KL Magazine November/December 2022

HOME to the best brands in Norfolk

At Aldiss, we have the largest choice of quality home furnishings in Norfolk with over 40,000 products to furnish your home from oor to ceiling, including the latest designs, styles from leading UK and international brands. Come along and take a look for yourself and enjoy the massive savings right across the store.

PARKER KNOLL DEVONSHIRE

ERCOL

welcome

As we move towards the end of another year, it’s time to reflect on some of the amazing achievements our county has seen over the last ten months. For more than 20 years the Mayor’s Design Awards have celebrated the very best in local building design and construction, and September’s ceremony raised the bar higher than ever before with an exceptional standard of entries. In this issue of your magazine, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at some of this year’s prize-winning projects and the inspiring people behind them.

Speaking of looking back, you’ll find some fascinating local history features spread over the following pages. From the wonders of Castle Rising’s spectacular church to the brand-new hoard exhibition at Lynn Museum,

IMAGE

Snettisham Church by Ian Ward

there are many intriguing treasures to discover.

It’s not all about the past however, as there’s plenty to be looking forward to over the next few weeks. As we move into winter and the nights draw in, there couldn’t be a better time to visit the Dark Sky Discovery Site at Kelling Heath Holiday Park – one of the best places for stargazing in England. Lovers of nature will also enjoy learning about the park’s charismatic resident red squirrels, which form part of a national breeding scheme to help boost populations across the country.

The festive season is almost upon us, so this edition of KL magazine is bursting with Christmas cheer to help you get into the spirit. You’ll be invited to look behind the scenes of Thursford’s lantern lit extravaganza, discover the magic of

growing Christmas trees at the Elveden Estate, and explore a selection of tempting festive treats – from flavourful cheeses and chocolates to delicious local rums.

It’s the time to focus on giving and spreading joy, so we’ve also spoken to some of the inspiring organisations who are striving to strengthen our communities, from the caring team at The Norfolk Hospice to the passionate volunteers bringing people together with West Norfolk Befriending.

We hope you enjoy your magazine –and our whole team would like to wish you a very merry Christmas.

KL magazine team

Enchanting spirit of Christmas

It is quite literally as described in the name; an immersive journey through a fantasyland trail and out into a lantern lit extravaganza.

The fantasyland features over 600 animatronic animals busy within a snowy world of cosy cottages, steam engines, ice structures and a toy factory. Stars of the show include friendly polar bears, traditional elves and the dancing penguins who are a highlight for many visitors.

For customers who book Santa’s Magical Journey, an additional trip to visit Father Christmas in his grotto is included in the fantasyland experience, where the elves will welcome children to see the big man himself and good little boys and girls will leave with a delightful gift.

Outside is a four-acre field filled with light sculptures set within a variety of themed areas. Visitors wind their

way between the giant lanterns which are impressive in the daylight and completely magical at night.

There is an underwater world with a giant ghostly jellyfish and a jungle area featuring a majestic elephant family and grandly decorated giraffe. Other themes are more weird and wonderful, as if they have escaped from a child’s imagination. “This year we will be adding a towering mystical moving tree, covered in creatures,” describes George Cushing, Marketing and Media Manager. “We commissioned it ourselves from the artists and it really will be quite a marvel to look at.”

The journey can also be combined with Thursford’s famed Christmas Spectacular show, an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety that is now in its 45th year.

The Thursford Enchanted Journey

of Light is a wonderful trip out for families, with lots to charm and amaze all generations, but perhaps more surprisingly it is also proving popular with couples and groups of friends too. “It is an enjoyable night out with a difference with a fun and festive vibe,” says George. “You can get a mulled wine from the bar and enjoy classic rides like the dodgems and Ferris wheel at the onsite funfair.”

A good selection of simple, warming refreshments are available throughout the Thursford event. The Garden Pavilion serves hearty, wholesome meals to sustain you for the evening, while the Santa’s Magical Journey Café offers family pleasers like pizzas, pastries and bratwurst sausages to eat on the go. Outside are various food stalls, including the ever-popular churros van as well as mince pies galore.

The displays at Thursford are really exceptional quality and are updated every year to keep the journey fresh with new surprises to excite returning visitors. “The fantasyland remains permanently in place,” George explains, “which allows us the time and resources to make it so detailed. In 2022 you must look out for a new wolf pack and some naughty polar bears who have got into the wrapped presents early.”

The lantern display is more transient, in part because of the delicate nature of the sculptures. “They are made of steel wire that is moulded into shape, covered with silk and then lights are inserted into the centre,” says George. “It takes around six weeks to get everything outside constructed, staked and lit.

“We had three containers full of new features transported from China, including a new ice world. They will add a huge amount to the display,” George continues. “This year has seen the biggest capital investment we have ever made. We want to keep people coming back and we want to invest in the place. It’s exciting!”

The stunning lanterns within Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light are completely unique in East Anglia. “If you want to see lantern sculptures

like these, we are unmatched,” says George. “Every lantern is designed and made bespoke for Thursford. They are sourced from China where the artistry in this form is incredible.”

It is this innovative approach that sets Thursford apart for those seeking the ultimate Christmas experience. “There is a good variety of attractions doing Christmas events across Norfolk

now and everyone has something special and di erent to o er,” George says. “But here at Thursford we really specialise in Christmas. You can expect the highest quality in everything that we do. The permanence of our fantasyland display allows us to create a richness and amazing level of detail. There will not be a single dark corner found that isn’t a treat for the eyes. We invest in the creativity and the result is truly immersive.”

For those that are keen to visit Thursford’s enchanting Christmas experience, tickets are still available and more details can be found on the website, www.thursford.com.

And what advice does George have for visitors? “Just be embraced by the spirit of Christmas. Forget about the real world for a few hours of escapism that will take you back to the excitement of your childhood. Bring your festive cheer… and if it’s raining maybe a coat too.”

“Every lantern is designed and made bespoke for ursford...”

PICTURES: The unique themed lanterns are commissioned, designed and crafted especially for Thursford (above). A magical snowy wonderland forms part of Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light (bottom).

Diary

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN KING’S LYNN

There’s no Christmas quite like a King’s Lynn Christmas, and the town centre is set to be bursting with yuletide cheer this season. Annual festivities begin on 27th November with the Borough Council’s extravagant light switch on event, which comprises of live music, street entertainment, and a family lantern parade. The fun continues with Discover King’s Lynn’s annual Festive Merchant’s Market at Tuesday Market Place on 10th and 11th December. Welcoming the biggest variety of stallholders to date, it’s the perfect place to finish up your Christmas shopping and indulge in some seasonal food & drink. Once you’ve finished browsing head to The Place for gingerbread decorating, Christmas colouring, and lots more. The Place will be continuing the merriment throughout the season, with mini markets on Thursdays throughout December and late-night shopping experiences on the 8th and 15th of the month.

WHEN: Switch on – 27th November, Festive Market 10th & 11th December, Night shopping 8th & 15th December

WHERE: King’s Lynn Town Centre

CLASSIC CAR AUCTION

Following their highly successful inaugural event at Stradsett Hall in September, Barry L Hawkins Auctioneers are inviting East Anglian traders and members of the public to their next classic car auction this December. Set in the grounds of the magnificent Middleton Tower, the event promises to be a brilliant day out for any car enthusiast and an ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to consign a car to have it noticed by favorable buyers. Auto-jumblers, specialists in motoring ephemera and street food vendors are all welcome, and a live soul band is set to play pre and post auction. Visitors who bring their own classic, modified and supercars along will receive a reduced entry fee to become part of the show. To arrange an appointment please call 01366 387180 and for event details visit barryhawkins. co.uk

WHEN: Saturday 3rd December

WHERE: Middleton Tower, Station Road, Tower End, Middleton, King’s Lynn PE32 1EE

IN

PARADISE IN BIRDLAND: THE LATEST COLLECTION BY BARRIE MORRIS

An extraordinary assortment of work from a remarkable artist, Paradise in Birdland an exciting new collection showcasing the eccentric style and fantastic skills of Barrie Morris. From the dramatic Screaming Swift over Salthouse Church to the charming Encounter with Spoonbills at Holkham these sumptuous compositions feature exquisite depictions of local birds and locations and reflect this painter’s strong passion for Norfolk. For more details and information, please call 01263 710287 or visit the website at thereddotgallery.com

WHEN: 12th November to 11th December (10am-5pm)

WHERE: The Red Dot Gallery, 7 Fish Hill, Holt NR25 6BD

Over the last few years this spectacular festive event has grown into one of East Anglia’s top Christmas fairs, boasting entertainment for all ages. Enter the vibrant craft marquees and you’ll be met with an exquisite variety of handmade gifts, with everything from wood carvings, pottery and ceramics to paintings, jewellery, and clothing. If you’re feeling peckish, the Food Halls o er a fabulous array of tempting creations to make your taste buds tingle - and you can even take home some Christmas menu ideas from the talented chefs performing in the Country Kitchen. What’s more, you’ll be thoroughly entertained throughout the event by artistic demonstrations and fantastic live music. All in all, it’s an enjoyable day out, a brilliant place to buy Christmas presents, and a great way to get into the festive spirit! For advance tickets and more information please visit livingheritagecountryshows.com

WHEN: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 18th, 19th & 20th November 2022 (10am –5pm)

WHERE: Sandringham Estate, Kings Lynn PE35 6EN

THE SANDRINGHAM CHRISTMAS CRAFT, FOOD AND GIFT FAIR

Putting the magic into giving this Christmas

Filled with a delightful array of independent shops and bursting with charming character, Holt is undoubtedly one of the loveliest locations in Norfolk. In a corner of this captivating Georgian town lies Hoppers Yard – a utopia of inspiring art, fabulous fashion, and freshly-brewed tea – and at its heart you’ll discover the magic of Follyology.

Founded by Judith West in 2019, Follyology is a unique homeware, lifestyle, and clothing store that embraces creativity, champions sustainability, and emphasises the importance of ethically sourced products.

With the first sparkle of Christmas around the corner, Judith has passionately sourced a selection of gorgeous gifts from several thoughtful brands.

“We like to think about what you can give in giving, so each product range has been carefully chosen with its narrative in mind,” says Judith. “We love the goods we sell and make it our mission to learn about the individual creators and reasons behind their creations. Everything has been

handpicked with sustainability and ethics in mind, and each collection has its own special story to tell.”

A perfect example is the beautiful range of greetings cards produced by HomeLess Made (part of the charity Barons Court Project) who showcase artwork created by people experiencing homelessness or mental health issues. “They’re so stunning and incredibly personal. Even selling one card can bring a huge boost of self-esteem to the artist and instil them with hope for the future,” says Judith. “The funds raised by HomeLess Made are split evenly between the artists and the charity, empowering individuals to earn an income for themselves whilst supporting other members of their community.”

Another brand making a di erence with astounding artwork is Honest Love Our Planet, who produce exquisite hand-crafted ornaments from recycled paper. Every bauble is hand-painted using sustainable natural dyes and paints, providing stable work and income to skilled Kashmiri artisans.

One of the newest additions to Follyology is felting brand En Gry and Sif, who create enchanting products

inspired by the Danish lifestyle, tradition, and nature. Designed in Denmark and handmade by talented workers in Nepal, each product is crafted with time and e ort, and there’s a little bit of soul in every single piece.

Equally inspiring is Trashy Bags Africa, a social enterprise company that upcycles discarded drinking water sachets into stylish eco-friendly bags and backpacks. Each month nearly 200,000 plastic sachets are collected, cleaned, and stitched by a network of passionate local people, who obtain an income for their e orts.

“We feel it’s important that everyone involved with creating a product gets a fair deal, from those collecting materials to the people adding the finishing touches,” says Judith. “People are at the heart of Follyology - so if you’re looking for a thoughtful Christmas gift, come and see us. Alongside the festive season’s arrivals, we’ve got our stylish selection of clothing, jewellery, and garden accessories too. You’re bound to discover something di erent and a little bit special, and we’d love to help you find that perfect present to put a smile on someone’s face.”

The Mediaeval Baebes bring Mediaeval Music to St Nicholas Chapel

Most recognised for their title track to the renowned ITV series Victoria, the internationally acclaimed Mediaeval Baebes are bringing their MydWynter Tour to St Nicholas

on

In a timeless treat of unique musical allure, the show is set to harness the true spirit of Christmas, as traditional folksongs and Christmas carol classics are cleverly combined with arrangements from the new MydWynter Album.

But who are the Mediaeval Baebes and what has made their haunting vocal harmonies become so renowned across the globe?

Over 25 years ago, a group of friends clad in flowing white gowns and crowns of ivy broke into a graveyard to sing mediæval songs and make merry. More than a quarter of a century later, the Mediaeval Baebes have released 11 studio albums and won an Ivor Novello Award for their performance on the BBC serialisation ‘The Virgin Queen.’ They’ve also had 2 Emmy nominations, and have received a Royal Television Society award alongside composer Martin Phipps, for their soundtrack to ITV’s hit period drama ‘Victoria.’

One the most successful femaleled early music and folk ensembles in Europe, the Mediaeval Baebes have toured with Jules Holland, supported Michael Flatley in Hyde Park, and performed at the The Game of Thrones Festival in Canada. They’ve appeared as joint guests on a show with Meatloaf and, as a fan and enthusiast, Iggy Pop regularly plays their music in his shows and invited them to perform live for his Radio 6 Christmas Day special.

Their unique, classical vocals have led them to perform in many historically significant venues across the world. Embracing castles and caves through to nightclubs and renaissance fayres in the United States and Asia, Europe and the UK. Some of their favourites include Hampton Court Palace, Berkeley Castle, The Royal Albert Hall, Chateau de Fontainebleau in France, Carnglaze Caverns in Cornwall and the legendary Lilith Fayre.

Katharine Blake, the musical director, composer, and producer for the Mediaeval Baebes, feels King’s Lynn’s stunning St Nicholas Chapel is the perfect setting for a special show. “Our music really comes alive when we sing in churches and cathedrals because it was designed to be sung there,” she says. “The MydWynter show is a vibrant performance that will be moving, amusing, rousing, and spell-binding. Performing in St Nicholas Chapel really will be mediaeval music coming home!”

PICTURES: Formed in 1996, the unique, classical chart-topping choir Mediaeval Baebes (opposite) will be performing Christmas carol classics, traditional folksongs, and arrangements from their new album at the atmospheric St Nicholas Chapel in King’s Lynn (above) in December.

Katharine (pictured right) is well known for her unique choral writing style and her sourcing of lyrics from mediaeval and romantic texts, which she then sets to original scores. In addition, she reinvents scores for both traditional and folk songs, composing to include the Mediaeval Baebes’ mediaeval and period folk

female-led, early music

Europe.

instruments. Her choice of mediaeval texts is mythological and philosophical, with the compositions being sung in an array of forgotten ancient languages to create a beguiling musical beauty and showcase the Baebes ethereal talent.

The MydWynter Tour is a joyful array of music, dance and theatre, as storytelling magic is weaved through the original settings of mediaeval texts, traditional folk songs, nursery rhymes and Christmas carols. Named for the newly released MydWynter Album, it reminds of the pre-Christian origins of the winter festival. Not every winter mystery can be wholly illuminated and some things

just stay obscured! The track ‘Carol of the Bells’, also shares its melody with a Ukrainian folk song and was written with a guest spot from avowed Baebes fan Iggy Pop in mind.

The Mediaeval Baebes have morphed through many incarnations. The band currently consists of a foot percussionist and professionally trained high soprano, an underground filmmaker, and comedy script writer, a director, writer and producer of opera and theatre, and a historical performance cellist. Some are founding members that have been singing and performing with the Baebes for over

25 years and the newest members joined the group in 2017. Individual band members’ achievements include spots on television, radio, and filmswith most also performing with other collaborative musicians or as soloists. Together, these talented musician’s individual accomplishments combine to create a sound and show like no other.

The Mediaeval Baebes (currently comprising of Katharine Blake, Marie Findlay, Josephine Ravenheart, Fiona Fey, Sophia Halberstam and Maya McCourt) are thrilled to once again be returning to St Nicholas Chapel for a glorious celebration of Christmas merriment. Tickets are now available from www.mediaevalbaebes.com at a cost of £26.50 each and £11.50 for a child. It’s a sensational sound and a spectacular show you definitely won’t want to miss!

MydWynter is the Mediaeval Baebes 11th Studio album and is due for release on the 25th November 2022.

ABOVE:

“Our music really comes alive when we sing in churches and cathedrals because it was designed to be sung there...”

A Wonderful Christmastime

With tours of Holkham Hall by

our

craft and

and not forgetting the Big Man himself,

at Holkham is

this

truly

Explore events and book at holkham.co.uk

Experience the magic of a King’s Lynn Christmas

King’s Lynn town centre will be bursting with yuletide cheer this festive season. With everything from makers markets to the granting of Christmas wishes, there’s something for everyone this December

There’s no Christmas quite like a King’s Lynn Christmas” according to Discover King’s Lynn, the local Business Improvement District. Discover King’s Lynn dedicates its time to promoting King’s Lynn town centre and its many businesses, and it feels there is no better time to shout about the town than at Christmas. “King’s Lynn is most certainly a festive destination! Whether you wish to celebrate the season with a glamorous o ce party, delicious, festive food and drink, or a shopping spree, our town centre is the place to be.” says Vicky, BID Manager. “We feel King’s Lynn has a fabulous festive o ering and, now more than ever, we encourage people to shop locally to support the town and the many family run businesses

that are here. We have a cornucopia of businesses in King’s Lynn that will satisfy all manner of Christmas needs, from gifting through to the big food shop.”

Annual festivities begin in King’s Lynn on the 27th of November with the Borough Council’s Light Switch On event, comprising of live music, street entertainment and a family lantern parade. With funding from Discover King’s Lynn, the town’s festive light installations will look a little di erent this year, with brand new, bespoke overhead displays in both Tower Street and part of Norfolk Street. Keen to celebrate the independent nature of these streets, Discover King’s Lynn has worked hard to bring fresh, colourful lighting displays to these locations with hopes of providing new installations in

other streets in years to come.

Festive fun continues with Discover King’s Lynn’s annual Christmas market, set to return to the town centre this year with its biggest variety of stallholders to date. The Festive Merchants Market, which will be held on the 10th and 11th of December on the Tuesday Market Place, will host over 20 local traders selling a range of handmade crafts, decorations and jewellery, as well as tasty, festive food and drink. Once you have finished browsing the market, you can head over to The Place – Discover King’s Lynn’s multi-use, pop-up venue located on New Conduit Street – for even more merriment in the form of

gingerbread decorating, Christmas colouring and more. The Place will also host a mini makers’ market on Thursdays throughout December, plus a late-night shopping experience on the 8th and 15th December. Both events are organised and occupied by small, local crafters, giving you yet another opportunity to shop local this Christmas!

With everything from Christmas markets and festive, family activities to a special shopping experience, it truly is ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ to visit King’s Lynn town centre. To keep up to date on the festivities, visit www.discoverkingslynn.com or follow Discover King’s Lynn on socials.

What’s your child’s Christmas wish?

Pop by The Place (opposite Wilko) and post it into Santa’s post box to be in with the chance of having it granted courtesy of Vancouver Quarter’s ‘Christmas Wishes’ campaign. You could even be one of a few lucky people to win up to £500 in cash before Christmas Day!

The wonders of Castle Rising’s

captivating church

Our county has the greatest concentration of medieval churches in the world, with almost 1000 built and over 600 still standing today – one of the most astounding and atmospheric being e Church of St Lawrence in Castle Rising…

One of Norfolk’s many fascinating gems, the charming village of Castle Rising has an extraordinarily rich history. Though best known for its famous fortress, it’s also home to a remarkable church – which has its own intriguing tales to tell.

The picturesque Church of St Lawrence was built for William D’Albini II in the 1140s, about the same time he was constructing his magnificent castle nearby. Having recently married the widow of Henry I, William set out to transform the minor settlement of Rising into a lavish lordly residence,

pouring his enhanced wealth and status into the area.

Although St Lawrence was only a small parish church - consisting of a nave, chancel, and central towervery high-quality masonry skills were employed in its construction. Many of these are still evident today in the supremely ornate west front, which is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Norman architecture in the country. Featuring exuberant interlacing arcades, a striking array of grotesque carved heads, and richly decorated window openings, it’s the building’s chief glory and a triumph of medieval

art.

St Lawrence is patently a cruciform Norman church, though there’s no disguising that it’s been heavily restored and remodelled over the centuries –with examples of various architectural styles visible within the interior. In the 13th century, the chancel was updated in the Early English style and a south transept was added, with a fine pointed entrance archway constructed adjacent to the nave’s impressive Norman horseshoe arch.

Another striking internal feature is the beautifully carved baptismal font standing between the north and

PICTURES: The building’s elaborate Norman west front, and a drawing of the church’s ancient font by talented Norfolk-born artist John Sell Cotman (above). Dating to 1811, this etching also by John Sell Cotman shows Castle Rising Church before restoration work altered its appearance (below).

south doors. Thought to be the oldest piece of decorative stonework in the village, it likely came from the former parish church - which was demolished when the castle was built. A rare early Norman treasure, this magnificent masterpiece features a wealth of intricate carvings - including three broadly grinning cats’ faces on the west side.

“It’s an astounding, and rather imposing, work of art,” says local researcher Barry Blades, who’s currently compiling a book on the history of Castle Rising. “In fact, I’ve always struggled to picture it in the previous parish church, as in a smaller building it might have been quite overwhelming. We’ll probably never know the true story behind it, and that element of mystery only adds to its enchanting quality.”

Like most surviving medieval churches, St Lawrence has experienced a great deal of change since its

construction – mainly due to the religious upheavals of the 16th century and the neglect that ensued in later years. In the Middle Ages church interiors would have been much more colourful than they are today, with most featuring vibrant wall paintings and stained-glass windows depicting the lives of saints and biblical scenes to their largely illiterate congregation.

“During the Reformation many religious artworks were removed from churches without a trace,” explains Barry. “It’s not known if Castle Rising church had any wall paintings, though it’s highly likely considering the wealth poured into the building. In fact, some traces of Latin lettering are visible on the underside of the nave arch, having remarkably survived through the centuries for us to admire today.”

The Tudor reformations had only a limited impact on the architecture at St Lawrence but far-reaching e ects on religious observance. Like many throughout the land the church su ered a great deal of neglect during the following decades, and in the 1760s it was recorded that the chancel and south transept were entirely in ruins.

Fortunately, in the 19th century, the crumbling church was rescued from its sorry state by the Hon. Mary Howard

and her husband, who inherited the estate of Castle Rising in 1818.

Determined to restore some of the building’s former glory, Mary employed talented local architects to conduct a considerable amount of restoration work. Among the extensive repairs carried out, a new south transept was added, the roof was replaced, the height of the tower was extended, and the chancel was almost completely rebuilt.

Upon completion, the church exterior looked very much as it does today, and (after her death in 1877) a charming lych gate was constructed at the western entrance to commemorate Mary Howard and her generous contributions to the building.

A few minor restorations took place in later years to repair storm damage and, as a result, the Church of St Lawrence has been preserved as a unique and stunning piece of history. “It’s a wonderful work of art and a precious parish treasure,” says Richard Shipp, who’s been a churchwarden at Castle Rising for an astounding 43 years. “As part of the Sandringham Group, we were even blessed with a visit from Her Majesty the Queen every five years. Locals will always look back at those magical moments with fond memories, and we’re happy she held such respect and admiration for our village and its beautiful church.”

Having endured everything from the force of the elements and religious conflicts to harsh periods of neglect and decay, the spectacular Church of St Lawrence has survived into the 21st century. Standing as proudly as it did 800 years ago, the enchanting building continues to provide for religious needs of its parishioners – it’s a delightful piece of the past playing an important role in the present.

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

Are there stories in your attic?

Held regularly across the county and beyond are free valuation days, an informal and informative experience hosted by Holts Auctioneers’ experienced team. “Our experts are able to tell visitors something about the item they have brought along and we are always keen to hear what they know about it too,” says Founder Nicholas Holt. “The provenance, or history, of an item can have a highly beneficial impact on it’s value and is often very interesting.”

At the most recent free valuation day held in Wolferton, Holts Auctioneers invited KL readers to bring the dusty items hidden in the back of cupboards or packed into the darkest corners of the attic along for an expert opinion.

The most surprising item discovered was a rare Victorian truncheon which had been found while clearing the estate of a deceased local man. The

truncheon is carved to commemorate the execution of three Irish men, Allen, Larkin and Gould, convicted of killing a police sergeant in 1867.

“A group of 30-40 men attacked a horse-drawn police van that was transporting two arrested leaders of their brotherhood,” explains Nicholas. “During the attack, a policeman inside the carriage was killed by a pistol shot through the keyhole.”

The carved truncheon belonged to one of the Special Constables involved in the arrest of Allen, Larkin and Gould who were accused of firing the fatal shot. No one man was convicted, but instead the three men were found guilty of murder on the basis of ‘joint enterprise’ and were subsequently hanged in front of a crowd of thousands.

“The truncheon will be of national interest,” continues Nicholas, “because it relates to a highly significant event

during that period of history.”

The truncheon will appear as Lot 334 in the upcoming Holts Auction alongside many other world-class items of modern and antique arms.

The Holts Auctioneers free valuations are run on an appointment system so that you can enjoy a convenient and confidential experience. Holts are always on the lookout for intriguing items for their next auction.

“If you have an item that you think might be interesting,” Nicholas says, “speak to one of our team and we can arrange a valuation which you are sure to find a simple, interesting and enjoyable experience.”

Stunning tree top views of North Norfolk

e recently reopened Sheringham Park Gazebo provides a breath-taking panorama of the local landscape, woodlands and even the sea beyond

Located on the Northern edge of the National Trust owned Sheringham Park, the gazebo had been a favourite of visitors for over 30 years when the structure was sadly forced to close due to structural concerns in May 2021. But, thanks to the work of a skilled refurbishment team, this impressive tower can now welcome visitors to enjoy a birds-eye view once again.

The gazebo rises above the canopy of Oak Wood and looks along the coastline as far as the eye can see. To enjoy these extensive views visitors must ascend the hillside and then climb the 60 steps of the tower. “It really is quite breath-taking,” says Ella Akinlade, National Trust General Manager. “You

have the Weybourne windmill in view and if you’re lucky you can see the steam train trundling along between Sheringham and Holt. It’s really one of the best views of the coast.”

While the views are magnificent, many who have visited Sheringham Park also discover a strong emotional connection there which makes it really special. “The human stories connected to the gazebo are also really important,” Ella explains. “Ever since we reopened the gazebo, people have been telling us how delighted they are because going to the top reminds them of special moments. We know of two couples who became engaged at the top of it. That’s why we felt that it was so important to get it back open again;

because of the joy that it brings to so many people.”

The refurbishment of the Sheringham Park Gazebo was coordinated by National Trust Building Surveyor David Mizon. “The gazebo is an open structure, steel framed with timber cladding,” says David. “When we commissioned a maintenance report from structural engineers Rossi Long Consulting Ltd, they highlighted a number of decay issues. Junctions in the steel framing were rusting away where water had become trapped, some of the timber structure had rotted and the balustrading, steps and handrails had all su ered from 34 years of exposure.”

Repairing the identified issues

IMAGES: © ROB COLEMAN

ABOVE: The spectacular view from the gazebo at Sheringham Park which sits above the treeline of Oak Wood.

required some intricate planning as the structure couldn’t be taken apart to access the junctions that needed repairing and the height of the structure meant that sca olding was needed. “It took some inventive planning to create the design details,” David explains, “but the process in the end was quite straightforward and, with the hard work of Bawburgh Installations Ltd, who completed the construction, it went very well.”

The gazebo had originally been erected in 1988 and was a gift to the estate by Mildred Cordeaux. Although it was not a feature of the original park design, Mildred remembered an old viewing structure in the same location during her childhood.

The Sheringham Park estate in which the gazebo sits is a designed landscape created in the early 1800’s by famous landscape designer Humphry Repton.

“The way he designed it means it just unfolds before your eyes,” describes Ella. “You walk down the main drive and discover these ‘glimpse points’ where you can capture the seaside beyond. Then suddenly you get to ‘The Turn’ and the whole estate is revealed to you, including the hall.”

In addition to the much-loved gazebo, the estate has two further viewing towers situated in the Wild Garden, overlooking a carpet of rhododendrons for which the park is also famed. “In May the Rhododendrons flower profusely and create a stunning sea of colour,” Ella smiles. “The Wild Garden has all sorts of really diverse specimen plants collected by Ernest Henry Wilson, including the rhododendrons, camellias and the wonderful handkerchief tree. It’s a very peaceful and magical spot which takes you to a di erent place.”

The National Trust welcomes visitors to Sheringham Park every day from dawn until dusk. Trust members can visit for free while non-members are asked only to pay for car parking. The park is perfect for family walks with lots to see and a fleet of mobility scooters are popular for those who would otherwise find the hill di cult. A small café and second-hand book shop are also on site alongside a learning centre visited by around 5000 school children annually.

“I love that you can have your mind full of things but when you visit Sheringham Park you are transported to somewhere other,” says Ella. “The wonderful gazebo gives such a di erent perspective of the rolling Humphry Repton landscape below. It is a place good for the soul.”

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

PICTURES: Views from the gazebo stretch across to the North Sea(above). The steps leading up to the top of this impressive structure (right). Sheringham Park is a stunningly designed landscape garden (below).

IMAGE: © JOHN MILLER

IMAGE:

© JOHN MILLER

Aspire beyond with Athena

Students at Athena enjoy a bespoke programme of personalised learning to suit their aspirations and a combination of dedicated tutors, varied curriculum and motivating learning spaces ensures that every one of them thrives. A flexible course o er means that students can specialise in their passion now or keep options open with a varied timetable.

Athena is a highly aspiring Sixth Form provider. Almost a quarter of all grades achieved by Athena students were A or A* in 2022. This meant that the vast majority of Athena’s leavers went to their first-choice university, of which many were Russel Group institutions, and ten were awarded Norfolk Scholar status, recognising their outstanding performance.

“16 to 18 year olds in this region no longer need to travel to Cambridge for

the best education,” says new Director of Athena, George Pettitt. “We can o er you a wide range of high-quality courses from right here within the West Norfolk community.”

A-level choices at Athena include all traditional subjects with impressive provision. Large new labs with dedicated sixth form teaching spaces enable Athena students to study a range of science A-levels and applied courses too. Opportunities such as a field trip to see the Hadron Collider in Switzerland enrich learning throughout the year.

Psychology and an applied A-level in Criminology are popular subjects at Athena that benefit from passionate

and experienced teaching sta . While an outstanding Fine Art department has long been a flagship of Athena achieving exceptional results year after year and providing artwork for public display.

Sitting at the heart of both the campus and community in Downham Market, the Athena Sixth Form College has seen significant positive change over recent times…

ABOVE: Pupils at Athena develop the independence and confidence needed to thrive in the wider world.

Responding to students’ needs, Athena is also adding a roster of new vocational courses for the coming year. A Creative Media course sits alongside the existing Film Studies A-Level to o er a hands-on opportunity to create portfolio content, such as a magazine or video game, alongside theory. A new Childcare course will build on Athena’s existing relationship with a local primary school to give students practical experiences such as running a toddler group.

In a particularly exciting development, Athena has also teamed up with Norwich Football Club to provide a three-A-level-equivalent Extended Diploma in Sport. Participants on the course will attend the Downham Market campus two days a week and spend the remainder training with Norwich coaches, including sessions at The Nest with transport provided.

Weekly fixtures will also be played. “Picture Premier League footballers sitting on a Teams call with you talking through your sport psychology,” says George. “This partnership course is the perfect o er for students who want to go on to study Sport Science.”

Athena is a relatively small Sixth Form provider and this enables the personalised approach to education that is at its core. Each student is supported by a Personal Tutor who they meet with daily. “Our small class sizes allow us to know and nurture every individual pupil, which is not the case in every Sixth Form,” George explains. “We are able to treat students to the independence of a miniuniversity experience, but we are here to act as the safety net while they develop the personal discipline and study skills needed to succeed.”

“We recognise

that A-levels are hard, much more so in recent years, and we take mental wellbeing very seriously here too,” George continues. All students have access to an on-site swimming pool and gym, while the newly designed ‘Sanctuary’ provides a calm space for students to relax and was recently showcased on national TV.

“We aim for students to leave here with as many doors open for the best possible future they can imagine. We develop well rounded individuals who have confidence to be the leaders in society that we know they will become. All students thrive here,” George shares proudly, “and so could you.”

Director of Athena George Pettitt and his dedicated team are looking for a new cohort of Year 12s to shape the future for themselves and for Athena Sixth Form College in 2023. The application cycle has begun.

For more information, to arrange a tour or to apply for a place today visit asf.tela.org.uk or scan the QR code here.

“16 to 18 year olds in this region no longer need to travel to Cambridge for the best education”

George Pettitt, Director of Athena

families find closure by piecing together the past is an important part of what we do... “

uniform from 1951

Preserving the rich history of RAF Marham

At the start of the First World War in 1914, there were only seven aerodromes in the whole country, though by 1918 this number had soared to over 300. By the time World War Two gained full force, Norfolk alone was home to over 50 RAF bases - ranging from decoy airfields to strategic stations used by allied squadrons from all over Europe. Each one had a profound e ect on our history and culture and, though most gradually faded from existence when peace was restored, Marham remains one of the RAF’s Main Operating Bases. Now home of the F-35 Lightning (a fifth-generation stealth fighter), it’s an inspiring piece

of the past that’s continuing to shape the future – so it feels only right to appreciate the station’s remarkable history.

Hosting an extensive collection of astounding artefacts, fascinating photographs, and an archive of over 12,000 items, The RAF Marham Aviation Heritage Centre proudly preserves and presents the story of the Royal Air Force in Marham, East Anglia, and beyond.

Filled with wonderfully detailed displays, it showcases the station’s extraordinary past though pictures, words, and objects - providing powerful insights into operational life at RAF Marham and reflecting the personal triumphs and tragedies of the valiant airmen who served there. Run

by a passionate team of Service and Civilian volunteers, it’s a unique local treasure and a stunning tribute to the loyalty of Marham personnel.

The Heritage centre was born out of the original Station History Room, which was set up in the 1980s in the old Operations Block to display historical artefacts and memorabilia. However, being within the bounds of the station, the facility was rarely open to the public – and it closed altogether when Marham became the RAF’s main base for Tornado aircraft and space was in short supply.

Fortunately, the dedicated team involved with the collection boxed everything up and began searching for a new location to display the rich

Filled with incredible artefacts and driven by a passionate team of volunteers, Marham’s astounding Aviation Heritage Centre celebrates the fascinating historical legacy of Norfolk’s last RAF airbase

PICTURES: Marham was the longest-serving and last RAF Tornado base. The iconic warplane

from the base for almost four decades, from 1982 to 2019 (opposite). The main display room at the Aviation Heritage Centre, which features a WE177 nuclear bomb exhibit (above).

history of the base. In 2013 a former church outside the station boundary became available and, led by curator Steve Roberts, the team put together a convincing case and secured use of the building.

“We’ve designed the centre to tell a timeline of history, so visitors can walk around the displays and discover the journey of RAF Marham from 1916 to present day,” says Steve. “Many of our volunteers served at the base so feel passionate about its past – and we each have our own areas of expertise. As veterans we can tell the story with an element of confidence, as we’ve been part of it, and there’s a great deal of experience between us. People enjoy coming here because they can listen to true accounts told with spirit and enthusiasm, and our volunteers love nothing more than stepping back in time to share memories of the world they once lived in.”

The centre has an ever-growing archive of data, artefacts, and memorabilia which have been carefully

put together to paint a picture of RAF Marham through the decades. There’s so much to take in - from uniforms, missiles, and a mighty WE177 nuclear bomb exhibit to marvellous displays of equipment and historical artefacts.

“We’re lucky to receive precious donations from veterans and their families, and every day we’re open brings new insights and information,” says Ken Delve, an aviation historian and ex-RAF Navigator who volunteers at the centre. “We often find relatives of Marham personnel come to us wanting to know what happened to their loved ones, and our lead researcher Mark Every will go above and beyond to bring clarity to a previously unknown element of their family jigsaw.”

The research aspect of the centre cannot be understated, and Mark’s incredible ability to uncover the individual service histories and actions of the fallen has gained him a reputation for accuracy and detail. He can often take a person back to when their relative first arrived at Marham and reveal every mission they were involved in up until the moment they were killed.

“Helping families find closure by piecing together the past is an important part of what we do,” says Ken. “We’ve also created a garden dedicated to the memory of those who served at Marham. Relatives can sponsor a

plaque to place on our memorial wall, which is made from bricks reclaimed from an aircraft hangar. It’s a beautiful and lasting tribute to the devotion of Marham personnel and is always open to visitors wanting a space to remember and reflect.”

Though rooted in the past, the Heritage Centre is forward-thinking in its outlook and the team are working towards a bright future. “We’ve got a brilliant schedule of events planned for next year and plenty of ongoing projects,” says Steve. “We’re looking for support to build a new entrance on the front of the building, within which we wish to create a local veteran’s hub and establish a new home for our memorabilia shop, allowing more room for exhibits.”

“We believe, to influence the future, you must learn from the past - and it’s vitally important, not only to East Anglia but also to the Nation - to display our growing archive of material in honour of the valiant people that went before us. Without their extraordinary e orts and dedicated service, we wouldn’t have the peace we treasure today.”

The Heritage Centre is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 until 4 as well as the last Saturday of the month (except December) For more information please visit marhamahc. org.uk

PICTURES: The centre o ers free entry and is manned by a joint Service and Civilian volunteer team, who rely on donations to develop the displays and activities.

Model railways galore –and so much more

Asource of fascination for young and old alike, model railways have been enjoyed by thousands of enthusiasts for well over 100 years. They appeal not only to an interest in trains, but also to a desire to design, construct, and control unique miniature worlds.

The excitement of watching a locomotive glide through an intricate model network is a feeling like no other - and ever since the introduction of the ‘train set’ as a gift, the oval track looped around the Christmas tree has become an iconic festive feature in many households.

The art of building your own layout is a thrilling and creative process from the start, though there’s much more to it than just trains and track. This enthralling hobby requires careful planning, research, and design skills, as well as quality

materials and some modelling knowhow to create fulfilling miniature masterpieces.

There are so many di erent elements to consider, so it’s good to know that BJ Models & DIY Centre in King’s Lynn has been treating railway enthusiasts to excellent products and advice for over six decades. Run by friendly and knowledgeable brothers-in-law John Harrison and Paul Sanderson, the delightfully classic model shop o ers a comprehensive selection of locomotives, track, and accessories from leading brands including Hornby, Bachmann, and Peco.

“Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced model engineer, we have everything you could possibly need to create a layout to be proud of,” says John. “As passionate modelmakers ourselves, Paul and I can provide the resources and guidance required to help put any vision on the rails – from continuous and end to end systems to complex digital and multi-level networks.”

If you’re in need of inspiration the shop stocks a brilliant selection of railway planning books to help you brush up your skills, further your

modelling hobby, and build or expand your layout.

There’s also an impressive range of diesel & electric and steam locomotives to choose from, as well as model buildings, scenics, coatings, and paints to add extra detail to your layout. You’ll even find a collection of quality tools and adhesives to help piece everything together – and, for those on a budget, John also buys, repairs, and sells second-hand locos and railway accessories to ensure there’s something for everyone.

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the rail enthusiast in the family, the shop has plenty of fantastic train sets as well as quality plastic kits suited to all ages and skill levels. There’s so much to browse through (you’re very unlikely to leave empty handed) and if you need assistance finding anything at all John and Paul are always more than happy to help.

With its excellent stock and firstclass service, BJ Models & DIY centre carries everything you need and more to embark on your next modelmaking venture.

With knowledgeable sta , a friendly feel, and a fantastic selection of quality kits and materials, BJ Models & DIY Centre caters for all your modelling needs

© BRIAN BOGGENPOEL

An award-winning site for stargazing

As we move into winter and the nights draw in, Kelling Heath provides the perfect conditions for an unforgettable stargazing long weekend; Winterfest.

Better known for its woodland lodges, holiday homes and camping pitches, Kelling Heath Holiday Park located near Holt is one of the best places in England to enjoy dark starry skies. The site has been awarded the highest ‘two star’ accolade as an o cial ‘Dark Sky Discovery Site’, meaning that the seven stars of the Orion constellation and the Milky Way can be viewed with the naked eye from the park.

Kelling Heath is set amongst 300 acres of woodland and rare open heathland in an Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty. “We are very lucky here in our little corner of the planet,” says Hayley Musson, PR manager, “not only does Norfolk boast beautiful countryside and expansive skies, but North Norfolk also enjoys less light pollution making it an ideal spot for stargazing.”

This year, on 24th-28th November, Kelling Heath will be holding ‘Winterfest’, an occasion for astronomers and enthusiasts to come together and observe the night sky. The weekend is planned to coincide with a new moon when the skies are at their darkest providing the best opportunity

to see some awe-inspiring sky scenes. Lighting at Kelling Heath is kept to a minimum to prevent light pollution from spoiling the night sky and during the festival most lights in touring areas are turned o with visitors encouraged to use red lights which restrict glare and support night vision.

“Big constellations like Orion and Taurus will be right overhead,” explains Keith Venables, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and regular astronomer at Kelling Heath’s Star Parties, “and this year Jupiter and Saturn will be visible too.”

“The sky at night is di erent

ABOVE: A shot of the Andromeda Galaxy, commonly known as Messier 31, M31, or NGC 224, taken from above Kelling Heath.

throughout the year because of our rotation around the sun. We get di erent constellations shown to us at di erent times of the year.”

Some impressive details can be seen from Kelling Heath even with just a basic pair of binoculars or small telescope. “You can view the moons around Jupiter or the rings around Saturn,” Keith continues. “The Milky Way is quite stunning too. Most children grow up never having seen it, which is such a shame. It looks like a cloud or steam and it’s beautiful.”

Kelling Heath is one of 150 locations in the UK which have met the strict criteria of being an exceptionally dark site and, along with Wiveton Downs and Great Ellingham, is one of only three locations recognised in Norfolk. The British Astronomical Association’s Commission for Dark Skies also commended Kelling Heath for its commitment to educating guests and its work in protecting the area with a Good Lighting Award in 2019.

There are many additional benefits

of experiencing the darkness that Kelling Heath can o er too. It’s especially important for insects and other wildlife. Visitors can observe the natural behaviour of wildlife foraging, breeding and migrating. Without sight as a primary aid, other senses such as hearing and smell become enhanced, bringing us closer to nature. The darkness can also help to regulate our natural body clock by stimulating the release of melatonin which has a positive e ect on mental health and well-being.

As well as providing front row seats to the night sky, Kelling Heath has introduced a small, dedicated area of premium pitches in the Yellow Dragonfly Touring Field for Winterfest, which is ideal for star spotting. Guests can also choose to stay in one of Kelling Heath’s comfortable woodland lodges or a luxury holiday home.

“The chances of it being clear are about 50/50,” Keith says, “but the start of winter brings long, dark nights much welcomed by amateur astronomers.

Although the weather can be unsettled, when it is clear it is usually very clear. Unfortunately, it is also often the case that the colder it is, the clearer the skies – so we recommend packing for your visit accordingly!”

Winterfest draws some of the UK’s keenest enthusiasts and is open to astronomers of all levels. “You will need to bring some form of equipment,” Keith explains. “Some of us have really big telescopes, up to 2.5m high, but a pair of binoculars will do. You will find astronomers to be a welcoming bunch. People are always happy to share ideas and a view through their telescope. Everyone learns from each other.”

To experience the magic of Norfolk’s Dark Skies simply book a pitch at Kelling Heath. More information can be found at kellingheath.co.uk

BRIAN BOGGENPOEL

BRIAN BOGGENPOEL

BY ALEX THAXTON

Enjoy a breathtaking trip to the beach this season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s never been a truer saying when it comes to experiencing the magic of the North Norfolk coast. You might be tempted to think that the summer is the best time to visit one of our beautiful beaches but the truth is - the winter months are even more spectacular for lovers of wildlife and unspoilt scenery.

An o -season visit is an ideal way to appreciate our captivating coastline at its finest, with dramatic winter skies and seas that are contrasted by peaceful riddling sands and panoramic landscape vistas.

In the picturesque town of Wellsnext-the-Sea, Beach Hut Six is the perfect place to indulge in the sublime beauty of Norfolk during the colder

months. A simply stunning setting throughout the seasons, this chic boutique hideaway is nestled among the row of colourful beach huts on the town’s famous sandy shore and glows with warmth and vibrance against the dusky winter sky. Available to hire for a day or even longer, it’s an ideal space for those wanting to enjoy the rugged beauty of the coast in cooler weather, whilst having the convenience of a beach base and the cosy shelter it provides.

Staying at Beach Hut Six is a unique and exciting experience where details have been carefully thought through to make your trip as memorable as possible. The charming coastal haven has been lovingly renovated and styled to evolve with the seasons, with some fabulous festive touches added to enhance December visits.

A well-equipped kitchen unit, a generous supply of water, stylish velvety furnishings and fashionable beach equipment are part of the package - along with hot water bottles and snug woolly blankets sourced from Canada to

keep you cosy in wintry weather. What’s more, you’ll be greeted with a wonderful welcome hamper filled with scrumptious seasonal delights, including everything from warming soups and fantastic hot drinks to delicious local biscuits, chocolates, and cider.

There’s nothing like the promise of lounging in the hut with hot chocolate after a stroll on the beach or sitting on the balcony to observe some Norfolk wildlife –from the cries of coastal birds to the occasional grey seal lazing on the sand.

An inspiring setting for creative pursuits, Wells Beach is at its most atmospheric in winter, so you may choose to enjoy a session of landscape photography

a lesson with a talented local artist as part of your stay. For tourists looking for a special way to experience Norfolk at its best and locals wanting to embrace the striking scenery

Enjoy an amazing stay your way

With its enchanting landscapes, glorious coastline, and wealth of wonderful attractions, Norfolk is a delightful destination for memorable getaways and fun-filled celebrations - and thanks to innovative ideas from inspiring local companies, it’s growing more spectacular by the second.

A brilliant family-run business, Wensum Water Retreats are enhancing the area’s o ering with their fabulous holiday lets, which have been thoughtfully designed to cater for any occasion. After nearly 9 months of dedicated work, Creator Kim Morrison is thrilled to invite visitors to the revamped Wensum Retreat in South Raynham – a beautiful bungalow designed to deliver a truly sensational stay.

Sleeping up to 12 guests, the spacious holiday haven features a spectacular heated indoor swimming pool, a divine Jacuzzi hot tub, a stylish

al fresco dining area, and a collection of calming modern interiors.

“We’ve put a great deal of thought into every detail and take pride in o ering a bespoke concierge service to give visitors a unique and exciting stay,” says Kim. “If you want to experience the best of Norfolk, we have all the knowledge required to help create your perfect adventure, and if you’re planning a party we’ll go above and beyond to make it an unforgettable occasion. Whether you’re marking a special birthday or holding a hen or stag celebration, we’d be delighted to fill your retreat with decorations, fun, and drinks. From banners, balloons, and seasonal flowers to local hampers and bottles of prosecco, your wish is our command!”

It your stay, your way – and there are so many wonderful extras you can include in your bespoke package. You may choose to indulge in a spa-themed escape, with relaxing massage and yoga sessions followed by a refreshing dip in the pool or a drink in the bubbling hot

tub. Alternatively, you might want to mark your last night of unmarried life in the versatile outdoor games room, which features a pool table, a 10ft bar, a Sky Glass TV, and even a fantastic casino set-up if you’d like one.

If you wish to unwind for an evening of fun with friends, you can opt for your very own barman to make the cocktails for you – and if you’re after a taste of Norfolk’s finest food why not hire a talented local chef to cook a delicious dinner?

Kim is also a professional triathlete and qualified Swim England Swimming Teacher, so if you’re after a rejuvenating fitness retreat, she can o er everything from private swim coaching and triathlon training to scenic running and biking trails.

The possibilities are endless, and the choice is yours – so what are you waiting for? Visit wensumwaterretreats. co.uk to book your stay and enjoy an incredible holiday experience like no other.

Wensum Retreat, South Raynham NR21 7HN Tel: 01328 838834 Web: wensumwaterretreats.co.uk Email: hello@wensumwaterretreats.co.uk

With its beautiful interiors, stunning private pool, and package of luxurious extras, Wensum Water Retreats is the perfect place for an unforgettable Hen or Stag celebration

Elveden has been growing Christmas trees for over forty years and has become a popular choice for both small trees for the home and large civic trees that become the talk of the town. In fact, Elveden supplies more display trees to businesses, organisations and councils than any other grower in Europe, installing over 300 trees just last year.

The King’s Lynn town Christmas Tree, set to be placed on The Walks this December, will be a 35ft Spruce from The Elveden Estate - who also supply a number of impressive trees across North and West Norfolk, including

one outside The Princess Theatre in Hunstanton.

Delivering these impressive showcase trees is the responsibility of Luvena Taylor, Civic Christmas Tree Manager.

“It’s such a pleasure to know the joy we bring to all the towns and cities with the perfect Christmas tree,” she says. “I follow all the di erent organisations on Facebook so that I can share the magic of their light-on experience and I will be going to see the big switch-on in King’s Lynn with my Grandad this year.”

So, what is it that makes the perfect Christmas tree? Elveden o ers three varieties for customers to choose from, which are available from the

smallest 3ft potted tree to a grand 20ft specimen.

“The Nordmann Fir is a popular choice for its symmetric shape, strong branches and low needle drop,” says Georgia Sharp, Elveden Courtyard Administrator who is responsible for getting everything in place for Christmas. “It has soft, shiny needles and is mid-green in colour.”

“The Norway Spruce is a slightly cheaper alternative with a very traditional look. It is an attractive shape with quite a wide spread. It has a rich scent too.

PICTURES: Elveden trees steal the show at many public attractions across the country (above). Trees ranging from 3ft to 20ft are grown in the Elveden nurseries (right). Popular with families across the region, Christmas trees can be chosen at Elveden’s Courtyard (below).

“Then we have our premium tree, the Fraser Fir, which is a lovely pyramid shape with flat, shiny, deep green needles. It is also quite a narrow tree so it can be good if you have limited space.”

Around 5000 Christmas trees are sold from Elveden each year with the majority grown on the estate and the remaining few sourced from an estate in Hertfordshire. “We have a number of nurseries where the Christmas trees grow covering forty acres,” explains Luvena. The team nurture the trees from an early age, managing their strength and growth to create the perfect shape.

“The trees are trimmed every spring,” Luvena continues, “and they are thinned out where necessary because if they are grown too close together they will lose that regular shape.

“We check the trees for frost damage in the winter and spring and this year because of a late frost in May some of the trees were damaged. They will recover, but won’t be available to sell this year.

“We also regularly check for disease and pests, such as aphids which can be

PICTURES: Popular Christmas tree varieties include Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce and Fraser Fir (above). Newfoundland dogs will tow your tree to the car at Elveden (left).

an issue. We spray and fertilise at regular intervals when needed.”

The trees are harvested in late November ready to be bought freshly cut from the Courtyard. Elveden is committed to the sustainability of their products and is mindful of the whole journey taken by the Christmas trees they produce. “When we trim the trees in the nursery, the cuttings taken are left on the ground to help retain moisture and reduce the need for irrigation,” says Luvena.

“After Christmas we collect a lot of the civic Christmas trees and we encourage other customers to bring their tree back to us too. We chip them and then use the material as mulch across the estate, for example as fertiliser.”

It is not just the trees that attract crowds to Elveden each Christmas. Just outside the Courtyard, boys and girls can visit Father Christmas in his cosy log cabin with mischievous elves helping to prepare for the big day and real reindeer outside looking for attention. New for this year will be roller skating in the courtyard with skates available to hire for all ages. And a much-loved Elveden favourite will return; a pack of Newfoundland dogs, all set to tow your Christmas tree to the car for a donation to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

In addition to these magical experiences, there are also many opportunities for seasonal indulgence. A range of food stalls line the Walled

Garden and the Courtyard shops are full of tempting gifts. The Farm Shop stocks a wide range of produce from local suppliers while the Elveden Butchery sells meat reared on the estate.

For those looking for refreshment, the Courtyard restaurant and caninefriendly Dog & Scone teashop o er festive roasts and afternoon teas available to book.

“Elveden is truly about the full Christmas experience,” says Georgia. “Our visitors come here for that wonderful festive feeling from the twinkling lights, bustling sounds and of course the scent of the trees.”

For more information visit the website; www.elvedenchristmastrees.com

A warm welcome awaits you in

SHOWROOM

Going the extra tile

Based in King’s Lynn, Metric Carpets enjoys a loyal base of returning customers and is often the happy recipient of referrals from family and friends. Unsurprising when you hear how the Metric Carpets team look for every opportunity to provide the very best experience for their customers.

“We previously had a bad experience with a di erent company, involving laminate flooring that was a failed combination of poor materials and poor laying,” says Mr. MacWhirter, who has been a contented customer for over five years. “Our experience with Metric Carpets could not have been more di erent!”

The MacWhirters first booked Metric Carpets to replace a carpet in the main bedroom of their bungalow. “We

had in mind a clip-together laminate flooring, but Alistair advised us to go for the Camaro Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring instead. It was more expensive, but we went for it and it was absolutely first class. The flooring has been in over five years now and it has lasted ever so well.

“Since then, we have booked Metric Carpets several times. We know that they’re the best for customer service, workmanship and technical competence,” Mr. MacWhirter smiles.

The smooth finish of their new flooring has made a significant di erence to home life for the MacWhirters. “I’m wheelchair bound and from a practical point of view it is immeasurably better because you roll more smoothly. We also have two dogs, Molly and Bertie who is still a puppy. Bertie does a lot of wrecking things and has had some pretty disastrous lapses, but the flooring is very hardy and copes extremely well.”

“I can’t speak highly enough of the fitting team headed up by Greg,” Mr. MacWhirter continues.

“They shifted all the furniture, did the job and put the room back exactly as they found it. In the hallway we had a herringbone pattern which looked quite a challenge to lay, but they did a very professional job.

“They really are a reliable and friendly bunch who drink a lot of tea,” Mr. MacWhirter laughs. “They are excellent to have around and we would invite them back anytime except that we’ve now run out of floors to fit!”

It’s a common misconception that you have to have multiple rooms refloored all at the same time but, as the MacWhirters have shown, that’s really not the case. “It can be much more a ordable and convenient for customers to just do a room at a time, sometimes over a number of years, even if you are going to have the same flooring type,” says Managing Director Alistair Allen. “We are always more than happy to come out for jobs a room at a time, even if it’s just your 2x2m spare bedroom. We will visit you as many times as you like to get the best job done.”

and

don’t have to take their word for it…

Safeguarding the future of our stunning Red Squirrels

With growing threats and plummeting populations, red squirrels have faced a tough time over the last few decades –though with help from crucial conservation schemes, they’re making a vibrant return to our treetops…

From the mischievous Squirrel Nutkin to the road savvy Tufty Flu ytail, red squirrels are among our best-loved woodland wonders. Adorable bundles of bushy-tailed energy, they’re the only native squirrel species in the UK and have foraged through our forests for over 10,000 years.

Spotting the distinctive copper flash of one of these striking creatures leaping from branch to branch is a truly magical experience, though they’ve sadly become a rare sight to behold.

Numbers have fallen

dramatically over the last few decades, and the situation has grown so severe that red squirrels are now considered an endangered species in the UK.

The reason for this devastating decline has much to do with invasive grey squirrels, which were introduced from America in the 1870s and have spread relentlessly across the British Isles – monopolising food supplies, spreading disease, and out-competing our native reds for habitats.

The destruction of UK woodlands has also accelerated the alarming depletion of the species - and other threats such as road tra c and industry have put the cautious creatures under pressure, leaving many too fearful to breed.

Since 1952, roughly 95% of red squirrels have disappeared from England and Wales and there are only between 120,000 and 160,000 left in the UK (compared with a staggering 2.5 million greys). Sightings are now so scarce that many children believe the charismatic creatures are nothing more than fictional characters, with nearly one in five below the age of eight thinking they exist only in story

books. Around a quarter of adults admit they’ve never laid eyes on a red squirrel and, without protection, the species could become extinct from England within the next 10 years.

Set amongst 300 acres of flourishing woodland and rare open heathland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kelling Heath Holiday Park was one of the last places in Norfolk wild red squirrels called home before they disappeared from the county over four decades ago.

Driven by a passion to support and preserve the biodiversity of the region, the park began keeping the creatures in 1999 as part of a national conservation scheme to help restore population numbers. Since then, it’s successfully bred 38 red squirrels– with four adorable new kittens emerging back in spring.

Born to proud parents Iggy and Evie, who came to the site from Pensthorpe Natural Park last October, the kittens are a welcome addition to Kelling Heath’s conservation e orts – and the first baby squirrels to arrive at the park since 2019.

“We’re overjoyed that Iggy and Evie have settled in well and have had a successful birth. A litter of four is incredibly rare for us, and it’s a privilege to watch them thrive,” says David Martin, the park’s Countryside Manager. “Conservation is a key element of our ethos at Kelling Heath, and we’re immensely proud to be supporting the legacy of such an iconic British species.”

Named Rusty, Hazel, Ruby, and Paprika the delightful new kittens were born towards the end of March and have spent the first few months of their lives getting to grips with their surroundings. Whilst exploring the canopies of their protected enclosure, they’ve been learning a wealth of exciting new skills from their parents including tree climbing, jumping, and foraging for pinecones.

“Although they’re captive squirrels they’re still wild animals, so we try to minimise contact with humans and stimulate their natural behaviours,” says David. “They’re given a selection of food that closely resembles their natural diet and, though there’s always

ABOVE: Passionate about supporting the natural environment, Kelling Heath joined a national conservation programme in 1999 to give struggling red squirrels a helping hand. Since then, the park’s dedicated countryside team are proud to have bred 38 adorable kittens – many of which have been successfully introduced into managed release schemes

plenty on the feeding table, some is carefully hidden to encourage them to forage for it.”

The squirrels are also provided with a variety of nest-making materials for enrichment - and they seem to thoroughly enjoy transporting things from one site to another, making cosy hideaways in the canopies of their enclosures.

The kittens are already thriving in their fascinating new environment, growing more inquisitive and confident every day. They’ll either stay at Kelling Heath or, when ready, will be released to a nationwide conservation partner to help boost populations across the UK.

“It’s so rewarding looking after the squirrels and knowing that our little kittens are playing a crucial part in reintroducing these enchanting creatures to British forests,” says David. “We’re proud to have housed several successful breeding pairs over the years and will continue working tirelessly to keep this endangered species going for generations to come. It’s an extremely

positive sign that Iggy and Evie have had a healthy litter, and have further produced two kittens in the summer, and we hope they will go on to have more kittens in the future.”

By having the squirrels in the park for guests to view up close, alongside detailed interpretation boards, the team at Kelling Heath strive to educate the public about these amazing animals and raise awareness of the perilous plight they’ve faced.

With their bright eyes, bushy tails, and brilliant copper coats, red squirrels are some of our most unique, captivating, and heart-warming woodland creatures. With careful conservation and management, it’s hoped they will become a common sight in our canopies once more.

“Since 1952, roughly 95% of red squirrels have disappeared from England and Wales...”

Animalmatters

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

Taking care of your pet and your money

We all love our pets, but sometimes they can be costly, particularly when it comes to their healthcare. It seems a preventative approach may be the answer, as Melonie Bunting, Practice Manager at London Road Vets, explains: “It’s important to keep on top of your pet’s routine healthcare, but we understand this can be di cult and sometimes expensive if not done proactively. So we would encourage all our customers to look into our Pet Health Club plans; especially now we are having to be careful with our spending.” Both The London Road Veterinary practice in King’s Lynn and Hollies Vets in Downham Market provide a ordable care plans for your pet through the Pet Health Club. The packages di er depending on the type of animal, but you can save, on average, up to £197 per year. Melonie says, “The Pet Health Club is genuinely an amazing way to save money and spread

costs.” And she would know as she has first-hand experience. “I have both my dogs and my cat on the plan. It’s great to know they’re getting everything they need without it costing the earth.”

The healthcare plans are available for dogs, cats and rabbits and include:

• Annual vaccinations

• Six-monthly health checks

• Flea, worm and tick treatment for dogs and cats

• Microchipping or a £10 voucher

• Nail clipping

• Flystrike prevention for rabbits

• 20% o neutering

• 10% o dentistry

And all this from just £12.99 per month - a fixed price you can budget for and certainly something to consider.

The Pet Health Club helps you keep up with your pet’s routine healthcare by reminding you when it’s time for their appointments and when treatments are

due. Missing or forgetting about these regular treatments can be potentially detrimental to your pet’s health and may cost you more in the long run. “Even long-term medication - which your pet may need as they get olderis discounted with a Pet Health Club membership. It makes staying on top of things easier, o ers you peace of mind that your pet is taken care of and gives you one less thing to worry about this winter!,” says Melonie.

For more information or to join the Pet Health Club, visit www. londonroadvets.co.uk/pet-healthclub, contact Melonie and the team or enquire about it on your next visit to either practice.

Faithful fruits of the forest floor

As you take a walk through any British woodland at this time of year, you are likely to be passing many hundreds of these mystifying forms. But how many species of Norfolk fungi would you be likely to recognise?

When we think of fungi it is typically mushrooms or toadstools that come to mind, but in fact fungi is a large

group of living organisms that also includes pu balls, crusts on trees, mildews, leafspots and many others including a large number that we can’t even see. Just in Norfolk, over 4000 di erent species have been recorded, with around half of these displaying as forms we could recognise as fungi while the remainder are microscopic.

In fact, the main part of any fungus cannot be seen, as the mushroom, pu ball, toadstool or other is just the fruiting body, like the apple on the apple tree. The main body of any fungus will be microscopically

growing in the wood or soil. It is known as mycelium and consists of extremely fine branching threads, approximately one tenth of the width of a human hair. Fungi are neither plant nor animal and could be considered to fall somewhere between the two. “Fungi are very animal-like in the way they feed,” explains Tony Leech, who is the Norfolk Fungus County Recorder.

“They produce the same enzymes as humans do to break down food, but the big di erence is that these enzymes ooze from the mycelium of the fungus so that digestion is done

outside the body before this processed food is then absorbed.”

Despite the strange otherness of these almost alien-like organisms, fungi are actually absolutely vital to all life on Earth. “They are the main group of decomposers, especially in ecosystems such as woodland,” says Tony. “Decomposition sounds awful, but it simply means breaking down dead plant and animal matter and returning the nutrients to the soil in a form that can be used. Without decomposition, everything would grind to a halt because plants need minerals from the soil to grow and everything else depends on plants.”

And fungi do more than just break down the nutrients, they also share nutrition with neighbouring plants and trees.

“It is now known that over 90% of all plants form ‘mycorrhiza’, an intimate relationship with fungi which provides a nutritional benefit to the plant,” Tony describes. “Plants invite the mycelium of the fungi into their roots. The fungus provides the plant with minerals it is short of and in return the plant provides sugars that feed the fungus.”

More recently, it has been discovered that the fungi mycelium can also link two or more plants together becoming a carrier for chemical information between them. This means that if one tree becomes damaged by attack by insects for example, it can send a chemical signal to its neighbours to say; ‘hey guys, problems around, turn on your defence mechanisms’. “It’s just amazing!” Tony rightly says.

So, which fungi are we likely to

be able to spot out on winter strolls around Norfolk? One fungus that is recognisable to many as the toadstool from fairytale books is Fly Agaric, displaying a vivid red cap with white spots.

Fly Agaric is commonly correctly known to be very poisonous. “It is never sensible to eat any mushroom that you find in the wild unless you really know what you’re doing,” Tony says. “It is di cult to find evidence that Fly Agaric has ever really killed anybody, but it would certainly have unpleasant side e ects if eaten. People are often fearful that even touching them will make you ill, but that is really not the case.”

At the other end of the scale, the Parasol is a popular edible mushroom that can be found in Norfolk grasslands. “Often people are interested in the

question ‘can you eat it?’,” Tony advises, “but I would strongly recommend never to try to select an edible fungus from an image, or even a field guide, because many types of mushroom can look very similar. There is a poisonous lookalike to the Parasol which would make you very ill.”

The Hoof Fungus is the oldest species on record in Norfolk, with fossils of the fungus found dating back 100,000 years ago. The Hoof Fungus is in fact a parasite that attacks birch trees, but it has also been put to positive use.

“It is sometimes referred to as ‘tinder fungus’,” Tony explains, “because when it is dry it can be ignited and then enclosed in a box and it will continue to smoulder. This allowed fire to be carried from place to place before the invention of matches.” The ‘tinder fungus’ was found on the 5,000 year old body of ‘Otzi’, the Iceman found preserved in glacial ice on the ItalianAustrian border in 1991.

Looking for the beautiful forms of mushrooms, toadstools, pu balls and other types of this intriguing species can be a rewarding activity across many Norfolk locations. Fungi can be found almost anywhere, but are often easiest to spot in woodlands. Norfolk Wildlife Trust sites such as areas of Roydon Common or the old trees of Brett’s Wood are likely to be fruitful during the damper months of the year. “You just have to really look around,” Tony smiles, “at dead bits of wood or in the leaf litter on the forest floor, and you’ll find dozens. They just fascinate me and I’m sure they will you, too.”

PICTURES: (Above left) Hoof Fungus - which attacks and kills birch trees (Middle) Sheathed Woodtuft - a stump-rotting fungus. (Right) Burgundydrop Bonnet - named because when the stem is broken it ‘bleeds’ a dark red fluid (Below) Sulphur Tuft - a common wood-rotting fungus which forms clusters on stumps.

Keith & Tamsin Brown

never been easier to create your perfect space

Many of us expect a lot from our homes and it can be di cult to make your space fit your lifestyle. Whether you have a hobby that’s taking up the spare bedroom, gym equipment that’s dominating the garage, teenagers controlling the sofa or a work-fromhome station covering your kitchen table, Eastern Frames can provide a solution.

Using Eastern Frames’ online tool, the configurator, you can easily create a personalised design that suits your garden and your budget.

“The configurator lets you experiment with various sizes, shapes and layouts.

You can add in everything from lighting

to bi-fold doors and choose the finishes too,” Anthony says.

The configurator provides a virtual preview of your design, sending drawings of exactly what it will look like from every angle straight to your email inbox. “Your completed design is sent to us too, which we will use to create an accurate quote.” Alternatively, Anthony is also happy to visit you at home, working with you to produce a design.

And you may be surprised how little garden space is required. Starting at a minimum size of 2.5x1.5m, the Eastern Frames team can install a garden room pretty much anywhere.

“There isn’t any certain area that’s needed,” Director Anthony Boyle explains. “We can level ground, clear turf, take out planting or work on hardstanding to install your perfect pod.”

Needing nothing more than your garden gate, the construction team will do everything from putting up the walls to connecting the kitchen sink. After construction, everything will be re-dressed back to your original garden landscape leaving you with a flawless finish.

“Customers love how easy it is to create a high-standard outdoor building that meets their exact specifications and requirements,” Anthony says. “After just one week on site, you can have a whole new space, compared to the months it will take to complete a traditional house extension. Our garden pods are fast, easy and e cient.”

Visit the Eastern Frames website to use the configurator for a quick and easy quote. The friendly and informative team at Eastern Frames are always available to give advice and support you to create your perfect space.

With easy design and e cient installation, Eastern Frames can enhance your home with a bespoke garden room that fits your every need

A season bursting with beautiful bark

As we move through autumn into winter, the leaves have fallen from most deciduous trees and shrubs, and they take on an altogether di erent form. Those with attractive bark (and stems) now come into their own. Hidden or shaded by the abundance of leaves throughout the growing season, they are often overlooked until the low hazy glow of the late autumn sun highlights their

best characteristics.

So often we admire trees for their structure, leaf shape or colour or beautiful blossom. It’s not until you get up close and personal with a tree that you appreciate the bark. Some appear so tactile that you can’t help but put out a hand to stroke them as you pass.

Birches stand out on a dark winter’s day with their silver or white trunks. Betula pendula, the Silver Birch with its weeping branches has elegant silver

bark which develops contrasting dark fissures and cracks with age that add interest. Even more dramatic is the Himalayan or White Birch, Betula utilis jacquemontii with ghostly peeling white bark which is striking and tactile. This can be grown as a single stemmed tree or a multi-stemmed plant. During the growing season, when full of leaf and shaded, a covering of green algae can appear on the trunk and this is easily remedied with a wash down with warm

As we move into winter many trees are starting to shed their vibrant autumn leaves, though this only enhances another element of their beauty, as Wendy Warner explains…

water and a soft brush or cloth. The bark will then shine and a few more bits may peel adding to the beauty. Other birches are available with peach, red or chocolate brown coloured bark.

Often mistaken for a birch, Prunus serrula ‘Tibetica’, known commonly as the Birch Bark Cherry is one of my favourite trees. The glossy copperybrown peeling bark is its outstanding feature although it has the added benefits of white blossom in the Spring and small ornamental cherry-like fruits later in the season.

Acers are the group of trees with probably the most stunning examples of bark colour and formation along with their amazing stem and autumn leaf colour. Acer griseum, the Paperbark Maple with its beautiful bronze bark glows a deep cinnamonred in winter and has rich scarlet leaves in autumn. As its common name suggests, translucent sections of the paper-thin, peeling bark curl whilst still attached to the tree whilst other areas are left polished and shiny. It’s ideal for an average garden as it’s a small, slowgrowing tree with an attractive shape.

Snake-Bark Maples, Acer davidii, have fabulous vertical stripes tracing the bark, created as the trunk expands.

Acer davidii ‘Viper’ has green and silvery white striated bark that resembles snake skin, which is even more visible in the winter after its leaves have been lost in the autumn. On Acer davidii ‘George Forrest’ the young bark varies from purplishred to green with creamy white stripes and in maturity the bark turns green-brown with white stripes. Acer conspicuum ‘Red Flamingo’ is a gorgeous tree in winter, with variegated leaves emerging and beautiful marbled patterns developing in green, pink and white. The stems are bright red, whilst more mature bark develops white snake-skin stripes that provide interest year round.

The Coral Bark Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ is a small tree or large shrub with bright green leaves and striking young stems. Once the leaves drop, triggered by a cold spell, the stems and bark turn vibrant coral pinkred giving a dramatic focal point in winter.

Eucalyptus gunnii or

Gum tree has attractive, aromatic evergreen foliage which is rounded and tinged silver-blue in young growth and becomes more elliptical shaped in shades of grey, blue and green with

PICTURES: (left) The stunning bronze bark of the Acer griseum Paperbark Maple (above) Rows of Himalayan Birch trees with their dramatic white bark, which is at its brightest and best in winter (below) A birch tree shedding the last of its autumn foliage.

age. The bark peels in a variety of shades, including creams, greens, greys and browns providing another striking feature. Although evergreen, the tree’s habit of growing leaves towards the ends of its branches makes the trunk and stems visible, even in those that have been pruned as multi-stemmed specimens.

Many shrubs have spectacular stem colour after their leaves have dropped. Most varieties of Cornus or dogwood have colourful stems in shades of

yellow, orange, red and black, my favourite being Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ starting yellow at the base, merging into orange and ending with red at the tips. Some Acers have already been mentioned for their striking bark, but many of the Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum varieties have wonderful red, orange, pink and lime green stem colour too.

If you are looking for a tree to give some stature in the garden this winter, search out one with attractive bark.

Get ideas from visiting gardens that are open to the public throughout the autumn and winter months. Ones that spring to mind with specific areas for winter interest are Anglesey Abbey, a National Trust property in Cambridgeshire and Bressingham Gardens, near Diss in South Norfolk.

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.

“Many shrubs have spectacular stem colour after their leaves have dropped.”

ABOVE: Cornus Alba is a deciduous shrub that has vivid bright red stems in winter.

SarahKing’sMallett

here has transformed my life...”

years of chronic pain

There’s never been a more e ective way of freeing yourself from those aches and pains that’ve been holding you back for so long - just ask Sarah Mallett from King’s Lynn.

“I work as a baker, which involves a lot of standing for long periods of time,” she says. “Over the years this really started to take its toll on my back, neck, and shoulders. Some days I’d feel fine, though quite often I’d get up or try to do something and it’d be very painful. I tried visiting various places for help, though nothing seemed to tackle the root of problem or have a lasting e ect.”

Sarah originally visited Free Your Body Therapy after reading about a friend’s experience in an issue of KL Magazine. She was struggling with discomfort at work and had di culty with activities like gardening, walking, and going to the gym. But she’d finally found the way to manage her pain and continue doing the things she loved.

At Free Your Body Therapy, Terry

Connolly and Jane Cole o er 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 di erent way of looking at pain management and the body’s natural healing process, and it’s changed the lives of countless local people su ering from both short- and long-term complaints.

“As soon as I visited Jane and Terry, I felt I was finally being treated for the causes of my pain rather than the symptoms,” says Sarah. “I always come out feeling lighter and a whole lot better, and I’m able to get on with my work and hobbies without experiencing pain. Coming here has transformed my life, and I recommend Terry to everybody. In fact, my husband, son, mother-in-law, and aunt have all been in on various occasions – and they’re just as thrilled with the results as I am.”

Sarah still visits Free Your Body Therapy every few months to ensure everything’s working as it should, and

for Terry Connolly that’s the whole point. “Many clients think we work some kind of magic, but it’s simply about taking a holistic approach and looking at the body from a di erent perspective,” he says. “In Sarah’s case, all I had to do was get her body working again in the way it was meant to. Her original diagnosis was a sacroiliac dysfunction in the lower back, so I designed a programme of treatments and exercises geared at opening and strengthening this area.”

For Sarah it’s been a revelation, and she’s now able to get on with daily life and continue baking fantastic cakes –pain free.

To transform your life and finally say goodbye to chronic aches and pains, contact Free Your Body Therapy and book your appointment with Jane or Terry today.

Thornham

Star of the show

With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to dress up and celebrate in style. Whether it’s a jolly Christmas party or a formal winter ball, our favourite local boutiques provide the very best when it comes to looking fabulous

Jayley Faux

Outfit by Sita Murt

SHEILA TILLER Long Sutton

ALLEZCHIC Castle Rising

Dress by ‘From My Mother’s Garden’

Restoring the radiance to your face, mind & spirit

During the autumn and winter months many people report their skin looks older and no longer glows, as the colder air means moisture evaporates at a faster rate. In fact, scientists have estimated that your skin loses more than 25% of its ability to hold moisture in the winter, making it feel drier and tighter.

The good news is that Sarah Jane Ward at Coastal Calm Reflexology is o ering a transformational complementary therapy treatment to help rebalance the body, lift the spirit, and illuminate the skin with a healthy glow – even on brutal winter days.

Welcome to the wonderful Zone Face Lift, which has been pioneered by renowned beauty and reflexology expert Ziggie Bergman through the combination of traditional reflexology with pressure point massage and Native American healing techniques.

A deeply relaxing and restorative experience, this exclusive treatment not only focuses on the physical e ects

of ageing by lifting and sculpting the facial muscles; it also treats the body spiritually – ensuring you make the most of your precious time by enhancing your beauty and wellbeing in just one session.

“It’s a nurturing natural treatment for the face, mind, and soul,” says Sarah. “Whilst the massage helps release muscle tension and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, the reflexology concentrates on increasing relaxation – brightening dull winter skin and enhancing your mood so you shine from the inside out!”

Hailed by many as a credible alternative to Botox, the Zone Face Lift is more than a treatment. It’s an experience. From the moment you walk in you’ll be entering a luxurious healing space, as Sarah welcomes you with open arms into a professional but homely setting. Her excellent skills combine with quality essential oils, quartz crystals and industry leading products to naturally lift the face, invigorate every muscle, and treat

your body physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

“With Christmas just around the corner, Zone Face Lift is a perfect way to treat yourself or a loved one to the gift of a glowing complexion,” says Sarah. “You’ll leave with a rejuvenated face and spirit, and all new clients receive a welcome pack containing a selection of products to try at home.”

You’ll also be given advice on aftertreatment care, and if anyone 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 nearly a decade.

A wealth of other reflexology treatments are also available, including virtual Zoom sessions for those wishing to stay at home and relax – a great gift for your friends and family during the festive season. To book your first appointment or for an initial consultation please contact Sarah and say hello to the new you.

Sumptuously smooth and utterly irresistible, chocolate is a delectable treat popular all over the world. Crafted from the beans of the tropical cacao tree, the much-loved indulgence originated as a bitter drink made by ancient American civilisations. It was brought to Europe by a Spanish explorer in the 16th century, but only gained popularity in 1847 when ingenious British businessman Joseph Fry combined melted cacao butter with cocoa solids and sugar to create the first chocolate bar.

Evidently proud of its role in the sweet snack’s heritage, Britain has swiftly become a nation of chocolate lovers. It’s estimated we devour 660,900 tonnes annually, an average of 11.2kg of chocolate per person and the equivalent of 266 Mars Bars.

Today the tempting treat is available in a huge range of colours and flavours,

from rich dark and classic milk varieties to creamy white, caramel, and ruby delights. Enjoyed as heavenly desserts, fantastic drinks, melt-in-the-mouth tru es, and glorious bars of glossy greatness it’s evolved at a rapid rate over the decades, o ering an endless stream of delicious possibilities. However, innovative chocolate fan Alex Harrison felt there was something missing from the market in terms of texture and flavour –so he set out to push the boundaries further.

“I’ve always loved chocolate as it’s enjoyable, versatile, and brilliant for sharing with others,” says Alex. “I remember taking trips to London and visiting luxury chocolatiers, eager to try their most inventive creations, though I was often left feeling disappointed as the flavour just wasn’t there. I craved chocolate that was di erent and

exciting with more depth to it. It was something I’d thought about for a long time and, when I failed to find anything that hit the mark, I decided to create it myself.”

With over two decades of experience in catering, Alex has developed a refined skill for combining and enhancing flavours to achieve amazing results. After training at the College of West Anglia in King’s Lynn he secured his first Head Chef position aged 24, going on to work in AA Rosette restaurants across the country. Following a brief window at a 5-star

ABOVE: Driven by a passion for all things chocolate, Alex Harrison creates delectable handmade gifts for every occasion. Carefully crafted from scratch, his gloriously smooth tru es begin as a homemade ganache base and, once refrigerated and rolled, they require 7-10 coats of chocolate before they’re ready to be devoured!

hotel in Australia, he returned to the college as a Chef Lecturer and – after spending two years researching and attending courses – he founded Harrison Chocolatiers in 2017.

Sourcing his core ingredients from one of Belgium’s oldest cocoa roasteries, Alex uses his passion and expertise to create the finest handmade chocolate delights imaginable. Crafting everything from luxurious bars, slabs, and stirrers to divinely smooth tru es and spreads, he’s built a sound reputation based on quality and originality.

“With Harrison Chocolatiers I aspire to be unique and love encouraging people to try new things,” says Alex. “Everything is made to order, and we never hold any stock, so the flavours on o er regularly change and I never stop inventing. In the summer my pina colada, apricot and coconut tru es went down really well and last winter I incorporated homemade mince pies and Christmas pudding into chocolate

bars – no one had ever seen it done before, and both were a huge hit.”

As well as taking inspiration from the seasons, Alex enjoys supporting other small local businesses. One of his most delicious collaborative creations involved combining flavourful Norfolk marmalade, from Simon Rawcli e of ‘Simon’s Table’, with quality Belgian dark chocolate.

“I’d never come across marmalade chocolate before and often saw Simon at local farmers markets, so I bought a few jars and asked if I could experiment with it,” says Alex. “The result was just marvellous. The richness of the dark chocolate perfectly complemented the tangy and fruity flavour of Simon’s marmalade, and the texture was amazing as you got lovely chunks of rind throughout. It quickly became a bestseller.”

Stunning and immensely flavourful, Alex’s products are heaven for chocolate lovers – but most importantly ‘handmade’ means just that. Every batch is expertly handtempered with care and precision to achieve the glossy shine and perfect snap that characterize top-quality chocolate. The bars are hand moulded, the tru es hand rolled, coated, and decorated, and it’s all hand wrapped and boxed in plant-based

packaging.

The level of attention to detail is astounding, and Alex loves nothing more than sharing his passion with others. His wife Katie is the mind behind the businesses’ stunning website, his son Billy dutifully helps with farmers markets, his daughter Ruby plays a part in making chocolates, and he even o ers fantastic chocolatier classes to inspire all generations.

“I want to help people understand quality chocolate products by providing an engaging and memorable experience,” says Alex.

“Whether it’s a one-toone class or a group session, we’ll bring all the knowledge and equipment needed straight to your kitchen. I love helping people develop new skills and get excited by the fascinating flavours they come up with. My students inspire me just as much as I influence them and, with permission, I’ll often have a go at making their recipes myself.”

Alex hopes to expand and grow the business in the future, with sights set on establishing a dedicated chocolate shop with a built-in culinary school and café. “That’s the vision and my ultimate dream,” he says. “I can’t say for certain where this incredible journey will take me next though, whatever happens, I aspire to continue crafting pieces of handmade happiness for everyone to enjoy.”

ABOVE: Pushing the boundaries with incredible textures and clever flavour combinations, Harrison Chocolatiers is changing the way we understand and enjoy chocolate. Making everything from top-quality bars, spreads, and tru es to honeycomb and peanut brittle, Alex is constantly inventing and trying new things – and he’s always open to exciting suggestions and challenges.

An award-winning approach to hospitality

Since it was taken on and transformed by the skilled chef Richard Crouch and his innovative partner Emily Phipps in 2018, The Angel at Watlington has built an enviable reputation for fabulous flavours, exceptional quality, and outstanding customer service.

Showcasing some of the finest produce Norfolk has to o er, the stunning venue has already won a whole host of accolades – and the list just keeps getting longer.

Upon returning from the prestigious Great British Pub Awards in October - where they reached the final six in the country for Best Pub for Food and Best Pub Chef - Richard and Emily received an unannounced visit from an AA inspector, who presented them with a rosette for culinary excellence after sampling their spectacular o ering.

“It was a wonderful end to a whirlwind week and both of us were in tears. We’re incredibly proud

to have won such a highly acclaimed award,” says Emily. “It’s a testament to our brilliant team and the sheer quality of the ingredients we use. Richard’s culinary expertise is key, but we couldn’t have achieved such success without the inspiring suppliers who work tirelessly to bring us the finest and freshest produce available.”

Locally sourced, home-cooked food is at the heart of The Angel’s extensive menu, which is packed with inventive and exciting dishes. “We like to give customers plenty of choice and regularly update our recipes to reflect the seasonal quality of excellent Norfolk produce,” says Emily. “Even during our Sunday carvery service, the full menu is still available - and we o er a delightful selection of specials too.”

It’s an approach to food that focuses on fresh tastes, exquisitely balanced flavours, and a desire to craft truly memorable meals. Every dish is expertly prepared, beautifully presented and served by a dedicated team, who’ll always go above and beyond to make

you feel welcome.

“We’re thrilled with the progress we’ve made so far and couldn’t be more grateful for the ongoing support from our amazing customers. Winning a rosette is a dream come true and it’s really intensified our passion,” says Emily. “We’re excited to be taking part in Norfolk Restaurant Week and have just finalised our festive menu, which will be available to pre-booked parties throughout December.”

Bursting with delicious seasonal dishes and a selection of glorious desserts, it’s a true celebration of Norfolk’s rich and diverse food o ering.

Though Richard and Emily will take a well-deserved break on Christmas Day, they’ve designed a takeaway service for those wanting to enjoy a festive feast hassle-free. “Just order your favourite dishes from our special menu and we’ll have everything ready for you to collect on Christmas Eve,” says Emily. “Every meal is carefully prepared and accompanied with full cooking instructions, so you can indulge in Christmas Dinner ‘Angel style’.”

With these inspiring ideas and this strong customer focus, it’s easy to see why The Angel is a soaring success.

Warming Winter Curry

INGREDIENTS

(Serves 6)

1 kg chicken (diced)

2 white onions (diced)

5 fresh tomatoes

4 tsp tomatoes puree

1 400g tin chopped tomatoes

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp coriander seeds

1 tsp cardamom seeds

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp garam masala

1 tbsp olive oil salt/pepper to taste

1 400g tin coconut milk

400g basmati rice

INTRO

As winter draws closer, there’s nothing quite like a fragrant curry to keep you warm when temperatures drop. Served with flu y basmati rice and crisp garlic naan, this flavourful dish from The Pavilion at Heacham Manor will be sure to heat you up when it’s cold outside.

FOR THE CURRY

Start by slicing the onions and dicing the tomatoes then add all the herbs and spices into a pestle and mortar and grind. Add oil to the pan and get it nice and hot, then put in the ingredients from the pestle and mortar, to release the flavour. Add the diced onion then the diced chicken season with salt and pepper and sear. Add fresh tomatoes and puree, let that cook for about five minutes then add the chopped tomatoes and simmer

Recipe

Hunstanton

for about one hour on a low/medium heat. Once cooked finish with coconut milk, and serve with garlic naan bread and fruit chutney.

FOR THE BASMATI RICE

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to get rid of any excess starch, then add the rice to a pan with 1 litre of water. Bring the rice to a boil, add a lid, then turn the heat down to the lowest setting. Simmer gently for 10 minutes and do not take the lid o . Once the rice is cooked mix it up with a fork so it’s nice and flu y.

The newest tipple in

The Rusty Krab first opened its doors on Tower Street, King’s Lynn just seven months ago and is already a firm favourite for a drink with a di erence. Owners Lisa and Joe treat every customer to a unique rum tasting experience, o ering their expertise freely as they guide you through the distinct flavours of the 115 di erent rums that they stock. And you are sure to leave with a bottle of something that tickles your palate.

At their Tower Street venue, the Rusty Krab serves as shop by day and bar by night. “We are an experience,” says Lisa with a smile. “Our interior is quirky with lots of greenery, natural wood and metal piping to give a rustic but soft feel, matching the fun but relaxed nature of our events.” The Rusty Krab hosts a variety of experiences, from tasting evenings to cocktail master classes, all with rum as the star of the show.

The selection of rums on o er is

extraordinary. “Whether you come as a rum fan already or you usually go for whisky or gin, we have something to delight everyone,” Lisa explains. “Our bestseller is the Caramel Rum from Tenerife, which is very sweet and great value. It goes well with many mixers and can even be poured over ice cream. A favourite of the dark rums is the Crusty Juggler, which makes a fabulous Dark and Stormy cocktail if mixed with ginger ale and a dash of lime.”

The Rusty Krab also sell their own brand of rum, distilled in Surrey and so popular that the first batch sold out in just two days. “It has a coconut and vanilla base for smoothness, with a magical combination of cherry, black cardamom and red berry peppers to give it a fragrant cherry bakewell flavour,” Joe says. Committed to sustainability, Lisa and Joe’s home brand can be purchased from a refill station in the shop, with a 7% discount for bringing the purchased bottle to

refill.

The Rusty Krab are always out and about in their mobile tuk-tuk and horse box bars too, o ering the same unique rum experience at venues from local Norfolk markets to music festivals across the UK.

Visit the Rusty Krab Rum Shop on Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-2pm and Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am until 10pm. As Lisa says, “you just don’t know what you might like until you try it!”

Mixed Game & Damson Bonbons

INGREDIENTS

up

200g pheasant leg meat

200g partridge leg meat

venison leg meat

sprigs of thyme

de-stoned damson

onion

sugar

carrots

celery sticks

berries

leaves

red wine

litre good quality beef

250g panko breadcrumbs

flour

INTRO

Chef Matthew Bocking started his journey at The Partridge as an apprentice in 2019, aged just 15. Driven by a passion for food and country life, he went on to develop an excellent range of professional skills –which have since combined with his love for shooting and foraging to bring a whole new dimension to the pub’s delicious local dishes. Here’s one of his excellent recipes for you to try at home: a rich and flavourful starter to celebrate Game Season.

METHOD

1. Start by searing the leg meat in a pan. Once the legs are nice and brown in colour transfer them into a roasting tin. Follow by adding the diced onion, diced carrots, celery, juniper, bay leaves, red wine & beef stock. Cover with tin foil and braise for 3 ½ hours at 160°c.

2. Put the sugar and damsons in a sauce pan on a medium heat and reduce until it’s a jam consistency, set it aside to cool.

3. Once the legs have cooked they will be tender enough to fall o the bone, pull the meat and mix with the damson compote. Season to taste, then roll into balls. Then use the ‘panko method’ (flour, eggs & bread crumbs). Deep fry on 180°c until a nice golden colour.

Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bank House

Though it may still seem far o , Christmas is on the horizon – and now’s the time to start booking in for what’s likely to be a busy festive season.

One of the most historic and architecturally important buildings in King’s Lynn, the stunning Grade II* listed Bank House is an important part of the town’s commercial past - and it

remains a thriving hub of activity today.

The iconic Georgian riverside townhouse has become one of west Norfolk’s must visit destinations, having earned a strong reputation for incredible food & drink, an amazing atmosphere, and a tradition of excellence – which was confirmed when the Good Pub Guide 2021 listed the venue as one of the top ten town pubs in the UK for the fourth year running.

Glowing with vibrant colours and twinkling lights, Bank House is full of Christmas cheer throughout December, and there couldn’t be a better place to celebrate the festive season. It’s the perfect venue for a Christmas feast, whether you’re planning a magical work outing, a cosy catch-up with friends and family, or a romantic dinner for two.

This year’s excellent Christmas Party Menu boasts a selection of flavourful starters, mouth-watering main meals, and divine desserts. Every dish is prepared on premises from fresh quality ingredients and, when paired with a fantastic Bank House cocktail or a tipple from the glorious wine list, you’ll find they’re nothing short of spectacular.

There’s still time to book your festive celebration at Bank House, with seasonal specials available throughout December. Christmas only comes once a year, so why not indulge in some of the best food and drink Norfolk has to o er?

Flavour of the month

the finest and freshest produce they have available. We’ll often design dishes based around individual flavours and ingredients and love to try something di erent. The chefs I have working with me are incredibly passionate, and their enthusiasm and my experience combine to achieve amazing results.”

Ollie is particularly proud of the new Christmas menu, which will be available to pre-booked parties from 1st to 24th December. A true festive treat, it consists of scrumptious starters, flavourful desserts, and fantastic main meals - including succulent sea bass with smoky chorizo & clam chowder, creamy chicken supreme, and expertly roasted turkey with all the trimmings.

The Partridge is taking

with delicious new ideas...

Located in the charming village of Clenchwarton, near King’s Lynn, The Partridge has been treating people to warm welcomes and outstanding food & drink ever since it was taken on by the talented Jed Stockdale and Ashleigh Moore three years ago. Having built a sound reputation based on exceptional service, innovative ideas, and incredible flavour combinations, it’s swiftly become a delightful destination and an integral part of Norfolk’s dining out scene.

“Jed and I have a vast experience working in hospitality, though we were both surprised and thrilled when Elgood’s brewery headhunted us to revive Clenchwarton’s last remaining pub,” says Ashleigh. “We were just setting o to go travelling and had never considered the idea of managing our own business, though we instantly decided to cut the trip short and devoted our time to renovating the building.”

The couple’s passion and dedication have certainly paid o , as the moment you arrive at The Partridge you’re made to feel at home. The spacious and stylish bar area is the perfect place to relax with a drink, whether it’s a refreshing local gin, a freshly pulled pint of Elgood’s ale, a classic cocktail, or a luxurious wine from the extensive menu available. A rustic wood burner

provides warmth in the winter, and if you visit in the summer the inviting beer garden is a great space to soak up the sunshine.

A great deal of thought has been put into creating an atmospheric dining experience, with the interiors painted in shades of “Partridge green” and enriched with stunning paintings by talented local artist Sarah Burt. The elegant oak tables have been carefully sanded, neatly laid, and decorated with fresh flowers – and in the evenings they’re finished with flickering candles to achieve a cosy and relaxed feel.

An equal amount of care has been poured into The Partridge’s excellent food menu, which showcases a variety of mouthwatering meals crafted from some of the finest produce in Norfolk. It’s a masterful combination of tempting pub classics, imaginative creations, and spectacular specials, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The selection available is designed to change with the seasons to keep things fresh and exciting - and experienced Head Chef Ollie Castleton and his skilled kitchen team are always bursting with brilliant new ideas

“I’ve always thought of food as being like a fashion, it’s an art driven by trends and seasonality, so you have to keep in with what is relevant,” says Ollie. “I work very closely with our amazing local suppliers and take inspiration from

The pub’s famous Sunday Roasts will continue to be available throughout winter, and the team have even introduced a takeaway service to assist struggling families. “We’re aware of the alarming restrictions brought by rising prices and are always looking for ways to adapt our o ering to continue catering for everyone,” says Jed. “In light of the current climate, we’ve introduced a takeaway roast sharing platter - so people can pick up a larger portion to feed the whole family rather than having to pay for several individual meals.”

It’s this thoughtful service and friendly feel that just keeps people coming back to The Partridge. The sta are welcoming, the atmosphere is delightful, and the food is simply stunning. What’s not to love?

The Cheese with No Name

Ferndale Farm has been known for its cheeses since 2003, when Arthur’s mother, Ellie Betts, made their popular Norfolk Dapple cheese. She’d unintentionally discovered her talent for cheese-making when she used surplus milk from their family cow to create a simple curd cheese. She took a course in the craft and her enthusiasm inspired her to produce artisan cheese at Ferndale, and the rest is history. Cut to present day and the farm is still a family-run business, with Arthur now at the helm, Craig - who’s been working there from the beginning - and two other local people making up the team.

Previous variations of cheese went down a treat, but Ferndale had not anticipated their most recent addition

to feature quite so heavily in local news stories. Arthur explains how they were simply struggling to decide on a suitable name: “We ran a couple of competitions with the local radio and press just to try and gain some inspiration from the public initially,” explains Arthur. “It wasn’t meant to be a marketing campaign, but it just blew up!” They received over 200 name ideas, from the weird, such as ‘Teen Angst’, to the wonderful, like ‘Norfolk Mumble’. “We had to disregard so many great entries because they were the names of local beers and ales. Norfolk has one of the highest concentrations of microbreweries, so this is part of the reason why it’s so hard to come up with something unique.” As a result of their name-finding e orts,

the excitement surrounding the new cheese - aptly temporarily known as The Cheese with No Name - grew, and the first batch sold out before they’d even had a chance to choose its title. Their other cheeses follow a local theme, for example, Norfolk Dapple took inspiration from the Barn Owl’s feathers, so when, Norfolk Pinkfoot - a name inspired by the iconically Norfolk pink-footed goose - was entered, Ferndale eventually knew it was right. “Initially, I was a little sceptical as the cheese is mainly orange in colour. But a colleague of mine pointed out that, if you look closely, their feet aren’t solely pink, but a mix of the two colours and a shade that is strikingly similar to our cheese,” Arthur explains. “And, as pinkfooted geese are so common on the

While simply seeking a name for their new cheese, Ferndale Farm captured the local area’s attention, resulting in a complete sell-out of their first batch. KL Magazine spoke to Arthur Betts to learn more about this cheese and what they eventually named it...

PICTURES: A fantastic family run mixed farm situated in North Norfolk, Ferndale are renowned for their delicious old-fashioned farmhouse cheeses. The farm’s latest creation, which tastes divine with pickles or on a slice of bread, has attracted a great deal of excitement (above).

Norfolk Coast, we concluded the name to be a perfect fit.”

Naturally, we were keen to understand what goes into creating a new cheese. “When we deliver our products to local delicatessens, we often ask if anything is missing from their range, and their answer is what most inspires any new flavours,” says Arthur. “Personally, my wife, Nell, is my most important critic. Since our son was born, she hasn’t been able to stomach dairy, but she loves cheese, so I’ve been freezing a lot of it for her to try later!” Arthur explains that, although cheese-making, in general, is quite di cult, Norfolk Pinkfoot presented a di erent challenge. “We’d usually cut the curds into blocks and put them into piles so the cheese stretches. But, as we’re aiming for a crumblier texture with Norfolk Pinkfoot, the mixture has to be thinly laid out, which is long-winded and very hard in a small working environment. Although, the most trying part of the process comes next when we have to wait for something to come to fruition.”

Arthur refers to the maturation process, which is painstakingly long and especially nervewracking when attempting something new. “During this time, all we can do is cross our fingers,” Arthur says. “At three months or so, the natural flavours start to come through, and the cheese develops its own personality. Until that point, it’s dominated by the starter flavours, and, as bizarre as it sounds, we want to be

able to taste a hint of what the cows are eating, which comes with time. We have to be very careful to cut it up at just the right moment - if we do it too early and it’s no good, we have to start the process all over again.”

Norfolk Pinkfoot is Ferndale’s take on the popular Wensleydale, Lancashire or Cheshire-style cheese, with a meltin-your-mouth texture that is perfect for pairing with crackers or putting in a sandwich. As its first batch sold out in record time - and considering the taste of Ferndale’s other cheeses - there’s no doubt it’s delicious. “At the moment, we’ve only made two batches; one that sold out and another which has been laid out and will be ready for Christmas,” says Arthur. And, with cheese being an absolute musthave treat for the festive season, there’s perhaps no better time for Norfolk Pinkfoot to make its o cial debut.

For more information about Ferndale Farm visit ferndalefarmnorfolkcheeses. co.uk

PICTURES: All Ferndale cheeses are made by hand using traditional methods and can be found in many shops and delicatessens across the region. The cheese is made using fresh whole raw milk from the nearby Abbey Farm in Binham, where all cows are kept to excellent welfare standards (below).

“

with No Name - grew, and the first batch sold out before they’d even

a chance

its

Pornstar Martini

one of the nation’s most

and few can mix up the

well as co-owner

Bilton. Smooth as velvet and bursting with

this

tipple is

Indulge in quality food at your festive event

With autumn in full swing and Christmas on its way, it’s a good time to start planning your annual festive gatherings to ensure they’re as magical and memorable as possible. Organising a social event at any time of year is often a stressful experience, though hosting a top-class Christmas celebration is even more demanding as there’s so much to consider and arrange.

The most crucial element of any festive function is the glorious food and tempting tipples we wait all year to indulge in, and the talented team at Bank House Events know exactly how to create a fantastic feast to suit any gathering.

“At Bank House we take great pride in our outstanding food and drink, and we’re thrilled to o er this same quality product for outside events,” says Vicky Easthall, Events Manager at Bank House Events. “Over the last few years, we’ve had the privilege of serving a range of di erent clients in an array of excellent venues and have built a sound reputation for exceptional catering

skills and attentive customer service. Whether you’re planning a dinner party with friends, a festive family reunion, a formal corporate gathering, or a community event, we’ll happily take care of the food & drink side of things.

As well as providing the spread you had in mind, we can provide china, glass, and cutlery – and if you need assistance hiring a suitable local venue, we’ll help with that too.”

The business was started around four years ago when Bank House began catering for Christmas events at the Town Hall in King’s Lynn – a dazzling service they continue to o er every year.

“We’ve become well-known for our spectacular Christmas parties, which caused Bank House Events to take o in the first place,” says Vicky.

“For groups looking to hold their Christmas celebrations in the historic splendour of the Town Hall, we’ve once again hired out the building on selected dates in December. Book in to enjoy a memorable evening with vibrant

decorations, quality entertainment, a brilliant bar, and a fabulous three course meal - all catered for by Bank House. It’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.”

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and intimate celebration, Bank House Hotel will be o ering Christmas meals throughout December – or you could even call upon Bank House Events to cook a delicious dinner in the comfort of your own home.

“We’ve been involved with some marvellous functions this year and have already received a number of bookings for next summer,” says Vicky. “If you’re planning any kind of celebration please get in touch with our friendly team – whatever the occasion we’d love to play a part in making it as enjoyable as possible.”

feast to remember

Your local kitchen and bathroom specialists

Located on the North Lynn Industrial Estate, MKM King’s Lynn has become one of the leading suppliers of kitchens, bathrooms and building products across West Norfolk. In addition to a superb trade o ering, the branch also boasts a state-of-theart kitchen and bathroom showroom, specifically designed to meet the needs of both retail and trade customers.

Showcasing a range of traditional and contemporary solutions, referencing

both classic and ultra-modern trends, visitors to the showroom are sure to be inspired for their next home improvement project – whatever their taste or budget. Featuring dynamic kitchen and bathroom display units, the showroom is unlike anything else available in the region, making it a real retail destination for homeowners across West Norfolk.

The o ering is backed by MKM King’s Lynn’s local team, who are on hand to o er their advice and expert knowledge on the latest trends and solutions to help customers create their dream kitchen or bathroom.

MKM’s extensive o ering is further strengthened by the company’s commitment to providing a first-class retail experience, along with added value services including brick matching, home surveys and 3D designs that help

homeowners achieve the kitchen or bathroom of their dreams.

Andrew Goakes, Branch Director at MKM King’s Lynn, said: “Alongside our unbeatable o ering to trade, I’m incredibly proud of our kitchen and bathroom o ering. Our stunning showroom is designed to act as a space of inspiration for homeowners looking to undertake their next big home improvement project, with our expert in-house team always available to provide know-how and design advice on creating the perfect kitchen and bathroom

MKM King’s Lynn is located on Hamburg Way, on the North Lynn Industrial Estate. Open Monday to Friday, 6.30am-5.30pm, and 7.30am –12pm on Saturday.

For more information, visit www. mkm.com/branches/kings-lynn

Norfolk’s Nelson

Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, who was born in Norfolk, is England’s greatest naval hero. Alison Gi ord explores whether we celebrate our county’s most iconic historical figure as much as we should...

Revered for his bravery and seamanship in winning four major battles, Admiral Lord Nelson is Norfolk’s most famous son and one of history’s greatest sailors. However, though Nelson artefacts are scattered around our local heritage sites, it seems strange that we don’t have a dedicated Nelson Museum.

The Chairman of The Nelson Dispatch, the Journal of the Nelson Society, noted in his introduction last spring that the Society would spend Trafalgar Weekend (21st – 23rd October) in Norfolk. He admitted he knew little of Norfolk but was delighted to tell the members that during the planned weekend in King’s Lynn and Burnham Thorpe they would be staying in “real Nelson country”. This appealed to many members and 75 booked to come and stay for two nights at the grand Duke’s Head Hotel on the Tuesday Market Place (which was familiar to Nelson on his visits to King’s Lynn). They enjoyed a Trafalgar Supper here as well as at the newly refurbished Lord Nelson pub in Burnham Thorpeboth were fantastic. It was a welcome return to Norfolk by the Society, who visited the county more often in their early years.

Nelson memorabilia is still immensely collectable, and a display of Nelson pictures was on show at True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum over Trafalgar weekend. An exhibition of artefacts from the collection of a local enthusiast in the Nelson Room at the Duke’s Head was another nice touch for Society members.

Yet 21st October was just another day to most residents of Norfolk. The exception being the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and her paying guests, who enjoyed a splendid event in the Town Hall (as they do each year) in the room Nelson knew. He visited at least twice with his wife to celebrate Mayor Making, then held in October, whilst he was at Burnham Thorpe waiting for a commission from the Admiralty. Amongst all our modern troubles we have forgotten how much the British nation and other European countries owe the brave o cers and sailors of Nelson’s Fleet, even 217 years after the Battle of Trafalgar.

‘If it had not been for you English, I should have been Emperor of the East. But wherever there is water to float a

ship, we are sure to find you in our way’ said Napoleon Bonaparte, after the Battle of the Nile. And the main man to float a ship to harass and finally defeat the vaunting ambition of the French dictator at sea was our own Norfolk hero, Horatio Nelson.

At Trafalgar, the seeds of Napoleon’s defeat were sown, though it took ten years of gradual attrition for him to finally fall. Without the victory at Trafalgar, Bonaparte would have certainly attempted to invade England across the channel. Indeed, he had a huge invasion force just waiting for a few pieces to fall into place - but those pieces, in the shape of fighting ships, did not survive the Trafalgar campaign. From 1803 to 1805, 200,000 men known as The Grande Armee were stationed at Boulogne, Bruges and Montreuil ready to take invasion barges across the Channel. Although after Trafalgar, Britain did not magically have the world’s oceans to itself overnight, Nelson’s victory brought immediate British dominance of Europe’s coasts. The ships Napoleon had been relying on to accompany the Grande Armee with guns, horses and stores (all the paraphernalia of war) were destroyed and the Grande Armee sent o to another battle ground.

After Trafalgar the Royal Navy controlled much of coastal Europe, and this superiority enabled Britain to supply the Duke of Wellington in Portugal and Spain unmolested, finally leading to Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. It also meant that England could trade around the world while the French economy stalled. Napoleon, having lost his battle fleet at Trafalgar, was not only unable to combat Britain’s naval

superiority but consequently could not make territorial gains overseas which might have filled his co ers and saved his continental empire. Although Britain had half the population of France during the Napoleonic Wars, there was a higher per capita income and, consequently, a greater tax base which was necessary to conduct a prolonged war of attrition.

“I am myself a Norfolk man and glory in being so”, Nelson told an enthusiastic crowd outside the Wrestlers Inn in Great Yarmouth on 6th November 1800, after his triumphant return from the Battle of the Nile. He hoped to be buried in his home village of Burnham Thorpe with his parents but, such was his national acclaim, his state funeral was the grandest occasion of the era. It lasted over five days and his body was laid to rest in a marble sarcophagus in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral rather than the quiet windswept meadow of Burnham Thorpe churchyard. Perhaps it’s time to rea rm the place of Nelson in our county’s history. Could we start by making Trafalgar Day a special Norfolk day?

DDo we, residents of Nelson County, celebrate our home-grown hero as we should?

Each year on Trafalgar Day, the Mayor and paying guests gather at King’s Lynn Town Hall in memory of Norfolk’s most famous son, Admiral Lord Nelson.

Protect your floors from the very worst of winter

With a totally safe and first-class service, Xtraclean can treat your stone and tiled floors to a genuinely ‘good as new’ look

With all the rain and mud, the winter months can really take their toll on natural

stone and tiled floors - and with the festive season fast approaching they may not o er the most appealing welcome to your Christmas guests.

Although it’s tempting to give our floors a cursory brush or mop with othe-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 tra c from friends, family and pets only serves to work that dirt into the floor’s contours and grout lines.

There really couldn’t be a better time to call on the professional cleaning services of Martin King and his Swa ham-based team at Xtraclean. Using the latest technology and highquality anti-bacterial cleaning agents, Xtraclean will

bring your floors back to their best and give them an ‘as good as new’ look. And they’ll usually do it in less than a day.

“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 o er 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.”

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 in time for Christmas celebrations, contact Martin and his team at Xtraclean for extraprofessional cleaning, extra-personal customer service, and results that are second to none.

www.xtraclean.co.uk E-mail: sales@xtraclean.co.uk

Exploring Norfolk’s historic hidden hoards

Having seen a wealth of ground-breaking discoveries, Norfolk is renowned for its incredibly rich and varied history, though few of us realise just how important that history is.

Found embedded in a cli face in 1990, the West Runcton Mammoth is the oldest and most complete Steppe Mammoth skeleton to be discovered in the world. Ten years later, the 500,000 year old ‘Happisburgh Handaxe’ was unearthed by a beachcomber in North Norfolk, and just over a decade onwards, the very same stretch of sand revealed the oldest human footprints

ever seen outside of Africa.

Seven years ago our amazing county saw the highest number of recorded archaeological finds and treasure caches in the entire country, with over 15,000 discoveries and 119 o cial Treasure cases in a 12-month period.

To celebrate some of the area’s many extraordinary finds, Lynn Museum have launched an exciting new exhibition entitled Hoards: Archaeological Treasures from West Norfolk.

Bringing together a glittering display of enthralling finds dating from the Bronze Age through to the English Civil War, the exhibition highlights the history of archaeological hoards in

Norfolk and explores reasons behind their burial. It features everything from ancient coins, weapons, and precious pieces of jewellery to a stunning replica of the Great Torc from the famous Snettisham Treasure.

“We’re embracing this opportunity to place a spotlight on some of our current exhibits, showcase incredible collections we had tucked away, and reveal a few of our remarkable recent acquisitions – many of which are being displayed for the first time,” says Curator Oliver Bone. “This special patch of Norfolk is one of the most important places for hoards in the country - we still can’t be certain of why, as there’s

Norfolk is thought to be one of the most archaeologically important places in Britain, with thousands of fascinating finds recorded in the last decade alone. In an exciting exhibition, Lynn Museum is showcasing a timeline of buried treasures…

PICTURES: Spear heads belonging to the Fincham Weaponry Hoard, one of only five Late Bronze Age weapons-only hoards discovered in Norfolk (opposite). The Sedgeford Hoard, made up of 32 gold Iron-Age coins found inside a cow bone (above).

IMAGES: LYNN MUSEUM (NORFOLK MUSEUMS SERVICE)

so much mystery surrounding their burial and a great deal we’re yet to discover. Every treasure has its own unique story to tell and studying them can help us paint a picture of the past.”

The exhibition’s earliest hoard is a collection of axe heads dating from the Middle Bronze Age (about 3,400 years old), which were found on the beach at Holme-next-the-Sea – close to the location of the famous 4,000-yearold timber monuments Seahenge and Holme II. Following an intriguing timeline of discovery, the exhibition moves on to explore finds of the later Bronze Age including a rare hoard of fragmented weapons from Fincham, before reaching the spectacular Snettisham Hoard.

Comprising of several discoveries made in and around the village from 1948, the Snettisham Treasure is the largest assemblage of Iron Age bronze, silver, and gold artefacts found in Europe. It consists of torcs, coins, ingots and other astonishing objectswith the most sensational single item being the exquisitely worked Great Torc, unearthed when ploughing a field in 1950. Now held at the British Museum, it’s considered one of the most elaborate golden objects crafted in the ancient world – and when the BBC produced a documentary about the 10 most important discoveries ever made in the country, it was number four on the list.

“Torcs are stunning ancient treasures which have been retrieved from Iron Age sites across Britain, though more

have been found in Norfolk than in any other county,” says Oliver. “We have a modern copy of the Great Torc in our Snettisham Hoard display to give visitors an insight into the significance of this amazing discovery.”

Another important Iron Age find is the Sedgeford Hoard, which permanently lives at Lynn Museum and is one of their star exhibits. Made up of 32 gold coins, this curious collection was found hidden inside a cow bone during an archaeological dig in Sedgeford in 2003. The coins, known as staters, were made by the Ambiani tribe of Gaul in Northern France, who gave them to Britons as payment for their help fighting against the Romans.

“There are two main theories behind the burial of the coins,” says Oliver. “One is that they were o ered as a gift to the gods when British soldiers fled back to East Anglia, with the owner giving them up to show gratitude for a safe journey. The other is that they were hidden with the intention of future retrieval, however the owner may have died or couldn’t remember where they were stashed - so the treasure remained hidden for 2,000 years.”

The exhibition goes on to showcase a

wealth of other Iron Age wonders before exploring Roman, Anglo Saxon and Viking, and Medieval hoards. The astounding timeline finishes with the later Dersingham Hoard, which consists of 129 silver shillings and the silver cup they were found in, likely buried during the siege of King’s Lynn in the English Civil War.

“Some incredible discoveries have been made in Norfolk over the years, and we’re thrilled to have this chance to share some spectacular secrets of its past,” says Oliver. “People can come and experience the enthralling human story behind the burial and recovery of each artefact and learn about the remarkable societies that came before our own.”

Mysterious and magnificent, these fascinating finds are transforming our understanding of the past – and who knows what will be unearthed next?

PICTURES: The Snettisham Founders’ Hoard - a late Bronze-Age hoard consisting of broken, unfit, or unfinished metal objects and broken copper ingots - unearthed in 1962(above). The Dersingham Hoard, made up of 129 silver Civil War era coins found inside a sliver cup in 1984 (below).

Quickfacts

Estates

now based at

Gaywood Court,

Wootton

The only certainty is change

Section 21 update; I still find it very strange that the Section 21 legislation, which was introduced to stimulate private investment in rental properties during a housing shortage just over 30 years ago, is now being withdrawn as “cruel and archaic.” I understand that it’s a huge vote winner, which all political parties think that they want to grab the glory for now, but with rental properties being withdrawn from the market at more than double the rate that they are being purchased (yes that is a real figure) coupled with a woefully low level of new social housing being introduced now really doesn’t seem like the best time to throw this into the current mix of other issues – interest rates being a significant one.

Abolishing Section 21 is not going to provide the landslide protection against so-called no-fault-evictions which Shelter and other organisations

Damien Simone Director

are leading people to believe, as there are several grounds under Section 8 which allow for other types of nonfault-evictions. They are just rarely used because the reasons have to fit into set categories unlike Section 21 which is much simpler and does not require a reason to be specified.

I know that virtually whatever the private rented sector is attacked with, there are landlords who will look beyond this and retain their investment properties to supplement their retirement income, and despite everything that has happened, this remains one of the most viable income options in senior years.

Final Destination; From the Covid-19 pandemic to the current cost of living crisis the past two years have not been a favourable time for many. Due to the changes during this period and those that are anticipated in the coming 3 years we have bid our final farewell to our o ces in St Ann’s House and moved to new self-contained premises in Gaywood Court which also benefits from unrestricted parking. Apart from being a positive progressive move for

the company our new premises and company structure allows us to better focus on project management, which has now grown to become a significant part of our client services

If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss the lettings market in more detail, learn which property investments are currently producing the best yields locally, or find out more about the letting and management services which we provide, please contact us on 01553 660615.

What do changes to Capital Gains Tax mean for you?

Kayleigh Wilson,

Capital Gains Tax is a tax on the profit made after a sale of an asset (i.e a property) that’s increased in value.

The gain you make is the part that is taxed, not the amount of money you receive.

If you sold a UK residential property on or after April 6, 2020, and you have a Capital Gains Tax liability, you must report and pay the tax due online using a CGT on UK property account.

Depending on the asset, you may be able to reduce any tax you pay by claiming a relief.

PRINCIPAL PRIVATE RESIDENCE

RELIEF

There’s been lots of changes since 2020, particularly with the rules of principal private residence (PPR) relief. In a nutshell, when a person sells their only or main residence the gain is exempt from Capital Gains Tax due to PPR.

It may apply to all or part of a gain on

Specialist at Stephenson Smart Chartered

Advisors, talks through the ongoing changes

(CGT) and the areas to be aware of

a property and for most taxpayers, any gain made on the sale of their home will be completely exempt as it will be covered by PPR relief.

The charge may arise though if the taxpayer has been absent from the property during their ownership, or if they own more than one residence.

LETTINGS RELIEF

Lettings relief can only be applied where the residence qualifies for PPR relief – it must have been a person’s main or only home at some point. It’s given after PPR relief, where part of the gain remains chargeable due to residential letting during a period of absence.

Since 2020, lettings relief is available only if there is shared occupancy, the owner and the tenant both live in the residence at the same time, it is just this period of joint occupancy that qualifies for lettings relief. Lettings that occurred prior to 6 April 2020 that would have qualified for lettings relief under the

pre-6 April 2020 rules are not banked.

It’s also worth noting that penalties are being issued by HMRC for the late filing of Capital Gains Tax returns on the sale of UK residential property, whether or not you are a UK resident. Depending on the date of the disposal, you now have either 30 or 60 days from the date of completion, to submit your CGT Return online.

I am an expert in Capital Gains Tax, please get in touch if I can help you.

Chartered

Kayleigh Wilson

Stunning design celebrated across West Norfolk

Sponsored by KL Magazine, the awards celebrate the rich combination of tradition and innovation that can make architecture in Norfolk so appealing to residents and visitors alike. Each award category focuses on how a project works within its environment, taking into consideration the quality of design, workmanship and landscaping. The judges look for something really outstanding that Norfolk can be proud of.

This year the awards made a welcome return after a four year break. A record-breaking 72 schemes were entered across ten categories, with a

shortlist of 35 that demonstrate the incredible standard of design across the borough.

“An amazing number of applications came forward and I was very impressed with the wide variety of designs,”

WINNER

Organised by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, the Mayor’s Design Awards have been showcasing local architectural excellence and craftsmanship for almost 25 years

ABOVE: Winners of Small Residential DevelopmentTorrey Meadows in Heacham, designed by Strata Architects, Ross Simpson and Wayne Skipper

says Cllr Lesley Bambridge, Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. “I sat on the judging panel and it was really interesting to see how some of the buildings and plots have been given a new life. It’s been marvellous.”

Winner of the first award of the night was Small Residential Development Torrey Meadows in Heacham designed by Strata Architects. The contemporary design of these eight magnificent homes creates a striking character that blends well into the environment through pleasant landscaping.

Winning the Single New Build category was 8a Park Hill, Dersingham, a contemporary home designed by Waite & Wallage Architects. Set against a woodland backdrop, the subtle palette of red pantiles and natural wood boarding embedded the building beautifully into its natural surroundings.

“What was so important about this site was its stunning views over the wash to Boston,” explains Daniel Wallage, Project Architect. “We worked

with planning authorities to maximise those views with a large, glazed gable. The interior is actually set back from the glass to avoid overlooking next door.”

Snettisham based ACS Architectural won two awards, each demonstrating their ability to excel with a di cult brief. Winning the Business Scheme category, No. TWENTY 9, Burnham Market was a challengingly restricted site “The limitations dictated the shape of the building, resulting in an interesting curved profile and a variety of di erent height ridges,” describes ACS Founder, Chris Borrman.

Sussex Farm Lane, also in Burnham Market, was another interesting brief that won ACS the Mayor’s Award for Residential Extension. “The architectural detailing on the existing cottage was amazing but it was all hidden,” says Chris. “We brought forward two asymmetric extensions with full height glazing, but matched the original detailing to create something sympathetic to the existing building. It’s a real showpiece.”

Improving the townscape of King’s Lynn are two award winning projects, Regeneration Scheme 9-11 James

Street and Shop Front Tipsy Teapot. James Street had long been a derelict furniture shop in the heart of the St Margaret’s Conservation Area which Owner Wyndham Spice has now transformed into seven homes while restoring the heritage of the location. “It was like a puzzle,” says Architectural Consultant Peter Gidney. “We took something really awful in the middle of town,” adds Wyndham, “and created something really nice where people can enjoy living.”

The previously unoccupied shop that is now the Tipsy Teapot also sits within the conservation area and was in very poor condition. The shopfront is now a joyful addition to the High Street. Business owners Neil and Lisa Staples were both the brains and the brawn behind the transformation. “It was something that evolved,” explains Lisa. “We want it to represent the wonderland of escapism that exists behind our front door. Something a bit di erent where you can go to forget

ABOVE: (Left) winners for 8a Park Hill - Waite & Wallage Architects, Daniel Wallage and Richard Waite. (Middle) winners for 9-11 St James StreetWyndham Spice and Architectural consultant Peter Gidney. (Right) winners for Tipsy Teapot - owners Neil and Lisa Staples.

ABOVE: Winners of Business Scheme for No. TWENTY 9 in Burnham Market and Residential Extensions for Sussex Farm Lane designed by ACS Architectural, Chris Borrmann, Nick Borrmann and Tilly Riches

WINNER

WINNER

about the rest of the world.”

“The local support we have received has been overwhelming,” adds Neil, “it’s quite touching really.”

A very unusual property, The Water Tower in Castle Acre, won the Conversion category. The striking original structure of the water tower is retained but has been converted into a dramatic two bedroomed house.

The resident-led development of a village hall in Wereham won the Mayor’s award for Community Buildings, where the new fabulous looking hall provides great spaces for a wide range of uses. “The scheme was completely village funded,” reports

Mark Walker of Walker Construction Services. “We worked with them from tender right through to completion of the job.”

“Wereham Village Hall was our first Passivhaus construction,” Mark continues, “which means it is thermally very e cient and good for the environment. It won one of the Passivhaus awards too.”

The final two awards of the night, the Craftsmanship Award and The Mayor’s Gold Award which selects the most exceptional project from all the shortlisted entries, recognised the work of Professor Warwick Rodwell and his wife Diane in their meticulous renovation of Northwold Manor.

The Grade II listed manor house dates from the 16th century. “Our guiding principle was that we must not destroy anything of historic interest,” Rodwell explains. “We recovered all of the great rooms and built on in sensitive style to provide essential modern facilities that were missing.”

The judging panel were delighted by the standard of all entries this year. “We have got a lot going on in West Norfolk that we don’t tell people enough about,” concluded Mayor Bambridge.

“Tonight has been an excellent opportunity for people to see the exceptional architectural design work across our borough.”

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Small Residential Development Winner - Torrey Meadows, Heacham Highly Commended –Sherwood Close, Downham

Single New Build Property Winner - 8A Park Hill, Dersingham Highly Commended – e Old Garden, Hunstanton & 10 New Street, Lynn

Residential Extensions

Winner – Sussex Farm Lane, Burnham Market Highly Commended –Easterly Lodge, Ringstead

Community Schemes

Winner – Wereham Village Hall Highly Commended –Brancaster Village Hall

Shopfronts

Winner – e Tipsy Teapot Business Scheme

Winner – No. Twenty 9, Burnham Market

Highly Commended – ornham Deli Town Centre Regeneration Winner – 9-11 St James Street, Lynn Highly Commended – 18-20 Railway Road, Lynn Conversion Scheme Winner - e Water Tower, Castle Acre Highly Commended –Duration Brewery, West Acre Craftsmanship Winner – Northwold Manor Highly Commended –Wereham Village Hall

The Mayor’s Gold Award Northwold Manor

WINNER

ABOVE: Winners of Conversion Schemes for the Water Tower, owners Misia Godebska and Dennis Pedersen

ABOVE: Winners of Community Scheme and highly commended for Craftmanship Wereham Village Hall with Karen Williams, Keith Murray, John Millard andSue Walker and Mark Walker from Walker Construction Services Ltd (left to right)

ABOVE: Winners of the Craftmanship Award and The Mayor’s Gold Award Northwold Manor owners Professor Warwick and Diane Rodwell

A closer look at The Tipsy Teapot...

Recognising innovative concepts and quality craftmanship, the prestigious Mayors Design Awards celebrate the inspiring businesses helping to enhance the local area – and there’s nowhere more deserving of credit for creativity than the magical Tipsy Teapot.

Having spent an astounding 13 months transforming an old kitchen showroom into a vibrant café and cocktail bar, passionate owners Neil and Lisa Staples were thrilled to receive the ‘Shopfronts’ award last September for the building’s stylish exterior –though visitors will discover what’s inside is even more spectacular.

The moment you enter Tipsy Teapot you leave reality at the door and step into a unique world of wonderment and delight. It’s a world of bright colours, flamboyant patterns, top hat lights, and teacup chandeliers - and you’re warmly welcomed with a smile by either Neil or Lisa themselves or a member of the friendly Tipsy team.

“We set out to create an exciting drinking and dining experience like no other, where people of all ages could enjoy some good old-fashioned fun,” says Lisa. “the upstairs party bar is not quite a nightclub but is livelier than a cocktail bar. We wanted the whole place to be a cross between the Mad Hatter’s tea party, Hard Rock Café, and the best disco you’ve ever been to. A single place for dining, drinking and dancing.”

O ering the perfect ambience to suit any occasion, the ground floor restaurant is a magical setting for dining with family and friends. The fantastic menu continues the fantasy theme with a ‘through the looking glass’ eating out experience, showcasing delicious tea party tapas and imaginative meals like the peanut butter & jelly burger. After 9pm, the lights go down and the music ramps up, transforming the room into an atmospheric lounge bar. It’s a great place to enjoy a flavourful cocktail or one of Tipsy Teapot’s signature Pu es, the most unique and theatrical drinks

on the menu.

If you fancy a full-on fun night out, then head upstairs to the lively party bar on a Friday or Saturday evening. Carefully designed and passionately put together by Neil and Lisa, it’s an uplifting setting complete with a fabulous flower wall, rope swing benches, comfy seating, and a stunning bar – not to mention fun-loving host Mingo Keith, (who happens to be a 10ft pink flamingo).

“It’s a place to dress up and dance the night away to timeless party classics,” says Neil. “We feel quite overwhelmed by the phenomenal level of support we’ve received. It’s heartwarming watching customers and sta bursting with fun and having the time of their lives, knowing that it’s all down to what we’ve created together.”

It’s certainly a destination to remember, and a night out in King’s Lynn is no longer complete without a trip to the Tipsy Teapot – the thriving hub where reality ends and wonderment begins…

The inspiring work of ACS Architectural

Renowned for their specialist knowledge, passion, and attention to detail, the talented team at ACS Architectural were proud to leave September’s ceremony with two design awards. Let’s take a closer look at their award-winning achievements.

BUSINESS SCHEME

Receiving the Business Scheme award and nominated for the Craftsmanship prize, the charming holiday suites behind No. Twenty9 in Burnham Market showcase the outstanding design skills of ACS Architectural.

ACS were involved with the project from the very beginning, providing the vision and design to transform the dilapidated Georgian building into a spectacular restaurant, and the owner was so impressed with their work he approached them to help develop the site further.

“The client came to us with the idea of creating unique accommodation on a piece of land to the rear of the restaurant,” says Director, Chris Borrmann. “It was a challenging space to work with as it sat within a conservation area containing a large Holm Oak tree, which was protected with a preservation order. We dedicated a great deal of time and attention to the

project, working to produce a design respectful of its natural surroundings and in keeping with the character of Burnham Market. As the tree was such an important part of the space, we made it a focal point of the design and carefully selected a base of local materials that worked in harmony with it.”

Perfectly executed by local builders Daco Construction, the result was six stunning holiday suites nestled within their own peaceful landscaped gardens. They’re an excellent example of how a new development can work alongside the plant life of an existing environment and an inspiring architectural achievement to be proud of.

RESIDENTIAL EXTENSIONS

Renowned for their innovative ideas and excellent designs, ACS also topped the Residential Extensions category for their thoughtful transformation of a property on Sussex Farm Road in Burnham Market.

“We were tasked with improving the dwelling by providing more living space,” says Chris. “It’s the first building you see as you turn onto Sussex Farm Road, so we wanted to create something eye-catching and memorable to make people think ‘wow’ as they passed.”

The building had a historic gable end containing some impressive architectural features, though it was largely spoilt by a red brick flat roof extension which had been added around the 1950s. Instead of further masking the property’s character ACS set out to embrace it, utilising a palette of traditional materials to match the original building and producing a stunning symmetrical design to enhance the existing gable.

“We’re passionate about respecting history and character when working with older buildings and always strive to preserve their special features,” says Chris. “What we’ve created both complements and celebrates the property’s original fabric and stands out without being overbearing.”

It’s an insightful design that demonstrates how to build sympathetically within a rural area, as the property has its own striking identity but sits perfectly within the surrounding built environment.

Excelling in e cient homes

In the Mayor’s Design Awards, Walker Construction Services Ltd won the Commercial Building category for a state-of-the-art village hall in Wereham. The team at Walker Construction worked hard to create a building that was highly e cient, comfortable and adaptive to the diverse needs of the community it serves.

“Passivhaus buildings are constructed, insulated and ventilated to an extremely high standard which results in excellent energy e ciency,” explains Director Mark Walker. These principles come from The Passivehaus Institute in Germany who certify buildings across the world that reach the remarkably high energy e ciency standards required.

Walker Construction achieved this certification at Wereham Village Hall, where the temperature of the building is controlled without the need for traditional heating methods. “The hall benefits from much thicker insulation than a typical UK build,” says Mark, “and the windows are triple glazed as well as being carefully positioned

to benefit from the heat of the sun.

“The whole building is completely airtight,” Mark continues, “and movement of air in and out is controlled by ventilation so that the spaces can be heated and cooled e ciently. Building in this way involves our team keeping a really high attention to detail at every step. Every junction is taped and every screw is sealed.”

So, what are the benefits of a Passivhaus design? The impressive energy e ciency levels result in a building that is sustainable as well as very cheap to run. The control of ventilation also means that the quality of air inside the building is noticeably better which can be particularly beneficial to people who su er with asthma, hayfever or other allergies.

“You are basically in a better building,” Mark

concludes. “You can feel the di erence from just being in the room, the air quality feels cleaner and healthier compared to a traditional style building.”

For those that like the look of a traditional building design, there is no need to choose between heritage and innovation. Wereham Village Hall has also been praised for the craftsmanship of Norfolk flint and Carstone work on the exterior of the building, skilfully completed by Walker Construction’s experienced tradesmen.

“If you think you might be interested in this Passivhaus approach for your next building project you can contact us

we will be more than happy to visit and give advice,” Mark says. “You can decide to create a part-passive build that uses some of the best principles from Passivhaus to ensure that your building has low running costs and is a pleasant place to be.

Sell your property faster with home staging

Need to

Most people selling a property want to achieve the highest possible price in the shortest period of time. But how do you convince your buyer to put in that allimportant o er?

The secret is to allow your purchaser to picture themselves living in the property from the moment they step through the front door. And that’s where clever home staging comes in. Family-run company K3 Interior Design specialises in transforming empty properties into beautiful spaces that will capture your buyer’s imagination and make them feel instantly at home.

Sisters Karen, Fiona and their team are experienced interior designers with a proven track record staging properties on behalf of estate

agents, developers and home owners across Norfolk.

“First impressions count, which is why making your property look as appealing as possible is absolutely essential,” says Karen Kerridge, co-founder of K3 Interior Design. “In a recent survey from the Home Staging Association, estate agents and property developers agreed that a professionally-staged home sells significantly faster than one that hasn’t been dressed for sale. So home staging is definitely worth the investment.”

You can choose to buy or rent bespoke home furnishings from K3 Interior Design, depending on your particular property requirements. There is also a newly-launched Furniture Package service aimed at landlords and holiday let hosts who want to

furnish their properties quickly and easily. Simply choose from one of K3 Interior Design’s cost-e ective, curated furniture collections, and the team will deliver and install your furnishings within three weeks.

For short-term home staging, K3 Interior Design’s furniture rental service is likely to be your most a ordable option. “Our rental service is perfect if you need to prepare a property for market quickly,” says Karen. “It’s also ideally suited for a show home that might only be required for two or three months. Allow us to transform your empty space into a beautiful home ready for your purchaser to move straight in. Just send us a floor plan and leave everything else to us.

“We love nothing better than chatting about home staging, so give us a call today to talk through your requirements. Whatever the size of your project, we can help you sell your property quickly for the highest possible price.”

“65% of all journeys to work in King’s Lynn are less than 15km, with just over half being less than 10km, which means choosing to walk or cycle to work is a real alternative for many”

Manager at

UK&

and King’s Lynn Town

Board Project Champion

Active travel, sustainable connections, and a bright future for King’s Lynn

Three things are at the front of many people’s minds at the moment – the everincreasing cost of living, climate change, and health and wellbeing. The Active and Clean Connectivity project, which forms part of the King’s Lynn £25m Town Fund Programme with the Government, aims to support people to take actions that could bring benefits in all three areas.

Brendan Legrove, General Manager at Greenyard Frozen UK & Ireland and King’s Lynn Town Deal Board Project Champion, tells us about the initiative.

“The £6.25m Active and Clean Connectivity programme is a package of measures that will support active travel, sustainable travel, and better connections between King’s Lynn’s communities for both walking and

cycling,” he says. “£4.23m of the required funding is being sought from the King’s Lynn Town Deal allocation and, by improving accessibility, the project will help create key links with the other town investment plans.”

The business case, which was submitted in October, has been developed following consultation with a range of stakeholders and input from industry experts. It builds on earlier public consultation which was carried out for the Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

The programme comprises of three key elements: improvements to the accessibility and connectivity of the local cycling and walking infrastructure, support for the development of Active Travel Plans with a Travel Plan Fund, and the development of two Active

Travel Hubs - one at the Nar Ouse Enterprise Zone in South Lynn and another at Baker Lane in King’s Lynn. The project acknowledges the rural nature of west Norfolk and focuses on improving the walking and cycling network for those who can choose to travel on foot or by bike within the King’s Lynn urban area. One of its main aims is to improve accessibility for all, particularly for wheelchair and mobility scooter users and pushchairs. It will also promote greater use of public transport where possible.

Having fewer cars on the road benefits the environment and improves journey times for those who live rurally and can’t choose an active and clean mode of transport.

“65% of all journeys to work in King’s Lynn are less than 15km, with just over

anks to the Town Deal Board an exciting new connectivity package is being designed for King’s Lynn to create accessible, cost-e ective, faster, greener, and healthier travel options for all

ABOVE: The active and clean connectivity package is a series of infrastructure improvements supported by active travel plans to encourage people to use healthier and more environmentally friendly forms of transport.

half being less than 10km, which means choosing to walk or cycle to work is a real alternative for many. Further research will take place with large employers in the town to discover what would encourage people to change their mode of transport,” says Brendan. “This will enable us to promote active travel as an accessible, convenient, faster, greener, healthier and more cost-e ective method of making short journeys in a way that really helps people make that change.”

Walking and Cycling routes

The main aim of this element of the programme is to improve the links north and south across the town as well as those from east to west. Proposed improvements range from installing toucan crossings, to potentially removing chicane barriers or improving signage. The purpose is to create a network of safe spaces for cyclists and pedestrians to move quickly and easily around the area, travel to and from work, visit the hospital, or simply just pop into town.

Active Travel Hub – South Lynn

The Nar Ouse Active Travel Hub is e ectively a transport interchange within the Enterprise Zone. It features

parking for a maximum of 50 vehicles, provision for 6 electric vehicle charging points, cycling storage, electric cycle charging, lockers, and associated facilities. It has been designed to plan ahead for the potential future development of the Innovation & Collaboration Incubator on the adjacent site and wider Enterprise Zone development. Bus laybys on Nar Ouse Way will be provided for bus services. It’s hoped that bike and scooter hire will also be available at the hub in future.

Active Travel Hub – King’s Lynn

This is a smaller-scale hub which will be located adjacent and connected to the existing Baker Lane toilets. It will feature much-needed secure cycle storage, electric cycle charging, and lockers. Its success could lead to the development of further travel hubs in key locations, reducing the reliance on cars, and therefore supporting the borough council’s pledge on climate change.

Travel Plan Fund

The programme includes funding for the development of six active travel plans, the first stage of which is gathering data on how people currently travel to their place of employment and how they might be encouraged to travel di erently. This data will enable signed up businesses to look at the results and see what measures can be taken to encourage more sta to choose active and clean transport methods - whether that’s lockers, showers and cycle storage, cycle-towork schemes, or public transport discounts.

Activity and Clean Connectivity Programme Timeline

October 2022 - Submission of Business Case to Government Year end 2022 - Funding approval expected

If approved:

Early 2023 - detailed design work begins, along with further consultation. Spring 2024 - early works commence on walking and cycling network. This project links all the other Town Deal projects together in terms of helping residents get to their place of work or study and encouraging people to travel into town to visit retailers and heritage assets. The positive impact on the environment could be significant if more people choose active and sustainable travel over the use of their car.

The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk is the accountable body for the Active and Clean Connectivity project. The development of the business case is overseen by the King’s Lynn Town Deal Board. The programme will be delivered by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk in partnership with Norfolk County Council as the highways authority and lead partner in the delivery of the King’s Lynn Transport Strategy.

More information: visionkingslynn.co.uk

PICTURES: The aim of the project is to create accessible, faster, greener, and cost-e ective ways of making short journeys. An artistic impression of how the new hub at South Lynn could look (above).

Selling your home to appeal to energy e cient buyers

Energy e ciency matters more to some home buyers these days than the size of the garden. According to a recent survey by Money.com, solar panels now rank ahead of ensuite bathrooms and, as energy prices rise, this trend looks set to continue. So, if you are selling your home, how can you make your house appeal to today’s energy e cient buyers?

Fortunately, you can improve your home’s performance and make it easier to sell without spending a fortune.

YOUR EPC CAN HELP YOU You will need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before marketing your home, and it will then be available to any potential buyer.

The EPC is a short report, produced by an accredited energy assessor, on the energy e ciency of a property. It will rate your home A to G, with A being the most energy e cient grading. The EPC should also include recommendations to improve your home’s rating. An EPC lasts for ten years. So, your home may already have one. If you cannot find a copy, you can check on the website: www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.

Take care to consider the EPC’s

recommendations before putting your home on the market. It may reveal some straightforward ways to make your home more energy e cient. If you are commissioning a new EPC, you may want to increase your home’s energy e ciency first. There may be cost-e ective ways of doing this, for example, by switching to LED bulbs or insulating your loft. You can find suggestions at Simple Energy Advice.

Having a higher EPC rating may be more important for some types of property. From 2025, the Government may require rental properties to have at least a C rating. So, if your property could appeal to buy-to-let investors, then you may want to bear this in mind. Currently a privately rented property must have a rating of no less than E.

Every home is unique, and what works well for one property may be more di cult to implement in another. Some properties may not be suitable for cavity wall insulation due to solid walls or because the work may aggravate damp issues.

Upgrading to a new boiler, or installing double, or even triple, glazing could make your home more attractive to buyers concerned about rising energy costs.

MAKE SURE YOU OBTAIN ALL THE NECESSARY STATUTORY CONSENTS

Most significant improvements, including solid or cavity wall insulation, double glazing, solar panels, or new boilers, all require building regulations consent. However, if the contractor installing them is authorised under the Competent Person Scheme, then all procedural matters will be dealt with as standard.

OTHER CONSENTS YOU MAY NEED Occasionally, there may be title restrictions which mean you need a third party’s consent. If you plan major work, such as installing solar panels, then you should check your property’s title for any restrictions first.

KEEP THE PAPERWORK SAFE

Remember to keep any guarantees or warranties safe. Your buyers are likely to require these before completing their purchase.

For further information, please contact Mel Robson in the residential property team on 01553 778900 or email mel.robson@hayes-storr.com.

MELANIE ROBSON Associate

A shining solution to soaring energy rates

With power bills surging and energy rates continuing to rise, many homeowners are looking for ways to ease the pressure on their monthly budgets.

For those on a Standard Variable Tari , energy bills are based on a price cap set by Ofgem - which limits the rates a suppliers can charge for their default plans. Your provider can’t charge you more than the cap, which is carefully monitored to ensure prices are fair and reflective of what it costs to buy energy on the wholesale market.(1)

Right now, we’re seeing a once in a 30-year event - with volatile prices in the global market putting providers under extraordinary strain, increasing the cost of supplying energy to homes and a ecting our bills.(1)

The price cap soared by an alarming 54% in April and increased again last month(2) - meaning energy costs have become real concern for most UK households.

The good news is that director Stuart Olley and his team at 4 Way Electrical Ltd can o er a ray of hope in these

challenging times by continuing to lead the way forward with cost-e ective and sustainable solutions such as solar power.

“We’ve been seeing a huge increase in the number of people wanting solar panels, Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS), and electric vehicle chargers,” says Stuart. “In light of the current climate, it’s crucial to o set costs by becoming more independent with our energy – and solar can be a key part of this. Along with providing environmental benefits and longterm fuel savings, our fully integrated systems can minimise the impact of rising energy caps on your monthly bills.”

Following a recent government initiative, the VAT rate on the purchase or installation of energysaving materials in residential homes will be 0% for the next five years (gov.uk/guidance/ vat-on-energy-saving-materialsandheating-equipment-notice-7086)

– meaning you’ll enjoy the benefits of tax savings and lower yearly energy costs. What’s more, if your energy

supplier o ers you a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) you can even get paid for every kilowatt you export back to the grid.(3)

“Even on a cloudy day, our photovoltaic systems can o set your reliance on the national grid, and lower costs from your energy provider,” says Stuart. “We’ll always take our time communicating with customers to design a bespoke system that’s right for them, striving to maximise their available space whilst complying with their budget.”

Following the high standards of customer protection set by the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) guidelines and the MCS(4), 4 Way Electrical Ltd is perfectly placed to develop a cost-e ective solution suited to your individual requirements and lifestyle. Moreover, as accredited members of the national Quality Mark Scheme (qualitymarkprotection. com) they take pride in o ering an industry-leading 10-year Insurance Backed Guarantee, which includes payment and deposit protection and is transferable if you sell your home.

Contact Stuart and his team today to discover how you may be able to start reducing your energy costs now!

Award-winning architecture at Poppyfields

When embarking on any construction project, it’s crucial to get it right from the beginning, so choosing the perfect architect to bring your vision to life couldn’t be more important. Since being established almost 10 years ago, the award-winning practice ACS Architectural have completed a multitude of inspiring projects across the county and built a sound reputation based on innovative ideas and striking designs.

Founded by Director Chris Borrmann, with the backing of confident investors, the company started within a small back room in a shared o ce in Hunstanton – and it’s swiftly grown into a fantastic family-run business, with Chris now working alongside his brother Nick and his father David. Taking inspiration from his background in 3D design, Nick also manages sister company Archi-Vis Studio – which

produces stunning high-resolution CGI images to help clients visualize concepts and impress planning authorities.

With an expanding workforce and an o ce no longer fit for purpose, ACS moved to a lager premises in 2018 before joining the vibrant community at Poppyfields last year. Having seen an unprecedented demand, the business has continued to flourish, establishing strong relationships with local builders and developers, achieving an impressive 98% planning success rate, and delivering outstanding designs - two of which won prizes at King’s Lynn’s prestigious Mayors Design Awards in

September, topping the Residential Extensions and the Business Scheme categories.

“We take immense pride in what we do and treat every project with the upmost care, honesty, and respect. No two concepts are the same, so we provide a personal service tailored to every client’s needs,” says Nick. “We

Enriching the local landscape with inspiring concepts and creations ACS Architectural is one of the many dynamic businesses at Poppyfields Retail Park

ABOVE: Driven by a close-knit and communicative team, ACS Architectural provide a professional and quality design service, with ma experience within the industry.

place a strong emphasis on attention to detail and always devote a great deal of thought to the initial planning stage to ensure everything runs smoothly and e ciently. If you go that extra mile to secure planning permission, it saves time and money in the long run. In fact, our drawings and directions are so detailed that once a concept reaches the building stage, we rarely receive any calls back - everyone’s happy to get on with it.”

Driven by a talented team, ACS has extensive experience in residential designs for new build projects, extensions, and alterations along with a wide knowledge in commercial structures. A shining example of their creative skills is the renowned No.Twenty9 Bar & Restaurant, which was sensitively transformed from a dilapidated Georgian building into an architectural jewel in the crown of Burnham Market.

“We’ve made astounding progress over the years and aspire to continue producing high quality designs,” says Nick. “We’re delighted with our new o ce, as we now have a dedicated meeting space to discuss ideas with clients - and we love being based at Poppyfields. Everyone is so friendly, and we all help each other out. It’s an inspiring environment to work in, and the perfect place for us to continue to grow.”

With the festive season fast approaching and a new year on the horizon, the other innovative businesses at Poppyfields are equally excited for the future.

Bringing a sense of style to the area, McAllister’s boutique o ers a range of premium ladies and gentleman’s clothing from prestigious brands such as Mark Darcy, Seasalt, and Oxford

Blue – and owner Steve McAllister has just welcomed a fantastic range of gifts and accessories to start o your Christmas shopping.

Having recently celebrated a successful second anniversary, the glamourous Le Kiera hair salon continues to flourish at Poppyfields. Talented mother and daughter team, Vicki-Lee Smith (George) and Kiera-Lee Fenables, would like to thank all their clients old and new for their continued support and wish them a merry Christmas and happy new year.

Enhancing this sense of luxury is the lavish selection of prestige cars displayed on the edge of the main car park by Norfolk Automotive. Specialising in high-end performance vehicles, the company o ers an excellent service to customers looking for guaranteed quality and class.

Next door, Emma Murtagh and the innovative technology experts at GEM Software believe Poppyfields is the ideal location for their forward-thinking work - which involves providing bespoke applications and system integrations to customers across the UK and Europe as well as website builds and support desk services for small businesses.

If you’re looking for inspiration to finish your interior design or want a fresh new look for your home, Paula and Marcus of Christyana Fabrics and Blinds provide a bespoke service and display a fantastic range of curtains, fabrics, blinds, and accessories in their showroom.

Meanwhile the site’s newest business, Little Fish Aquatics UK, has been met with a swimming success since opening last April. A fantastic family-run aquatics shop specialising in set-ups, supplies, and live fish for home aquariums, it’s fully stocked with everything you could possibly need to create your own miniature underwater world.

At the heart of Poppyfields is Poppylicious, a fantastic café with a friendly feel. The delicious menu of home-cooked food o ers something for everyone to enjoy, from hearty breakfasts and scrumptious lunches to delightful cakes and bakes - and the 200 Degrees co ee is simply fabulous.

Based in West Norfolk, The Norfolk Hospice helps people su ering from chronic and life limiting illnesses and provides crucial support to their families, friends, and carers.

Established almost four decades ago, the inspiring charity has always strived to ensure that every person a ected by a life limiting condition is o ered choice and access to an excellent standard of care.

Their services include well-being day therapy workshops, family support

groups and bereavement support as well as palliative end of life careboth at their onsite inpatient unit and through a hospice at home service.

Every year, the hospice supports around 1,100 families in West Norfolk at a cost of over 2.7 million. All their services are provided free of charge, with most funding raised through donations and their popular retail shops.

Hospice Care Week is an annual event, created by Hospice UK. Each year, the hospice sector comes

together to recognise and celebrate hospices nationwide and the help they provide; acknowledging the true value of care and support and what matters to us most at the end of our lives.

To celebrate Hospice Care Week 2022, for the first time in over two years, the doors at the hospice were opened to members of the public, enabling them to learn more about the services o ered.

“We took the opportunity to engage with the community of West Norfolk by inviting them into our beautiful

facility in Hillington for the first time since the start of the pandemic,” says Chief Executive O cer Nicola Ellis.

“It o ered people a chance to come along and hear about the wide range of supportive care services available to those su ering with a life limiting illness. People are always surprised by what they see when they first arrive; the environment is bright and modern, and there is a calmness that makes you feel

welcome and safe. Everyone is treated as an individual with their own story to tell”.

With a focus on day therapies and support services, it was a great opportunity to get involved with activities and meet the teams delivering care and support first-hand.

During the same week, an employment and volunteer recruitment event was held, enabling members

of the public to visit the hospice to learn more about current career opportunities as well as the varied volunteering roles available.

Volunteers are an essential part of the day to day running at the hospice. From retail opportunities and housekeeping to bereavement volunteers - there are so many ways the public can get involved and become part of the wonderful team. The amount of time

ABOVE: The Norfolk Hospice provides specialist care to people living with life limiting illnesses and helps support the people closest to them. A patient takes part in crafting activities for Hospice Care Week, during which The Norfolk Hospice opened their doors to talk about their services and the care they provide.

“We are there for anyone facing the uncertainty of a life limiting illness...”

PICTURES: With its bright, modern feel and wonderful wildlife pond, the hospice strives to be a positive and friendly setting where patients can feel welcome and safe (above). The passionate day therapies team were proud to showcase their services during Hospice Care Week (right). The cheerful café at The Norfolk Hospice (below).

people give is down to them, it could be anything from a few hours a week to occasional help with fundraising and events.

“This year the theme for Hospice Care Week was equity which is a subject very close to our hearts. Our ambition is to work with our local community, sharing details about the whole spectrum of hospice support and why what happens within a hospice is so special,” says Nicola. We want to work to change the perception about hospice care and ensure that we’re not seen as a place to fear, or somewhere that only looks after people at the very end of their life.”

“Our Day Therapy Unit is always alive with the sound of activities and

conversation – it’s a space for people to come not only for professional support, but also because they enjoy it! Our exercise classes and creativity groups enable people to keep doing the things they love and o ers an opportunity to talk openly about the challenges they face.”

At some point death and dying a ects us all, and The Norfolk Hospice strives to ensure that the right resources, together with an exceptional level of care and support, are available to anyone who needs them.

“We really want people to look to us a resource within the community. We are there for anyone facing the uncertainty of a life limiting illness, and the people close by who are also a ected by that diagnosis,” says Nicola. “Caring for

someone diagnosed with a condition for which there is no curative treatment is hard, but we are on hand to provide guidance and support. Beyond that we want to help our community and equip people with the confidence to openly talk about death and grief and the profound impact that has on a person. Everyone should feel able to be that compassionate neighbour, o ering support to those in need”.

If you would like to hear more about how you can help support the vital work of The Norfolk Hospice by becoming a volunteer, please visit www.norfolkhospice.org.uk

Our recent install...

Welcome to the future of home heating

With energy prices at an all-time high, concerns for the environment intensifying, and winter creeping closer, it’s essential we start looking for more e cient and cost-e ective ways of heating our homes. Heating is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, representing around a third of the UK’s total – and addressing this is a vital part of eradicating our contribution to climate change by 2050.

Decarbonising our heating and hot water systems is a key step towards becoming more self-su cient, energy secure, and environmentally friendlyand one of the best ways of doing this with air source heating from the 4 Way Group.

For over 15 years, the 4 Way group has been leading the way in heating and air conditioning solutions,

introducing cutting edge technology and energy-e cient designs to the local area - and becoming the very first company in the UK to install Fujitsu’s WaterStage™ air-to-water (ATW) central heating system.

This simple and e ective solution uses heat pump technology to absorb heat from the outdoor air and transfer it indoors (even in winter) and requires only 1kW of electricity to generate 3-5kW of heat energy.

“These new systems are both energye cient and environmentally friendly, as they produce much less carbon dioxide than conventional heating systems and emit fewer pollutants,” says director Steve Simpson. “They’re also significantly cheaper to run, which is incredibly beneficial considering the current climate. What’s more, all installations come with a full 7-year warranty – though the units are so reliable you’ll almost certainly never need to use it.”

Easy and quick to install (most systems are fitted in a day) air source heating is hassle-free and visually

unobtrusive, with all components built into a hydraulic indoor unit and compact outdoor heat pump. It’s a brilliant way to reduce your carbon footprint and cut your fuel bills - and can even be powered by an integrated array of solar panels designed by 4 Way Electrical, o ering more cost and energy savings.

“We take pride in what we do and will go above and beyond to design a solution suited to your individual requirements,” says Steve. “Though Fujitsu systems are wonderfully easy to operate, we always take the time to explain how everything works and give guidance on how to make the most e cient use of them. We also ensure customers know how to contact us in the unlikely event of any problems and are always available for advice, maintenance support, and emergency servicing.”

To discover the future of home heating and find out how you could start saving money on your energy bills, contact Steve and the team today for an initial consultation and free estimate.

How you can save money, save energy, and help save the planet with air source heating from the 4 Way Group

Tackling loneliness one conversation at a time

Loneliness: we all face it at times, but none more regularly and severely than the older generation. Local charity, West Norfolk Befriending, believes the answer is as simple as a conversation

According to Age UK, more than a million older people in England say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.

This is a statistic West Norfolk Befriending, a charity dedicated to supporting lonely older people, is actively fighting to improve. “Older people often find socialising with people di cult, whether that’s because they physically can’t get out and about due to mobility issues, their loved ones have moved or sadly passed away, or they just struggle to hold conservation as they’re no longer aware of what’s going on in the world,” says Pippa May, Chief Executive.

Having recently celebrated its 20th

year, West Norfolk Befriending was founded after three local charities (West Norfolk Carers, West Norfolk Deaf Association, and what was West Norfolk Age Concern) noticed the worrying amount of people impacted by loneliness and the e ect this had on their livelihoods. Pippa has been part of the organisation for 12 years and is eager to share what they do: “Older, isolated people often describe feeling invisible and lot of them feel disconnected from the outside world; most of the time, all they need is regular, quality social interaction.” The charity match one of their volunteers with an isolated older person and organise for them to have regular, uninterrupted conversation face-toface, or more recently, over the phone

or email.

But, it’s not enough just to chat; the conversation has to be meaningful and enjoyable for both parties involved. The aim is to make older people feel valued and actively listened to while also keeping them updated on what’s happening in the world so they feel comfortable socialising outside of the scheduled chats.

West Norfolk Befriending’s matching process is very thorough and involves a member of the team carefully assessing a new client to determine which volunteer would be best suited to ‘befriend’ them.

“We take the time to really get to know clients, asking them what they used to do for work, their likes and dislikes, where they’ve lived and visited

OPPOSITE: Striving to reduce social isolation, West Norfolk Befriending is a charity o ering free befriending services throughout the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough. As integral members of the charity’s passionate team, Development Worker Anna Sylvester, Client Assessor Amanda Tickner, and Chief Executive Pippa May are highly experienced at supporting both clients and volunteers.

and so on, so we can appropriately match them to one of our volunteers.

Once we’ve discovered what we call the ‘hook’ subject (which is something we know both our client and a volunteer has in common) we are then able to continue the process and set up regular conversations,” explains Pippa.

Volunteers speak to their clients around once a fortnight, but the positive

impact is long-lasting: “Clients will often spend time reminiscing about the chat long after they’ve had it and are able to use what they’ve spoken about as a talking point for connecting with other people.

Our volunteers are trained to drive the conversation and encouraged to share what they’ve seen recently, perhaps even while driving to the meeting. A lot of older people we support can’t leave their homes so, not only is this an easy conversation starter, it’s also a chance for them to feel more involved in what’s happening outside their four walls.”

Feelings of loneliness are particularly exacerbated over Christmastime, when

LEFT: This summer the charity’s devoted team were delighted to receive the Befriending Networks Quality in Befriending mark, which reflects the e ort, support and dedication of their volunteers and sta .

socialising with friends and family is a big part of the festivities. The support that West Norfolk Befriending and similar charities provide will be even more valuable during this period, and a lot of older people will be relying on contact with their volunteers more than ever. And, although the charity only supports a client for up to a year - so they can free up volunteers to support other people - the conversations can continue long after that.

“What’s particularly lovely is that volunteers and clients often become fast friends. Since they have things in common already, their chats tend to flow and, although they can’t see them through our befriending service forever, a lot of volunteers still spend time with past clients as what we call ‘formal friends,” Pippa says. “Older people have a lot of interesting stories and insights. They just want someone to share them with.”

What West Norfolk Befriending do really is extraordinary, and they’re not planning on putting the brakes on anytime soon. “Since we started in 2002, we’ve built a team of nearly 50 loyal volunteers (who we wouldn’t exist without), survived Covid and adapted since, o ering phone call and email chats as well as face-to-face meetings, and expanded our reach to cover most of West Norfolk all the way from Downham Market to the coastal towns and villages. In the future, we’d love to encourage more volunteers to join us - particularly male volunteers towards the coastal area - so we can support more people,” says Pippa.

You can support West Norfolk Befriending by volunteering, donating, fundraising or leaving a gift in your will. For how to help or to learn more visit wnbefriending.org.uk

“Older people have a lot of interesting stories and insights. ey just want someone to share them with...”

Timber products: the cost-e ective option

Rudd Joinery shares how you can save money by investing in quality timber products

Spending your money wisely has never been more important.

Although natural timber may cost a little more initially, it appears to be the best valuefor-money product if you want to give your home a facelift. As Jamie Rudd, director of Rudd Joinery explains, “There are many things to consider when choosing the right material for your windows or doors; its longevity, e ectiveness and how it could a ect the value of your home are just a few.” So what makes timber more coste ective than alternative materials? Firstly, it is naturally insulating. Timber windows and doors can help to reduce your energy bills as the weather cools by e ectively retaining heat. “The wood has tiny air pockets inside that act as a barrier for heat and cold,” says Jamie. “Opting for timber windows could save you up to £160 a year on your energy bills.” In addition, Rudd Joinery’s timber products are all finished with a threecoat spray finish (in a colour of your choice),

which means they require little to no maintenance. They come with excellent guarantees; however, they could last for as long as 60 years. This is because Jamie and his team only use incredibly high-quality, responsibly-sourced timber: “The hardwood we source from Uruguay is probably the best available on the market today, together with Accoya wood,” he says. “Both are 100% FSC Certified, very versatile and extremely durable, making it all the more appealing from an economic point of view.”

Using the right material in your home can even impact its value. “Character and unique features are attractive to many buyers, so installing quality timber products is a quick and easy way to build your property’s equity,” Jamie says. “There’s a common misconception that timber only suits traditional homes, but this doesn’t have to be the case.” Rudd Joinery’s bespoke o ering promises that your timber product will perfectly complement your home. At their manufacturing

facility near Fakenham, they can create something completely custom to match your unique specifications; they have a wide range of styles, colours and ironmongery to ensure the finished product is exactly to your liking.

So, whether you need to replace your windows, doors, garden room, conservatory or even staircase, you can rely on Rudd Joinery’s expert craftmanship, high-performing hardwood, and superior service to exceed your expectations. Contact Jamie and the team to discover more reasons to choose timber for your home improvement project.

Home-grown Norfolk talent

Football fans will know Blue as professional footballer and current Captain of Ipswich Town FC Women, a ectionately nicknamed ‘The Tractor Girls’ by local supporters. The team play in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division with Blue wearing the number four shirt as a vital part of the midfield.

Now 20 years old, Blue has been passionate about football since her primary school days in Langham, a tiny village school that had only 80 pupils and a very dedicated headteacher. “Mr. Green was really keen on sport,”

Blue recalls, “and everyone, boy or girl, played football. My whole career has stemmed from that.

“Mr.Green was definitely the cornerstone of starting my football journey. I played some school matches and started getting quite good, so I was put forward for a trial at Norwich City FC at 9 years old.” Blue didn’t make it into the Centre of Excellence in Norwich at that first try, but the following year she took another shot and it all accelerated from there.

When she was 13 Blue’s breakthrough season came, as she was called up to the National Performance Camps

and soon found herself playing for England. “I had found my confidence and I just kept taking the next challenge. The pressure was definitely increasing. Something I loved had become something I had to perform in.” But Blue rose to the challenge and remembers her England debut, playing against Germany for the under 15s, as an early career highlight.

Much of Blue’s teenage years saw her playing alongside fellow Norfolk girl Lauren Hemp, who started in all six of the Lionesses Euro games this summer. “Lauren is a one-of-a-kind player,” says Blue. “To be in the Lionesses at the age

e inspirational success of the Lionesses this summer has sparked a new interest in women’s football across the nation. We talk to one of Norfolk’s top football stars, Blue Wilson, about a girl’s journey from school field to professional pitch

ABOVE Blue Wilson, a local football legend and the women’s Team Captain at Ipswitch Town Football Club.

she is at is crazy.” It can be di cult to access elite sport in a rural county like Norfolk, travelling large distances on a weekly basis to play at the top level. “I think that made us fight for it more though. You had to have initiative and a great support network.”

As for many female football players at the top of the game, Blue has always had to balance her career in the sport alongside work and study. Blue is a full-time professional player at Ipswich FC Women, but as she explains, in reality it is far from full time training and doesn’t pay a professional wage. “I have a job alongside football as do many of the other girls. I’m training to be an accountant. It has always been a no-brainer for me that football alone would never be enough and, at club and England level, players are definitely taught that

having a dual career as a female footballer is key. I think its necessary financially, but I am also lucky to have a brain and I enjoy using it. You can only train on the field so much.

Alongside the nation, Blue enjoyed the excitement surrounding the Lionesses at the 2022 Euros. “The women’s game has progressed massively in quality, but you shouldn’t compare it to the men’s, just as you wouldn’t compare a male and female sprinter. It is important to appreciate the women’s success as it stands alone.

“The technical ability on display in the Lionesses is phenomenal. I sat in the stands at the semi-final and final and saw the passion and togetherness of the team win them the title. I couldn’t imagine having to walk out under that much pressure, they weren’t used to that number of spectators at a women’s game, but they were unbelievable! We were all recharged by the Lionesses success.

“The women’s game isn’t at the financial level of the men’s game and I think that allows it to be more raw and relatable for fans. The atmosphere at the matches is so positive and familyfriendly. At the fulltime whistle of the Euros final, the German supporters stayed and were clapping and cheering too. It felt like an occasion to celebrate women’s football and not only England’s win.”

In fact, for many, the Lionesses win felt like a win for women’s sport in general, a turning point in giving women and girls permission to be competitive unapologetically.

Blue acknowledges that there has

been lots of media talk about increasing spectator numbers and pushing wages higher in the Women’s Super League since the summer success, but she hopes for a di erent legacy. “I hope the Lionesses success trickles down to the grass roots level and increases participation opportunities for women and girls. I want the growth of the sport to be sustainable and organic, building progression up through the tiers. A key goal should be to inspire the next generation and make girls playing football become the norm.”

So, what would Blue say to those women and girls who are inspired? “My question when facing any new challenge is always ‘why not?’” she says. “You might have reservations about taking that first step, but I think you just have to give it a go. I urge everyone out there to look for a local club and go to one training session. Playing alongside your mates and seeing that progression week-by-week is so healthy. It will have a massive positive impact on your life.”

“It can be di cult to access elite sport in a rural county like Norfolk, travelling large distances on a weekly basis to play at the top level.”

ABOVE Blue is a full time professional player at Ipswitch FC Women and feels passionate about increasing participation opportunities for women and girls.

The King’s Lynn o ce

On Thursday the 22nd September 2022 our passionate team at Allen Tomas & Co were delighted to invite Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Councillor Lesley Bambridge, to o cially open our third o ce on 1 King Street, King’s Lynn.

It is important to stress not everyone could be included in the photos so a huge thank you to clients, local residents, local historian Dr. Paul Richards, KL Magazine owner Laura Dunn, the local Press, Stephenson Smart, Fraser Dawbarns Solicitors, Thain Wildbur, JJ Pendall Painting & Decorating, D.A. Griggs Decorators, Max Gidney, Peter Oughtibridge and Towergate Insurance Brokers for supporting us on this day.

ABOVE: The Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Councillor Lesley Bambridge o cially opens the o ce.

by

David Richards of Butcher Andrews Solicitors with

Owners

Michael Crisp

Ben Allen

Gill Repper from the West Norfolk ArtistsAssociation presents her work and coordinatedthe display of her colleague’s work MoiraJohnson, Denis Pickles, Carol Nicholls, Andrea Taylor and Jean Skutela

Welcoming our rst guest Michael Hart

supplied by Pur eet Brasserie, Pur eet Street, King’s Lynn

e Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolkexplaining the history of 1 King Street

WINNERS

Our annual golf day raises over £4,000 for charities

On Friday 23rd September 2022 (the day after the o ce opening) our team at Allen Tomas & Co held a fifth Charity Golf Day at Heacham Manor Golf Club, raising just over £4,000 for our chosen charities, the Stroke Unit at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Cancer Research UK and Norfolk and Waveney Mind.

We would hugely like to thank all the auction prize donors, Galton Blackiston of Morston Hall for his dinner for two and flight of wine, Eric Snaith of Titchwell Manor Hotel for his dinner bed and breakfast, Dan and Natalie of Socius Burnham Market for their dinner for two, Gill Repper for her Sandringham Painting, Julian from MKM for his Barnham Broom and Royal Norwich Golf Days, The White Horse at Brancaster Staithe for their Seafood Platter for two, Sam and Emily of the Purfleet Brasserie King’s Lynn for their Lunch/Dinner for two, Kath Bithray of the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange for their Cinema/Theatre Voucher and lastly Will and Chuck Wallis of Baytree of Hilgay for their very cool Firepit.

ABOVE: Winners - J Riley Ltd led by owner Matt Carse, Andy Carse of AgVantage UK Ltd, Henry Amps and Julian Arrowsmith.

Intense concentration from Jack Major in Michael Crisp’s NorthRuncton Cricket Club Team to earn them 3rd Place

2nd place - Team 4 Way Captained by Stu Olley (Nearest the Pin Winner), Charlie Lankfer, Jake Holloway and Jack Yule (Longest Drive Winner)

Allen Tomas & Co Financial Management Ltd is registered in England and Wales with number

by the Financial Conduct Authority with Financial Services Register number 630427

AllenTomasCo AllenTomasCo

Stephenson Smart looking extremely professional, Captained by Partner Dan Jastrzebski

Fine form from Andy Mackenzie (nearest the pin winner) being admired by Ben Allen, Nick Henry owner of Krusty Loaf and Alex Gunthardt owner of CV Insight

Jade Finance (East Anglia) Limited Ownerand Captain Matthew Green with his team

Pelicans Hockey Club mentored byRobert Goddard and captained by his grandson Sam Phillips

Allen Tomas & Co II – Andy Mulligan,Richard Pendall, Chris Brient and Mark Jenner

e Mulligans – Ross Constant, Ryan Johnson and the Wallis brothers of Baytree Nurseries

Spud Boys Captain Jonathan Shippey clapping despite missing out on the places this year!

SMB Property Consultancy – Graham & Helen Howe, Captain Stuart Bizley with his wife Jane

Datashredders Owner and Captain Edward Lefevre with his team

SJ Plumbing & Central Heating Owner and Captain Simon Johnson once again winning trousers of the year!

Larking Gowen led by Mark Hewitson and his colleague Philip Moy

Claret and Blu Captained by John Williams

Fraser Dawbarns Captain Dan Ball (Longest Drive Winner) overseeing colleague Neil John’s putt

Trading Norfolk’s Motoring treasure trove

Driving a classic car is incomparable, the scent of the leather, the roar of a genuine engine, a true connection with the road in a car built to last a lifetime with no premolded plastic and no production line anonymity.

Themselves steeped in history, the Hawkins family have held auctions

at their Downham Market premises since 1850, and with over 170 years of inherited knowledge of appraising, marketing and auctioning goods they provide the reassurance of provenance and reliability. A tour of their site is a tour through time, at every corner a gem of Downham Market’s past. The bell atop today’s auction house once rang out when their regular horse

auctions were about to commence. After the animals had been paraded through the town they were led into the Hawkins’ courtyard for the bidding. The ties and troughs are still preserved in the auction rooms.

The landscape of auctions has changed in recent years as, with restrictions on attendees and live meetings, much of the bidding has

e story of how historic auctioneers Barry L Hawkins are changing the face of classic car auctions

gone online. Although regular auctions have never ceased being held, sixth generation auctioneer and surveyor Marcus Hawkins explains, “We wanted to get people together again, the atmosphere of a live auction cannot be replicated through a screen. As an auctioneer part of the pleasure is the theatre and the connection with the audience.”

Though Barry L Hawkins have always been known for their machinery, property, and antiques & collectable sales they had not specialized in classic and historic cars. When experienced classic car auctioneer and valuer Rob George joined the firm, they developed the idea of holding a classic car auction

PICTURES: An iconice Jaguar E type (opposite). A 1966 MGB stands amongst an excited crowd (above). A wide selection of manufacturers are represented (left and below).

against the beautiful backdrop of an English Manor house and including displays from select businesses in restoration and repair, including Downham Market based Paradise Garage and All 4 Wheels from Ely.

The day would be further enhanced with live music and food, creating a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers, sellers, and exhibitors.

Their inaugural event was held at Stradsett Hall in September and was a resounding success, with record prices achieved on a selection of

rare vehicles. There was also a display of over 40 cars brought by visiting enthusiasts. Building on the success of that event the next will be held on Saturday 3rd December in the grounds of Middleton Tower.

This magnificent, moated house dates from the 15th century and is surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens and lawns. Visitors who bring their own classic, modified and supercars along will receive a reduced entry fee to become part of the show. They will be allowed to park

their vehicle on the lawn in front of the privately owned manor (weather permitting) by the kind permission of the Barclay family. With a limit of 100 cars in the auction slots are filling fast; the event promises to be a brilliant day out for any car enthusiast and the ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to consign a car to have it noticed by favorable buyers.

“We really want to make a weekend of it”, Marcus says. “The event will always have the auction at its heart, but it will be accompanied by a show and entertainment to bring together all

members of the vintage vehicle community. Auctions aren’t just for traders, everyone is welcome!”

Barry L Hawkins aim to build on their success for bigger events in 2023. Should you wish to consign your car to one of their auctions please arrange an appointment for the vehicle to be inspected and for a value to be agreed. They will then market the car through various channels, including digital catalogues, national press, and their own exclusive mailing list of potential buyers. Many people have long forgotten vehicles hidden in garages or storage facilities and the scope of what is considered a classic car is truly surprising. No longer a title reserved for iconic Jaguar E Types and picture-perfect Bentleys, 1980s and

90s everyday icons are now sought after and extremely collectable.

Barry L Hawkins o er a full appraisal service and will be able to arrange transportation and storage if required. With their experience in all areas of dispersal sale they have the excellent ability to o er auction for entire estates, not just the car itself. With regular collectable and general auctions held at their Downham Market premises they can provide a full and complete solution for clearing a property at a sensitive time. Many have lost out by attempting the arduous task of sifting through everything themselves, sometimes discarding items which could have been worth thousands of pounds, so a professional service will always prove fruitful in the end.

Put the date in the diary, top up the tank and bring out the polish to join Barry L Hawkins for their classic car auction on the 3rd of December and be a part of what will become ‘The Norfolk Classic’ car sales event.

BARRY L HAWKINS

CLASSIC CAR AUCTION

Saturday 3rd December 2022

Middleton Tower, Tower End, Middleton, King's Lynn PE32 1EE

Tel: 01366 387180

Email: info@barryhawkins.co.uk Web: barryhawkins.co.uk

PICTURES: Classic vehicles abound as visitors wait to bid.

Insuranceinsights

Van security: Prevent break-ins and tool theft

Latest industry figures suggest between 30 and 40 vans were stolen every day in the UK last year.

That’s bad news for the selfemployed, sole traders and courier van drivers whose livelihoods depend on their vehicles, and for countless leisure vanners who have been deprived of their vehicles.

Life is further complicated as the contents of the van, tools in transit, building materials, goods in transit and expensive holiday gear, also go missing.

Here the van insurance experts at Adrian Flux answer questions about protecting your vehicle and its contents.

HOW DO VANS GET STOLEN?

Most thefts of vans and their contents are opportunistic. The thief strikes when they discover an open window or unlocked door. Secure your van at all times, even if you’re on site unloading gear or filling up with fuel.

HOW DO I KEEP MY VAN SECURE?

• Make sure you get adequate security

measures fitted, these include an alarm, GPS tracker, an immobiliser and deadlocks.

• Thatcham-assured security equipment could actually save you money because they can earn you a discount on your annual insurance premium.

• Try to park in a bright, well-lit area, preferably one covered by CCTV. At home, fit PIR lights so they’re trained on your parking space. Consider investing in your own CCTV.

• Don’t leave power tools and other valuables in your van overnight. If it is impractical to keep tools elsewhere, invest in an Armorgard toolbox and get it securely fixed to the floor of your van.

• Thieves don’t like to work hard, so if they see a van fitted with a steering or handbrake lock, it may be enough to put them o . Lockable fuel filler caps and wheel nuts are also cheap and e ective.

• The theft of van catalytic converters is on the rise too because extra ground clearance on a van provides easy access. Anti-theft devices are inexpensive, reliable and can be easily

fitted.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY VAN IS STOLEN?

• Report your vehicle as stolen. Call the police on 101 and ask for your local station. The police will alert the DVLA and give you a crime reference number.

• To make an insurance claim you’ll need the crime reference number, your policy details and an inventory of the cargo and tools that have gone missing. You may need receipts for expensive items.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO GET INSURANCE FOR MY VAN?

A previous winner of What Van’s? Insurer of the Year award, Adrian Flux has a wide variety of van insurance options. Call 01553 400399 for a free no-obligation quote - 81.5% of all customers receiving an online quote in August 2022 could have obtained a cheaper quote over the phone.

From fighting crime to writing gripping thrillers

Quite possibly one of the most inspirational figures in modern policing, retired senior homicide detective

Russell Wate has led a truly astounding career. Joining the force at the age of 18, he started out as a beat o cer patrolling the streets of Wisbech – though he soon developed a desire to investigate more complex cases.

“I knew I wanted to become a detective, as I was attracted by the problem-solving aspect of the role and loved the idea of directly helping victims by combating crime,” he says. “With determination and dedicated

training, I achieved my goal aged 23 and worked my way up through the ranks – eventually becoming the Detective Chief Superintendent (DCS) for Cambridgeshire.”

This meant Russell was the area’s head of crime, the person with ultimate responsibility and accountability for tackling criminal activity in the county. During his time as a detective, he was the senior investigating o cer in over 100 major cases, tackling everything from international kidnappings and organised crime to domestic abuse and homicides (including being a key part of the prolific investigation into the Soham

murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002).

An experienced and inspiring individual, he’s known both nationally and internationally for his work on safeguarding, has received 14 commendations from judges and chief police o cers, and was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Police medal by Her Majesty in 2008.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my career, particularly leading murder enquiries and delivering justice to victims,” says Russell. “I had this incredible chance to support vulnerable members of society – both in individual cases and also, as

After decades of detecting deviance and chasing criminals, the remarkable Russell Wate has gone on to invent an intense investigative series – and his latest work features a very familiar setting…

LEFT: retired senior homicide detective Russell Wate outside Old Hunstanton’s Lodge Hotel, which features in his latest crime thriller ‘Missing But Not Lost’ .

a DCS, by influencing processes and shaping how the police dealt with di erent o ences. Even after retiring, I’ve continued to carry out crucial safeguarding work for the government, which has involved conducting various national reviews - ranging from Serious Case Reviews and Domestic Homicide Reviews to reports on child protection and child homicide.”

Since stepping down from his role, Russell has also embarked on an exciting new venture – going from catching criminals to writing about them in an intense detective series. His first gripping novel ‘Greed is a Powerful Motive’ was released on 26th October 2021 and, almost exactly a year later, ‘Missing But Not Lost’ was published towards the end of last month.

Centred around the thrilling escapades of DCI Alexander (Sandy) McFarlane, both books take inspiration from real life events – bringing intriguing 19th century cases into a modern social setting and applying today’s investigative techniques to solve them.

“The idea for the first novel formed some 15 years ago when I visited the British Library to research my great grandfather, who was a very senior o cer in India at the turn of the 20th century,” says Russell. “I came across a fascinating case from 1874 involving the attempted poisoning of

a British Administrator by a member of the Indian royal family in a plot to cover up illegal financial activities. I thought it would be a brilliant story to explore in the present day but, with my safeguarding work requiring regular travel, I didn’t find the opportunity to sit down and write it until the beginning of the first lockdown. I had a sound idea of how I wanted the plot to pan out and, working for about two hours a day, I created the first draft in eight weeks.”

After fantastic feedback from family and friends, Russell was inspired to take his novel to a publisher in Cambridge (where parts of the story are set) and soon began work on a second book – which features a delightful glimpse of Norfolk. “I love taking inspiration from real locations as, when establishing setting, it really helps if you feel for the place you’re writing about,” says Russell. “My wife and I regularly visit north and west Norfolk, and we love the county with a passion – it’s got a unique sense of character you just can’t find anywhere else.”

This admiration for the area certainly comes through in

‘Missing But Not Lost’, which features many of our captivating county’s iconic buildings and landscapes. Tasked with investigating the disappearance of a young man, DCI McFarlane commences his search in Norfolk. He drives along the idyllic country roads near the Sandringham Estate, taking in the glorious expanse of wild rhododendrons in full bloom, and passes fields ablaze with patriotic poppies near the coast. He enjoys a stay at the charming Lodge Hotel in Old Hunstanton, takes a stroll along the beach to Thornham, and goes on to visit the spectacular Sandringham House before taking his search overseas to Canada.

“Norfolk is a stunning county and a wonderfully atmospheric setting,” says Russell. “I love drawing on reality to engage and connect with readers. What sets my writing apart is the fact it’s authentic, and I’ve poured many of my life experiences into both novels. The fictional investigations are approached in the same way any detective today would deal with a homicide or suspicious death - and the skills and techniques applied are based on modern day processes. People have told me they find them both interesting and enjoyable, and I’m delighted with the response I’ve received so far. I’m already working on book number three – and there’s plenty more to come. After my many years spent investigating intriguing crimes and cases, I’m never going to be short of stories to tell.”

Russell Wate’s latest detective novel is available now to order in book shops and from all online booksellers including Amazon.

PICTURES: Wate received 14 commendations from Judge and Chief O cers throughout his career, as well as the Queen’s Police Medal in 2008 for his work as a Detective.

Stay warm this winter with expert boiler care

Even if your boiler looks to be in perfect working order, if it hasn’t been maintained annually, it may suddenly break down - which is the last thing you want as we enter the winter months. The problem isn’t just that you might be left without hot water and heating until it’s fixed; it’s that doing so can be costly. “A surprising cost is not something anyone wants to be dealing with, particularly in the current climate,” says Annaleigh Foreman, Director of Foreman & Son. However, servicing your boiler annually can prevent a sudden breakdown and potentially save you the cost of having to replace it. With Foreman & Son’s BoilerCare service, this has never been easier. They o er packages to suit your specific needs and budget, including everything from unlimited call-outs to an annual boiler service and even £500 o the cost of a new boiler if yours is beyond repair. And even if your boiler is

beyond repair, they can provide finance for your installation in partnership with established credit brokers, Ideal4Finance, to help spread the cost with manageable monthly payments.

Properly looking after your boiler also increases its e ciency. “Engineers will carry out all the necessary checks to ensure your boiler is running as economically as possible as part of an annual service,” explains Annaleigh. This means that by adhering to the recommended service schedule, you’re not only ensuring your home is warm and that your boiler is kept in tip-top shape; you’re saving money on your gas bills. And, most importantly, keeping you and your family safe. “An unserviced or badly looked after boiler can put you and those in your home at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning,” says Annaleigh. Whether installing or servicing a boiler, the company you use needs to be up-to-date with regulations, like the recent changes

to the Part L requirements, which ultimately informs engineers of the correct checks and steps to take to ensure your boiler is safe. Of course, Foreman & Son’s engineers are all highly-experienced, and the company is fully-regulated, Gas Safe and OFTECregistered.

With over 27 years of experience, you can rest assured that your boiler, home, and family are in safe hands with Foreman & Son.

It’s never been a more important time to get your boiler serviced, as the team at Foreman & Son explains…

An artist drawn to Norfolk’s natural wonders

As the latest collection from Barrie Morris goes on display at the Red Dot Gallery in Holt, owner Colin Rawlings talks about his first encounter with this remarkable artist and his inspiring work...

The show-room door opens and in stride a striking couple looking as though they’re actors or performers taking a break for a little browsing – but no, the lady to the fore carries a substantial portfolio, her opening line still resonates nearly a decade later: “How does one go about getting work considered for this gallery?”

My usual response would be to suggest an appointment out of hours to allow for a private forum, but on this occasion my intrigue held the moment. “May I see what it is you have to show?”

With that Sheila Morris, apparently in the role of minder, agent, or presenter, introduced herself and her husband Barrie, the artist.

Following the unzipping of the giant folio, I was faced with an amazing impression of an upscale Barn Owl with wide inky black eyes staring back at me, talons at the ready. The bird itself was set against a ruined arch of Walsingham Priory, which sat shrouded in a fusion of shadowy dusk. It was appropriately titled ‘Barn Owl Receives Holy Orders’

and, typical of Barrie’s work, its colourful palette comprised of a mixed media of watercolour and inks. Looking quite life-like, the amazing creature seemed to feel a strong sense of place – a miraculous bird in a miraculous setting.

So, after being faced with the most exciting composition I’d seen for some time, the remaining works were presented one by one – and what an imagination was revealed in that first 30-minute encounter. My immediate concern was whether other galleries had already seen, or were about to be shown, the collection. Luckily, I’d been the first to express any interest, though I knew quick work was needed. With that the Barn Owl was immediately purchased into gallery stock and by implication the desire to work with Mr Barrie Morris was put forward, and so it came to pass!

In the ensuing months Barrie worked towards what would be his first solo exhibition, ‘Strangely Drawn to Norfolk’. This presented a visual celebration of iconic county

landmarks including Cley’s fine Windmill, the imposing Houghton Hall, the majestic Cromer Church, and the unexpected Mausoleum at Blickling. Woven into each piece were elements from the natural world that had associations with the

PICTURES: In a striking collection titled ‘Paradise in Birdland’, the imaginative artist Barrie Morris explores majestic birds in atmospheric settings. ‘Barn Owl receives Holy Orders’ (opposite) is a powerful depiction of a captivating species set against the remains of Walsingham Priory. Equally remarkable, ‘June Wedding’’ (above) features two Turtle Doves billing and cooing at the lychgate of one of Norfolk’s many churches.

setting, A Clouded Yellow butterfly on grasses outside the Glandford Shell Museum, An Oystercatcher searching the mudflats with the Blakeney Point Lifeboat House in view and a Red Fox stalking the heath above Salthouse Church.

With the success of ‘Strangely’ behind him, Barrie decided to embark upon a more ambitious project, this time investigating the folklore, myth, and legends associated with Norfolk. Black Shuck, The Vicar of Sti key, and Anne Boleyn’s ghost speeding across the

rooftops of Blickling Hall were likely subjects whilst others were somewhat a revelation; Great Bustards at West Acre, The Mad-Hatter of Weybourne, and Jack Valentine of Norwich to name but three. The complete collection is now well documented in the handsome volume ‘Quirks & Quiddities of Norfolk’ a portrait of its colourful characters, myths and legends.

‘Swallows & Avocets’ became the working title for what was planned to be Barrie’s third solo show. A dozen di erent breeds of bird were carefully

chosen to represent the circling year, an ornithological tour through the four seasons. A strident cock pheasant in a January snow scape, turtle doves cooing at a June wedding and a goldfinch feasting on summer’s bounty of thistle seeds. Alas the exhibition was never to be as the Covid pandemic brought all such events to a grinding halt.

Undeterred, Barrie decided to add to his artistic aviary, creating yet more sumptuous compositions with the resulting collection, now titled ‘Paradise in Birdland’. His latest compositions include a Screaming Swift over Salthouse Church, an encounter with Spoonbills at Holkham and Whooper Swans flying over the former RAF station at West Raynham.

Much of the ‘Paradise in Birdland’ collection features in a brand-new publication, ‘The Morris Book of British Birds’, an ornithological miscellany, which includes a foreword by the broadcaster and writer Bill Oddie who comments: “I would call it a delicious collection.”

One thing is for sure, it’s not hard to spot a Morris, his distinctive style clearly sets him apart. And you can now see it for yourself. ‘Paradise in Birdland’ opens at The Red Dot Gallery in Holt on November 12th and will run until Sunday 11th December – it’s an astounding collection and a unique exhibition you won’t want to miss.

DOT GALLERY

7 Fish Hill, Holt NR25 6BD Tel: 01263 710287

PCITURES: Featuring the distinctive blue boathouse and an exquisite level of detail, ‘OysterCatcher picks up the pearl at Blakeney’ is one of the magnificent works in the latest collection by Barrie Morris (above). Instilled with a passion for Norfolk, Morris has depicted many iconic local landmarks in his work including Blickling Hall and Cley Windmill (below).

At Bedtime

-

every step of the way - from choosing the

to go a bit

size

back and deciding on the

than that. Both our

team won’t just deliver your

and they’ll even take your old bed away with them.

King’s

Horsley’s Fields Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn PE30 5DD Tel: 01553 780227

8 Falcon Road, Wisbech PE13 1AU Tel: 01945 466788

Norfolk churches quiz

1 With over a thousand built, Norfolk has the world’s largest concentration of medieval churches. How many are still standing today?

a. Around 250 b. Just over 400 c. Roughly 520 d. Over 600

2 Which Norfolk church is thought to be the largest parish church in the country?

a. The Church of St Mary, West Walton b. The Church of St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth c. The Church of St Andrew, West Dereham d. The Church of St Margaret, King’s Lynn

3 The Church of St Peter and St Paul in Cromer boasts the tallest church tower in Norfolk – roughly how tall is it? a. 100ft b. 160ft c. 210ft d. 250ft

4 The Church of St John in Oxborough was a magnificent structure with a 150ft spire, though it crumbled into ruin in 1948 after which catastrophic event?

a. It was struck by lightning b. It was set alight during a local riot c. It was battered by a ferocious gale d. It was damaged during a firework display

5 The Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham is known for its richly decorated interior. What is the altar made from?

a. Solid silver b. Florentine marble c. Carved teak d. Smooth granite

6 Which charming church is nicknamed the ‘Hidden Pearl of King’s Lynn’.

a. The Church of All Saints b. The Church of St Margaret c. The Church of our Lady of the Annunciation. d. The Church of St John

is home to an astounding number of captivating churches, each with their own story to tell – here’s 25 questions to test how well you know some of our most remarkable religious buildings…

7 Thought to be one of the most important in East Anglia, which church was discovered by chance on a Women’s Institute walk 30 years ago?

a. The Church of St Mary in Denver b. The Church of St Martin in Fincham c. The Church of St Martin in Hindringham d. The Church of St Mary in Houghtonon-the-Hill

b. It has one of the best Norman doorways in England c. Its historic porch is remarkably rich in detail d. It is perfectly proportioned

9 When King’s Lynn came under siege in 1643, what caused the destruction of the west window of St Margaret’s church? a. A fire started by parliamentarians b. A cannonball shot from the opposite riverbank c. Stones thrown by Cromwell’s troops d. A stray gunshot from royalists using the building for defence

10 In what year was The Church of St Margaret redesignated as the King’s Lynn Minster by the Bishop of Norwich?

a. 1990 b. 2001 c. 2007 d. 2011

8 According to architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, what makes the thatched Church of St Mary in Barton Bendish stand out?

a. It features some of the finest medieval wall paintings in East Anglia

11 The south-west tower of King’s Lynn Minster houses a striking tide clock, given by Thomas Tue in 1683. What is it often called?

a. Tue’s Teller b. The Wave Watcher c. The Moon Dial d. Merchant’s Messenger

12 On July 13, 1986, around 100 people came together to save which historic round tower church from closure? a. The Church of St Mary in Bexwell b. The Church of All Saints in South Pickenham c. The Church of St Andrew in Little Snoring d. The Church of St Margaret in Burnham Market

13 Swa ham’s Church of St Peter and St Paul has one of the most spectacular ‘angel roofs’ in Norfolk – how many carved angels does it feature? a. 27

b. Just under 50 c. Around 120 d. Over 190

14 In the Hare Chapel of Stow Bardolph’s Holy Trinity Church, you’ll find an unusual memorial to 18th century spinster Sarah Hare – what is it?

a. A huge wooden spinning wheel engraved with her name b. A life-size wax e gy c. A stu ed hare brandishing a reel of cotton d. A stone slab preserving her handprints

15 The Church of St Edmund in Downham Market has a wonderful record of bell ringing – how many working bells survive in its tower? a. 3 b. 6 c. 8 d. 11

16 The magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul in Salle is associated with which surprisingly persistent myth? a. It’s haunted by a 17th century rector who died in the tower b. Ann Boelyn is buried under an anonymous black stone in the church c. If you ran around outside shouting

her name, Mary Tudor’s face would appear at the nearest window d) It was once used by smugglers to hoard stolen goods

17 Which historic Norfolk figure was baptised in the medieval font of All Saints Church in Burnham Thorpe?

a. Anna Sewell

b. Horatio Nelson

c. Howard Carter

d. Robert Walpole

18 The Church of St Mary in Brancaster is known for its wildlife – what delightful discovery was made there last year?

a. A merry pair of robins nesting in the tower

b. Rare Purple Emperor butterflies in the churchyard c. A friendly swarm of bees living in the roof d. A family of squirrels hibernating in the porch

19 What is special about the striking parish church in Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen?

a. It was the last Norfolk church to receive a visit from Queen Elizabeth II b. It has the oldest set of church bells in the county c. There’s a stray black cat living in its font

d. It has the country’s largest collection of 15th century stained glass window figures

20 One of the county’s most architecturally important churches, West Walton’s Church of St Mary is famed for its soaring bell tower – how tall is it?

a. Roughly 55ft b. Roughly 70ft c. Roughly 90ft d. Over 115ft

21 Great Massingham’s Church of St Mary is known for its magnificent 13th century Early English porch – what was this once used as?

a. A schoolroom b. A post o ce c. A baker’s shop d. A village library

22 Inventor Captain George William Manby tested prototypes of his lifesaving ‘Manby Mortar’ from the tower of which parish church?

a. The Church of St Andrew the Apostle, Holt b. The Church of All Saints, Hilgay c. The Church of St Mary, Hillington d. The Church of St Martin, Hindringham

23 In 1999, the ruined Church of St James in Bawsey was the subject of a three-day broadcast on which television show?

a. Cutting Edge b. Time Team c. Digging for Britain d. Panorama

24 St Germaine’s Church at Wiggenhall St Germans has some of the most fantastic carved bench-ends in East Anglia. What is depicted on their upper south side?

a. The Seven Deadly Sins b. The Orders of Angels c. Figures from the Bible d. The Holy Trinity

25 Which parish church is famous for its spectacular annual Christmas Tree Festival?

a. The Church of St Lawrence, Castle Rising b. The Church of St Nicholas, Dersingham c. The Church of St Mary, Sedgeford d. The Church of St Peter and St Paul, Fakenham

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 klmagazine.co.uk - all you need is an e-mail address and we’ll send you the answers in the next few weeks.