KL Magazine October 2011

ISSN 2044–7965

NEW!

ISSUE 13 OCTOBER 2011 FREE

magazine

LOCAL EVENTS

SWAFFHAM VISUAL ARTS FESTIVAL LOCAL GARDENS

HOLKHAM HALL’S WALLED GARDEN PROJECT LOCAL PEOPLE

Celebrating the best of King’s Lynn LIFESTYLE

FOOD

FIRST BIRTHDAY ISSUE!

HISTORY

EVENTS

LOCAL LIFE

editorial 01553 601201

editor@klmagazine.co.uk

Eric Secker Charlotte Thorneycroft Dan Scase Ian Ward Alex Dallas David Learner Graham Murray Sue Payne Ann Weaver Christine Glass Karen Reeves Michael Middleton

advertising 01553 601201 sales@klmagazine.co.uk

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

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

Happy Birthday!

J

ust over a year ago, when we planning the very first issue of KL magazine, some people said that King’s Lynn didn’t deserve a high-quality, glossy magazine – and even if it did, it certainly didn’t deserve one every month. Thankfully, they were in the minority, and we think even they may have changed their minds by now. Twelve issues later, and we’re still finding new things, new places and new people to grace the pages of the magazine.

It was always our intention to present King’s Lynn and West Norfolk in a fresh, positive light – and we’ve been vindicated in our belief that this is a truly great place to live and work in. There’s a genuine feel-good factor at work in the area at the moment, and this optimism bodes well for a bright future. To all the local people and local businesses who have contributed to the success of KL magazine in its first year, we’d like to say a big thank you. We really couldn’t have done it without you all.

It was difficult to decide what to put on our ‘first birthday’ cover, but since the work of the magazine’s photographer Ian Ward has been so popular with readers, we thought his stunning picture taken at Families Day at RAF Marham on August 11th said it all. Enjoy the magazine – and here’s to the next twelve issues!

THE KL TEAM

Contact us at KL magazine, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW Tel: 01553 601201 E-mail: features@klmagazine.co.uk Web: www.klmagazine.co.uk KLmagazine October 2011

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Contents 8

WHAT’S ON Forthcoming events in West Norfolk

10

SWAFFHAM VISUAL ARTS FESTIVAL A preview of the second local arts event

13

HAPPY HALLOWEEN Local events that go bump in the night

18

14-16 HOLKHAM HALL A look at the Walled Garden Project 18

THE BIG INTERVIEW We talk to David Pomfret of COWA

21

THEN AND NOW The changing face of King’s Lynn

OCTOBER 2011

35

24-26 CARRINGTON HOUSE A local holiday property with a difference 29

PETS Help and advice with local vet Alex Dallas

30-32 ME AND MY ALLOTMENT A Snettisham woman grows her own 35-41 FOOD & DRINK Recipes, reviews and recommendations

24

42-44 EXPLORER This month we’re visiting Heacham 50

KING’S LYNN ARTS CENTRE An exciting exhibition comes to King’s Lynn

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ARTS PROFILE The work of sculptor Andrew Schumann

58

THE NORFOLK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Tuning up for the new concert programme

60-62 KL MAGAZINE The first year of your favourite magazine 65

MY KL Readers’ questions and photographs

66

WILD WEST NORFOLK Michael Middleton’s lighter view of things

KLmagazine October 2011

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30 5

The area’s favourite magazine: brought to you by the area’s most creative marketing company.

W

e’re justifiably proud of KL magazine, which celebrates its first birthday with

the issue you’re currently holding. It’s

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That approach colours all our work – whether it’s a quarter-page advertisement for a small local business, or a full-scale marketing plan for a multimillion pound national company.

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In the meantime, please enjoy the rest of the magazine – we’ve certainly enjoyed producing it.

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ON SCREEN

October 2011

love film. love luxe.

The local cinema experience for serious movie fans

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Tues 18 - Sat 22 Oct ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR David Essex stars in hit musical £6.50 - £34

Sun 9 Oct VAMPIRES ROCK Rock anthems and comedy £5.50 - £20.50

Tues 25 Oct - Sat 5 Nov TOP HAT Tom Chambers, Summer Strallen star in Irving Berlin’s musical masterpiece £6.50 - £42.50

Tues 11 - Sat 15 Oct CLEOPATRA Northern Ballet's sumptuous new production £6.50 - £34 Mon 17 Oct RHYTHM OF THE DANCE Breathtaking Irish dance £5.50 - £23

Thurs 27 - Sun 30 Oct MR STINK Musical adaptation of David Walliams’ smelly book £5.50 - £14

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KLmagazine October 2011

WHAT’S ON

October

25 YEARS AGO: 29th October 1986 The M25 around London was officially opened

by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

THURSDAY 6th KING’S LYNN CIVIC SOCIETY LECTURE Thoresby College, Queen Street, King’s Lynn (7:30pm) Richard Waite, RIBA looks at buildings in an historic context in his lecture Fashion or Foundation for a Rich Tradition? Free admission. For further information contact the Scoiety’s secretary Sally Smith on 01553 764422.

FRIDAY 14th & SUNDAY 16th BURNHAM MARKET BOOK FESTIVAL The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market The Burnham Market Book Festival is now in its third year, and once again welcomes some of the UK’s top authors to share their adventures and experiences with a local book-loving audience.

Included in this year’s programme are the art historian and television presenter Dan Cruickshank and former columnist and associate editor of The Daily Telegraph Simon Heffer. For more information visit the website www.burnhambookfestival.co.uk or call 01328 730270 to book tickets.

FRIDAY 28th THE SKY AT NIGHT Oxburgh Hall (6:30pm–9:30pm) In the company of experts, this is a great opportunity to explore the autumn night sky, viewing Jupiter and some of its its moons from the South Terrace in the grounds of Oxburgh Hall. An introductory slide show will be followed by a set meal before it’s time to head outside and gaze into the night.

Booking is essential and suitable warm clothing and footwear is advised. Contact 01366 328258 for bookings and more information.

SUNDAY 23rd FRIDAY 7th ANTIQUES EVENING Church Hall, Dersingham (7:00pm) If you like the Antiques Roadshow you’ll love this! The Friends of St Nicholas’ Church present their very own antiques valuation evening in association with Keys Fine Art Valuers and Auctioneers of Aylsham. A great chance to bring along your items to discover if you have a hidden treasure. Tickets £5, including light refreshments. Contact 01485 544866 for more information.

APPLE DAY Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, Gressenhall A traditional apple day celebration, with members of the East of England Apples and Orchards Project on hand to help you identify different types of apples – and there’ll be plenty of juice and cider to sample. As well as stalls offering locally-produced meats, autumn fruit and vegetables, there’ll be Morris dancing and music from folk group Rig a Jig Jig. Adults £8.90, Children £5.90, Concessions £7.70 – for more information contact 01362 860563.

MONDAY 24th ADULT WILDLIFE WORKSHOP South Wootton (10am–3pm) This free event, which includes a visit to Reffley Wood, explores the fascinating world of fungus.

The workshop will shed light on the art of fungus identification, and because numbers are limited, booking is essential.

Call 01603 598333 to book and for more details. Note that a further adult education workshop on tree identification will be taking place on 30th October.

ADVANCE NOTICE! WEDNESDAY 23rd NOVEMBER CONGHAM CHARITY CHIC Congham Hall (10am-5pm) Exclusive shopping event with end-of-season reductions from top local retailers. Beauty, food and gifts, raffle, champagne on arrival, and lots more. Tickets £20, with 100% going to The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House and Macmillan Cancer Support.

For tickets, call 01485 542891

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

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WHAT’S ON

ABOVE: Brian Ryder will be bringing his considerable talents to the Swaffham Visual Arts Festival

A feast of local art in Swaffham...

This month, Swaffham will play host to an exciting mix of local artists, jewellers and sculptors. Charlotte Thorneycroft previews the second Swaffham Visual Arts Festival...

H

aving organised a two-day art event in the town for some 15 years, members of the Swaffham Rotary Club found that demand was so great a little expansion was needed to truly give a boost to visual arts in the area.

Although the original event had always been successful, there was still a general lack of representation of the arts in Swaffham – even though there was no shortage of talented artists, with many current exhibitions and festivals prominent around the coast.

With financial support from local builders Abel Homes and lot of hard work from the Rotary Club, the first Swaffham Visual Arts Festival took place last year. The inaugural festival was a huge success, with hundreds of people attending events featuring more than 100 local artists – over £5,000 was raised for a variety of local, national and international charities.

Last year’s highlights included an art event with this year’s artist in residence Chris Hollick, and an interesting lecture on the Royal Collection by guest speaker Charlotte Crawley – art historian and

10

Director of the East Anglia Art Fund.

Abel Homes have again stepped up to sponsor this year’s event, which opens on October 7th, much to the delight of the Rotary Club, as representative Denis Bishop explains.

“We’re very grateful to Abel Homes,” he says. “Not only did they provide valuable financial support to get the festival off the ground last year, they also gave considerable practical help and advice with publicity and printing – and we’re very much looking forward to working with their team again.”

For more information on any of the events featured, including prices or to book tickets visit the Festival section at www.swaffhamrotary.org.uk or contact Sue Whittley (exhibition) on 01366 328190 or Denis Bishop (events) on 01760 721115.

Tickets are also available from the Ceres Bookshop on London Street, Swaffham

This year, the team behind the Festival have been working tirelessly to create an event even bigger and better than last year.

More than 400 different exhibits will cover every perceivable media of the visual arts including jewellery, painting and sculpture.

As it’s important to represent every aspect of ‘visual arts’ the lectures are intended to widen the interest – such as the talk on Contemporary Architecture in Breckland on Wednesday 12th October.

Denis is pleased the Festival is beginning to attract some top East Anglian names, despite its youth.

“We’re very lucky to have Brian Ryder doing an artist demonstration evening this year,” he says.

“Brian’s a very accomplished artist and regularly travels abroad to teach art.

Known for his atmospheric landscapes, Brian will demonstrate his painting whilst talking about his life and work – it will be a real treat for the audience.”

The festival launch features a screening of the film Certified Copy (which won a prize at the Cannes Film Festival), looking at the connection of art and reality coming together and relationships in the art world.

KLmagazine October 2011

s t r A l a u s i V m a h f f a w 1 S 1 0 2 l Festiva 7–30 r e b o t c O 7

7:00pm Festival Launch and Reception Followed by screening of Certified Copy Ecotech Centre, Swaffham

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7:00pm Contemporary Architecture in Breckland (featuring Dereham Memorial Hall) In association with FANN XI Swaffham Community Centre, Campingland

19

7:00pm Marianne North: the Making of a Flower Painter An illustrated art lecture by Christine Blakemore The George Hotel, Swaffham

24

7:00pm for 7:30pm Artist Demonstration Evening With Brian Ryder The George Hotel, Swaffham

28

7:30pm Preview and Reception of Art Exhibition Bringing Art to Life (includes sale of art works of art) The Assembly Rooms, Swaffham Market Place

29/30

10:00am–4:00pm Art Exhibition Bringing Art to Life (includes sale of art works of art) The Assembly Rooms, Swaffham Market Place

30

12:30pm Demonstration: Graffiti Art (and hands-on activities for visitors) With Mik Richardson The Assembly Rooms, Swaffham Market Place

NOTE: 2011 Artist in Residence Chris Hollick (above) will be in attendance at the Festival launch on October 7th, the preview evening on the 28th and on the morning of the Art Exhibition itself on 30th October – and he’ll be happy to answer all your questions.

KLmagazine October 2011

11

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KLmagazine October 2011

WHAT’S ON

HAL HAP LOW PY EEN Loca l

even ts t h at g o

HALLOWEEN SPOOKY TRAIL Monday 31st (6:00pm – 8:00pm) Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham Visit if you dare and experience ghosts, monster music and things that go bump in the night! Enjoy the trail around the haunted garden and (new for 2011) the Thunder Mental Fire Breathers! Advance booking is recommended and visitors are advised to bring wellies and a torch.

Contact 01603 270449 or visit www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

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SPOOKY EXPRESS Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th (9:00am – 5:30pm) Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham A week of Halloween fun awaits at the Bure Valley Railway as children are invited to join Railway Bear on the train. There’ll be a children’s competition to see how many spooky items can be spotted on the train journey, a colouring corner and a suitably-decorated Whistlestop Cafe.

For further details visit www.bvrw.co.uk or call 01263 738882 SNAGGLEFANG’S SPOOKY SPECTACULAR Monday 24th – Sunday 30th (9:00am – 5:30pm) BeWILDerwood, Hoveton Let your little monsters run wild at BeWILDerwood this Halloween – lantern making and mask decorating will take place every day from 12.30pm until 4.30pm (4pm on Sunday) and the park will be open until 6.30pm (6pm on Sunday) so that everyone can enjoy the Lantern Parade at dusk – a magical way to end the season!

GO BATTY! Thursday 27th (11:00am – 4:00pm) Holkham Hall Organised in association with Natural England this event looks at the bats that live on the Holkham Estate. There’ll be lots of bat-related activities including crafts to set the scene for Halloween. Later in the afternoon (from 5:00pm – 6:30pm) a guided bat walk will take place where bat detectors will be used to listen for bats before they hibernate.

For further details contact 01328 713111

KLmagazine October 2011

THE REAL HALLOWEEN Saturday 29th (12:30pm – 6:00pm) Sunday 30th (11:30am – 5:00pm) The Fairyland Trust, Holt Hall, Holt A family event amidst stunning gardens and ancient woods, celebrating all that’s magical about Halloween and late autumn.

A weekend full of workshops making Wizard Shields and Magic Potions, pumpkin carving, lantern making, the Halloween Olympics and lots more. Each day ends with a lantern parade and the telling of the Real Halloween story by candlelight. Plenty of entertainment (and a beer tent!) for the grown-ups. Tickets: £4.50 in advance or £6 on the day (under 3’s free). Small charges for workshops and activities. Booking in advance strongly recommended – see www.fairylandtrust.org for details.

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GARDENING

e Walled Garden Project

Holkham Hall 14

KLmagazine October 2011

“Restoring the garden will make it useable again, and more appealing to our visitors..”

TIM MARSHALL

Head Gardener, Holkham Estate

W

hen Head Gardener of the Holkham Estate Tim Marshall set his sights on an ambitious new project he knew it wouldn’t be an easy task, especially with only a tiny budget to work with, but after two years, things are already beginning to take shape.

“We’ve estimated the restoration of the walled garden will take five years,” says Tim. “Having been untouched for a number of years, we knew the 6½ acre garden needed a lot of work to look its best again, but I felt it was important to Holkham that we do it.

The walled garden is an important part of the estate’s history with original glasshouses and trees that otherwise would be lost. Having visited other gardens of this type I realised we were looking at a mammoth task – but a very do-able one!”

Like the majority of country houses of this size, Holkham’s walled garden was originally installed as a working area to grow fruit and vegetables which would be consumed by the house and estate.

Forming a barrier around the gardens, the walls not only secured the produce inside from hungry wildlife such as rabbits, they also provided good protection from wind and frost, forming a microclimate within the garden. Inside the walls, the few degrees of temperature increase allow for more successful growing conditions, increasing the type (sub-tropical planting in places) and amount of food the gardeners

KLmagazine October 2011

15

are able to produce.

The walls were also pleasing for the family of the house, since they formed a barrier between them and their ‘workers’.

In the late 1700s the resident Coke family were in no doubt as to the value of seeing the labourers at work on this area on the estate and decided to move the walled garden away from the house and out of view (it was at this time in very close proximity) to its current location.

Respected English architect and engineer Samuel Wyatt was given the job of design which he undertook in the classical style he’s well known for today. The orangery (or vinery building as it’s known) which faces the entrance to the garden is typical of Wyatt’s design.

Around 40 gardeners would have worked on the kitchen garden at this time which was clearly divided allowing each worker to have their own specific ‘crop’ to tend.

In the Victorian era, a plentiful supply of fashionable exotic fruit and flowers were provided to the house from the garden, much of which was grown in the ‘hot houses’ (glasshouses) – aided by the slightly raised temperature created in the walled garden. Melons and pineapples were all in plentiful supply and the grapes (a necessity of any Victorian dining table) are still growing in abundance today, sprouting from the derelict glasshouse in which they were once tamed.

Grapes aren’t the only fruits still flourishing from same branches that once fed the 19th century house – apple and pear trees of many varieties can be seen all over the garden, still providing a vital ingredient to tasty pies, crumbles and chutneys on the estate.

“A large part of the garden is now the vegetable area,” says Tim. “When choosing varieties to grow we ask Viscount Coke what he’d like for the house – we know hot peppers will always be on the list! I then add a few of my own

16

selections, choosing to use older varieties from which we can collect the seed and then re-use. Hopefully in the future we can start looking at breeding our own.”

Although some of the glasshouses will be used once again for warmer fruits such as nectarines, only a small proportion can be restored due to cost. Each timber-framed structure costs a substantial amount to restore, but thanks to a grant from English Heritage and a team of dedicated volunteers, one glasshouse has already been returned to its original glory.

Away from the produce end of the garden, the other rooms (each measuring roughly one acre) will be more contemporary and visual, a transformation from their previous use.

“The intention of restoring to the walled garden is to make it useable again,” explains Tim, “which means making it appealing to

our visitors. I want each room to be a separate garden within the garden at the same time, creating a completely enjoyable area for all. There are some very special features, like the 19th century mulberry which I’m keen to retain – they’re part of the garden’s heritage. However, the space will be more modern, somewhere visitors can enjoy the nature around them and wander through the rooms, each one creating new interest.”

Tim’s impressive ideas have also had to inspire his workforce, since having only a handful of gardeners on the team means labour intensive designs are a no-go area. He’s also thought about different areas of interest to appeal to the younger generations within the garden – an important factor in inspiring our future horticulturists!

In the first room (which has already been completed) the large perennial meadow beds attract hordes of bees and butterflies which are an instant fascination for visiting children.

There are many highlights to be seen – the spectacular Victorian glasshouses, the exquisite Italian entrance gates (they were brought over from Venice in 1908), the inhouse artist exhibition (which charts the progress of the project) and eight impressive garden rooms.

Although the finished areas provide instant visual appreciation, Holkham’s walled garden restoration provides a unique insight into an evolving project.

Sights and colours change with both the seasons and the latest developments, providing a new experience on every visit.

A rare opportunity to see a magnificent garden unfold, the Holkham Hall Walled Garden Project is open until the 31st October from 10:00am–5:00pm daily. The garden will re-open to visitors in April 2012. For more information and to read updates on the project visit the website at www.holkham.co.uk

KLmagazine October 2011

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PERSONALITY

As the College of West Anglia embarks on a ÂŁ35 million development, KL magazine talks to Principal David Promfret about the future of local education...

THE BIG INTERVIEW:

DAVID T E R F M O P 18

KLmagazine October 2011

KL MAGAZINE: How did you first become involved in education?

DAVID POMFRET: After graduating I worked in the banking sector before becoming a recruitment and training manager. I enjoyed the training, but the balance wasn’t right – although it gave me the momentum to try something new. My first role in a college environment was as a lecturer in Business Studies before becoming Principal of Boston College when I was 37. I’ve been at the College of West Anglia for four years now.

KL MAGAZINE: What have been the most important developments at CWA during your time as head?

DAVID POMFRET: There have been many, primarily a very successful Ofsted inspection (outstanding) in 2007 followed a year later with the college being granted Beacon College status in recognition of our educational excellence.

Of course our current £35m building development is a huge investment for the college, most of which is still to be carried out.

Moving everyone out of the tower block into temporary classrooms was a mammoth task but we’re ensuring the facilities will be of equal or better standard. The enormous refurbishment programme will include a new £5.5m technology centre and improved facilities at our other campuses, all resulting in us being able to offer more to our students.

KL MAGAZINE: Has the increase in university fees affected the college in any way?

DAVID POMFRET: As the new fee structure doesn’t come into place until the 2012/13 academic year we haven’t seen an impact yet, although I’m sure it will have an effect.

However, choosing to do a degree locally reduces the costs involved with moving away to study, and has many other benefits.

Generally I don’t think anyone should be put off from higher education study, as fees are deferred and income from employment is generally increased with these qualifications.

Details THE COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA Tennyson Avenue, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 2QW T: 01553 761144 E: enquiries@col-westanglia.ac.uk W: www.cwa.ac.uk

KLmagazine October 2011

KL MAGAZINE: CWA offers university degree courses from local learning centres – how important do you think this is to students?

DAVID POMFRET: Choosing to study higher education is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make and studying locally can make this much more affordable.

However, this is only one consideration and we ensure the choice and quality of our courses are high, as well as offering more direct support to our students.

KL MAGAZINE: Has the type of courses students are choosing altered over the last few years because of economic developments?

DAVID POMFRET: We have a significant number of employed students seeking to develop their workplace skills and qualifications. Last year we did see a small drop in the number of apprenticeships, but things are looking positive this year. There have been less adult learners on our courses which we put down to financial restrictions (cuts in government funding have brought further challenges) – however, the number of 16-18 year olds is on the increase.

KL MAGAZINE: How does the college work with businesses in the community to aid student development and future career options?

DAVID POMFRET: We support some 800 employers through our apprenticeships and commercial training programmes and last year over 2,000 employees were supported solely in the workplace. We have a specific team for our new range of employability courses which equip students with the skills they need to get back into employment. The college has strong links with local businesses such as Palm Paper and Morston Assets with whom we run the Enterprise Challenge each year.

KL MAGAZINE: What plans do you have for the college over the coming year?

DAVID POMFRET: Obviously the new building projects will be a main priority so we’ll be supporting our students in temporary facilities. The college is always developing its facilities and courses, introducing new opportunities for our students such as the new Motor Sport Engineering foundation degree which will begin in September 2012 from our Isle Campus.

KL MAGAZINE: How do you enjoy your free time?

DAVID POMFRET: Having five children and a busy job means family time is precious.

Weekends are usually spent as a taxi driver to my children but I enjoy just being with my family. Very occasionally I play golf but the opportunity rarely arises.

KL MAGAZINE: Who inspires you?

DAVID POMFRET: There are lots of people who inspire me, especially my family. I’m always inspired by my students at the college award ceremonies – I admit I often become emotional when I see those who’ve overcome adversity and reached their potential.

KL MAGAZINE: Tell us something about you that would surprise people?

DAVID POMFRET: I used to play the French Horn in the county orchestra and could have gone to music college – although I’m pleased I chose the direction I did! Recently I taught myself the trombone and I played in a silver band.

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Welcome to the complete country store...

From the best range of country clothing in East Anglia to freshly-made animal feeds and pet foods, to an extensive selection of new and used horse boxes and trailers, Bearts of Stowbridge truly is the complete country store – if we haven’t got it, you almost certainly don’t need it!

Brighton Mill, Stow Bridge, King’s Lynn PE34 3PD tel: 01366 388151 web: www.bearts.co.uk www.angliacomputersolutions.co.uk e: info@angliacomputersolutions.co.uk

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KLmagazine October 2011

HISTORY

West Norfolk: Then and Now

1964

2011 BROAD STREET REVISITED We were amazed at the top picture, which was e-mailed to us by KL magazine reader Alan Fletcher – apart from the small window in the background it’s difficult to see it’s the same street, let alone the same town! So much has changed to this street

corner in King’s Lynn in little under 50 years.

For more photographs of how things used to be in King’s Lynn and the surrounding area, contact Picture Norfolk – you’ll find them at the Norfolk Heritage Centre, Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich,

Norfolk NR2 1AW. We’ll be bringing you another nostalgic look at West Norfolk next month.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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

21

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KLmagazine October 2011

A local talent for beautiful jewellery...

N

ot many people can say they began practising their future career at the age of five!

However for local jewellery designer Sara Swanson, this is exactly what happened – although she’s since moved on from the Plasticine!

A creative person with a flair for making things from her own designs, Sara took a degree in art where she experimented with her ideas, making jewellery for fellow students on her course.

Still practising her methods in her spare time, Sara decided to embark on a silversmith course in 2006 to further develop her skills and turn her hobby into a small business. The course proved hugely beneficial, and Sara was quick to learn everything there was to know about working with precious metals – soon becoming a tutor teaching City and Guilds silversmithing and jewellery in Norwich.

Building on traditional methods of making jewellery, Sara has expanded her knowledge and now regularly works with copper, oven baked clay and enamel. But her vast experience and understanding of the materials (combined with her accomplished design skills) allows Sara to even work successfully with gold and diamonds, ever-popular choices for her bespoke engagement rings.

“I have an artist’s eye rather than just someone who knows the techniques of jewellery-making, which I think accounts

KLmagazine October 2011

for the individual designs,” she says.

“Customers often tell me they like my pieces because they’re so different to anything they have seen elsewhere – jewellery is a very personal thing.”

As her jewellery business rapidly expanded and demand for her handmade designer pieces increased, her long trips to Norwich were no longer viable. However, still keen to teach and pass on her experience, Sara has developed another side to her business, thanks to a newly-built studio in her garden.

“Teaching is something I really enjoy,” Sara explains, “and I think the small workshops I run privately allow each student more one-on-one time to actually learn techniques they can replicate. I make sure everyone leaves one of my workshops with a finished piece of jewellery.”

From her garden workshop, which is filled with drawers of raw material, tools and specialist equipment, Sara has everything at her fingertips to immerse her students in the creative world of jewellery making. At present Sara offers full day or half day courses, themed to a particular subject – such as tiara making, polymer clay or silversmithing – and more are being introduced all of the time (gift vouchers for the courses are also available).

For more details of upcoming workshops contact Sara on 07967 442417. Jewellery made by Sara Swanson can be found at www.argentumdesigncompany.co.uk KL

PICTURES: Just a few examples of Sara Swanson’s striking jewellery designs, and (above) one of her popular polymer clay workshops in full swing

UPCOMING COURSES October 21st: Enamelling (1 day) October 28th: Polymer Clay Jewellery (1 day) November 4th: Resin Jewellery (1 day) October 24th: Silversmithing (5-week course)

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PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD LEENEY

HOMES

24

KLmagazine October 2011

ABOVE: Holiday properties in Norfolk don’t get more luxurious than Carrington House, with stunning design elements in every room

Enjoy a short break in a local interior design gem...

Created by two professional designers, Carrington House in Snettisham is less of a holiday property and more of a painstakingly-staged film set.

Charlotte Thorneycroft takes a look inside this remarkable location...

L

ook through any home design magazine and you’ll see the odd feature wall is still a big hit with gentle splashes of colour bounced off neutral tones to create appealing themes. It’s become something of an unwritten rule.

However, when a top interior designer famed for putting the va-va-voom into some of London’s hottest bars and clubs and a film set designer come together on a

KLmagazine October 2011

holiday rental project, rules tend to go out the window!

Carrington House in Snettisham is one of two luxury holiday lets owned by design duo Shaun Clarkson and Russell Hall.

Renowned interior designer Shaun Clarkson (famed for his work on the Pigalle Club, Odettes and the Wallace) is recognised for his creative style and vision, which has helped shape several venues within the hospitality industry. With over 20

years of design projects to his name it’s no wonder his experience and flair are called upon by so many top names, readily followed by praising reviews in the media.

As a professional set designer, Russell Hall has equal theatrical creativity when it comes to setting the scene.

The result is a holiday property like no other, providing its guests with a unique experience often likened (somewhat naturally) to that of ‘being on a film set’!

25

The grand Georgian residence was once the doctor’s surgery within the village and from the outside Carrington House blends itself into the Snettisham backdrop as a regular country house – a somewhat large and fine one, but there’s little indication as to what a breathtakingly interior hides behind the facade.

Surrounding the Grade II listed property is the secret garden, which is quiet, pretty and serene – everything you’d expect from a luxury North Norfolk holiday retreat and just the spot for British afternoon tea parties, or English muffins and tea to welcome in the morning.

Inside the main house, words such as ‘ordinary’ and ‘typical’ are left outside as the designers have ensured the wow factor begins immediately.

There are two striking reception rooms, one decorated with a leaf-print paper with sofas and oil portraits echoing 1960’s chic, although the lounge feels modern and the finishing touches have all been carefully planned.

The ultimate in hedonism is the 22-seat dining room, the focal point of which is the huge black-lacquered table surrounded by antique chairs. Geometric black and white walls are complemented by a flash of pink

from the low-hung shades, and a large mirror on the end wall extends this amazing dining space.

As part of Russell and Shaun’s ethos of providing the very best in luxury holiday accommodation, they’ve added functionality when it comes to food. By creating a large living kitchen for guests as well as a professional catering area for occassions when it’s time to sit back and let others do the hard work, Carrington House offers the best of both worlds.

But if you thought this already sounds like the perfect party house then the design partners are one step ahead. Descend the stairs to the cellar, and you’ll find it’s been converted into a fully soundproof entertainment room – a vertiable mini nightclub under the house. Complete with DJ decks, a karaoke machine, a six-foot cinema screen and dressing-up room, who could fail to be amused? Best of all, it won’t disturb the neighbours!

Back upstairs, the main house continues the uplifting exuberance in the six beautiful double bedrooms and bathrooms. You can take your pick from the Green Room, which is grand, gorgeous and emanates old school glamour; the Red Room, which is bold, beautiful and bursting with drama

thanks to an eight-poster bed; the Versace Room, which features a fabulous bespoke raised bed offering extra special sleep; the Hollywood Room, which is an American twin straight from the set of a 1950s movie; and the Chinoiserie Room, which is clearly inspired by the 17th century Orient and features two large luxurious single beds.

The bold, graphic and glamorous style screams individuality and provides instant wonder, but the pair’s design experience realises that a quieter corner is sometimes needed too.

Consequently, welcome to the adjacent cosy cottage, with its touches of the swinging 70s and a much calmer approach, although it’s still very original. Here the feature bedroom – the Cabin Room – is reminiscent of the one of the finest ship’s bolt holes complete with a freestanding bath in the corner. Another bedroom grandly looks out over the private terrace – just another one of Carrington’s hidden gems.

Outside, the rest of the sophisticated walled garden is a real place of beauty, with a mix of bygone characteristics given the modern seal of approval. Like the house itself, the garden is beautiful but to describe anything here as eye-catching is something of an understatement.

Carrington House is bright, daring and surprising yet it manages to remain relaxing, intriguing and very, very likeable.

It’s a house without a theme, other than being completely original, which is why it appeals to so many people. Its guests will each have their favourite rooms but Carrington House offers a uniquely enjoyable experience and is much a work of art as a holiday home. Drama does indeed reach new heights at Carrington House. KL

CARRINGTON HOUSE 12 Lynn Road, Snettisham, Norfolk PE31 7LS For reservations and enquiries, please contact Paul Brewster on 0870 8505468 or e-mail info@carringtonhouse.net Website: www.carringtonhouse.net

26

KLmagazine October 2011

SHOWROOM OPE!N 7 DAYS A WEEK

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KLmagazine October 2011

27

The perfect setting for the best start in life...

At Glebe House School & Nursery our small class sizes offer more individual attention and our comprehensive afterschool activity programme is excellent for self-development and building skills for life. Give your children the best start...

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The best choice in quality used touring caravans At McDonnell Caravans, we aim to provide a complete, top quality service that offers you everything you’re looking for at real value-for-money prices. Visit us today and see our fantastic current range! l Sales, service and repairs l Huge selection of new and used tourers – and holiday homes l Factory-trained staff l Own your own holiday home on the coast – from only £6,695 l Established 1966 – 45 years of expertise

28

2011 Bailey Unicorn Seville (2b) 2010 Elddis Odyssey 634 (4b) 2009 Sterling Europa 520 (4b) 2008 Bailey Senator Vermont (2b) 2008 Bailey Senator Arizona (4b) 2007 Avondale Avocet (2b) 2006 Eccles Elite Explorer (4b) 2006 Abbey Freestyle 550 (4b) 2005 Abbey Vogue 215 (2b)

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KLmagazine October 2011

PETS

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

PetProblems Q

I’m buying flea treatment, putting it on my dog and cat, all according to the instructions, but I’m still finding fleas! What else can I do?

D. McGUIRE, Watlington

A

Fleas are amazing at surviving for a long time off the pet – particularly the pupae stage, which sprays and insecticides cannot kill. Persistent use of an effective insecticide with a product that stops eggs hatching will achieve results, but occasional adults will still be seen. Contact your vet for specific advice for your situation (as everyone is different) but you’re far from alone with this problem.

ALEX

“I’m supposed to be your best friend, so take my advice...”

Small bites Cats are meant to have 18 toes – 5 at the front and 4 on each back foot. Occasionally, we see a polydactyl cat – a condition that means they have extra toes. The most I’ve seen is a cat with 26 toes, 2 extra on each paw!

If pets could choose vets...

I

f your pet was choosing their vet what would they want? Well, I’ve made some enquiries amongst some dogs and cats in West Norfolk and this is what they’ve told me...

“We do like the car to be close to the vet’s door for a short drag in, and a quick exit afterwards. It’s also less time in a basket for us cats, so a vet with a good car park is best.

“We like a nice waiting room with plenty of space – and ideally with cats not being too close to the dogs. We love friendly ladies to greet our owners by name, and us as well, which is really nice.”

“I want the vet to be friendly and really care about me and how I feel. They should be nice and gentle. They should ask my owner lots of questions about me, and if they really need to then they should do blood tests and x-rays until they know why I’m ill.”

“If I had to stay for the day or longer, then I want a comfortable kennel, with air conditioning, and good food. If I’m having treatment then I want the nurse that’s looking after me to be fully trained and

qualified, as well as really caring and giving me lots of hugs and special attention.”

“I’ve heard some vets are very expensive so I’m worried that my owners may struggle with the cost, so I’m looking for fair, transparent pricing and estimates of costs before we begin.”

“My owners have pet insurance because they know I’m so special, and it’s great that the ladies at the practice will help with all this paperwork.”

“I like visits to the vet because my owner buys really tasty and healthy food for me there, and stuff to keep me free of fleas and worms – and even sometimes some great toys for me!”

Well, this is all music to my ears as at the London Road Veterinary Centre and at the Hollies Veterinary Clinic we’re proud to provide all these things. You can visit our website www.makeyour pet smile.co.uk for a tour of the premises and to see our staff and services.

Or if you would prefer, why not ring us and arrange your own personal tour of the practice?

Your pets This month’s pet is Sayuri, a friendly little rat who’s more than willing to pose for the camera – as long as she can have some sweetcorn! Many thanks to KL magazine reader Laura, for sending us the picture.

Don’t forget to keep sending me pictures of your pets (the funnier the better!) to Animal Matters at KL magazine, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW or e-mail them to editor@klmagazine.co.uk

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

29

GARDENING

30

KLmagazine October 2011

Me and my allotment...

Two years ago, Christine Allsop acquired an allotment at Snettisham, little realising she was about to undertake a green-fingered journey of self-discovery with the help of an Old Sage and a mad scarecrow...

S

erving a meal in my house these days will usually lead to the inevitable question about the vegetables – are they yours?

Such is my new reputation among my circle for serving up fresh young veggies from allotment to plate, or indeed offering a bag of fresh vegetables to any unsuspecting caller to my home.

Until recently, my take on allotment keepers was an image going back to my childhood in the 50s and 60s of old men turning up on their trusty bikes with a box dubiously fixed to back or front, only to then spend time away from the ‘trouble and strife’ at home and heading for the sanctuary of the allotment shed.

The allotment became the permitted getaway largely because – unlike that other popular escape, the pub – a visit to the allotment at least brought food to the table.

A scenario later brought to everyone’s living rooms with EastEnders’ dear

KLmagazine October 2011

old Arthur Fowler, who was regularly seen on his allotment making himself a brew whilst himself generally brewing over some domestic blow up with Pauline or the kids.

In truth, these ‘old’ men were probably younger than I am today – but let’s not digress...

At a time when the allotment has become the latest must-have; when Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show has its own hillside allotment run by Terry Walton somewhere in the Rhondda Valley; and where around the country waiting lists are growing for one of these grown-up recreational grounds, I was lucky enough to acquire a new allotment in 2009 with my good friend and neighbour Anthea.

According to a survey carried out earlier this year, the number of people on waiting lists in England

alone is up to 86,787 (it was only 12,950 in 1996).

Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide a sufficient number of allotments, which was good news for our little Norfolk village.

In 2008 our parish council made the decision to rent a few acres of land from a local landowner (land that had been set aside for several years) to create 52 allotments. These new plots were the first allotments to be designated in the village and were quickly snapped up by the experienced and inexperienced alike; Anthea and I falling into the latter category.

Anthea and I had great fun planning our newly-acquired allotment, the planning meetings usually taking place in the local bar over a couple of G&Ts. A shed large enough to house two sun-loungers for the little patio our men would create for the little BBQ area (how naïve!), perhaps a couple of old glasses at the ready for the well-earned G&T on a sunny evening... I even dug out some old

31

Christine Allsop

Me and My Allotment net curtains from the loft for the shed window. Ours was, after all, to be an allgirl allotment.

And then the fun began – levelling the ground, clearing stones and thistles, erecting chicken wire fences to keep out the uninvited, installing the water butts, erecting the all-important shed, and (to complement the shed) the equally-important kettle and stove for the welcome tea-breaks.

Most allotment holders will own up to the fact that tea breaks are an essential part of allotment keeping. This is the time to mull over manure, study soil, compare the cost of netting, plan pest control, wager on the weather and also listen in on any other topic outside this cosy world of vegetable growing.

We very soon became part of the allotment scene. Whether working on the allotment together or alone it had become a great place to meet new people. It was apparent from day one that time spent at the allotment isn’t always spent on the allotment – there’s lots to chat about with fellow members of the green-fingered brigade.

They include one dear old Norfolk character I’ll call ‘Old Sage‘ – who’s become our very own self-appointed allotment mentor, though not just to us I suspect.

Then there are the gentle octogenarians Sid and his partner-not-wife Doris, both very active and young at heart. Sid is the practical one in our group, going around giving others a helping hand with fenceerecting, gate-making and the stuff most of us struggle with but which he seems to do with his eyes shut.

Setting up our new allotment was hard work (we had plenty of blisters and calluses to show for it) but it was fun too. We decided on raised beds and with the help of our respective men we ended up with two rows of these beds, 18 in total, surrounded by shingle gathered from the local beach (residents having rights to shingle from an area of beach at certain times of the year) and a shingle path up the middle.

Raised beds have proved popular but in our case we found they’re not to everyone’s liking – especially Old Sage, who succinctly pointed out that our allotment was only good for those who like eating splinters and shingle. He believed we’d wasted too much precious growing space on these easily-managed raised beds – an opinion shared

by Radio 2’s Terry Walton when he recently visited our allotments!)

32

Although an unwelcome opinion at the time, we found during our first year of growing that he may have a point. Our yield on most vegetables wasn’t enough for the both of us (with the exception of courgettes and runner beans, which seem to multiply copiously before the eyes) and our potatoes, though doing okay in their limited growing space, proved rather tricky to dig up. So when another allotment became available later that year, Lottie and I had no hesitation in taking it on – shed, water butt, weeds and all.

So we now have two allotments. Our new allotment is for the growing that needs little or no protection, vegetables we can sow and largely forget about until harvesting time – potatoes, leeks, onions, parsnips, etc.

We only need to pay them a visit to hoe out the uninvited weeds and offer them a little encouragement from time to time.

Our raised beds are for the highmaintenance growing that needs protection from the birds, cabbage whites and other pests. These include cabbages, sprouts, calabrese, salads and fruit bushes – all of which enjoy the protection of netted cages sitting over each bed.

These fantastic cages were built by our men, ably assisted by octogenarian Sid who has turned out to be not only practical, but very strong too! He’s a wonderful example to us all, and living proof that the great outdoors is the healthier option to daytime TV anytime.

Another essential for giving the allotment a touch of personality has been the scarecrow.

Last year, someone at the village school came up with the inspired idea of getting willing children to each make a scarecrow to be sold to allotment holders as a way of fundraising for the school to purchase supplies for the school’s allotment.

Like most, I was completely unaware of this until I turned up one morning to the alarming sight of a large army of scarecrows standing to attention in rows, every single one as grisly looking as the next. Most could wither away any crow or pigeon with just the stare. One or two unfortunates, however, appeared to have faced the firing squad even before the chance of going AWOL. Even though robustly tied to their posts, their lifeless bodies grimly slumped like the corpses of condemned men.

Fortunately, our choice of scarecrow had met no such fate.

His name was Max (Mad Max to us), he had various

items of cutlery as hands, and was dressed in shorts and a very punk-rock black binbag which rustled menacingly in the wind. We duly paid up and happily rescued Mad Max from his macabre platoon, relocating him to the relative sanctuary of our raised beds where he still stands today – albeit a little less proud.

The benefits of allotment keeping are abundantly clear. It can be a great way to promote community development. This has demonstrated itself in several ways in our village.

During the first year, a harvest and thanksgiving service was held on the allotments by the local church. The village garden club holds various competitions throughout the year. Last year, Anthea won first prize for the courgettes grown on our allotment (Old Sage walked away with his usual plethora of awards).

The newly-formed allotment committee now holds an annual competition for Best Allotment plus other awards judged by a local worthy – last year’s judge being a retired gardener from the nearby Royal Estate.

Our village school has taken on an allotment to encourage the younger generation into vegetable growing.

Relying on parents and children working together for its upkeep, this is proving another good example of bringing the community together. The school also recently embarked on a scheme to collect one-litre plastic bottles to use in the construction of a greenhouse for their allotment; something that’s already been achieved by a school in a neighbouring village. The allotments also provide access to nature and wildlife, though mostly the unwelcome species!

On a personal level, one of the best results of owning an allotment has been dropping a dress size – due not only to the regular digging and weeding sessions, but also to the healthier diet with more vegetables on the plate and fewer carbs.

Since becoming an allotmenteer I’ve had some people remark that growing your own vegetables is a lot of hard work and commitment.

Yes, its true and it’s also not that cheap setting one up from scratch when comparing the cost of fresh produce in the supermarkets.

These cynics, however, are missing the point completely. A year on, the allotment is all about providing sustainable food in an enjoyable and healthy way by people of all ages – all of which I’ve found to be good for both body and soul.

And you won’t find that browsing in the supermarket aisle.

KLmagazine October 2011

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KLmagazine October 2011

FOOD & DRINK

A meal for

Halloween

RECIPE: WWW.LOVERADISH.CO.UK

Indian Spiced Radishes and Pumpkin INGREDIENTS 800g pumpkin or squash, cut into small chunks 3 tbsp nut oil ½ tsp dried chilli flakes ½ tsp turmeric ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp mustard seeds 2 curry leaves 1 garlic clove, minced or finely grated 1 onion, finely diced 20 radishes, sliced into thick rounds 2 tomatoes, chopped

Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 KLmagazine October 2011

INSTRUCTIONS 1 Boil the pumpkin in water for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

2 In a large frying pan heat the oil and add the chilli, turmeric, cumin, mustard seeds and curry leaves and cook for a minute or two until they’re fragrant but not burnt. Add the garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds.

3 Add the onions and sauté for a minute then add the radishes and finally the pumpkin. Season with a good pinch of salt and cook until the vegetables are tender but start to crisp on the outside.

4 Stir through the chopped tomatoes and serve with chapattis or naan breads 35

Enjoy a very Happy Christmas at the Lodge.

PRE-CHRISTMAS December 1st–23rd (except Sundays) 3 courses £23.50 | 2 courses £17.50 CHRISTMAS BREAKS Christmas Eve to 27th December £675 for two people Includes all meals – call for full details CHRISTMAS DINNER 25th December Adults £55 | Children (under 12) £27.50 NEW YEARST!EVE SOLD OU 2-day breaks – £200 per room

the

lodge

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KLmagazine October 2011

COOKS

CORNER

with Melanie Done

Le wonder of Le Creuset...

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he nights are noticeably drawing in this month and as we put back the clocks, thoughts of cosy nights in with warming stews and casseroles come to mind. What better to cook them in than an iconic Le Creuset Casserole pot, or French oven or ‘cocotte’ as it’s sometimes known? Each piece of Le Creuset enamelled cast iron cookware is of premium quality, individually designed for ease and versatility of use, fits in with all styles of cooking, all cooking appliances and any style of kitchen or dining decor.

A lifetime investment piece, Le Creuset is made from the finest materials to give you long-lasting durability and fantastic cooking properties.

Le Creuset began producing its first porcelain enamelled cast iron pots in 1925 from its foundry in Fresnoy le Grand, France. It’s from this base that Le Creuset continues to produce its world famous cast

iron pots today. Even with today’s wide choice of cooking materials, cast iron – still forged and crafted by hand – reigns supreme with its versatility, stylish good looks and ability to retain and spread heat evenly.

During manufacture, the raw materials (including pig iron) are melted at an extremely high temperature in a large cauldron (called a ‘creuset’ in French) and then poured into moulds. After use each mould is broken and then recycled, meaning that no two pieces of Le Creuset are ever ‘exactly’ the same.

Each piece of Le Creuset receives two coats of enamel, after which it’s air dried before being vitrified to produce a highly durable, hygienic and shock-resistant finish.

As well as cast iron, Le Creuset produce beautiful ranges of stoneware, textiles and silicone utensils.

With each piece of Le Creuset cast iron cookware purchased from Cook to Perfection in October, you’ll receive a FREE Le Creuset silicone spatula worth £10.50.

Each spatula is the optimal size and

strength for the most commonlyperformed cooking tasks including mixing medium to dense batters, stirring and sautéing. Le Creuset Silicone is suitable for stirring on all hobs (including ceramic, induction and Aga), and has a detachable head for easy cleaning.

At Cook to Perfection we appreciate that each lovingly purchased piece of Le Creuset will help you put the finishing touches to your home. So for that purpose, whilst we stock an excellent range of Le Creuset products, if we don’t have the item you desire we can order it in for you at no extra cost.

M el

Cook to Perfection has just been named as a Smarta 100 winner, making the company officially one of the top 100 most resourceful, original, exciting and disruptive small businesses in the UK today, as judged by well known entrepreneurs and personalities!

MELANIE DONE is the joint owner of Cook to Perfection 47 High Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1BE Telephone: 01553 767575 Website: www.cooktoperfection.co.uk KLmagazine October 2011

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FOOD & DRINK

RestaurantReview

In her culinary quest to enjoy a taste of everything west Norfolk has to offer, Ann Weaver visits the Orange Tree at Thornham...

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ulling into the car park of the Orange Tree in Thornham, it becomes clear this stylish looking restaurant is enormously popular. Luckily, we’d booked our table for an early sitting at 6.30pm, and we were shown to a window table in the quieter dining room. The bar area had a lively but friendly feel and seemed quite popular with families.

I was already smiling to myself, having noticed a menu in the bar area titled Canine Cuisine and Scooby Snacks – yes, the Orange Tree actually caters for your canine dining partners too!

Selecting our choices would be a difficult task since we were presented with an extensive menu comprising Orange Tree regulars and a host of (very) specials. The prices varied quite considerably across the menu (which was nice to see in such a fine dining establishment) and certainly every budget was catered for but still with top end dishes.

For starters, I chose the Orange Tree Fish Platter (which seemed only fitting since the chef has won several awards for his seafood!) and hubby selected the Tom Yum Fish Soup with fried crab and ginger dumplings. By all accounts the soup was fabulous, and we were both taken aback by my beautiful fish board which was

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desserts to an afterthought, and they deserve considerably more.

The sweet menu itself offered a few selections which were (apologies!) skimmed over since we were both inexorably drawn to The Fairground – a dessert which promised to live up to its name, and sounded a fun way to complete our meal.

As the huge slate was laid in front of us, we grinned. Not normally one to enjoy sugary sweets, this dessert was as much for visual pleasure and amusement as it was for taste – and it succeeded in both areas. Here before us was an edible childhood memory: a tall screwball complete with mini bubblegum, candyfloss, honeycomb, a toffee apple, bubblegum pannacotta (honestly!), the most delectable brandy snap basket with nougat, popcorn and the favourite – a mini frying basket with cinnamon-sugared donuts. A little taste of each and the sugar overload became a little too much, but what a fantastic dessert.

It has sights, smells and tastes which added laughter and happy memories to our meal – hats off to the creator of the Orange Tree Fairground!

With four alcoholic drinks, our bill came to £86, which was a small price to pay for such a pleasant evening and incredible food.

We both commented on how courteous the staff had been and the atmosphere was very appealing. The popularity of the OT is no surprise and Mr Weaver and I can’t wait to return! KL

presented exquisitely and was accompanied by a smoked pot of tiger prawns, pork belly and salmon. As I popped the lid, a little smoke left the pot and with a taste of its contents a full sensory experience was enjoyed.

When it came to the mains, my expensive tastes got the better of me and I ordered Jimmy Butler’s Blythurgh Pork Cooked Two FOOD SERVICE VALUE Ways at £22.50. Arriving at the table looking every bit as delicious as it tasted, the melt-in-the-mouth pork couldn’t be described as the only main feature in the dish, since the sweet apple mash and onion puree made this worth every penny and more!

The Supreme of Gressingham Duck ordered by my husband was also highly praised, and again the duck was merely one high note in a group of equally wonderful elements (particularly the orange and thyme mash).

I could quite easily wax THE ORANGE TREE lyrical for longer on the High Street, Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LY delights of both the Telephone: 01485 512213 starter and main, but that E-mail: email@theorangetreethornham.co.uk would relegate the Web: www.theorangetreethornham.co.uk

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KLmagazine October 2011

CafeReview

The ultimate in quality

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The very best in individually designed kitchens – and a lot more besides!

here is much browsing to be done at the Reeds Homestore in Downham Market so the cafe is really an essential addition to the business, marking the half way point between the various sections of the shop.

Well presented (as are the staff ), the cafe has a pleasant atmosphere and is obviously very popular since we quickly sat down at the only remaining free table. The menu offered a very good choice of typical lunch time dishes (sandwiches, toasted sandwiches and jackets) as well a list of ‘snacks’ including some breakfast favourites.

Above a very well stocked cake display counter, a specials board listed a handful of hot options, one of which – salmon with parsley sauce, new potatoes and vegetables – my partner selected. I opted for a bacon, brie and cranberry toasted sandwich on granary bread which was served with a salad garnish. For £6.95 the hot meal was very impressive – simple and delicious, crisp vegetables, moist salmon and flavoursome sauce.

My sandwich was also very tasty with generous filling enhanced by the use of smoked bacon.

A little over £15 for our lunches, one pot of tea and a coffee was a reasonable price since my sandwich was one of the dearest options. We didn’t resist the cakes (when you visit you’ll understand why!) and decided to take them home to enjoy later.

A chunk of bread pudding and slice of Victoria sponge which although I’m guessing the latter was not homemade was very, very good.

Reeds Cafe has firmly earned its place in our list of highly recommended!

Don’t miss our ex-display sale with up to 75% off!

KITCHENS – BEDROOMS – BATHROOMS FURNITURE – LIGHTING – ACCESSORIES

0am–4pm OPEN SUNDAYS 1

REEDS HOMESTORE Nelson House, Bridge Street, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 9DS Tel: 01366 382213 Web: www.reedshomestore.co.uk KLmagazine October 2011

Nelson House, Bergen Way, King’s Lynn, Norfolk Telephone: 01553 766578

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.TOWNCOUNTRYKITCHENS.COM 39

FOOD & DRINK

LocalTastes Selected by Charlotte Thorneycroft

TEMPTING TREATS, LOCAL CAKES...

APPLE & CINNAMON CAKE Riverbank Bakery, King’s Lynn A lovely spiced light fruit cake with a hint of apple and oodles of fruit. Perfect for afternoon tea – try their orange and sultana cake for another sticky and sweet treat.

VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE Sponge, Holt Such a simple classic, and Sponge have got the recipe just right.

Light and fluffy, with deliciously sweet jam and buttercream filling, it seems Sponge by name, great Sponge by nature!

COFFEE & WALNUT CAKE Jennifer’s Kitchen, Walsingham Dotted with walnuts in every slice, this cake bar has a subtle coffee flavour which is complemented by the sweet iced topping.

A grown-up cake which is best enjoyed with a mid morning coffee fix.

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o birthday celebration is complete without a yummy scrummy slice of cake, so when we had to decide on what local delights to explore this month there was only one choice. From fruit cakes to the light Victoria sponge – it’s been a tough job this month, but somebody has to do it!

BLACK FOREST CAKE Butterworth and Son, Bury St Edmunds An interesting mix of dark chocolate chips and cherries in a moist chocolate cake. Turn it into something even more indulgent with a naughty helping of cream!

KITCHENS | BEDROOMS | BATHROOMS | APPLIANCES | TILES

OUR QUALITY AND OUR SERVICE IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SUCCESS

UP TO 50% OFF

SELECTED KITCHENS! l Complete fitting service l FREE planning and design l Supply-only available l Experienced in-house fitters OPEN: 9-5pm weekdays 9-4.30pm Saturdays

The Precinct, 15 Plowright Place ESTABLISHED Swaffham Tel: 01760 724306 FOR 27 YEARS!

www.harmonykitchens.com

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KLmagazine October 2011

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

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

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

Palmers British Brasserie 45 High Street, Downham Market.

01366 388124 www.palmersrestaurant.co.uk

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

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

The King William IV Country Inn and Restaurant Heacham Road, Sedgeford, Norfolk 01485571765 www.thekingwilliamsedgeford.co.uk

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

Best Western Knight’s Hill Hotel Garden restaurant South Wootton King’s Lynn 01553 675 566

The Crown Inn Gastro pub The Green, East Rudham 01485 528530 www.thecrowneastrudham.co.uk

Best Western Le Strange Hotel Golf Course Road, Old Hunstanton 01485 536389 The Blue Boar Inn Good locally sourced food Great Ryburgh, nr Fakenham 01328 829212 www.blueboarinn.ryburgh.co.uk Bradley’s Restaurant and wine bar 10 South Quay, Kings Lynn 01553 600836 www.bradleysbytheriver.co.uk Brewer’s Fayre Premier Inn West Lynn, King’s Lynn 01553 772221 www.premierinn.com Briarfields Titchwell, Hunstanton 01485 210742 www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk Buckinghamshire Arms Traditional and modern local food Blickling Hall, Aylsham 01263 723133 www.bucks-arms.co.uk Caley Hall Hotel Gastro pub Old Hunstanton Road, Hunstanton 01485 533486 www.caleyhallhotel.co.uk

KLmagazine October 2011

The Dabbling Duck Seasonal English Cuisine Abbey Road, Great Massingham 01485 520827 www.thedabblingduck.co.uk The Deer’s Leap 361 Wootton Road, South Wootton King’s Lynn 01553 671919 www.thedeersleap.co.uk D’Inacios 9 Newmans Yard, Norwich Road, Fakenham 01328 851247 www.dinacios.co.uk The Gin Trap Inn Gastro Pub 6 High Street, Ringstead, Hunstanton 01485 525264 www.gintrapinn.co.uk The Hare Arms Varied fine dining Stow Bardolph, Kings Lynn 01366 382229 www.theharearms.co.uk Heacham Manor Hotel Varied fine dining Hunstanton Road, Heacham 01485 536030 www.heacham-manor.co.uk The Jolly Sailors Pub favourites Brancaster, Kings Lynn 01485 210314 www.jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk

Leziate Park Local English Cuisine Brow of the Hill, Leziate, King’s Lynn 01553 630393 www.leziatepark.co.uk The Lodge Old Hunstanton, Norfolk 01485 532896 www.thelodgehunstanton.co.uk Market Bistro English Cuisine 11 Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn 01553 771483 www.marketbistro.co.uk

The Rose and Crown Traditional pub favourites Old Church Road, Snettisham 01485 541382 www.roseandcrownsnettisham.co.uk The Sandboy Pub favourites and Thai cuisine Gayton Road, Bawsey 01553 630527 www.thesandboy.co.uk The Swan Inn South Wootton, King’s Lynn 01553 672084 Timbers Hotel & Restaurant A la carte and traditional pub food Lynn Road, Fincham 01366 347747 www.timbershotel.co.uk

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

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

The Old Vicarage Seasonal Local Food.

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

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

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

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

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LOCAL LIFE

Out and about:

Heacham Sedgeford and Ringstead Words: Charlotte Thorneycroft Photos: Sue Payne/Ian Ward

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f there’s one thing that’s always associated with Heacham it has to be lavender – and lots of it! The site at Caley Mill (above) was opened in the mid 1930s following Norfolk Lavender’s first site, which was established in 1932 at Fring.

Today, the company cultivates nearly 100 acres of lavender, which covers the surrounding land like a fragrant purple sea. In association with Plant Heritage, Norfolk Lavender holds the country’s first national collection of lavender, with over 100 different varieties. Visitors can also view the distillery where the precious oil (which contains the scent) is extracted from the plant. For more information contact Norfolk Lavender on 01485 570384 or visit www.norfolk-lavender.co.uk

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eacham first became popular as a seaside resort in the late 1800s with the opening of the railway line between King’s Lynn and Hunstanton, and the replacement of the old wooden bridge which crossed the river – providing the only access to the beach. From this central point directly in front of the new bridge the beaches were named the North beach (to the right) and South beach (to the left). Today Heacham is a popular holiday resort, with much of the land directly behind the beach taken up by caravan parks and a uniform line of beach huts bordering the sand.

KLmagazine October 2011

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eacham is strongly connected with Pocahontas, and her picture is depicted on the village sign (above).

Pocahontas was the daughter of a Virginian Indian chief famous for saving colonist John Smith from death after he was captured by the Indians. During a stand-off between the new English settlers and the Powhatans (the tribe of Pocahontas’ father) she herself was held captive by the English and kept at the new settlement of Henricus. It was here Rebecca (as she was known after converting to Christianity) met and married tobacco plantation owner and Englishman John Rolfe.

Two years later in 1616 the couple returned to England where they spent time at Rolfe’s family home – Heacham Hall. Boarding ship to return to Virginia in 1617, Rebecca Rolfe fell gravely ill, and while the ship was stopped at Gravesend to fetch help, it was too late.

It is believed Rebecca’s body was returned to Heacham and buried somewhere in the cemetery, although the exact location is unknown.

KLmagazine October 2011

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he Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project (or SHARP for short) is one of the largest archaeological projects in the country. Running since 1996, it’s a multi-period, multi-disciplinary research programme investigating land use and human settlement in Sedgeford using a variety of archaeological techniques.

Although activities such as field walking take place at varying times throughout the year, the main archaeological field work takes place over a six-week period in the summer. During this time, a selection of training courses are offered as well as educational visits for local schools. Past finds have included a hoard of 39 gold coins inside an animal bone and – most famously – a torc which is on display at the British Museum. Part of this was found in 1965 and the missing piece was only unearthed in 2004. For more details on SHARP, visit the website at www.sharp.org.uk

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Out and about Heacham, Sedgeford and Ringstead

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ourtyard Farm in Ringstead (above) is an excellent example of a thriving organic farm producing arable crops and meat. But not only do the stringent policies on growing ensure that livestock lives the best possible life, the surrounding wildlife is also cared for as part of the farm’s environmental aims. Public access is encouraged via two waymarked 2-mile circular walks and one 6-mile walk around the farm on public footpaths.

From the North Wood circular walk there are two visible pieces of permanent land art by artists Martha Winter and John Sands.

There are several parking places on the farm (some near leaflet dispensers with maps of the farm and walks) and maps are also available from the website at www.courtyardfarm.co.uk

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t Andrew’s at Ringstead (above) is an imposing, heavily-restored 14th century church, and it has some fascinating features – from the big angry gargoyles to the massive chimney in the northeast corner. Before you rush to enjoy the interior, however, take a moment to look above the massive 19th century niche above the porch (circled, above). Below the statue of Christ, in large, unmissable letters, is carved the inscription I AM THE DOOR. Now there’s a thing.

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or a village store like no other, try Hidden Treasures in Ringstead’s general store (left). As you’d expect, all the usual essentials are for sale, but while you nip in for a lastminute pint of milk, why not also browse for an 18th century figurine or piece of collectable glassware? The building is a rabbit warren of 12 small rooms offering hundreds of antiques of every imaginable kind. The layout is as curious and charming as the items on the shelves! It isn’t a typical antique shop and you’re left to browse the realistically-priced items at your leisure. Ringstead is a beautiful little village and no trip would be complete without a visit to this interesting shop.

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well known local landmark in Ringstead is Magazine Cottage (above), which was built in the 17th century by the Le Strange family and used as a gunpowder store during the English Civil War. It was believed (at the time) that a hidden tunnel ran between the cottage and the church.

KLmagazine October 2011

KLmagazine October 2011

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Good Looks

with Elizabeth Dutton

The foot care pros are hot-footing it to King’s Lynn!

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ou might not be aware, but King’s Lynn is home to one of the country’s most prestigious foot care colleges, the College of Foot Care Professionals, in Tower Street. This means that foot care professionals from all parts of the UK are coming to the town for initial qualifications, further training and refresher courses in footcare from Norfolk’s own fully accredited foot care college.

The two-week intensive course that started on 19th September is a case in point, and the foot care diploma awarded to successful students at the end of their stay will qualify them to become foot care professionals and to list the initials of the college (TCFCP) after their name.

Something else you might not know is that foot care is a rapidly growing profession, with qualified practitioners still in very short supply, which is why the current course is fully subscribed and why there’ll be another one starting in January 2012.

Some students are concentrating entirely on foot care while others are adding foot care services to an existing care or therapy practice.

Meanwhile, with jobs disappearing in a lot of other industries, and even the care sector being cut back, becoming a foot care practitioner is something that a lot more people are considering. Most towns have enough people with foot problems to support at least one full time foot care professional – without them stepping on anyone else’s toes!

You don’t need a medical degree, although you do need to study and pass an Anatomy and Physiology Theory qualification, which is also available from the college as a home-based course.

Like to discover if foot care is for you?

If you’re interested in the idea, you might like to know that the college holds Taster Days to give you the chance to see if foot care could be your thing. Dates are made by mutual arrangement, so contact the College to book your day!

Upcoming Foot Care Course Dates 1-day First Aid Course 24th September 2011 13th–14th October 2011 2-day Basic Qualification in Foot Care 8th–11th November 2011 4-day Advanced Foot Care Course 23rd Jan–3rd Feb 2012 2-week Intensive Diploma Course

More information...

A wide range of treatments...

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f you do visit the college you’ll also get a chance to see the wide range of treatments on offer from the Foot Care Centre.

Naturally, you’ll also pick up some tips and advice about caring for your own and your family’s feet.

We introduced you to the Garra Rufa ‘Doctor Fish’ last month and, along with the usual foot care paraphernalia, there’s also hi-tech treatment available using lasers or cryosurgery.

This means whether you have aching feet and joints, corns, calluses, verrucas, fungal nails or dry skin we’ll have a treatment for you from one our fully-qualified staff! Details of all our clinics are on our website (see below for details).

Special Deal on Foot Care for the Over 65s!

We listen to your requests – this means we’ve dropped the age from 70 to 65 for our Retirees Clinic! Every third Thursday between 10am and 1pm at The Foot Care Centre, King’s Lynn SAVE £5.00! Nail cut and foot buff only £10.00!

SAVE £10.00! Nail cut, buff and 10 minutes’ “Doctor Fish” treatment only £15!

Book your place now!

ELIZABETH DUTTON is a qualified foot health care practitioner and trainer. She offers treatments from the Foot Care Centre, 4B Tower St, King’s Lynn, PE30 1EJ. For more information, details, help and advice please contact Elizabeth centre in King’s Lynn or visit the following websites: www.TheFootCareCentreKingsLynn.co.uk/foot-awareness (for details of the Foot Awareness Week) www.TheFootCareCentreKingsLynn.co.uk (for help and advice on foot care treatments) www.TheCollegeOfFootCarePractitioners.co.uk (for details of how to train as a foot care practitioner – note that the QR code on the right will also take you there) Finally, you can call Elizabeth on 01553 768661 (clinic) or 07973 230293 (mobile) or send an e-mail to enquires@thefootcarecentrekingslynn.co.uk

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KLmagazine October 2011

We’re here to help Our professional team is packed with experience – and full of friendly advice.

If you have any questions, please call 01553 768448 and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.

NEW TEETH FOR A NEW LIFE

At our specialist dental implant centre we can give you back fixed teeth and you never have to wear a denture again. Dental implants is a safe and reliable treatment concept and in all our completed cases we’ve seen an immense change in the quality of our patients’ lives. We treat everything from a single missing tooth to full sets. We also specialise in cosmetic improvements by using a combination of crowns, veneers and implants we can give you a smile to be proud of.

Call for a FREE consultation or further information on our smile makeovers

10 Stonegate Street, King’s Lynn PE30 5EF Tel: 01553 768448 E-mail: info@denprac.co.uk

Exquisite bespoke jewellery designed in-house especially for you...

Blatchford & Mills Jewellers | Pawnbrokers | Cheque Cashing

KLmagazine October 2011

6 Tower Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1EJ Telephone: 01553 661227

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GET INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT Make Christmas 2011 an event to remember!

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his Christmas, Leziate Lakeview Park is offering a fantastic range of festive events. Dine in our Lakeview restaurant for Christmas Eve Lunch with our special guest Father Christmas, or welcome in the New Year in true style with popular local band Evolution.

Whatever the occasion, we guarantee fabulous food and the very warmest of Christmas welcomes!

PRIVATE PARTIES From only £19.95pp PARTY NIGHTS From only £29 per person BOXING DAY LUNCH BOOKINGS AVAILABLE NOW – DON’T MISS OUT!

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY Don’t miss our Enjoy a luxurious festive buffet and Christmas Fayre dance the New Year in until 2am with local band Evolution. £45 per person. on 11th December!

Brow of the Hill, Leziate, King’s Lynn PE32 1EN

Telephone: 01553 630393 | www.leziatepark.co.uk 48

KLmagazine October 2011

TheConsultingRoom Richard Haywood A consultant plastic surgeon, Richard specialises in breast reconstruction surgery, micro- and cosmetic surgery including breast enlargement, nose reshaping, facelifts, skin resurfacing and tummy tucks. In addition to offering a wide range of cosmetic surgery at BMI The Sandringham Hospital in King’s Lynn, Richard also runs a Minor Lesions Clinic.

WHAT IS SKIN CANCER? Skin cancer is a malignant growth or tumour that starts with one of the cells of the skin changing in its nature. The cancer cells can grow into the surrounding skin and tissues, and some skin cancers can spread around the body. The three most common skin cancers are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. Cancers deriving from all parts of the body vary in their severity – some are slow growing with little risk of spread, while others are more aggressive, growing quickly and spread (metastasize).

The same is true for the different types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma (also known as a rodent ulcer) isn’t usually aggressive and it’s extremely rare for the disease to spread around the body. The treatments vary according to the patient’s health and its position.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is slightly further along the spectrum and is more aggressive than Basal Cell Carcinoma. It can spread into local tissues and has the ability to spread to the lymph nodes and then around the body.

Melanoma is unfortunately at the aggressive end of the spectrum. It arises from the pigment cells of the skin and behaves very differently from Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. It can spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

It is very important to recognise melanomas quickly. The moles or pigmented skin lesions which cause concern are those that have changed in size, shape or colour, bleed or weep. Moles to be concerned about have: Asymmetry: the two halves of the mole don’t look the same.

Border: the edge of the mole is irregular, blurred or jagged.

Colour: the colour is uneven and contains more than one shade.

Diameter: the diameter is greater than 7mm, larger than the end of a pencil.

Melanoma is treated by excision of the cancer and (sometimes) lymph node sampling.

WHY ARE WE SO WORRIED ABOUT SKIN CANCER IN THE UK? The number of people developing skin cancer is increasing dramatically.

Approximately 100,000 new skin cancers are diagnosed every year in the UK alone, making it the most commonly-diagnosed cancer in the UK. Unfortunately 2,500 people in the UK die from skin cancer each year, and 80% of these deaths are from melanoma. The rate of melanoma has quadrupled since the 1970s and melanoma is now the third most common cancer in young adults. The majority of skin cancers are related to sun exposure. The sun’s rays contain ultraviolet light which can

damage the DNA of skin cells, forming a tumour. Short bursts of intense sun exposure – especially if burning occurs – have more damaging effects than steady sun exposure. The fashions of a ‘healthy’ tanned complexion, outdoor pursuits, tanning beds and cheaper travel abroad have probably all contributed to the escalating problem of skin cancer. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Careful sun care can reduce the risks. People at most risk and who should take particular care are those with fair skin, lots of moles and a history of skin cancer in the family.

Remember that a child’s skin is more susceptible to sun injury than an adult’s, so be extra careful with children. There’s no need to become nocturnal like an owl however – being sensible in the sun can help to save lives.

Taking care in the sun will also help you stay younger looking – sun exposure is the strongest ageing factor next to smoking!

For more information, visit the Cancer Research UK website www.sunsmart.org.uk which has plenty of good advice on sensible ways to enjoy the sun.

e Sandringham Hospital

For more information and details, please call BMI The Sandringham Hospital on 01553 769770

Curiously, most home insurers don’t have a branch in Swaffham. But at NFU Mutual...

We do.

So you know, that we know exactly where you’re coming from. For a home insurance quote, call

NFU Mutual in Swaffham on 01760 724888.

NFU Mutual is The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers.

KLmagazine October 2011

We do right by you

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LOCAL LIFE

ABOVE: The Fermoy Gallery plays host to the latest Graham Cooley exhibition in November – a fantastic collection of Caithness Glass – the subject of Arts Centre Patron Mark Hill’s latest book (right)

Exhibition is a real touch of glass...

The King’s Lynn Arts Centre is about to offer a rare opportunity to see the Graham Cooley collection of Caithness Glass, thanks in part to patron Mark Hill. Charlotte Thorneycroft previews this exciting event...

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atron of Applied Arts at King’s Lynn Arts Centre Trust Mark Hill is a true expert in his field, sharing his considerable knowledge of collectibles through books, television (he’s appeared on Antiques Roadshow and presented Cracking Antiques) and a series of exhibitions held at the Arts Centre.

The idea behind such local exhibitions isn’t to simply highlight the hard-to-find high-profile items you may expect.

Although these pieces can exist within any collection of this calibre, the aim is to present a cross-section of 20th century design with a given theme to a wider audience, as Liz Falconbridge explains.

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“Our ethos is to make the arts in general accessible to all and exhibitions such as these make high-end design appealing to all,” she says.

“Visitors are able to see items that inspire them and aren’t beyond reach to have in their own home.”

The first exhibition of this kind held at the Arts Centre featured King’s Lynn Glass, an extensive collection owned by Dr Graham Cooley, known for setting trends in contemporary collecting. Ceramic and glass collector and researcher Dr Cooley, works closely with Mark Hill enabling his fantastic collections to be exhibited at the King’s Lynn Arts Centre attracting both national and international visitors.

His experience of buying ahead of the market is well respected, which adds to the accessibility of the items on display.

In 2006 the Arts Centre hosted the Fat Lava exhibition, a unique collection of Italian and German ceramics which had never been exhibited in public before. More than 3,500 people visited the exhibition and Fat Lava is still talked about today. The next Cooley/Hill collaboration at the Arts Centre was Hi Sklo, Lo Sklo an incredible collection of designs by factories and designers across four decades of Czech glass.

Now the King’s Lynn Arts Centre looks forward to welcoming the next Graham Cooley collection with their Caithness Glass KLmagazine October 2011

exhibition which will run from 12th November until 25th February 2012 in the Fermoy Gallery.

Featuring over 300 pieces, this blockbuster exhibition is expected to attract huge crowds especially from London since King’s Lynn is the furthest south it will be displayed before returning to storage. Mark Hill recently launched his new book Caithness Glass: Loch, Heather and Peat to coincide with the opening of the exhibition tour at Broadfield House Glass Museum, and it features the history of the company and looks at the cutting edge designs which are rarely to be viewed outside of London.

In keeping with the philosophy of opening the art world’s doors to everyone, the Arts Centre has introduced other initiatives to interest new audiences.

“As a registered Arts Award (11-24 year old qualification) Centre, we’ve been delivering the Arts Award since it started five years ago,” explains Liz. “Our new Arts Award 7-11 pilot is based on a Saturday art club – it’s a unique approach which is proving very successful and was selected as one of 50 national pilots. The children on the course are encouraged to explore the effect art and design has on their everyday lives.

Realising their clothes, shoes, bedroom wallpaper and DVD cases have all had a designer behind them allows them to find

KLmagazine October 2011

their own creative potential in a diverse subject.”

When bringing the theatre to life, young audiences were again considered when the team behind the Arts Centre Trust chose Frankenstein and Macbeth as the first theatre performances in the Guildhall since the takeover.

Both these chilling classics are on the school curriculum and offer audiences of all ages visually and auditory spine-tingling performances. Frankenstein is brought to the Guildhall by the award-winning Proteus Theatre Company – with their unique performance style, this adaption of the Mary Shelley classic fires the imagination with its mirrors to modern anxieties.

Meanwhile, the Icarus Theatre Company have received rave reviews for their production of Macbeth which fuses the original verse with traditional and modern theatre techniques – it’s perfect for new Shakespeare audiences and those already acquainted with the play.

The people of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk have helped save the Arts Centre, but continued support is needed, which is made more easily achievable by communicating the needs of its users.

As a venue working with the community for the community, the King’s Lynn Arts Centre Trust is always keen to hear from the public and local businesses to create new opportunities. KL

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KLmagazine October 2011

Books THE QUANTUM UNIVERSE Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw If there’s someone out there who can slap us around the face and say look, this is how easy it is to understand the cosmos, then it’s Prof Cox. As we enter the deciduous season of witty banter and partridge pie it’s good to have just the tiniest smattering of conversation about quantum physics and its relevance to us, surely.

Here’s how – read now!

ABSOLUTELY: A MEMOIR Joanna Lumley Where do you start? Actor, activist, model, voiceover artist, honorary Gurkha or simply national treasure Joanna Lumley’s career is exemplified by Edina Monsoon, fabulous friend to Jennifer Saunders, and her staunch refusal to be typecast. Value for money through and through. The world needs more Lumleys.

Give generously.

KLmagazine October 2011

This month’s recommended reading celebrates the very best of the British...

CHARLES DICKENS: A LIFE Claire Tomalin He’ll be 200 years old on February 7th next year, will Boz, and his idyllic picture of Christmas is still one we slobber over like damp dogs.

Tomalin’s own wonderful pictures of Hardy, Pepys and Mary Wollstonecraft are vibrant and vivacious; now she dissects the myth, magnificence, selfishness and selfabsorption of Dickens. Nobody does it better.

HESTON BLUMENTHAL AT HOME Heston Blumenthal The Christmas cookbook to give or to hoard with 150 recipes (including the ultimate fish and chips) and just 15 easy-to-follow steps to turn your own kitchen laboratory into a workplace fit for the 21st century. Remember Blumenthal not for his snail porridge but for his transformation of the Little Chef in Popham. To visit is to understand and so it is with this entrancing book.

EMPIRE Jeremy Paxman It’s all too easy to bite our collective thumb at the British Empire and wonder at the idiocy of our colonial past, but the residual effects of a dotty domination still undulate through our days with the tactile warmth of an autumn duvet. As he asks us to bend over for six of the best, Paxman’s avuncular writing soothes and softens once again. Naughty, but nice.

DIAMOND QUEEN Andrew Marr Busy year 2012, what with the Julie Bee and the Olympics and loads of bank holidays.

Who better then than Andrew Marr, proclaimed royalist and all-round nice bloke, to tell us what the Queen did for us, so to speak. His style here isn’t chronological, thank goodness, but thematic and provides us with a template for modern monarchy to joyously outlive several generations yet to come.

David Learner

October

8

Events

At 11.00am there’s a double dose of delight: a joint signing by Bob Booth and Laine Christmas Hall. Booth’s eagerly anticipated King’s Lynn Schools (right) charts ninety years and hints of the birch, and Laine’s Houghton Hall Game Cookery Book reveals the very best of cooking below stairs.

Squirrel and Bacon Casserole anyone?

19

The book group convenes once more at 4:00pm, this time to discuss Alec Guinness’ immortal cry “What’s going on?” as we try to root out the truth from John le Carré’s wonderful Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Of course you’re welcome, even if you don’t know what’s going on.

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

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KLmagazine October 2011

ARTS

The thought-provoking work of Andrew Schumann Charlotte Thorneycroft talks to local artist and sculptor Andrew Schumann about his fascinating work, which concentrates less on the subject itself and more on the material and process used to create it...

W

ell known as one of the faces behind the founding of Bespak, one of the largest and most successful industries in King’s Lynn, Andrew Schumann has since ‘retired’ to a career in his first love, and it’s brought equal recognition with it.

From an old quayside grain warehouse (formerly a printing works) Andrew forges ideas for his next piece surrounded by an impressive collection of tools and machinery all used in his art, which can only be described as having ‘a child in sweet shop’ effect for an artist from an engineering background.

With a strong interest in the arts already, the desire to ‘make things’ was spurred on from an early age through Andrew’s handson school education.

“In the days when health and safety wasn’t as distracting as it is now” he says, “my school had extensive engineering workshops in which it was compulsory to spend at least a week each term. It’s unimaginable in today’s world, but as a teenager I was encouraged to use saws, planes and chisels, as well as machine tools – which was incredibly inspiring. We even had access to a foundry, and the art of pattern making was an indispensable skill which has been extremely useful.”

It was on his 47th birthday, on leaving Bespak that Andrew began his second career, choosing the large building on Purfleet Quay as his new studio and workshop.

Andrew’s work is characterised by an emphasis on the manufacturing process itself, regardless of instant recognition and simple representation.

“My work is concerned with qualities of

KLmagazine October 2011

materials, processes and structures and what they reveal about our amazing universe,” he explains.

“I’m full of wonder that absolutely everything in our world is assembled out of just 92 naturally-occurring elements and that symmetry and randomness affects everything – from natural selection accounting for all life on earth, to Newton’s Laws governing the motions of the universe.”

Andrew has exhibited both locally and nationally, and has also had works in the Royal Academy’s summer exhibition six times in the last 15 years, an impressive achievement for any artist.

One of Andrew’s most familiar works is Half Fathom Column (below), which is one of four pieces on permanent public display

in King’s Lynn. Installed in October 2000, Half Fathom Column represents the river, with a water-ripple surface and flashes at night using the same mechanism the buoys in the Wash have. The whole work is a symbol of the difference in water levels between high and low tide.

Other public works include the Greyfriars sculpture, commissioned as part of a Lottery funding application and inspired by St Francis, the three vertical steel tubes representing poverty, chastity and obedience.

The Lynn Angel was privately commissioned and is on the outside of a house in King’s Staithe Lane.

In 2007 as part of celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Captain Vancouver, Andrew was again called upon to design a fitting work of art for the town. The result was The Vancouver Arch, made of rigging wire dotted with tiny lights representing Vancouver’s voyages navigated by starlight.

More recently Andrew’s work has further explored his ideas of randomness and symmetry.

Fascinated by childhood chemistry lessons and atoms, Andrew’s bead-frame works use specially made two-hole beads threaded onto a line within a wooden frame, challenging the viewer to look a little deeper into the meanings of their creation but without having to fully reach a satisfactory conclusion. Each piece provides its own wonder as something the eye naturally wanders to, without having to have a reason why. KL For more information on Andrew Schumann and his work, visit www.andrewschumann.com

55

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KLmagazine October 2011

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KLmagazine October 2011

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ARTS

Behind the scenes:

e Norfolk Symphony Orchestra

The success of the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra belies its amateur status and continues to attract big-name performers. Charlotte Thorneycroft previews the orchestra’s forthcoming concert programme...

F

ormed in 1971, the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has grown from a small chamber orchestra into a full-size symphony orchestra. Currently playing four concerts a year at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, the NSO draws members from at least five counties, and although some are professional musicians and music teachers, the players come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Meeting in Downham Market on Friday nights, long hours of rehearsals ensure a programme of consistently high-quality performances. The Orchestra usually consists of about 60 players (depending on the requirements of each concert), and new musicians are always welcome – the NSO currently very keen to meet new string

58

players, for example (to meet the high performance standards of the NSO, performers need to be around Grade 8).

Despite being professional in outlook, the orchestra doesn’t lose sight of the need to have fun, and they’re justifiably proud of the nickname ‘the friendly orchestra’.

The Orchestra regularly attracts audiences of around 600 mark, but there’s always room for a few more – and Chairman Robert Pack emphasises the importance of their supporters.

“We have a Friends scheme with over 300 members that allows the orchestra to stay in touch with the local community,” he says.

“Performing regularly at the Corn Exchange, the orchestra now forms a part of the cultural fabric of King’s Lynn and is an institution that will be with us, we hope, for

a long time to come.”

In the future, the NSO hopes to develop an outreach programme to forge links with schools and young people around the county. There are already a few young players in the orchestra and the NSO would like to increase this number – and in turn attracting more young people into the audience.

“We’d love to play in other locations around the country,” says Robert.

“It’s a constant goal of ours to raise the awareness of NSO nationally and increase audience size.” KL For more information on the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra visit the website at www.nso-uk.co.uk or call the secretary on 01953 717605

KLmagazine October 2011

Aleksei Kiseliov will perform the Dvorak Cello Concerto in November.

This talented young Belarusian cellist won the International Youth Competition in St Petersburg when he was only 12. Currently studying with Raphael Wallfisch, he has performed at St John’s, Smith Square and has also toured the USA.

KLmagazine October 2011

NSO Concert Programme 2011-12

Alexander WALKER

T

rained in St Petersburg, the NSO’s Musical Director Alexander Walker is a professional conductor who’s performed all over the world. Recent engagements have included concerts with the Royal Philharmonic, the Russian State Symphony Orchestra, the Prague Philharmonia and the Belgrade Philharmonic.

He makes frequent appearances in Poland, Finland, Turkey and the former Soviet Union, where his concerts have been broadcast on national television and radio.

“I’ve been working with the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra for four years now and I find them very inspiring,” says Alexander.

“Rehearsal is intense before concerts and the playing is always of a very high standard. The NSO is a fine example of how an amateur orchestra can produce music with the same passion and commitment of professional orchestras.”

Alexander also works at the Royal Opera House and has toured with the Royal Ballet to America.

Throughout his career, Alexander has aimed to present audiences with great music even if it’s unfamiliar to them.

Although performing extensively with professional groups, Alexander Walker is committed to working with the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra, and in the last few years has established a relationship with the NSO that has produced some truly remarkable performances.

This has been hugely exciting for the players and has produced the very best from this ambitious amateur orchestra.

This relationship has allowed the NSO to attract some very special soloists to their concerts including this season Aleksei Kiseliov (see below) and Allwyn Mellor.

“It’s very exciting that this year we’ll also be performing with Remus Azoitei the Romanian violinist,” Alexander says.

“A professor at the Royal Academy of Music, he’s a very gifted musician who likes to do things a little differently. Performances like this offer an excellent opportunity for the NSO members, but these great musicians only agree to these sort of performances because they respect the high standards of the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra.”

SUNDAY 20th NOVEMBER (3:30pm) Mozart: Overture: The Magic Flute Dvořák: Cello Concerto (with soloist Aleksei Kiseliov) Brahms: Symphony no. 2 SUNDAY 22nd January 2012 (3:30pm) Dvorak: Serenade for Strings Strauss: Serenade, op. 7 Strauss: Suite, op. 4 Kodály: Galanta Dances SUNDAY 25th March 2012 (3:30pm) Wagner: : Brunhilde’s immolation, Siegfried’s Funeral Music and Siegfried’s Rhine Journey from Götterdämmarung (with soloist Alwyn Mellor) Holst: The Planets SATURDAY 26th May 2012 (7:30pm) Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto (with soloist Remus Azoitei) Beethoven: Symphony No.5

Corn Exchange, King’s Lynn Box office: 01553 764864 59

LOCAL LIFE

t s 1 y p Hap ! y a d h B ir t

A year in the life of your favourite magazine...

In October 2010, the first issue of KL magazine took a bright new look at King’s Lynn, and it’s been a huge success ever since. Here we take a look back at some of your favourite moments...

T

he first twelve months of KL magazine have flown by, and our first birthday has given us a great opportunity to look back at some of the fascinating places and people we’ve featured over the year.

From stately homes to historic figures, we’ve learned plenty of new things about the heritage of King’s Lynn, and we’ve spent time with some of the heroes of West Norfolk – from King’s Lynn Fire Service to the crew of the Hunstanton Lifeboat Service. We’ve discovered the wealth of artistic and sporting talent of our region, and had the opportunity to interview some of the community’s leading lights. If we’ve learned one thing over the last year, it’s that we’re not the only ones who love King’s Lynn and West Norfolk! We’ve really enjoyed putting together the first twelve issues of KL magazine – and hearing about how much you’ve enjoyed reading it.

We don’t usually have a ‘fan mail’ page, but thought you might like to see what other readers enjoyed in our first twelve issues – thanks again for reading!

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1: October

2: November

Having recently moved to King’s Lynn, I knew there was a statue of a Captain Vancouver (and a shopping centre that was named after him) but that was about it! Finding out just who Captain Vancouver was in your first issue was very interesting – it was fascinating to read about his life and find out how strong the connection is to this wonderful town. I’m sure other readers will have learned something as well!

Thanks for an incredible story in the new edition of KL Magazine! The story of a gutsy pensioner taking apart her beloved house brick-by-brick and transporting it 100 miles to re-build it in Wells! Had someone told me this in the pub I would have thought they were spinning me a yarn! I couldn’t believe what I was reading, and I’m now going to buy the book and learn more about this remarkable woman – great reading!

Ms M. Fuller, King’s Lynn

A. Allen, Hunstanton

KLmagazine October 2011

3: December

4: January

5: February

I’m not usually very artistic, but Christmas always seems to bring out my creative side, so when I saw your step-by-step guide to making a table decoration I thought I would give it a go. Your demonstrator was obviously an expert at what she does, so mine didn’t quite match the picture!

I did receive some welcome comments from my family over the dinner table though, so please pass on my thanks. I might try another one for Easter!

So often we only hear about the fire service in the media when dramatic (and usually tragic) rescues have taken place. I very much enjoyed reading a ‘real life’ feature detailing ‘a day in the life of the local fire service’. As far as I am concerned they are all heroes and deserve recognition; your article put into context all the other hard work we don’t often hear about and the problems that have to be dealt with by our brave crews on a daily basis.

I always enjoy reading your magazine, but one article in your February issue was such an eye opener. I confess to having walked past Thoresby College hundreds of times without knowing what lies behind those large handsome wooden gates.

May I also add what an excellent photograph of the hammer beam roof! It is such a prominent part of King’s Lynn’s history, and you have brought to my attention once again! Many thanks for opening my eyes!

Mrs A. Cullen, Downham Market

Mrs R. Greenham, Swaffham

Mrs J Mallard, King’s Lynn

6: March

7: April

8: May

As an avid reader of crime thrillers, I love it when I find little gems based in East Anglia, especially when they refer to places I have visited or know well. It makes all the difference to the story.

Having already discovered Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway novels I was delighted to find out more about her. Even better, this month [note: this was received in April] you’ve featured an interview with Jim Kelly, who’s another crime author who uses West Norfolk as his literary inspiration. I’m a big fan of his as well. Great books, great magazine!

Throughout the summer our weekends are filled with trips to the many country houses and gardens across Norfolk, so we were delighted to see one of our favourites featured in your April edition. We thought the pictures were magnificent and captured every charming detail drenched in sunshine. It was as if we were standing in Houghton Hall gardens as we read the article and they will definitely be first on our list of visits again this year. We have passed your magazine on to friends of ours because they have never been to Houghton Hall – but we think they will now!

The history articles in KL Magazine have always been my first port of call when I pick up each new issue, and I found the Lynn Museum piece last month particularly interesting. This is a typical example of how one loses sight of what marvels exist in one’s own back garden. Like your historian writer, I too hadn’t visited Lynn Museum for quite some time, having been drawn to the big city museums with their lures of ancient rarities. How pleased I am that your ‘10 of the Best’ pages inspired me to seek out the other hidden treasures of the much-overlooked Lynn Museum.

Mr & Mrs Richards, Heacham

Mr G. Henson, King’s Lynn

Mr E. Norris, West Lynn

KLmagazine October 2011

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9: June

10: July

I know True’s Yard well (as I do many of the museums in the area) but until I read your feature in June’s edition of KL Magazine I hadn’t ever stopped to think of all the hard work carried out by the people behind the scenes. What honourable people we have in our town working tirelessly to ensure King’s Lynn’s heritage is preserved for future generations. I am grateful to KL Magazine for bringing this to our attention, and highlighting the good work of the many local people who voluntarily give up their time.

I have never visited Oxburgh Hall before, but I was surprised how engrossed I became in the abundance of historical detail in your feature last month. It was a very in-depth and interesting feature which soon set us heading off down the A134 to explore this wonderful old building further. An enjoyable day was had by everyone, and I am looking forward to discovering more places to visit in future issues. We hope you have encouraged other readers to visit the Hall as well.

J. Rudham, Gaywood

Mrs S. Green, West Winch

Apart from the launch issue of KL magazine, can you remember what else was happening in October 2010?

1

Sky launches the first dedicated 3D television channel in Europe, calling it (somewhat unimaginatively) Sky 3D. Meanwhile, BMW announces the recall of hundreds of thousands of luxury cars across Europe.

4

Favourite comic actor and songwriter Sir Norman Wisdom dies in an Isle of Man nursing home, and Europe wins the Ryder Cup when Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell defeats the USA’s Hunter Mahan in the final match.

5

Prime Minister David Cameron is forced to issue an apology after breaking an election promise by withdrawing child benefit from 1.2 million people.

11 12

Pop singer George Michael is released from a Suffolk prison after serving four weeks for driving while under the influence of cannabis.

11: August

12: September

Me and my friends are huge fans of Festival Too, and we go every year. It’s an amazing event for the town, there’s not many music festivals that are free and still attract top performances. When I opened your photo section of this year’s festival I just managed to spot us in the crowd – fame at last! It was nice to see some great pics to remind us of the fantastic time we had. Here’s to next year!

I always enjoy seeing some recognisable faces in the pages of your magazine and the chaps of the Hunstanton Lifeboat were more than pleasing.

They do an absolutely amazing job, risking their lives as volunteers on the lifeboats and living on the coast you can appreciate the power the sea has. I hope all of your readers read and re-read this article as much as I did – Hunstanton is lucky to have such a good team there if ever we need them!

N. Sturman, King’s Lynn

G. Smith, Hunstanton

Chile begins attempts to rescue 33 miners trapped underground as a result of a mining accident in August – the first of the miners, Florencio Ávalos, is pulled from the mine after two months underground.

17 20

Andy Murray beats Roger Federer of Switzerland 6-3, 6-2 to win the 2010 Shanghai Rolex Masters in Shanghai, China.

Chancellor George Osborne outlines a Comprehensive Spending Review, which will see the biggest spending cuts in decades, totalling £81 billion, with welfare, local government and police particularly affected.

25 26 30

Sony officially stops selling the original cassette Walkman after 30 years.

The Emperor of Exmoor, a red deer believed (at 9ft tall) to be Britain’s largest wild animal, is legally shot and killed in Devon.

Pop group Take That sell over one million reunion tour tickets within 24 hours, amid crashing websites and jammed phone lines.

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KLmagazine October 2011

KLmagazine October 2011

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SETTING THE STANDARD FOR QUALITY TREATED TIMBER KLmagazine October 2011

My KL

This interesting photograph was sent to us by KL magazine reader JOHN DREW of King’s Lynn, who wonders if any other readers recognise it or know why it was produced as a postcard. The only words on the picture read St. German’s J8631 – there’s no date and no clue as to who the people on the opposite bank are. If anyone can help, please contact us at the address below.

Don’t be hasty to dismiss UFOs...

I do love KL magazine, and I really enjoy reading it every month, but I’m not very happy with Michael Middleton’s lighthearted dismissal of UFOs last month.

I’ve been interested in UFO sightings for many years, and I’ve collected a lot of local press cuttings and stories from people who have seen UFOs all over Norfolk.

I agree that the government isn’t very interested or concerned about the subject, but I don’t think that’s too suprising. Just like the planned incinerator outside King’s Lynn, when have the powers-that-be ever listened to the views of the general public? Maybe Michael Middleton would like to see my collection of sightings and photographs – I think they would make him change his mind.

MARK CHAMBERS Swaffham CONTACT US: We’d love to hear from you! Send your letters and photos KL magazine, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW or e-mail editor@klmagazine.co.uk

KLmagazine October 2011

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LOCAL LIFE

Michael Middleton’s

WildWestNorfolk

A

s you’ve probably gathered by now, there are few things I like more than having a good moan about something. I’m not sure whether it’s a sign of my advancing years or further evidence that things simply aren’t as good as they used to be, but the world seems to be increasingly full of things that need complaining about.

This habit hasn’t gone unnoticed, however, and I was recently presented with a nice rubber wristband with the words ‘Complaint Free World’ embossed on it.

It came with a small leaflet outlining the rules of how to stop complaining and become happier and (somehow) healthier.

The first rule advises that you Don’t Get Stuck in A Rut – you need to observe life in a new way, remaining dynamic and not leaving yourself time to become overwhelmed with negativity. Fair enough, I thought, I’ll give it a try.

For the last few weeks there’s been a big hole in the ground at the top of the High Street in King’s Lynn where there’s just about enough space for a (thin) cat to squeeze through. At best it’s an inconvenience, but with hordes of unruly schoolchildren on summer holidays, it has been something of a nightmare.

However, instead of seeing it as a really irritating part of my daily existence, I tried to remain dynamic and see it as an interesting glimpse into the hidden world under the streets of King’s Lynn.

That was shortly before a little old lady hit me in the back with her umbrella and told me to get out of the way. Needless to say, I couldn’t help being a little overwhelmed with negativity.

So, on to rule two of not being grumpy, which is Don’t Get Exasperated Over Things You Have No Control Over. By the way, what kind of a rule is that? Rules need to be short

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and snappy like Thou Shalt Not Steal.

The idea is that you don’t allow your life to be dominated by complaints about the outside world. For instance, just because you incessantly complain about the price of oil, the Saudis aren’t going to start producing an extra 10 million barrels a day.

I can understand the idea, but it sounds a bit too much like apathy to me.

If you don’t get exasperated over things, how are they ever going to change?

Take the incinerator, for example. That’s something we don’t appear to have much control over, but if we don’t complain and get exasperated over it, we’ll have incinerators going up all over the place.

Rule three of not being grumpy is to Have the Perspective of a Young Child – the idea being that children don’t spend their time criticising things. They just play and enjoy life. Obviously the person behind these rules has never spent much time in the company of young children.

In the interests of becoming happier and healthier, however, I shall try it. Next time I go into a shop at lunchtime and there’s only one till open and a queue reminiscent of when Star Wars first came out, I’ll hold my breath, scream at the top of my voice and roll around on the floor until someone pays me some attention.

And the next time I get my gas bill I won’t complain about the insane cost of staying warm over winter. I’ll just smear Marmite all over it.

The next rule you should follow if you want to live in a complaintfree world is Leave Criticism To Others.

You see, being grumpy doesn’t just encourage a negative mindset (whatever that is), it gives us a subconscious feeling

of superiority and this motivates us to spend more time criticising.

Does that actually make sense to anyone? Now I’m really starting to feel grumpy. If we all leave complaining to others, then no one will complain about anything.

It seems this is already happening.

The government is seriously considering a total ban on plastic bags at the moment, but I haven’t heard anyone complain or moan about it yet. What are all the responsible dog walkers supposed to do from now on? Risk a £500 fine or carry canine waste products around in paper tissues? Well, it’s up to them. I’m not going to complain or get exasperated about it – I’ll just leave that to others. Stop being grumpy? What a load of old rubbish.

According to Professor Joe Forgas (he’s a real psychologist and he lives in Australia) being grumpy is actually good for you. It helps you think more clearly. It seems miserable people are better at decision making and they’re less gullible. Even better, gloominess breeds attentiveness and careful thinking.

And on that note, I think I’ll give my bank a call. I haven’t moaned at them for a while.

In fact, I’m feeling better already.

KLmagazine October 2011