KL Magazine May/June 2022 by KL Magazine

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE 12 MAY & 2 22 PRICELESS

magazine

WEST NORFOLK | NORTH NORFOLK | COASTAL

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welcome

his summer we’ll be celebrating a truly momentous event as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marks 70 years on the throne with an unprecedented Platinum Jubilee. The Queen has ruled for longer, travelled more widely and made more historic overseas visits than any other monarch in British history, and has become a much-loved and respected figure around the world. During seven decades of enormous social change The Queen has provided the nation with a constant sense of continuity, thanks largely to her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service. Although special celebrations are being held around the country (and across the globe) you can read about

COVER IMAGE

the local events taking place on The Queen’s royal estate at Sandringham over the coming weeks on page 12 of this month’s magazine. It’s an occasion that inevitably has us looking back at the past, but it also encourages us to think about the future - and your magazine features plenty of both on the following pages. In King’s Lynn we’re looking at how an extraordinary 17th century map drawn by a talented refugee from a European war shows a very different town to the one we know today (page 32) - and why one of its historic gates was deliberately demolished and used to build another grand entrance six miles away (page 26). Further afield, you’re invited to explore the many attractions of Houghton Hall (page 40) which was built for Britain’s first Prime Minister - and as you read

about the tradition of cricket on the Holkham estate (page 134) you’ll discover why Norfolk has a strong claim to be home of the best cricket bats in the game. As far as the future of west Norfolk is concerned, it seems we’re in very safe hands. Your magazine highlights several local initiatives, lots of inspirational individuals, and plenty of organisations all dedicated to strengthening our communities, revitalising our town centres, and building a better world for us all - at work, at rest, and at play. We hope you enjoy the magazine and what promises to be a great summer.

Eric Secker EDITOR KL magazine

Sandringham House by Ian Ward

KLmagazine May 2022

contents

A WALK THROUGH HISTORY The story of Queen Street in King’s Lynn THE JUBILEE AT SANDRINGHAM A preview of the local celebrations

ENJOY IT WHILE IT LASTS Norfolk’s asparagus is in season

ROYAL PAST, GLITTERING FUTURE Restoring Anmer’s church of St. Mary

The origins of Hillington Gate

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A LIFE OF CARE AND COURAGE The life and times of Edith Cavell

17th CENTURY TOWN The story behind a unique local map PRIVATE HOME, PUBLIC TREASURE The many wonders of Houghton Hall MAY IN THE GARDEN The unsung heroes of the hanging basket

FASHION Styles on the brighter side of life TASTING A COASTAL CLASSIC The secrets of the Cromer crab

KLmagazine May 2022

A MILESTONE OF LOCAL FAITH The Catholic parish celebrates THE STORY OF HANSE HOUSE Tracing a proud trading past

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A REMARKABLE INNINGS... The history of cricket at Holkham NORFOLK’S DARKER SIDE Crime writer Elly Griffiths CAPTURING A SENSE OF PLACE The art of Elizabeth Fitzgerald Carter

THE RULER OF THE RIVER... The swan in nature and history

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR An interview with Michael Baldwin

THE KL MAGAZINE QUIZ Time to test your royal knowledge MICHAEL MIDDLETON Reverting to type as usual... 5

A stunning street with extraordinary tales to tell ith its wealth o magnificent historic buildings ueen treet in ing s ynn is a truly captivating location et s ta e a loo at some o the incredible treasures ound in this special part o town

tarting at the end of King Street and running down to Saturday Market Place, Queen Street is one of the most intriguing places in King’s Lynn. Though it may not be very long, it’s an area packed with heaps of history, amazing architecture, and astounding sites of local and national importance. There are few buildings in Norfolk as unique and exquisite as the grand Grade I listed Clifton House, which is thought to be the finest surviving merchant house in King’s Lynn. Constructed in a prime position (its front facing Queen Street and its back to the river) the stunning mansion

retains an amazing series of extravagant historic interiors, with something from almost every century. Occupying the site of two or three medieval properties, the present house was built mainly in the 15th century – though it contains many remarkable original features. A vaulted undercroft beneath the building is thought to be the earliest brick structure in Norfolk, and England’s largest domestic medieval tiled pavement was discovered in the kitchen in 1960s. The site’s most outstanding feature is undoubtedly its five storey Elizabethan tower, which was likely designed as a lookout tower and a lavish status symbol for Lynn

merchant George Walden (who owned the property in the 1570s.) It was the final remodelling of Clifton House, which took place under the powerful Taylor family at the turn of the 18th century, that gave the building its sheer magnificence and grandeur. Believed to have been undertaken by the famous architect Henry Bell (best known for his iconic Custom House) the scheme included installing early sash windows, constructing an impressive new staircase, and creating a grand doorcase with twisted mahogany ‘barley sugar’ columns – which many stop to admire when passing down Queen Street.

ABOVE: The end of Queen Street in King’s Lynn, with Thoresby College visible on the left opposite the famous façade of the Town Hall. This beautiful street contains some of the town’s most historically-important properties.

Further along the road you’ll find Burkitt Homes, another fine historic gem. With its stunning two storey gatehouse and elegant embattled turrets, the grand Grade II listed building is thought to be the most striking almshouse development in King’s Lynn. Consisting of 12 selfcontained homes, the property was built and endowed in 1909 by William Burkitt of Derbyshire in memory of his uncle, William Burkitt of Lynn. William senior, who lived on Queen Street just opposite the site of the homes, played an incredibly important role in the town’s history and development. As one of the largest corn merchants in England, he carried out a great deal of business in the area and served as town councillor, churchwarden at St Margaret’s, and mayor of Lynn in 1883 & 1886. The unique group of almshouses are not only a distinctive tribute to this remarkable man, they’re also an astounding addition to the town’s architectural features, and a wonderful place for people who have lived industrious lives in the borough to spend their declining years. One of King’s Lynn’s most complete medieval survivals is the marvellous Grade I listed Thoresby College, which lies at the junction between Queen Street and Saturday Market Place. Founded by Thomas Thoresby, a 8

wealthy merchant and former mayor of Lynn, it was intended to provide accommodation for 13 chantry priests employed at the town’s powerful Trinity Guild. Built between 1508 and 1511, the college was still in progress when Thoresby died in 1510 - though he left a substantial sum in his will for its completion. In 1547, due to the Reformation, the guilds were abolished and Thoresby College ceased to have a religious function. Over the years the building was adapted for a variety of uses including a warehouse, a merchant’s house, and a private school – though it gradually fell into disrepair. Fortunately, in 1963, the entire complex was saved by two anonymous benefactors (later revealed as Ruth, Lady Fermoy, and her daughter Mrs Shand Kydd – mother of Princess Diana.) They generously presented the building to King’s Lynn Preservation Trust for restoration, requesting that it should be used to benefit the whole community – and their wish was dutifully granted. Today Thoresby College is divided into domestic flats and offices - including our new KL magazine office. Its grand Great Hall and Lower Hall

(available for private hire) have become popular venues for local organisations, and its charming courtyard is always open to visitors. Fully restored to its former glory, the building is more than just a piece of the past - it’s playing an important role in the present. Entering from Queen Street you’ll pass through the original panelled oak door which, with its finely carved Latin inscription, pays tribute to ‘Thomas Thoresby founder of this place.’ A scenic walk along Queen Street is like taking a journey through the past – it’s a truly remarkable part of King’s Lynn’s rich history. For more fascinating features on local history, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine May 2022

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PICTURE: Directors Ben Allen (far left) and Michael Crisp (fourth from left) with members of the Allen Tomas & Co team, who will shortly have a presence in the historic centre of King’s Lynn directly adjacent to the town’s iconic Custom House.

Meet the new owners of No. King Street ith a new o ce in the centre o ing s ynn Allen Tomas & Co continues to expand its wide range o independent financial services

ounded in Dersingham by Ben Allen back in 2013, Allen Tomas & Co has rapidly grown to provide Norfolk (and the rest of the UK) with a comprehensive range of completely independent financial services, and following the opening of a sister office in Fakenham is about to have another town-centre presence with a third office in the historic heart of King’s

Lynn. “We’re extremely proud and honoured to become the new owners of this fabulous building because it embodies so much history,” says Ben Allen. “It became available when Sowerbys moved to larger premises on the Tuesday Market Place, and we’ve promised their managing director Lloyd Sandy that we’ll take good care of it and uphold the same values of maintaining

our heritage and serving our local community.” As you may gathered by now, 1 King Street is a lot more than the usual office space. The Grade II listed building was constructed around 1670 for Sir John Turner, who was mayor of King’s Lynn on three occasions and its MP for 20 years - sharing the seat with various members of the Walpole family, who’d recently given England its very first KLmagazine May 2022

Prime Minister. The son of a local lawyer, Turner was apprenticed to the Cambridge-based wine merchant Edward Allen and would follow in his father-in-law’s footsteps in more ways than one, becoming a successful vintner is his own right and marrying his employer’s widow Jane before his move to King’s Lynn. John Turner did far more than build a convenient home close to the river from which to sample his imports and secure his deals, however. In 1683 he also commissioned a new Custom House for the town (now regarded as one of the most architecturally-perfect buildings in England) and built a suitably grand and respectable place for visiting merchants to stay - and which is still called the Duke’s Head Hotel. He also clearly had a social conscience. When a committee started preparing a bill of Parliament proposing a workhouse for the poor of King’s Lynn, Turner was the first person on the list of people working on the draft. Allen Tomas & Co are looking to continue the building’s traditional combination of sound business practice and community support. The company is run by directors Ben Allen, Michael Crisp and operations manager Jenny Belham, although all employees have always helped shape the business. The new office in King’s Lynn will be focusing on chartered financial planning and mortgage services, and director Michael Crisp will be joined by a talented and experienced team

comprising senior mortgage adviser Rachael Smith, trainee mortgage adviser Josh Green, paraplanner Chloe Drew, client relationship manager Leah Bartlett, and financial administrator Sam Phillips. “As fully independent financial advisers, we can advise on products and solutions from any provider right across the entire market,” says Michael. “As a team we’ve worked very hard to achieve our Chartered Financial Planners status with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) so you can be assured of an exceptionally-professional level of service at all times.” Allen Tomas & Co also has Later Life Adviser accreditation with the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), which means the company is authorised to specialise in the financial needs of older people and can advise families (or their lawyers/deputies) on planning for care fees. “We’ve also been recognised by the Pensions Advice Taskforce, which is an industry-wide body aiming to help raise standards and enhance consumer protection in the complex area of pension advice,” says Ben Allen. “They’ve recently established a voluntary code of good conduct for advice on safeguarded and defined benefit pension transfers, and we’re very proud to have our service judged worthy of their Gold Standard badge.” Supporting each other with the high standards and ethics set out in the company’s Charter and providing confidential meeting rooms for client and professional connection appointments, all three offices of Allen & Co are perfectly placed to offer genuinely-independent and highlyexperienced financial advice to you and your family. Now and for the future.

ADVICE AREAS AT A GLANCE... INDIVIDUAL - Savings & Investments - Pensions (including transfers and pensions in divorce) - At retirement solutions - Estate Planning - Insurance (Life, Critical illness, Income protection and Medical) - Long term care - Residential Mortgages - General Insurance CORPORATE - Auto-enrolment/company pensions - Employee benefits - Business protection - Capital investment - Commercial mortgages TRUSTEE, ATTORNEY & DEPUTY - Savings - Investments REFERRALS TO PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS - Wills and powers of attorney - Divorce and personal injury - Litigation and commercial law - Personal/commercial accountancy - Estates and trusts - Research & Development Tax Credits - Equity release - Asset finance - Property sales and lettings

6 St Nicholas Court, Church Lane, Dersingham PE31 6GZ • Tel: 01485 541998 2 Oak Street, Fakenham NR21 9DY • Tel: 01328 854706 1 King Street, King’s Lynn PE31 6GZ • Tel: 01553 000000 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 May 2022

ABOVE: Sandringham House has played a significant and very personal role in the life and reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and will be the focal point of local celebrations during the Platinum Jubilee over the summer.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Sandringham Sandringham Estate has been home to four generations of British monarchs since 1 2 and at the beginning of next month will be hosting a series of special events celebrating a truly unique occasion

nlike royal palaces such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle which are owned by the Crown, Sandringham is the personal property and much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen. It was here that her grandfather George V (who famously said he loved Sandringham “better than anywhere else in the world”) died in 1936, and where her father George VI (“I have always been so happy here and I love the place”) passed away in 1952. The traditional home of Her Majesty The Queen over the festive season, Sandringham was the setting for the very first Christmas broadcast in 1932 (delivered over the radio by King KLmagazine May 2022

George V) and from where Elizabeth II gave her first televised Christmas broadcast in 1957. It was during Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 that Sandringham House was opened to the public - and it seems fitting that 45 years later, the Estate is hosting a series of very special events to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In fact, the celebrations have already started. Last month a special exhibition ‘Her Majesty The Queen at Sandringham: An Exemplary Reign and a Unique Country House’ opened as part of a visit to the House in the Ballroom showcasing The Queen and the Royal Family’s affection for the much-loved country retreat. The exhibition is on display until 13th October and includes objects and

photographs relating to The Queen’s love of animals, horses and the great outdoors - in addition to a speciallydesigned audio-visual display focusing on Her Majesty’s debut Christmas speech, which was televised from Sandringham in 1957. The main celebrations take place over the extended Bank Holiday weekend at the beginning of June and begin with the lighting of the official Sandringham Platinum Jubilee beacon in the Royal Parkland at 7pm on Thursday 2nd June - accompanied by live music from a traditional piper and the Hunstanton Concert Band. It’s just one of the 1,500 beacons that will be lit throughout the UK and its overseas territories (one in each capital city of the Commonwealth 13

countries) in recognition of The Queen’s long and selfless service and will enable local communities, individuals and organisations to pay tribute to an extraordinary seven decades. Music takes centre stage the following evening with a night of classical live music from 7.30pm on Friday 3rd June as superstar soprano Katherine Jenkins OBE is joined in the Royal Parkland by special guests the Military Wives Choir. Katherine will be performing hits from throughout her glittering career, which has seen her officially crowned “the biggest selling artist of the century” and become the world’s most prolific artist in UK Classical chart history with her most recent (and 14th) album ‘Cinema Paradiso’. The symphony orchestra will end the evening by treating the audience to a rousing proms finale - together with a special flyover and spectacular fireworks display. On Saturday 4th June some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars will be coming to the Royal Parkland at Sandringham via a live screening of the Platinum Party at the Palace. Celebrating the most significant and joyous moments from The Queen’s reign in a unique way, this landmark concert in front of Buckingham Palace will feature state-of-the-art technology and stunning stage design together with an incredible range of musical highlights from global pop stars and rock royalty to opera singers and a full

orchestra. Stars from film, TV and the stage will also be telling the story and celebrating some of the most significant cultural moments from The Queen’s 70 years on the throne. The main event of Sunday is a Pageant of Motoring, showcasing vehicles from the last seven decades - along with aerial displays, a mouthwatering variety of culinary delights, antique markets and a vintage fair. Live music will be performed throughout the day by Frankie’s Guys (specialising in songs by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons), dynamic female trio Through The Decades and popular rock sensations The Houndogs, who’ve been described as the UK’s best rockabilly and rock & roll band. “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a truly unique event and we’re really proud to be involved with the celebrations at Sandringham,” says Colin Ward of Live Promotions, who are organising and staging several of the events over the weekend. “Since the company was ABOVE: World famous soprano Katherine Jenkins will be taking founded around centre stage at a classical concert in the Royal Parkland at 50 years ago Sandringham on June 3rd, joined by special guests the Military Wives Choir. we’ve grown to

become one of the largest consumer event organisers in the UK - but I don’t think we’ve ever worked on such an important event. It’s a real honour.” With the Sandringham Shop offering an exclusive range of limited-edition commemorative pieces and the Sandringham Restaurant serving special Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Teas on Saturday and Sunday, it seems every part of this beautiful estate is paying a fitting tribute to our longest-serving monarch and a momentous event in our country’s history.

Demand for all Platinum Jubilee events and the exhibition in the House is obviously extremely high, so please check the websites at both www.sandringhamestate.co.uk and www.livepromotions.co.uk for more information and current ticket availability.

KLmagazine May 2022

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KLmagazine May 2022

King’s Lynn looks ahead to a very bright future... With the re-launch of one of the oldest markets in the entire country, Discover King’s Lynn continues to raise the profile o the town and increase its appeal to shoppers, visitors and businesses

here’s been a market on the Saturday Market Place in King’s Lynn for almost 1,000 years - with the oldest recorded instance referring to a ‘Sand Market’ being held on the site in 1104 - a century before the town received a market charter from King John. Everything went well until a group of men from Lynn joined an ill-fated rebellion against Henry III - who promptly revoked the town’s charter and burned 22 farms in the vicinity. He soon relented, however, and shortly before his death reinstated the market charter, allowed foreign merchants to sell their goods in King’s Lynn, and insisted that any produce ‘lost to fighting’ would be paid for by the town. Despite the fact it may have been taking place for around 300 years, the Saturday Market was officially recognised in 1435 - the licence to use the land beside St. Margaret’s Church (today’s Minster) not due to expire until 2434.

The building of a shambles (an obsolete term for an open-air slaughterhouse and meat market) only increased the appeal of the Saturday market, so much so that the street front opposite was known as Butchers’ Row due to the concentration of butchers’ shops in the area. The market itself was so popular that it started to spread into the town’s High Street, from where it was ejected towards the end of the 18th century. And when the shambles was demolished at the start of the First World War, it seemed the writing was on the wall. However, one of the oldest recorded markets in the country is about to enter a new chapter in its long story with the launch of the Merchants’ Market this month, an exciting new initiative from Discover King’s Lynn as the not-for-profit organisation continues to invigorate the town centre, support the local business community and increase its retail offering.

Image: © Time Machine King’s Lynn

“Our monthly Farmers’ Market has been really popular over the last few years, but we thought it was time to make more of an event of it,” says BID Manager Vicky Etheridge. “It’s always been a great way of attracting new businesses and traders to the town, and it’s been very successful in bringing people into the centre of King’s Lynn. And that’s what we’re building on.” It will still be held on the second Saturday of every month (the first Merchants’ Market will take place on May 14th from 9am-2pm and will include crafts and homewares, food and drink, giftware, artists and environmentally-friendly products. Most of the stalls and stands will feature local business and entrepreneurs, but the market is already earning interest from makers and producers based further afield. “We’re really excited about the launch of the Merchants’ Market, and it underlines our commitment to encouraging people to shop local and buy local,” says Vicky. “Retail has gone through a complete transformation over the last 15 years, but King’s Lynn is still remarkably resilient. The footfall and vacancy rates in the town centre compare really favourably with the rest of the country, and the strong sense of pride within the local business community is continuing to grow.” A perfect example of how the King’s Lynn BID is re-purposing and reimagining the town centre is the launch of The Place on New Conduit Street in the retail premises formerly occupied by Ann Summers. A completely refurbished multi-use and multi-purpose venue that can be KLmagazine May 2022

hired for exhibitions, product launches, live crafting classes, tastings and demonstrations, it also provides the ideal opportunity for people to ‘test the water’ and take their first steps into a retail environment. “We want people to visit King’s Lynn and we want them to do business here - which is something we’ve been really successful at that over the last five years,” says Vicky. “We’ve already got some really exciting plans in store, and we’re happy to say that the town has a very bright future ahead of it.” If you and your business are interested in building the future of King’s Lynn, please visit www.discoverkingslynn. com or contact Vicky on vicky@ discoverkingslynn.com for more details and information.

ABOVE: In the shadow of The Minster in King’s Lynn, The Shambles (a rare view of the interior can be seen below) was part of the town’s ancient Saturday market - which returns to the Saturday Market Place later this month bigger, brighter and better than ever.

ABOVE: Th

Bringing 00 years of history back to life With the recent completion of a major project to restore and refurbish its nave screen, the delightful church of St Mary the Virgin in Anmer has a suitable regal past and an equally glittering future

efore 2013 you’d have been forgiven for never hearing of the tiny village of Anmer or being unsure of exactly where it was, but this beautiful part of west Norfolk made headlines around the world when it was revealed to be the new home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. But pre-dating the construction of Anmer Hall by some 400 years is the delightful church of St. Mary the Virgin. Built in the late 13th century, it’s been extensively restored over the centuries, with major projects concentrating on the chancel (1856), the roof (1876) and the tower (1888). At the start of 18

the 20th century the seats and south chapel were re-fitted, with the cost being shared between Edward VII and Admiral Sir Frederick Tower Hamilton - who lived at Anmer Hall and whose wife Maria Keppel is an ancestor of the current Duchess of Cornwall. By then the church was part of the Sandringham Estate, so it’s not surprising it has plenty of royal credentials. On the wall to the left of the altar are full-size replicas of the Anmer Triptych, a trio of paintings completed for Queen Victoria in 1888 by the Scottish artist Sir Joseph Paton, who’d turned down an invitation to join the

Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. With the atmospheric conditions of the church currently unsuitable for their long-term preservation, the originals are temporarily held at the museum at Sandringham House. The four chairs in front of the altar were originally part of a set of six donated by Queen Victoria to three churches in the area from the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the end of the 19th century. Anmer’s two chairs are now joined by the two belonging to the church of St Peter and St Paul in Shernborne (two miles away) but the pair at the now-ruined church of St Felix in Babingley were stolen and have KLmagazine May 2022

never been recovered. Following an appeal in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year of 2012, the two bells (some of the oldest in Norfolk) were cleaned, repaired and re-hung using the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London. The appeal was so successful it was possible to return the tower to its three-bell original using a bell that had been abandoned for several years in a church aisle in Bircham - and even add a fourth, which was made around the end of the 14th century. The altar cloth was donated by Queen Mary in the 1920s and was recently restored by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court, while at the other end of the nave the unusual coat of arms of George III overlooks the baptistry. In a very poor state of preservation by the turn of the 21st century, the Parochial Church Council decided to have it restored with the help and support of the Prince of Wales. It was removed from the church in 2016 and spent eight months being brought back to life by accredited conservator Polly Saltmarsh. “It’s an unusual coat of arms and it may even be unique,” says churchwarden Nick Coleman, who lives a few hundred yards from St. Mary the Virgin and is one of the driving forces behind the church’s latest projects. “Most of them dating from this period have a dark blue or black background, whereas ours is a very obvious green it’s a mystery we’re hoping to be able to solve at some point.” The most latest project to restore Anmer’s church to its former glory has been the restoration of the wooden nave screen (another donation from

KLmagazine May 2022

Queen Mary) which until recently was bare and painted a rather ordinary reddish-brown ochre - until it came to the attention of the Prince of Wales. “Prince Charles has a great deal of love for this church and it was largely thanks to his support and encouragement that we were able to transform the screen,” says Nick. “It was also thanks to the prince that we are able to have Aidan Hart oversee the project.” Over the last 30 years Aidan has become one of the world’s leading experts in church decoration, having over 1,200 commissioned works in almost 30 different countries and writing two books on religious icons and wall paintings. A remarkably versatile artist, he works in egg tempera, fresco, mosaic, stone and wood carving, furniture design and in the painting of illuminated manuscripts - and is also in demand as a design

PICTURES: The church of St. Mary the Virgin at Anmer features wonders such as the Anmer Triptych (above) and an altar cloth donated by Queen Mary in the 1920s. The chairs flanking it were given to the church by Queen Victoria.

consultant for church refurbishments. “I’ve always enjoyed working on English churches, and the project at Anmer was really interesting, because the original screen was really quite ordinary,” he says. “We wanted it to match the fine screen between the nave and the south chapel and incorporate other elements that were already present in the church - so the floral designs on the panels echo those on the altar frontal.” Appearing to have always been part of the church interior, the screen is testament to Aidan’s meticulous approach and precise attention to detail. “I’m a bit obsessive about getting things right and like to use natural pigments whenever I can,” he says. “I find modern paints a little too brash and artificial. For St. Mary’s in Anmer I actually made the paints myself, using natural pigments to help it ‘feel at home’ as soon as possible.” With the church gradually returning to its former glory, churchwarden Nick Coleman is determined to preserve these invaluable parts of our shared history. “We’ve got the Coldham family hatchments to restore and the organ to repair, and one of our most pressing needs is for the installation of some heating,” he says. “Since we first came to Anmer I’ve become increasingly interested in churches, and although I’m very much an amateur I’m a terribly enthusiastic one.” 20

ABOVE: The wooden nave screen at St. Mary’s in Anmer has just been lovingly and beautifully refurbished with the suppport of the Prince of Wales and the help of internationally-recognised authority Aidan Hart (below) - who even created the paint pigments himself.

On Saturday 21st May, Aidan Hart will be presenting a talk at St. Mary’s in Anmer about his life and work in church iconography, and why our churches look very different to how they did 400 years ago. Tickets are limited but are available from Churchwarden Nick Coleman at School House, Anmer PE31 6RN - or e-mail nick60coleman@googlemail. com KLmagazine May 2022

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KLmagazine May 2022

Images: © Andrew Orr/Holts Auctioneers

Is your house the home of hidden treasures? If you think it’s worthless, you may well be in for a shock. Discover the true value of your possessions at Holts Auctioneers free Valuation Day

ave you got some old fishing rods lurking in the garden shed or a collection of model soldiers tucked away in that cupboard under the stairs? Maybe there’s an old stuffed bird that’s been gathering dust in a box in the attic for years. Our homes can be a veritable treasure trove of wonders, and Holts Auctioneers’ forthcoming free Valuation Day on Wednesday 11th May is your chance to learn more about those object’s histories and the prices likely to be achieved at auction. Based on the royal Sandringham estate, Holts is one of the most famous gun auctioneers in the world, but it’s very much rooted in the heart of Norfolk. “We may have been a tenant of Her Majesty for the last 30 years and we operate on virtually every continent on the planet, but we’re still very much a local company,” says Nick Holt. “For an auctioneer Norfolk is something of an

undiscovered country and we never know what’s about to come through the door. We’ve had some fabulous surprises in the past.” Holts Auctioneers has gained a worldwide reputation for selling antique guns and modern weaponry, but since very few people have such items in their home they also specialise in associated areas such as uniforms and medals, military models and accessories, taxidermy and fishing tackle - and even works of art and sculpture. “There’s an enormous amount of military history in Norfolk and a proud tradition of field sports, and there’s a great demand for that,” says Nick. “That map case your grandfather found in a field in Snettisham in 1942 may simply be a curiosity to you, but it might be worth a great deal to a collector.” And don’t think it’s all about age several things can affect an item’s value. Condition, rarity, provenance, and local interest are likely to prove much more

important than how old it is. The Valuation Day is being held on a strictly ‘by appointment’ basis, which inevitably means that places are limited, so you’ll need to book as soon as possible - and you’ll be under no obligation to put your item(s) under the hammer. What you will receive is a signed valuation, and (if required) a stamp from SOFAA (the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers) which is essential for insurance purposes. “Many people make the mistake of assuming that all we do is sell guns, but that’s probably the least important part of our business,” says Nick Holt. “We’re dealing with important parts of our history and unique personal stories - and we’re helping preserve that heritage for future generations.”

FREE VALUATION DAY WHEN: Wednesday 11th May BOOK: Call 01485 542822

Church Farm Barns, Wolferton, Norfolk PE31 6HA T: 01485 542822 E: info@holtsauctioneers.com W: www.holtsauctioneers.com

KLmagazine May 2022

Reviving Iconic British Vintage Brands in Norfolk You’ll certainly be familiar with some of the iconic automotive and aviation brands we’re working with - including Connaught, Levis Motorcycles, Sopwith Aviation, ABC Motorcycles to name but a few. The older generation will remember these famous British brands with affection and respect,

but we’re now reviving them for a younger audience to appreciate and ensure they’re not forgotten. Our new range of casual clothing includes stylish t-shirts and hoodies and are the first to be added to our collections, with many other exclusive items to follow. Lots of pride and plenty of style welcome to British Vintage Brands.

View the full collection at www.britishvintagebrands.com 07392 704986 | roz@britishvintagebrands.com

Insuranceinsights

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

steps to buying a classic car online

nline classic car auctions are growing in popularity but they can be daunting for first timers. Here’s a step by stp guide to buying your dream classic car at an online auction.

Step 1: research, research, research There are plenty of online auction sites, but how do you know which ones are genuine? The best way is to look up reviews and forum posts on the online auction site itself to find out what users have to say about it.

Step 2: attend an online auction Have a dummy run and attend an auction without bidding. You’ll get a feel for the pace of things and see how an online auction really works.

Step 3: keep your eye out for your dream classic car Whether you’ve got a specific model in mind or you’re simply browsing, check the online auctions for the car of your dreams. Plenty of online auctions

provide videos of cars going under the hammer which will help you choose.

auctioneers offer a “contact-free delivery” service.

Step 4: get bidding

Step 7: get insured

Once you’ve found the right car, it’s time to start bidding. You can let the auctioneer know you’re interested and ask if you can call them at the time of the auction and place your bids over the phone, or you can bid online. If you can’t attend the auction, you can set your maximum bid online or over the phone.

Make sure you get road tax (if it’s needed) and classic car insurance. Classic car insurance will often be cheaper than regular car insurance. Adrian Flux is a specialist broker offering affordable, tailored classic car insurance even when you can’t find it elsewhere. Policies can include any of the following: • Agreed value cover • Laid-up insurance • Like-for-like cover on modifications • Protected no claims bonus • Track or rally day cover • Wedding hire cover Adrian Flux even offers discounts for car club members and limited mileage policies. Call 01553 400399 for more information and a free, no-obligation quote.

Step 5: celebrate… or commiserate If you got your dream Imp, MG or Lotus, congratulations! If not, there’s always the next auction; just rinse and repeat steps three and four. If you were successful, you’ll receive the auction company’s bank account details via email, plus an invoice with the amount you owe.

Step 6: choose a delivery date Find out when and how your new vehicle will be delivered. Most online

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

KLmagazine May 2022

EDQ 25

From East Gate to rubble and to rebirth... It once guarded the eastern approach to the centre of King’s Lynn, but the last remains of the town’s East Gate are now six miles away and form the imposing southern entrance to Hillington Hall

he South Gate is one of the most recognisable landmarks in King’s Lynn, and has been welcoming visitors to the town for almost 600 years at least in its present state. Many years before the birth of Christopher Columbus, Henry VIII and William Shakespeare the structure was already badly in need of repair, and the authorities gave the job to London

mason Robert Hertanger, whose imposing grand design employed some 200,000 bricks and included everything from a 20ft arch with a fan-vaulted ceiling to an inside toilet. Hertanger was equally passionate about the town’s pubs, however, and ran out of money before the new South Gate was completed - which had to make do with a temporary roof. It was a rather inauspicious start for

the building but at least it fared better than its sister, not least in the fact that it has managed to remain in place. Over on the other side of town was another monumental gate that marked the division between King’s Lynn and Gaywood. Thought to have been built around 1266, the original wooden towers and drawbridge of the East Gate were in a sorry state of repair by 1500 and it was

eventually renovated in 1541 during the later years of Henry VIII. At the time it was commonly known as St. Catherine’s Gate due to it adjoining the section of the town’s defences called St. Catherine’s Wall and the nearby chapel which was dedicated to the saint. The bridge was extended with a second span over the Gaywood River and the drawbridge was removed, but no one seems to have paid much attention to the town’s growing importance as a commercial centre. Its central arch was too low for the increasing amounts of goods 28

over the following century, gradually making its way across town until 1982 when it was installed above the entrance of the newlybuilt King’s Lynn Magistrates Court. As for the piles of stones remaining from the East Gate, they were eventually bought (reportedly at a very attractive price) by the growing estate at Hillington - along with the remains of the fine Market Cross that used to stand in the Tuesday Market Place and was demolished around the same time. There they were used in the construction of a monumental gate at the southern entrance of ABOVE: The East Gate in King’s Lynn in its original Hillington Hall. condition and location before its demolition. Henry VIII’s It was part of a major coat of arms (left) survived is now above the entrance to building project by the the town’s magistrates’ court. Swaffham-born architect William Donthorn, one of the founders of what became and supplies passing under it (or at the Royal Institute of British Architects least trying to), and it was a problem (RIBA). His new Hillington Hall replaced highlighted when the rather capricious an earlier house that dated from 1624 and debt-ridden 3rd Earl of Orford and was typical of his imposing Greek sold Robert Walpole’s extraordinary Revival country houses. art collection to Russia’s Catherine the The hall was itself demolished Great in 1779. in 1946, suffering the same fate On their way to the docks in King’s as Donthorn’s halls at Elmham, Lynn to be exported, the priceless Watlington and Pickenham - perhaps works (including several paintings explaining why the architect doesn’t by Van Dyck, Poussin, Rubens, and enjoy such a famous reputation as his Rembrandt) had to be unloaded and contemporaries. carried through the gate by hand. Along with the Leicester Monument As far as its future was concerned, at Holkham Hall, the gate standing the writing was literally on the wall for at the entrance to Hillington Hall is the East Gate - and it was demolished one of the last surviving examples of in 1800, virtually nothing remaining Donthorn’s work in Norfolk - and the apart from piles of stone and Henry final resting place of what remains of VIII’s coat of arms. King’s Lynn’s East Gate. Placed over the gate to remind visitors they were about to enter a royal For more fascinating features on local borough that was no longer under history, please visit our website at the bishop’s control, the latter was www.klmagazine.co.uk built into the wall of an outhouse belonging to Mr. W. King a few hundred yards away in Littleport Street although it was soon on the move again when the building was altered. The finelycarved tablet had several homes

KLmagazine May 2022

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KLmagazine May 2022

Don’t let your car’s air conditioning lose its cool It’s important to get your car’s air conditioning serviced regularly, as K Brown Auto Repairs explains...

ost people consider air conditioning a standard feature in their cars, and many only decide to service their system when it shows signs of not working. Few realise it’s something that requires just as much care and attention as the rest of their vehicle, and that it needs regular maintenance to ensure it stays efficient. “People should be servicing their air con every two years to keep it working effectively and prevent unnecessary costs due to damage,” says Keith Brown who launched K Brown Auto Repairs with his wife Tamsin over 25 years ago. “Most of us have our boiler serviced every year because we want to avoid the consequences of it breaking, and it’s a similar situation with air con. If you

don’t service it and it stops working, it’ll cost you money to repair leaks that could have easily been avoided.” If your air con isn’t serviced regularly the rubber seals in the system can start to degrade, causing multiple leaks and leading to expensive repairs. Even if it appears to be working fine, there may be problems within the system you’re unable to see. “In some cases, the pump could be working overtime to keep the system going - similar to how anything on its last legs needs to work harder,” says Keith. “This could increase your fuel consumption, and with the rising costs these days, that’s best avoided.” Getting your system regularly serviced ensures that it’s running safely and smoothly, which is beneficial for both you and your car. When you’re using the air con, the cold air creates water in the heater box which collects over time. This can become an ideal

breeding ground for bacteria and, if you don’t get the system serviced regularly enough, you may start to notice unpleasant odours emanating from the vents. This unclean air will not only result in discomfort, but it can also have an adverse effect on allergies and potentially damage your health. The good news is that the knowledgeable and trustworthy team at K Brown Auto Repairs have always been committed to quality car maintenance, which is why they offer a reliable and affordable air conditioning service. You can even book in for an additional deodoriser treatment, which further cleans out your system, banishes any nasty smells, and leaves a fresher scent in its place. You can always count on K Brown Auto Repairs, and their professional and honest approach makes caring for your car a breeze.

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

KLmagazine May 2022

ABOVE: This panoramic view of King’s Lynn from the opposite bank of the River Great Ouse is exquisitely detailed, but is simply the top border of an astonishing map created by illustrator and engraver Wenceslas Hollar (below right) - who originally wanted to be a lawyer.

A tour of King’s Lynn in the th century e was one o the most amous and prolific artists o his time but he died in poverty and is virtually un nown today but enceslas Hollar’s extraordinary maps give us a unique look at a vanished world

aking for granted the generic voice that tells you to take the second exit off the approaching roundabout or continue ahead for the next 5.3 miles, you may be forgiven for assuming the demand for printed maps has long passed us by. But it seems that rather than disappearing off the radar, paper maps are seeing a bit of a resurgence. Recent figures from the Ordnance Survey showed a 7% rise in sales of paper maps, and growth in the 32

USA was double that. It’s a trend that seems to speak to the human need for more than just computerised voices handing out cold instructions in order to get you from A to B. What you get from a traditional paper map is the ability to see yourself in your surroundings and to grasp the context of the space you’re in. Maps can be intricate, artistic and even beautiful. They have a sense of mystery and intrigue - and the older they become the more mysterious and intriguing

they are. Which brings us to the extraordinary map of King’s Lynn by Wenceslas Hollar, which is generally dated to 1645 and allows us the opportunity to see the town as it once was. To literally walk through history. Hollar was born in the modernday Czech Republic in 1607 and was destined for the legal profession until the Thirty Years’ War ruined his family’s fortunes - after which the 13-year-old decided to become an artist. KLmagazine May 2022

After serving an apprenticeship in Germany his work was so detailed and accurate that he attracted the attention of Thomas Howard, 21st Earl of Arundel (who was more art collector than politician) who employed Hollar’s talents and brought him to England in 1637. Within a year Hollar had produced the extraordinary ‘View of Greenwich’ an exquisitely-detailed panorama that measures almost 3ft long. Demand for his work increased, and he fixed a price of 4p an hour for his time, which he measured with an hourglass. Shortly after marrying a lady-inwaiting to the Countess of Norfolk, Hollar soon found himself caught up in another war, but it didn’t seem to affect his work - in the year after the start of the English Civil War in 1642 he produced at least 100 different engravings. Joining the Royalists, Hollar was captured by Parliamentarians in 1644 during the siege of Basing House in Hampshire - although he managed to escape to Belgium and was eventually re-united with the Earl of Arundel. The next few years were his most prolific, and by the time he returned to KLmagazine May 2022

England in 1652 Hollar was one of the most famous engravers of his time although fame and fortune seemed to be mutually exclusive. The nobility were unwilling to commission or buy his work after the Restoration, and the large amount of illustrative work he did for books (one of which had the lessthan-riveting title ‘Entertaining Book Containing the Simple Depiction of the Clothes of Women from Different Parts of the World as they Dress Now’) was very poorly paid. Hollar also lost his young son to the plague. Despite living for another eight years after returning to England and producing countless book illustrations and highly-regarded works, Hollar died in extreme poverty in 1677, his last recorded words being a request to the bailiffs that they wouldn’t carry away the bed on which he was dying. He left behind over 400 drawings and 3,000 etchings and in addition

to his topographical work and maps produced views, portraits, ships, religious and heraldic subjects, landscapes, and still life works. It’s not entirely clear when Hollar’s ‘Groundplat of Kings Lyn’ was produced, but the commonly-used

ABOVE: The central area of Hollar’s ‘groundplat’ is dominated by the defensive walls surrounding the town, which were the strongest in East Anglia following the 1643 Siege of King’s Lynn.

date of 1645 is almost certainly incorrect. A prisoner of war 160 miles from King’s Lynn the previous June, Hollar’s efforts at the time were devoted to escaping his captors and making his way to safety in Europe. Travelling to Norfolk to draw a map of the west Norfolk port is unlikely to have been top of his list of his priorities at the time - and since he wouldn’t return to England for almost 10 years, the later date of 1670 for the map’s production seems far more likely. Whenever Hollar drew his map, it remains an invaluable historical record of the way the defence of one of the country’s most important ports was improved in the 17th century. Following the short-lived Siege of King’s Lynn in 1643, the victorious Parliamentarians immediately started strengthening the town’s protective measures, making it one of the strongest fortifications in East Anglia. Local physician and mathematician Richard Clampe’s designs are still in the town’s archives and were based on state-of-the-art techniques and strategies from Holland. He proposed a new line of walls to the north and south of the town, a fort in front of the South Gate, and angular bastions to the east, allowing archers to meet any attacks from all directions. The town’s defences were never put to the test, but they were still impressive almost a century later when Daniel Defoe of Robinson Crusoe fame visited King’s Lynn: “The situation of this town renders it capable of being made very strong, and the works appear very fair to this 34

day; nor would it be a hard matter to restore the bastions, upon any sudden emergency, to a good state of defence.” Hollar’s map is full of fascinating details, not least in detailing the road layout before the construction of London Road (1803-06) bisected the town. The church of St Margaret still has its southwestern spire, despite the fact is collapsed during a storm in 1741 (long before Hollar drew the map) and ‘King’s Stathyard’ has no Custom House, no Bank House and no statue of Captain George Vancouver - who wouldn’t be born for another 87 years. The unique Red Mount Chapel (here called ‘Ladies Mount’) is clearly visible, although it is drawn with three levels, an intriguing detail confirmed by other contemporary sources - which do show the remains of a structure on the third floor. The Tuesday Market Place features ‘Ye Shambles’, a row of butchers’ shops and houses (many complete with an on-site slaughterhouse) and ‘The Crosse’, which was knocked down and replaced 40 years later with an ornate octagonal design by architect Henry Bell - which itself was demolished in 1830. However, for someone with such an exquisite eye for detail and accuracy Hollar seems to have confused his Franciscans with his Carmelites. Greyfriars Tower appears on his map, but is labelled ‘White Friers’ - whereas the Carmelite community (the ‘white’ friars) were based over to the south of the town. The remains of the Carmelite

friary’s gatehouse can still be seen in Carmelite Terrace at the end of Bridge Street. Hollar’s map of King’s Lynn may not be of much use if you’re trying to naviagate your way through the town today, but as a record of how it once looked it’s a unique and invaluable historical document. For more features on local history, please visit our website at www. klmagazine.co.uk

PICTURES: These details of Hollar’s map show the area around the Tuesday Market Place (above) and the South Quay (below)

KLmagazine May 2022

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PICTURES: The sensitive restoration of the ‘Bank Chambers’ building hasn’t just given Lloyd Sandy (below, left) and Max Sowerby (below, right) a prestigious new branch of Sowerbys - it’s also uncovered historic treasures and mysteries in one of King’s Lynn’s most distinctive properties.

Sowerbys’ spectacular new branch on the Tuesday Market Place in King’s Lynn has brought a landmark building back to life...

hen opening a new office, most businesses point out the modern design, the latest technology, the energy-saving measures and the accommodation of hybrid working - but in much the same way that Sowerbys has never been an ordinary estate agent, their new office on the Tuesday Market Place in King’s Lynn isn’t exactly an ordinary office space. It’s hard to escape the conclusion that although it does serve as a breathtaking backdrop to an exceptionally professional property service, it’s also a local museum that’s been newly opened for the local community to enjoy. And for the owners of Sowerbys, it’s something of a dream come true. “Oddly enough both Lloyd and I both fell in love with this building completely independently many years ago when we worked for different agencies,” says managing director Max Sowerby, 36

who launched his eponymous estate agency in 1994 before Lloyd Sandy joined him a decade later. “We both have a very deep love for King’s Lynn, and to be able to bring this remarkable building back to life has been a quite extraordinary experience for all of us. It’s actually an honour have guardianship of it.“ It’s also a suitably prestigious location for Sowerbys’ unique and creative inhouse marketing team, which takes a refreshing approach to property sales, building development and lettings. Following a six-month restoration project the invaluable contributions of architect Daniel Wallage of Waite & Wallage, New Space builders, Betts & Co decorators, Premier Electrics and Plumbing and the vision of interior designer Collette Hanlon of Home Stagers have opened up a longneglected chapter in the history of King’s Lynn. The team stripped back modern KLmagazine May 2022

LEFT: The sensitive restoration of ‘Bank Chambers’ building in King’s Lynn hasn’t just given Sowerbys a prestigious new office - it’s also revealed one of the town’s oldest walls, which probably dates from the Tudor period.

stud walls to reveal original Georgian panelling (which remains in place and looks more like a contemporary design statement); removed a triangle of MDF to reveal a spectacular period fireplace; and uncovered a stunning Tudor beamed wall that’s almost certainly one of the oldest walls in the entire town centre. Even some decorative floor timbers that possibly started life on a ship have been saved and are planned to form part of a special display at some point in the future. From floor to floor, it’s been less of a restoration and more of a voyage of discovery. “Coming into the office and walking around now is simply quite astonishing,” says Lloyd Sandy. “It’s such an inspiring working environment for our team. Every room has a story, and every room has a particular kind of story. It’s an incredible building.” Perhaps the most fascinating find (and certainly one of the most mysterious) was the discovery of a panel behind a window shutter that had been completely sealed and painted over a number of times for decades. Topped with casuallysketched caricatures of (to date) various anonymous individuals, it’s a vaguely chronological list of over 50 numbered names written by at least five different people. But who wrote it and who the listed people are is just one of the mysteries surrounding the building that’s still known as ‘Bank Chambers’ but never actually housed a bank. The rather prosaic answer KLmagazine May 2022

is almost certainly found in a “suitably illustrated” 1945 report by the Society of the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Although the south side of the Tuesday Market Place is only pictured at a distance, a much closer photograph of the northern side focuses on the Duke’s Head Hotel. It clearly shows that the adjacent building was occupied by the National Provincial Bank Limited (today’s NatWest) and had ‘Bank Buildings’ prominently emblazoned along the exterior wall dividing the first and second floors - in exactly the same size, style and typeface as the nearby ‘Bank Chambers.’ Since at least the end of the 17th century, King’s Lynn was full of private banks, and there was a clear distinction between commercial ‘buildings’ (where clerical and administrative duties were performed) and ‘chambers’ - which comprised the rooms used by solicitors and other members of the legal profession. It seems that Sowerbys’ new home of ‘Bank Chambers’ was originally the working space for the more exalted professionals behind the financial and legal life of the town. Which rather fittingly brings us back to that mysterious shutter, because the first (and earliest) name on the list reads “D.F. Jackson 1891 -” and actually appears before the first numbered name of B Blyth. Intriguingly, a record from 1936 shows that at the time the building was occupied by solicitors Jackson & Jackson - and that a certain Donald F. Jackson was both chairman

of the local Scouts’ Association and the county coroner for Norfolk. It seems almost certain that these are one and the same person, and that the “1891 - “ date refers to his birth, since he would have been 45 at the time of the inscription. Whether the other people listed on the shutter were partners or directors remains to be confirmed, but it’s interesting to note that as late as 1960 the solicitors Jackson & Walton occupied the building. “This is a fantastic working environment, and every room has a different story to tell,” says Max Sowerby. “We’ve always been fully committed to investing in our local town centres, and we hope people will like what we’ve done in King’s Lynn. And if anyone has any memories of working in the building or knows any more of its history we’d love to hear from them.”

Bank Chambers, 23 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JJ Tel: 01553 766741 Web: www.sowerbys.com 37

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KLmagazine May 2022

Helping you make sense of these taxing times... In a world of changing economic forecasts and changes to the way we’re taxed, Stephenson Smart always has the expertise to guide you through

uch has been written about the year of economic misery ahead, and against a backdrop of rising inflation, falling living standards, and the economic impact of events happening several thousand miles away, Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s first Spring Statement at the end of March did little to allay people’s fears. What does all this mean for you and your business? That’s what we’re here for. Over the last 100 years Stephenson Smart has been helping local people and local businesses make sense of tax and how it affects them - and helping them minimise the effects of any changes.

INCREASE IN THE NATIONAL INSURANCE THRESHOLD & LOWER PROFIT LIMIT... There had been speculation the Chancellor would make a tax cut to answer critics who thought he wasn’t doing enough to ease the cost of living rises. His solution was an increase in the annual National Insurance Primary Threshold and the Lower Profits Limit to take effect from July this year. However, the temporary increase in

National Insurance rates (the Health and Social Care Levy) would still apply from April 2022.

INCOME TAX REDUCTION... The Chancellor announced the reduction in the basic rate of income tax for non-savings, non-dividend income for taxpayers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to 19% from April 2024. This change will be implemented in a future Finance Bill.

FUEL DUTY... A welcome measure announced in the Spring Statement to help motorists (domestic and commerical) was the reduction of fuel duty for petrol and diesel by 5p per litre across the whole of the UK. It came into effect virtually immediately, and will remain in place for the next 12 months.

INCREASED EMPLOYMENT ALLOWANCE... Employers can claim Employment Allowance, which reduces their employer Class 1 NICs each year. The Chancellor announced an increase of £1,000 for eligible employers to reduce

their employer NICs by up to £5,000 per year - and that’s already been in place for a month. The allowance can only be claimed against one PAYE scheme, and ‘connected’ businesses (such as companies under the control of the same person or persons) are only entitled to one Employment Allowance between them. There was an above-average amount of changes to allowances and tax bands for a Spring Statement. Remember that we’re here to help please contact us for advice before taking any action as a result of these changes.

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KLmagazine May 2022

D E: CQ 39

Celebrating 300 years of art, history and gardens Back in 1722 the very first stone was laid on an extraordinary project that would one day become the wonder we love as Houghton Hall which continues to be a destination glittering with genuine treasures

hen you’ve started life as one of 19 children in a sleepy village outside King’s Lynn and grown up to become the Member of Parliament for Castle Rising you’d be tempted to think you’d reached the height of your ambitions. But for Robert Walpole the sky wasn’t the limit - it was simply a stepping stone. By the time of his death in 1745, Walpole had become Britain’s first Prime Minister, transformed the 40

country’s constitution, protected its borders, extended its power, accepted 10 Downing Street as his official residence, served as the MP for King’s Lynn for the best part of 40 years, and built one of the most important art collections in the world. He also commissioned the most beautiful stately home in Norfolk and one of England’s finest-ever Palladian houses - moving the entire village in which he was born in process. Exactly 300 years ago, the foundation stone was laid on the project that

would result in the wonder that is Houghton Hall. With the combined talents of the extraordinary architects Colen Campbell and James Gibbs and the visionary interiors of William Kent, the house was built with an eye to wealth, to taste, and to the power and influence of its owner. And this extraordinary building continues to deliver on that original promise. It’s a suitably stupendous and imposing country house, but it also has a great deal of elegance and charm. The State Rooms on the first floor are KLmagazine May 2022

ABOVE: Theorfolk.

PICTURES: Although the house itself was built 300 years ago for Britain’s first Prime Minister, some of the most famous features at Houghton Hall are the work of more recent occupants. For example, the current Lord Cholmondeley created the walled garden as a tribute to his grandmother Sybil, pictured right with the 5th Marquess of Cholmondeley and their three children.

almost impossibly sumptuous with their suites of elaborately-painted ceilings, exquisitely-carved furniture and countless busts and statues executed in different varieties of marble. The surrounding 1,000 acres of parkland are no less impressive. In addition to being home to the biggest herd of white fallow deer in the UK and the beautiful church of St. Martin they also provide the setting for an extraordinary art collection that was started almost 25 years ago by Lord

KLmagazine May 2022

Cholmondeley. The permanent collection has been enhanced in recent years by hosting major exhibitions by world-famous and internationally-recognised artists such as Henry Moore, Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor, Richard Long and Tony Cragg. These ultra-modern works are a striking contrast to the more formal delights of the five-acre walled garden largely created by Lord Cholmondeley as a tribute to his grandmother Lady Sybil Cholmondeley. Winner of the Christie’s Historic Houses Association ‘Garden of the Year Award’ the cleverly-divided spaces include a spectacular doublesided herbaceous border, an Italian garden, a formal rose parterre, fruit and vegetable gardens, a glasshouse, a rustic temple, antique statues,

and fountains. They also (and somewhat inevitably) feature a selection of contemporary sculptures including the ever-popular ‘Waterflame’ by Jeppe Hein, Stephen Cox’s fascinating ‘Flask II’ and Richard Long’s ‘Houghton Cross’ which currently dominates the croquet lawn. And just when you thought you’d seen it all, Houghton Hall manages to deliver yet another surprise. When it was discovered the original

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stable block obscured the southerly views from the hall it was swiftly demolished and another built (faced with local carrstone from nearby Snettisham) between 1733-35. The horses were treated with the same respect as the hall’s human residents and guests - with their stables given superbly-constructed brick vault ceilings supported on timber pillars. Once home to some 80 animals and offering luxurious quarters to visiting coach horses, the west stable block is now home to a gift shop, the Stables Café and the largest private collection of model soldiers in the world. Started by the 6th Marquess of Cholmondeley as a schoolboy, the collection comprises well over 20,000 individual figures and details some of the most famous battles of the last 300 years - including a spectacular recreation of Waterloo which uses almost 5,000 models and each angle of the display to tell the story of the momentous battle. The stables also play host to art and handmade objects created by artists and makers from Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire thanks to the contemporary arts collective Contemporary & Country, which was founded by Paul Barratt and Paul Vater and enjoys a regular presence at Houghton Hall. Their exhibition for 2022 focuses on the garden and the concept of the designed landscape, reflecting Norfolk’s horticultural heritage, focusing on the seasonal cycle, and exploring the natural processes that encourage everything from new growth to decomposition. The works also have an eye to the future, encouraging us to think of the current conservation crisis and its possible solutions - whether you have a few acres of former farmland or a single herbaceous border. Houghton Hall never fails to delight. With a unique combination of extraordinary architecture, exquisite craftsmanship, breathtaking gardens, fascinating history and captivating art (both traditional and modern) it’s a remarkable destination that continues to reward and enrich the visitor.

Houghton Hall & Gardens Houghton Hall, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE31 6UE 01485 528569 www.houghtonhall.com info@houghtonhall.com

ABOVE: Paul Barratt and Paul Vater’s art collective Contemporary & Country is a regular feature at Houghton Hall, and its 2022 exhibition is perfectly suited to the idyllic location, focusing on gardens, the cycle of the seasons, natural processes and the concept of the ‘designed’ landscape. KLmagazine May 2022

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KLmagazine May 2022

Adrian & Michaela

How your plumbing can save you money

From leaking taps and emergencies to new bathroom installations, A.T Norfolk Plumbing & Heating are only a phone call away

t a time of rising living costs and soaring energy prices, we’ve all become aware of the need to save money but few people realise how a few simple changes to their plumbing can prevent money literally going down the drain. Docking-based A.T Norfolk Plumbing & Heating has a wealth of experience and knowledge that can help you stop wasting energy and start saving money. “Even as something as simple as a dripping tap can be surprisingly costly,” says,” Michaela Taverna, who established the company with her 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 May 2022

husband Adrian over 20 years ago. “A typical leak of only 10 drops per minute will wastes nearly three litres per day, which can cost you over £10 a month - it’s a quick and easy firx, but it could save you £120 a year.”” Similarly, it’s amazing to discover that by correctly insulating your hot water cylinder and hot and cold pipes, you can reduce your home’s heat loss by around 75%. “We can introduce you to plenty of ways to save money, and many of them are very simple,” says Michaela. “For instance, installing a Quooker hot water tap takes very little time but can make a world of difference when you consider it costs about 12.5p to boil a kettle.” Changing your radiator valves to Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) is another relatively simple and inexpensive solution that has many long-term benefits. Allowing you to control temperatures on a room-by-room basis TRVs can

Tel: 01485 518648 07733 335845

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.

save up to 40% of your current energy consumption according to recent research by The Green Age, the UK’s foremost energy saving advice portal. “We never promise anything that we can’t deliver,” says Michaela, “and we’re confident we can immediately help you start cutting down on your energy usage and saving money.” 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.

Web: www.atplumbingnorfolk.co.uk Email: adrian@atplumbingnorfolk.co.uk

BARRY L HAWKINS Independent Auctioneer and Land Agent The Estate Office, 15 Lynn Road, Downham Market PE38 9NL 01366 387180 | info@barryhawkins.co.uk

Sutha Aesthetics

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We recommend an initial course of 6-8 treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart. We will take your skin and hair type into account before creating you a personalised treatment plan.

Call us for a consultation: 07506 133091 • St Ann’s House, St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1LT admin@suthaaesthetics.co.uk • www.suthaaesthetics.co.uk

KLmagazine May 2022

Do you still need a solicitor with an online divorce? Solicitors can save you time and money, as Hayes + Storr explains...

he fact that divorcing couples can now apply online for their divorce, and from April 2022 won’t need to prove fault for the breakdown of their marriage, will make it easier for the tech-savvy to apply for a divorce without the need for a solicitor. But what about the financial implications of getting divorced? Who gets the house or the tenancy? How are you going to ensure that pension assets are shared equally? What about the family car you spent so long saving or paying for? And if there is a business, how do you fairly take that into account? Do you even know the full extent of your spouse’s finances? It is important to know that even after you have obtained a final order in the divorce (previously known as the decree absolute), yours and your spouse’s claims for financial relief

arising out of the marriage will remain open – unless you also get an order from the court stating how the property and finances are to be split. The new online divorce process will not tell you how to do this, as splitting the matrimonial finances must be dealt with separately. This is why you will still need advice from a solicitor. Couples who think they have sorted out their finances once they’ve separated could be doing themselves out of a fair and proper settlement. Alternatively, if you think you’ve got away lightly and still managed to walk away with the lion’s share of your assets after the divorce, you’re still open to having a claim made against you in the future unless you get a court order making the split of the assets binding and enforceable. Involving a solicitor to help you sort out the matrimonial finances needn’t

upturn what was otherwise an amicable separation and divorce, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Family solicitors at Hayes +Storr are members of Resolution, a family law organisation set up to help families resolve their legal matters as amicably as possible. We will negotiate amicably on your behalf and recommend mediation when appropriate, but we will also make sure that you fully understand your legal rights and entitlements and do our best to secure a fair settlement. If you need advice on family law and would like to arrange an appointment, please call 01553 778900 or email maria.endall@hayes-storr.com

MARIA ENDALL 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.

KLmagazine May 2022

Fen Glade Woodland

A spectacular celebration of our natural world is year s latinum ubilee mar s a momentous moment in history but instead o thin ing about the past the team at FORAS are ocusing on a brighter uture with the launch o their biggest ever project

FESTIVAL MAP KEY A Derby Run B Owl Perch Row C The Deer Trail D Big Skies Viewpoint E Woodland Walk F Fen Glade Woodland G Live Music H Foras Yurt I Hit Wrap Catering J Juniper Sky Show Garden K WCs L Foras Tile Barn M Pot and Planter Barn N Showrooms and Gardens P Customer Car Park

his year’s Platinum Jubilee marks a momentous moment in history, but instead of thinking about the past, the team at FORAS are focusing on a brighter future with the launch of their biggest-ever project… The business was developed by consultant Claire Brutnall and local farmer John Wootton with the aim of producing an exclusive range of natural stone garden accessories; almost 20 years later FORAS has become one of the county’s most respected names in garden products, homewares, tiles and flagstones. The innovative multi-award-winning business showcases the largest display of running water features in the UK, along with a comprehensive range of garden accessories, seating, planters, decorative lighting, tiles and flagstones. Known as an insightful and forwardthinking firm, they’ve always strived to seek a sustainable approach when creating garden products; and this year are proudly paving the way to a greener future with the launch of their biggest

Owl Perch Row KLmagazine May 2022

Showrooms & Gardens project to date. The latest addition to the company’s extensive show gardens, the idyllic Fen Glade is a beautiful 4-acre landscaped woodland bursting with stunning scenery and wonderful wildlife. Timed to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, FORAS’

fabulous Fen Glade Festival will celebrate the woodland’s grand opening at the company’s home in Stowbridge. “When we launched our gorgeous Juniper Sky Garden last summer, the response was just amazing”, says Claire. “It inspired us to further embrace our spectacular surroundings to create a destination that offers a shopping experience like no other.” In preparation for the festival, the team at FORAS will be building a sustainable yurt using locally sourced materials, which will house various stalls displaying a selection of artisan treasures from Norfolk and the rest of the UK. To enhance the atmosphere of the enchanting woodland the event will include live music, welcoming local singer and guitarist Jerry Seaton on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd June to perform a range of acoustic sets. Following this, the East Angles Brass Band will visit on Saturday 4th and

Big Skies View Point

Sunday 5th to play a mixture of original compositions and traditional tunes. The festival will also feature fantastic food, a fully licenced bar selling a selection of luxurious locally produced gins and vodkas, and the opening of the Fen Glade nature walk. The serene sun-dappled trail leads from the scenic woodland out onto the Big Skies Viewpoint, where visitors can take in the true magnificence of Norfolk’s stretching skyline. From there the path leads to Owl Perch Row, a peaceful thicket perfect for wildlife watching. The walk then extends to the delightful Derby Run, a wide grassy area where guests may catch a glimpse of one of the many deer living in the area. After a lovely stroll through the Fen Glade, visitors will be given the opportunity to purchase a tree in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. You can pre-order a plug tree, which will be potted up ready for collection in one of FORAS’ vintage planters or bagged to plant in the ground straight away. There will also be

trees available for purchase during the festival. Half the profits from tree sales during the festival will be donated to the Queen’s Green Canopy partner, the Tree Council, to support the ‘1 Million Trees for Norfolk’ project. Launched in November 2020 it’s an inspiring initiative that aims to help tackle climate change, provide more green spaces for local people, and create diverse wildlife corridors. Research by the Woodland Trust shows the UK is one of the least forested nations in Europe, with just 13% of the country wooded. The county of Norfolk is even sparser with just 9% tree cover, so FORAS are hoping to help play a part in raising that figure. “I’ve found that after a busy day, the best way to unwind is to sit in the magical woodland listening to the rustling trees and twittering birds” says Claire. “My ambition is to share this heavenly experience with others and

to contribute in some way to the amazing biodiversity we have in our county.” There’s never been a better time to plant a tree, and FORAS will be showcasing a variety of indigenous species at the Fen Glade Festival - including Crabapple, Rowan, Hazel, Silver Birch, Douglas Fir and Wild Cherry. You can even commemorate your contribution and highlight your tree’s significance with a personalised limestone plaque, expertly crafted by the company’s skilled stonemason. The Fen Glade Festival is set to be an amazing and entertaining event, with plenty to see and experience. As well enjoying a wander through the woodland, customers will be able to explore FORAS’ extensive collection of water features, birdbaths, and garden accessories in the spectacular show gardens – and a friendly and informative team of staff will help you select the perfect products for your garden. It’s a very special occasion that you definitely won’t want to miss. You can sign up at www.foras.co.uk/fenglade for a free welcome pack to claim on arrival at the festival. This contains a Golden Garden Discount Ticket, an exclusive free gift, the Big Book of Foras Volume II and an 100% cotton Fen Glade Festival bag. You’ll also be sent a VIP lanyard in the post and have the chance to pre-order your tree and stone plaque. Join FORAS this season and plant a tree for the Jubilee – in the drive for a greener future for everyone, every garden helps.

West Head Road, Stowbridge, King’s Lynn PE34 3NJ Tel: 01366 381069 Web: www.foras.co.uk Email: info@foras.co.uk

KLmagazine May 2022

Celebrating

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Listening to the sounds of mental wellbeing...

Discover how a sound bath can wash away your negative emotions

rom her beautifully-relaxing Kyūshi studio in Gayton (adjacent to the wellness clinic run by her partner Peter Dugmore - see opposite) Alice Moore offers a complete range of techniques and treatments that take a totally natural and holistic approach to health and wellbeing - including one that’s been around for thousands of years. “When we came to Norfolk I didn’t expect to be doing too many sound baths but they’re proving to be really popular,” she says. “It’s now recognised as a very valuable form of therapy and is becoming increasingly mainstream.” Sound therapy has been used successfully around the world throughout history. The ancient Greeks used flutes and lyres to treat digestion and mental health, Tibetans used ‘singing bowls’ for over 2,000 years for meditation purposes, and Australian aboriginal tribes played the didgeridoo to heal the sick. As its name suggests, a sound bath involves becoming immersed and

submerged in sounds and vibrations at frequencies that promote deep levels of relaxation and meditation - and have the power to cleanse and heal. Celebrities endorse them. Several colleges provide them for students suffering with stress, and many recovery centres use them for people living with addictions. “There’s a growing body of evidence to support the benefits of sound healing,” says Alice. “They’re not a magical cure and shouldn’t replace standard medications or treatments, but sound baths can have a tremendous impact on the mind and body.” Studies have found that sound baths can help lower blood pressure and heart rate (by activating the parasympathetic nervous system) and can ease symptoms such as chronic pain, insomnia, depression and anxiety. “It’s particularly effective for people suffering from PTSD and war veterans,” says Alice. “Because it bypasses the conscious level of the brain to release trapped emotions, it eliminates the need to talk through

painful experiences, which can be quite traumatic.” A single visit to the gym or a one-off session of yoga is unlikely to achieve the desired results, and sound baths are no different. Through the natural process of entrainment, they become more effective the more regular they’re used as your body literally becomes tuned to the healing environment. Alice offers private sound bath sessions at Kyūshi for individuals, couples and groups of friends or family, and holds regular public sessions at West Acre Gallery - which tend to become fully booked very quickly. She’s also recently teamed up with Antonina of Soulstar Stories to offer complete soundscape experiences at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market and Thornham Village Hall. Full details of the next public sessions (which can be booked online) can be found on the website, and for more details and information on sound baths or Alice’s other treatments, please e-mail alice@kyushi.co.uk or call 07968 404767.

The Kyūshi Clinic & Studio: Acrefield House, Winch Road, Gayton, King’s Lynn PE32 1QP

KLmagazine May 2022

...and a world-leading approach to healthcare

An exclusive and unique way to bring your body back into balance

e all know how small changes in the environment can have a damaging impact in seemingly unrelated areas, and what’s true for the planet also applies to us on an individual level. Our bodies are entire ecosystems, and they need to be treated as such. “Conventional healthcare tends to see the body as a collection of separate parts, but it doesn’t work that way,” says Peter Dugmore of Kyūshi Wellness, who brings an experienced and multidisciplined approach to physical and mental health. “If something’s wrong it could involve any number of things from your diet to your genetics - and identifying that root cause is crucial.” Peter is supremely well placed to take people on that journey, having studied medical science, quantum physics, nutrition, epigenetics and human physiology – a breadth of knowledge matched by a similarly broad level of experience. Beginning as a physiotherapist working with top-level professional

footballers, his clinic in Manchester attracted clients from the nearby television studios. Personal recommendations then came to the attention of several high-profile actors, and Peter spent a decade in the film industry. In fact, he still has clients across America from New York to LA. “I was working with people performing at the very top of their game and started collaborating with professionals in other fields,” says Peter. “That’s when I started complementing my physiotherapy by training in disciplines such as functional medicine, epigenetics, muscle testing and quantum medicine.” And whereas many practitioners prefer to take ownership of their treatment, Peter works in conjunction with surgeons, doctors and oncologists for the most successful client outcomes. Your treatment begins before your first session with a detailed questionnaire and relevant blood or lab tests, giving Peter an overall view of your health and an understanding of your medical history.

Starting with a consultation about your symptoms and test results Peter will move on to hands-on work such as muscle testing, visceral manipulation and bioresonance to release tensions and toxins, supporting the body’s normal functions. You’ll leave with a personally-tailored nutrition plan, treatment programme and carefullychosen wholefood supplements. And even though sessions last around an hour, Peter doesn’t book his days back-to-back with clients - so you always have exactly the right amount of time you need to bring your body back into balance. He also keeps in regular contact with all clients between sessions, checking on their progress and how the supplements are working – and adapts the treatment if necessary for optimal results. If you’d like to discover just how exclusive this totally-natural approach is and how it can help you, Peter is now offering free 15-minute consultations, which can be booked online. For more details, please e-mail peter@kyushi. co.uk or call 07817 504094.

For enquires: hello@kyushi.co.uk | www.kyushi.co.uk

KLmagazine May 2022

When your supporting cast takes centre stage When it comes to containers and hanging baskets there’s little doubt who steals the show - but the rest of the cast is more than capable of delivering a stellar performance, as Wendy Warner o axters arden entre explains

hink of hanging basket plants and the first that come to mind are likely to be Fuchsias, Geraniums, Surfinias or Million Bells. These may be the equivalent of the A-listers in a production, but just as desirable and admired are the characters who make up the rest of the show. Unfortunately, because their roles are less dramatic and they have less star billing they’re often overlooked, but these wonderful plants deserve a lot more recognition. There’s a reason the Oscars have awards for the best supporting actors and actresses. In the world of hanging basket and container plants these hardworking stars would include Nemesias, Diascias,

KLmagazine May 2022

Verbenas, Bacopas and Bidens, as well as some foliage plants. They tend to be used as “fillers and spillers”, fillers being medium-sized plants used to bulk out the display and spillers those plants that spread or trail over the sides. Nemesias are upright well-branched, compact plants with a profusion of two-lipped, snapdragon-like flowers which are often fragrant. They flower from Spring through to the first frosts. Although usually regarded as tender, in mild winters they will often survive. They come in a range of plain colours from white, yellow, rose, and carmine through to blue and some interestingly named bi-colours such as bright yellow and violet purple “rhubarb and custard”, pastel and lavender “Easter Bonnet” and “Sundae Blueberry Ice” with dark bluey-

purple and flecked white petals with a yellow centre. These latter hybrids are the most scented. Diascias can be upright or will spill slightly over the side of your pot or hanging basket. They are smothered in delicate blooms in pastel or vivid colours in shades of white, pink, orange or deep red with dark green leaves. Their common name is twinspur, referring to the two spurs to be found on the back of the flower. Keep them moist but do not overwater as they can be prone to going mouldy and rotting off. Diascias may survive a mild winter if moved into a sheltered spot. Verbena come in both upright and trailing (or more correctly spreading) varieties as they tend to grow horizontally. The small starry flowers

are produced in clusters. Some are plain colours, others have a contrasting centre such as Verbena lanai “Scarlet with Eye” with red petals and a white eye or “Candy Cane” has white and magenta striped flowers. The Verbena Twister series has a circle of small white flowers round a circle of small coloured flowers, in pink, burgundy, red or blue. If growing in larger containers or troughs you will often find that verbena will root themselves into the soil further along their stems. For this reason they are very easy to take cuttings from and

any pieces that break off can be put into a jar of water and will root within a few days and can then be replanted. Bacopa are a trailing plant with masses of small five-petal flowers in white, pale mauve, pink or blue. They will cascade over the sides of hanging baskets, window boxes or tall pots and flower throughout the summer from May to October. There are different varieties of white Bacopa. Although very similar, Bacopa scopia “Snowflake” has very small flowers spaced further apart, “Gulliver Compact White” has a larger flower size with a yellow centre but the plant is slightly less trailing and “Double White” has double flowers. In addition to white, “Gulliver Pink Heart” has white flowers with yellow eyes and hot pink centres, whereas “Gulliver Pink” has pink flowers and there are double blue and lavender varieties. Bacopa “Golden Leaves” can be used more as a foliage plant as its trailing stems have yellow leaves along with small white flowers. Bidens “Yellow Charm” is a spreader with rich yellow star-shaped flowers over green feathery foliage and will brighten up any basket or container and like most of the aforementioned plants is also loved by bees and other pollinators. As well as the flowering basket plants there are silver or gold leaved Helichrysum with their small, soft, felted leaves that will spread and trail

through the display or Nepeta with its long trailing stems of green leaves with cream variegations. For trails of gold choose Lysimachia nummularia “Goldie” with small leaves and the added bonus of yellow flowers later in the season. All these plants will perform best in full sun and will need regular watering and feeding with a high potash fertiliser such as Tomorite throughout the summer season. Due to their small flowers they are not the easiest flowers to dead-head but if this is possible it will prolong their flowering period. If they start to become straggly and unruly later in the season, most can be cut back and will create new shoots and flowers. When choosing plants for your containers and baskets this year, don’t forget these talented and show-stopping B-list plants. As the entertainment industry never fails to prove, these supporting roles may well surprise you - and frequently outperform some of the more popular stars.

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 May 2022

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KLmagazine May 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

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 May 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 one 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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12 Sandringham Road, Dersingham King’s Lynn PE31 6LL www.ilexgardendesigns.com

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Until 16th July 9am-1pm Usual opening times: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm Take advantage of our ‘Young at Heart’ day on Thursdays (Senior Citizen 10% discount day) SHRUBS • HERBACEOUS • PERENNIALS • TREES • SEASONAL STOCK FIND US AT: School Road, West Walton, Wisbech PE14 7DS | Tel: 01945 664520 | www.rachaelsplantoutlet.co.uk 60

KLmagazine May 2022

Dan, King’s Lynn

“It’s amazing. I limped in, but I walked out...”

At Free Your Body Therapy Jane Cole and Terry Connolly are using revolutionary treatments to free people from years of chronic pain

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 Dan Jastrzebski from King’s Lynn, who damaged his knee while playing football. “I actually collided with a goalpost and the pain was so great I simply couldn’t carry on,” he says. “I thought it was just another sports-related knock that would heal over time, but a few weeks later it wasn’t any better. In fact, if anything it was worse.” Unable to play football, finding it uncomfortable to walk, and having difficulty managing all the stairs at his place of work, Dan contacted Free Your Body Therapy on the basis of several personal recommendations from friends and fellow sportsmen. “I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I knew it was going to take more than a few Ibuprofen,” says Dan. “By the time I visited Terry I had very little strength in the affected leg and was in a lot of discomfort simply walking to the treatment room.”

At Free Your Body Therapy, Terry Connolly and Jane Cole offer a range of groundbreaking approaches to pain relief ranging from acupuncture and sports massage to medical grade shockwave therapy, P-DTR and ‘Anatomy in Motion’ gait therapy. It’s a different way of looking at pain management and the body’s natural healing process, and it’s transformed the lives of countless local people suffering from both short- and longterm complaints. “I noticed a significant improvement after only one visit, and by the time of my follow-up session I was 90% back to normal,” says Dan. “It’s really amazing. I limped in, but I walked out.” Dan continues to follow the carefully-planned exercise regime designed by Free Your Body Therapy to keep his body working the way 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 Dan’s case, he’d knocked his knee

out of place and caused some soft tissue damage. Once we’d reduced the swelling and eased his symptoms, it was simply a case of ensuring it healed correctly and avoided any compensating patterns from his stronger leg taking over - and causing additional problems.” For Dan it’s been something of a revelation, and he’s now back on the pitch. “I’ll be avoiding the goalposts in future however,” says Dan. “From now on I’ll just concentrate on what’s between them!” To transform your life and finally say goodbye to your 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 May 2022

Jane & Terry 61

PICTURES: Mute swans are among the most popular and iconic British birds and are a beautiful sight at all stages of their life, whether as adults on Oulton Broad (left) or as cygnets in the reservoir at Reffley.

Admiring the ravishing rulers of our rivers ighty magnificent and not to be messed with mute swans are some o the best loved birds in ritain ey re a magical sight on our waterways and they re also an important part o our history

uring her remarkable seven-decade reign, Queen Elizabeth II has served as an important symbol of national pride, supported the UK and Commonwealth through difficult times, maintained the British monarchy on a global stage, and helped to build a modern Royal Family for the 21st century. Rather less well known is the fact that Her Majesty has also played a key part in preserving the UK’s mute swan population, an important duty which was handed down to her centuries ago. With their spectacular white plumage and graceful glide, mute KLmagazine May 2022

swans are quite possibly the most beautiful breeding birds in the country. Known for their exquisite and elegant appearance, the captivating creatures are the undisputed rulers of our rivers - and it’s no wonder they’ve been associated with royalty for hundreds of years. From at least the 12th century, swans were regarded as ‘luxury goods’ in Europe and often appeared as the centrepiece at prestigious parties and feasts. Owning the breathtaking birds signalled great worth and nobility, as you had to be incredibly rich to afford them - but by 1483, several laws began restricting the possession of

swans to protect them as an exclusive commodity. The law ordained that to declare official ownership people had to purchase an expensive ‘swan mark’ to nick into the beak of their birds. Any unmarked swans automatically became the property of the Crown, and the penalties for counterfeiting or altering a mark were extremely tough. Only the wealthiest landowners and the monarch could afford to own swans, and these regal birds became a rare delicacy. Towards the end of the 18th century swan rights were limited to just three groups: the Crown and the Worshipful 63

e ueen still holds ownership over all wild unmar ed mute swans in open water and uses those rights to ensure they re protected ABOVE: A delightful family of cygnets enjoying the surroundings of the reservoir at Reffley, carefully watched over by their parents (below)

Companies of Dyers and Vintners - two of the richest and most powerful trade guilds in London. The Queen still holds ownership over all wild unmarked mute swans in open water, and uses those rights to ensure they’re protected. Every year on the third Monday of July an annual ceremony known as ‘Swan Upping’ takes place on the river Thames. In this extravagant five-day event, the Queen’s Royal Swan Marker and Swan Uppers board their traditional wooden skiffs and round up all the swans in the area. Accompanied by the Dyers and Vintners, they carefully count, weigh, and check the birds for injuries before returning them to the water. Thanks to this remarkable conservation ceremony, mute swan numbers have been rising in recent years after a long period of decline. In Norfolk we are blessed with a rich community of wildlife, and the Fens are a wetland oasis for swans and other wetland birds. “The Mute Swan is one of our country’s most famous birds,” says Bob Morgan, a Reserves Officer at Norfolk Wildlife Trust. “There are about 8,000 breeding pairs in the UK, and you’ll find them almost anywhere there’s a suitable body of water. They’re a familiar sight in Norfolk and can be seen all around the county, especially on the Broads.” Now, with spring in full swing, it’s the perfect time to spot a pair of swans with a cute cluster of cygnets. “The male swans are called cobbs and the females are pens,” Bob explains. “Pens lay their eggs between April and June in a massive nest near 64

water and away from disturbance. The eggs are huge and greenish white in colour and they’ll take just over a month to hatch.” With their short necks and fluffy grey feathers, the sweet cygnets that emerge are perfect candidates for the ugly duckling of the famous fairytale. Both parents are devoted to the hatchlings, and cobbs are known for being territorial and extremely protective of them. “Whilst nesting and having young they can become more aggressive,” says Bob. “If they feel threatened, they’ll hiss and flap their powerful wings to intimidate anyone who gets too close. But I don’t think they’re capable of breaking someone’s arm - that’s just a common myth.” As the days get warmer and we reach the heart of spring, there couldn’t be a better time to see a striking pair of swans gliding along our county’s waters with their hatchlings. It’s an amazing and heartwarming sight to behold, and one of the many wonders of the season. Both fabulous and fascinating, mute swans are an enchanting element of nature and an important part of our history. If you

take a riverside stroll this spring, you’ll almost certainly spot some of these brilliant birds foraging for food in the sunshine, and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of some delightful little cygnets. In Norfolk we’re blessed with a wealth of amazing wildlife, so you’re guaranteed to see something wonderful. Wherever you go. For more features about local wildlife, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine May 2022

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KLmagazine May 2022

iCandy Peach All Terrain

Out ‘n’ About Nipper

Introducing your little one to a new world e great outdoors is an exciting new environment that provides extensive benefits or your child as Youngsters World explains

any new parents naturally worry about the dangers of taking their little ones outdoors and want to find the safest way to introduce them to the wider world. At Youngsters World on Norfolk street in King’s Lynn, Liz Harrison and her team are passionate about helping parents choose the right products to support their children outside, which is why they offer a comprehensive range of all-terrain pushchairs. “During the first few years of their lives, babies and toddlers are trying to make sense of the world around them,” says Liz. “One way they do this is by soaking up every sight, sound and experience they encounter, so being outside is incredibly important for their learning and development.” Being outdoors is an exciting sensory experience for babies and toddlers as they’re presented with a variety of vibrant colours, intriguing sounds, and interesting new scents. Whether they’re strapped in a carrier or nestled in a pushchair, babies enjoy the amazing visuals on offer when you

take them for a walk in the open and receive all kinds of stimulation they wouldn’t get indoors. Toddlers love the chance to explore and investigate different spaces and will embrace the freedom that the outdoors gives them to play and run around. “During the first few years of life, the brain develops at an extremely rapid rate,” says Liz. “Being outside is not only a fun experience for young children, the rich sensory environment can also benefit their cognitive development.” Out ‘n’ About The outdoor world Nipper can bring infants other Double wonderful benefits, as research shows that exposure to sunlight can help regulate their sleep cycles. For toddlers, playing outside can burn energy and build muscle, supporting their growth and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. “Prams and pushchairs are perfect for introducing young children to

the great outdoors as they’re secure, comfortable, and offer a scenic ride,” says Liz. “For parents with an active lifestyle, we recommend the Out ’N’ About brand as their lightweight and versatile all-terrain pushchairs are ideal for everyday use. The iCandy Peach All Terrain is another brilliant option as its easy one-hand fold and huge range of adaptors and accessories means it can easily adjust to fit your family’s needs.” Both ranges are well suited for trips to the beach, making it easier for you and your child to enjoy Norfolk’s beautiful coastline this summer. 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 May 2022

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

NEW SPRING W O STOCK NING V ARRI

Time Out Long Sutton Gifts & Interiors

Hair & Beauty Tucked upstairs is Time Out’s contemporary hair and beauty salon

4 High Street, Long Sutton, Lincolnshire PE12 9DB 01406 366789 www.timeoutlongsutton.com

Open: Mon 10-4 Tues appointments only Wed closed Thurs & Fri 10-4 Sat 10-3 Hair & Beauty - Late appointments Thurs & Fri

KLmagazine May 2022

Same wonderful results in a beautiful new setting

Welcoming new and existing clients to the wonders of DermaVita Holt

ver since it was founded in 2006 by the doctors and partners of Gayton Road Health and Surgical Centre in King’s Lynn, DermaVida built a reputation on offering the residents of west Norfolk a comprehensive range of high-end cosmeceutical aesthetic and medical laser treatments. Now, after nearly two decades of helping people look as good as they feel, they’re looking forward to a very bright future with a new name. “We’ve come a long way over the last 18 years and have treated thousands of clients to very high standards of care,” says founding member and medical lead Dr Leena Deol. “Towards the end of April, we seized the opportunity to

rebrand and relocate to new premises in Holt. It’s the same professional service and the same fantastic team it’s just in a brilliant new setting.” DermaVita Holt provides excellent holistic skincare with a wide range of top-quality cosmetic treatments including botox and fillers, laser hair reduction, Hydrafacial, skin tag removal, and more. “We want our customers to come into the clinic and feel they are being looked after,” says Dr Deol. “Every client is carefully assessed and offered a bespoke course of treatment based on their individual needs. There are some customers who have been coming to us since the very beginning because they trust what we deliver.” DermaVita’s priority is providing their clients with a high standard of service, which is why they strive to offer the latest products and procedures and have an extremely talented team of staff. Specialising in Paramedical and

DERMAVITA

COSMETIC & LASER CLINIC KLmagazine May 2022

Laser Therapies, Daniella has 17 years’ experience in the cosmetic industry and has worked in clinics in both the UK and Australia. Skin health expert Nicci has over 20 years’ experience and has worked as a Holistic Therapist, a brand trainer for various spas across the country, and a lecturer in Beauty Therapy. The clinic’s newest specialist Amy grew up in Blakeney, attended Gresham’s school in Holt, and embarked on a career in skin therapy in London – though she was thrilled at the chance to return to work in her beloved home county. “We’ve always been committed to making people feel great within themselves, and we’re delighted to be welcoming existing and new clients to DermaVita Holt,” says Dr Deol. “We’re incredibly proud of the amazing progress we’ve made so far and are very excited to be in a fresh new setting where we can expand and develop even further.”

The Coach House, High Street, Holt T: 01263 802333 / 07456425769 W: www.dermavitaholt.co.uk E: reception.dermavitaholt@outlook.com

25 6

With Summer here at last it’s time to match those bright skies with bold prints and multi-coloured designs. Our favourite local boutiques have plenty of exciting new ideas to help you enjoy the great outdoors AND look spectacular...

Jacket and colottes by Foil

ALLEZ CHIC Castle Rising

Lil red hoodie by Joules £3 (also available in navy)

THE HAYLOFT at BEARTS Stowbridge

KLmagazine May 2022

Dress by Milano

SHEILA TILLER Long Sutton

KLmagazine May 2022

allez chic Chic and affordable fashion for all ages

WEDDING GUEST DRESSES & OUTFITS Look no further for your perfect wedding guest attire at Allez Chic. You’ve got the invite - we’ve got the outfit! 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

KLmagazine May 2022

Shirt by Tribe + Fable

FOLLYOLOGY Holt

KLmagazine May 2022

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

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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

Lings Country Goods for all your country pursuits

KLmagazine May 2022

bringing together unique style + sustainability in a magical space ~ curating individual pieces for the individual.

CLOTHING Hoppers Yard, Bull Street, Holt NR25 6LN 01263 711455 follyology.co.uk

By appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Purveyor of Dress Fabrics and Haberdashery P.F.Day & Son King’s Lynn

The Fent Shop

Largest stock selection in West Norfolk with new stock arriving most weeks. Two floors of everything for your next sewing project. We look forward to your visit. Our opening hours are: 9.15am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday. Please follow our Facebook page for the latest updates @TheFentShop

Dress Fabrics

Curtain Fabrics Knitting Wool

Craft Fabrics Haberdashery

Net Curtains

41 Broad Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1DP | T: 01553 768613 | W: www.thefentshopkingslynn.co.uk 76

KLmagazine May 2022

“My clients report how calm and rejuvenated they feel...”

In Heacham, oa a

any of us lead busy and stressful lives and spend so much time worrying about others, we rarely find a moment for ourselves. The good news is that Sarah Jane Ward at Coastal Calm Reflexology is passionate about supporting people with their wellbeing, so is offering a deeply calming treatment for the face, mind, and soul. Developed by holistic beauty expert Ziggie Bergman, the revolutionary Zone Face Lift combines traditional reflexology and facial massage to help support collagen production and reduce tension in the face. It’s an innovative treatment that’ll leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and revitalised, and is considered by many an

e e oo y

effective alternative to Botox. “My clients report how calm and rejuvenated they feel” says Sarah. “Many are so comfortable they don’t want the treatment to finish, and they leave with a glow in their face and a spring in their step.” It’s an amazing experience unlike anything you’ve had before, and the results are simply astounding. For starters, it doesn’t take place in a clinic. Sarah welcomes you with open arms into a homely environment, so you’ll find yourself feeling relaxed before the treatment has even begun. Her professional skills combine with quality organic products and essential oils to treat your body physically, emotionally, and spiritually, leaving you looking and feeling like a new person. Sarah has recently studied with leading reflexologists to enhance her abilities and is now offering a treatment specifically for women approaching or at menopause. It’s the first programme of its kind to include face, hand, and foot reflexology in one treatment and

is tailored to support women with their own particular symptoms and wellbeing concerns. “By focusing on what we can control it enables women to feel empowered, happier and healthier,” says Sarah “The reflexology can help enhance skin elasticity and collagen production, which reduces by up to 30% at this time.” The programme includes advice and guidance after each session, and if there’s anyone who knows about health and wellbeing it’s Sarah. Her 37-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 to suit specific needs and rejuvenating facial reflexology sessions 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: Tel: 07592 455001 Email: sarahjane.reflexologist@gmail.com Web: www.coastalcalmreflexology.co.uk KLmagazine May 2022

Coastal Calm Reflexology 77

e inspiring oppy e d e a ar in nettisham has developed into a community o dynamic local businesses blooming with ideas

oppyfields Retail Park at Snettisham, just like a poppy, has grown from a seed and is now establishing its roots and starting to flourish. Created and developed by the current owner, the former Garden Centre at Snettisham has been transformed into 12 retail units including a fully refurbished, air-conditioned cafe. The Poppyfields site is now home to 11 businesses and is becoming increasingly popular with supporting and serving the local community, with a few more businesses to join the site this year. Each retail business at the site has its own success story to tell, with something unique to offer as well as being part of the growing community 78

at Poppyfields. The fabulous Poppylicious café opened its doors in August 2021, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. With comfotable seating and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of great tasting coffee – which is freshly roasted and delivered weekly. A scrumptious selection of deliciuous cakes, traybakes, and scones are made on site, and there’s also a full menu of hearty home-cooked breakfasts and delightful lunches. With it’s fantastic food, friendly staff and amazing customer reviews, it’s no wonder Poppylicious has become an increasingly popular destination for people in and around the local community. It’s already come

so far, and the charming café is looking forward to a very bright future. With plans to extend opening times to 7 days a week and create an outdoor seating area, Poppylicious is hoping to provide an even greater service to its customers. Many of the other forward-thinking companies at Poppyfields Retail Park have also got plenty going on. The newest business to join the site is Little Fish Aquatics UK, who opened up their new premisis in April this year. The popular family-run aquatic centre provides a range of equiptment, set ups and live fish for home and specialist aquariums and aims to provide customers with an enjoyable shopping experience. KLmagazine May 2022

In December Poppyfields saw the opening of Maldon Chocoalates, the skilled chocolatiers who make their own speciality chocolates on site. In addition to crafting some of the best tasting chocolate around they offer an impressive selection of quality greetings cards for all occasions, providing a comprehensive service to customers looking to buy that special gift. Next door is Christyana Fabrics and blinds who offer a bespoke service to their customers and display a range of stylish curtains, fabrics, blinds and accessories in their showroom. It’s the perfect place to find the best materials to compliment your home, with the latest patterns and styles to complete the look you desire. Last summer McAllisters Boutique opened its doors to bring a touch of class to Poppyfields with their array of quality fashion - including styles from Cornwall-based designer Seasalt, English-made country clothing from Oxford Blue and exquisite tailored suits by Marc Darcy. In addition to the clothing ranges are prestige brands such as Hatley, Harrington and Fable, which bring a stunning selection of handcrafted jewellery and handbags to the boutique. Next door to McAllisters is the mother and daughter team at Le Kiera hair salon, giving a real personal touch to their service, with no swapping between stylists for colours or washes - making it the perfect time for a fresh new look to welcome the summer season. Also bringing a sense of luxury to the site is the fabulous collection of prestige cars displayed on the edge of the main car park by Norfolk Automotive. Specialising in high-end performance vehicles, the company offer a top quality service to customers looking for something lavish with garunteed class.

KLmagazine May 2022

The site is also home to the award-winning design practice ACSArchitectural and its sister company Archi-Vis Studio, who produce sophisticated CGI images to support planning applications and promote new developments. With unprecedented demand over the last couple of years, ACS Architectural has continued to expand its family-run practice into a flourishing business based at Poppyfields. Innovative technology specialists GEM Software were one of the first businessesses to arrive at Poppyfields Retail Park, and they’ve experienced nothing but success ever since. The company provide a range of bespoke applications and system integrations to customers across the UK and Europe, and they’ve recently expanded their services to include website builds and support desk services for small businesses. After an astounding journey, Poppyfields Retail Park has established its roots and flowered into a thriving business hub – and its future just keeps getting brighter.

Poppyfields Drive, Snettisham, King’s Lynn PE31 7FR www.poppyfieldsretailpark.co.uk 79

ABOVE: Joe Bilton (left) and James Bilton (right) in their fantastic restaurant Allium, which they renovated themselves from scratch. Widely considered one of the best places to eat in the county, it’s renowned for amazing food, a wonderful ambience and impeccable service.

One innovative family, three brilliant businesses With a stylish salon, a fabulous boutique and a fantastic restaurant, the Bilton family have helped transform Downham Market from a quiet town to a delightful destination – with more plans for the future

rothers Joe and James Bilton have always been passionate about hairdressing, so when they opened their own luxurious salon on Downham Market High Street in 2017 with their sister Amy it was like a dream come true. Consisting of three floors, Bilton is not only an excellent hairdressers’ but also a wonderful bar and coffee shop. “We always liked the idea of combining a salon with a bar, they work really well together,” says Joe Bilton. “We’d seen it done before in the city and decided to go a step further by creating a café as well.” Inspired by a family friend who 80

worked as a mobile hairdresser, Joe went into the profession aged 13 and three years later got a job at a lavish hair salon in Cambridge - spending five years there before taking his experience to London to work for the renowned industry expert Daniel Galvin. James followed a similar path, starting with local clients and going on to work at professional salons such as Toni & Guy in Cambridge and Taylor Taylor in Liberty in London – though it wasn’t long before the brothers returned to their beloved hometown. “We both had a base of loyal customers back in Downham and fancied doing something closer to

home,” says Joe. “We’ve always been very creative and outgoing, so thought we’d try creating our own business. Cooking is another passion of mine, and Norfolk is famous for its fantastic food, so we opened Bilton’s Eating House in 2015.” Whilst single-handedly running the restaurant in Tottenhill, the pair were still busily hairdressing for clients in Downham - and two years later the salon came along. “We were delighted with the success of the first business, and the positive feedback we received inspired us to keep going,” says James. “We wanted to bring something different to the area, KLmagazine May 2022

so chose to combine three experiences in one with the hairdressers, bar, and café. Both businesses thrived from day one and by 2019 we were exhausted, so we decided to sell the restaurant and focus on the salon.” Whilst the enterprising duo were excelling in the business world, their mother Lesley Bilton was busy with an exciting project of her own. After much planning and decorating, she launched her fabulous boutique Ten Market Square, in October 2018. “I just love fashion,” she says. “I’d always wanted to open my own little clothes shop but never had the courage to do it and, whilst raising the family, I just didn’t have the time. But when the opportunity arose, I decided to go for it. I thought, well it’s now or never.” Situated opposite Downham Market’s famous clock tower, Ten Market Square boasts a wonderful selection of stylish clothing and accessories – all carefully handpicked by Lesley herself. “I like to see and feel the quality of what I’m buying,” she says. “I pick out things that catch my eye and often travel to countries like Spain, France, and Italy in search of stunning and unique styles.” With its cheerful pastel pink exterior and cosy feel, Ten Market Square is a lovely place to shop - and Lesley treats visitors to a very warm welcome. “I love chatting to customers and helping them find what they’re looking for,” she says. “A lot of people tend to go shopping by themselves and often appreciate having someone who knows

KLmagazine May 2022

their clothes there to offer advice. I want to help customers make the right choices so they can go out looking and feeling confident.” In 2020 the Bilton brothers embarked on yet another new venture, purchasing an old bank next door to the boutique and transforming it into a marvellous restaurant. With its moody décor, outstanding food and friendly atmosphere, Allium has been met with amazing success ever since it opened last July. “James and I had always liked the building, so when it became vacant we jumped at the chance to take it over,” says Joe. “We thought it would make a wonderful restaurant, though it desperately needed renovating. We did absolutely everything ourselves from scratch, and after a year of hard work it all clicked into place.” Allium offers everything from hearty breakfasts and scrumptious lunches to delicious dinners, desserts, and famous Sunday roasts (which are widely regarded as the best in Norfolk). A variety of incredible wines and cocktails can be found at both the restaurant and the salon, as well as a selection of homemade cakes and pastries. “With all three businesses, we want people to enjoy themselves and feel welcome,” says Joe. “James and I are proud to be giving something back to the town we grew up in, and mum is passionate about encouraging people like herself to gather the courage to open their own business.” She’s also proud of the family tradition. “What’s special is the fact we’re a family working together. Whether it’s out front or behind the scenes we always support each other,” she says. “We’re delighted with what we’ve achieved so far, though we couldn’t have done any of it without our amazing base of loyal customers. They’ve stuck by us from day one and, with their continued support and enthusiasm, we can’t wait to see what the future holds.” PICTURES: The dedicated team at Allium take pride in providing customers with a brilliant standard of service. The resturaunt offers a menu of high quality seasonal dishes - which are beautifully presented, made with locally sourced ingredients, and taste absoloutely divine.

1 High Sreet, Downham Market Tel: 01366 321357 Web: www.bilton.co.uk 82

10 Market Place, Downham Market Tel: 01366 380113

26 High Street, Downham Market Tel: 01366 321782 Web: www.alliumnorfolk.co.uk KLmagazine May 2022

KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • TILES • BEDROOMS • PLUMBING SUPPLIES

TRANSFORM YOUR BATHROOM into your very own sanctuary Visit our showroom today to see our stunning new bathroom displays

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We project manage your new installation from start to finish, co-ordinating all trades needed so that it’s a stress-free process Address 28-31a North End, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 1PE | Tel 01945 476797 Fax 01945 463495 | Web www.quaycentre.co.uk

or ol

One of the best things about a cheese board is that it’s completely adaptable to different seasons and occasions, but the real secret to a really good cheese board is variety. You want to give your guests lots of choices (four or five is ideal) and we’re lucky that Norfolk has a wide range of different textures and awardwinning flavours to discover. Add pickles, preserves, crackers and breads of your choice and a few slices of good charcuterie or pot of pâté - and you’ll have the perfect way to end any meal.

heese oard

RECOMMENDATIONS MRS TEMPLE’S BINHAM BLUE (200g) A pasteurised cow’s milk blue cheese that’s creamy with a well balanced depth of flavour NORFOLK TAWNY (200g) A semi-hard cheese with a texture similar to Caerphilly but with a truly unique flavour. Maker Arthur Betts of Ferndale Cheeses washes this cheese in Stoatwobbler beer from Beeston Brewery.

NORFOLK MARDLER (200g) Coming in a distinctive bright yellow wax, this eight-week matured goat cheese is deliciously creamy. It’s probably best described as rich, but isn’t too ‘goaty’ in flavour. MILLER’S ARTISAN BISCUITS (125g) These buttermilk biscuits are ultra thin and made with stoneground flour. They’re the perfect accompaniment to any cheese board.

SMOKED NORFOLK DAPPLE (200g) A cheddar-style cheese that’s gently smoked for 12 hours. Satisfyingly mature and full flavoured with a dry and hard texture. NORFOLK WHITE LADY (170g) A soft Ewe’s milk white cheese from Becky Enefer at Wilton Farm in Hockwold. Reminiscent of Brie it’s mild and creamy, but its ewe’s milk heritage delivers a slightly richer and stronger finish.

Assembled by The Norfolk Cheese Co. & Delicatessen 11 High Street, Downham Market PE38 9DA 01366 321750 | www.thenorfolkcheesecompany.co.uk 84

KLmagazine May 2022

In the heart of Downham Market, The or o ee e o e a e e showcases spectacular avours rom around the county

just love cheese. I always have, I and always will,” says Nina Narramore, who single-handedly founded The Norfolk Cheese Company in 2017. “It’s a fantastic food and there’s nothing I enjoy more than sharing it with others.” Her brilliant business began as a humble cheese and chutney market stall, which started off in Ely and found success in Downham, and it’s matured into a delightful deli that’s become the highlight of Downham Market’s high street. Before she turned her attention to the wonderful world of cheese, Nina worked for several media outlets and as a food developer for a global brand in Wisbech. “Whilst raising my children I wanted a dependable day job,” she says. “But as the family grew older I felt I needed to make a change and start doing

something I really loved. I chose to try my hand at some cheese mongering and instantly developed a passion for it, so I decided to turn it into a business.” After a few years of trading in Ely, Downham Market, Wisbech and King’s Lynn, Nina felt it was time to take things a step further. “During lockdown business really boomed as the market was the safest place to be,” she says. “I’d received lots of positive feedback, launched a successful online store, and built up an amazing customer base, so it seemed like the right time to make the leap from a stall to a shop.” After a great deal of hard work and some help from the family, Nina’s dream became a reality when The Norfolk Cheese Co. & Delicatessen opened its doors in June 2021. With its warm atmosphere, rustic feel, and astounding range of delicious delights, the charming store offers a unique and enjoyable shopping

The Norfolk Cheese Co. & Delicatessen KLmagazine May 2022

experience. Behind the counter you’ll find a selection of luxurious cheeses, from local delights including Binham Blue and flavourful Norfolk Dapple to incredible continental varieties like the creamy German Montagnolo. Around the rest of the shop, shelves are lined with a wealth of wonderful accompaniments including crackers, chutneys, cured meats, sweet treats, alcohol, oils, and pasta. “We try to stock things you wouldn’t typically find in a supermarket,” explains Nina. “The selection is constantly expanding, and I get excited every time something new comes in. I’m hoping to start selling tapas next, and plans are underway to turn the back of the shop into a cosy seating area.” With its passionate team, fantastic flavours and extremely bright future, The Norfolk Cheese Company is well worth a visit. “We’ve certainly got something for everyone,” says Nina “And you really are missing out if you haven’t tried Norfolk cheese.”

11 High Street, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 9DA Tel: 01366 321750 • Web: thenorfolkcheesecompany.co.uk Email: enquiries@thenorfolkcheesecompany.co.uk 85

ABOVE: Following his father’s footsteps, fisherman John Lee has been sailing out to catch crabs in Cromer since 1979. His parents set up a crab stall in 1957, and John still trades from the very same place today. The fresh and flavourful Cromer crab (left) is an iconic Norfolk staple.

A taste of Norfolk’s coastal classic

ich in both history and avour the delectable Cromer crab is the gem o the orth or ol coast and it s amous or being one o the best sea ood dishes in the country

he charming coastal town of Cromer is well-known for many reasons - it boasts two splendid blue flag beaches, a fabulous pier (with the only full-season end-of-pier show in the world) and a collection of vibrant independent shops and cafés. But what puts this place on the national food map isn’t its spectacular scenery - it’s the succulent seafood caught along its shoreline. Cromer crabs are famous worldwide, appearing on high-end restaurant menus across the country and tempting thousands of tourists to Norfolk every year. They’re one of the county’s most famous exports, and approximately 80% of the crabs caught in Norfolk are landed at Cromer or Sheringham. KLmagazine May 2022

They’re the same species of brown crab (Cancer pagarus) found all around the UK, but the Cromer catch is renowned for its delicate, sweet flavour and high ratio of white meat to dark. This is because Cromer crabs live in the nutrient-rich chalk shelf that lies just offshore, where there is less mud than in other locations. This fresh, pure environment makes them particularly fragrant and tender, and supports plenty of the smaller ‘clean-living’ crustaceans on which the crabs feed. Crab fishing is a key part of Cromer’s culture and heritage and, though there are no exact records of when it began, it’s thought to have started in the early 18th century. The first written account of a crab industry in the area appears in a

guidebook published in 1800 and written by a man named Edmond Burtell. “Lobster, crabs, whiting, cod-fish and herring are all caught here in the finest perfection,” it says. It also records that Cromer had a considerable trade with London in corn and crabs at this time, a business which increased through the 19th century. In 1875 there were 150 crab boats recorded in the area and by 1887, 544 people were fishing for a living in Sheringham and Cromer - just over 20% of the combined population of around 2,700. Today Cromer crabs are caught in a traditional and sustainable way, using baited pots made by local fishermen. These have a rectangular wooden 87

“A good, dressed crab with a little pepper and vinegar and a slice or two of bread and butter can’t be beaten...” frame surrounding a cast-iron weight and two opposite openings covered by a tunnel of netting. The crabs are caught live and checked for size (the minimum legal shell span of a Cromer crab is 115mm) and fishermen carefully return any undersized crabs to the sea, allowing them to happily scuttle away unharmed after feasting on the bait in the pots. Though it’s not as popular as it was a couple of centuries ago, Crab fishing is still an important industry in Cromer and is a profession that has been passed down through generations. Fisherman John Lee has been catching crabs in Cromer for over 42

years and still sails out in search of them today. “I left school in 1979, one month before my sixteenth birthday, and immediately joined my father on the family boat”, he says. “If I trace my heritage back though my mother’s side then I’m probably an eighth-generation fisherman. My parents started selling crabs from the front yard of the family home in 1957 and 64 years later I’m still trading from the very same place.” John is at sea for four to five hours a day, although at the height of the season (usually May and June) he often works 15-hour days finding, catching and preparing crabs. Once caught the crabs must be cooked and dressed ready for sale which, according to John, isn’t a particularly thrilling task. “Dressing crabs is definitely the most laborious part of my day and it takes several hours,” he says. “Being a fisherman is also hard work at times and the job is completely controlled by the weather. The best part is being at sea early on a fine morning and witnessing a glorious Norfolk sunrise. The worst part, however, is getting cold and wet on rougher days.”

John sells most of his crabs directly at his family shop or at his seafood restaurant, and the rest are supplied to local café’s and pubs. Overall, his entire catch is sold in Cromer, in a variety of different dishes. However, John believes the best way to enjoy a succulent Cromer crab is the simplest. “The less you do to it the better,” he says. “In my opinion a good, dressed crab with a little pepper and vinegar and a slice or two of bread and butter can’t be beaten. Although I have to confess that I’ve co-written a cookbook ‘From Pot to Plate’ which showcases a wide range of recipes and the incredible versatility of the crab.” So next time you indulge in a Cromer crab whilst sitting on the picturesque pier, think of the incredible history behind the delicious dish and the generations of local fishermen who worked for hours on end to give you a true taste of Norfolk.

LEFT: John Lee on his boat returning undersized crabs to the sea.

IMAGE: © PA

KLmagazine May 2022

CURRENT OPENING TIMES: Tuesday-Friday am - pm & Saturday am- pm

EW !

FRESH CROMER CRABS & LOCAL LOBSTERS Now back in season

e sun is out Get the BBQ on!

FRESH ROLLED SUSHI Now available thurs, fri & sat olives from afar Don’t forget! an easy supper Local Samphire will make an appearance at the end of June, as will cockles!

SEAFOOD PLATTERS AVAILABLE TO ORDER

Father’s Day Sunday 1 th June

DONALDSONS

resh taste o the sea 0

New SummerMeuu!

Fresh Local Produce, AA Rosette and a Tranquil Setting. OPEN DAILY TO ALL I DINNER SERVED 6.00 - 8.30PM BOOK ONLINE: www.heacham-manor.co.uk/eat/mulberry-restaurant PLEASE SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW MENU

HEACHAM MANOR HOTEL, HUNSTANTON ROAD, HEACHAM, NORFOLK PE31 7JX

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Turning up the heat this summer... Outdoor living has never looked so stylish, tasted so good or felt more luxurious thanks to the Norfolk Leisure collection for 2 22

or more than 30 years Norfolk Leisure has been offering the very best in outdoor luxury, adding inspiring, prestigious, and eco-friendly furniture and accessories to all outdoor spaces. Founded by Nick Anderson and based just outside King’s Lynn, Norfolk Leisure has always focused on cutting-edge designs, high quality materials, and a responsible approach to sourcing. It’s a formula that’s seen the company become one of the most respected names in the business, supplying some of the biggest retailers and garden centres in the country and helping private clients and developers transform their exteriors with worldclass standards of design. 90

“As people have made the most of their gardens over the last two years we’ve been extraordinarily busy,” says commercial manager Spencer Harnwell. “We’ve seen an unprecedented demand for our garden and patio furniture, and that’s going to continue in 2022.” From its seven-acre home, Norfolk Leisure offers everything you could possibly need to create an inspiring outdoor environment. The 2022 collection includes handpicked pieces that reflect current market trends, and garden must-haves such as parasols, gazebos and essential garden accessories. It also features the incredibly luxurious LIFE Outdoor Living range, which includes the remarkable

All-Weather cushion - specially designed to be left outside all summer long. “As everyone spends more time outdoors, we’ve seen an increased popularity when it comes to outdoor cooking garden accessories” says Spencer. “We knew it was a great time add to our already extensive product range by introducing our very own Norfolk Grills BBQ range, which is really easy to use looks absolutely fantastic.” Transforming your outdoor cooking space is easy thanks to the Norfolk Grills BBQ range. Comprising highquality gas, electric and charcoal models and the premium stainless steel outdoor kitchens, they’re complemented by an array of amazing KLmagazine May 2022

ABOVE: The introduction of the Norfolk Grills range of gas, electric and charcoal BBQs is changing the way people enjoy their outdoor cooking, and is fully-endorsed by brand ambassador and Michelin star chef Galton Blackiston (right). It’s just one of the ways in which Norfolk Leisure is tansforming our exterior spaces.

practical features to enhance your grilling experience. With the BBQ market already home to some impressive brands and products, Norfolk Leisure had to turn up the heat when it came to the big launch, and they didn’t have to look to far to find someone to fit the bill. Born and bred in Norfolk, Galton Blackiston is one of the very few chefs in the whole country to have held a Michelin star for over 20 years. His Morston Hall hotel and restaurant on the north Norfolk coast has been judged one of the best 1,000 restaurants in the world and was recently voted Best Food Hotel of the Year by the Good Food Guide. The author of four award-winning cookery books and with a true commitment to Norfolk’s natural food and coastal produce, Galton couldn’t have been a more suitable choice to become Norfolk Grills’ brand ambassador. KLmagazine May 2022

“Norfolk Grills is the most exciting range of BBQ’s to hit the UK for a long time and we’re extremely proud of the time and investment our team has taken to bring this striking collection to market,” says Managing Director Nick Anderson. “We are also really excited to have such a talented chef as Galton Blackiston help us launch the collection”. Norfolk Leisure has some exciting projects planned for Norfolk Grills which they’ll be working on alongside Galton. The focus will be to inspire people around the county and across the country to cook more than just the standard BBQ dishes - while highlighting the importance of using quality ingredients that are sustainably sourced.

When the time comes to keeping family and friends occupied during the warmer months, cooking a truly delicious pizza is something guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Norfolk Leisure’s complete 2022 Collection catalogue can be downloaded from the company’s website, and Spencer is keen to point out that his team is always available at the end of the phone for help and advice. If you’d like to explore the possibilities and take a look in person the showroom at Setchey is open 7 days a week from 10am-4pm. It’s time to discover Norfolk Leisure – for exceptional designs, high-quality materials, and a fresh approach to your outdoor lifestyle.

Garage Lane, Setchey, King’s Lynn PE33 0AX Tel: 01553 811717 Email: sales@norfolkleisure.co.uk Web: www.norfolkleisurelifestyle.com 91

It’s the ideal venue for the perfect event e beer shop has doubled in size the restaurant has introduced an exciting new menu and the anti ues centre has never been busier ere s probably never been a better time to visit Beers of Europe

t’s hardly surprising that increasing numbers of people are flocking to Setchey just outside King’s Lynn at the moment. Because 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 who are about to make another return visit), and a new bar and restaurant that’s taking the area by storm. Since the Warehouse Taproom Bar and Restaurant opened it’s become a popular destination for fabulous breakfasts, delicious lunches and 92

memorable dinners thanks to the inspired dishes of the head chef and the talented kitchen team. “We’ve been genuinely amazed by the public’s response to the restaurant and the bar,” says marketing manager Amanda Waterfield. “We’ve extended our opening hours and have recently introduced Sunday Roasts, which have been received incredibly well and are usually fully booked. We’ve just launched a new menu for our evening meals, and we’re always offering beers that can’t be found anywhere else in the UK. It’s amazing when you learn that someone’s come all the way from America or Australia just to visit you. We

must be doing something right!” Part of that success is undoubtedly down to the versatility of this wonderful space for special events and occasions. The stylish glass entrance leads to a custom-built bar that manages to combine industrial design with rustic touches to achieve a wonderful effect. This is a very warm and inviting space, and it’s one that can be adapted to suit your needs. Although the venue has plenty of spaces perfect for small groups of up to 30 people, the Function Room is ideal for bigger private birthdays or anniversaries, wakes or business functions. KLmagazine May 2022

A taste of the

MENU STARTERS

Warehouse Rarebit Dark ale rarebit served toasted on a granary loaf with a pea shoot salad

King Prawn Pils-Pils With a special spiced oil and sourdough bread Whether you’re looking for a buffet or a hog roast this is the ideal setting for all members of the family - especially with a specially designed and environmentally friendly children’s playground. The outdoor areas and antique centre are also totally dogfriendly. “Our approach has always been to make people feel welcome and offer an unique experience,” says Amanda. “As we enter the summer season we’ve got some really exciting ideas and I’d encourage people to visit our social media channels to find out more and make sure they don’t miss out.” In addition to the fantastic food on offer, there’s an amazingly extensive drinks menu serving a huge range of bottled and draught beers - with over 70 hand-picked spirits from locallyproduced gins to speciality liqueurs. And when you find something to your taste (which you undoubtedly will) don’t

Prepare for a summer of celebrations... We’ve got some really exciting ideas planned for the next few months please visit our website to book your tickets and make sure you don’t miss out on a unique experience!

Ham Hock Terrine 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 forget that you can pop next door and buy some to take home with you. “We’ve just completed a project that’s seen the beer shop double in size,” says director Daniel Clark. “It can be somewhat overwhelming to be faced with thousands of different beers from all around the world, so we’ve made everything easier to find and more enjoyable to discover.” And as the weather warms up and the days get longer, the Warehouse Taproom Bar and Restaurant is likely to become even busier - a programme of summer music festivals, weekly quizzes and events is already in the planning It’s hard to escape the conclusion that this may well be the most exciting destination in the area. “We’re one big happy family here and we’re always pleased to welcome you to our home,” says Daniel. “Just make sure you leave enough time to see and enjoy everything.”

Steak Ragu Served on a nest of fresh egg pappardelle pasta with a rich smoked tomato ragu topped with parmesan and basil

Line-caught Mussels Served in a creamy Chardonnay and garlic broth with crusty sourdough topped with fresh parsley.

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

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

KLmagazine May 2022

BOOK A TABLE Please call 01553 812000

ABOVE: Asparagus is a popular spring vegetable with a delightful fresh flavour. It’s grown all over the world and thrives in desert regions, though British asparagus is renowned for its fantastic taste and tender quality.

Making the most of Norfolk asparagus Asparagus has been popular in Britain since Roman times, and with spring in full swing the crop’s short season means there are few places you ll find it resher than at t ohn s arm in eachamwell

ith its vibrant colour and wonderful flavour, asparagus is a real spring treat. A delicious and versatile veg, it’s one of the fastest growing crops in existence - though its season is incredibly short and sweet, lasting only 8 weeks. British asparagus is widely regarded as the best in the world, as its slower growth in our cool climate makes it extremely flavourful and tender. Situated on 1600 acres of Norfolk’s beautiful Brecklands, St John’s farm in Beachamwell produces some of the finest and freshest asparagus in the KLmagazine May 2022

country. The desert plant thrives on the area’s sandy soils, and skilled farmer Tom Sanderson has been growing it there for a quarter of a century. Traditionally running from St George’s Day (23rd April) to Midsummer’s Day (21st June), asparagus season is one of Tom’s busiest times of the year. Sourcing high quality crowns from Holland, he started growing it on a small scale in 1997, though he’s now got around 70 acres of the crop. “Breckland asparagus has a truly wonderful flavour and there’s nothing quite like it,” he says. “It’s a difficult plant to establish but, once it gets going, it’s well worth the effort.”

Growing the crop is certainly a task that takes plenty of patience, as you must wait three years before you can harvest a single spear. Within the first year of planting the crowns will produce small green shoots and, though it may be tempting to pick them, it’s crucial they’re left alone. “If you let them grow the spears will develop into tall feathery ferns, which enable the plants to generate energy through photosynthesis,” explains Tom. “This puts carbohydrates into the crowns and makes them stronger. The number of spears you get the following spring depends on the amount of food stored in the crown the previous 95

summer. At the end of the second year of growth, you should have larger crowns with enough energy to provide you with a crop the next season.” The initial wait is certainly worthwhile as asparagus is a perennial veg, meaning it crops year after year. Once the crowns are fully established, they can continue producing spears for up to twenty years. However, though growing asparagus can be rewarding, harvesting it is another challenge entirely. “About 60% of the cost of farming the crop is in the cutting,” says Tom. “Nearly every spear is cut by hand and it’s a tough job, so I gather a hardworking group of pickers to help out every year.” The skilled team of cutters work behind a rig, combing the fields for succulent spears to slice. The asparagus is brought straight down to the farm, where it’s carefully sorted by size and cut to exactly 20cm in length. Each spear is then graded by diameter and put into three different categories before being bundled, boxed, and chilled. “When it comes to selling the crop, I specialise in London wholesale markets as they showcase some of the best produce in the country,” says Tom. “Asparagus is finest at its freshest, so I aim to take it to market the same day it’s been cut, if not the morning afterwards.” Though he takes most of his crop to the capital, Tom also visits markets in Downham and Norwich and sets up a shop at the farm itself. Situated at the main gate, it opens on the day that cutting begins and closes at the end of the season. “The asparagus we sell on the farm comes straight from the field,” says Tom “It’s cut, sorted, neatly bundled, and sold in just a matter of hours – you can’t get much fresher than that.” The shop also stocks other delicious delights including strawberries from

Brandon Bank, fresh fruit juices from Ashill, and a variety of local jams, chutneys, and sauces. “I’m a proud supporter of local produce and enjoy showcasing the amazing things our county has to offer,” says Tom. “A local company designed the label for the asparagus, and I even try and hire a local van to take it to market.” There really is nothing quite like asparagus – especially when it’s Norfolk grown. It’s a versatile veg with an

ABOVE: The asparagus at St John’s Farm is harvested by hand and brought down to the main gate where it’s cut, sorted, bundled, and labelled. BELOW: Every year Tom Sanderson opens a farm shop during asparagus season, offering freshly sliced bundles of the delicious veg as well as a selection of quality local produce.

incredible flavour, whether it’s steamed, boiled, roasted, grilled or added to salads and risottos. “My favourite way to eat asparagus is one of the simplest,” says Tom. “I boil it for no more than five minutes and serve it with a runny egg. It’s lovely served with butter and salt or even with some hollandaise, but nothing beats the taste of asparagus dipped in egg.” It’s a fantastic food however you choose to enjoy it and, with the season being so short, its important to make the most of it while you can. For more delicious features on local produce, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine May 2022

New SummerMeuu!

Now available, casual dining and incredible views. OPEN DAILY TO ALL I FOOD SERVED 7.30AM - 4.30PM BOOK ONLINE: www.heacham-manor.co.uk/eat/the-pavilion PLEASE SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW MENU

HEACHAM MANOR HOTEL, HUNSTANTON ROAD, HEACHAM, NORFOLK PE31 7JX

THE PAVILION SUMMER MENU HALF KL MAGAZINE APRIL 22 AW.indd 1

12/04/2022 14:35

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 KLmagazine May 2022

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

KLmagazine May 2022

A warm welcome awaits you at The Cartshed With its friendly team and tempting treats, The ar ed earoo in Great Massingham is a truly delightful place to visit...

enowned for delicious cakes and scrumptious scones, the cheerful and charming Cartshed Tearoom is one of Norfolk’s most wonderful hidden gems. A proud part of Great Massingham (recently named as one of the best places to live in the East of England), the cosy community hub is tucked behind the nationally recognised Massingham Stores & Post Office. “Last year Massingham Stores was named UK Independent Store of The Year in the National Retail Industry Awards,” says Mark Eldridge, the proud owner of both businesses. “Winning such a prestigious title was an incredible feeling and a dream come

true, and this year we’re hoping to bring The Cartshed into the limelight too.” The Cartshed was created by converting a derelict garage behind the shop into a stylish tearoom - and was named after the building’s original use. With its scenic setting and lovingly decorated interior, it’s a comfortable café with a warm and friendly feel. Managed by Jemma Whitmore, The Cartshed has delighted visitors with homemade breakfasts, light lunches and amazing afternoon teas ever since it opened in August 2020. “We regularly receive compliments for the friendliness of our staff and the quality of our food,” says Mark. “Wherever possible we ensure our ingredients are locally sourced, as we like to support Norfolk businesses and celebrate what our county has to offer.” Behind the counter there’s always a selection of luxurious sweet treats, which pair perfectly with the café’s own blend coffees, organic teas, and awardwinning hot chocolates. “The cakes and pastries are freshly baked every morning by our talented

team, and we take pride in using our own recipes,” says Mark. “We’ve become known for our incredible cheese scones, which are made to a recipe given to us by our dearly departed friend Nancy Kellogg. The first time we tried them we instantly loved them, and we continue to use the recipe as a tribute to her.” As the weather gets warmer, The Cartshed is set for an extremely bright summer. As well as cosy indoor seating, the tearoom boasts two lovely patio areas (one overlooking the green) which opened for the first time last spring. A recently obtained alcohol licence has also seen beers, ciders, wines and spirits added to the menu, so customers can sit overlooking the picturesque village green and enjoy a glass of prosecco in the sunshine. “We are looking forward to a really wonderful summer,” says Mark. “I’m thrilled with the progress The Cartshed has made so far, and we’ve got lots of exciting plans for the future.”

View the latest menu and book your table at www.thecartshedtearoom.co.uk Church Lane, Station Road (behind the post office) Great Massingham, Norfolk PE32 2HY | Tel: 01485 520272

KLmagazine May 2022

Thornham Deli, High Street Thornham, PE36 6LX T: 01485 512 194 www.thornhamdeli.co.uk

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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KLmagazine May 2022

Cannon of lamb Wellington with sa ron potatoes local asparagus bacon lardons peas mint baby gem ricass e

INGREDIENTS (Serves 2) Cannon of lamb 8 chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped 1 shallot, finely diced 2 sprigs of thyme 1 clove garlic, finely diced Good handful of baby leaf spinach Puff pastry 1 egg yolk 2 large potatoes, peeled Pinch of saffron 2 rashers smoked bacon, cut into lardons 1 baby gem lettuce Garden peas Bunch of asparagus Splash of double cream Seasoning

METHOD 1 While preheating the oven to 180°c, fry off the shallot, garlic and thyme for 5 minutes, add the mushrooms and allow to simmer for a further 5 minutes. Set aside. 2 In another pan, wilt down the spinach and set aside. 3 Sear off the cannon of lamb and season. 4 Lay out the ready-rolled puff pastry, place the mushroom mix in the centre in a rectangle shape that’s double the depth of the lamb. Lay the wilted spinach on top followed by the lamb and gently roll the pastry to fully encase it. Seal with egg yolk and glaze all over. Set aside on a baking tray ready for the oven.

Recipe by Thornham Deli High Street, Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LX 01485 512194 www.thornhamdeli.co.uk KLmagazine May 2022

5 For the saffron potatoes, push through with a small circle cutter and trim to neaten. Place in a pan with a pinch of saffron and gently simmer until the potatoes are cooked through (about 20-25 minutes). 6 While the potatoes are cooking, place the Wellington in the oven for 18-20 minutes. 7 For the fricassée, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for around 3 minutes and refresh under cold water. Shred the lettuce and set aside. 8 Cut the bacon into small lardons and fry off in a separate hot pan. Add the lettuce, asparagus, peas and mint and then finish with a splash of double cream and season enough to coat. 9 To plate, take the Wellington out and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Dot the potatoes opposite on the plate, place the fricassée in the middle, slice the Wellington into four pieces and gently place on top of the fricassée. Finish with a small pot of jus.

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When business has community at its heart King’s Lynn is currently undergoing something of a renaissance, and one of the driving forces behind the town’s new-found pride is Michael Baldwin. KL magazine talks to the Businessperson of the Year...

n March 4th Michael Baldwin took to the stage at the Alive Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn to receive the award for Businessperson of the Year at the Mayor’s Business Awards 2022. Michael was born in King’s Lynn and spent his early years living over pubs and becoming used to the hotel environment. His grandparents had met while serving in the RAF and moved to Norfolk in the 1960s to run the Wash & Tope in Hunstanton and the King William at Sedgeford. “To be honest there was never any doubt I’d ever do anything else,” he says. “It was an environment I’d grown up with, and as soon as I was able I started working in the pubs my parents owned in Sheringham.” When he was 20, Michael joined the Duke’s Head Hotel in King’s Lynn as restaurant supervisor before deciding he needed a change of scene. He spent two years in London before relocating to Bournemouth - where he ran two successful jazz cafes and became the general manager of a 5-star hotel. It was always his intention to move back to Norfolk however, and after a short return to the Duke’s Head Hotel in King’s Lynn he applied for the position of restaurant manager at the historic Bank House opposite the town’s iconic Custom House. “Running a big hotel is all well and good, but I was missing the personal contact and day-to-day interaction with guests,” he says. “It got the point where I was spending more time with paperwork than I was with customers.” Owners Anthony and Jeanette Goodrich thought Michael was overqualified, so offered him the role of General Manager at Bank House - even though they weren’t looking for one at the time. Since then he’s helped the business, establishing it as one of west Norfolk’s ‘must-visit’ destinations for food, drink, and socialising and taking it over towards the end of 2018. “Bank House is now such an entrenched part of the community that even a global pandemic didn’t stop our customers supporting us,” he says. “Since we’ve been able to re-open it’s been really interesting to see both older and younger people taking ownership of Bank House and making it ‘their’ place.” But if you thought Michael was content to rest on his laurels (the Good Pub Guide has voted Bank House one of the UK’s Top Ten Town Pubs for the last four years) you’d be sadly mistaken. He’s the co-owner of The Wenns KLmagazine May 2022

PICTURES: The award of Businessperson of the Year earlier this year recognised Michael Baldwin’s commitment to supporting King’s Lynn - including his development of the town’s iconic and increasingly popular Bank House (top) and his role in helping revitalise The Wenns (bottom) on the corner of the Saturday Market Place

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ABOVE: The Ferry Inn at Horning is one of the oldest and most picturesque pubs in Norfolk, and is currently in the early stages of a major refurbishment project that will take it another level. “This is a fantastic location and it has a huge amont of potential,” says co-owner Michael Baldwin. “We’re really excited about giving it a new lease of life.”

Chop & Ale House and played a central role in the complete redesign and relaunch of this historic venue on the Saturday Market Place in King’s Lynn. With the help of Paul Turner he’s expanded the outside catering business of Bank House Events, which now includes Christmas celebrations at the Town Hall in King’s Lynn, private parties at Congham High House and outside bars in Holbeach. And as if he didn’t have enough on his plate, he’s about to open Baldwins of King’s Lynn in the former Arterton’s premises on the town’s High Street. This is a delicatessen for the 21st century. The vast majority of the meats and cheeses are sourced locally, and the fish is smoked on site. It’s

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completely plastic free, and customers can buy weighed products to help cut down on food waste. The on-site ‘dark kitchen’ will also benefit Bank House Events, since demand for its outside catering is fast outstripping the capacity of its own kitchens. Michael even enlisted business degree students at the College of West Anglia to help with the interior concepts and styling, a project which will form part of their course studies. And let’s not overlook the fact that he’s also recently become the coowner of one of the most iconic pubs on the Norfolk Broads. The Ferry Inn at Horning is built on the site of a monastic ‘mead house’ that dates back almost 1,000 years and has been serving both land- and waterborne guests ever since. “It’s a beautiful location, it’s a fantastic building, and it has huge potential,” says Michael. “We’re currently in the very first stages of a four-year building project that will see it transformed into an 18-bedroom retreat - and

we’re planning to open the first seven bedrooms later this year.” You may be tempted to view this as the building of a business empire, but Michael’s main focus has always been on promoting his home town. He’s been the area President of the local Chamber of Commerce for the last four years. He’s Vice Chairman of the Town Deal Board and is championing the multi-million pound redevelopment of the St. George’s Guildhall complex into a multi-purpose venue and creative hub. He’s on the Festival Too committee, helping organise one of the biggest free music festivals in Europe. He’s also a board member of Discover King’s Lynn (the steering group of the town’s Business Improvement District) working to create a more vibrant town where businesses prosper, communities thrive and visitors return. It’s an extraordinary effort. “One of the main reasons Bank House has been so successful is because of the support we’ve received from the local community, so I think it’s only natural we should give something back,” says Michael. “King’s Lynn has so much to offer. We’ve got a proud history, a wealth of unique buildings, and a fantastic food and drink offering. We just need to let more people know about it.”

KLmagazine May 2022

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ABOVE: As part of a long-term strategy for the future of King’s Lynn, the Town Deal Board is currently making the case for an investment of £25 million from the government for a host of regenerative and community-based projects

Building a bold new vision for King’s Lynn an s to the wor o the own eal oard an exciting new chapter is being written in the story o ynn as the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk explains

lans to transform King’s Lynn are moving on apace with the recent completion of the School of Nursing Studies and the unveiling of the vision for St George’s Guildhall. Below Town Deal Board Members Graham Purkins, David Pomfret, and Vicky Etheridge, update us on Vision King’s Lynn, the Town Investment Plan and some of the projects that are already happening. Graham Purkins, Chief Technical Officer at Merxin and Chair of the Town Deal Board explains that the Town Investment Plan was developed with insight from the community and sets out the Board’s vision and priorities for

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the town. It focuses on transformational projects that make the most of the town’s assets, provide opportunities for growing businesses, develop and align skills to those business needs, and attract more people into the town. “The Town Investment Plan is a comprehensive document with a host of projects that we want to deliver over the next few years,” he says. “Our current focus is submitting business cases to secure our £25m allocation of Town Deal Funding from Government. Of this, £687k has been secured for the Public Realm Road to River Project and the King’s Lynn Youth and

Retraining Pledge and these projects are underway. In addition, we secured £597k Accelerated Town Deal Funding to develop the School of Nursing Studies, which is now complete. “We continue to work on the business cases for other projects including St George’s Guildhall, the Multi-Use Community Hub, Active and Clean Connectivity, Riverfront Regeneration and Town Centre Repurposing. “That’s not an easy task given the soaring costs in virtually every sector and the Board is constantly monitoring costs, reprioritising and reshaping the plans to work within the town’s Fund offer. As part of a long-term KLmagazine May 2022

Meet your Town Deal Board members 1

1 GRAHAM PURKINS Chief Technical Officer, Merxin and Chair of the Town Deal Board 2 MICHAEL BALDWIN Bank House/The Wenns, Deputy Chair of the Town Deal Board and Champion for St George’s Guildhall 3 JAMES WILD MP North-West Norfolk Constituency 4 THE RT REVD DR JANE STEEN Bishop of Lynn, Champion for Multi-Use Community Hub 5 CLLR NICK DAUBNEY Norfolk County Councillor, Freebridge Division 6 CLLR GRAHAM MIDDLETON Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Heritage, Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk 7 CLLR RICHARD BLUNT Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk 8 LORRAINE GORE Chief Executive, Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk 9 DAVID POMFRETT Principal, College of West Anglia, Champion for Youth and Retraining Pledge and School of Nursing Studies 10 VICKY ETHERIDGE Manager, Discover King’s Lynn (BID) – Champion for Public Realm and Town Centre Repurposing 11 RIK MARTIN Acting Chief Executive Officer, Community Action Norfolk 12 BRENDAN LEGROVE Commercial Director, Greenyard Frozen UK Ltd, Champion for Active and Clean Connectivity 13 ANDREW STEVENSON Solicitor, Hawkins Ryan 14 JAMES FOWLER Business Development Manager, Uptech Ltd, Champion Town Deal Communications and Riverfront Regeneration 15 LISA ROBERTS New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership

strategy the plans all remain part of the overarching vision in the Town Investment Plan so we will be ready to bid for any future funding opportunities. The future for King’s Lynn is looking very exciting indeed.” SCHOOL OF NURSING STUDIES Construction of this £0.9m facility began last March and the project is now complete. This state-of-the-art modular building comprises a clinical room mirroring a new-scale hospital ward, a high-tech simulation suite and a skills room and is the first further education facility in the UK to boast KLmagazine May 2022

high-tech simulation mannequins which can replicate functions such as breathing, pulses, convulsions, temperature and blood pressure. The models can also simulate sweating, bleeding and pupil dilation, and provide an opportunity for students to develop their skills and knowledge by recreating authentic clinical scenarios. Following a recent Nursing and Midwifery Council visit, the facility expects to receive accreditation to deliver Level 5 Nursing Associate Apprenticeships in conjunction with Anglia Ruskin University. The first cohort of QEH apprentices 107

ABOVE: The new School of Nursing Studies in King’s Lynn features state-of-the-art technology and several innovative teaching aids - it’s the first further education facility in the UK to cutting-edge and lifelike ‘simulation mannequins’

began in January at Anglia Ruskin’s Peterborough School and will transfer to the Lynn school in the next few months. The next round of interviews take place this month at the School of Nursing Studies (with ARU and QEH) for the September cohort, with plans to recruit a further 30 local candidates. “I am passionate about this facility and the opportunity it creates for people to start a nursing career, and for existing healthcare practitioners to upskill, locally,” says David Pomfret, College of West Anglia Principal and Project Champion. “These facilities and the collaboration with partners are truly high class and will make such a difference to west Norfolk. I’m delighted that this is the first Town Investment Plan project to be completed.” PUBLIC REALM Vicky Etheridge, Discover King’s Lynn Manager (BID), and Project Champion explains: “This project has been the subject of a huge amount of public engagement. We already have initial proposals ready and now that the government funding has been released, we can start procuring the street furniture and other items. “Thanks to the government’s Welcome Back Fund we have already put in replacement signage around the town which is designed to get visitors to explore our heritage as well as enjoy 108

the town centre. “We are now submitting an Arts Council bid to fund some public art and we will be seeking support from the community once again to help us select designs for the route from rail to river.” KING’S LYNN YOUTH AND RETRAINING PLEDGE The King’s Lynn Youth and Retraining Pledge business case was the first to be submitted and approved. The team is being recruited and work is well under way. Early plans will involve engaging with young people to develop a name and brand for this project. The team will then be engaging with local employers and training providers. “The Youth and Retraining Pledge offers more than 400 young people, including 15–18-year-olds in education, unemployed 18–25-year-olds, and 18–30-year-olds in the workplace, the opportunity to raise aspirations, improve participation in further and higher education and helps to enhance employability and career opportunities,” says David Pomfret, Principal, College of West Anglia and Project Champion, added. “We are delighted to be part of this project, which will improve access to education opportunities available in the local area leading to improved employment prospects.”

FIND OUT MORE To view the Town Investment Plan, find out more about the Town Deal Board and the £25m Towns Fund check out: Website: Visionkingslynn.co.uk Twitter: vision_Lynn Instagram: visionkingslynn LinkedIn: vison-kings-lynn Facebook: visionkingslynn KLmagazine May 2022

KL M

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KLmagazine May 2022

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ou may not have been aware but there are 7 stages of male pattern baldness which can be visibly measured on what is known as the Norwood Hamilton Scale. This is a pictorial chart demonstrating the severity of each stage with 7 being the most advanced. Male pattern balding, also called androgenic alopecia, is one of the most common reasons that men lose hair as they get older, and it is also a leading cause of depression in men, especially when the hair loss is so severe that it is high-ranking on the Norwood Scale. Factors that lead to male pattern baldness can be genetic or environmental or, in some cases the result of both. Genetic male pattern baldness refers to a family history of balding and hair loss. These symptoms of baldness are associated with the hormone dihydrotestosterone (also known as DHT). When DHT builds up in the hair follicles over time, it shrinks

the hair follicle’s growth phase and ultimately results in hair loss. Environmental male pattern baldness: smoking, stress, thyroid, or nutrition deficiencies contribute to men facing the stages of male pattern baldness. Iron deficiency can impact male pattern baldness and put you higher on the Norwood Hamilton Scale of male pattern baldness. Emotional stress or physical stress sends signals to the hair follicles, and they enter a resting phase due to the large levels of adrenaline that the body releases. We can’t stop genetic male pattern baldness and in a lot of cases when environmental factors described above are the cause by the time you have noticed the effects there is very little that can be done to restore your hair to its former thickness. What we can do is offer you an instant solution in the form of an individually designed and fitted hair system to suit your lifestyle as well as matching your existing hair colour

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KLmagazine May 2022

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KLmagazine May 2022

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

ore and more people are visiting Heacham-based Foreman & Son at the moment, and it’s not simply because of the company’s eye-catching new window display. “We always answer the phone and our emergency service is available 24 hours a day, but customers often find a face-to-face appointment really beneficial,” says Annaleigh Foreman. “The technical aspects of boilers and heating systems can be quite complicated and daunting, but we can make them easier to understand - and even explain the current changes in legislation.” And few people have more experience. Over the last year Foreman & Son has attended almost 2,000 boiler breakdowns in the local area, helping thousands of families stay safe and warm. “Many people don’t realise that

their boiler should be serviced every year to keep it working as efficiently as possible,” says Annaleigh, “and that’s invariably the main cause of a breakdown. The boiler is either outdated, worn out or faulty - and sometimes it’s all three.” That’s why Foreman & Son introduced its comprehensive BoilerCare service, which is available in a three-tiered range of packages to suit customers’ specific needs and budget. It includes everything from unlimited call-outs and all replacement parts when necessary, to an annual boiler service, no excess charges, and £500 off the cost of a new boiler if your current one is beyond repair. The BoilerCare service is also available to landlords, who are legally required to undertake annual gas safety checks. The company’s engineers are fully-qualified, highly-experienced, and the company is G3 regulated, 01485 570578 32 High Street, Heacham, PE31 7EP

KLmagazine May 2022

Gas Safe and OFTEC-registered. The team also offers general plumbing and heating maintenance, advice on bathroom choices, underfloor heating and professional site work for multiproperty developments. The most important thing is not to leave your boiler servicing until it’s too late - regular professional maintenance really can save you money. Pop into Foreman & Son today or visit the company’s new website for more details and information.

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

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It’s time to celebrate caring and dedication... Courageous, compassionate and committed, nurses play a valuable role in our ever-changing world - from the inspiring practitioners who’ve shaped our past to the aspiring individuals safeguarding our future

ABOVE: Dedicated Norfolk nurse Liz Barker and her team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. Below is a photograph of Edith Cavell (centre) with a class of nurses she trained in Brussels.

n May 12th we’ll be marking International Nurses Day, a global celebration acknowledging the importance of nurses and their incredible contribution to the healthcare system. Falling on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, it was founded by the International Council of Nurses in 1965 to emphasise and appreciate the hard work and devotion of nurses around the world. One of the most influential figures in the history of nursing is the remarkable Edith Cavell, who became a national symbol of determination and courage during the First World War. Born in 1865 in the Norfolk village of Swardeston, where her father served as vicar for 45 years, she was imbued with a duty to help the less fortunate from an early age. Cavell worked as a governess for several years before training as a nurse at the London Hospital and applying herself wherever needed in the country. In 1897 she received a medal for assisting the suppression of a typhoid outbreak in Maidstone, and in 1907 she was recruited by a leading surgeon to be the matron of a newlyestablished nursing school in Brussels. Within four years Edith Cavell was a training nurse for three hospitals, 24 schools and 13 kindergartens across Belgium - and the demand for nurses KLmagazine May 2022

educated by her was huge. Cavell was visiting her mother in Norfolk when World War One began in 1914, and feeling she’d be needed there more than ever courageously rushed back to Brussels. Her school and clinic were soon taken over by the Red Cross and she continued to guide her nurses, telling them “any wounded soldier must be treated, friend or foe. Each man is a father, husband, or son.” After the Germans occupied Brussels in November 1914, Cavell’s innate kindness and compassion led to her involvement in a brave but dangerous activity. She began sheltering British, Belgian, and French soldiers, nursing them to health, providing them with

false papers, and helping them make their way back to neutral Holland. These selfless actions placed Cavell in violation of German military law, and in August 1915 she was arrested for treason, imprisoned for 10 weeks, and sentenced to death. Sadly, the British government could do nothing to help her and Edith Cavell was executed by firing squad on 12th October 1915. Her final words are said to have been “tell my loved ones later on that my soul, as I believe, is safe and that I am glad to die for my country.” Edith Cavell will forever be admired for her bravery and dedication, and she has inspired nurses all over the world – particularly those in her beloved home

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LEFT: Liz Barker, Head of Surgical Nursing at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn and pictured above with one of her patients, Wendy Barrow (left).

Liz Barker county. In Norfolk we are blessed with a fantastic community spirit, and the wonderful team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn are always going above and beyond to provide an outstanding standard of care. “At the QEH we have an amazing team approach,” says Liz Barker, the hospital’s Head of Nursing for the Division of Surgery. “We’re always there to support others with kindness and enthusiasm, and any challenges we face we tackle together.” Now 37 years into her nursing career, Liz has always been passionate about making a difference to people’s lives. “Right from an early age I just loved caring for things,” she says. “I grew up on a farm in Stowbridge and enjoyed tending to the animals – although I knew I really wanted to care for people. When my friends joined the girl guides, I enrolled in the Red Cross and as soon as I’d finished my education I began a career in nursing. I’ve loved it ever since and I’ve certainly never looked back.” Liz plays a vital role at the QEH, supporting and assisting on the wards, offering advice to other nurses, and 116

“I grew up on a farm in Stowbridge and enjoyed tending to the animals – although I knew I really wanted to care for people...”

ensuring patients and their relatives receive the quality of care they deserve. “One of the most rewarding parts of the job is just listening to patients and holding their hand,” she says. “I love seeing that little smile form on their face, knowing the small amount of time I’ve given them has made such a big difference and brought them comfort.” Throughout the challenges of recent years, nurses and other healthcare professionals have worked harder than

ever to keep us safe and well – which is why it’s so important to celebrate everything they do. “It’s lovely that we have International Nurses Day,” says Liz. “We’ve really built on the incredible work of figures from the past like Florence Nightingale and Edith Cavell, and nursing has become so advanced as a career. I think that if they could visit us today and see the progress we’ve made, they would be very proud indeed.”

KLmagazine May 2022

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Animalmatters

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

Celebrating the work of the unsung heroes

ay is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, and although it’s a role little understood by the general public it’s one without which a veterinary practice would find it difficult to operate. For the last 17 years the British Veterinary Nursing Association has been working to raise the profile of veterinary nurses and highlight their essential work. “In many ways we’re the unsung heroes of the veterinary industry,” says Stacy Brook RVN, Nurse Manager for London Road and Hollies vets in King’s Lynn and Downham Market. “Veterinary nursing is a profession in its own right, and very few people realise that on their journey through the practice your pet will spend far more time with a nurse than it will do with a vet.” Proving the point is the fact that Stacy

actually heads up the largest team at the practice, comprising seven qualified veterinary nurses, one student nurse and five patient care assistants. And with the country currently facing a chronic shortage of vets, veterinary nurses have never been more important. In addition to admitting and reassuring patients, they take presurgery blood samples, administer any necessary medication, carry out x-rays and wound management procedures, and ensure clinical records are kept up to date. They also hold clinics on preventative healthcare, weight loss and dental health - and are responsible for training patient care assistants and student nurses. “It’s a very complex and challenging role, and it often gets overlooked,” says Senior Nurse Sophie Child RVN.

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KLmagazine May 2022

“That’s why initiatives like the Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month are so important in explaining who we are and what we do. The wonderful thing about working at this practice is that it empowers us to do what we were trained for - and our thoughts and opinions are always taken on board.” For owners it’s reassuring to know that such a highly-qualified and experienced team is working tirelessly behind the scenes, and that their pet is in very good hands. “Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month may only last a few weeks, but it’s important to remember we’re always here for you,” says Stacy. “We couldn’t do our work without our vets, and they couldn’t do theirs without us.”

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Celebrating a milestone in the local Catholic faith is summer the atholic parish o ing s ynn mar s two major landmar s commemorating both the opening o an extraordinary church and the restoration o the country s most important shrines

t’s a rather significant year for the Catholic parish of King’s Lynn as it celebrates the 125th anniversary of both the building of Our Lady of the Annunciation on the town’s London Road and the restoration of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in the same church - a fact that invariably stops everybody in their tracks. After all, what on earth is England’s most famous shrine doing 26 miles away from the place it’s named after? It’s an extraordinary story. Almost 500 years ago all the priory’s property at Walsingham was handed over to Henry VIII’s commissioners. The shrine was 120

destroyed and the famous statue of Our Lady was taken to London and burned. For the next 300 years local Catholics had to worship in secret until the passing of the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829 when the faithful were finally allowed to express their faith in public. It would still take almost 70 years before Charlotte Pearson Boyd bought the last of the wayside chapels enroute to Walsingham and restored the 14th century Slipper Chapel for Catholic use. Within 12 months, Pope Leo XIII had granted permission for the restoration

of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Walsingham - but it was built at the Church of the Annunciation in King’s Lynn, which itself has an extraordinary story to tell. It’s actually the second church on the site. The original had been designed by Augustus Pugin, who created the interior of the Palace of Westminster and the famous tower that houses Big Ben - but it wasn’t constructed with the same attention to detail. Sitting on reclaimed land just inside the south entrance to King’s Lynn without pilings or stable foundations, St. Mary’s was in a sorry state by the end of KLmagazine May 2022

the 19th century despite being only 50 years old - and it certainly wasn’t fit for the crowned heads of Europe. When the Prince of Wales (the future king Edward VII) invited the kings of Spain, Belgium and Italy to his new country retreat at Sandringham, the nearest church his guests could attend Mass was St. Mary’s - where they huddled under umbrellas and wrapped themselves in cloaks in the face of leaking ceilings and cracking walls. The extraordinary antiquarian Father George Wrigglesworth was summoned to the royal estate (it cost him 15 shillings in a pony and trap) where he explained that he couldn’t do anything for the simple reason the parish had no money. The future king immediately pledged the extraordinary sum of 15 guineas for a building fund, and by 1897 local Catholics (and European royalty) had a new church in which to worship, which retained elements such as the arches, pillars, chairs, the font and a number of spectacular windows from the original - one of which may well be the oldest stained glass window in King’s Lynn. “It’s somewhat ironic that it’s probably the only Catholic church in the country that was built at the instigation of the British royal family,” says Father Peter Rollings, who’s been in the parish for the last 15 years. “But that’s not the only thing that puts us on the map.” With papal approval, the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham was rebuilt in the new church, where it remains to this day. A painstakingly-detailed recreation of the Holy House in Nazareth (which the Crusaders brought from the Middle East to the Basilica della Santa Casa in Lareto, Italy) it even features the famous blocked-up doorway and eccentricallywavy brickwork. And for the next 50 years, any pilgrims visiting Our Lady of Walsingham would be travelling to King’s Lynn. “It’s rather curious that although the Slipper Chapel at Walsingham was designated the country’s national shrine in 1934 it was only the pilgrimage itself that moved,” says Peter. “The shrine remained here, and since the Pope had approved its relocation to King’s Lynn, only the Pope could ever authorise its move back to Walsingham. It’s one of the town’s best-kept secrets.” The Pope also chose the shrine’s statue, which differs markedly from the representation of Mary on the seal of the original medieval priory. “By the time they came to build this church the seal was locked away in the British Museum and no one really knew what Our Lady of Walsingham looked KLmagazine May 2022

PICTURES: The church of Our Lady of the Annunciation and its sister church in Gaywood (see over the page) are both celebrating two major landmarks this year - including the 125th anniversary of the restoration of one of the most important shrines in the whole country, that of Our Lady of Walsingham (top).

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ABOVE: Holy Family Church in Gaywood was built in the mid-1980s, and its strikingly-modern is perfect to serve a local congregation that may come from all over the world but shares a common faith.

like,” says Peter. “The Pope took one of his favourite images from a church in Rome and the statue was based on that.” Carved in Oberammergau, Germany it was taken to Rome to be blessed and then arrived in King’s Lynn by train where it was met by virtually the entire town, who hadn’t witnessed a Catholic procession for some 300 years. It’s a tradition that continues to this day with the church’s annual procession to the nearby Red Mount Chapel in August. And it’s now joined by its daughter church, located less than two miles away in Gaywood. Consecrated 37 years ago, Holy Family Church follows an unusual and modern doubleoctagon design that reflects the changing face of modern King’s Lynn and its growing Catholic population. “The construction of the new hospital and housing developments nearby in the middle of the 1980s meant that our parish was rapidly expanding,” says Peter. “Our Lady of the Annunciation can only hold about 120 people, but by then the number of people wanting to attend Mass was well in excess of 700.” It’s a truly diverse congregation as well, with worshippers from Poland, Lithuania, the Philippines, Africa, and a large number from the southwestern tip of India. From the infants at St. Martha’s Primary School (which recently doubled in size) to the youngsters in the 9th King’s Lynn Scout Group and the more 122

is is a very special year or the parish and everyone s more than welcome to join the celebrations

mature members of The Elders social group, every section of the community is nurtured, cared for, and supported. This really is one big happy family. To coincide with the anniversary of its opening in June, the church of Our Lady of Annunciation will be welcoming Bishop of East Anglia Alan Hopes to celebrate Mass and consecrate the altar - which will take place at the same time as a special Flower Festival coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. To commemorate the anniversary of the shrine being opened, a special Mass will be held on the Friday, followed by a pilgrimage to Walsingham and a formal parish dinner at the town hall in King’s Lynn. “We have a very enthusiastic congregation and attendance has increased quite significantly over recent years,” says Father Peter Rollings. “This is a very special year for the parish, and everyone’s more than welcome to join the celebrations - regardless of who they are, where they’ve come from, or what they believe in. That’s the essential truth of the church. We’re here for you.” For more features on local life, please visit our website at www.klmagazine. co.uk

KLmagazine May 2022

Turn ashes into a beautiful memorial piece of jewellery or glassware Visit our website www.foreverintoglass.co.uk for more details and for the full list of products in the collection.

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West Norfolk:

THE ENTRANCE TO A PART OF LOST HISTORY... Hidden away at the end of Bridge Street in King’s Lynn is the last remaining part of the large Carmelite friary that stood on this spot from at least 1280 until its

dissolution and destruction in 1538. It’s clear that at late as the 1930s this northern gatehouse to the ‘white friars’ was firmly embedded in the local community (it looks as though the cars of the time may have been able to drive under it) but since it became a Grade II listed building shortly after the Second World War it’s been protected and it now stands alone.

A plaque on one of the side walls mentions that this was the home of ‘Friar Aleyn’, a Cambridge-educated doctor of divinity and Carmelite friar who was a close friend of Margery Kempe (who was illiterate and is thought to have helped write The Book of Margery Kempe (1436-40), which is commonly claimed to be the first autobiography written in English.

You can share your old photos of the area with us on social media: @klmagazine KLmagazine May 2022

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Living

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

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

The personal touch is always better...

urnham Market recently featured in the top 20 Prettiest Villages in the UK and Ireland in this year’s Condé Nast Traveller Guide. All of us in Burnham Market appreciate what a privilege it is to work in such a stunning location, but we know the draw of this village isn’t just its aesthetic but also the huge variety of independent shops and eateries that our charming high street features.

When thinking of the high street I’m reminded of a question often asked by those outside the industry whether the estate agency should continue to rely on a personal and local presence in a digital age. With over 20 years of estate agency experience. I can assure you the answer is an emphatic no. To entrust the buying and selling process of what is likely to be the single biggest expenditure of our lives to an anonymous online source is almost always counterproductive. Property is inherently a people business. It may be a cliché, but people buy from people - and the personal touch is paramount in not just selling a house but also in getting the very best price for a vendor while providing the buyer with exemplary service. The primary attraction of an online agency is their ‘lower fee’ but that often means vendors are conducting the

viewings - people who may have little or no sales experience. Given how polite we are as a nation, it’s very rare for buyers to be critical about a property when they’re face-toface with the seller. At the start of the process, online agents tend to offer ‘local experts’ for valuations, but in reality they’re rarely authentically local - which is crucial when advising on accurate pricing in order to achieve the best price possible. Take Burnham Market as an example. The values of property here varies tremendously depending on where it’s located within the village, and such small nuances can be found in every village along the coast. These are but small examples of where high street agents such as ourselves make a difference, but to me it’s all about taking the time to really listen to our clients and getting to know them properly. And that’s simply not possible when you don’t have personal experience of living and working in north Norfolk and only have a screen and a keyboard to rely on.

KLmagazine May 2022

more vibrant,

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...

It’s time to focus

hether you’re decorating a new home or renovating a listed building, choosing your flooring requires some careful thought. It needs to be right for you and your family, and it needs to be right for the property. With that in mind, we thought it might be worth exploring some of the most important things you should be thinking about. A good place to start is to consider the footfall of each room. For example, hallways and stairs will need a covering suitable for high traffic compared to bedrooms. At Aldiss we offer a range of extra-heavyweight carpets, many of which are stain-resistant, bleachcleanable twist pile carpets made from 100% polypropylene. Vinyl and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) work really well in kitchens and bathrooms as they have a protective

layer for added durability, making them an appealing choice for families and households with pets. You can even keep areas with high footfall covered with stylish rugs to reduce maintenance. At Aldiss we have a team of experienced advisors and estimators who are always on hand to offer help and advice. They’ll even visit your home to measure and help plan and guide you on choosing the best solution for each room. For bathrooms, you’ll certainly need floors that can endure high-moisture environments. Kitchens are also prone to spills and stains so it’s important to choose a material that has a waterproof surface and is easy to clean. Look for something like the Amtico and Moduleo hard flooring collections, which are water, spill and splash resistant, as well as being suitable for underfloor heating.

Fakenham: Oxborough Lane NR21 8AF | 01328 862381 Norwich: Hall Road Retail Park NR4 6DH | 01603 272100 KLmagazine May 2022

This type of flooring also requires much less upkeep compared to ceramic or porcelain tiles or solid wood. For hallways and entrances, choose a doormat to help absorb moisture and dirt from shoes before entering the home. The flooring you choose will also depend on your personal taste and existing home décor. LVT is probably our most on-trend flooring right now because it offers a low maintenance alternative to solid wood and stone and complements either traditional or modern interiors perfectly. With LVT tiles you can also create fashionable floors in bathrooms and hallways by opting for different laying patterns and experimenting with various colours. Wool loop carpets made from 100% natural fibres are another popular choice, offering a stylish, modern look. Patterned Axminster-style carpets look great in period properties such as Norfolk cottages, whereas synthetic deep pile carpets are better suited to more contemporary interiors. For immediate impact and total flexibility think about investing in a rug. At Aldiss we always stock a huge choice, from hand-knotted Asian pieces to man-made bold contemporary designs. Rugs always bring new life into tired rooms and they can easily be moved from room to room (or even home to home) as and when needed. Your floors may be underfoot - but they should never be overlooked.

www.aldiss.com 127

ABOVE: This aerial view of Hanse House in King’s Lynn clears shows its quadrangled character, the extent of the whole complex, and its historically-important proximity to the River Great Ouse. Before 1751 it was known as ‘Allemayne Mansion’ or ‘Stileyard House’.

Celebrating Lynn’s proud Hanse heritage It’s nationally important, and is a reminder of a time when King’s Lynn was one of the most important ports in the whole country. Paul Richards looks back at the history of Hanse House...

nterest in Lynn’s long association with the Hanseatic League has been stimulated by a quadrangular complex of buildings by the River Great Ouse. It was later known as St Margaret’s House and was the local offices of Norfolk County Council by 1948, but its origins are medieval. Here was once an important German ‘kontor’ or trading post. Referred in documents before 1751 as ‘Allemayne Mansion’, or ‘Stileyard House’, the site was redeveloped with two warehouse ranges running down to the river shortly after 1475, when it was acquired by the Hanseatic towns. The street range opposite St 128

Margaret’s Church had almost certainly been timber framed and jettied by that time, with the entrance undoubtedly adorned with the double-headed eagle of the Hanseatic League. This historic property is the sole kontor of the Hanseatic League to have survived in England, and celebrates the local and international history of a town that was amongst England’s premier seaports. Today, Hanse House is of national significance. German merchants travelled abroad in groups known as ‘hanses’ for mutual security, and English wool and cloth were key attractions. Lübeck (capital of the Hanseatic

League) appointed a governor of the Lynn Kontor, and Lutkyn Smith acted as such by 1505 when over 40 German merchants were based in the town. He was a Hamburg man who’d been trading with the Wash ports for over 30 years, importing iron, wood, pitch, and chests from the Baltic into Lynn. Hanseatic traders had departed the town by 1561, and a succession of local families leased ‘Allemayne Mansion’ from the Germans. In 1732 the tenant was Edward Everard (1699-1769) before he purchased the property for £800 from the Mayors of Lübeck, Bremen and Hamburg in 1751. It included KLmagazine May 2022

ABOVE: The southern range of Hanse House looking west towards the river. This photograph was taken in 1935, and although it took almost 40 years for it to become a Grade I listed building it looks virtually identical today. Below is the replica Hanseatic cargo ship Lisa von Lübeck on a visit to King’s Lynn in August 2009 to help celebrate the town’s significant trading past.

warehouses, wharfs, shops, cellars, yards and gardens. Everard rebuilt the street range on St Margaret’s Place, and the two long warehouses behind it became granaries. Part of the north range adjoining the house was soon converted into a salon for the parties of Lynn’s upper crust. H.S. and J.L. Marriott (who owned today’s Marriott’s Warehouse) were operating the granaries and maltings attached to the house in 1878. In the house itself a day and boarding school for girls was established about 1880, with the twin principals of Margaret Goebbels and her German-born husband August. The property provided quarters for British army officers in the Great War between 1914-18, and in December 1915 a mysterious death occurred in the house. Lieutenant Albert Benedict (aged 34) was found in his bedroom suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, and he died later that day. A service revolver was found on the bedroom floor, and at the inquest at the nearby Town Hall the jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Benedict is buried at the historic Hardwick Road cemetery in Lynn. In the 1920s and 1930s, this former Hanseatic kontor belonged to the Floyd family of corn merchants. The Georgian salon in the northern warehouse range KLmagazine May 2022

was used as a drawing room, abutting on the granary to the west. The dining room and small study with a sitting room were on the ground floor of the street elevation. Norfolk County Council restored St Margaret’s House between 1969-71 and used it as a western headquarters shortly before it was listed as a Grade I building in 1972. The Hanse House was so named in 2009 and sold in 2011, with the new owner removing office partitions to open up the two warehouse ranges. The Rathskeller (the bistro) occupies what was once a maltings built around 1760. Adjacent is the northern warehouse range where the German merchants stored their wax, pepper, pitch, amber and furs, and today this is the ‘Hamburg Suite’ which used for a variety of purposes. The upper storey of the short west wing of the Hanse House overlooks both the river and courtyard and probably served as a dining hall around 1500. It has been licensed for civil marriages since 1972. Also to be found at Hanse House are the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Cobbles Tea Room. Since 2004 the Hanse House has been a venue for activities when the town celebrates its Hanseatic associations past and present. The 2022 Hanse Festival is on Sunday

12th June and will feature rowing on the river and events on King’s Staithe Square. Marriott’s Warehouse and The Minster will be hubs of activity along with Hanse House. The Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk is taking the lead, supported by local trusts and societies. King’s Lynn was a senior trading partner of the Hanseatic League before 1550 and was the first English member of the New Hanseatic League or ‘Hanse’ established in 1980.

The importance of King’s Lynn in Hanseatic Europe (1250-1550) is the subject of a new book by Paul Richards which will be published at the time of the Hanse Festival. For more features on local history, please visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk 129

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KLmagazine May 2022

Save the world, save energy and pay 0% VAT From solar panels and battery storage to EV chargers and air source heating, the Way Group leads the way in energy-saving technology

n the face of rising inflation and spiralling energy costs it’s difficult to see any light on the horizon, but the 4 Way Group is leading the way forward with cost-effective and sustainable solutions such as solar power, electric vehicle charging, air source heating and domestic batteries. “Thanks to our experience in designing and installing the very latest technologies it’s now possible to become almost entirely self-sufficient for your energy needs,” says director Stuart Olley. “And if helping save the world wasn’t enough, it’s now become significantly more affordable.” In his spring statement at the end of March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that for the next five years the VAT rate on energy-saving materials (ESMs) such as home insulation, solar

panels, and heat pumps would be reduced to 0%. It’s estimated that the average family having a solar panel installed will enjoy tax savings of more than £1,000 and see their energy bills reduce by at least £300 a year. “We’ve seen a huge increase in the demand for solar panels, electric vehicle chargers and storage batteries recently, and this change to VAT will only see that demand grow,” says Stuart. “Many people are now using solar panels to power air source heating from the 4 Way Group as well - which offers even more cost and energy savings.” But the good news doesn’t stop there. Along with the long-term fuel savings and environmental benefits, it’s also possible to earn money from renewables. With a fully-integrated

system from the 4 Way Group you can use batteries to store the electricity your home produces while you’re at work, charge your car in the evening - and thanks to the SEG energy tariff you can be paid for every kilowatt you export to the National Grid. “It’s been a pretty gloomy start to the spring, but even on a cloudy day our solar panels will ensure you can cover your standing charge, reduce your reliance on the National Grid and lower the costs from your energy provider,” says Stuart. “Even if you already have solar panels, we can help you integrate them with your heating and electric/ hybrid car for an all-in-one solution.” Contact Stuart and his team to discover just how cost-effective future proofing your home can be - and start reducing your energy costs today.

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KLmagazine May 2022

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KLmagazine May 2022

ime to treat your stone and tiled oors to their best ever clean with the pro essional services o Xtraclean and bring them bac to li e

s we enjoy the spring and get ready for the summer, 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 KLmagazine May 2022

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ABOVE: The perfect example of an English summer - a game of cricket in the beautiful surroundings of Holkham Hall. The square was laid by the 2nd Earl of Leicester in the middle of the 19th century.

Cricket at Holkham Hall: a spectacular innings e bac drop o ol ham all is the most idyllic o settings or one o the summer s most iconic sports and the tradition o cric et on the estate is at least years old and continues to this day

ricket is one of the most genteel of sports, even though the first mention of a cricket bat in the media (1624) records a batsman deliberately using his to kill a fielder who was about to take a catch. Happily, Norfolk has a rather prouder place in the early history of the game’s most famous piece of equipment as it can claim to be the home of Salix alba Caerulea, a more upright version of the white willow. The tree’s exceptionally light and strong wood was soon found to be so perfectly suited to the purpose that it’s now actually known as Cricket Bat Willow - and several local artisans KLmagazine May 2022

in the county handcraft cricket bats to this day. It’s often claimed that the tree was discovered across the border in Suffolk in 1803, but in his monumental 36-volume English Botany (1790-1814) the botanical illustrator and natural historian James Sowerby mentions a 10-year-old Salix alba Caerulea in Hethersett just outside Norwich that was blown over by a gale in 1800 - so it was already known in Norfolk at least as early as 1790. We don’t know if cricket was being played at Holkham Hall at the time, but it had certainly become so well established by the middle of the 19th

century that Thomas William Coke, 2nd Earl of Leicester levelled part of the grounds to make a rudimentary cricket square, which his grandson treated to rather more elevated attention. “Between the two world wars the 4th Earl of Leicester arranged for members of the MCC’s ground staff come to Holkham and lay the square more professionally,” says Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester from the family home, which remains one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in the country. “I suspect that was because in addition to being a concertstandard violinist (amongst many other things) he was also an accomplished 135

ABOVE: Although Holkham Cricket Club plays to a respectably high standard, the matches are decidedly friendly - but no less competitive.

playing member of the MCC.” Owner of the iconic ground at Lords and guardian of the game’s laws, Marylebone Cricket Club is the world’s most famous and active cricket club, and the square they helped create at Holkham eventually measured some 125ft across and hosted up to 60 matches a year. Given the spectacular setting it’s hardly surprising that teams from around the UK came to north Norfolk to play in front of the hall. The tradition of cricket at Holkham continues to this day, and the estate is home to three teams that operate independently of each other. The best known and the one that plays the most matches is the Holkham Cricket Club, while every member of the Holkham Estate team is employed in some capacity on the estate. Only appearing on special occasions are the Nubian Ostriches, an invitation-only team that used to be captained by Lord Leicester himself and takes the family’s heraldic emblem as part of its name. It may be a friendly club that only plays friendlies, but Holkham Cricket Club has always achieved a good standard and has a tradition of fine cricketers. Virtually all the matches are played at Holkham over the summer (mostly on Sundays) and the emphasis is firmly on ensuring that everyone

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involved has an enjoyable day regardless of the result. Historically, the village and surrounding area provided the players for the club, but as local interest dwindled in the post-war period it was necessary to start attracting team members from further afield - which meant Holkham Cricket Club was at risk of distancing itself from the very people it hoped to represent. Fortunately local interest in the club (and cricket in general) has been rekindled in recent years, and the club is in a much healthier position now. New members are always welcome, and the only entry requirements are that you’re capable of playing cricket to a reasonable standard and can commit to playing at least six games during the season. For people interested, a great idea is to visit one of the weekly net sessions that are held every Wednesday evening at Holkham from May, meet the players and see the standard for yourself. The club also welcomes supporters, and if you’d like to be involved as either an umpire or scorer, HCC chairman Jon Smith would love to hear from you. Call 07884 490368 or 01328 712033 or send an e-mail to j.smith@holkham.co.uk. In addition to being part of a local sporting tradition you’ll also receive free entry to the park

and enjoy a fantastic tea. And you’ll discover why cricket is still known as the “gentleman’s game”. “Because of its core values and intrinsic sense of fair play, cricket has always been a calm and civilising game, despite how exciting it gets,” says Lord Leicester. “In fact, when Harold Macmillan was Prime Minister at the height of the Cold War, he’s reported to have remarked that ‘the world would be a much better place if the Russians and Americans played cricket!’” For more features on local life, visit our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine May 2022

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KLmagazine May 2022

Choose air conditioning for a better night’s sleep

Why the latest air conditioning systems by Fujitsu from the Way Group are better for you and kinder to the environment

or 20 years the 4 Way Group has been designing and installing domestic and commercial air conditioning systems throughout the area, but although people understand the year-round versatility of the technology, few realise the health benefits of air conditioning. “We all know air conditioning helps keep you cool during the summer and is a costeffective heating solution in cold weather, but it ensures you enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep all year round”, says director Steve Simpson. “If you try to sleep in a room that’s either too hot or too cold you’ll stay awake trying to find the ideal temperature.” Many years of research have proved that a good night’s sleep results in a longer and sharper attention span - and

makes you more attentive and ready to focus on the day ahead. Sleeping at 15-20°C even encourages the body to release melatonin, a hormone that fights against the symptoms of aging. “Our air conditioning systems even feature filters that remove pollen and other allergens from the air,” says Steve, “and they now use a new refrigerant which contains around 20% less harmful elements, which means they perform better, have superlow emissions and deliver much lower energy costs.” Based in the centre of King’s Lynn but covering the whole of the east of England, the 4 Way Group offers some of the very best air conditioning systems on the market today from one of the world’s most respected and innovative manufacturers. “We’ve been an approved Fujitsu installer for several years, and we’re

now one of their Elite Infinity Partners,” says Steve. “We’ve always preferred to use their high quality air conditioning systems because their performance and energy-efficiency is outstanding. We also offer a complete seven-year parts warranty, but the units are so reliable you’ll almost certainly never need to use it.” These are just a few of the reasons why the 4 Way Group is the area’s leading supplier and installer of air conditioning - which can usually be fitted in a single day. And don’t forget that the 4 Way Group is always available for help, advice, maintenance support and emergency servicing. Contact Steve and his team at the 4 Way Group today for high quality air conditioning that isn’t just better for you and your family. It’s better for your home, it’s better for the planet, and it’s better for your bank balance.

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

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ABOVE: Since her first book featuring Dr Ruth Galloway The Crossing Places was published in 2009, popular crime author Elly Griffiths has written a further 14 mysteries featuring the forensic archaeologist and is currently working on the next thriller in the series.

Turning the pages of Norfolk’s darker past... With its breathtaking landscapes, a rich history and a fascinating heritage of macabre folklore, Norfolk has inspired writers for centuries - but one of the most popular and mysterious is novelist y r

acked with local mysteries, mythology and murder, Elly Griffiths’ gripping crime novels are among Norfolk’s most popular page turners. Set in our captivating county, her riveting Dr Ruth Galloway series follows the adventures of a daring forensic archaeologist. But who is this ingenious author who’s been keeping us on the edge of our seats for more than a decade? It turns out that Elly Griffiths is a woman of mystery herself. Born Domenica de Rosa, she began writing fiction under her real name and only became ‘Elly Griffiths’ after the publication of her debut thriller The

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Crossing Places in 2009. “I wanted to be a writer from a very young age,” she says. “I used to create little picture books before I even started school and wrote a full-length crime novel when I was eleven. In secondary school I would write my own episodes of the American police series Starsky and Hutch, and when my friends read them they’d often laugh or cry. I remember quite enjoying that feeling, and loved what I could do with the power of words.” Certain of the career path she wanted to pursue, Domenica studied English at King’s College in London, went on to work for a library and a magazine,

and secured a job with the publishing company HarperCollins. She started as a publicity assistant and eventually rose to the role of Editorial Director for Children’s Fiction, working with a wealth of talented writers including Michael Morpurgo and Lynne Reid Banks. “In some ways it sounds like the perfect job for an aspiring author,” she says, “but funnily enough I was put off writing for a while - perhaps because I was channelling all my creativity into something else. It wasn’t until I was on maternity leave in 1998 that I started working on what would become my first published novel.” KLmagazine May 2022

ABOVE: Although Elly Griffiths novels are rather dark in character, the surroundings in which she works is very different - she writes in an idyllic shed in her garden, invariably accompanied by her friendly cat Gus (right).

Entitled The Italian Quarter, it focused on families, history and identity, and was followed by three other novels of a similar style. However, Domenica’s career in romantic literature took a much darker turn when her husband Andy returned to university to retrain as an archaeologist. Finding they had less spare money for holidays, the family started making trips to Norfolk – a place Domenica had long held a fondness for. “My aunt Marge lives in Norfolk, so I regularly visited as a child and had many happy memories there,” she remembers. “One day we were walking across Titchwell Marsh and Andy happened to mention that prehistoric people thought the marshland was sacred because it was neither land or sea, neither life or death, but something in-between – like a bridge to the afterlife. And that’s why you find so many bodies buried there. As soon as he said this the whole plot for The Crossing Places appeared in my head and walking towards me out of the mist I saw Dr Ruth Galloway.” Featuring eerie landscapes, chilling crimes, and a sea of lies and legends The Crossing Places (largely set in north Norfolk) became Domenica’s first KLmagazine May 2022

published crime novel. “It wasn’t like anything I’d done before,” she says. “I had the whole thing worked out in my mind and it didn’t take long to write. At first I didn’t necessarily think of it as crime, as it shared many elements of my previous novels. But my agent told me that it was a crime novel and I needed a crime name. So I became Elly Griffiths.” This sharper, grittier name was more suited to Domenica’s new darker style and paid tribute to her grandmother, Ellen Griffiths. Initially the new identity was only meant for the one novel, but it took off in a way Domenica never expected. Now, 13 years later she’s still writing as Elly Griffiths and has published 25 books under that name. “I’m extremely proud with what I’ve achieved so far and am currently working on the 15th Ruth Galloway novel,” she says. “At the beginning I only had a contract for one book and although I felt my characters had a lot ahead of them, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get the chance to write it all. I think Norfolk itself is one of the main reasons the series has been so successful, as it’s the perfect place to set a mystery story. I’m never going to run out of beautiful locations, spooky legends, or buried treasures. It’s a gift that just keeps

on giving, so it’s Norfolk I really must credit.” Domenica aims to write two books a year and has many more plots in store for her readers to enjoy. Accompanied by her friendly cat Gus, she works in a special writing shed in her garden and attempts to produce at least 1,000 words every morning. “I feel very lucky because writing is what I always wanted to do, and here I am actually doing it,” she says. “Knowing that thousands of people have bought, borrowed, and read my books is a truly wonderful feeling – and I’ve got plenty planned for the future. I just can’t wait to see where Norfolk takes me next.”

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KLmagazine May 2022

“It’s hard to believe these are the same carpets!” ere s only one way to ensure your carpets are totally clean an s to the pro essional services o Xtraclean they can loo as good as new

atural stone, ceramic and porcelain floors may be all the rage, but a vast number of homes and commercial spaces continue to enjoy a covering of carpets. They may look (and feel) welcoming and inviting, but carpets are notorious for attracting and trapping unwanted guests such as grit, dirt, grime, dust mites, pet hair and other unwelcome contaminants. Working together, these elements can easily compromise the luxurious feel and look of your carpets. They can damage the very fabric, and can impair your indoor air quality, worsen asthma symptoms and trigger other allergic reactions. Even if you vacuum your carpets every week you’ll only scratch (literally) the surface of the problem. Which is why carpet manufacturers generally recommend you have your carpets professionally

cleaned on a regular basis. “Many people are often tempted to simply hire a machine and do it themselves,” says Martin King of Swaffham-based Xtraclean, “but our advice is simple. Don’t. A rented carpet cleaner may help you remove the superficial surface dirt, but removing all the allergens, dust and greasy residues requires specialized equipment and professional training.” Over the last 20 years, Xtraclean have earned a repuation as the area’s most experienced experts in the cleaning of domestic carpets and upholstery. By operating a modern truckmounted system that relies on its own supply of water, and by using the highest quality and safest cleaning solutions in the industry, Xtraclean can proudly claim to be one of the most advanced carpet cleaning services currently available in the UK. But the story doesn’t end there.

“We offer a professionally-developed deodoriser that eliminates the smell of smoke, pets and residue from your carpets,” says Martin, “and we can even apply a specialised product that means spills can be blotted away more easily, soiling is kept at bay for longer, and mould and mildew is kept to a minimum.” Xtraclean’s highly experienced technicians offer a fully-insured and refreshingly-friendly service (they’ll even move and replace your furniture for you) and will undertake an initial test of your carpets before getting down to work. “To be honest you 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 they’ve got the same carpets!” Bring your carpets back to life by calling Xtraclean today.

Unit 3, Jack Boddy Way, Swaffham PE37 7HJ Tel: 01760 337762 Web: www.xtraclean.co.uk E-mail: sales@xtraclean.co.uk KLmagazine May 2022

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KLmagazine May 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 or home improvements

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 May 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 help you discover why natural timber is the future of home improvements.

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ABOVE: This painting of beached boats by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Carter Poll na Gile (‘clear pol’) on Shuna, one of the Slate Islands lying east of Luing on the west coast of Scotland - close to where the artist from Norfolk has a holiday home.

Moments in time and a sense of place

As local artist Elizabeth Fitzgerald Carter prepares for her summer exhibition, she talks about her lifelong love of art, and why her striking and atmospheric wor means so much to so many di erent people

rom her home in Shouldham, the artist Elizabeth Fitzgerald Carter continues to produce a body of work that’s growing in reputation, marked by considerable technical expertise and is remarkable for its emotional impact. It may have been a long time coming, but it’s certainly been worth the wait. She was born near Horsham in Sussex, growing up surrounded by the breathtaking Ashdown Forest,

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the natural wonders of the Sussex Downs, and the tranquillity of the River Arun. These spectacularly beautiful surroundings spoke to the artistic instinct inside her - which was exactly where her parents were determined it would stay. “My family was intensely religious and believed the only a future I had was to marry and have babies,” she says. “A university education was out of the question, and they viewed any sort of

cultural life as something almost sinful.” Driving her parents to distraction, the young Elizabeth was farmed out to members of her wider family in an effort to curb her artistic leanings - a rather extreme solution which ultimately backfired. “It was supposed to be a punishment and a way of showing me how good a ‘normal’ domestic life could be,” she says. “The only problem was that the relatives I was sent to had very active KLmagazine May 2022

cultural lives – which only encouraged my desire to create things.” Leaving school without a further education (meaning teaching was out of the question) Elizabeth trained as a PA and spent time in the freight and construction industries. There was nothing wrong with either as a career, but she admits to never feeling happy or fulfilled. That all changed when she moved to Cambridgeshire, by which time she was producing hobby-level (and largely self-taught) paintings in her spare time, occasionally selling them through local art societies. Joining the Ely Watercolour Workshop, Elizabeth’s work soon caught the eye of well-known wood engraver, illustrator and printmaker Andy English. “He gave me an enormous amount of help and support and kept urging me to exhibit,” she says. “It took a couple of years for me to pluck up the necessary courage, but I finally entered a painting in the Ely Art Society Open Exhibition - and was amazed when it sold. And things took off from there.” Her husband suggested she give up her full-time job (and her parttime one), go to university, enrol on a Fine Art degree course, and discover whether painting was something she really wanted to do for the rest of her life. “I was in my 40s when I started at Anglia Ruskin University, but it was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” says Elizabeth. “Being a professional artist is a lot of hard work and requires a lot of discipline, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Now I have a happy and fulfilling creative life.” Cleverly drawing a fine line between the representational and the abstract, Elizabeth’s work is characterised by atmospheric skyscapes, awe-inspiring mountains and perfectly natural landscapes - and almost always features a body of water. “Water is inspirationally so sustaining – in the way light reacts with it, the ebb and flow of the tides, its changing moods and the life of the seashore and river are always exciting to me.” “I spend a lot of time kayaking so I’m often on the water, although my husband tends to spend much of the time steadying the back of my kayak while I grab the sketchbook and start drawing,” she says. “I also have very forgiving friends who take us sailing and don’t mind me spending more time sketching than crewing.” In addition to selling her work in Oban in northwest Scotland (where she has a holiday home on the tiny KLmagazine May 2022

PICTURES: Given such mastery of technique and natural atmosphere in works such as Sunshine on the Black Drain (above) The Falling Tide (below) it’s difficult to believe that Elizabeth Fitzgerald Carter only began to study art formally when she was in her 40s.

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ABOVE: Elizabeth Fitzgerald Carter at work in her studio at her home close to Downham Market and her work Rising Mist (below) - an exhibition of her recently-completed local river and coastal paintings opens in West Acre in July.

island of Luing) Elizabeth usually has a dedicated exhibition every year, teaches regularly at Norfolk Creative Arts in Grimston and often takes part in Norfolk Open Studios. She leads tours of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, helping people explore how the position of women in art (both as subjects and artists) has changed and developed over the years – and can be found painting at Hunter’s Yard (home of the Norfolk Heritage Fleet) during Ludham’s Open Gardens Day. She’s happy to welcome visitors by appointment to her orchard studio either to see more of her work or to talk about a commission, an area which makes up over 50% of her output. “A lot of artists won’t touch commissions because they feel it’s

either too restrictive or too pressurised, but I think they’re a very valuable part of the creative process,” she says. “When I create a work specifically for someone, it evokes a certain feeling and it means something very special to them. It takes the idea of painting off the gallery or museum wall and into a central place in everyday lives.” That’s not to say Elizabeth’s own work takes second place. She’s currently completing a series of local river and coastal paintings for her exhibition Where the River Goes at the West Acre Gallery in July and is already in the early stages of producing an exhibition for 2023. “Last summer my husband and I took a kayaking trip the length of the Great Ouse for East Anglia’s Children’s

Hospices (EACH) and I have a wealth of sketches and photographs from that,” she says. “They’ll form the basis of a collection that will be exhibited next year - with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to EACH.” There’s something very special about the work of Elizabeth Fitzgerald Carter. Her landscapes have universal appeal but they also seem private and intimate, speaking to the viewer on a very personal level. “I want to capture a unique sense of time and place, celebrating those moments of joy and peace and the feeling of being as one with the elements,” she says. “The idea of ‘being in the moment’ has become something of a cliché now, but it does contain a central truth. I think that comes through in my paintings, and that’s what appeals to my audience.” For more information about Elizabeth and her work, or to meet at her studio to talk about a commissioned work, please visit her website at www. izycarterartist.com or e-mail info@ izycarterartist.com. You can also follow Elizabeth on Instagram and Facebook. Where the River Goes opens at the West Acre Gallery on July 16th and runs until July 24th. For more details and opening times, please visit www.westacregallery.co.uk

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Can you take the KL magazine quiz crown? s we approach celebrations or e ueen s latinum ubilee we thought this month s uiz should be suitably patriotic and test just how well you now your royals past and present 1 Which of the following was NOT one of the wives of Henry VIII? a. Anne of Cleves b. Eleanor of Aquitaine c. Catherine of Aragon d. Jane Seymour

3 Which of these monarchs is NOT the subject of a play by Shakespeare? a. King John b. Henry V c. Richard III d. Elizabeth I

2 Elizabeth II was born in Mayfair on 21st April 1926 at a location which is now what? a. A National Trust property b. A museum c. A Chinese restaurant d. A bookshop specialising in history

4 Which of these is not a real song by a genuine performing artist? a. Royals (Lorde, 2013) b. Monarchy Monday (Suki, 1993) c. Your Love is King (Sade, 1984) d. Dancing Queen (ABBA, 1976)

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5 The King’s Speech (2010) received 12 Oscar nominations and won four of them. What award didn’t it win? a. Best Actor b. Best Director c. Best Picture d. Best Special Effects 6 Which of his relatives is Richard III said to have murdered in the Tower of London? a. His uncle b. His brothers c. His nephews d. His mother KLmagazine May 2022

a. 3 years b. 8 years c. 6 weeks d. 10 months 14 300 years after 1066, who was the first king to have English as his native language? a. George III b. Henry IV c. Charles II d. William I (“William the Conqueror”) 15 In what country was William III (“William of Orange”) born in 1650? a. Holland b. Switzerland c. Portugal d. Germany 16 As a sailor in Japan, what did the future George V have tattooed on his right arm? a. The Union Jack b. An anchor c. A red and blue dragon d. A crown

7 What unusual gift did Henry III receive from the King of Norway in 1252? a. A bobsleigh b. 1,252 pine trees c. A polar bear d. An ice sculpture of Henry III What was the name of the first woman to rule England as Queen? a. Bertha b. Matilda c. Jane d. Mary

c. 5 d. All of them 12 In addition to ‘Longshanks’ (he was well over 6ft tall) what was Edward I’s other nickname? a. The Hammer of the Scots b. The Wrench of the Welsh c. The Saw of the Irish d. The Spanner of the French 13 Richard I (“Richard the Lionheart”) reigned for 10 years, but how much of his life did he spend in England?

17 Which of these does Buckingham Palace NOT contain? a. A post office b. A jeweller’s workshop c. A swimming pool d. A bakery 1 Windsor Castle is the longestoccupied palace in Europe, but who built the original castle? a. Charles II b. Henry VII c. William the Conqueror d. James I

To date, William IV has been the oldest monarch at the start of their reign. How old was he when he became king? a. 45 years, 178 days b. 82 years, 15 days c. 37 years, 207 days d. 64 years, 309 days 1 When she was born in May 1819, what was Queen Victoria’s place in the line of succession? a. 5th b. 2nd c. 10th d. 8th 11 The British monarch with the most children was Henry I, who had 29 children - but how many of them were legitimate? a. 20 b. None of them

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1 How old was Henry VI when he became king? a. 4 years b. 34 years c. 9 months d. 6 weeks 2 When did the portait of the ruling monarch first appear on British banknotes? a. 1960 b. 1771 c. 1820 d. 1432

21 Who was the first English monarch to be called “Your Majesty” rather than the more religious title of “Your Grace”? a. Richard II b. Henry VIII c. Edward VII d. George I 22 In 1926, the future king George VI competed in which sporting event? a. The FA Cup 3rd Round b. The Grand National c. The London Boat Race d. The men’s doubles at Wimbledon

25 In a field near Bosworth Market in Leicestershire in 1485, who became the last English king to die in battle? a. Richard III b. George II c. Henry VII d. Charles I 26 Who described the young Princess Elizabeth and future Queen Elizabeth II as having “an air of authority and reflectiveness astonishing in an infant”? a. John F Kennedy b. Winston Churchill c. Charles de Gaulle d. Laurence Olivier

23 Who was the last British monarch to be buried outside the United Kingdom? a. Henry IV (1413) b. William II (1100) c. George I (1727) d. Mary I (1558) 24 Which king features as the villain in the legend of Robin Hood? a. Henry VIII b. King John c. Edward I d. Richard II

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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was recently writing a letter to the parish council about the state of the road that runs through our village (it’s more accurately described as a two-mile stretch of large holes) when I noticed that some of the letters on my keyboard had completely disappeared. Very little remains of W, X, M, C and O - and there’s absolutely no trace of what used to be E, R, A, S, L, T or N. Which may help explain why I always have trouble putting the word ‘antlers’ in a sentence. Since Mrs Middleton had gone to Dereham for one of those interminable ‘ladies who lunch’ events, I naturally seized the opportunity to look at my keyboard in more depth. It is, of course, the ‘querty’ layout we’re all familiar with - so much so that in fact (thanks to ‘muscle memory’) we don’t even need to see the letters on the keys to write anything coherent. So I’m not entirely sure what James Joyce was doing when he wrote Finnegans Wake. Wearing a blindfold, I fancy. The ‘querty’ keyboard seems to have worked perfectly well for the best part of 150 years, but many people argue that the layout was deliberately designed to be slow and awkward. My first encounter with a mechanical typewriter was a magical and rather revelatory experience (I’ve had a rather sheltered life) not least in the fact it managed to turn my left-handed abstract expressionism into words you could actually read. You pressed a letter and a long metal arm flashed upwards and literally hammered the required letter onto (and often through) a piece of paper. It didn’t take me too long to discover that if I hit several different keys as fast

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as possible they’d all try to hit the same spot on the paper at the same time and get jammed together. Which was a lot of fun for an eight year old child, but probably less so for a professional typist. Since we all generally type around 40 words per minute you’re looking at anything up to 12 metal levers being in motion every second. And that’s what the ‘querty’ layout was allegedly designed to address - to slow typists down and avoid costly call-outs to the nearest typewriter engineer. But the truth is somewhat different. In 1868, printer Christopher Sholes sold his version of the typewriter to Porter’s Telegraph College in Chicago. The machine itself had already been around for 150 years, but Sholes (often described as the “52nd man to invent the typewriter”) had made it easier for telegraph operators to use. That’s why Z, E and S are so close together because Z and SE are pretty much the same thing in American Morse code. The ‘qwerty’ keyboard may not have been designed to be deliberately slow, but neither was it made for the likes of you and me. Luckily for him, Sholes’ design was endorsed by the gunsmiths Remington & Sons, who soon introduced ‘qwerty’ typing courses and then bought its four major rivals. Which is why the layout of the keyboard on your desk, laptop, phone or tablet owes more to American capitalism than it does to the comfort of your fingers and wrists. Which is all a bit of a shame, because more logical layouts appear to exist particularly the Dvorak keyboard, which was designed by August Dvorak (a distant relative of the composer) in the early 1930s.

In addition to favouring your dominant hand (left- and right-handed versions are available) it groups the most-used keys together. In the 1940s, a team of researchers from the US Navy found that three whole years of typing lessons on a ‘querty’ keyboard would give you an average speed of 47 words per minute. However, it only took 52 hours for typists using the Dvorak layout to reach the same level - and by the end of the study they were 74% faster and 68% more accurate. But since virtually every typist in the world had already been trained using the ‘querty’ keyboard, employers naturally preferred the machines that most people could use. Don’t start feeling sorry for the inventor just yet, however - the head of the ‘research’ project and its leading expert was none other than a certain Lieutenant August Dvorak. And when someone took the time to doublecheck the fact, they found it actually took typists over 100 hours worth of training on Dvorak keyboards to get anywhere near their previous speed. In fact, they were generally about 3% slower. When his one-handed keyboard failed in 1940, the would-be King of the Keyboard gave up. “I’m tired of trying to do something worthwhile for the human race,” he said. “They simply don’t want to change.” Which is pretty much what Mrs Middleton said to me on her return from Dereham when she discovered that I hadn’t emptied the washing machine or done the washing up and spent the last three hours looking down at my keyboard. KLmagazine May 2022

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