Celebrating life in Great Yarmouth and the surrounding areas
FREE JANUARY 2016
â„– 07
Food
Apple & parsnip soup A warming winter delight Travel
Ischgl
Skiing in the Austrian snow
Vincent & Flavia
are in the mood for dancing
Style
Winter wish list Master the art of looking cool and staying warm
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Contents
01 ‘16
Celebrating life in Great Yarmouth and the surrounding areas
FREE JANUARY 2016
№ 07
Style
Winter wish list Master the art of looking cool and staying warm
Food
Apple & parsnip soup A warming winter delight Travel
Ischgl
Skiing in the Austrian snow
Vincent & Flavia
are in the mood for dancing
Editorial
Colin Huggins
Editor colin@h2creativemedia.co.uk 01493 742091 · 07775 858862
Design
Andrew Hirst
Studio Manager
Ashley Coomer Senior Designer
Justin Neale Designer
Sales
Shaun Coomer
Commercial Director shaun@h2creativemedia.co.uk 01493 742066 · 07584 162023
Diane Green
Account Manager diane@h2creativemedia.co.uk 01493 742251
Phil Nicholls
Account Manager phil@h2creativemedia.co.uk 01493 742136 · 07780 430706
Kelly Smith
Account Manager kelly@h2creativemedia.co.uk 01493 742869
Paula Hodds
Account Manager paula@h2creativemedia.co.uk 01493 742090 · 07765 886189
Contributors
Dave Nash, Donna Titcombe, Iain Dooley, Joe Mackintosh, Judy Foster, Mark Nicholls, Wendy Maddison-Ward
Publisher
06 Vincent and Flavia bring their moves to Norwich Theatre Royal
H2Creative Media, Beacon Innovation Centre, Beacon Park, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 7RA 01493 446639 www.h2creativemedia.co.uk
Printed by
Micropress, Foundation Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk, IP18 6DH
Terms & Conditions
All content copyright H2Creative Media Limited. Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times correct at the time of print. You are encouraged to contact the businesses and venue prior to making bookings. All opinions within the publication are those of the editor including contributors.
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Contents
01 ‘16
14 “45 ski lifts access 238kms of well-groomed leisure running up to 2800m or more above sea level”
13
20
09
Food
09 Dave Nash shares his apple and
parsnip soup recipe. Soups you, sir!
Style
11 Ponchos, capes, and blanket wraps – all things billowing are in! 13 Ideas for every man’s winter wardrobe
Travel
14 Mark Nicholls travels to Ischgl to
24
and enjoys a delightful mountain retreat in the Austrian snow
Culture
20 Joe Mackintosh talks bringing the circus to town 22 It’s Stephen
Bumfrey’s turn to answer our ‘My Great Yarmouth’ questions
Motors
24 We take a spin in the Peugeot’s new hot hatch, the 308 GTi
Finance
29 Our legal writer Wendy MaddisonWard gives some points to consider before tying the knot
VIP Events
31 Dig out your tartans – it’s The Bay City Rollers at St George’s Theatre
INTERVIEW
BORN to DANCE This is Vincent Simone’s Last Tango, but definitely not his last dance, SAYS JUDY FOSTER
06
INTERVIEW
TV’S
Strictly Come Dancing superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace left the popular show in 2013 – but far from the dancing duo’s glitter ball losing its lustre during their time away from the small screen, its sparkle has grown ever brighter with their bold move into the theatrical arena. Relishing the chance to push their performances to another level, the Argentine Tango champions have toured the UK with their sell-out and Olivier-nominated shows Midnight Tango and Dance ‘Til Dawn – and now they are out on the road again with The Last Tango. The show, their third and final production is visiting 36 venues around the UK over the next ten months which included the Norwich Theatre Royal back in early November. Vincent and Flavia have recently announced it will be their last touring show but, while they will be packing their suitcases away, they won’t be hanging up their dance shoes just yet, instead they will be moving on to new ventures. Four weeks into the tour and speaking to Judy Foster, communications officer at the Theatre Royal, Vincent said they were “over the moon” with the reaction so far to The Last Tango. “We are getting standing ovations which is really rewarding. It’s always hard to keep improving – and the pressure on us to produce something as good as the last two shows was very hard. We were worried – but the reaction has been brilliant.” Vincent said the new show was “more emotional” than the previous two. “It isn’t just us doing another cha-chacha. We like to add a story and there are moments in this story which are quite sad. We were in bits when we were choreographing it. At times we would look at each other and we were in tears.” Vincent and Flavia are both Italians by birth and bring their Latin passion to their dance. They have performed together for 20 years and, while Strictly brought them to the attention of the television-viewing public, they were dance champions before the show and had an extensive back catalogue of performances and routines to dip into when they were pulling The Last Tango together. “We wanted to use as much as we could for this last show, and the last couple of numbers are amazing,” Vincent said. “We have done some incredible routines in the past, many of them only performed once, and we felt that people needed to see these again and to see them live because it is so different to seeing them on TV. It was hard work and took us a while to choreograph. “It’s set in the 1940s, so we couldn’t go too ‘Strictly’ with the costumes, but they are beautiful and we have brilliant singers, dancers and a beautiful live band, and the set is amazing. We are still challenging ourselves, but we did it
with our hearts and we are extremely happy with the show, the music choice, the costumes and the story.” The storyline, as with the two previous shows, required an element of acting not usually associated with dance shows and this was part of the challenge for Vincent and Flavia. “You act when you dance, but it is always very exaggerated,” Vincent explained. “When I am dancing the rumba, I am pretending I am in love. When I’m doing the paso doble, I am pretending to be a bullfighter. But it is very exaggerated. In our show, I had to put my head down and work hard. It was difficult because when I hear the music I automatically go into dancing action, so I had to act in a more ordinary way – to be more natural.” Vincent first came to the UK as a 17 year old from Puglia. Dancing is in his blood – both his parents were professional Latin and Ballroom dancers, while his sister is a dance teacher. “I come from a large Italian family. My mum was the last one out of nine children and they all had four to five children each, so there are lots of cousins and there were always big parties when I was growing up, and lots of music and pasta and lasagne. But I have been in the UK for 20 years now, so I am half and half. My mum says I am too English!” Now 36, he has added to the Simone brood himself with two little boys, Luca and Mateo, with his wife, Susan. It was the strain that touring for the past six years has put on personal and family lives for both Vincent and Flavia that led them to decide this would be their last tour. “It is hard on our families and we need a bit of family time. They suffer because we are away so much. Luca is now six and Mateo is two. When Lucca was small, it was me feeling upset when I was away – but I learned to cope with it and I was doing it for them. But now he is older, Luca doesn’t want me to go and it’s heart-breaking. My wife was saying that the little one now realises I am away and he is a bit unsettled.” Vincent recently moved his family to Ireland, his wife’s homeland, and in between venues is hot-footing it back there. “With success you have to pay a price, but I do miss them and they miss me. It is hard but I will do anything for them. But I can’t say ‘no’ to this amazing opportunity, so I have to compromise. We have a week off shortly, so I will be back at home changing nappies and cooking which I love doing.” While his family has a strong pull on him, Vincent is adamant that his passion for dancing will never dim and he and Flavia are looking for the next challenge. “We get offered lots of things which would be fun to do, but because we are on tour we can’t. Now we will be able to do other things and we may go back on TV, or we may make a film. We are taking a break for a while, but definitely not giving up. “I will always dance with Flavia,” he added. “We miss it if we are away from it for even a week. I love spending times with my family, but dancing is what I was born to do.”
07
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Lounge
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Food
Winter warmer
Dave Nash rustles up a parsnip and apple soup
Dave Nash is
the Head Chef at Andover House, 28-30 Camperdown, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3JB To book and reserve, call 01493 843490 or visit www.andover house.co.uk
Ingredients
3 large parsnips 2 granny smith apples 2 shallots 1 litre vegetable stock 250ml double cream 50g butter
As winter won’t be loosening her icy grip on us just yet, I’m forging ahead with my plan to warm the bellies of plenty. If there’s one type of food that I could eat every single day, it’s soup. If you’ve never made your own soup before, try out this incredibly simple soup and then start changing up your ingredients. Whether you love it thick and chowdery, blissfully brothy or packed with meat and vegetables, you might just turn into a soup making machine!
Instead of diving into your bag of bread, make some delicious soup dipping crostini and if you want to get fancy, decorate your soup with some of the ingredients leftovers.
Make your soup Peel and chop the parsnips and shallots. Dice one apple. Heat these up in a pan with butter. Add the stock and cook until tender. Add the cream and purée the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.
Decorate your soup Keep a few strips of parsnip and deep fry them. Cut the remaining apple into matchsticks. Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with the matchstick apple and parsnip shavings. Crostini to dip Thinly slice a baguette then brush both sides with extra virgin olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bake at 180°C for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re nice and golden brown. 09
CELEBRATE YOUR UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS
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Style
1.
THE LOOK: Ponchos, capes & blanket wraps
2.
All wrapped up
3.
1. Block print cape with fur trim, £18; checked shirt dress, £16, George at Asda
Keep warm and cosy in this season’s must have outerwear item. Donna Titcombe finds the perfect alternative to your winter coat
4.
5.
2. Multi checker board blanket wrap, £20, Dorothy Perkins 3. Multi check shawl, £12, Matalan 4. Brown patchwork zip-up cape, £35, River Island 5. Colour block blanket wrap, £18, F&F Perkins 6. Blustery poncho from seasalt, £89.95, Palmers
6.
11
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Style
1.
2.
Man about town Here is a range of practical yet stylish winter items selected by Donna Titcombe
3.
2. Faux fur trim parka, £69; cable crew neck, £32; roll neck, £22; blue wash jeans, £28, Next
5.
1. Mantaray jumper, £55, Debenhams 3. Twisted soul brown leather belt, £7.99, Blue inc 4. Copperfill loose jeans from Superdry, £64.99, Palmers 5. Basic embroidery beanie hat, £14.99, Superdry 6. Pikolinos dark brown gloss mens lace up boots, £105, Debenhams
4.
6.
13
Travel
Snow Way
Mark Nicholls visits Ischgl and sample one of Austria’s best-known ski resorts
15
Travel
t could perhaps be described as the spaghetti junction of ski lifts as, from the Fimbabahn cable car, chairlifts appear to disperse in every direction, conveying skiers to the enormity of the Ischgl ski area. Yet far from needing a mountain-top congestion charge, this is a system that moves skiers quickly, efficiently and comfortably on to their chosen runs without any delay. And it is that which makes Ischgl such a popular resort – with so many great pistes and so many great runs, there’s no queuing for lifts, no crowding on the slopes, and everyone seems to get to where they want, when they want.
Accommodation
Mark Nicholls stayed at the 4* superior Hotel Brigitte in Ischgl, which UK tour operator Inghams offers from £1,099 per person including return flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers of about an hour. For more information: visit www.inghams.co.uk or contact 01483 791 114
Lift Pass
Best value flexible ski pass is the 4+2, allowing four days in one of the ski areas and two in any of the other three and which is priced from €213 for adults and €142 for children
Much is down to prudent investment in new lifts; every year sees further development of the ski terrain and improved accessibility to friendly blues, interesting red runs and challenging black routes. Cuddled up to the Swiss border, it is possible (and permitted) to ski into Switzerland and the slopes of Samnaun. Over the last couple of decades, Ischgl has become a flamboyant, fashionable, even glitzy resort, developing a reputation as a party town with apres-ski for all tastes. Expect to be served in Niki’s Stadl, the Trofana Alm or Kuhstall by staff carrying beers above their heads as skiers still in boots and mountain wear dance to a unique brand of aprés-ski music. A notch down from Euro trash, these singalong anthems seem to delight the audience and, even if it’s not your scene, it needs to be experienced. But Ischgl also wants to show its mellower side, with bars and restaurants for those who may want to relax a little with a degree of peace and quiet after a day on the slopes. The quality of accommodation is good, often with spa facilities, too, and there’s scope for other activities such as cross country skiing, walks or the adrenalin rush of toboganning. The summer supply route conveniently becomes one of the best and longest toboggan routes in the Alps in the depths of winter. Clockwise from top: the ski lifts make their way to the top of the mountains; partaking in a well earned tipple after a long day on the hills; enjoying the slopes of Ischgl; the restaurant at Paznaun-Ischgl offers fine dining at altitude
16
“staff carry beers above their heads as skiers still in boots and mountain wear dance to a unique brand of aprés-ski music”
18
Travel
“In the village, Hotel Yscla offers sumptuous food and an exquisite dining experience at the hands of upand-coming young chef Benjamin Parth”
Paznaun-Ischgl
Further details on Paznaun-Ischgl are available from the Paznaun-Ischgl Tourist Office on 0043 50990 100; paznaun-ischgl.com or info@paznaun-ischgl. com Clockwise from top left: Benjamin Parth’s restaurant at Hotel YSCLA; having a breather between bouts of skiing; a more experienced skiier performs an aerial delight; exploring the magnificent snowy landscape; soaking up the winter sun at the end of a long day’s skiing
Buoyed by a warming glass of Glühwein, twice a week sledgers set off on small toboggans down a 7km route and the 950m descent back into the village. The village of Ischgl sits at an altitude of 1,377 metres in the Paznaun Region of the Tirol and is in the Silvretta Mountains, with the resort having 45 ski lifts accessing 238kms of well-groomed leisure runs up to 2800m or more above sea level. The latest lift, a 28-seater tri-cable gondola system, rapidly moves skiers over a 1,251m height difference from the base station in the village up to the Pardatschgrat peak at 2,624m. Dining, whether on the slopes or in the village, is of the highest order. On the mountain the huts are friendly and welcoming, offering superb cuisine, or you can experience the Alpenhaus Restaurant at Idalp, which is the home of Ischgl’s exclusive VIP club – the first such club in the Alps. In the village, Hotel Yscla offers sumptuous food and an exquisite dining experience at the hands of up-and-coming young chef Benjamin Parth. Elsewhere, there is a wide choice of restaurants from rustic inns to five-star gourmet dining, as well as in excess of 40 bars, discos and nightclubs, while for a little romance, you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride out to the Wilderer Hut Mathon for Tyrolean specialities. Easily accessible from the UK, Ischgl and the surrounding resorts enjoy a long season, from
late November until the start of May, with Ischgl also famed for its season opening and closing concerts. Stars such as James Blunt, Elton John, Robbie Williams, Deep Purple, The Killers, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Lionel Richie, Rihanna, Pink and the Scissor Sisters have appeared in these. Yet once in Ischgl, the biggest resort in the Paznaun valley, there are also other resorts with individuality and character nearby. Kappl, actually the largest community in the region, is ideal for families with young children and beginners, with 10 lifts and 42kms of slope. Galtür, at the head of the Paznaun valley, is in a ski area called Silvapark, with six sectors for beginners, children, boarders, cross country and Alpine skiers, with 40kms of piste and 10 ski lifts; and See, which is the smallest of the four villages, has a lovely, family-friendly ski area with nine lifts and 41km of piste. The See ski area has also recently been expanded with a new eight-seat gondola lift, making a new area of piste available but also offering glorious opportunities for off-piste skiers and deep powder snow skiing. But you don’t have to go hard at the skiing all day long. Instead, you can simply laze around in the sunshine on a sun terrace in a deckchair outside a mountain hut and soak up the rays with a glass of beer, or if it’s chillier, a warming mug of hot chocolate (with rum, of course, as required!).
19
CULTURE
№ 06
MAKING CAPITAL OUT OF CIRCUS SeaChange Arts’ Chief Executive, Joe Mackintosh talks about repositioning Great Yarmouth
A
s I write, I’m ensconced in a chilly Hull cafe, inconspicuous places but have begun to become hotspots for about to attend the Independent Street Arts tourists, creative outputs and economic growth. Based on the Network’s annual Outdoor Arts Conference success of past Culture Capital initiatives, Hull hopes their – a yearly gathering of leading outdoor arts title could bring an additional £60 million spend to the town organisations. The title of this year’s conference and around 7500 new jobs. is ‘Critical Mass.’ Of course the Capital of Culture isn’t a fair comparison In 2017 Hull will be the UK Capital of Culture. It brings to here. It’s just an example of how cultural labels on towns mind too, another capital, one you may have seen us talking can be a lightning rod for good things. On a more realistic about in newspaper articles and festival literature – that of a scale the Hay Festival, and an unusually high number of certain UK Circus capital… right here in Great Yarmouth. bookshops, have turned a remote, sleepy town in the Welsh It’s a notion we’ve been talking about now for a year or borders, into the UK’s literary capital, attended by luminaries two, but what does it mean? Well, it’s the next logical step, in from the world of writing and around a quarter of a million SeaChange’s mind at least, for how Great Yarmouth might avid bookworms each year. best re-position itself. It’s something we’re striving for, and So it can be done. even being encouraged to proclaim by Arts Council England, Great Yarmouth as the UK’s Circus Capital… what might as they endeavour to move away from a London centric focus it look like? Well, the town should have a major international – but it’s not something we can do on our own. circus and street arts festival (well we would say that wouldn’t Over the years Seachange has developed we?). The Out There Festival continues to evolve extensive expertise, partnerships and notable and grow but what does a major international successes in the fields of circus and street arts. festival bring? Changing perceptions… tick. For us, it’s the right product in the right place – Showcasing the best international artists… tick. widely accessible to all; blurring the boundaries Engaging the local community to participate between what’s art and what’s entertainment in the celebrations… tick. A meeting point for (I’m never sure where one stops and the the national and European sector… tick. Our other picks up); and building on what Great ambitions for its continued growth are many Yarmouth, as a seaside mecca of years-gonebut key is developing the reach of the festival, by was best known for – a fun, high quality bringing in more visitors and attracting more purveyor of circus, theatre and impromptu culture vultures from the wider region, London, outdoor performance. and beyond to share their hard earned cash Joe Mackintosh Capitals of Culture benefit, not least by is Chief Executive of with us. This financial injection is all part of SeaChange Arts and big cash injections from those funders who what being a capital is about. The 2015 festival Artistic Director of the recognise its value. Derry and now Hull, it had an economic impact on the town of nearly Out There Festival. Visit www.seachangearts.org wouldn’t be unfair to argue, are culturally £1 million, but let’s grow it!
20
CULTURE
Left to right: the magical Gramolinophone took over Great Yarmouth Market Square in 2013; the seafront plays host to ethereal stiltwalkers from the Netherland’s Close Act; St George’s Theatre’s plaza Below: France’s Galapiat Cirque at The Hippodrome
JMA PHOTOGRAPHY
What else does a capital need? An iconic landmark building? Well, there’s the Hippodrome of course, still going strong after more than 100 years. The country’s last full-time circus building with a burgeoning programme, the Hippodrome is a sometimes underplayed jewel in Great Yarmouth’s crown, but one which should be a national beacon (metaphors lazily mixed I know). Now would be a good time to put it back where it belongs at the epicentre of a revitalised seafront… and celebrate its part in our national identity. Supporting that flagship building, there should be other opportunities to present work and performance. St. George’s Theatre offers smaller scale outdoor and indoor opportunities for performance and we’ve a stock of some fantastic underused or mothballed buildings – The old Regent Theatre, The Windmill, Winter Gardens or The
Empire. And why not a circus museum? There’s a wealth of stories, heritage and Peter Jay’s wonderful collection of circus memorabilia and ephemera. Then there’s the outdoor spaces. The recent Town Centre Master plan looks at regenerating the town centre for residents, tourists and investors. Imagine a town centre which took circus and outdoor arts to its heart, offering space to perform and be entertained. Culture and the arts are vital to placemaking – determining what makes one town centre shopping destination different to the next – what makes a vital, exciting place to live, work and visit? From Newcastle to Hastings, towns are now beginning to switch-on the affirming impact culture and art can have on urban spaces. A revitalised Quay could be home to all sort of café culture happenings. A series of spaces, running through the town, and including St. George’s Park, could create a corridor of vibrant outdoor areas throughout the summer months, linking town to seafront. The seafront itself offers an almost purpose built landscape for all kinds of crazy circus and street arts happenings from large-scale signature events to draw in the crowds, to more intimate mobile and ‘sideshow’ happenings that could be operated throughout the season and provide both a distinct cultural flavour and employment opportunities. Then there’s the impact on local people and creating new circus and street arts work. Our own Drill House is currently in the first phase of a £2.5 million refurbishment that will turn it into a thriving centre for community activities, spearheaded by our own Circus School, Drillaz, which offers many local young people a chance to access facilities and expertise, and to express themselves in ways which they just don’t normally get. The Drill House is also a creation centre, providing an almost unique facility in the UK where circus and street arts companies can come and develop their work, and in our model, share their skills and expertise with local people. We’re developing too, workshop facilities to support fabrication work at the Drill House and hopefully leading to all sorts of projects and potentially employment opportunities for those who might only engage with the arts through manual skills. And so, I return to my now-cold coffee here in Hull. As I mentioned, this conference I’m attending is entitled ‘Critical Mass’… maybe we’re on the verge of a critical mass right here in Great Yarmouth?
21
Culture I would much prefer being a teacher – art and English.
How long have you lived in Great Yarmouth?
I was born in a terrace house in Gorleston back in 1959. I lived with my parents on the Magdalen Estate until I was 21. I then moved to Norwich, and later saw the rest of the planet. But I’ll always think of this part of the world as my roots.
Whats the best thing about the town/area?
Even as a boy, I realised how lucky I was to be within walking distance of the beach and a short bike ride to the countryside. I always loved how vibrant the place became during the holiday season. Everything on my doorstep!
What do you miss most when away from GY?
I miss the grittiness and resilience of Yarmouth people, and our ‘Carry On’ humour. There’s also the splendid defiance of the town, built on a sandbank between a sometimes raging North Sea and hundreds of square miles of marshes.
One thing on your bucket list
Stephen Bumfrey The PRESENTER OF BBC RADIO NORFOLK’s AFTERNOON SHOW TALKS ABOUT ALL MATTER OF THINGS - FROM FLEMISH POP TO KEITH CHEGWIN
2
Describe your job
I present the Afternoon Show on BBC Radio Norfolk. The first part of the show, One Foot In The Groove, features the biggest hits from across the decades. Then it’s an hour or so of chat with celebrities, local names, performers and people with a good story to share. It’s all huge fun!
What would you do if you didn’t do this job? In my younger days I had considered running away and joining the travelling fun fair. These days I think
22
I so need to have a roller coaster holiday, trying out the baddest corkscrews and biggest of big dippers.
1
1. Favourite film ‘Anuva Hood’ 2. Steve Coogan as Alan Partridge
3
Culture Most embarrassing moment
Slipping over on a greasy chip outside the Windmill Theatre on the Golden Mile in 1976. I had to feign serious injury to dampen the laughter of onlookers.
Secret skill?
I can be quite the diplomat when needs must, diffusing angry situations. I used to break up fights at school. Back in the 90s, I once settled a ‘lively’ dispute between British soldiers and locals in Aiya Napa. Sixteen people had been detained by Cypriot police. Somehow I managed to get everyone to shake hands and get talking. Eventually, the station sergeant ripped up his report form and ordered taxis for everyone. For some time after, I was known as Perry Mason!
last year will forever be a highlight for me.
How do you relax?
I enjoy watching old television programmes on the ageing black and white television in my bedroom. I have a modulator to convert the digital signal from the DVD player to a pleasant UHF 625-line picture.
Where would you time travel to?
I’ve always felt overlooked whenever the subject of the next Doctor Who makes headlines. Quite simply, the Tardis should be mine. When it’s eventually handed over to me, I would make haste back to Norfolk in 1643.
Most famous person you’ve met... so far I’m fortunate to have a job where you meet them all – Steve Coogan, Penelope Keith, Brian Conley, Tom Conte, Flavia Cacace to name but a few. But interviewing Sir John Hurt
What music do you like listening to?
“imagine a cross between George Clooney and Keith Chegwin”
I love Dutch and Flemish pop. Who hasn’t sung along to Doe Maar, Toonje Lager, Clouseau, Bonnie St Claire, Drukwerk or Andre Hazes whilst doing the ironing? I also appreciate today’s underground rap and grime, which gets played loud in our house! Seriously, I can do Suli Breaks to the Frank Boeijen Groep and, on a good day, Herman’s Hermits and the Monkees.
Whats your favourite film?
At the moment it’s “Anuva Hood”, a low-budget British gangster comedy.
Tell us something about you we wouldn’t know
I’ve been a foster carer since 2014. It’s kick-started my life. The house is now a home. The best thing that’s happened in my life for years!
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Try to imagine a cross between George Clooney and Keith Chegwin. Or maybe not. A young Harrison Ford, then.
Sum up yourself in three words Positive, steady, true.
Sum up Great Yarmouth in 3 words Underestimated, ready, strong.
23
Motors
l a c İ t c a Pr ing k n i h t eugeot P w e n e h T s a hot 308 GTi ick with hatchbaappeal a broad
Y
ou’re looking at Peugeot’s first return to the compact family hothatch market since the much-loved and increasingly rare 306 GTi-6. Its efforts since then have been mixed, but the 308 provides a fantastic base from which to start. There are entry-level 246bhp and upgradetastic 266bhp versions. They share a highly turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, but the latter wears upgraded British-made Alcon brakes, larger but lighter wheels, sportier bucket seats and, crucially, a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential. The price difference is very modest, too. The 308 is a tidy-looking car as it is, but the lower stance of the GTi brings out unexpected muscle in the curvaceous shape. The GTi 250 is 11mm lower than standard, but the 270’s ride height shifts back to normal thanks to its larger wheels.
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GTi badges are everywhere in both, so you’re in no danger of forgetting you’re in a spicy one. The seats in the 270 look especially good, though, with their high side bolsters and contrasting red stitching. There’s even an option on the 270 to add ‘Coupe Franche’ – twotone red and black paint. It looks stunning but costs £1,300 and could prove tricky to respray. The beauty of a hot hatch is that it’s a practical hatchback at heart. Put the back seats down and you can transport a chest of drawers for Auntie Irene. Very quickly. There isn’t much storage in the cabin, though. Fortunately the GTi is spec’d up and comes with a reversing camera, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors and a 12-volt power point for charging small devices. Sequential ‘scrolling’ indicators are a nice touch, too. Legroom in the back is very reasonable, and there’s no shortage of headroom thanks to a typically high hatchback roof line.
Peugeot 308 GTi 270 Price From £28,155 Engine 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol producing 266bhp and 243lb/ft Transmission Six-speed manual driving the front wheels Performance Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds Economy 47mpg combined Emissions 139g/km
Motors
“The 308 is a tidylooking car as it is, but the lower stance of the GTi brings out unexpected muscle in the curvaceous shape”
Contact your local Peugeot dealer for more details or to book a test drive
In isolation the 250 is a great thing to drive. It’s balanced, fast and poised, and at 1,205kg fully-fuelled it’s a lightweight. But the 270 improves the package in loads of ways that you only see when you drive them back to back. The power and feel in the Alcon brakes is incredible, and the Torsen diff lets the car hold tighter lines at higher speeds through potentially tricky corners. Plus, the variable-spring rate suspension is tuned well for British back-roads, the steering is quick and precise, and overall it flows brilliantly. Sharper engine responses when you push the Sport button are joined by suddenly very red instruments. The 270 is big cat-aggressive in this setting but the artificial engine noise that’s piped into the cabin actually takes away a little from the drive. It’s just as fast in normal mode and feels better resolved; more rounded. Leave that button alone unless you really, really have to have red dials. Keep the counter-rotating rev counter needle above 3,000rpm and turbo lag is negligible.
Below that it gives some throttle response away to its 2.0-litre rivals, but it certainly shifts when you chase the redline. Peak torque is maintained 1,500rpm longer in the 270, and that’s a good thing. The 270 is where it’s at for value. For £1,600 you get all that extra equipment, higher residual values, a better drive and more fun. Its price is right in the thick of the best front-wheel drive hot hatchbacks around, so it’s competitive rather than a bargain. Strong rivals from Seat and Ford are a similar price or less, so it’s a straight punch-up between some serious heavyweights. Hot hatchbacks have broad appeal. Young men are clearly going to be the targets, but the idea of a practical hatchback that can easily overtake old duffers in Nissan Notes who refuse to go faster than 35mph on country roads is one that can surely win plenty of favour. It has style and a measure of comfort on its side, too. It’s a real challenger, and a real GTi.
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RUTHLESS EFFICIENCY 0% APR* REPRESENTATIVE
MAZDA3 £189 PER MONTH
MAZDA6 £219 PER MONTH
WITH A £1,000 MAZDA3 DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION
WITH A £2,500 MAZDA6 DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION
MAZDA3
MAZDA6
- 36 monthly payments of
£189.00
£219.00
- Customer deposit
£3,556.25
£3,925.50
- Optional final payment
£6,574.75
£6,145.50
- Annual mileage
9,000
9,000
Available on Mazda Personal Contract Purchase
Book a test driveº today, call us on 01502 713885 Wrights Mazda - Beccles
Wrights Mazda - Norwich
Common Lane North, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9BL Telephone: 01502 713885
101 Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6XW Telephone: 01603 427011
www.wrights-motors.co.uk The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda Range: Urban 30.4 (9.3) - 74.3 (3.8). Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 88.3 (3.2). Combined 40.9 (6.9) - 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions (g/km) 161 – 89. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results. Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles ordered between 02.12.2015 and 21.12.2015 and registered between 02.12.2015 and 31.12.2015 at participating dealers. T&C apply. *0% APR finance available on all Mazda3 and Mazda6 models over 24, 30 or 36 months with no minimum deposit required. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part exchange the vehicle. (ii) Retain: Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Excess mileage charge of 14.9p per mile applies. You will not own the vehicle until all payments are made. Finance subject to status. 18s or over. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR. Models shown: Mazda6 Saloon 145ps SE, OTR from £19,795. Mazda3 120ps SE, OTR from £17,395. Models shown feature optional Metallic/Pearlescent paint: Mazda3 Snowflake White Pearlescent paint (£540) and Mazda6 Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. °Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified.
Wrights Motors Ltd, trading as Wrights Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.
• Signage • Digital print • Vehicle graphics • Design email: sales@sppdigital.co.uk, web: www.sppdigital.co.uk, telephone: 01493 440292
Imagination into Reality
Laser Hair Removal
unwanted hair will be a thing of the past
tel 01493 718102 The High Street, Acle, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 3DY www.highgradehouse.co.uk
available with a Harley Street trained professional
For a beautiful way to indulge yourself‌ Beach Clinic is the place for Botox injections, lip fillers, facial light peels, liquid face lifts, thread vein and skin tag removal. Laser Lipo fat reducing treatment also available - guaranteed to drop a dress size!
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Extended function room caters for 130 people for sit-down meals and 200 for a buffet function All types of functions catered for Weddings our speciality – a few dates still available for 2015 Book your Christmas function now 19-20 NORTH DRIVE, GREAT YARMOUTH, NR30 4EN TEL: 01493 844138 · WWW.FURZEDOWNHOTEL.CO.UK
Alan Ward
Blinds
custom made blinds to your requirements
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Legal
Ring the changes Wendy Maddison-Ward says it pays to think with your head as well as your heart
Maddison and Morgan The Street, Acle, Norfolk, NR13 3DY 01493 778899 www.maddisonandmorgan.co.uk
A
s Christmas approaches we consider those that are our nearest and dearest. The time off is for most a welcome respite from work and the stresses associated with it. Christmas does however bring stresses of its own, the cost can place an additional financial burden on families that are already struggling to make ends meet. High expectations can bring about great disappointment (and not just from the children). Sometimes the idea of a few days away is just what we need, but things don’t always go to plan. For most the prospect of a new year heralds the chance of new beginnings. Diets, exercise and lifestyle changes rank amongst the common New Year’s Resolutions. For parents that are maybe not getting on too well, have recently separated or divorced, Christmas and New Year can be a sad and lonely time when they are forced to adjust to life on their own and potentially having Christmas away from their children. Similarly, if you have lost a loved one the prospect of seeing in a New Year without them can bring about great sadness. On a happier note, Christmas can also bring couples together and give them a chance to consider their lives moving forward. Whilst Valentines day is still the busiest day for proposals of marriage, New Years Eve is also a popular choice. So what difference does a ring make? A romantic would hold that it shows a public sign of love and commitment, a union of two people for life. It is also the only legally binding contract that you will every agree to without prior notice of the terms and conditions if things don’t last a life time. The prospect of being married will also be affected by your own personal experience, if you have been married before you may feel less inclined to want to do it again. At law, if you are married, even if you are in the throws of a divorce your spouse is your next of kin. If you live together but are not married, your next of kin will be your parent or your child, but not your partner, no matter how long the relationship. This can have far reaching and sometimes unintended consequences. If you die without a Will your estate passes in accordance with the intestacy rules and it is quite possible that your life partner, if not married to you, would inherit nothing. If you own your own home, even if it has a mortgage, and the property is in your sole name, if you do not leave it in a Will it wont pass to your (unmarried) partner. If you are married, the presumption is that you would want to provide for your spouse, so if you die intestate and you are married there is provision for your spouse.
In that case, your spouse would inherit the property. There is no such thing as a common law marriage. Changing your name by Deed Poll to Mrs X does not change your legal status. If you are not legally married, you are not your partner’s husband or wife, it is as simple as that. If you are not married, you can protect your position by taking some simple steps:
1. Write a Will 2. If you have a house that belongs to one of you but your partner has, or you want them to have a right to live there, you can indicate this by agreeing to sign a Trust Deed and have it registered with the Land Registry. It will not affect your credit score, but it indicates on a public record that your partner (also a friend, or relative that lives with you or has invested into the property) has a right of occupation and/or a percentage of the proceeds of sale 3. If your home is rented you can hold the tenancy in joint names 4. If you want your partner to benefit, nominate your partner as the beneficiary to any life assurance or pensions that you may hold 5. Be clear on your expectations of each other and consider drafting a co-habitation agreement to set out what you have agreed 6. If you live with someone and separate neither of you have any right to spousal maintenance 7. The presumption at law is that when you live together you each hold your own assets. If you have a car, it is yours, unlike if you are married – then it will be an asset of the marriage. If items are joint, for example in a bank account, the assumption is that you each hold in equal shares If you are considering marriage and your heart says yes and logic says no, a pre-nuptual agreement may help address some concerns. If you have any doubts or reservations please get legal advice first… the law is settled and not very romantic. If you are married and need to divorce, that is far more complex than ending a relationship where you are living together… so on that note I shall leave you to consider your options, and to enjoy the festive season.
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pi l ate s
Dance Fitness
Beginners/Intermediate
LICENSED INSTRUCTOR 07990 637515
Classes
BERNA AKINAL
H OP TO N | LO U ND | BE LTO N | SCRATBY | O RMES BY AC L E | S OU TH WALSHAM | PO RING LA N D | BRU N DA LL
Relief f rom,
Back Pai n Mobi l i z es your Joi nts I mproved Pos ture
Flex ibility & Strength
CLASSES
Gi ft Vou ch ers Ava ilab l e - Per fect fo r C hr i stmas
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
6pm till 7pm 7:45pm till 8.30pm 10.30am -11.30am 6pm till 7pm
£3.50 £3.00 £3.00 £2.50
Bring a friend along and get that class for FREE
To book or more information
Classes held at Kingfisher dance Studio 31 Riverside Road, Gorleston, NR31 6PU
please call hayley on: 07767864568 email: hayley@hayleyallenpilates.co.uk
BERNA.AKINAL@NTLWORLD.COM | WWW.BERNAAKINAL.ZUMBA.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FITSTEPS.ZUMBA.TEAM.BERNA.DANCE
Show style
Tap, Ballet, Street & Zumba www.charlottewoodacademyofdance.com Find us on Facebook/Charlotte-Wood-Academy-of-Dance
07940008679
Dance classes
Starts on
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2015 12.15PM till 13.00PM
Pavilion Theatre, Gorleston IN THE ‘Watermelon Studio’
CONTACT KATIE TO BOOK A PLACE OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
0757 7 3 61 78 2
VIP Events
in association with Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth
The Bay City Rollers with Les McKeown, St George’s Theatre THE MUSIC OF the Bay City Rollers became the soundtrack to a generation of teenagers in the mid-70s and it was many of those who turned up on 9th October in full tartan attire, some 40 years on. A sold out and packed house sang and danced along to all the big hits of legendary frontman Les McKeown and his four-piece band, closing with ‘Bye Bye Baby’.
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Hand Crafted and Bespoke Kitchens and Bedrooms the only limitation is your imagination Norfolk Manufacturing 41 Longs Industrial Estate, Englands Lane, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, NR31 6NE OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS
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