watlington’s delightful signal box still bears two determined local the name ‘Magdalen Road’ in a tribute to the station’s housewives, Kate Carpenter fascinating past (above). Kate Carpenter and a team and Joyce Partridge. British of villagers take part in the clean-up of 1974. A diesel locomotive pulls into the station (below).

Rail admitted they had no objection to reopening often alight to pick fresh parsley for Magdalen Road but had their cuisine. However, the station’s insufficient funds to do so - a total of most delightful and noticeable feature £535 would be needed to refurbish the was undoubtedly the hedge behind station and provide suitable lighting for Platform One as, with meticulously each platform. However, the dedicated clipped letters, it proudly read pressure group were determined, ‘MAGDALEN ROAD.’ and made it their mission to raise the But as time went on the growing money and restore their station to its efficiency of road transport caused a former glory. Kate and Joyce busied decline in the use of rail and in 1968 themselves with fundraising activities, Magdalen Road Station was shut as part organising two dances and three of Dr Beeching’s rail closures. Trains tombolas and gathering donations with from London roared through without the help of their neighbour Johnny Lemon.

Parties of villagers cleared brambles from the platforms, cut back bushes, and repainted the waiting room.

Their labours were assisted by a

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strong sense of community (and beer provided by Dr Lacey) and the experience brought the whole village closer together. All the hard work proved to be worth it when, in November 1974, British Rail announced to delighted locals that the station would reopen the following spring. ‘’It really was a village effort,’’ Kate remembers. ‘‘It took a lot of perseverance, but together we made it happen.’’

The grand reopening day arrived on the 5th May 1975, and it was a truly spectacular occasion. An excited crowd packed the long-deserted platforms, and brightly coloured bunting hung from the brand-new lamps. A glossy blue ribbon stretched across the tracks and scores of children from local schools stood either side, many waving flags they had carefully made and decorated with good luck messages.

At 10.49, a cheer arose and Hilgay Silver Band struck up a jubilant tune as a train bearing a badge that read ‘The Magdalen Road Special’ pulled into the station. ‘’It was extremely exciting and dramatic, a very happy day for the village,’’ says Dr Lacey. ‘’The station felt like part of the family, and we all enjoyed saving it. It was good fun.’’

Everyone involved in the reopening felt a strong sense of achievement, and they were met with further delight when the stop regained its original name of ‘Watlington’ in 1989. ‘ ‘Almost everyone in the village did something to help, and the whole experience increased our sense of community spirit,’’ says Kate. ‘‘We did a good thing, and our faith in the future of our station has been proved by the vast number of passengers using it today.”

For more details about this story and the restoration project, please visit www.watlingtonnorfolk.co.uk For more fascinating features on local history, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

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KLmagazine March 2022

Why is the year to look after your boiler...

In the face of rising fuel costs and changing legislation, the expert team at Foreman & Son can help you keep warm and cut costs

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n April 1st the energy price cap is expected to rise by around 50%, which is likely to add £1,925 to your annual fuel costs - adding up to an extra £160 a month based on typical usage. Yes, it may be April Fool’s Day, but this isn’t a prank and it’s no laughing matter.

It’s never been more important to ensure your boiler is working as effectively and as efficiently as possible to minimise your energy usage and keep your fuel bills as low as possible.

“Rising fuel costs aren’t the only things we’ll be focusing on in 2022,” says Annaleigh Foreman of Heachambased Foreman & Son. “This year will see the installation of carbon monoxide alarms becoming mandatory, and the requirements for heating controls and zoning are also changing. For the end

user it’s a lot to take in, but that’s what we’re here for.”

For over 26 years, the family-run business has been keeping local families safe and warm, and its comprehensive BoilerCare service includes unlimited call-outs, all replacement parts, an annual boiler service, no excess charges, and £500 off the cost of a new boiler if your current one is beyond repair.

“We might be heading into spring now but that doesn’t mean you can expect your boiler to look after itself,” says Annaleigh. “Although people generally associate ‘heating’ with ‘winter’ we know from experience that boilers can break down at any time of the year.”

Indeed - during 2021 the team at Foreman & Son attended over 1,500 boiler breakdowns in west and north 01485 570578 32 High Street, Heacham, PE31 7EP

KLmagazine March 2022

Norfolk, which is an average rate of more than four emergencies a day.

“We’ve recently welcomed a new senior engineer and another office administrator to the team to ensure we can reach even more customers in 2022,” says Annaleigh. “Whether you’re a private householder or a multiproperty landlord our fully-qualified and highly-trained, G3 regulated, Gas Safe and OFTEC-registered team is only a phone call away.”

foremanandsonltd.co.uk info@foremanandsonltd.co.uk

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PICTURES: The beautiful view over Titchwell opposite was taken by KL magazine photographer Ian Ward only a few years ago, but the Norfolk Archaeological Unit and Norfolk Air Photo Library have ammassed an incredible archive of over 100,000 images documenting the changing face of the county from the air - including the one above of the Purfleet in King’s Lynn.

Don’t think you’re familiar with our local landscape until you’ve seen it from the air, especially when you can see how it looked many years ago and how our towns and countryside have changed...

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f you look at the landscape intelligently, you can learn an enormous amount about where we’ve come from - and when you take a birds-eye view you can learn even more.

At the popular Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse museum just outside Dereham are housed over 21,500 aerial photographs taken by the Norfolk Archaeological Unit. All but 15 were taken by the remarkable Derek Edwards - who founded the Norfolk Air Photo Library in 1974 and is now considered to be one of the most significant collections in the country, with almost

KLmagazine March 2022

100,000 images of Norfolk taken between 1915 and the present day.

There used to be a time when Enclosure Award and estate maps were the most important historic documents in terms of documenting our changing world, but aerial photography (which wasn’t even possible until the start of the of the 20th century) is rapidly outpacing them.

Since the programme began, our understanding of how Norfolk used to look has changed completely. Until 1974 we only knew of 196 Bronze Age burial mounds (or ‘ring ditches’) but within 12 years that number had risen

to almost 1,000.

Of course, we’ve always managed to change our landscape to suit our needs.

Over seven million visitors enjoy the natural wonders of the Norfolk Broads every year (they’re home to 25% of the UK’s rarest species) but very few understand that ‘natural’ is a relative term - and that the beautiful waterways they spend their holidays on were actually created (unintentionally, by the way) by over 200 years of intensive peat digging.

The image over Holkham over the page was taken in May 1978. Awaiting

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Calls to alleviate the problem started in the 1950s and were finally approved 20 years later. The seven-mile route was built on part of a disused railway line, cost £5million to build, and was opened to traffic on the morning of March 20th 1978.

It’s an extraordinary and very different way of looking at Norfolk, and it’s one recently taken up with the National Mapping Project (NMP) - an initiative by English Heritage to record and preserve the history of the whole country through the use of aerial photography.

Since 2001 the Norfolk NMP has mapped approximately 39% of Norfolk, recording almost 9,000 archaeological sites - around 50% of which had never been recorded before - using a variety of different sources including the National Monuments Record collection in Swindon, the archive of the Norfolk Air Photograph Library, and photography from Norfolk County Council. More details of the project can be found at www.heritage.norfolk.gov. uk/nmp.

ABOVE: The archive of historic aerial photography held by the Norfolk Air Photograph Library includes this fascinating view over Holkham and a unique record of the building of the A47 by-pass at Dereham (below right)

to be confirmed by excavation, its elevated position over the surrounding marshes on the estate suggest that this is all that remains of an Iron Age fort - and the vertical line running towards the pine trees is believed to be the end of an old sand spit similar to those found at Scolt Head and Blakeney Point. The landscape changed enormously in the space of only 200 years, and the sea originally reached as far as the coast road through Holkham.

The general layout and position of the fort fits uncannily well with the description by the great historical author Tacitus of a fort in a similar position that invading Romans stormed in 47AD - although that’s yet to be proved conclusively.

The view of the Purfleet in King’s Lynn on the previous page was taken in 1985 and contains a host of interesting details that have now been lost to time. Until the 19th century this had been an important waterway lined with wharves along the river. Connecting to an important sewer further upstream, it was frequently blocked until a film crew arrived to clear it and turn it into part of New York for the film Revolution.

People familiar with the town will be fascinated by the massive grain silos on the right towering over Bank House, 114

and they were already derelict by the time this photograph was taken. No trace of them remains today.

One of the most interesting photographs in the collection is the view over Dereham taken in June 1976 featured opposite. It dramatically shows why peace returned to the town less than two years later with the opening of the A47 Dereham by-pass.

The market town owed much of its size and commercial importance due to it being in the centre of Norfolk and astride the main road leading from Great Yarmouth and through Norwich, to King’s Lynn and from there to the Midlands and the North.

By the mid-1970s around 1,200 heavy goods trucks and almost 7,000 cars were squeezing through Dereham’s narrow streets every single day, causing congestion and dangers for both residents and drivers.

A fully detailed catalogue of the digital images in the Norfolk Air Photograph Library is available from www.heritage. norfolk.gov.uk/Data/Sites/2/media/ bng/brecksfromabovecatalogue. pdf, and jpeg images are available by request free of charge.

For more fascinating features and stunning photographs of the local area, please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

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Our local countryside is beautiful. So let’s keep it that way. ere ere ore than y tipping incidents on pu lic land in orfol in ut that ay e ust the tip of the ice erg isco er ho the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk is tac ling the pro le ith ne initiati es and helpful ad ice

ABOVE: A typical view of the natural landscape, rolling fields and big skies in west Norfolk - together with an example of the growing and costly problem of fly-tipping. The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk is now devoting more resources to reduce the number of incidents and help people dispose of their rubbish responsibly.

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e’re lucky enough to live in an area which has quite rightly a reputation for being one of the most beautiful parts of the whole country.

Big skies, an abundance of natural environments to explore, awardwinning beaches, and stunning views.

Which is why it’s so heartbreaking when this is spoiled by fly-tipping. It isn’t only unsightly, it often causes harm to wildlife - and it can even poison local water courses.

The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk is tasked with tackling this completely avoidable damage to our environment, and has just expanded its services to help it both reduce fly-tipping at the source and deal with it more effectively where it is found.

It’s far too easy to suppose that the main culprits are the casual operatives who will offer to take rubbish to the tip for a small fee and then simply dump it by the side of the road, but the council points out this is a misunderstanding.

“Many people don’t realise that they remain responsible for their rubbish even if they pay someone to take it away,” says cabinet member for the environment Councillor Paul Kunes.

“If a householder gives it to a casual KLmagazine March 2022

operative who charges a nominal fee to get rid of it and that operative dumps it somewhere, we will obviously fine the operative in question. But the householder is also fined when we find out whose rubbish it is, and you’d be surprised how often we do.

“The irony is that this type of flytipping is so unnecessary, because most of the rubbish that’s dumped would have been accepted at the tip free of charge.”

The council’s expanded service will include additional capacity for investigating and clearing fly-tipping as well as a programme of education.

It has already purchased new vans and taken on extra team members to help with this.

“The extra resources will increase our capacity for clearing flytipping so we can clear more, and clear it more quickly,” says Councillor Kunes. “But it isn’t just about

clearing up fly-tipping that’s already happened. We want to work with all residents of the borough to help prevent it from happening in the first place. We’re planning a range of activities to help people understand what they personally can do to put a stop to it.”

For instance, If you spot fly-tipping in the borough you can report it on the borough council’s website at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/flytipping.

“We live in a wonderful part of the UK,” says Councillor Kunes, “and by working together with our local communities we can keep it that way.”

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How to ensure your rubbish reaches the tip ...and not the side of the road!

If you can’t take it yourself, there are several steps you can take to make sure your rubbish is disposed of responsibly. If you can show that you have done this you’re unlikely to be fined. There’s even a handy mnemonic – SCRAP – to help you remember: Suspect – if someone is offering you a really cheap service, they probably aren’t licensed and won’t be taking it to the tip.

What’s more, their charges are likely to be more than any fees you’ll find at the tip.

Check – are they a licensed waste carrier?

If they are they will have documentation to prove it. If they aren’t and the rubbish is dumped, you’ll end up paying a fine. You can check this yourself on the Environment Agency’s website.

IT’S ELECTRIC! Last year the council declared a climate emergency and made a series of commitments that will help both the council and the borough generally to play its part in tackling climate change.

The new vans purchased to support the additional flytipping work are fully electric, giving the environment a double win: the fly-tipping will be taken away and the environmental impact of the work to do that will be minimal.

Refuse – if someone turns up at your door offering to take away rubbish, simply say no.

Ask – how will they dispose of the rubbish?

What evidence can they provide? Licensed carriers will always answer this question.

HAZARDOUS WASTE DAYS

FREE REIN Here are just some of the items you can take to the tip for free at any time: • Carpets and flooring • Cooking or engine oil • Electrical items, including fridges, washing machines and lawnmowers • Furniture (free standing) • Scrap metal, including bicycles and radiators

WHAT YOU PAY FOR: • Rubble: £3 per 80l sack • Plasterboard: £9 per 80l sack (half bag price available for small amounts) • Tyres: £4 each 118

Certain types of waste have to be dealt with by specialists so they are only accepted on certain days, but the good news is that it’s free. These days are a great opportunity to get rid of: • Paint, varnishes and thinners • Chemicals, including specialist cleaners • Insecticides and weed killers The tips are run by the county council.

You can find details of your nearest tip, what they take, charges, hazardous waste days and more on their website at www.norfolk.gov.uk

Paperwork – protect yourself from a fine of up to £300. Ask for a receipt and make sure it’s a proper one, not something written on a scrap of paper. If they have provided you with paperwork and the rubbish is dumped, we can track them down and the fine will only go their way, not yours.

The borough council is a licensed waste carrier. You can have up to three large items (e.g. a 3-piece suite, or a fridge, sofa and table) taken for £31.50 (price correct at time of going to press).

KLmagazine March 2022

The home you want and the planet you need...

With more choice, better performance and strong green credentials Rudd Joinery is your first choice for ho e i pro e ents

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hen you start thinking about replacing your windows, doors and conservatories today you need to focus on a lot more than the aesthetics. Which is why Jamie Rudd and his team at Rudd Joinery are committed to producing a superior and environmentally-friendly range of high quality handcrafted timber products, all expertly designed and produced at the company’s very own manufacturing facility just outside Fakenham.

Whereas UPVC products are generally mass-produced and leave a large carbon footprint, Rudd Joinery’s high performance windows, doors and conservatories are all completely bespoke from responsibly-sourced timber. And with a wide range of styles, colours and ironmongery, they can be custom-designed to suit your property.

“We put a lot of time and effort into ensuring our products

KLmagazine March 2022

strike exactly the right balance,” says Jamie Rudd. “Of course they need to look good, but they also need to perform exceptionally well and have impeccable ‘green’ credentials.”

A case in point is Rudd Joinery’s use of Red Grandis, a tree which is grown in Uruguay almost 7,000 miles away from Fakenham. Its highly durable nature makes it perfect for external joinery, but that’s only half the story. Managed by well-trained foresters, the trees are felled without disturbing neighbouring trees - and in addition to providing security for local workers (and their families) and reducing the need for illegal logging, its production results in considerably less waste.

“It’s probably the best hardwood available on the market today,” says Jamie. “It’s very strong, it’s 100% FSC Certified, it’s very versatile, and it’s naturally very pale, which makes it ideal for our collection of paints and coloured stains. And since it arrives in large engineered lengths it’s far less

likely to warp or distort over time, which reduces the need for us to overlap and finger joint the frames.”

Having been treated to a threecoat spray finish (in the colour of your choice) it requires little or no maintenance, and comes with a full 10year guarantee.

If you’re considering using timber for your upcoming renovations/new build, then please contact Jamie and his team. They’re always happy to welcome you to the factory and discover why natural timber is the future of home improvements.

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KLmagazine March 2022

reat your stone and tiled oors to their est e er spring clean ith the professional ser ices of Xtraclean and ring the ac to life

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s spring approaches and the days get longer, it’s time to say goodbye to all the grime and dirt that’s built up over winter and give your natural stone and ceramic tiled floors a fresh new look for the rest of the year.

Which means it’s also time to call on the professional cleaning services of Martin King and his Swaffham-based team at Xtraclean.

Although it’s tempting to give our floors a cursory brush or mop with offthe-shelf cleaning products once in a while, there comes a time when that’s simply not good enough.

Hard floors, ceramic tiles and natural stone look fantastic when they’re first laid, but they have a tendency to attract dust and debris over time, and everyday foot traffic from friends, family and pets only serves to work that dirt into the floor’s contours and grout lines.

“If your stone or tiled floors were fitted professionally they deserve an equally expert approach to cleaning,” says Martin. “For over 25 years we’ve been restoring floors all over Norfolk using the most advanced and powerful cleaning system currently available in the UK.” Xtraclean’s highly experienced technicians offer a fully-insured and friendly service (they’ll even move your furniture for you) and following an initial test and survey they’ll get to work breaking down all the ingrained dirt and loosening the surface soiling.

“Our state-of-the-art turbo “clean and capture” system pressure cleans the floor using its own water supply,” says Martin, “and it even captures all the waste in the process – so you have no mess, no fuss, and no worries.”

Xtraclean never uses harmful chemicals or procedures such as grinding and resurfacing (which can

actually damage the floor) and the results are truly spectacular.

“Stone and tiled floors aren’t the easiest surfaces in the world to clean,” says Martin, “but our powerful system and professional-grade products can bring even the heaviest-soiled floors back to their very best - and we can usually do that in less than a day.”

Xtraclean can also help you preserve those sparkling looks for longer with a range of specialist sealing products exclusively developed for stone floors.

“To be honest you really have to see the results to believe them,” says Martin.

“Just ask our customers – they’re always amazed at the finish, and they can hardly believe it’s the same floor.”

To give your floors a bright new look and bring them back to life, contact Martin and his team at Xtraclean for extra-professional cleaning, extrapersonal customer service, and results that are second to none.

Unit 3, Jack Boddy Way, Swaffham PE37 7HJ Tel: 01760 337762 Web: www.xtraclean.co.uk E-mail: sales@xtraclean.co.uk KL aga ine March 2022

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ABOVE: The stainless steel plaques along the Pilgrimage Trail through King’s Lynn feature motifs from the town’s religious buildings, including a gargoyle from The Minster (opposite). Below is a rare engraving of the famous Blackfriars Cross, which now stands at the entrace to the town’s museum

Prayers and pilgrims in medieval Lynn During the middle ages Norfolk was one of the most important destinations in Europe for pilgrims. explains how a new trail through King’s Lynn is retracing their steps and journeys...

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embers of the King’s Lynn Civic Society are currently renewing and extending a Pilgrimage Trail though King’s Lynn, enabling people to literally walk through history. By following the trail and visiting actual buildings and sites of veneration long demolished you enter the world of the extraordinary pilgrim and visionary Margery Kempe, the mystic anchorites of All Saints’ Church and the hundreds of pilgrims on their way to Walsingham thronging the bustling streets of Bishop’s Lynn - a sight familiar from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. In addition to taking in three fine medieval churches, the trail includes the unique Red Mount Chapel, the Greyfriars Tower and other remnants and sites of monastic buildings, the halls of Lynn’s many guilds, as well as the Town Museum and its fine collection of pilgrims’ badges. Although it might seem like

KLmagazine March 2022

something from the past, pilgrimage has become increasingly popular today as an aid to contemplation and well-being.

Central features of the trail in King’s Lynn are the five engraved stainless-steel plaques by artist Lyndall Phelps. On them are motifs taken from various religious buildings in Lynn - a wooden ceiling boss showing a seated Christ from All Saints’ Church, a dog pictured on a monumental brass from King’s Lynn Minster, mouldings from the fine ceiling of the Red Mount Chapel, a decorated stone corbel from Greyfriars Tower, and a carved ship on a wooden bench end from St Nicholas Chapel. The fifth plaque is an image of a medieval kogge bringing 123

or thanksgiving.

Pilgrimage is actually common to most religions due to the desire to visit places associated with inspiring and holy lives.

The Holy Land was the pinnacle of pilgrimage, but it was a long, expensive and hazardous journey, despite the thriving pilgrimage holiday package organised by the Franciscan friars of Palestine.

An easier journey (although not without its own difficulties) was a visit to the churches of St Peter and St Paul in Rome and that of St James in Compostela, Spain - where the relics of these saints led to their tombs becoming places of pilgrimage.

Our own Margery Kempe journeyed to all three and to many shrines in England.

For the majority of people in England, ABOVE: St. Nicholas’ Chapel has inspired locals and visitors alike the chosen sites of with its the dazzling stained glass and wonderful wooden angels on the ceiling (below). Above right is a copy of the first map of veneration by pilgrims Lynn (1588) when it was a major destination for pilgrims in the Middle Ages were Canterbury the pilgrims across the Wash to the (its cathedral being the site of the Purfleet. martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket) Lynn divides up very neatly between and Walsingham with its Holy House Bishop’s Lynn until 1537 and King’s that was revealed in a vision.

Lynn from then until now, an everyday The Purfleet was wider in medieval reminder of the effects of Henry VIII’s times. Here ships, many trading with rejection of the Pope’s and his Bishops’ the German Hanse, disembarked authority - and founding the Church hundreds of pilgrims on their way to of England with himself as its supreme Walsingham, and it was there that the head, a position HRH The Queen holds collection of pilgrim badges now in the today.

Lynn Museum were found in 1878 by The few thousand people living in local jeweller Thomas Pung - who paid Lynn before the Reformation would small boys to pick them out of the have seen hundreds of pilgrims flocking mud at low tide. to the town around Easter and through Pilgrimage was banned in 1538 by the warmer summer months on their Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell way to Walsingham. In Lynn there despite the fact that Henry had made were wayside chapels and hostels for two pilgrimages to Walsingham accommodation. The lives of these himself. medieval forebears were lived within In the 14th century, Lynn had over the fast-and-feast cycle of the Church 30 merchant and craft guilds - more Calendar and amid the daily presence than any other English town save of priests, monks, nuns, friars and London and Norwich. We are familiar pilgrims, together with their churches, with the two largest guildhalls, The chapels and friaries.

Holy Trinity (now the Town Hall) and Journeys to holy places were the Guildhall of St George, which undertaken from motives of devotion to now functions as a theatre. These obtain divine help or as acts of penance guilds were greatly valued for the 124

social and spiritual welfare they gave to their members and their families, as well as regulating trade standards, giving support to the needy, and ensuring prayers and Masses were offered.

Merchant guilds had considerable influence in the running of the town, and important trading links with other parts of northern Europe. The wealthier guilds had their own meeting hall, whereas the less wealthy would either be allowed the use of the facility (for a fee) or the members would meet in each other’s homes.

The pilgrim’s trail around King’s Lynn has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Heritage Action Zone (Historic England) and support from both the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and the Norfolk Museums Service.

It will be available from April in paper and digital forms from the Tourist Information Centre on the Saturday Market Place and the website at www.kingslynncivicsociety.co.uk For more fascinating features on the heritage of King’s Lynn, please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • TILES • BEDROOMS • PLUMBING SUPPLIES

Give your kitchen a new look this spring Are you looking to freshen up your home this year? At the Quay Centre we have a stunning range of kitchens and bathrooms to suit any budget or taste. We are happy to design from your measurements and carry out video link consultations. Our sales director is in the showroom to carry out virtual showroom tours if there is a specific product you wish to see. We also have a huge range of brochures which we’re more than happy to have posted to your home address.

Call or visit our friendly team to find out more

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Sew & Sew Bespoke curtains and blinds for all your soft furnishing needs Handmade curtains • Swags & tails Roller blinds/verticals and venetians • Wooden blinds Roman blinds • Cushions Home measuring & design service Extensive choice of fabrics and wallpapers Give us a call, email us or visit our friendly team in store to discuss your ideas with us!

122 High Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1DD • Tel: 01553 776411 / 07920 747157 Email: sandersontina@yahoo.com | Website: www.sewandsewkingslynn.co.uk 126

KLmagazine March 2022

Adrian & Michaela

Why your plumbing needs a spring clean too From leaking taps and emergencies to new bathroom installations, A.T Norfolk Plumbing & Heating are only a phone call away

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t’s tempting to think that winter is the only time you need to worry about your property’s plumbing, but as we head into spring it’s likely to face a whole new range of issues. For instance, your pipes will have shrunk during the cold weather, but as it warms up they’ll expand slightly - which could turn a hairline crack into a leak problem that requires immediate attention.

Similarly, if your drains are full of winter-related debris, those heavy spring showers could cause serious blockages - and just as pipes can freeze in winter, they can also sweat in Adrian did a fantastic job on our shower room and it’s now a really beautiful space. Not living locally meant that we had to leave the job in his hands, but we never worried about that. I would highly recommend his company, his service and his work to anyone and everyone.

The Old Game Wing, Docking Hall High Street, Docking PE31 8NG

KLmagazine March 2022

warmer temperatures, a costly waste of water that can be solved by having them professionally insulated.

Thankfully Docking-based A.T Norfolk Plumbing & Heating are just a phone call away, offering a traditional and exceptionally-reliable service for everything from dripping taps and leaking toilets to replacement radiators and water tanks across west Norfolk and along the north Norfolk coast.

“We never promise anything that we can’t deliver,” says Michaela Taverna, who established the company with her husband Adrian just over 20 years ago.

“We only came to Norfolk a few years ago, but we’ve already built a very loyal and strong customer base.”

Much of that success is undoubtedly due to Adrian’s professional, honest and friendly approach.

City & Guilds qualified, WaterSafe registered, and with over 20 years’ experience he’s the perfect example of a traditional plumber - calling on a

Tel: 01485 518648 07733 335845

We live outside the area, but I’m so impressed with Adrian’s service, especially as I changed my mind halfway through the project. Everything was dealt with promptly and professionally with a good nature. I felt I could trust Adrian from the very first meeting. I would definitely recommend them for any plumbing work.

A definite 5-star job from start to finish.

trusted team of subcontractors for any work that requires tiling or carpentry and dealing with the company’s increasing amount of enquiries for complete bathroom replacements.

From emergency repairs and small works to complete shower room and en-suite installations, contact A.T Norfolk Plumbing & Heating today - for quick, reliable and professional results. And get your plumbing ready for spring.

Web: www.atplumbingnorfolk.co.uk Email: adrian@atplumbingnorfolk.co.uk

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PICTURES: Sue Welfare is never short of inspiration for her distinctive and colourful prints (such as the oystercatchers above and the wren on the opposite page) as she admits to loving the beach, birds and boats - and her work always includes at least one of them.

Moving from one form of print to another...

Norfolk born and bred, Sue Welfare wrote 20 novels over 25 years under three di erent na es ut then turned her creati e dri e to another ediu to eco e a popular print a er KL magazine: Did you always want to be an artist?

Sue Welfare: Not really to be honest. I just didn’t think it was possible. I wanted to write and have always been creative, but art wasn’t something that was encouraged as a career choice when I was younger, so for me it became something I did with my children, and 128

as a hobby. I’ve always made things, and enjoyed drawing and various crafts, but never ever imagined I’d be able to do it as a career.

KL magazine: Having written professionally for 25 years, how did you rediscover your love of art?

Sue Welfare: I’d never really lost it,

but thought that writing was enough to feed my creative streak until about eight years ago when I went on a twohour course in rag rug making. My grandparents had made rag rugs and I could remember helping them, but I couldn’t remember how they did it.

The tutor was a talented rug maker called Yvonne Autie, she had the most amazing selection of her handmade KL aga ine March 2022

rugs with her, along with piles of recycled fabrics.

I realised that somehow I ‘d forgotten all about colour and texture and working with my hands. I came home and made the first of many rugs, which proved so popular with friends and family that I began to sell them. From there I realised there were lots of other things I’d like to try my hand at – while being aware that I wasn’t getting any younger. I thought if not now, then when? So alongside the writing I began experimenting with other crafts.

KL magazine: Your work is very textured and includes mosaic, glass and textiles - why did you take that route rather than a more traditional paint-based media?

Sue Welfare: My father and both my grandfathers made things with their hands and were all skilled craftsmen.

My dad was a really good mechanic, and there wasn’t much he couldn’t make, build or repair. I think that love of making and overcoming technical problems is probably genetic. Certainly for me, those aspects of different crafts are as much an attraction as the creative side.

I began printmaking in 2018 and it feels like a perfect fit – it’s a really nice mix of craft and art and aggravating technical challenges. I’m totally rubbish at painting beyond getting an idea down on paper to convert into another form, but I do love working out composition and colours.

KL magazine: Where do you get your inspiration from?

Sue Welfare: I love the beach, birds and boats, and most of my work features at least one of those things. I also love quirky houses, cottages, pantiled roofs and windowsills full of beach finds and family treasures. Finding things to inspire me or give me an idea isn’t that tricky – because Norfolk is full of amazing places to walk through and explore.

KL magazine: What’s a typical day in the studio for you like?

Sue Welfare: I spend a lot of time drawing and re-drawing my ideas and designs trying to get the best, composition, because you can’t make a good print out of a bad drawing. Once I’m happy I’ll transfer that to a block of traditional battleship grey lino and start to cut it.

As the print is built up, more and more lino is removed from the block KLmagazine March 2022

and each colour is then printed on top of the previous one - the printable area of the block being reduced with each colour.

It takes some planning to work out the sequence of colours and cutting, because once you’ve cut a section out there’s no going back. So I gradually go back and forth between cutting and printing - an edition of a print can take up to a week to print and often longer, and it’s quite a messy process. I’ll often pitch up somewhere with a smudge of blue ink in my ear.

list. I love looking at how other artists tackle their subjects and interpret their world.

KL magazine: Is there a particular work of your own that you’re particularly proud of - or is important to you?

Sue Welfare: It would be a papercut I did of a red boat (pictured below) that was the first time what I’d visualized actually appeared on the page exactly as I’d imagined it.

KL magazine: Who would you consider to be your major artistic Sue Welfare: I love Eastern European Folk art and naïve painters who pare things back to their essence. I also love the work of Lisa Hooper, Thelma Skyes, Marian Haf and Jenny McCabe.

Oh, and Christiane Kubrick as well actually there are far too many to

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PICTURES: Sue Welfare’s delightful prints of local birds such as these sanderlings (above) and fieldfares (below, top) tend to be rather large works, but her most recent project is a series of smaller pieces featuring such iconic birds as the herring gull (below bottom) and marsh harrier

KL magazine: If you could have any work of art in your home, what would it be?

Sue Welfare: It would almost certainly be something by Christiane Kubrick, although it’s such a hard decision to make. I’ve already thought of at least five others who’d top my list.

KL magazine: What are you working on at the moment?

Sue Welfare: I’m currently producing a collection of small prints of various birds from the north Norfolk coast. I’m hoping to do a whole series of them.

The idea appealed to me because most of my work tends to be quite big, and I thought it would be nice to produce some smaller pieces - these are only about six inches square.

KL magazine: Where do you see your work going in the future?

Sue Welfare: I’d just like the chance to do more, sell more, and improve my skillset. Having come to printmaking

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later in life it feels like there is so much I still have to learn - there are so many printmaking techniques - and I really enjoy going on courses run by other artists and printmakers to improve my knowledge.

KL magazine: Where can we see more of your work?

Sue Welfare: I’m frequently at arts and craft fairs around Norfolk and I post the dates and venues for those on my Facebook page and Instagram feed.

This month I’m exhibiting at the NWT nature reserve at Cley from March 3rd to March 15th.

I also sell on Etsy (www.etsy.com/uk/ shop/SueWelfareArtist) and I’m hoping to be part of Norfolk Open Studios later in the year.

The Garden House in Cromer stocks a wide selection of my prints, and I also have work in the Le Strange Barns in Old Hunstanton and Gallery 10 at Alby Crafts a few miles north of Aylsham.

If you’re ever heading north you can also find my work in the Brightwater Gallery at Alnwick and the Coast Gallery in Dunbar.

KLmagazine March 2022

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09/02/2022 20:22

ABOVE: Paula Bloom with some of the latest design collections at Christyana Fabrics & Blinds on the Poppyfields Retail Park in Snettisham

A stylish eye for design

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Christyana Fabrics & Blinds is just one of the many dynamic businesses at the new in Snettisham

f you’re looking for inspiration and advice to finish your interior design or want to give your home a fresh new look, Christyana Fabrics and Blinds at Poppyfields Retail Park is the perfect place to visit.

Skilled husband and wife team Paula and Marcus Bloom have been running the business for 7 years, and after their move from Dersingham to Poppyfields 18 months ago they haven’t looked back. The insightful and knowledgeable couple create beautiful bespoke soft furnishings and blinds and even provide a home measuring and fitting service to tailor to your exact specifications.

With an impressive 27 years of experience in the industry, Paula is brilliant at giving advice on designs and colour schemes to help you transform your windows and doors.

When you pay a visit to their wonderful showroom, Paula and Marcus will 132

provide you with ideas and information to help shape and inspire your interior design. They’ll then arrange to come to your home to discuss fabrics and take measurements before calculating your personalised quotation. Once you’re happy with everything, the skilled and experienced team will carefully manufacture your order and arrange to return and carry out a free installation. ‘‘We offer a genuine local service and try to treat customers as friends rather than clients,’’ says Paula. ‘‘Marcus and I were both brought up in Norfolk, and many people love to have a chat about the area and their lives whilst we’re installing their orders.’’

At Christyana Fabrics and Blinds, the team

always try to go the extra mile and will work closely with you throughout the whole process. Marcus takes care of the blinds side of the business and does all the fitting, whilst Paula manages the soft furnishings and will personally hang and dress your curtains. ‘‘Less fuss really is key these days,” says Paula, “and the advantage of custommade curtains is you get exactly what

KLmagazine March 2022

PICTURES: From the luxurious surroundings of Le Kiera hair salon and the quality chocolatiers Maldon Chocolates to the prestigious fashion brands at McAllisters Boutique, Poppyfields Retail Park at Snettisham features a unique collection of independent local retailers.

you want for the exact size of your window.’’

All of the curtains at Christyana Fabrics are hand sewn and weighted and will be unique to you, meaning you’ll no longer have to conform to the default sizes of pre-packed products. ‘‘Our move to Poppyfields has been wonderful,’’ says Paula. ‘‘We love being based in a true Norfolk village, and it’s given us the space to create a fresh new look for our showroom.’’

With its vast array of mini curtains, huge range of fabric samples and plenty of books to browse through, the Christyana Fabrics showroom is an ideal place to visit for some inspiration.

Paula and Marcus will be there to help you every step of the way, and they’re happy to let you take samples home when you’ve found a fabric you like. ‘‘We have new books arriving every season, which I find incredibly exciting,’’ says Paula. ‘‘If you’re looking for some design ideas, why not come and see us.’’

Christyana Fabrics and Blinds is just one of the forward-thinking companies at Poppyfields Retail Park, which is the perfect example of how to combine business with pleasure.

ACS Architectural and sister company Archi-Vis Studio Ltd. are involved in many exciting projects this year, including prestigious new builds and

re-models in desirable locations such as Burnham Market, Old Hunstanton and Brancaster. The practice also continues to strengthen its excellent reputation for works to historic listed buildings with extensive knowledge and expertise. A few doors down you’ll find McAllisters Boutique, which offers a selection of quality and stylish ladies and gentleman’s clothing and accessories. Their ever-growing range includes prestigious brands such as Marc Darcy, Seasalt and Oxford Blue and they’ll have plenty of luxurious new arrivals this spring. Meanwhile the beautiful and stylish Le Kiera hair salon is all set to give you a perfect new look this season, offering a complete range of hairdressing services for women and men. The innovative technology specialists GEM Software believe Poppyfields is the ideal location for their forward-thinking work as does Norfolk Automotive, who specialise in second hand high-end luxurious performance cars. The quality chocolatiers that are Maldon Chocolates are looking forward to bringing you an array of beautifully crafted Easter chocolate alongside their trade mark specialities. They continue to offer a wide range of superior handmade chocolates and are looking to introduce even more fabulous flavours this season.

At the centre of Poppyfields is

Poppylicious – a café which has been welcoming a growing number of regular visitors since its opening last July. The café offers something for everyone, with a full menu of homecooked food including breakfasts, cakes, desserts, and sandwiches. Last but certainly not least is the Poppyfields Hub, a range of virtual offices that offer the presence and facilities of a much larger business with the convenience of a local base. It’s the perfect environment for entrepreneurs, local start-ups, and established businesses.

Interested companies should visit www. poppyfieldshub.co.uk for more details and information.

Poppyfields Drive, Snettisham, King’s Lynn PE31 7FR www.poppyfieldsretailpark.co.uk KLmagazine March 2022

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ABOVE: Charles Dickens visited Norfolk several times, and was so taken with the areas in and around Great Yarmouth that the town played an important part in his classic 1850 novel David Copperfield - particularly the iconic beach-front home of the faithful Peggotty family

Turning the pages of Norfolk’s literary past March rd marks World Book Day, and we couldn’t be in a better place to celebrate. With inspiring writers and astounding literary history, our wonderful county has some fascinating tales to tell…

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reated by UNESCO in April 1995, World Book Day recognises the magical power of literature and its amazing ability to transport us to different times, lands, and locations. Originaly established as ‘World Book and Copyright Day,’ it was aimed at promoting reading, publishing, and copyright laws - although it’s since grown into an extremely popular annual event, with over 100 countries taking part.

The first World Book Day in the UK took place in 1997, and this year marks a quarter of a century of page-turning celebrations. We’re extremely lucky to 134

live in a place of great creativity and talent, as Norfolk has an impressive literary history that stretches back for several centuries.

In fact, the county can hold claim to producing the first book written in English by a woman, penned by Julian of Norwich in 1395. Apart from her book, very little is known about this medieval mystic - even her name was taken from the church in which she resided for most of her life.

Julian was a respected spiritual counsellor, and people would travel from far and wide to seek her reassurance and advice. However, in May 1393, she suffered from a serious

illness and felt certain she wouldn’t survive. While she lay on what she believed was her deathbed, Julian received 16 visions of the Passion of Christ.

These startling images gave her a deeper insight into suffering, sin, and God’s redeeming love and when her health improved she decided to become an anchoress and devote herself to a life of prayer.

Shortly after her recovery Julian wrote an account on each of her visions, forming her famous book Revelations of Divine Love. Over the next 20 years she developed her ideas into an extended version, which KLmagazine March 2022

ABOVE: Three remarkable women who’ve played their part in putting Norfolk on the world’s literary stage - Julian of Norwich, who wrote the first book in English published by a woman, Anna Sewell, who wrote one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, and crime writer Elly Griffiths, whose 14th book in the series featuring Norfolk-based forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway was published earlier this year

included mediations on what she’d been shown.

Julian’s remarkable creation is recognised as one of the most important books ever written, and her lyrical language and positive image of God continue to intrigue and inspire readers centuries after her life.

Another key figure in Norfolk’s rich literary history is the extraordinary Margery Kempe. Born 1373 in King’s Lynn (when it was still Bishop’s Lynn) she came from a wealthy family of merchants, and her father served as town mayor five times. Aged 20, Margery married a businessman called John Kempe and, after the difficult birth of the first of their 14 children, she began having vivid visions of Mary, Jesus, and the Devil.

Kempe’s passion for religion grew stronger with each vision, and when she was 40 boldly began a pilgrimage across England, Europe and the Holy Land. Despite her illiteracy Kempe was determined to record her spiritual life, so she dictated her incredible journey to two male scribes.

Completed around 1438, The Book of Margery Kempe is thought to be the first autobiography ever written in English. A unique and fascinating read, it’s one of the few accurate insights historians have into the life of a woman in the middle ages.

Another notable work created in Norfolk is the children’s classic Black Beauty, which is one of the first English novels to be written from the perspective of an animal. A moving and meaningful story, it’s the only book by KLmagazine March 2022

Anna Sewell.

Born in Great Yarmouth in 1820, Sewell suffered from injury and illness throughout her life and her dependence on horse-drawn transportation fostered her deep empathy for the animals. In 1866 her family moved to Old Carrow near Norwich, where she began work on her novel between 1871-77. During this time her health was declining, so she wrote parts of the book on slips of paper and dictated the rest to her mother.

Anna created the central character of Black Beauty to ‘induce kindness, sympathy and an understanding treatment of horses’ and, although she died just five months after its publication, the book was an immediate success. It’s now considered one of the best-selling novels of all time, with over 50 million copies sold in 50 different languages.

Even present-day Norfolk is home to a large community of writers, and our captivating county has been featured in many wonderful works over the centuries– from Great Yarmouth’s important role in Charles Dickens’ classic David Copperfield to the north Norfolk featured in the hugely-popular Ruth Galloway crime series by Elly Griffiths.

Norwich is home to the National Writing Centre, and in 2012 became England’s very first UNESCO City of Literature. With its strong literary heritage, abundance of bookshops, and writing festivals throughout the year, Norwich is known by many as the ‘City

of Stories.’

It was home to the first English provincial library (1608) and newspaper (1701), the UK’s first Creative Writing master’s degree (established at the UEA in 1970), the first poem written in blank verse (by Henry Howard in 1540) and of course Lady Julian’s revolutionary religious novel.

With its astonishing literary history and flourishing creative culture, Norfolk couldn’t be a better place to celebrate World Book Day. Our remarkable county has influenced scores of skilled writers over the centuries – and who knows how many more it’ll go on to inspire in the future.

For more fascinating features on N orfolk’s literary heritage, please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk

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KLmagazine March 2022

How to make the interest rate work for you...

Despite the worrying news stories, professional help and expert advice on weathering the storm is available from Allen Tomas & Co

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he Bank of England base rate (or bank rate) is the single most important rate in the UK. You may have seen in the news that the base rate has recently increased from 0.25% 0.5%, this is the second time the base rate has increased in the last three months. This, in turn, can influence the rate of interest charged when banks lend money, which has an impact your mortgage. It will depend on what type of mortgage you have and when your current deal ends as to when and how you will be affected.

Those on a standard variable rate, discount deals linked to that, or a base rate tracker mortgage are the only borrowers that will see their payments increase immediately. This represents around 20 to 25 per cent of existing mortgage holders.

For borrowers the best way to avoid an increase is to switch to a fixed-rate mortgage, if you qualify for one, and it would be wise to do this as soon as possible before interest rates rise further.

Those with fixed rate deals will be protected for now but are likely to be affected once they reach the end of their current deal. According to experts, anyone currently coming to the end of a fixed rate mortgage that has a requirement to remortgage will likely see rates rise only marginally from what they were prior to the pandemic.

However, the concern is that if the Bank of England needs to raise rates several times over the next couple of years, when homeowners do come to remortgage, prices could be much higher than where they are now.

Most consumers will wrongly assume that using a mortgage price comparison site is the best thing to do when looking to remortgage, however keep in mind that many mortgage deals are only available via mortgage advisers so don’t appear on price comparison sites.

Comparison sites also don’t take into account your credit rating or personal circumstances which will determine whether a lender will actually lend to you. For example

you may not be eligible for the deals quoted by comparison sites and won’t find out until they credit check you.

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Contact Rachael today to see how she can help you and your family. And for further information on how we can help you plan for a more secure future, please visit the Allen Tomas & Co Financial Management website at www.allentomasfinancial.co.uk

6 St Nicholas Court, Church Lane, Dersingham PE31 6GZ • Tel: 01485 541998 2 Oak Street, Fakenham NR21 9DY • Tel: 01328 854706 Website: www.allentomasfinancial.co.uk Email: info@allentomasfinancial.co.uk Follow us at: @allentomasfinancial AllenTomasCo AllenTomasCo Allen Tomas & Co Financial Management Ltd is registered in England and Wales with number 8864562 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with Financial Services Register number 630427 KLmagazine March 2022

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© SUCCESSION PICASSO/DACS 2021

© SUCCESSION PICASSO AND DACS, LONDON 2021

PICTURES: Picasso’s Weeping Woman (opposite) from 1937 is one of the artist’s most famous paintings, and a new exhibition in Norfolk is now tracing his early years and the evolution of his work. He was only 20 when he painted the far more traditional Jardin Public (above)

Looking back at the formation of a genius...

Later this month a new exhibition in Norfolk will shed new light on the development of one of the most famous artists in history, and explain how a young boy from Spain revolutionised the way we look at art

R

ather fittingly for someone who spent 80 of his 91 years working and produced in excess of 50,000 paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and ceramics during his lifetime, the full name of the 20th century’s most influential artist is suitably extravagant.

Born in Malaga on October 25th 1881, Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Crispín Crispiniano María Remedios de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz Picasso was the son of an art professor - who KLmagazine March 2022

swiftly abandoned his own career after realising that his 10-year-old son was something rather special.

And it’s those early years of Picasso’s life that are arguably the most interesting - how a young boy in Spain came to revolutionise painting and sculpture and eventually produce such extraordinary works as Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Weeping Woman and Guernica.

Opening at the Sainsbury Centre at the UEA on March 13th and running until July 17th, The Legacy of Youth is a

major exhibition focusing on the early artistic formation of Picasso from his teenage years to his 30s (1896–1914), tracing his progress from his childhood on the Costa del Sol to his meteoric rise in Paris as the acknowledged leader of the international avant-garde.

Through the use of rarely-seen paintings and drawings (alongside more familiar works) the exhibition also compares his achievements with the artists Picasso admired and made use of, including Monet, Degas, ToulouseLautrec, Bonnard, Gauguin and Redon.

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© SUCCESSION PICASSO AND DACS, LONDON 2021

© SUCCESSION PICASSO AND DACS, LONDON 2021 PICTURES: Only 25 years separate The Madrilenian (left) from the Head of a Woman (right) but they appear to come from completely different worlds - a testament to the revolutionary work of Pablo Picasso (below), who had transformed the art world by the time he was 26

In fact, Picasso had mastered a variety of styles depicting a wide range of subject matter before he’d even turned 20, a greater accomplishment than most artists could ever hope to achieve in a lifetime.

By concentrating on this crucial formative stage, The Legacy of Youth demonstrates how Picasso fed off the efforts of others before developing his own idioms for depicting the contemporary world. He also freely appropriated material from diverse cultures such as African, Egyptian and Iberian while developing a visual language rich in personal symbolism.

As he moved through adolescence, the young Picasso recognised that society was increasingly in a process of permanent transformation under the inevitable pressures of modernisation.

He realised that the emergence of ‘modern art’ over the previous 25 years was a product of this transformation.

The tension between modernity and the history it replaced would remain with Picasso throughout his life, together with a struggle to identify the role of the individual in this new environment.

“We tend to forget that Picasso 140

wasn’t simply a figurehead of the Modern Age,” says exhibition curator Professor Paul Greenhalgh. “He grew up at the end of the 19th century, and the extraordinary mixture of values that was fin de siècle Europe penetrated deep into his personality, remaining with him through his life. While he was the quintessential ‘modern’ in so many ways he was also a Victorian, and this duality explains the complexity of his genius.”

With over 20 works by Picasso including paintings, drawings and prints, the exhibition traces how the young artist embraced the successive styles at large in the art world of his time. Opening with an introduction to Picasso’s family background and artistic education, it leads into an Impressionist ‘salon’ with works by Claude Monet, Pierre Bonnard, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, and George Seurat.

The Legacy of Youth recreates the freshness of Picasso’s stylistic encounter with successive waves of Impressionism, Symbolism and Post-Impressionism, while a Cubist ‘salon’ shows works by Picasso alongside artwork by Henri Laurens, Jean Metzinger, Juan Gris and Ossip

Zadkine - suggesting that these early innovations remained at the centre of Picasso’s later stylistic developments.

Pablo Picasso: The Legacy of Youth is open from 13th March to 17th July.

Tickets are available online at sainsburycentre.ac.uk or call 01603 593199.

For more features on Norfolk’s homegrown artistic heritage, please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2022

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An eggsellent test of your Easter knowledge...

We’re now only a few weeks away from the most important festival in the hristian calendar so e thought it only fitting that this edition’s quiz should test your general knowledge on everything Easter-related In 1592, who decreed that hot cross buns could only be sold on Good Friday, Christmas Day or at funerals? a. Richard III b. Elizabeth I c. Henry II d. George III Traditionally, how many marzipan balls should appear on the top of a Simnel cake? a. 24 b. 6 c. 1 d. 11 Who is credited with creating the modern chocolate Easter egg in 1875 thanks to the development of a pure 142

cocoa butter that could be moulded into smooth shapes? a. Cadbury b. Nestle c. Kinder d. Thorntons When eating chocolate bunnies, what do 80% of people in the UK eat first? a. The feet b. The tail c. The nose d. The ears The Russian jeweller Fabergé is best known for his fabulously ornate and incredible expensive jewelled Easter eggs. What was his first name?

a. Paul b. Mark c. Peter d. Luke In which European country did the tradition of the Easter Bunny (which was orginally a hare) start? a. Switzerland b. Sweden c. Germany d. France In 1978, ‘Easter’ was the third and breakthrough album by which group fronted by the multi-award winning “punk poet laureate”? a. The Doors b. The Patti Smith Group

KLmagazine March 2022

Eggs are made every year (a third of them are now exported around the world) but when did they make their debut? a. 1890 b. 1918 c. 1971 d. 1993 In the UK, roughly what percentage of the population will attend a church service on Easter Sunday? a. 74% b. 12% c. 1.7% d. 34% Which former (and poshest) member of the Spice Girls was born on Easter Sunday 1974? a. Melanie Chisholm b. Geri Halliwell c. Emma Bunton d. Victoria Beckham

c. ABBA d. The Beach Boys

c. Wearing t-shirts d. Fishing

What is the armed insurrection in April 1916 against British rule in Ireland called ‘Éirí Amach na Cásca’ better known as? a. The Good Friday Rebellion b. The Holy Saturday Siege c. The Easter Rising d. The Maundy Thursday Riot

According to recent research, how many chocolate eggs will the average child in the UK eat over Easter? a. 14 b. 8 c. 2 d. 23 Over 500 million Cadbury’s Creme

On Good Friday 2008, what opened in the UK for the first time? a. Nightclubs b. Hotels c. Museums d. Betting shops

According to superstition, what can you prevent for a whole year by having your haircut on Good Friday? a. Headaches b. Nightmares c. Measles d. Tooth decay On Good Friday 1930, what did radio listeners tune in to hear as the lead story on BBC news? a. That Adolf Hitler broke his leg b. That a £13 note had been released c. That there was no news d. That Cromer FC had won the FA Cup

The largest-ever Easter egg was made in Cortenuova, Italy in 2011.

How much did it weigh? a. 15,873 lbs (7,200 kg) b. 178 lbs (80 kg) c. 52 lbs (23 kg) d. 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) Its nearest neighbours are 1,150 miles away, but how did the extremely remote Easter Island get its name? a. It was discovered by James Easter b. It is east of Chile c. It was a misspelling of Fester d. It was ‘found’ on Easter Sunday 1722 What is banned in New Zealand between 6am-12noon on Good Friday? a. Television and radio advertising b. Alcohol KLmagazine March 2022

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Every year the villagers of Haux in France make an Easter omelette that serves 1,000 people. How many eggs do they use? a. 325 b. 4,500 c. 58 d. 1,732 The largest hot cross bun ever made was a joint effort by the RSPB and Greenhalghs Bakery in 2012. How much did it weigh? a. 850 lbs (385 kg) b. 370 lbs (168 kg) c. 39 lbs (17 kg) d. 125 lbs (56 kg)

Who played Hannah Brown in the Oscar-winning 1948 film ‘Easter Parade’? a. Judy Garland b. Joyce Grenfell c. Keira Knightley d. Deborah Kerr Which Scottish football club is based at Easter Road Stadium? a. Rangers b. Hibernian c. Celtic d. Partick Thistle

Since 1923, it’s been traditional in Norway to read what over the Easter weekend? a. Canadian newspapers b. Comics c. Crime novels d. The first four books of the Bible Good Easter and High Easter are villages in which English county? a. Norfolk b. Devon c. Nottinghamshire d. Essex

Which iconic (and famously reclusive) film star died on Easter Sunday 1990, 49 years after making her last film? a. Marlene Dietrich b. Fay Wray c. Greta Garbo d. Bette Davis When is the next year in which Easter Sunday falls on April Fool’s Day? a. 2029 b. 3011 c. It never happens d. 2200 ANSWERS The only way to receive the answers to this quiz is by joining Friends of KL magazine. If you haven’t already registered (it’s completely free) please visit www.klmagazine.co.uk - all you need is an e-mail address and we’ll send you the answers in the next few weeks.

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KLmagazine March 2022

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’m often tempted to think that if there is any life on another planet it will be feline-based because the animals we call ‘cats’ seem totally alien creatures to me. Mrs Middleton’s best friend is called Timmy, and in addition to getting more treats than me, he has an uncanny habit of getting in exactly the wrong place at exactly the wrong time.

If I sit at the desk and start writing he’ll decide my keyboard is the most comfortable place in the entire house to sleep. If I go to the kitchen to make a sandwich, it turns into an Olympic sport. As soon as I’ve rescued the butter, the demonic thing is clawing its way into the cheese, and while I’m finding a safe place for that, Timmy has already discovered that it’s actually quite easy to get into the mayonnaise. I have another pet name for him. Satan.

According to popular legend Timmy is supposed to have nine lives, but I can’t help feeling that he’s immortal.

The daft thing once spent a full two days in the tumble dryer (it wasn’t on) and about two years ago he decided to bring us a seagull for dinner.

But that’s cats for you.

During the First World War we sent over 500,000 of the things across the Channel to help in the war effort, keeping the numbers of rats and mice down and acting as an early warning system for mustard gas attacks.

During the Second World War there was a black-and-white cat on board the German battleship Bismark. When the ship was bombed in May 1941, virtually everyone died (2,106 sailors out of 2,221) but somewhat inevitably the cat survived.

It was rescued (it was found floating on a bit of wood) by the British ship

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HMS Cossack and was given the name Oscar. A few weeks later that ship was also destroyed off the coast of Gibraltar by a German U-boat, and 159 of the 190 crew died. Oscar survived again however, and was found floating on yet another piece of wood.

He was then re-named “Unsinkable Sam” and put on board the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. A few weeks later even that got hit by a torpedo and duly sank. And guess who survived, “angry but quite unharmed” according to official reports?

The indestructible Oscar was finally adopted by an Irish sailor and taken to Belfast, where he lived a comparatively uneventful life until he (allegedly) died in 1955.

Another feline superstar was Simon, who spent much of 1949 on board HMS Amethyst during the civil war in China. Having feasted himself on exotic mice for a few months, he was wounded when Communist rebels bombed the ship - but survived.

Given the official title “Able Seacat” he eventually returned to Britain and was buried with full naval honours. To date he’s the only cat to have won the Dickin Medal for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.”

I know they’re cute and cuddly and appear to like you now and again, but there’s something very weird about cats.

Take Sugar, for example. She was a young Persian cat in California and had a hip deformity, so when her owners decided to move to Oklahoma they left her with a neighbour. And she swiftly disappeared, never to be seen again.

Or so you’d think. Almost a year and a half later Sugar turned up on her original owners’ new doorstep.

Somehow, she’d managed to walk 1,667 miles to a place she’d never been to before.

It must be a girl thing, because in 1982 a stray female cat in Moscow was adopted by a man called Vladimir Donsov and named Murka. After it killed a couple of his canaries, Vladimir banished the cat to his mother’s home some 400 miles away, where she lived quite happily for two years before vanishing. I think you know where this is going.

Sure enough, a year later (and three years after Vladimir sent Murka roughly the same distance as it is from King’s Lynn to Edinburgh) the cat was back in Moscow, scratching at his front door.

She was very hungry, a bit dirty, pregnant, missing half her tail, and she slept for the next three days. Other than that she was perfectly happy.

And if you thought that was odd, researchers have now discovered that when a cat purrs the sound frequency is between 25-150Hz - a level which can regenerate tissue, repair bones and heal muscles.

This a very strange animal. It’s arrogant, almost impossible to please, and will happily kill anything that moves just for the fun of it. And yet it’s estimated the average person will spend 7,638 hours of their life watching ‘funny’ videos of cats.

It would take you about 220 hours to read everything Charles Dickens ever wrote, 70 hours to read the entire Bible, and about six hours to read all of Shakespeare’s plays. Which would still leave you plenty of time to enjoy videos of cats jumping into the air for no apparent reason, falling off tables, growling at birds, and begging for more food every 15 minutes.

KLmagazine March 2022

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